Wetland birding habitat

Manahawkin Wildlife Management Area

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Manahawkin Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 261 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, and White-breasted Nuthatch 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

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

7/16/2026Mimi's2 observed

Sandwich Tern

Thalasseus sandvicensis

7/16/2026Barnegat Lighthouse SP1 observed

Roseate Tern

Sterna dougallii

7/16/2026Barnegat Lighthouse SP1 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

7/15/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only)1 observed

Pied-billed Grebe

Podilymbus podiceps

7/15/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only)1 observed

Saltmarsh Sparrow

Ammospiza caudacuta

7/14/2026Amasa Landing (use Edwin B Forsythe NWR--Burlington County Saltmarsh for checklists from watercraft)1 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

7/14/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only)3 observed

Ruff

Calidris pugnax

7/14/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only)2 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

7/14/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

17/11/2026

Great Egret

17/11/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/11/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/11/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

27/11/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

27/11/2026

Eastern Kingbird

27/11/2026

White-eyed Vireo

27/11/2026

Carolina Chickadee

27/11/2026

Gray Catbird

37/11/2026

Veery

27/11/2026

Wood Thrush

17/11/2026

American Goldfinch

27/11/2026

Laughing Gull

27/9/2026

White Ibis

17/9/2026

Glossy Ibis

27/9/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

27/9/2026

Mute Swan

37/7/2026

Willet

27/7/2026

American Herring Gull

77/7/2026

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 Manahawkin Wildlife Management Area for birding?
The best months to visit Manahawkin Wildlife Management Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Manahawkin Wildlife Management Area?
Notable species at Manahawkin Wildlife Management Area include Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, American Robin. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Manahawkin Wildlife Management Area?
Birding at Manahawkin Wildlife Management Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Manahawkin Wildlife Management Area?
Manahawkin Wildlife Management Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.