Shorebirds feeding on the Mudflats at Edwin B. Forsythe NWR

A mid-summer early morning drive down the Garden State Parkway generally equates to a weekend at the Jersey shore.  For me, though, it means birding in one of New Jersey’s top birding locations. Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, commonly known as Brigantine, is located in Oceanville, NJ near Atlantic City.  There are many factors that give “Brig” its reputation:  the flies, the smell, the heat, but also, most importantly, the birds.

Edwin B. Forsythe NWR is my favorite place to bird in New Jersey.  In August especially, the shorebird numbers in the mudflats can be absolutely unbelievable.  When birding Brig during this time, we often say we are like “kids in a candy shop” watching tens of thousands of shorebirds scurry about in this perfect habitat.  However, Forsythe is great for other birds as well.  The diversity of species is simply incredible.  On a good day at Brig you can see Northern Bobwhite, American Bittern, Tricolored Heron, Glossy Ibis, Bald Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Clapper Rail, 27 species of shorebird, 10 species of tern, Whip-poor-will, Chucks-will-widow, as well as Blue Grosbeak, cuckoos, many species of warbler, sparrow, vireo, and swallow.  Do be warned, however, that Forsythe’s other visitors include massive swarms of Greenhead flies that are not afraid to make their presence known.  Despite the flies, a day at Brigantine is something you will never forget.  The birds are unbelievable, the numbers are simply mind numbing, and it is very easy to let an entire day slip away on the wildlife drive at this wonderful wildlife refuge.  New Jersey has quite a few birding surprises and Edwin B. Forsythe is certainly at the top of the list.  If you are ever in New Jersey birding at the more famous Cape May, then take a drive up the Parkway to see Brig; it will definitely be worth your time.

* For more about birding in North America see Places to Bird: Part 1 and Places to Bird: Part 2.