Manahawkin Wildlife Management Area

New Jersey · Northeast

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Wetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

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

Carolina Chickadee Tufted Titmouse White-breasted Nuthatch Brown Creeper American Robin

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

4/18/2026848 Ensign Drive, Lacey Township, New Jersey, US (39.837, -74.152)1 observed

Chuck-will's-widow

Antrostomus carolinensis

4/17/2026646 Newell Ave, Manahawkin US-NJ 39.66914, -74.244231 observed

Lapland Longspur

Calcarius lapponicus

4/16/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only)1 observed

Gull-billed Tern

Gelochelidon nilotica

4/16/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only)4 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/16/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only)2 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/16/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only)1 observed

Worm-eating Warbler

Helmitheros vermivorum

4/16/2026643 NJ-72, Barnegat US-NJ 39.79724, -74.377581 observed

Common Eider

Somateria mollissima

4/15/2026Barnegat Lighthouse SP1 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

4/15/2026Bayville Yard1 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

4/14/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only)5 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

4/13/2026Wading River WMA (restricted access)1 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

4/12/2026Swan Bay WMA1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

4/12/2026Barnegat Lighthouse SP1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

24/15/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

14/15/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

114/15/2026

Dunlin

24/15/2026

Glossy Ibis

364/15/2026

Snowy Egret

34/15/2026

Turkey Vulture

34/15/2026

Osprey

14/15/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/15/2026

Carolina Chickadee

14/15/2026

Tree Swallow

34/15/2026

White-throated Sparrow

14/15/2026

Common Yellowthroat

14/15/2026

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

Trails

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 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.