Liberty State Park Bird Sanctuary, located in Jersey City, New Jersey, is a 15-acre wildlife preserve with 6 acres of water. It is an important stopover for birds during migration and serves as a nesting ground for various species, including beach nesting birds such as the Spotted Sandpiper and American Oystercatcher.
Diverse Avian Inhabitants
The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of bird species, including:
- Diamondback Terrapin
- Harbor Seal
- Horseshoe Crab
- American Oystercatcher
- Black Skimmer
- Black-crowned Night Heron
- Yellow-crowned Night Heron
- Green Heron
- Great Blue Heron
- Great Egret
- Snowy Egret
- Belted Kingfisher
- Spotted Sandpiper
- Dunlin
- Semipalmated Sandpiper
- Least Sandpiper
- Greater Yellowlegs
- Short-billed Dowitcher
- Eastern Kingbird
- Eastern Phoebe
- Marsh Wren
- House Wren
- Tree Swallow
- Barn Swallow
- American Tree Sparrow
- White-throated Sparrow
- Song Sparrow
- Downy Woodpecker
- Northern Flicker
- Yellow-rumped Warbler
- Common Yellowthroat
- Yellow Warbler
- American Redstart
- Black-capped Chickadee
- American Robin
- Green-winged Teal
- Gadwall
- Mallard
- American Black Duck
- Ring-necked Duck
- Ruddy Duck
- Horned Grebe
- Greater Scaup
- Common Goldeneye
- Bufflehead
- Red-throated Loon
- Common Loon
- Snow Goose
- Brant
- Canada Goose
- Great Black-backed Gull
- Herring Gull
- Ring-billed Gull
- Common Tern
- American Redstart
- Eastern Towhee
- Red-tailed Hawk
- Cooper’s Hawk
- Sharp-shinned Hawk
- American Kestrel
- Peregrine Falcon
- Common Raven
- American Crow
- Fish Crow
- Boat-tailed Grackle
- Common Nighthawk
- Chimney Swift
- Killdeer
- Black-bellied Plover
- Hermit Thrush
- Veery
- Swainson’s Thrush
- Wood Thrush
- Snowy Owl
- Great Horned Owl
- Long-eared Owl
- Surf Scoter
- Clapper Rail
- Swainson’s Hawk
- Northern Goshawk
- Red-shouldered Hawk
- Ruddy Turnstone
- Seaside Sparrow
- Ross’s Goose
Endangered and Threatened Species
The sanctuary is also home to several endangered, threatened, or species of special concern in New Jersey, including:
- Peregrine Falcon
- Red-shouldered Hawk
- Northern Harrier
- Black Skimmer
- Black-crowned Night Heron
- American Kestrel
- Cooper’s Hawk
Recreational Opportunities
A self-guided nature path offers opportunities to observe and experience this unique wildlife habitat. Visitors can explore the sanctuary and witness the diverse array of birds and other wildlife that call this place home.
Threats to the Sanctuary
However, there have been proposals to build condos and add three holes to a golf course on Caven Point, which would threaten the sanctuary’s wildlife and natural habitat. To support the Liberty State Park Protection Act, visitors can sign the petition at change.org and learn more about the Act at folsp.org and shaynamarchese.com/caven-point-2019.
Conclusion
Liberty State Park Bird Sanctuary is a true gem, providing a vital habitat for migratory birds and a unique opportunity for visitors to connect with nature in the heart of the urban landscape. By supporting the efforts to protect this sanctuary, we can ensure that this vibrant oasis continues to thrive and provide a safe haven for the diverse array of species that call it home.