Spruce Run Recreation Area
New Jersey · Northeast
Moderate
April-May, September-October
$5-$10 parking (seasonal)
Open daily, 8 AM to dusk
About This Location
Spruce Run Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 300 species recorded on eBird. This boreal/taiga habitat attracts Canada Goose, American Wigeon, and Common Merganser 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
Rough-legged Hawk
Buteo lagopus
Iceland Gull (kumlieni)
Larus glaucoides
Red-throated Loon
Gavia stellata
Cackling Goose
Branta hutchinsii
Red-headed Woodpecker
Melanerpes erythrocephalus
Greater White-fronted x Canada Goose (hybrid)
Anser albifrons x Branta canadensis
Snow x Canada Goose (hybrid)
Anser caerulescens x Branta canadensis
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Larus fuscus
Greater White-fronted Goose
Anser albifrons
Pink-footed Goose
Anser brachyrhynchus
Red-breasted Merganser
Mergus serrator
Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola)
Buteo jamaicensis
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Gadwall
American Wigeon
American Black Duck
Northern Pintail
Green-winged Teal
Ring-necked Duck
Bufflehead
Common Goldeneye
Hooded Merganser
Common Merganser
Snow Goose
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Lesser Scaup
Ring-billed Gull
Black Vulture
Turkey Vulture
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Birding Tips
- 1
Listen for boreal specialties like Boreal Chickadee and Spruce Grouse.
- 2
Check spruce and fir stands for crossbills and other irruptive finches.
- 3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.
- 4
Check eBird hotspot data before visiting to see recent sightings and what species are being reported.
- 5
Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Round Valley Recreation Area
- Clinton Red Mill Museum
- Spruce Run Reservoir
More in New Jersey
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