Ocean City Preserve

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Ocean City Preserve is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 214 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, and Mallard 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

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

3/4/2026Stone Harbor Blvd.1 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

3/1/2026Ocean City Golf Course1 observed

Black-headed Gull

Chroicocephalus ridibundus

3/1/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only)2 observed

Pileated Woodpecker

Dryocopus pileatus

2/26/2026346 Goshen Swainton Rd, Cape May Court House US-NJ 39.13274, -74.830372 observed

Northern Saw-whet Owl

Aegolius acadicus

2/23/2026Jeffers Landing Road, Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, US (39.319, -74.651)1 observed

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

2/21/2026Tuckahoe WMA (Cape May Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

73/5/2026

Northern Shoveler

173/5/2026

Mallard

103/5/2026

American Black Duck

113/5/2026

Green-winged Teal

123/5/2026

Ring-necked Duck

33/5/2026

Rock Pigeon

13/5/2026

Mourning Dove

133/5/2026

American Herring Gull

43/5/2026

Carolina Chickadee

13/5/2026

European Starling

183/5/2026

Northern Mockingbird

13/5/2026

American Robin

103/5/2026

House Sparrow

3/5/2026

House Finch

33/5/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

53/5/2026

Song Sparrow

33/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

3/5/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

13/5/2026

Common Grackle

63/5/2026

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 Ocean City Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Ocean City Preserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Ocean City Preserve?
Notable species at Ocean City Preserve include Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Mallard, American Black Duck, Green-winged Teal. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ocean City Preserve?
Birding at Ocean City Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Ocean City Preserve?
Ocean City Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.