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Important Bird and Birding Areas
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Mount Tammany Cliffs
Warren CountyCoordinates: N 41.05832
W 74.94662
Skylands: Appalachian MountainsArea: 54,204 Acres Habitat: Cliff and talus slope with areas of scrub-shrub and forestSite Description: The sheer cliffs, talus (rock debris at the base of a cliff) slopes and rocky outcrops of Mount Tammany overlook the Delaware Water Gap at 1527 feet above sea level. Habitats include deciduous and mixed forest, scrub-shrub and rare cliff and talus slope communities. Mount Tammany lies at the southernmost end of the Kittatinny Mountains in Warren County. The site is contained within Worthington State Forest and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Mount Tammany is also part of the Delaware Valley Water Gap Macrosite IBA and is a Natural Heritage Priority Site, designated by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection as one of the state’s most significant natural areas. The mountain is named after the Lenni Lenape chief Tamanend.IBA Criteria:
| Criterion | Species |
| Conservation Concern – State-endangered (B) | Peregrine Falcon |
| Significant Congregations | |
| Significant Migrant Stopover/Flyover (FM, SM) | Raptors |
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| Common Raven | Steve Byland |
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Birds: Every spring and fall, over 15,000 raptors migrate through the Delaware Water Gap and Appalachian Mountains. Birds of prey utilize the thermals that rise along the ridges to migrate. Wintering Bald Eagles also use the updrafts along the cliffs for lift. Mount Tammany provides rare natural cliff habitat for breeding state-endangered Peregrine Falcons. Though the pair has been nesting unsuccessfully on the Pennsylvania side, the birds are frequently seen on the cliffs of Mount Tammany and may choose to nest there in the future. The rocky cliffs are also utilized by breeding Common Ravens.Conservation: Disturbance from recreational activities, particularly rock climbing, continuously undermines nesting attempts made by the resident Peregrine Falcons. Rock climbing is prohibited during the breeding season, however, climbing still occurs. Disturbance should be controlled through increased enforcement, informational signs and fencing. Invasive plant species, including Japanese stilt grass (Microstegium vimineum) and Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii), are impacting the forest habitats by reducing habitat structure and outcompeting native vegetation. Appropriate methods of managing invasive species may include mechanical removal and/or use of herbicides. Overabundant deer, exotic pests and tree diseases also threaten forest health in this area.Additional Information: Site Report
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| Talus slope on Mt. Tammany | John Parke |
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