Swartswood State Park - Swartswood Lake

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Swartswood State Park - Swartswood Lake is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 207 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, and Red-tailed Hawk 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

Northern Saw-whet Owl

Aegolius acadicus

3/4/2026Delaware Water Gap NRA--McDade Trail (North End)1 observed

Eastern Phoebe

Sayornis phoebe

3/4/2026Home1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

3/3/2026Budd Lake3 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/1/2026Hackettstown Fish Hatchery2 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

2/26/2026Veterans Memorial Park (Stillwater Twp)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Turkey Vulture

22/28/2026

Bald Eagle

12/28/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

22/28/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

12/28/2026

American Crow

102/28/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Swartswood State Park - Swartswood Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Swartswood State Park - Swartswood Lake for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Swartswood State Park - Swartswood Lake?
Notable species at Swartswood State Park - Swartswood Lake include Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, American Crow. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Swartswood State Park - Swartswood Lake?
Birding at Swartswood State Park - Swartswood Lake is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Swartswood State Park - Swartswood Lake?
Swartswood State Park - Swartswood Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.