Belleplain State Forest

New Jersey · Northeast

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

Forest

Best Seasons

SpringFall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Belleplain State Forest is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 233 species recorded on eBird. This forest habitat attracts a wide variety of species among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

Loading map...

Notable Species

Red-eyed Vireo Scarlet Tanager Pileated Woodpecker Wood Thrush Ovenbird

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Green-winged Teal (Eurasian)

Anas crecca

3/5/2026Natural Lands Trust--Peek Preserve1 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

3/4/2026Stone Harbor Blvd.1 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

3/1/2026Ocean City Golf Course1 observed

Pileated Woodpecker

Dryocopus pileatus

2/26/2026346 Goshen Swainton Rd, Cape May Court House US-NJ 39.13274, -74.830372 observed

Northern Saw-whet Owl

Aegolius acadicus

2/23/2026Jeffers Landing Road, Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, US (39.319, -74.651)1 observed

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

2/21/2026Tuckahoe WMA (Cape May Co.)1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

2/20/2026Albert V. Giampietro Memorial Park1 observed

Birding Tips

1
Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.
2
Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.
3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in New Jersey

Cape May

Premier Atlantic Flyway migration hotspot with legendary fall raptor flights.

Abbott Marshlands - John A. Roebling Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in New Jersey with 221 recorded species.

Allaire State Park

Forest birding hotspot in New Jersey with 218 recorded species.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Belleplain State Forest for birding?▼

The best months to visit Belleplain State Forest for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Belleplain State Forest?▼

Notable species at Belleplain State Forest include Red-eyed Vireo, Scarlet Tanager, Pileated Woodpecker, Wood Thrush, Ovenbird. The area supports forest habitats.

How difficult is birding at Belleplain State Forest?▼

Birding at Belleplain State Forest is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Belleplain State Forest?▼

Belleplain State Forest offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.