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Important Bird and Birding Areas
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Turkey Swamp Wildlife Management Area
Monmouth CountyCoordinates: N 40.18648
W 74.33244
Site Map Pinelands: New England / Mid-Atlantic CoastArea: 8,687 Acres Habitat: Upland pine-oak forest with lowlands and old fieldsSite Description: The Turkey Swamp Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is located on the northern fringe of the New Jersey pine barrens, a few miles south of Freehold. This site includes the Burke Road Superfund site (a large grassy area), 2455 acres of the state-owned WMA and the adjacent privately-owned lands.IBA Criteria:
| Criterion | Species |
| Regional Responsibility Species - BCR 30 Mixed Upland Forest (B) | Acadian Flycatcher, Baltimore Oriole, Black-and-white Warbler, Blue Jay, Broad-winged Hawk, Carolina Chickadee, Common Grackle, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Gray Catbird, Great Crested Flycatcher, Louisiana Waterthrush, Northern Flicker, Scarlet Tanager, Tufted Titmouse, Whip-poor-will, Wild Turkey, Wood Thrush, Yellow-throated Vireo |
| Significant Migrant Stopover/Flyover (FM, SM) | |
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| Wild Turkeys | John Parke |
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Birds: The upland pine-oak woodlands support several forest-breeding species including Wood Thrushes, Scarlet Tanagers, Yellow-throated Vireos, Whip-poor-wills, Great Crested Flycatchers, Baltimore Orioles, Northern Flickers, Black-and-white Warblers, Eastern Wood-Pewees, Broad-winged Hawks, Wild Turkeys, Louisiana Waterthrushes, Acadian Flycatchers, Gray Catbirds, Carolina Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, Blue Jays and Common Grackles. A Doppler Radar migration study, “Oases Along the Flyway,” conducted by the Research Department of New Jersey Audubon Society, has confirmed this site as critical stopover habitat for migrating songbirds during spring and fall migration.Conservation: Overabundant white-tailed deer are degrading habitat and suppressing forest regeneration by over-grazing. The problem is partially controlled with an existing deer management program which allows removal of deer by hunters. Direct loss of habitat is another threat as unprotected habitats are rapidly being developed. Lands adjacent to the WMA should be acquired or protected as parcels become available.Additional Information: Site Report
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| Mixed upland forest | Michael Hogan |
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