Wetland birding habitat

Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 246 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, and Wood Duck 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

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/3/2026South Mountain Reservation below Crest Drive1 observed

Blue-headed Vireo

Vireo solitarius

6/3/2026Yanticaw Park1 observed

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

6/3/2026Yanticaw Park1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

6/3/2026Lord Stirling Park1 observed

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula

6/3/2026Black River Park (Roxbury)1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

6/3/2026Maplewood Memorial Park

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

6/2/2026Lord Stirling Park3 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

6/2/2026Lord Stirling Park1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

6/2/2026Rutgers University Newark Campus1 observed

Winter Wren

Troglodytes hiemalis

6/1/2026Duke Farms IBA1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

6/1/2026Glenfield Park1 observed

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

6/1/2026South Branch Preserve (Mt. Olive Twp)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

16/3/2026

Great Blue Heron

26/3/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/3/2026

Northern Flicker

26/3/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/3/2026

Willow Flycatcher

16/3/2026

Eastern Phoebe

16/3/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/3/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

36/3/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

16/3/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

46/3/2026

Tree Swallow

6/3/2026

Purple Martin

6/3/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

6/3/2026

European Starling

6/3/2026

Gray Catbird

6/3/2026

Eastern Bluebird

6/3/2026

American Robin

6/3/2026

Cedar Waxwing

6/3/2026

American Goldfinch

6/3/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge include Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Mallard, American Black Duck. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge?
Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.