Forest birding habitat

Belleplain State Forest

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
Forest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Belleplain State Forest is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 233 species recorded on eBird. This forest habitat attracts a wide variety of species among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

4/18/202610 47th St, Sea Isle City US-NJ 39.15054, -74.6935924 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

4/18/2026Farm1 observed

Great Crested Flycatcher

Myiarchus crinitus

4/18/2026Tuckahoe WMA (Cape May Co.)1 observed

Blue-winged Warbler

Vermivora cyanoptera

4/18/2026Belleplain SF1 observed

Pileated Woodpecker

Dryocopus pileatus

4/18/2026346 Goshen Swainton Rd, Cape May Court House US-NJ 39.13274, -74.830371 observed

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

4/18/2026Belleplain SF--Pine Swamp Rd.1 observed

Chuck-will's-widow

Antrostomus carolinensis

4/17/2026A&J Mobile Home Park Unit 20 My Yard1 observed

Worm-eating Warbler

Helmitheros vermivorum

4/17/2026Bevan WMA--Ackley Rd1 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

4/17/2026Cedar Lane Farms1 observed

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

4/16/2026Stipson Island Rd.1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

4/16/2026Longport--11th St & Atlantic Ave jetties1 observed

Savannah Sparrow (Ipswich)

Passerculus sandwichensis

4/16/2026Heislerville WMA1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

4/16/2026Heislerville WMA2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

94/18/2026

Mourning Dove

14/18/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

14/18/2026

Laughing Gull

114/18/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/18/2026

Osprey

14/18/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

64/18/2026

Downy Woodpecker

24/18/2026

Eastern Phoebe

54/18/2026

White-eyed Vireo

44/18/2026

Blue Jay

14/18/2026

American Crow

24/18/2026

Fish Crow

24/18/2026

Carolina Chickadee

34/18/2026

Tufted Titmouse

104/18/2026

Tree Swallow

34/18/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

14/18/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

84/18/2026

Carolina Wren

24/18/2026

Northern Mockingbird

14/18/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Belleplain State Forest for birding?
The best months to visit Belleplain State Forest for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Belleplain State Forest?
Notable species at Belleplain State Forest include Red-eyed Vireo, Scarlet Tanager, Pileated Woodpecker, Wood Thrush, Ovenbird. The area supports forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Belleplain State Forest?
Birding at Belleplain State Forest is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Belleplain State Forest?
Belleplain State Forest offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.