New Jersey continues to be a prime hotspot for birders and nature lovers, especially during the peak of spring migration. This week’s Rare Bird Alert reveals an impressive variety of species spotted across the Garden State—from elusive warblers and rare waterfowl to unexpected ibis and even a Mississippi Kite. Whether you’re an avid birder or just enjoy the occasional nature walk, New Jersey’s diverse habitats are delivering some truly unforgettable sightings this season.
🐦 Spring Migration Brings Avian Surprises to New Jersey
From the salt marshes of Cape May to the wooded trails of Essex County, birdwatchers are reporting some fantastic finds. Here’s a breakdown of this week’s most notable sightings across New Jersey’s counties:
🌊 Ducks, Divers & Sea Birds
The coastlines and inland waterways are buzzing with activity. Some standout ducks and sea birds include:
- Common Eider in Ocean County and Harlequin Duck in Cape May—two strikingly patterned sea ducks rarely seen this far south.
- Surf Scoters (Warren) and White-winged Scoters (Hudson) are both diving ducks typically found further north, making these sightings notable.
- Long-tailed Ducks (Warren) and Red-throated Loons (Gloucester) continue to linger, likely en route to Arctic breeding grounds.
🦩 Wading Birds & Ibis Influx
The warmer weather has drawn in some eye-catching waders and southern vagrants:
- A White Ibis in Monmouth and a White-faced Ibis in Ocean County add a splash of exotic color.
- Glossy Ibis (Mercer) and Little Blue Heron (Gloucester) hint at southern coastal species pushing north.
- Not to be overlooked: a Tricolored Heron in Monmouth and the elegant Black-necked Stilts in Atlantic County.
🧭 Gulls, Terns & Shorebirds
Hudson County is proving to be a hotspot for gull lovers:
- An impressive 7 Little Gulls and 7 Bonaparte’s Gulls were seen along the river, joined by a rare Black Tern—a delicate, acrobatic flier.
- Shorebird enthusiasts noted American Golden-Plover and Semipalmated Plover, plus a lone Long-billed Dowitcher in Ocean and several Dunlin in Passaic.
🦉 Owls, Kites & Raptors
Raptors and nocturnal birds also made their mark:
- A Mississippi Kite soared through Gloucester—a rarity in the region.
- A Barred Owl in Mercer offered daytime glimpses of this reclusive forest dweller.
- Multiple reports of Eastern Whip-poor-will in Hudson suggest strong nocturnal activity as migration ramps up.
🌲 Woodpeckers & Songbirds Galore
Woodlands across the state echoed with birdsong from both resident and migratory species:
- Red-headed Woodpeckers were especially active (Essex, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, and Monmouth), while Pileated Woodpeckers were heard drumming in Cape May.
- A rare Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was spotted in both Hudson and Union counties.
🎶 Warblers Steal the Show
Warbler migration is in full swing, with a spectacular variety reported this week:
- Scarcer finds included Swainson’s Warblers (Hunterdon, Warren), Prothonotary Warblers (Essex), and Cerulean Warblers (Passaic).
- More widespread but always welcome: Cape May Warblers, Tennessee Warbler, Bay-breasted, Hooded, Yellow-throated, Blackpoll, and even a surprise Orange-crowned Warbler.
- Warbler fans rejoice—this is prime time to catch a wide array of colors and songs in NJ forests and parks.
🐥 Other Standout Sightings
- A Black-capped Chickadee in Monmouth drew attention—unusual this far south outside winter.
- Lincoln’s Sparrows lit up Passaic County with a whopping 11 individuals spotted!
- A Boat-tailed Grackle in Camden and Blue Grosbeak in Warren added diversity to the songbird mix.
📍 Where to Go Birding Now
If you’re looking to spot some of these rare birds yourself, head to the following hotspots:
- Cape May for sea ducks, warblers, and loons
- Hudson River parks for gulls and terns
- Ocean County marshes for ibis and stilts
- Mercer and Essex counties for woodland songbirds and woodpeckers
- Gloucester and Hunterdon for hawks, owls, and thrushes
🌎 Final Thoughts
New Jersey’s unique position along the Atlantic Flyway makes it a critical stopover for migratory birds every spring and fall. Whether you’re logging sightings in eBird, photographing warblers, or just soaking in the songs, there’s no better time to explore the wild side of the Garden State.
Stay tuned for next week’s update and happy birding!
Sources:
- New Jersey Audubon Rare Bird Alert
- eBird.org (Cornell Lab of Ornithology)