three horses grazing in a field with trees in the background

Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only)

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

$4 per vehicle

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only) is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 331 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Brant, and Canada Goose 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

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

7/21/2026Garden State Parkway N, Port Republic US-NJ 39.54069, -74.477501 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

7/21/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR (formerly Brig)1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

7/21/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR (formerly Brig)1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

7/21/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR (formerly Brig)2 observed

Ruff

Calidris pugnax

7/21/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR (formerly Brig)1 observed

Black-necked Stilt (Black-necked)

Himantopus mexicanus

7/21/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR (formerly Brig)5 observed

Pied-billed Grebe

Podilymbus podiceps

7/21/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR (formerly Brig)1 observed

Green-winged Teal (American)

Anas crecca

7/21/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR (formerly Brig)1 observed

Green-winged Teal

Anas crecca

7/21/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Gull Pond1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

707/21/2026

Mute Swan

57/21/2026

Mallard

157/21/2026

Mourning Dove

27/21/2026

Clapper Rail

47/21/2026

American Oystercatcher

57/21/2026

Black-bellied Plover

137/21/2026

Killdeer

27/21/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

17/21/2026

Willet

37/21/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

197/21/2026

Red Knot

17/21/2026

Least Sandpiper

907/21/2026

Western Sandpiper

17/21/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

11007/21/2026

Laughing Gull

707/21/2026

Ring-billed Gull

67/21/2026

American Herring Gull

487/21/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

37/21/2026

Black Skimmer

457/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    Check the refuge website for seasonal auto tour route schedules and any temporary closures before visiting.

  5. 5

    Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail condition updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only) for birding?
The best months to visit Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only) 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 - Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only)?
Notable species at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only) include Snow Goose, Brant, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Northern Shoveler, Greater Scaup, Bufflehead, American Herring Gull, American Crow, House Sparrow, House Finch, Black Scoter. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only)?
Birding at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only)?
The entrance fee at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only) is $4 per vehicle. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only)?
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.