Coastal birding habitat

Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Holgate (Long Beach 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 - Holgate (Long Beach Island) is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 275 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Brant, Canada Goose, and Mute Swan 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

Black-necked Stilt (Black-necked)

Himantopus mexicanus

6/1/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR (formerly Brig)1 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

6/1/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR (formerly Brig)1 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

6/1/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR (formerly Brig)1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

5/31/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only)1 observed

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

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

5/31/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Visitor Center1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

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

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

5/31/2026Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, Absecon US-NJ 39.53493, -74.422483 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

46/2/2026

Clapper Rail

36/2/2026

American Oystercatcher

16/2/2026

Semipalmated Plover

16/2/2026

Willet

66/2/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

36/2/2026

Laughing Gull

6/2/2026

American Herring Gull

126/2/2026

Forster's Tern

6/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

6/2/2026

White Ibis

26/2/2026

Snowy Egret

6/2/2026

Great Egret

6/2/2026

Osprey

56/2/2026

Tree Swallow

106/2/2026

Barn Swallow

6/2/2026

European Starling

16/2/2026

Gray Catbird

26/2/2026

House Sparrow

16/2/2026

Seaside Sparrow

76/2/2026

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 - Holgate (Long Beach Island) for birding?
The best months to visit Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Holgate (Long Beach 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 - Holgate (Long Beach Island)?
Notable species at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Holgate (Long Beach Island) include Brant, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Mallard, American Black Duck. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Holgate (Long Beach Island)?
Birding at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Holgate (Long Beach 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 - Holgate (Long Beach Island)?
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Holgate (Long Beach Island) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.