circa 1840:  A collection of British birds: the Lesser Redpole, the Goldfinch, the Siskin, the Gold-Crested Wren and Reed Bunting.  (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

$4 per vehicle

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 348 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Brant, and Canada Goose 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-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. 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.

  4. 4

    Check the refuge website for seasonal auto tour route schedules and any temporary closures before visiting.

  5. 5

    Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail condition updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge include Snow Goose, Brant, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Wood Duck, Greater Scaup, Bufflehead, American Herring Gull, American Crow, House Sparrow, House Finch, Black Scoter. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge?
The entrance fee at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge is $4 per vehicle. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge?
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.