Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Preserve

New Jersey · Northeast

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

ForestWetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Preserve is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 209 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

Loading map...

Notable Species

Sharp-shinned Hawk Red-tailed Hawk Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Red-bellied Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Barred Owl

Strix varia

3/7/2026Tenacre2 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/6/2026Washington Crossing State Park--Nature Center1 observed

American Tree Sparrow

Spizelloides arborea

3/6/2026Maple Knoll Farms (restricted access)1 observed

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

3/6/2026Duke Farms IBA1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

3/6/2026Millstone River Impoundment1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

3/6/2026Colonial Lake & Park1 observed

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 Glen3 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

3/4/2026South Branch Reservation- Stanton Station Section1 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

Birding Tips

1
Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.
2
Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.
3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Visitor Center

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.

New Jersey Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in New Jersey →

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 Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Preserve for birding?▼

The best months to visit Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Preserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Preserve?▼

Notable species at Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Preserve include Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Preserve?▼

Birding at Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Preserve?▼

Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.