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

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

7/21/2026Garden State Parkway N, Port Republic US-NJ 39.54069, -74.477501 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

7/21/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only)1 observed

Pied-billed Grebe

Podilymbus podiceps

7/21/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR (formerly Brig)1 observed

Black-necked Stilt (Black-necked)

Himantopus mexicanus

7/21/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR (formerly Brig)5 observed

Green-winged Teal (American)

Anas crecca

7/21/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR (formerly Brig)1 observed

Green-winged Teal

Anas crecca

7/21/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Gull Pond1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

7/21/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only)1 observed

Ruff

Calidris pugnax

7/20/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only)1 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

7/20/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only)1 observed

Curlew Sandpiper

Calidris ferruginea

7/20/2026Edwin 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

Canada Goose

437/21/2026

American Black Duck

97/21/2026

Mourning Dove

17/21/2026

American Oystercatcher

77/21/2026

Laughing Gull

407/21/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/21/2026

White Ibis

387/21/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

87/21/2026

Little Blue Heron

27/21/2026

Tricolored Heron

97/21/2026

Snowy Egret

277/21/2026

Great Egret

487/21/2026

Osprey

17/21/2026

American Goldfinch

17/21/2026

Song Sparrow

37/21/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

47/21/2026

Mallard

17/21/2026

Rock Pigeon

27/21/2026

Clapper Rail

17/21/2026

Willet

17/21/2026

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.