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

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

Canada Goose

14/18/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

14/18/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/18/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

14/18/2026

Blue Jay

44/18/2026

Tree Swallow

14/18/2026

Barn Swallow

14/18/2026

European Starling

14/18/2026

Northern Mockingbird

14/18/2026

Eastern Bluebird

34/18/2026

American Robin

24/18/2026

House Finch

14/18/2026

Chipping Sparrow

14/18/2026

Field Sparrow

14/18/2026

White-throated Sparrow

14/18/2026

Eastern Towhee

14/18/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

74/18/2026

American Black Duck

14/17/2026

Mourning Dove

34/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/17/2026

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.