Wheelabrator Wildlife Refuge

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
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

Loading map...

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

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

3/5/2026John Heinz NWR--wetlands (Delaware Co.)1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

3/5/2026Springton Reservoir (restricted access)3 observed

Wilson's Snipe

Gallinago delicata

3/5/2026Calcon Hook Rd.1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

3/5/2026109 Colonial Ave, Moorestown US-NJ 39.95890, -74.955801 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/5/2026Philadelphia Naval Yard (restricted access)1 observed

Barred Owl

Strix varia

3/4/2026Casa and kitchen birding1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

3/4/2026Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust1 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola)

Buteo jamaicensis

3/4/2026Packer Marine Terminal Port (restricted access)1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored/cismontanus)

Junco hyemalis

3/4/2026Haverford College (Delaware Co.)1 observed

Evening Grosbeak

Hesperiphona vespertina

3/4/2026Tyler Arboretum1 observed

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

3/4/2026Home1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

252/28/2026

Mallard

22/28/2026

American Black Duck

202/28/2026

Canvasback

182/28/2026

Bufflehead

62/28/2026

Common Merganser

82/28/2026

Rock Pigeon

302/28/2026

Mourning Dove

22/28/2026

Ring-billed Gull

42/28/2026

American Herring Gull

82/28/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

52/28/2026

Red-throated Loon

12/28/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

32/28/2026

Bald Eagle

32/28/2026

Great Horned Owl

12/28/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

12/28/2026

Downy Woodpecker

22/28/2026

Blue Jay

12/28/2026

American Crow

12/28/2026

Fish Crow

122/28/2026

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.