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Important Bird and Birding Areas
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Stokes State Forest and High Point State Park
Sussex CountyCoordinates: N 41.14483
W 74.85465
Skylands: Appalachian MountainsArea: 95,687 Acres Habitat: Primarily deciduous forest with areas of coniferousSite Description: Spanning over 30,000 acres of Sussex County, this site contains expansive forests including ridgetop pitch-pine/scrub-oak forest, chestnut-oak (Quercus prinus) forest, mixed hardwood forest, Atlantic white cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) swamp and red maple (Acer rubrum) swamp. The site also contains intact eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) forest which is well-represented by Tillman Ravine, a 525-acre section surrounding Tillman Brook in Stokes State Forest. Stokes also hosts Montclair University’s New Jersey School of Conservation, the largest and oldest university-operated environmental education center in the country. Donated by Colonel Anthony R. and Susie Dryden Kuser in the early 1920’s, High Point State Park boasts NJ’s highest peak at 1,803 feet. The Park also contains the Dryden Kuser Natural Area, the highest elevation Atlantic white cedar swamp in the world. This IBA contains several Natural Heritage Priority Sites including the High Point Macrosite, Sawmill Pond, Steam Mill and The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) Mashipacong Bogs Preserve. Designated by NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), Natural Heritage Priority Sites are considered the state’s most significant natural areas. This site is part of the Delaware Valley Water Gap Macrosite IBA.IBA Criteria:
| Criterion | Species |
| Conservation Concern – State-special Concern (B) | Black-throated Green Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, Golden-winged Warbler |
| Regional Responsibility Species - BCR 28 Forest (B) | Acadian Flycatcher, Baltimore Oriole, Black-and-white Warbler, Black-billed Cuckoo, Canada Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Gray Catbird, Hooded Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, Mallard, Scarlet Tanager, Wild Turkey, Wood Duck, Wood Thrush, Worm-eating Warbler, Yellow-throated Vireo |
| Significant Congregations | |
| Significant Migrant Stopover/Flyover (FM) | Raptors |
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| Black-throated Green Warbler | Jim Gilbert |
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Birds: This site supports impressive numbers of NJ’s breeding populations of state-threatened Golden-winged Warblers and state-special concern Cerulean and Black-throated Green Warblers. Additional breeding birds of concern include Canada Warblers, Blue-headed Vireos, Least Flycatchers and Nashville Warblers. Every fall, over 3000 migratory raptors flyover this area as they follow the Kittatinny Ridge on their southward migration.Conservation: Invasive plant species, including Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) and autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), dominate the shrub layer and outcompete native vegetation. Exotic pests and tree diseases also threaten forest health in this area. The hemlock woolly adelgid, a small aphid-like insect originally from Japan, is extremely damaging to eastern hemlocks. Though very difficult to control, application of some insecticidal soaps, oils and pesticides as well as release of a Japanese lady beetle may help to reduce damage. Many nesting birds are victims of brood parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds. Cowbirds lay their eggs in the nests of other birds ultimately compromising the parents’ ability to raise their own chicks. Overabundant deer can severely reduce forest regeneration and alter forest structure by browsing heavily on native plants and the buds and young shoots of woody shrubs and saplings. Overbrowsing by deer also facilitates establishment of many aggressive, nonnative plant species that outcompete native vegetation. Development of the remaining unprotected inholdings and adjacent lands will continue to reduce habitat suitability by replacing and fragmenting the landscape. Increased development ultimately leads to declining water quality, increased pressure on groundwater reserves and promotes dispersal of invasive species. Strategies to reduce development pressure include assisting landowners to restore habitat, prioritizing lands for acquisition and by enforcing and/or improving zoning and land use protection regulation. Partners to protect the region include NJDEP’s Green Acres Program, TNC, the Ridge and Valley Conservancy as well as local corporations, agencies and landowners.Additional Information: Site Report
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| Sunrise Mountain Rd. at Stokes | Steve Byland |
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