The Binocular Site
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, New Jersey
The Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge is an expanse of wetlands found along the Atlantic coast which first came into being in 1984, after the joining of two existing refuges.
The Barnegat Division was established in 1939 and can be found at the inner south end of Barnegat Bay. The Brigantine Divison was founded in 1969 and covers a vast area just north of Atlantic City, and along the South bank along the mouth of the Mullica river and Great Bay.
Situated along the Atlantic Flyway. the refuge is predominantly made up of tidal salt marshes and is a great spot to see rails, Atlantic Brants, and the American Black Duck in large numbers.
The shallow coves and bays provide excellent shelter to many waterfowl and shorebirds. With its well-managed system of dikes, the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge supports a wider variety of wildlife than what you might expect from a salt marsh. Beach areas provide habitat for some rare dune nesting birds, so keep your eyes peeled for the Piping Plovers, Black Skimmers, and Least Terns.
The New Jersey state bird is the American Goldfinch and you can find a checklist for birding in N.J. here.
Photo credit unknown. You can learn more about the birding opportunities and bird sightings of the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge here.If you've visited the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, please take the time to share your experience and any tips or insight you have about this New Jersey birding location below.
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