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Important Bird and Birding Areas
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Merrill Creek Reservoir
Warren CountyCoordinates: N 40.76879
W 75.06235
Skylands: Appalachian MountainsArea: 20,839 Acres Habitat: Open water surrounded by deciduous woodsSite Description: The Merrill Creek Reservoir IBA, located in Harmony and Franklin Townships, Warren County encompasses a 650-acre reservoir surrounded by 2300 acres of upland forest and scrub-shrub habitat. The reservoir was built by a consortium of power companies, collectively the Merrill Creek Owners’ Group. During low water periods, the reservoir releases water to the Delaware River to supplement water used by electric generating facilities. This site is located within the Highlands Preservation Area, a region of exceptional natural resource value designated by New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act (Highlands Act).IBA Criteria:
| Criterion | Species |
| Conservation Concern – State-endangered (B) | Bald Eagle |
| Regional Responsibility Species - BCR 28 Forest (B) | Baltimore Oriole, Black-and-white Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Hooded Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, Scarlet Tanager, Wood Thrush, Worm-eating Warbler, Yellow-throated Vireo |
| Regional Responsibility Species - BCR 28 Scrub-shrub/Barrens (B) | Black-and-white Warbler, Eastern Towhee, Field Sparrow, Indigo Bunting, Prairie Warbler, Wild Turkey |
| Significant Congregations (W, FM, SM) | Waterfowl |
| Significant Migrant Stopover/Flyover (FM) | Raptors |
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| Juvenile Bald Eagle | Steve Byland |
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Birds: A pair of state-endangered Bald Eagles has nested at the reservoir since at least 2000. The forests of this site host significant numbers of forest interior birds. Between 25 and 100 pairs of Scarlet Tanagers, Eastern Wood-Pewees and Baltimore Orioles nest here each year. High numbers of early successional species also breed at the Merrill Creek Reservoir. Over 7000 migrating raptors utilize the site during fall migration. Waterfowl species, including Snow and Canada Geese, Buffleheads, Common Mergansers, Greater and Lesser Scaup, American Black Ducks, Common Goldeneyes and Mallards, concentrate within the open waters of the reservoir in early spring, late fall and throughout the winter.Conservation: This site is owned and managed by the Merrill Creek Owners’ Group (MCOG). In times of drought, it is subject to water drawdown to supplement water usage in the Delaware River by electric generating stations. Development of the adjacent unprotected parcels is also a concern. Loss of forested habitats reduces the suitability of the area for forest interior species and degrades water quality. Increases in impervious surfaces, such as parking lots and roads, prevent rainwater from infiltrating the soil and recharging groundwater resources. Impervious surfaces also accelerate nonpoint source pollution problems. Habitat protection efforts should prioritize parcels for acquisition and should provide outreach to landowners interested in habitat restoration on their property. Regular maintenance of scrub-shrub habitats is also recommended to prevent succession to a forest community. Other threats include disturbance from recreational activities and invasive plant and insect species. Heavy use of the reservoir for recreational activities, especially boating, may disturb nesting birds. Exotic pests and tree diseases also threaten forest health in this area. Bacterial leaf scorch, for example, is a foliage disease that has affected American elms (Ulmus americana), sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and oaks. The Merrill Creek Conservation and Sportsmen Association (MCCSA) is an organization under the MCOG providing access for hunting. Its members are required to participate in the development and implementation of wildlife management practices, including forest management, wildlife enhancement and conservation projects. Hunting is permitted and may be reducing the impact of the region’s overabundant deer populations. Merrill Creek Reservoir hosts an official Hawk Migration Association of North America "hawk watch," at Scotts Mountain. The site is responsible for collecting valuable data about the spring and fall movements of migrating raptors.Additional Information: Site Report
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| Rocky Shoreline | Mike Lyncheski |
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