Coastal birding habitat

Ocean City Welcome Center

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Ocean City Welcome Center is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 228 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Brant, Canada Goose, and Bufflehead 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

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

6/2/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only)1 observed

Pileated Woodpecker

Dryocopus pileatus

6/2/2026Weatherby Rd--Tarkiln Pond & vicinity1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

6/2/2026Weatherby Rd--Tarkiln Pond & vicinity1 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

6/1/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR (formerly Brig)1 observed

Black-necked Stilt (Black-necked)

Himantopus mexicanus

6/1/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR (formerly Brig)1 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

6/1/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR (formerly Brig)1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

5/31/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only)1 observed

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

5/31/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Visitor Center1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

86/2/2026

Mallard

126/2/2026

American Black Duck

26/2/2026

Rock Pigeon

46/2/2026

Clapper Rail

26/2/2026

American Oystercatcher

36/2/2026

Willet

16/2/2026

Dunlin

36/2/2026

Laughing Gull

106/2/2026

Ring-billed Gull

26/2/2026

American Herring Gull

26/2/2026

White Ibis

506/2/2026

Glossy Ibis

156/2/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

26/2/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

206/2/2026

Little Blue Heron

26/2/2026

Snowy Egret

306/2/2026

Great Egret

1006/2/2026

Osprey

16/2/2026

Gray Catbird

26/2/2026

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 Welcome Center for birding?
The best months to visit Ocean City Welcome Center for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Ocean City Welcome Center?
Notable species at Ocean City Welcome Center include Brant, Canada Goose, Bufflehead, Ring-billed Gull, American Herring Gull. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ocean City Welcome Center?
Birding at Ocean City Welcome Center is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Ocean City Welcome Center?
Ocean City Welcome Center offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.