Wetland birding habitat

Cape May National Wildlife Refuge - Cedar Swamp Creek

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
WetlandRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Cape May National Wildlife Refuge - Cedar Swamp Creek is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 205 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and river/riparian 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

Pileated Woodpecker

Dryocopus pileatus

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

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

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

7/12/2026Stipson Island Rd.2 observed

Short-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus griseus

7/7/2026Thompson's Beach and Road1 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

7/7/2026Thompson's Beach and Road1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Mockingbird

17/18/2026

House Sparrow

17/18/2026

Song Sparrow

17/18/2026

Laughing Gull

17/18/2026

American Oystercatcher

17/18/2026

Sanderling

127/18/2026

American Herring Gull

17/18/2026

Least Tern

17/18/2026

Common Tern

17/18/2026

Royal Tern

17/18/2026

White Ibis

27/18/2026

American Crow

17/18/2026

American Goldfinch

27/18/2026

Common Grackle

27/18/2026

Mourning Dove

17/18/2026

Gray Catbird

47/18/2026

Brown Thrasher

27/18/2026

American Robin

37/18/2026

House Finch

87/18/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

67/18/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Cape May National Wildlife Refuge - Cedar Swamp Creek for birding?
The best months to visit Cape May National Wildlife Refuge - Cedar Swamp Creek for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cape May National Wildlife Refuge - Cedar Swamp Creek?
Notable species at Cape May National Wildlife Refuge - Cedar Swamp Creek include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cape May National Wildlife Refuge - Cedar Swamp Creek?
Birding at Cape May National Wildlife Refuge - Cedar Swamp Creek is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Cape May National Wildlife Refuge - Cedar Swamp Creek?
Cape May National Wildlife Refuge - Cedar Swamp Creek offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.