Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

$4 per vehicle

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 348 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Brant, and Canada Goose 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

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

3/6/2026Garden State Parkway, Tuckerton, New Jersey, US (39.562, -74.459)1 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

3/6/2026Wildlife Dr, Absecon US-NJ 39.46309, -74.443221 observed

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

3/6/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Visitor Center1 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

3/1/2026Ocean City Golf Course1 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

3/1/2026Amasa Landing (use Edwin B Forsythe NWR--Burlington County Saltmarsh for checklists from watercraft)2 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

3/1/2026Amasa Landing (use Edwin B Forsythe NWR--Burlington County Saltmarsh for checklists from watercraft)3 observed

Black-headed Gull

Chroicocephalus ridibundus

3/1/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only)2 observed

Boat-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus major

3/1/2026Amasa Landing (use Edwin B Forsythe NWR--Burlington County Saltmarsh for checklists from watercraft)11 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snow Goose

3/6/2026

Brant

603/6/2026

Canada Goose

3/6/2026

Mute Swan

33/6/2026

Northern Shoveler

83/6/2026

Gadwall

353/6/2026

Mallard

183/6/2026

American Black Duck

1003/6/2026

Northern Pintail

3/6/2026

Green-winged Teal

13/6/2026

Canvasback

353/6/2026

Bufflehead

253/6/2026

Common Goldeneye

13/6/2026

Hooded Merganser

403/6/2026

Common Merganser

53/6/2026

Ruddy Duck

503/6/2026

Mourning Dove

23/6/2026

Ring-billed Gull

13/6/2026

American Herring Gull

3/6/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

63/6/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    Check the refuge website for seasonal auto tour route schedules and any temporary closures before visiting.

  5. 5

    Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail condition updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge include Snow Goose, Brant, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Wood Duck, Greater Scaup, Bufflehead, American Herring Gull, American Crow, House Sparrow, House Finch, Black Scoter. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge?
The entrance fee at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge is $4 per vehicle. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge?
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.