Forest birding habitat

Wheelabrator Wildlife Refuge

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Wheelabrator Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 212 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and American Black Duck 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

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

6/1/20261803 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US (39.964, -75.168)1 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

6/1/2026Raccoon Creek2 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

6/1/2026Raccoon Creek1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

6/1/2026Cumberland St. on the Delaware1 observed

White-eyed Vireo

Vireo griseus

6/1/2026110 Terminal Ave, Glenside US-PA 40.09345, -75.210721 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

6/1/2026Cinnamon Drive, Lower Moreland Township, Pennsylvania1 observed

Green-winged Teal

Anas crecca

6/1/2026Pennypack on the Delaware2 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

6/1/2026Poquessing Creek Park/Trail1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

6/1/2026Fehon Backyard

Gray-cheeked Thrush

Catharus minimus

6/1/2026Fehon Backyard

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

5/31/2026Fehon Backyard

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

5/31/2026Fehon Backyard

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

105/28/2026

Mallard

25/28/2026

Mourning Dove

15/28/2026

Chimney Swift

65/28/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/28/2026

Laughing Gull

15/28/2026

Forster's Tern

15/28/2026

Common Loon

15/28/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

65/28/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/28/2026

Osprey

15/28/2026

Bald Eagle

15/28/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/28/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/28/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/28/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/28/2026

Eastern Kingbird

25/28/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

25/28/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

25/28/2026

Blue Jay

25/28/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Wheelabrator Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Wheelabrator Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Wheelabrator Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Wheelabrator Wildlife Refuge include Canada Goose, Mallard, American Black Duck, Canvasback, Bufflehead. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Wheelabrator Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Wheelabrator Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Wheelabrator Wildlife Refuge?
Wheelabrator Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.