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

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

7/19/2026Stipson Island Rd.2 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

7/19/2026Villas--Cox Hall Creek WMA1 observed

Pileated Woodpecker

Dryocopus pileatus

7/19/2026346 Goshen Swainton Rd, Cape May Court House US-NJ 39.13274, -74.830371 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

7/16/2026East Point Lighthouse

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

7/13/2026200 Goshen Swainton Rd, Cape May Court House US-NJ 39.12807, -74.823931 observed

Eurasian Collared-Dove

Streptopelia decaocto

7/13/2026Stone Harbor Blvd--The Wetlands Institute1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

57/19/2026

Chimney Swift

17/19/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

17/19/2026

Laughing Gull

207/19/2026

Osprey

17/19/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

37/19/2026

Downy Woodpecker

27/19/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

37/19/2026

White-eyed Vireo

37/19/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

17/19/2026

Carolina Chickadee

47/19/2026

Tufted Titmouse

27/19/2026

Purple Martin

37/19/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

27/19/2026

Gray Catbird

17/19/2026

American Robin

17/19/2026

Cedar Waxwing

47/19/2026

Ovenbird

17/19/2026

Black-and-white Warbler

17/19/2026

Common Yellowthroat

17/19/2026

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.