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

Loading map...

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

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/18/2026West Essex Wetlands, Livingston, New Jersey, US (40.808, -74.344)1 observed

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

4/18/2026Great Swamp NWR--Pleasant Plains Rd.1 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

4/18/2026Melanie Lane Wetlands1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

4/18/2026West Essex Wetlands, Livingston, New Jersey, US (40.808, -74.344)1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

4/18/2026West Essex Wetlands, Livingston, New Jersey, US (40.808, -74.344)3 observed

Vesper Sparrow

Pooecetes gramineus

4/18/2026Lord Stirling Park1 observed

Blue-winged Warbler

Vermivora cyanoptera

4/18/2026Scherman-Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary2 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

4/18/2026Orange Reservoir1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

4/18/2026Ernest L. Oros Wildlife Preserve1 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

4/18/2026Ernest L. Oros Wildlife Preserve1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

4/18/2026Ernest L. Oros Wildlife Preserve1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

4/18/2026Ernest L. Oros Wildlife Preserve1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Purple Martin

34/18/2026

Canada Goose

14/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/17/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

14/17/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/17/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

24/17/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/17/2026

Northern Flicker

34/17/2026

American Kestrel

14/17/2026

Blue Jay

34/17/2026

American Crow

14/17/2026

Tufted Titmouse

34/17/2026

Tree Swallow

44/17/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

14/17/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

54/17/2026

European Starling

24/17/2026

Brown Thrasher

14/17/2026

Northern Mockingbird

14/17/2026

Eastern Bluebird

24/17/2026

American Robin

74/17/2026

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.