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

Loading map...

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

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

7/16/2026Commerce Road Wetlands1 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

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

7/13/2026Linden Hawk Rise Sanctuary1 observed

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

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

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

7/12/2026Commerce Road Wetlands1 observed

Rock Pigeon

Columba livia

7/12/2026South Mountain Reservation below Crest Drive1 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

7/12/2026River Rd. marshes and RR tracks1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

7/12/2026River Rd. marshes and RR tracks1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

7/10/2026Willowwood Arboretum (Morris County)1 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

7/10/2026Linden Hawk Rise Sanctuary1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Kestrel

27/15/2026

Wild Turkey

17/15/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

27/15/2026

American Goldfinch

27/15/2026

Common Yellowthroat

17/15/2026

Mourning Dove

37/10/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

47/10/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/10/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/10/2026

Cooper's Hawk

17/10/2026

Bald Eagle

17/10/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/10/2026

Downy Woodpecker

27/10/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

17/10/2026

Northern Flicker

27/10/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

47/10/2026

Willow Flycatcher

27/10/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/10/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

47/10/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

27/10/2026

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

Cape May

Premier Atlantic Flyway migration hotspot with legendary fall raptor flights.

Abbott Marshlands - John A. Roebling Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in New Jersey with 221 recorded species.

Allaire State Park

Forest birding hotspot in New Jersey with 218 recorded species.

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.