Brigantine Island - North Brigantine Natural Area

New Jersey · Northeast

ChallengingView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Coastal

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

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

Brant Canada Goose American Black Duck Greater Scaup Surf Scoter

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Black-necked Stilt (Black-necked)

Himantopus mexicanus

6/1/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR (formerly Brig)1 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

6/1/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR (formerly Brig)1 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

6/1/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR (formerly Brig)1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

5/31/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only)1 observed

Boat-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus major

5/31/2026Amasa Landing (use Edwin B Forsythe NWR--Burlington County Saltmarsh for checklists from watercraft)1 observed

Saltmarsh Sparrow

Ammospiza caudacuta

5/31/2026Amasa Landing (use Edwin B Forsythe NWR--Burlington County Saltmarsh for checklists from watercraft)1 observed

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

5/31/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Visitor Center1 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

5/31/2026Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, Absecon US-NJ 39.53493, -74.422483 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

236/1/2026

Mallard

6/1/2026

American Black Duck

6/1/2026

Mourning Dove

26/1/2026

Chimney Swift

16/1/2026

Clapper Rail

16/1/2026

Black-bellied Plover

6/1/2026

Semipalmated Plover

6/1/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

6/1/2026

Willet

96/1/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

186/1/2026

Dunlin

6/1/2026

Least Sandpiper

6/1/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

6/1/2026

Laughing Gull

6/1/2026

Ring-billed Gull

26/1/2026

American Herring Gull

36/1/2026

Black Skimmer

1546/1/2026

Least Tern

6/1/2026

Caspian Tern

16/1/2026

Birding Tips

1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in New Jersey

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Forest birding hotspot in New Jersey with 218 recorded species.

New Jersey Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in New Jersey →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

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.