If you are stuck in the immediate Princeton area I don't think you'll have much opportunity for quality bird photography. Where are you coming from and what are your expectations? How long of a lens are you going to have with you? How much traveling are you able to do?
The Institute Woods used to be good for migrant warblers in season and lucky visitors could find Pileated Woodpecker and Barred Owl. Rogers Refuge may give a chance at Wood Duck
Assunpink Wildlife Management Area to the east has typical breeding species but no facilities like blinds for photography.
1.5-2 hours north is the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge - barred Owl if you are lucky.
You could reach Sandy Hook (a five mile sand spit pointing at Manhattan) in about 2 hours but you'd have to deal with the millions who come for the beach. About the same amount of time could get you to Brigantine NWR near Atlantic City for the shorebirds and green-headed flies.
Discussion
1 repliesThe Institute Woods used to be good for migrant warblers in season and lucky visitors could find Pileated Woodpecker and Barred Owl. Rogers Refuge may give a chance at Wood Duck
Assunpink Wildlife Management Area to the east has typical breeding species but no facilities like blinds for photography.
1.5-2 hours north is the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge - barred Owl if you are lucky.
You could reach Sandy Hook (a five mile sand spit pointing at Manhattan) in about 2 hours but you'd have to deal with the millions who come for the beach. About the same amount of time could get you to Brigantine NWR near Atlantic City for the shorebirds and green-headed flies.
Or a 2+ hour drive could get you to Cape May.