Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge - Pleasant Plains Road

New Jersey · Northeast

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Wetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge - Pleasant Plains Road is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 214 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Red-bellied Woodpecker among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Canada Goose Mallard Red-bellied Woodpecker American Kestrel Blue Jay

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

5/31/2026Elizabeth Kay Center/Black River Park (Chester)1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/31/202666 Bond St, Bridgewater US-NJ 40.58230, -74.630261 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

5/31/2026South Mountain Reservation below Crest Drive1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

5/31/2026Lord Stirling Park1 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

5/31/2026Lord Stirling Park1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

5/31/2026Lord Stirling Park1 observed

Nelson's Sparrow

Ammospiza nelsoni

5/31/2026River Rd. marshes and RR tracks1 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

5/30/2026Linden Blue Acres2 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

5/30/2026Duke Farms IBA1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

5/30/2026Tremley Point (Private/Restricted Access)1 observed

American Oystercatcher

Haematopus palliatus

5/30/2026Tremley Point (Private/Restricted Access)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Flicker

15/31/2026

Tree Swallow

15/31/2026

American Robin

15/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

25/31/2026

Common Grackle

15/31/2026

Mourning Dove

5/31/2026

Chimney Swift

5/31/2026

Green Heron

15/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

5/31/2026

Belted Kingfisher

15/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

5/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

5/31/2026

Least Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Eastern Phoebe

5/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

5/31/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

5/31/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

5/31/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

5/31/2026

American Crow

5/31/2026

Birding Tips

1
Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.
2
Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.
3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Auto Tour Route

More in New Jersey

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New Jersey Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in New Jersey →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge - Pleasant Plains Road for birding?▼

The best months to visit Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge - Pleasant Plains Road 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 - Pleasant Plains Road?▼

Notable species at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge - Pleasant Plains Road include Canada Goose, Mallard, Red-bellied Woodpecker, American Kestrel, Blue Jay. The area supports wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge - Pleasant Plains Road?▼

Birding at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge - Pleasant Plains Road is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge - Pleasant Plains Road?▼

Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge - Pleasant Plains Road offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.