State guide
When to catch New Jerseythrough the year
We follow 2 places in New Jersey for wildlife by season and winter wildlife: winter at Forsythe Refuge, spring at Forsythe Refuge and summer at Cape May Refuge. Each timing below is the place's own source, in its words; none is a forecast.
When are you going?
Fall in New Jersey
Good in fall
- Cape May RefugeMonarch butterflies migrate through in fall, September to November
- Forsythe RefugeDucks and geese start heading south to spend the winter here
From each place's own sources; no peak claimed.
Winter in New Jersey
- SEASON · WINTER WILDLIFEForsythe RefugeDecember through FebruaryNew Jersey
“December through February” · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ↗
Also good in winter
- Forsythe RefugeAmerican black ducks winter here in the hundreds, often thousands
From each place's own sources; no peak claimed.
Spring in New Jersey
- PHASE · WILDLIFE BY SEASONForsythe RefugeIn spring (March, April, and May) (and 3 more phases)New Jersey
“in spring (March, April, and May)” · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ↗
Also good in spring
- Cape May RefugeOspreys return to their nests in spring, March to May
- Forsythe RefugeOspreys return from the south
From each place's own sources; no peak claimed.
Summer in New Jersey
- PHASE · WILDLIFE BY SEASONCape May RefugeJune, July, and August is the time when our feathered families are raised and fledged (and 1 more phase)New Jersey
“June, July, and August is the time when our feathered families are raised and fledged” · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ↗
Also good in summer
- Cape May RefugeBirds raise and fledge their young, June to August
- Forsythe RefugeBirds raise and fledge their young, June to August
From each place's own sources; no peak claimed.
Places in New Jersey
- Cape May Refuge2 separate phases, from June, July, and August is the time when our feathered families are raised and fledged
- Forsythe Refuge4 separate phases, from in spring (March, April, and May)
Planning a New Jersey trip
Towns to stay in
- Vineland, NJBombay Hook · 29 mi
- New Brunswick, NJNewark · 24 mi
- Atlantic City, NJForsythe Refuge · 6 mi
- Long Branch, NJBrooklyn Botanic Garden · 26 mi
Nearest place we follow, straight-line miles.
Browse by season and event
- Wildlife by season · 2 places hereWildlife by season, everywhere →
- Winter wildlife · 1 place hereWinter wildlife, everywhere →
Questions people ask
Can I walk the beach at Two Mile Beach in summer at Cape May Refuge?
No. The Two Mile Beach beachfront is open for wildlife watching only from October 1 to March 31; in summer, use the unit's Marsh and Dune Trails with their observation platforms and blind.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Cape May NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
When are the trails open at Cape May Refuge?
The nature trails and observation areas are open seven days a week, sunrise to sunset, with parking at every site. The headquarters on Kimbles Beach Road is open weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Cape May NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where can I watch the ospreys nest at Forsythe Refuge?
From Osprey Outlook on the refuge boardwalk, which has telescopes and an interpretive panel. Inside the Visitor Information Center (Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), an osprey cam shows the nest live.Sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Edwin B. Forsythe NWR: Species (Seasons of Wildlife) ↗ (opens in a new tab), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Edwin B. Forsythe NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I visit Holgate in summer at Forsythe Refuge?
No. The Holgate Wilderness Area on Long Beach Island is closed from April 1 to August 31 for nesting birds, and the closure can be extended until the chicks fledge. From September 1 to March 31, the beach is open to walking and to driving below the berm crest.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Edwin B. Forsythe NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
How much does it cost at Forsythe Refuge?
The Wildlife Drive costs $4 per car or motorcycle for the day, and $2 on foot or by bike. Passes are sold at the Visitor Information Center (cash or check only; it's open Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am to 2 pm), and most can also be bought online.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Edwin B. Forsythe NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What are the hours at Forsythe Refuge?
The refuge, its trails and the Wildlife Drive are open every day of the year from sunrise to sunset. The gate at the end of Great Creek Road opens at sunrise and closes at sunset.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Edwin B. Forsythe NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Nearby state guides: Delaware · Maryland · District of Columbia · Connecticut
New Jersey in pictures
How we know
- Sep 30Park ServiceSeasons of wildlife: spring ospreys, summer nesting, the July shorebird departure, August tree swallows and fall monarchsSource (opens U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Cape May NWR: Species in a new tab)
- Sep 28Park ServiceSeasonal calendar: black ducks and Atlantic brant December–February, diving waterfowl, fall arrivals, spring ospreys; black duck and brant profilesSource (opens U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Edwin B. Forsythe NWR: Species (Seasons of Wildlife) in a new tab)