Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Holgate (Long Beach 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 - Holgate (Long Beach Island) is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 275 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Brant, Canada Goose, and Mute Swan 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

Brant

362/28/2026

Canada Goose

102/28/2026

Mute Swan

22/28/2026

Mallard

142/28/2026

American Black Duck

292/28/2026

Greater Scaup

22/28/2026

Long-tailed Duck

12/28/2026

Bufflehead

142/28/2026

American Oystercatcher

232/28/2026

Sanderling

122/28/2026

Ring-billed Gull

52/28/2026

American Herring Gull

62/28/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

42/28/2026

Song Sparrow

92/28/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

42/28/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

12/28/2026

Surf Scoter

32/27/2026

Black Scoter

72/27/2026

Lesser Black-backed Gull

12/27/2026

Common Loon

42/27/2026

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 - Holgate (Long Beach Island) for birding?
The best months to visit Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Holgate (Long Beach 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 - Holgate (Long Beach Island)?
Notable species at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Holgate (Long Beach Island) include Brant, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Mallard, American Black Duck. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Holgate (Long Beach Island)?
Birding at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Holgate (Long Beach 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 - Holgate (Long Beach Island)?
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Holgate (Long Beach Island) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.