Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary is a borough-owned nature preserve in Stone Harbor, New Jersey, with wetlands, maritime forest and four named paths. From Wildwood, it makes a shore-town outing focused on birdlife and coastal habitats, with public access from before sunrise until after sunset.
- Location: Between 111th and 117th Streets and Second and Third Avenues.
- Size: Approximately 21 acres.
- Paths: Heron Overlook, Meadow Walk, Egret Espy and Holly.
- Access: Generally from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
What does Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary protect?
Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary protects a mix of wetland and woodland habitats on approximately 21 acres. The preserve includes maritime forest, freshwater and saltwater meadows, wetlands, a spring-fed freshwater pond and ancient sand dunes.
The Borough Council established the sanctuary in 1947, preserving 31 acres. After 10 acres were sold in 1961, the remaining sanctuary covered 21 acres. The U.S. National Park Service designated it a National Natural Landmark in 1965.
These varied habitats shape the experience of the paths: a walk may pass through forest, skirt meadows or open onto water views. The sanctuary sits between Second and Third Avenues and 111th and 117th Streets.
How do you visit the sanctuary and its paths?
The sanctuary has four named paths, each with a different route through its habitats. You can follow a self-guided informational walking tour; a Pump House visitor station lets visitors record their location and bird sightings.
Heron Overlook Path
Off Third Avenue, this path looks over saltwater wetlands where herons and egrets feed. Benches and gardens provide places to pause along the way.
Meadow Walk Path
Meadow Walk runs between freshwater meadow and saltwater marsh, ending with a view of Paul’s Pond, a spring-fed freshwater pond.
Egret Espy Path
This path begins off Second Avenue at 114th Street, crosses a footbridge and passes through maritime forest.
Holly Path
Holly Path crosses ancient sand dunes and continues through maritime forest. A trail spur passes by a holly tree described by the sanctuary as 300 years old. The path is open year-round; from March through October, visitors are asked to stay quiet and remain on the trail.
General public access runs from one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset. The Borough may limit or close paths for maintenance, restoration or wildlife protection, so check the official site before you go.
Stay on designated paths and public walkways, or in the bench seating area beside the parking lot; going off-path requires permission from the Borough Administrator or the Natural Resource Committee chair. Parking in the sanctuary lot is prohibited from 2:30 a.m. to 5:30 a.m.; otherwise, the Borough code describes parking there as unrestricted.
When is the best time for birding at Stone Harbor?
Birdlife changes through the year: songbirds use the sanctuary in winter, northbound migration brings birds in spring, wildlife is abundant in summer, and southbound migration takes place in fall.
For watching herons and egrets feed, head to Heron Overlook. Paul’s Pond is a place where you may see Glossy Ibis, night-herons, Green Heron and Osprey. Keep to the paths and, on Holly Path from March through October, keep noise down as requested.
The sanctuary describes summer tours, but schedules can vary. For another protected-area outing, consider the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge near Wildwood.
How do you get to the sanctuary from Wildwood?
The sanctuary is in Stone Harbor, between Second and Third Avenues and 111th and 117th Streets. Its Egret Espy entrance is at Second Avenue and 114th Street. Use those street references to locate the paths, and confirm your route from Wildwood before setting out.
For visitors staying in Wildwood, Calypso Boutique Hotel is a three-star hotel with guest rooms. If you are planning other local journeys, getting around Wildwood without a car is another part of trip planning.
FAQs
How many paths are in the sanctuary?
There are four named paths: Heron Overlook, Meadow Walk, Egret Espy and Holly.
Can you visit the sanctuary year-round?
Holly Path is described as open year-round. General access hours run from one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset, though the Borough may restrict or close paths.
Where can you see herons and egrets?
Heron Overlook looks over saltwater wetlands where herons and egrets feed. Paul’s Pond is another spot where visitors may see several bird species, including Green Heron and Osprey.