7 Spots Where Birders Flock

Catch a glimpse of Bergen’s feathered beauties—from harriers and hummingbirds to egrets and eagles—at these bird havens.

Who knew one of the hottest hobbies around would involve standing quietly in the woods at 7 a.m. hoping to spot a tiny yellow bird? But bird watching—or “birding,” if you want to sound like an insider—has officially taken flight. Over the past few years, the hobby has exploded in popularity with everyone from families and hikers to Gen Z nature lovers armed with bird-identification apps and smartphone cameras. Social media, backyard bird feeders and apps like Merlin, eBird and BirdNET have helped turn a quiet pastime into a full-fledged outdoor trend.

Here in Bergen County, we’re lucky to have some incredible spots to catch spring migrations, watch majestic hawks or simply enjoy the soundtrack of songbirds on an early morning stroll. Whether you’re a seasoned birder chasing your next rare sighting or someone who still calls every small brown bird a “sparrow,” there’s never been a better time to look up, listen closely and discover the wild side of North Jersey.

• The Celery Farm, Allendale. This 107-acre wildlife oasis is home to 240-plus bird species, at least 53 of which breed there. During peak spring and fall migration, the preserve attracts a diverse bunch, from hard-to-spot warblers to large birds of prey like hawks and eagles.
• DeKorte Park, DeKorte Park Plaza, Lyndhurst. This New Jersey Meadowlands park is along the Atlantic Flyway, one of the three key routes used by migratory birds in the U.S. A short loop trail takes visitors over and around the marsh, bringing them up close and personal with the wildlife. Keep a watchful eye for terrapins and muskrats throughout the year, but you’ll have an easy time seeing songbirds and shorebirds (such as the great egret) in summer and raptors and ducks in winter.
• Hackensack River Park, Hackensack. Bald eagles, as well as osprey and other birds of prey nesting in Bogota, Ridgefield Park and Teaneck, patrol the tidal waterway in search of a fresh catch.
• Lorrimer Sanctuary, Franklin Lakes. A self-guided trail system winds through 14 acres of oak and maple, where you may hear migrant songbirds.
• Mehrhof Pond, Little Ferry. This grassy plot of land adjacent to the 28-acre Losen Slote Creek Park has been attracting bird watchers for many reasons. For just three, there are egrets, herons and bald eagles.
• Overpeck County Park, Leonia. The banks of Overpeck Creek are great for seeing wading birds, waterfowl and shorebirds. Migration season brings opportunities to catch sight of bald eagles, osprey, broad-winged hawks and more.
• Palisades Interstate Park, Alpine, Englewood Cliffs, Fort Lee. From the cliffs at the State Line Lookout in Alpine to the rocky shores along the Hudson River, there is plenty to see and admire in this popular Bergen attraction. You’re likely to spy a bald eagle or barred owl in some of the branches, or (if you’re lucky) you’ll see a peregrine falcon—the fastest animal on the planet—before it takes flight.

Would you rather be a part of an organized bird-watching outing or event?

The Bergen County Audubon Society holds regular meetings and field trips for birders of all skill levels. On June 3 at 10 a.m., for instance, the BCAS will hold a bird-watching walk at Teaneck Creek Conservancy, and then on June 7, the annual Bluebird Walk will take place at 10 a.m. at the New Jersey Botanical Garden in Ringwood.

If you want to meet other birders and raise money for local sanctuaries, including Lorrimer Sanctuary in Franklin Lakes, the New Jersey Audubon Society is hosting Birds and Brews Family Fun Day on May 30 at Fort Nonsense Brewing Company in Randolph. Stop by from from noon to 4 p.m. for animal encounters, games, activities, live music, food trucks and beverages.

Share your favorite bird photos with us on Instagram @bergenmagnj.