Coastal birding habitat

Ocean City Preserve

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Ocean City Preserve is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 214 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, and Mallard 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

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

4/18/202610 47th St, Sea Isle City US-NJ 39.15054, -74.6935924 observed

Franklin's Gull

Leucophaeus pipixcan

4/18/2026Wildlife Dr, Absecon US-NJ 39.46467, -74.446882 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

4/18/2026Farm1 observed

Great Crested Flycatcher

Myiarchus crinitus

4/18/2026Tuckahoe WMA (Cape May Co.)1 observed

Gull-billed Tern

Gelochelidon nilotica

4/18/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR (formerly Brig)1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

4/18/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR (formerly Brig)1 observed

Blue-winged Warbler

Vermivora cyanoptera

4/18/2026Belleplain SF1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

4/18/2026Brigantine Island--North Brigantine Natural Area2 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

4/18/2026Brigantine Island--North Brigantine Natural Area1 observed

Pileated Woodpecker

Dryocopus pileatus

4/18/2026346 Goshen Swainton Rd, Cape May Court House US-NJ 39.13274, -74.830371 observed

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

4/18/2026Belleplain SF--Pine Swamp Rd.1 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

4/17/2026Cedar Lane Farms1 observed

Glaucous Gull

Larus hyperboreus

4/17/2026Brigantine Island--North Brigantine Natural Area1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

4/17/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR (formerly Brig)1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/17/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR (formerly Brig)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Shoveler

184/17/2026

Mallard

24/17/2026

American Black Duck

204/17/2026

Green-winged Teal

454/17/2026

Rock Pigeon

24/17/2026

Mourning Dove

104/17/2026

Laughing Gull

264/17/2026

American Herring Gull

44/17/2026

Forster's Tern

24/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

384/17/2026

White Ibis

244/17/2026

Glossy Ibis

14/17/2026

Snowy Egret

14/17/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/17/2026

Osprey

14/17/2026

Fish Crow

34/17/2026

Carolina Chickadee

14/17/2026

Tree Swallow

24/17/2026

Carolina Wren

14/17/2026

Brown Thrasher

14/17/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Ocean City Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Ocean City Preserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Ocean City Preserve?
Notable species at Ocean City Preserve include Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Mallard, American Black Duck, Green-winged Teal. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ocean City Preserve?
Birding at Ocean City Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Ocean City Preserve?
Ocean City Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.