Birding in Cumberland County
Saltwater and freshwater wetlands, fields, hedgerows and forest, provide a range of habitats. Wintering waterfowl are found in great numbers along the Maurice River and huge flocks of snow geese feed in winter at the river's mouth. A recent survey found 29 species of waterfowl here. The Maurice River has been established as one of the more important raptor wintering areas in the East, and the Delaware Bay is a migration path for annual raptor migrations. Osprey and bald eagle nests are located on the Maurice River and nearby. Migrating shore birds may be found on beaches to the east and west. Both migrating and breeding neotropical songbirds may be found here in season.
What Can Be Seen?
Shorebird migration in May at the Delaware Bay towns of Moore's Beach, East Point, and Thompson's Beach. Neotropical songbird migration can be seen, both spring and fall, around East Point. Autumn raptor migration also occurs around East Point and Delaware Bay. Waterfowl and wintering raptors are the largest population of bald eagles in New Jersey is on the Maurice River.
Where Are Some Prime Birdwatching Sites?
- Bridgeton City Park
- Osborn Fish & Wildlife Management Area
- Bayside
- Sea Breeze Fish & Wildlife Management Area
- Clarks Pond Fish & Wildlife Management Area
- Nantuxent Fish & Wildlife Management Area
- Fortescue Fish & Wildlife Management Area
- Turkey Point Fish & Wildlife Management Area
- Edward G. Bevan Fish & Wildlife Management Area
- Union Lake Fish & Wildlife Management Area
- Menantico Fish & Wildlife Management Area
- West Side Park
- Maurice River Nature Area
- Willow Oak Nature Area
- Peaslee Fish & Wildlife Management Area
- Heislerville Fish & Wildlife Management Area
And many other locations along the Maurice River!