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

Boat-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus major

5/31/2026Amasa Landing (use Edwin B Forsythe NWR--Burlington County Saltmarsh for checklists from watercraft)1 observed

Saltmarsh Sparrow

Ammospiza caudacuta

5/31/2026Amasa Landing (use Edwin B Forsythe NWR--Burlington County Saltmarsh for checklists from watercraft)1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/31/2026Stafford Avenue, Stafford Township, New Jersey, US (39.694, -74.238)1 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

5/31/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only)2 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

5/31/2026Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, Absecon US-NJ 39.53493, -74.422483 observed

Gull-billed Tern

Gelochelidon nilotica

5/31/2026Franklin Parker Preserve--Main Section (includes Chatsworth Lake)2 observed

Roseate Tern

Sterna dougallii

5/31/2026Barnegat Lighthouse SP2 observed

Bay-breasted Warbler

Setophaga castanea

5/31/2026Barnegat Lighthouse SP1 observed

Purple Sandpiper

Calidris maritima

5/31/2026Barnegat Lighthouse SP35 observed

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula

5/31/2026Amasa Landing (use Edwin B Forsythe NWR--Burlington County Saltmarsh for checklists from watercraft)6 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

5/31/2026Amasa Landing (use Edwin B Forsythe NWR--Burlington County Saltmarsh for checklists from watercraft)2 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

5/31/2026Edwin 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

Mute Swan

25/28/2026

Mallard

35/28/2026

Mourning Dove

35/28/2026

Black-billed Cuckoo

15/28/2026

Clapper Rail

15/28/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

25/28/2026

Willet

85/28/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

25/28/2026

Sanderling

655/28/2026

Laughing Gull

15/28/2026

American Herring Gull

15/28/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

15/28/2026

Black Skimmer

15/28/2026

Forster's Tern

45/28/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/28/2026

Tricolored Heron

25/28/2026

Snowy Egret

55/28/2026

Great Egret

15/28/2026

Osprey

15/28/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

15/28/2026

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.