Shark River Inlet

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
CoastalRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Shark River Inlet is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 236 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and river/riparian habitat attracts Black Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, and Bufflehead 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

3/6/2026Sandy Hook--Spermaceti Cove area2 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

3/5/2026Eileen Gibney1 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

3/5/2026Eileen Gibney2 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

Black Scoter

443/4/2026

Long-tailed Duck

163/4/2026

Bufflehead

13/4/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

23/4/2026

Rock Pigeon

3/4/2026

American Herring Gull

13/4/2026

Common Loon

53/4/2026

Brant

62/28/2026

Greater Scaup

402/28/2026

Surf Scoter

12/28/2026

Razorbill

12/28/2026

Ring-billed Gull

32/28/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

12/28/2026

Red-throated Loon

22/28/2026

Great Cormorant

22/28/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

12/28/2026

Song Sparrow

12/27/2026

Gadwall

72/27/2026

American Wigeon

52/27/2026

Mute Swan

12/24/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Shark River Inlet for birding?
The best months to visit Shark River Inlet for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Shark River Inlet?
Notable species at Shark River Inlet include Black Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Bufflehead, Red-breasted Merganser, Rock Pigeon. The area supports coastal, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Shark River Inlet?
Birding at Shark River Inlet is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Shark River Inlet?
Shark River Inlet offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.