Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge Birding Trip
Protected Habitat on the New Jersey Shore Minutes From Atlantic City
May 14, 2009
East Coast bird watchers may already be familiar with this national wildlife refuge, often called simply Brigantine. But for those who have not experienced it, this is the place to see spring and fall migrating birds gathered in the thousands to rest and feed on the Jersey Shore. Enjoy a car tour on the Wildlife Drive or get out and walk some of the many trails where songbirds are abundant.
Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge Protects Rare New Jersey Habitat
Being able to see the buildings of Atlantic City from Wildlife Drive at Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge is a real reminder of how little wetland survives unexploited along the New Jersey Shore. The lands at Brigantine were originally set aside to provide suitable habitat for migrating Atlantic brant (Branta bernicla hrota) and American black duck (Anas rubripes), whose populations were declining dramatically. Today the Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge consists of a variety of habitats supporting many species of birds and other wildlife.
Start Bird Watching on the Songbird Trail at the Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
Take the short loop nearest the parking lot to check for migrating warblers and other songbirds. For a longer hike through more varied of habitat, continue on the main Songbird Trail and take the Jen’s Trail loop before heading back to the parking lot. It is also possible to pick up Jen’s Trail from Wildlife Drive just past the wetlands complex.
Birding Along Wildlife Drive for Shorebirds, Waders and Birds of Prey
Before leaving the parking lot to head out on Wildlife Drive in spring check the purple martin (Progne subis) houses in the field near the visitor center.
The main focus of Widlife Drive is the marshes and bays where shorebirds, waterfowl and wading birds migrating along the New Jersey coast are found in large numbers. Once on Wildlife Drive be sure not to miss Gull Pond Road’s observation tower to get an overview of what’s on the Refuge. Look in all directions as some of the shyer species of waterbirds may be seen on Gull Pond or Lily Lake rather than on the main marsh complex.
Back on Wildlife Drive carefully search the grassy areas of the salt creek edges for whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) and plover. At low tide the creek nearest the road often yields a variety of shorebirds and waders.
On the managed pool side, check for waterfowl as well as more waders and shorebirds. Keep an eye out for harriers working the marshes. And take a close look at the platform in the middle where a peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) is often perched in between hunting bouts.
Experimental Pool and Lily Lake at Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
As you leave the waterbird habitat start looking for songbirds in the meadows to the left and woodlands on the right. Take the turning to the Experimental Pool Overlook where an observation platform looks out over the pool. Drive slowly through the last wooded sections of the drive and be sure to stop at the bridge over Lily Lake where you may get another look at some waders and waterfowl before leaving the Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge.
With so many birds to see, the casinos of Atlantic City may take a backseat to the marshes of the New Jersey shore. Purchase of a federal duck stamp will help support this and other national wildlife refuges.
For those traveling in Florida the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge also offers great birding opportunities.
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