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

Loading map...

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

Short-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus griseus

7/20/2026Amasa Landing (use Edwin B Forsythe NWR--Burlington County Saltmarsh for checklists from watercraft)15 observed

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula

7/20/2026Amasa Landing (use Edwin B Forsythe NWR--Burlington County Saltmarsh for checklists from watercraft)1 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

7/20/2026Amasa Landing (use Edwin B Forsythe NWR--Burlington County Saltmarsh for checklists from watercraft)12 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

7/20/2026Amasa Landing (use Edwin B Forsythe NWR--Burlington County Saltmarsh for checklists from watercraft)1 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

7/20/2026Amasa Landing (use Edwin B Forsythe NWR--Burlington County Saltmarsh for checklists from watercraft)2 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

7/20/2026Amasa Landing (use Edwin B Forsythe NWR--Burlington County Saltmarsh for checklists from watercraft)3 observed

Green-winged Teal

Anas crecca

7/20/2026ScottsL-RubesC-kayak1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/20/2026Swan Bay WMA1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

7/20/2026Swan Bay WMA3 observed

American Black Duck

Anas rubripes

7/20/2026Swan Bay WMA13 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

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 (formerly Brig)1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

7/19/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR (formerly Brig)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

27/18/2026

American Oystercatcher

27/18/2026

Sanderling

237/18/2026

Laughing Gull

77/18/2026

Ring-billed Gull

27/18/2026

American Herring Gull

57/18/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

27/18/2026

Least Tern

67/18/2026

Common Tern

87/18/2026

Brown Pelican

47/18/2026

American Crow

37/18/2026

Barn Swallow

157/18/2026

European Starling

17/18/2026

Gray Catbird

17/18/2026

House Sparrow

107/18/2026

House Finch

57/18/2026

Song Sparrow

17/18/2026

Eastern Towhee

17/18/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

17/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/11/2026

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.