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Important Bird and Birding Areas
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Manasquan River Watershed
Monmouth CountyCoordinates: N 40.17112
W 74.15874
Site Map Pinelands: New England / Mid-Atlantic CoastArea: 12,211 Acres Habitat: Mixed upland forest and forested wetland; open water and tidal salt marshSite Description: This matrix of private, municipal and state lands includes the Manasquan Reservoir, Howell Park, Allaire State Park, and Manasquan Wildlife Management Area. The Manasquan River meanders through areas of mixed upland forest, forested wetland and suburban developments before widening upon its approach to the Atlantic Ocean. The open waters near the mouth of the river offer refuge for wintering waterfowl. This IBA is contains the Manasquan River Natural Heritage Priority Site. Designated by New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Natural Heritage Priority Sites are considered the state’s most significant natural areas.IBA Criteria:
| Criterion | Species |
| Conservation Concern – State-endangered (B) | Bald Eagle |
| Regional Responsibility Species - BCR 30 Forested Wetland (B) | Acadian Flycatcher, Chimney Swift, Fish Crow, Louisiana Waterthrush, Mallard, Wood Duck, Yellow-throated Vireo |
| 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, Wild Turkey, Wood Thrush, Yellow-throated Vireo |
| Significant Congregations (W, SM) | Waterfowl |
| Significant Migrant Stopover/Flyover (SM) | Landbirds |
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| Yellow-throated Vireo | Jim Gilbert |
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Birds: The Manasquan River Watershed provides habitat for a suite of breeding birds that utilize mixed upland forest and forested wetlands. These habitats also support hundreds of species of migrating landbirds during spring and fall migration and abundant waterfowl in the winter and spring months. State-endangered Bald Eagles and state-threatened Ospreys nest at the Manasquan Reservoir. The salt marsh of the river’s lower reaches provides important foraging habitat for colonial waterbirds, including several species of terns and herons.Conservation: High intensity development has impacted the area and ongoing development pressure adjacent to protected lands continues to threaten the integrity of this IBA. The loss of natural filtering systems such as forests and open marshes has degraded water quality and habitat for waterfowl and shorebirds. As small areas of forest are lost, the remaining forest fragments become less favorable for forest interior birds. Overabundant deer and invasive plants, such as garlic-mustard (Alliaria petiolata), common reed (Phragmites australis) and Japanese stilt grass (Microstegium vimineum), also threaten habitat quality. The Manasquan River Watershed Association has developed a management plan to protect the area’s natural resources.Additional Information: Site Report
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| Forested wetland habitat | John Parke |
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