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Important Bird and Birding Areas
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Metedeconk River Basin
Ocean CountyCoordinates: N 40.08317
W 74.18327
Site Map Pinelands: New England / Mid-Atlantic CoastArea: 1,503 Acres Habitat: Primarily nontidal wetlands; tidal wetlands near approach to Barnegat BaySite Description: This site includes Ocean County Park and the floodplain of the Metedeconk River. The North and South Branch of the Metedeconk River join at Forge Pond where the river widens before opening into the Barnegat Bay. It contains both fresh and saltwater portions. Wild rice can be found in some areas, which is a valuable resource for breeding and migratory waterfowl.IBA Criteria:
| Criterion | Species |
| Conservation Concern – State-special Concern (B) | Great Blue Heron |
| Significant Congregations - Exceptional Single Species Concentration (B) | Great Blue Heron |
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| Great Blue Heron | Mike Lyncheski |
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Birds: This area supports one of the largest Great Blue Heron rookeries in the state. The basin also provides foraging habitat for tern species, colonial waterbirds, migratory birds and waterfowl. Other birds, including Bald Eagles and Ospreys, use areas within Ocean County Park as well as unprotected lands along the Metedeconk River.Conservation: Development pressure on privately-owned land and recreational overuse of Ocean County Park property are potential threats. Birds nesting near the park entrance are prone to disturbance. Sections of the river and surrounding estuary habitat are protected as part of Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge because of the importance of the river to migratory birds and waterfowl.Additional Information: Site Report
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| A typical wetland habitat | John Parke |
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