Coastal birding habitat

Brigantine Island - North Brigantine Natural Area

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Brigantine Island - North Brigantine Natural Area is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 247 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Brant, Canada Goose, and American Black Duck 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

Franklin's Gull

Leucophaeus pipixcan

4/18/2026Wildlife Dr, Absecon US-NJ 39.46467, -74.446882 observed

Gull-billed Tern

Gelochelidon nilotica

4/18/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR (formerly Brig)1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

4/18/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR (formerly Brig)1 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

4/18/2026Brigantine Island--North Brigantine Natural Area1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

4/18/2026Brigantine Island--North Brigantine Natural Area2 observed

Chuck-will's-widow

Antrostomus carolinensis

4/17/2026646 Newell Ave, Manahawkin US-NJ 39.66914, -74.244231 observed

Glaucous Gull

Larus hyperboreus

4/17/2026Brigantine Island--North Brigantine Natural Area1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

4/17/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR (formerly Brig)1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/17/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR (formerly Brig)1 observed

Great Crested Flycatcher

Myiarchus crinitus

4/17/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR (formerly Brig)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Brant

304/18/2026

Canada Goose

44/18/2026

Green-winged Teal

74/18/2026

Greater Scaup

14/18/2026

Surf Scoter

404/18/2026

Bufflehead

204/18/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

64/18/2026

Mourning Dove

34/18/2026

American Oystercatcher

64/18/2026

Black-bellied Plover

304/18/2026

Piping Plover

74/18/2026

Willet

54/18/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

84/18/2026

Sanderling

1504/18/2026

Dunlin

4004/18/2026

Laughing Gull

64/18/2026

Ring-billed Gull

284/18/2026

American Herring Gull

1004/18/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

604/18/2026

Caspian Tern

24/18/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Brigantine Island - North Brigantine Natural Area for birding?
The best months to visit Brigantine Island - North Brigantine Natural Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Brigantine Island - North Brigantine Natural Area?
Notable species at Brigantine Island - North Brigantine Natural Area include Brant, Canada Goose, American Black Duck, Greater Scaup, Surf Scoter. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Brigantine Island - North Brigantine Natural Area?
Birding at Brigantine Island - North Brigantine Natural Area is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Brigantine Island - North Brigantine Natural Area?
Brigantine Island - North Brigantine Natural Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.