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

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

4/18/2026848 Ensign Drive, Lacey Township, New Jersey, US (39.837, -74.152)1 observed

Chuck-will's-widow

Antrostomus carolinensis

4/17/2026646 Newell Ave, Manahawkin US-NJ 39.66914, -74.244231 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/17/2026Ocean County Parks Offices1 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

4/17/2026Ocean County Parks Offices1 observed

Worm-eating Warbler

Helmitheros vermivorum

4/16/2026643 NJ-72, Barnegat US-NJ 39.79724, -74.377581 observed

Common Eider

Somateria mollissima

4/15/2026Barnegat Lighthouse SP1 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

4/15/2026Bayville Yard1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

4/13/2026Wading River WMA (restricted access)1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

4/12/2026Barnegat Lighthouse SP1 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

4/12/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Bridge to Nowhere2 observed

Boat-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus major

4/12/2026Amasa Landing (use Edwin B Forsythe NWR--Burlington County Saltmarsh for checklists from watercraft)26 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

4/12/2026Bass River SF--Bass River Marsh3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

44/16/2026

Mallard

24/16/2026

Mourning Dove

24/16/2026

Laughing Gull

84/16/2026

Great Egret

14/16/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/16/2026

Blue Jay

14/16/2026

Fish Crow

24/16/2026

Carolina Chickadee

14/16/2026

Tufted Titmouse

34/16/2026

Northern Mockingbird

14/16/2026

American Robin

14/16/2026

House Sparrow

14/16/2026

House Finch

34/16/2026

White-throated Sparrow

44/16/2026

Song Sparrow

24/16/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

34/16/2026

Northern Cardinal

24/16/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

84/12/2026

American Herring Gull

14/12/2026

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.