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

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

4/18/202610 47th St, Sea Isle City US-NJ 39.15054, -74.6935924 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

4/18/2026Farm1 observed

Great Crested Flycatcher

Myiarchus crinitus

4/18/2026Tuckahoe WMA (Cape May Co.)1 observed

Blue-winged Warbler

Vermivora cyanoptera

4/18/2026Belleplain SF1 observed

Pileated Woodpecker

Dryocopus pileatus

4/18/2026346 Goshen Swainton Rd, Cape May Court House US-NJ 39.13274, -74.830371 observed

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

4/18/2026Belleplain SF--Pine Swamp Rd.1 observed

Chuck-will's-widow

Antrostomus carolinensis

4/17/2026A&J Mobile Home Park Unit 20 My Yard1 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

4/17/2026Cedar Lane Farms1 observed

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

4/16/2026Stipson Island Rd.1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

4/16/2026Longport--11th St & Atlantic Ave jetties1 observed

Savannah Sparrow (Ipswich)

Passerculus sandwichensis

4/16/2026Heislerville WMA1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

4/16/2026Heislerville WMA2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

44/18/2026

Rock Pigeon

44/18/2026

Mourning Dove

54/18/2026

American Oystercatcher

54/18/2026

Black-bellied Plover

14/18/2026

Willet

34/18/2026

Sanderling

184/18/2026

Laughing Gull

124/18/2026

American Herring Gull

284/18/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

124/18/2026

Lesser Black-backed Gull

74/18/2026

Forster's Tern

34/18/2026

Common Loon

34/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

64/18/2026

Snowy Egret

34/18/2026

Great Egret

14/18/2026

Osprey

14/18/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/18/2026

Carolina Chickadee

24/18/2026

Song Sparrow

14/18/2026

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.