Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 246 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, and Wood Duck 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

Iceland Gull (kumlieni)

Larus glaucoides

3/6/2026North Branch Park1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/5/2026Rahway River Park6 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

3/4/2026Marciante-Jackson-Millet Park8 observed

Barnacle x Cackling Goose (hybrid)

Branta leucopsis x hutchinsii

3/4/2026Rahway River Park1 observed

Snow x Canada Goose (hybrid)

Anser caerulescens x Branta canadensis

3/3/2026Norz Farm Fields (Hillsborough Twp.)1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

3/3/2026Lake Parsippany1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

3/1/2026River view6 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

3/1/2026Clark Reservoir--Bartell Field1 observed

Cackling Goose (Richardson's)

Branta hutchinsii

3/1/2026Johnson Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

6503/2/2026

Wood Duck

863/2/2026

Mallard

2043/2/2026

American Black Duck

3523/2/2026

Green-winged Teal

93/2/2026

Mourning Dove

53/2/2026

American Woodcock

73/2/2026

Northern Harrier

43/2/2026

Barred Owl

33/2/2026

Short-eared Owl

13/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/2/2026

Northern Flicker

13/2/2026

American Kestrel

13/2/2026

Merlin

13/2/2026

Common Raven

13/2/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

13/2/2026

European Starling

23/2/2026

American Robin

1503/2/2026

American Tree Sparrow

13/2/2026

Fox Sparrow

13/2/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge include Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Mallard, American Black Duck. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge?
Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.