9 Best Bird Sanctuaries In New Jersey, The USA

1. Cape May Bird Observatory

Cape May Bird Observatory is a bird sanctuary cum observatory that conducts research, promotes conservation, organizes educational tours and even allows recreational activities. Established in the 20th century, Cape May Bird Observatory is the leader in bird conservation and environmental research. To plan a visit or to know more about their events calendar, just visit the website. P.S. the blog on this website is very informative for avid birdwatchers.

Cape May Bird Observatory

Address: 701 E Lake Dr, Cape May Point, NJ 08212, United States

Website: Cape May Bird Observatory

Opening hours: 9:30am - 4pm (daily)

2. The Raptor Trust

The Raptor Trust is an animal shelter and a bird rehabilitation centre that is located in Long Hill Township. This is a non-profit organization that was originally established in 1982. Surrounded by the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, this animal shelter cum bird sanctuary allows birds to live and rehabilitate in their natural habitats. The Raptor Trust has an infirmary for birds and animals and even has a bird admitting option.

The Raptor Trust

Address: 1390 White Bridge Rd, Millington, NJ 07946, United States

Website: The Raptor Trust

Opening hours: 8am - 4:30pm (daily)

3. Dunham Avenue Bird Sanctuary

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Dunham Avenue Bird Sanctuary is a park in Westfield, New Jersey, that is great for birdwatching. The sanctuary is very large and has quite a few species of plants and trees. There are also lots of birds that you can see in Dunham Avenue Bird Sanctuary, and there are some signboards up for you to be able to identify these birds easily. Fun fact: the Dunham Avenue Bird Sanctuary has actually been closed in the 90’s because it was not well maintained, but the local boy scouts stepped in and cleaned it up, with the help of the city council.

Dunham Avenue Bird Sanctuary

Address: 900 Summit Ave, Westfield, NJ 07090, United States

4. Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary

Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary is a spacious sanctuary that is located in Stone Harbour. Spread over almost 22 acres (9 hectares), this sanctuary has various nature trails and hikes that you can walk along. This bird sanctuary was originally opened in 1947 and has been striving ever since. With over hundreds of species of song birds and wading birds, your visit to Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary will definitely be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary

Address: 11400 3rd Ave, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247, United States

Website: Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary

5. Fair Lawn Arboretum And Bird Sanctuary

Fair Lawn Arboretum And Bird Sanctuary is basically a park in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. Known for its greenery and various birds, this has also become a popular bird park among the locals and tourists alike. Fair Lawn Arboretum And Bird Sanctuary was originally opened in 1960 by the city council, and it has been a popular spot among families ever since. You can go here to enjoy a nice family picnic, spend a few hours birdwatching with your kids, and maybe even enjoy a nice walk amid nature.

Fair Lawn Arboretum And Bird Sanctuary

Address: Fair Lawn Ave & Well Dr, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410, United States

6. River Edge Bird Sanctuary and Nature Trail

River Edge Bird Sanctuary and Nature Trail, located in New Jersey, is a beautiful nature preserve. Think of this as more like a natural preserve as opposed to a man-made bird sanctuary. River Edge Bird Sanctuary and Nature Trail is basically just a nature trail that is in the middle of nature, where you will see a lot of birds. It’s a very pretty place, where you can enjoy a nature walk and even feed the birds.

River Edge Bird Sanctuary and Nature Trail

Address: Eastbrook Dr, River Edge, NJ 07661, United States

7. Lorrimer Sanctuary

Lorrimer Sanctuary is a nature preserve that is located in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. It is a nice place with very friendly and welcoming owners. Lorrimer Sanctuary also organizes various summer camps and workshops. Here, you can buy birdseed for the various bird feeders that are placed around the property and watch as the birds swoop down to enjoy their meal. You’ll get to see over 100 birds that belong to over 15 different species. Lorrimer Sanctuary is a great place to reconnect with nature and simply relax.

Lorrimer Sanctuary

Address: 790 Ewing Ave, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417, United States

Website: Lorrimer Sanctuary

Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun - Tue)

8. Stainton Wildlife Refuge

Are you and your family interested in birdwatching while being surrounded by nature? Then, head on over to Stainton Wildlife Refuge. This is basically a birdwatching area that is along the water. Think of it as the most relaxing location for birdwatching - you’re surrounded by lush greenery and gorgeous blue water. Located in Ocean City, you can also take a walk on one of the many nature trails here.

Stainton Wildlife Refuge

Address: Bay Ave, Ocean City, NJ 08226, United States

Website: Stainton Wildlife Refuge

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

9. Charles H. Rogers Wildlife Refuge

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Charles H. Rogers Wildlife Refuge, as the name suggests, is a wildlife refuge that is located in Princeton, New Jersey. This wildlife refuge is known for two things - birds and marshland. If you’re in the mood for birdwatching, walk among the dense trails of the refuge. There are two main viewing platforms here, so you get to enjoy a view from the top as well. If you love being around nature, then a visit to Charles H. Rogers Wildlife Refuge is a must.

Charles H. Rogers Wildlife Refuge

Address: West Dr, Princeton, NJ 08540, United States

Website: Charles H. Rogers Wildlife Refuge

New Jersey is the perfect spot for birders

Birdwatching is the perfect family activity. It’s great fun for kids and adults alike, and you get to spend some time in and around nature. If you’re an avid birdwatcher, or if you’re planning a family vacation to New Jersey soon, then make sure to check out some of these amazing bird sanctuaries in New Jersey, the USA.