Raccoon Creek

New Jersey · Northeast

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

River/Riparian

Best Seasons

SpringFall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Raccoon Creek is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 204 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts a wide variety of species among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Belted Kingfisher Yellow Warbler Song Sparrow Great Blue Heron Cedar Waxwing

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

3/5/2026John Heinz NWR--wetlands (Delaware Co.)1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

3/5/2026Springton Reservoir (restricted access)3 observed

Wilson's Snipe

Gallinago delicata

3/5/2026Calcon Hook Rd.1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/5/2026Philadelphia Naval Yard (restricted access)1 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola)

Buteo jamaicensis

3/4/2026Packer Marine Terminal Port (restricted access)1 observed

Mallard x American Black Duck (hybrid)

Anas platyrhynchos x rubripes

3/4/2026Fernhill Lake/West Goshen Community Park1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored/cismontanus)

Junco hyemalis

3/4/2026Haverford College (Delaware Co.)1 observed

Evening Grosbeak

Hesperiphona vespertina

3/4/2026Tyler Arboretum1 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

3/2/2026516 Murphys Ln, Hockessin US-DE 39.78472, -75.703242 observed

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

3/2/2026Philadelphia Naval Yard (restricted access)1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

3/1/2026First State NHP--Brandywine Valley Unit2 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

3/1/2026Ridley Twp. Municipal Marina2 observed

Birding Tips

1
Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.
2
Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.
3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in New Jersey

Cape May

Premier Atlantic Flyway migration hotspot with legendary fall raptor flights.

Abbott Marshlands - John A. Roebling Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in New Jersey with 221 recorded species.

Allaire State Park

Forest birding hotspot in New Jersey with 218 recorded species.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Raccoon Creek for birding?▼

The best months to visit Raccoon Creek for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Raccoon Creek?▼

Notable species at Raccoon Creek include Belted Kingfisher, Yellow Warbler, Song Sparrow, Great Blue Heron, Cedar Waxwing. The area supports river/riparian habitats.

How difficult is birding at Raccoon Creek?▼

Birding at Raccoon Creek is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Raccoon Creek?▼

Raccoon Creek offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.