Looking for a New Hobby? Birding in Bergen County Is Easier Than You Think

July 12, 2026

Birding is an inexpensive hobby that combines walking, nature, and lifelong learning. Bergen County offers several excellent places for beginners, including Richard W. DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst, the Celery Farm in Allendale, James A. McFaul Environmental Center in Wyckoff, and Closter Nature Center. Free guided bird walks and educational programs are also available throughout the year.

A Hobby That’s Close to Home

You don’t have to travel far or invest in expensive equipment to enjoy birding.

Bergen County is home to wetlands, nature preserves, environmental centers, and county parks where visitors can observe birds throughout the year. Whether you’re looking for a reason to spend more time outdoors, enjoy photography, or simply try something new, birding is an easy hobby to begin.

A pair of binoculars can enhance the experience, but many people start by simply walking local trails and paying closer attention to the birds they see and hear.

Because different species appear throughout the year, every season offers something new to discover.

Four Great Places to Start Birding in Bergen County

Ospreys are a common sight in the Meadowlands during the warmer months. Richard W. DeKorte Park offers opportunities to observe these fish-eating raptors as they hunt over marshes and waterways.

Richard W. DeKorte Park, Lyndhurst

Located in the New Jersey Meadowlands, Richard W. DeKorte Park is one of the state’s best-known birding destinations.

The park features several miles of walking paths through freshwater and tidal wetlands where visitors regularly observe great egrets, great blue herons, snowy egrets, osprey, hawks, shorebirds, ducks, geese, and migrating songbirds.

The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA) offers free guided nature walks throughout the year, many led by experienced naturalists who help participants identify birds and other wildlife.

More Information About Richard W. DeKorte Park

Nature Walk Schedule

The Celery Farm Natural Area, Allendale

The Celery Farm is a 107-acre freshwater wetland preserve owned by the Borough of Allendale and managed by the Fyke Nature Association.

More than 240 bird species have been recorded here, making it one of Bergen County’s premier locations for birdwatching.

The preserve includes walking paths, observation platforms, and quiet viewing areas that appeal to both beginning and experienced birders.

More Information About The Celery Farm

James A. McFaul Environmental Center, Wyckoff

Operated by the Bergen County Parks Department, the James A. McFaul Environmental Center is an 81-acre wildlife sanctuary featuring nature trails, gardens, exhibits, and educational programs.

Visitors can walk the trails, observe native wildlife, and explore exhibits while learning about local ecosystems.

Admission is free.

More Information About James A. McFaul Environmental Center

Closter Nature Center

The Closter Nature Center protects 136 acres of forests, streams, ponds, and wetlands.

Its more than three miles of trails provide opportunities to observe birds and other wildlife throughout the year.

The Nature Center also recommends the free Merlin Bird ID app developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, which helps beginners identify birds by appearance and sound.

More Information About Closter Nature Center

What to Bring

You don’t need much to enjoy your first birding outing.

A few helpful items include:

Comfortable walking shoes
Water
Binoculars (optional)
Hat and sunscreen
Insect repellent during warmer months
A smartphone with the free Merlin Bird ID app

The goal isn’t to identify every bird. Simply spending time outdoors and paying closer attention to the natural world can make each walk more enjoyable.

Join a Free Guided Bird Walk

If you’re new to birding, one of the best ways to get started is by joining a guided walk.

The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA), in partnership with the Bergen County Audubon Society, offers free guided nature walks throughout the year at Richard W. DeKorte Park and other Meadowlands locations.

Walk leaders help participants identify birds by sight and sound while sharing information about local wildlife and habitats. Spotting scopes are available during many walks, giving participants a closer look at birds that may be difficult to see with binoculars alone.

According to the NJSEA, more than 300 bird species have been identified in the Meadowlands District.

Upcoming walks and schedules are available here.

Learn from the Bergen County Audubon Society

Founded in 1941, the Bergen County Audubon Society offers educational programs, field trips, conservation initiatives, and opportunities for birders of all experience levels.

The organization also participates in several community science projects, including:

Great Backyard Bird Count
Hackensack-Ridgewood Christmas Bird Count
Spring Bird Count (Bird-a-thon)

Participants help collect information used to monitor bird populations and migration patterns. Beginners are welcome, and you do not need to be an expert to participate.

Learn More

Best Times of Year to Go Birding

Birding is a year-round activity, but each season offers something different.

Spring

Spring migration brings many songbirds back to New Jersey, making it one of the busiest seasons for birdwatching.

Summer

Great egrets, great blue herons, ospreys, swallows, and many other species are commonly seen throughout Bergen County’s wetlands and parks.

Fall

Fall migration brings hawks, shorebirds, and many other species through the Meadowlands.

Winter

Waterfowl remain active throughout the winter, and the annual Christmas Bird Count provides opportunities to participate in one of the world’s longest-running wildlife surveys.

Helpful Apps for Beginners

Several free tools can make birding easier.

Merlin Bird ID

Developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Merlin Bird ID helps identify birds using photographs, descriptions, and bird songs.

eBird

Also developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, eBird allows birders to record sightings, explore recent observations, and learn which species have been seen at nearby locations.

The bright red and yellow shoulder patches of the male Red-winged Blackbird make it one of the easiest birds to identify in Bergen County’s marshes and wetlands during spring and summer.

Birding Is a Great Reason to Explore Bergen County

Whether you’re walking the trails at DeKorte Park, visiting the Celery Farm, exploring McFaul Environmental Center, or spending a quiet morning at the Closter Nature Center, birding offers another reason to enjoy Bergen County’s parks and natural areas.

You don’t need expensive equipment or years of experience.

Simply slowing down, paying attention, and spending time outdoors can make your next walk more interesting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need binoculars to start birding?

No. Many people begin birding without binoculars. While binoculars make it easier to observe birds from a distance, they are not required.

Are guided bird walks free?

Many guided walks offered by the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority and the Bergen County Audubon Society are free. Check the NJSEA website for current schedules and registration information.

What’s the best place to go birding in Bergen County?

Popular locations include Richard W. DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst, the Celery Farm in Allendale, James A. McFaul Environmental Center in Wyckoff, and the Closter Nature Center.

Is birding a good hobby for beginners?

Yes. Birding can be enjoyed at your own pace and requires very little equipment to get started.

Keep Exploring with The Next Chapter

Birding is just one of the many ways to enjoy an active lifestyle in Bergen County.

Mybergen.com’s The Next Chapter highlights local ideas, destinations, and resources for adults over 60 who want to stay active, continue learning, and make the most of retirement and beyond.

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Last updated: July 2026