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

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

7/13/2026Dixon Meadow Preserve1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

7/13/2026Rancocas State Park (Westampton)1 observed

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

7/13/2026Rainbow Meadow Park (formerly Laurel Run)1 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

7/13/2026Meadowbrook PA (private residence)1 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/13/2026Philadelphia Naval Yard (restricted access)1 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

7/12/2026Mill Creek Valley Park1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/12/2026Holy Sepulchre Cemetery2 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

7/11/2026Delaware River--Hog Island Rd. (Delaware Co.)1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

7/11/2026Rancocas State Park (Westampton)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Red-tailed Hawk

17/13/2026

European Starling

107/13/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

157/13/2026

Osprey

17/13/2026

Tree Swallow

17/13/2026

Rock Pigeon

37/13/2026

American Robin

77/13/2026

House Sparrow

1007/13/2026

Mourning Dove

17/13/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/13/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/13/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

17/13/2026

Blue Jay

27/13/2026

Tufted Titmouse

17/13/2026

Carolina Wren

17/13/2026

House Finch

37/13/2026

American Goldfinch

37/13/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

37/13/2026

Common Grackle

97/13/2026

Northern Cardinal

37/13/2026

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.