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

Purple Sandpiper

Calidris maritima

6/3/20266805 South Long Beach Boulevard, Long Beach, New Jersey, US (39.531, -74.263)2 observed

Roseate Tern

Sterna dougallii

6/3/2026Barnegat Lighthouse SP2 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

6/3/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only)3 observed

Arctic Tern

Sterna paradisaea

6/2/2026US (39.717, -73.99)1 observed

Manx Shearwater

Puffinus puffinus

6/2/2026US (39.717, -73.99)1 observed

Sooty Shearwater

Ardenna grisea

6/2/2026US (39.717, -73.99)30 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

6/2/2026US (39.717, -73.99)1 observed

Great Shearwater

Ardenna gravis

6/2/2026US (39.717, -73.99)5 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

6/2/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only)1 observed

Common Eider

Somateria mollissima

6/1/2026Island Beach SP--Great Sedge Island1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

5/31/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Murray Grove1 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

5/31/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only)2 observed

Boat-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus major

5/31/2026Amasa Landing (use Edwin B Forsythe NWR--Burlington County Saltmarsh for checklists from watercraft)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

16/2/2026

Mourning Dove

36/2/2026

Chimney Swift

36/2/2026

American Oystercatcher

26/2/2026

Semipalmated Plover

16/2/2026

Willet

16/2/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

176/2/2026

Laughing Gull

26/2/2026

American Herring Gull

36/2/2026

Common Tern

16/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

16/2/2026

Glossy Ibis

56/2/2026

Great Egret

26/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/2/2026

Osprey

16/2/2026

Bald Eagle

16/2/2026

Willow Flycatcher

36/2/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

16/2/2026

American Crow

36/2/2026

Tree Swallow

36/2/2026

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.