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

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

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

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

4/18/2026Brigantine Island--North Brigantine Natural Area2 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

4/18/2026Brigantine Island--North Brigantine Natural Area1 observed

Chuck-will's-widow

Antrostomus carolinensis

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

Glaucous Gull

Larus hyperboreus

4/17/2026Brigantine Island--North Brigantine Natural Area1 observed

Lapland Longspur

Calcarius lapponicus

4/16/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only)1 observed

Gull-billed Tern

Gelochelidon nilotica

4/16/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only)4 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/16/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only)2 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/16/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only)1 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

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

4/14/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only)5 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

34/18/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

44/18/2026

Forster's Tern

34/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/18/2026

Glossy Ibis

174/18/2026

Snowy Egret

34/18/2026

Great Egret

24/18/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/18/2026

Cooper's Hawk

14/18/2026

American Robin

14/18/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

54/18/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

24/18/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

14/18/2026

American Black Duck

24/18/2026

Mourning Dove

24/18/2026

American Herring Gull

14/18/2026

Osprey

14/18/2026

House Finch

14/18/2026

Song Sparrow

14/18/2026

Swamp Sparrow

14/18/2026

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.