Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Cedar Bonnet Island

New Jersey · Northeast

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Cedar Bonnet Island is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 257 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, American Black Duck, and Greater Scaup 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

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

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

2/28/2026Amasa Landing Rd E, Tuckerton US-NJ 39.57825, -74.454991 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

93/4/2026

American Black Duck

133/4/2026

Greater Scaup

33/4/2026

Bufflehead

233/4/2026

American Herring Gull

63/4/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

13/4/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/4/2026

Cooper's Hawk

13/4/2026

Northern Harrier

13/4/2026

American Robin

13/4/2026

House Finch

23/4/2026

Song Sparrow

33/4/2026

Brant

32/28/2026

Ring-billed Gull

22/28/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

12/28/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

12/28/2026

Mallard

52/28/2026

Hooded Merganser

12/25/2026

Northern Flicker

12/21/2026

Gray Catbird

12/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Cedar Bonnet Island for birding?
The best months to visit Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Cedar Bonnet Island 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 - Cedar Bonnet Island?
Notable species at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Cedar Bonnet Island include Canada Goose, American Black Duck, Greater Scaup, Bufflehead, American Herring Gull. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Cedar Bonnet Island?
Birding at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Cedar Bonnet Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Cedar Bonnet Island?
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Cedar Bonnet Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.