Wetland birding habitat

Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Barnegat

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Barnegat is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 218 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Mourning Dove 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

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

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/31/2026Stafford Avenue, Stafford Township, New Jersey, US (39.694, -74.238)1 observed

Gull-billed Tern

Gelochelidon nilotica

5/31/2026Franklin Parker Preserve--Main Section (includes Chatsworth Lake)2 observed

Roseate Tern

Sterna dougallii

5/31/2026Barnegat Lighthouse SP2 observed

Bay-breasted Warbler

Setophaga castanea

5/31/2026Barnegat Lighthouse SP1 observed

Purple Sandpiper

Calidris maritima

5/31/2026Barnegat Lighthouse SP35 observed

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula

5/31/2026Amasa Landing (use Edwin B Forsythe NWR--Burlington County Saltmarsh for checklists from watercraft)6 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

5/31/2026Amasa Landing (use Edwin B Forsythe NWR--Burlington County Saltmarsh for checklists from watercraft)2 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

5/30/2026Island Beach SP--Reed's Road1 observed

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Setophaga pensylvanica

5/30/2026Stafford Avenue, Stafford Township, New Jersey, US (39.694, -74.238)1 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

5/30/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Cedar Bonnet Island2 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

5/30/2026Franklin Parker Preserve--Goodwater1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

5/29/2026Franklin Parker Preserve--Main Section (includes Chatsworth Lake)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

45/24/2026

Mallard

25/24/2026

Rock Pigeon

25/24/2026

Mourning Dove

25/24/2026

Clapper Rail

15/24/2026

Killdeer

15/24/2026

Semipalmated Plover

45/24/2026

Dunlin

15/24/2026

Least Sandpiper

105/24/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

505/24/2026

Laughing Gull

105/24/2026

American Herring Gull

45/24/2026

Forster's Tern

25/24/2026

White Ibis

25/24/2026

Snowy Egret

35/24/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/24/2026

Blue Jay

15/24/2026

Carolina Chickadee

15/24/2026

Tree Swallow

35/24/2026

Barn Swallow

25/24/2026

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 Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Barnegat for birding?
The best months to visit Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Barnegat 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 - Barnegat?
Notable species at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Barnegat include Canada Goose, Mallard, Mourning Dove, Ring-billed Gull, American Herring Gull. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Barnegat?
Birding at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Barnegat is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Barnegat?
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Barnegat offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.