Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge - Pleasant Plains Road

New Jersey · Northeast

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

Wetland

Best Seasons

SpringFall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge - Pleasant Plains Road is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 214 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Red-bellied Woodpecker among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Canada Goose Mallard Red-bellied Woodpecker American Kestrel Blue Jay

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

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

Greater White-fronted x Canada Goose (hybrid)

Anser albifrons x Branta canadensis

3/3/2026Opie Road1 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

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

3/2/2026Opie Road2 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

3/4/2026

Mallard

23/4/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/4/2026

American Kestrel

13/4/2026

Blue Jay

33/4/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

23/4/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

13/4/2026

Eastern Bluebird

13/4/2026

American Robin

63/4/2026

House Finch

13/4/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

23/4/2026

White-throated Sparrow

83/4/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

63/4/2026

Common Grackle

23/4/2026

American Black Duck

23/4/2026

Mourning Dove

13/4/2026

Northern Harrier

13/4/2026

Northern Flicker

33/4/2026

Tufted Titmouse

13/4/2026

Rusty Blackbird

13/4/2026

Birding Tips

1
Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.
2
Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.
3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Auto Tour Route

More in New Jersey

Cape May

Premier Atlantic Flyway migration hotspot with legendary fall raptor flights.

Abbott Marshlands - John A. Roebling Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in New Jersey with 221 recorded species.

Allaire State Park

Forest birding hotspot in New Jersey with 218 recorded species.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge - Pleasant Plains Road for birding?▼

The best months to visit Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge - Pleasant Plains Road 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 - Pleasant Plains Road?▼

Notable species at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge - Pleasant Plains Road include Canada Goose, Mallard, Red-bellied Woodpecker, American Kestrel, Blue Jay. The area supports wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge - Pleasant Plains Road?▼

Birding at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge - Pleasant Plains Road is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge - Pleasant Plains Road?▼

Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge - Pleasant Plains Road offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.