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

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

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

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

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

5/31/2026USGS BBS Spraguetown 3 272 observed

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula

5/31/2026Amasa Landing (use Edwin B Forsythe NWR--Burlington County Saltmarsh for checklists from watercraft)6 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

85/31/2026

Mourning Dove

15/31/2026

Black-bellied Plover

15/31/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

15/31/2026

Willet

25/31/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

85/31/2026

White-rumped Sandpiper

15/31/2026

Least Sandpiper

15/31/2026

Laughing Gull

15/31/2026

Ring-billed Gull

15/31/2026

American Herring Gull

15/31/2026

Black Skimmer

35/31/2026

Least Tern

25/31/2026

Glossy Ibis

65/31/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

15/31/2026

Snowy Egret

25/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/31/2026

Osprey

85/31/2026

Fish Crow

15/31/2026

Bank Swallow

105/31/2026

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.