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Description
The Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1939 to protect migratory water birds. With the Atlantic City skyline in the background, the Refuge offers exceptional wildlife viewing and photography opportunites along an auto trail. The birding here is great all year. Fresh and brackish water impoundments attract a variety of bird species.
The first impoundment you come to on your left, Vogt Pool is feshwater. A good variety of waterfowl and spectacular numbers of Snow Goose are present in the winter and can be viewed from your warm car. Thousands of shorebirds use the refuge during spring and fall migration. Warblers can be found in the forested uplands of the Refuge during migration. There are several trails that can be explored on foot.
Details
Access
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refug opens daily from sunrise to sunset. Parking is available at the Visitor Information Center, Leed's Eco-Trail, and other trailheads. Click on a P in the map for directions or coordinates. The best way to explore the 8 mile (12,6 km) Wildlife Drive is via car since you can use your car as a mobile hide. You can also explore the route on foot or via bicycle. Entrance to Wildlife Drive is $4/car.
Please note that the majority of Wildlife Drive is one-way. The only exception is Gull Pond Road. There are two observation towers at the Refuge, one along Wildlife Drive and the other at the end of Gull Pond Road. Bathrooms and a water bottle filling station are available at the Visitor Information Center.
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , Wetland , Scattered trees and bushes , Mud flats , ReedbedsConditions
Flat , Open landscapeCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Spring migration , Autumn migrationRoute
Unpaved roadDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , CarBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
The Refuge offers free bird walks year-round every Friday (8–10 AM) except during the heat of the summer when the biting insects are at their worst. Friday morning bird walks return after Labor Day. Atlantic Audubon also leads bird walks on Saturdays (8 AM – noon) during spring and fall migration. Both bird walks meet at the Visitor Information Center parking lot. These walks cover a different area than the Wildlife Drive itself.
The Visitor Information Center is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10 AM – 2 PM. The Friends of Forsythe Gift Shop and pass sales are offered there. You can stop anywhere along Wildlife Drive but please be sure to pull over far enough for other vehicles to pass. Biting insects from mid-May through mid-October.
Links
- eBird Hotspot
- Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
- Atlantic Audubon Society Bird Walks
- Photo Wildlife Drive by U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, via Wikimedia Commons