Coastal birding habitat

Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Cedar Bonnet Island

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Cedar Bonnet Island is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 257 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, American Black Duck, and Greater Scaup 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

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

7/19/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only)1 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

7/19/2026Barnegat Lighthouse SP1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

7/19/2026Island Beach SP--Great Sedge Island2 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

7/19/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only)2 observed

Ruff

Calidris pugnax

7/19/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only)1 observed

Curlew Sandpiper

Calidris ferruginea

7/19/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only)1 observed

Green-winged Teal

Anas crecca

7/19/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

97/19/2026

Mourning Dove

37/19/2026

Clapper Rail

37/19/2026

Killdeer

17/19/2026

Least Sandpiper

17/19/2026

Laughing Gull

67/19/2026

American Herring Gull

47/19/2026

Forster's Tern

27/19/2026

White Ibis

37/19/2026

Glossy Ibis

27/19/2026

Snowy Egret

27/19/2026

Great Egret

77/19/2026

Osprey

17/19/2026

Willow Flycatcher

27/19/2026

American Crow

17/19/2026

Purple Martin

17/19/2026

Barn Swallow

47/19/2026

Marsh Wren

17/19/2026

Carolina Wren

17/19/2026

Gray Catbird

107/19/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  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 - Cedar Bonnet Island for birding?
The best months to visit Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Cedar Bonnet Island 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 - Cedar Bonnet Island?
Notable species at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Cedar Bonnet Island include Canada Goose, American Black Duck, Greater Scaup, Bufflehead, American Herring Gull. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Cedar Bonnet Island?
Birding at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Cedar Bonnet Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Cedar Bonnet Island?
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Cedar Bonnet Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.