Shark River

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Shark River is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 219 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Brant, Canada Goose, and Mute Swan 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

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

3/5/2026Tracy PL1 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

3/5/2026Eileen Gibney2 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

3/5/2026Eileen Gibney1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

3/4/2026Manasquan Reservoir IBA--Cove Nature Trail1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

3/2/2026Farmingdale home yard1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

2/28/2026Lake of the Lilies1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Brant

3003/5/2026

Canada Goose

303/5/2026

Mute Swan

753/5/2026

Gadwall

63/5/2026

American Wigeon

123/5/2026

Canvasback

73/5/2026

Redhead

13/5/2026

Ring-necked Duck

303/5/2026

Greater Scaup

3003/5/2026

Bufflehead

403/5/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

203/5/2026

Rock Pigeon

123/5/2026

Mourning Dove

23/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

503/5/2026

American Herring Gull

23/5/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

33/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

13/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

43/5/2026

Bald Eagle

13/5/2026

House Finch

53/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Shark River for birding?
The best months to visit Shark River for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Shark River?
Notable species at Shark River include Brant, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Gadwall, American Wigeon. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Shark River?
Birding at Shark River is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Shark River?
Shark River offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.