I’ve received several emails regarding this question, so I figured I’d send it back to you, the New Jersey birders. Before I do, though, I’ll first say that if you want a comprehensive description of the best birding locations across the state, Bill Boyle’s guide is the ultimate, and can be purchased here.
I would like this list to be focused primarily on migration hotspots, so without further ado:
Spring or Fall, where is it? I’m compiling a list and will post it to Woodcreeper.com after sufficient comments. Please include the following:
Season (”Spring, Fall, or Both”)
Placename (Garret Mountain)
Synonymous names (”Bruce’s Backyard”)
Size & Description (in acres if possible, or relatively speaking, such as “big park, with mixed hardwoods, old fields, and open areas. A small pond which can be good for swallows and shorebirds”)
Location (city/town, “West Patterson”, or “Just outside of West Patterson, at the north end of the Watchung ridge”)
Location (Address)
Location of best birding spots within site (specific directions, such as “up Wilson ave. which can be reached from the north end of the park, can be best first thing in the morning as birds are making their way landward. Up at the top of the park is also good first thing, near the castle. Birds make their way down into the lower reaches of the park as the day progresses, making the area around the lake a good spot slightly later as the day warms, etc.”)
And better yet, include a link to Google Maps, Link to Garret Mountain“)
Best conditions (”this is an inland site that produces great numbers of birds in any season when migration is heavy over New Jersey, but can produce great numbers in either season when winds are favorable for inland migration”)
Of course, if you think of anything else that I’ve missed, post it too, and everyone else can follow suit.
I look forward to the evolution of the list!
Cheers
David
