Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only)

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
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 - Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only) is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 331 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

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

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

Snow Goose

11143/5/2026

Brant

203/5/2026

Canada Goose

843/5/2026

Northern Shoveler

103/5/2026

Gadwall

53/5/2026

Mallard

53/5/2026

American Black Duck

453/5/2026

Northern Pintail

153/5/2026

Canvasback

63/5/2026

Bufflehead

113/5/2026

Ruddy Duck

503/5/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

33/5/2026

American Herring Gull

533/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/5/2026

American Robin

1003/5/2026

White-throated Sparrow

3/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

13/5/2026

Common Grackle

13/5/2026

Mute Swan

33/4/2026

Green-winged Teal

3/4/2026

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 - Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only) for birding?
The best months to visit Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only) 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 - Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only)?
Notable species at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only) include Snow Goose, Brant, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Northern Shoveler, 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 - Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only)?
Birding at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only) 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 - Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only)?
The entrance fee at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only) is $4 per vehicle. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only)?
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.