Princeton Institute Woods & Charles Rogers Wildlife Refuge

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
Forest
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Princeton Institute Woods & Charles Rogers Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 212 species recorded on eBird. This forest habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, and Great Blue Heron among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Iceland Gull (kumlieni)

Larus glaucoides

3/6/2026North Branch Park1 observed

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

3/6/2026Crosswicks Creek, Bordentown US-NJ (40.1498,-74.7178)1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

3/6/2026Home3 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

3/6/2026Hunters Glen2 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

3/5/2026Millstone River Impoundment1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

3/4/2026Millstone River Impoundment1 observed

Greater White-fronted x Canada Goose (hybrid)

Anser albifrons x Branta canadensis

3/3/2026Opie Road1 observed

Snow x Canada Goose (hybrid)

Anser caerulescens x Branta canadensis

3/3/2026Norz Farm Fields (Hillsborough Twp.)1 observed

Song Sparrow (melodia/atlantica)

Melospiza melodia

3/3/2026Millstone River Impoundment1 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola)

Buteo jamaicensis

3/2/2026South Branch Reservation - Wings Section1 observed

American Tree Sparrow

Spizelloides arborea

3/2/2026Maple Knoll Farms (restricted access)2 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/2/2026Johnson Park2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

62/28/2026

Mourning Dove

112/28/2026

Great Blue Heron

12/28/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

12/28/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

12/28/2026

Downy Woodpecker

32/28/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

12/28/2026

Northern Flicker

12/28/2026

Blue Jay

102/28/2026

American Crow

62/28/2026

Carolina Chickadee

12/28/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

22/28/2026

American Robin

52/28/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

42/28/2026

White-throated Sparrow

132/28/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

62/28/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

22/28/2026

Northern Cardinal

52/28/2026

Mallard

22/21/2026

Bald Eagle

12/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Princeton Institute Woods & Charles Rogers Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Princeton Institute Woods & Charles Rogers Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Princeton Institute Woods & Charles Rogers Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Princeton Institute Woods & Charles Rogers Wildlife Refuge include Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, Great Blue Heron, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker. The area supports forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Princeton Institute Woods & Charles Rogers Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Princeton Institute Woods & Charles Rogers Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Princeton Institute Woods & Charles Rogers Wildlife Refuge?
Princeton Institute Woods & Charles Rogers Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.