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

Purple Martin

Progne subis

7/21/2026Irwin Park

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

7/21/2026Linden Hawk Rise Sanctuary1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

7/19/2026Raritan Center (Restricted Access)1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

7/19/2026Commerce Road Wetlands1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

7/18/2026New Jersey Turnpike S, Edison US-NJ (40.4898,-74.3947)1 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

7/18/2026600 Somerset Corporate Blvd, Bridgewater US-NJ 40.58816, -74.623521 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

7/17/2026Orange Reservoir1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

7/16/2026West Essex Wetlands, Livingston, New Jersey, US (40.808, -74.344)2 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/15/2026Lagoon1 observed

American Oystercatcher

Haematopus palliatus

7/14/2026Marciante-Jackson-Millet Park2 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

7/13/2026Manville1 observed

Barred Owl

Strix varia

7/13/2026Hatfield Swamp IBA--Great Piece Meadow1 observed

Monk Parakeet

Myiopsitta monachus

7/13/2026South Mountain Reservation below Crest Drive1 observed

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

7/12/2026Clark Drive, Mt. Olive, NJ1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wild Turkey

17/20/2026

Mourning Dove

67/20/2026

Barred Owl

17/20/2026

Northern Flicker

27/20/2026

American Kestrel

27/20/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

37/20/2026

Willow Flycatcher

17/20/2026

Eastern Phoebe

17/20/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

37/20/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/20/2026

Blue Jay

17/20/2026

American Crow

17/20/2026

Purple Martin

17/20/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

17/20/2026

Carolina Wren

17/20/2026

Gray Catbird

117/20/2026

Eastern Bluebird

47/20/2026

Wood Thrush

17/20/2026

American Robin

147/20/2026

Cedar Waxwing

17/20/2026

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.