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

Franklin's Gull

Leucophaeus pipixcan

4/18/2026Wildlife Dr, Absecon US-NJ 39.46467, -74.446882 observed

Gull-billed Tern

Gelochelidon nilotica

4/18/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR (formerly Brig)1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

4/18/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR (formerly Brig)1 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

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

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

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

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

4/17/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR (formerly Brig)1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/17/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR (formerly Brig)1 observed

Great Crested Flycatcher

Myiarchus crinitus

4/17/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR (formerly Brig)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Brant

1464/18/2026

Canada Goose

34/18/2026

Mourning Dove

94/18/2026

Clapper Rail

74/18/2026

Killdeer

24/18/2026

Willet

44/18/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

54/18/2026

Dunlin

2404/18/2026

Laughing Gull

254/18/2026

American Herring Gull

1054/18/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

44/18/2026

Forster's Tern

194/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/18/2026

Snowy Egret

114/18/2026

Great Egret

344/18/2026

Osprey

54/18/2026

Cooper's Hawk

14/18/2026

Song Sparrow

44/18/2026

Eastern Towhee

14/18/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

454/18/2026

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 - 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.