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

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

5/31/2026East Point Lighthouse1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/31/2026121 Lighthouse Ln, Egg Harbor Township US-NJ 39.36399, -74.643091 observed

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

5/30/2026566 Stipsons Island Road, Woodbine, New Jersey, US (39.188, -74.912)1 observed

American Barn Owl (American)

Tyto furcata

5/30/2026Stipson Island Rd.1 observed

Pileated Woodpecker

Dryocopus pileatus

5/30/2026B&D Gardens1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

5/30/2026Fortescue Beach1 observed

Nelson's Sparrow

Ammospiza nelsoni

5/30/2026Thompson's Beach and Road2 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

5/30/2026Corson's Inlet SP1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

5/29/2026Glades Wildlife Refuge--Turkey Pt.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Acadian Flycatcher

15/30/2026

Yellow-throated Warbler

15/30/2026

Summer Tanager

15/30/2026

Wild Turkey

35/30/2026

Carolina Chickadee

15/30/2026

Ovenbird

15/30/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

15/30/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/30/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/30/2026

White-eyed Vireo

15/30/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

25/30/2026

Tufted Titmouse

25/30/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

25/30/2026

Hooded Warbler

15/30/2026

Pine Warbler

25/30/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

15/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

35/30/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Purple Martin

15/30/2026

Canada Goose

75/30/2026

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.