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

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

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

4/18/2026Sweetwater, NJ1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

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

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

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

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

24/18/2026

Wilson's Snipe

14/18/2026

Northern Harrier

14/18/2026

Common Yellowthroat

14/18/2026

Northern Shoveler

24/18/2026

Green-winged Teal

204/18/2026

Bufflehead

24/18/2026

Wild Turkey

14/18/2026

American Oystercatcher

14/18/2026

Willet

14/18/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

14/18/2026

Laughing Gull

24/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/18/2026

Glossy Ibis

34/18/2026

Snowy Egret

24/18/2026

Great Egret

14/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

24/18/2026

Fish Crow

24/18/2026

American Robin

24/18/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

24/18/2026

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.