THIS is America's BEST National Wildlife Refuge.

[@keeganrankin2985]

As someone who has lived on this refuge for a year and a half, I argue the best National Wildlife Refuge is Kuaihelani, otherwise known as Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. Being a biological technician out there has been the highlight of my life. Millions of nesting Laysan and Black-footed Albatross, millions of nesting Bonin Petrel coming in every evening to growl and chase each other around for the best nesting burrows. Thousands of nesting Wedge-tailed Shearwater, Sooty and Gray-backed Terns, Great Frigatebird, and Sulids galore. Plus, and amazing spot for rarities. Got my first Siberian Wagtail, Tufted Duck, Garganey, Black-legged Kittiwake, Ruff, Eurasian Wigeon, and Greater White-fronted Goose while I was out there. Friends of mine have recently seen Jack Snipe, Little Stint, Northern Lapwing, and Wood Sandpiper out there, and even Bohemian Waxwing. It's truly a remarkable wildlife refuge.

[@thomastuorto9929]

Heck, look where it is, no wonder!

[@kevins8575]

Yes, it's a great place for birds, but it's inaccessible for people who would appreciate its wildlife.

[@elijacoby1944]

Just started birding last week. Saw my first Warbler and Titmouse yesterday 🔥

[@Bob_Duchesne]

Nice!!

[@MiTmite9]

Soon to be One of Us. One of Us. Ha.

[@leena955]

im so happy for you, both are awesome and beautiful birds. keep birding!!

[@laurahunt3157]

If you venture down south, don't miss the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Truly stunning!

[@Bob_Duchesne]

Ouch. I haven't been there in 40 years! Time to revisit, I think.

[@MexIrishBackyardBirdwatcher]

Thanks for posting this. I live in Oregon and can only enjoy east coast birds from a KZbin distance!

[@Bob_Duchesne]

I had SO much fun in Oregon a couple years ago. I'll get back some day, for sure.

[@jennyb360]

Adding this one to my list, thanks. On a side note, you have a great voice!

[@vinnyturner190]

I worked at E.B. Forsythe NWR for 34 years. Loved working there and I miss it every day. Yes, it’s the best refuge in the country! And the impoundment areas is just the tip of the iceberg. There’s so much more diverse and unique habitats as you work your way north up the coast. An incredible place indeed!!🥰

[@nonewherelistens1906]

You were very lucky.

[@joechiaretti4131]

When I lived in southern New Mexico years ago, the Bosque del Apache NWR was just a 30 min drive from my home. It was the first place I experienced large flights of sandhill cranes along with their cousins, the whopping crane. It's a must-see wildlife refuge in the West during late winter.

[@Bob_Duchesne]

Yes, I think Bosque del Apache NWR has bumped to the top of my must-do list. What month is best?

[@joechiaretti4131]

@Bob_Duchesne Bob, It's been way too long since I lived in Socorro to remember exactly, but the winter months when the cranes are there stick in my brain (Dec-Feb?). Be prepared, though, because winter temps plus wind can be chillingly cold in the high-elevation deserts of NM. I would do your own research about the best month(s) to visit the Bosque. The summer months are the worst months to visit to see birdlife.

[@quixote5844]

Oregonian here. A few years ago, I set out to visit the peak migration sites around the country. Starting in late March, I went to the Platte River in Kearny, Nebraska for the sandhill cranes, I saw 186,321 out of a reported 5<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="0">00:00</a>0. How did I get that number? Easy, count the legs and divide by two.😂 then on to Florida where I spent 9 days visiting all the National Wildlife Refuges I could find. Also, Everglades before the birds leave in late April. Then on up the East Coast visiting numerous National Wildlife Refuges. Then to Lake Erie’s Magee Marsh which the American Birding Association calls the biggest birding event in North America. Saw all those warblers who fall out in preparation for crossing Lake Erie. My point is, if you want to see birds across the country, stop at as many National Wildlife Refuges as you can. The best? It’s not a competition. Each one is the best for the birds in their area.

[@BlackwaterRefuge]

Great refuge! I drive four hours from Maryland a few times a year to visit Forsythe. Never a bad season.

[@Bob_Duchesne]

I'm thinking of doing Blackwater (again) next year. I got at least two of my lifers there a LONG time ago.

[@edkight6447]

@@Bob_Duchesne Bob I would recommend visiting Blackwater in the winter months when the migrating birds are there. More sparse in warmer months. One of my favorites.

[@rrrosecarbinela]

We love Blackwater. (plan to be there tomorrow, actually!) but Forsythe is where I got my best skimmer photos yet. I agree with the comment that winter is a great time to go to BWNWR.

[@edkight6447]

@@rrrosecarbinela I got some great Skimmer pics last year in Florida. I never heard of them before that trip. That skimming thing is mind blowing !

[@lonnieclemens8028]

This has been an excellent video. I am impressed at the presentation by Bob Duchesne. The wildlife refuge in New Jersey is a must. Thank you for sharing. I will subscribe today.

[@donnay1]

This one looks fantastic. I'll need to make a trip! I often visit Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge on Lake Erie marshes. It has nesting eagles, ducks, shorebirds and many songbirds. Many types of raptors as well. The warblers migrate thru this area in May. You can drive thru on designated days, walk the pools and woods, ride bikes.

[@michigangundogoutdoors9234]

@@donnay1 my father brought me there many times as a youngster

[@kndvolk]

Started birding here in 1974. No short-eared owls? Saw them many times. During intense cold the snowy owls appeared. Absolutely agree that it's the #1 NWR. Many wonderful memories. Once called Brigantine NWR which I prefer and still call it. Thank you for this beautiful video.

[@Bob_Duchesne]

It was REALLY hard not to call it Brigantine, which I much prefer. Never had a snowy owl there, but I did have one at Bombay Hook many years ago.

[@dwightm786]

I like "Brig" myself & I started here in 1958...This and John Heinz (AKA Tinicum) are my favs...Tinicum was right near where I lived when I was young so its part of my youth and still great!

[@davearchbell9921]

You promised me amazing and you did not disappoint. 10 hour drive for me. I'll have to give it a go next year. Thanks

[@libertymedicalcommunicatio4908]

Jersey for the win!

[@michigangundogoutdoors9234]

Seney wildlife in the Upper Peninsula of Mi has always been close to my heart, great video

[@moravskyvrabec]

I was born and raised in NJ but didn't start birding until my early 50's. Just spent 4 years in Kazakhstan (tons of Greenshanks ;-) and now in Armenia. Next time I come home I'll check this place out--thanks!

[@MisplacedMotoVlogger]

Been a while since I've been here, and I only live a little over an hour from the place. Think you've inspired me to take a ride down this weekend. Thank you.

[@leobachand8408]

Great video!!!! Great location!!!! We have been there an loved it!!! Looking forward to your next trip!

[@strvideos358]

Agreed! My favorite spot to go birding!

[@JenniferWilliams-cg4ev]

Wow. I'm so glad I found this channel!

[@Bob_Duchesne]

I'm so glad, too!

[@timefortinybirdandfriends6565]

Wonderful video! Thank you!🙂

[@alexandermatos186]

I like how you narrated this video.

[@stevensaunders4982]

Great video and my favorite place to bird. We get there in the spring & fall. In July the Green Heads bounce off the windshield and we bird primarily then by car. I’ve seen Virginia Rail there in August. Favorite lifers there have been Hudsonian Godwit, American Avocets & Curlew Sandpiper. Thanks for sharing and bringing back lots of happy memories there

[@PaulSkuta]

Re: Mylar balloons. Someone needs to develop a biodegradable balloon (paper coated with beeswax so it holds gas relatively well) filled with wildflower seeds. What a beautiful way to honor someone during one of those balloon release events. Are you out there anybody? Wonderful NWR, BTW. Thanks for the tour.

[@Bob_Duchesne]

Drives me crazy. I find them in the forest many miles from civilization. Some tour boats in Maine stop to pick them up at sea.

[@Missmyphone]

Hi Bob, just want to say, i love your videos, and have kept up for a while now. Love the quality and how funny you can be. ALSO biiig fan of all your hats, suuuper jealous!

[@Bob_Duchesne]

The hats started out as just a joke. But NOW they're getting really amusing!

[@raymondrawlings842]

Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge is the one I grew up going to because my grandparents lived there. Maybe it's not the best, but it's big enough and impressive enough that the others I've been to since have not compared. Cheyenne Bottoms in Kansas is pretty good as well.

[@FrankRobacker-t4n]

Always engaging, Bob. Thanks again.

[@BrittneyMeguire]

you have the most beautiful voice - i dream of becoming a voice over artist one day. you have a great channel!

[@Bob_Duchesne]

You probably wouldn't be surprised to learn what my previous career was...😁

[@MarvinForte]

I luckily grew up less than 10 miles from Forsythe Wildlife Refuge (formerly known as Brigantine Wildlife Refuge). I got to be there to see the reintroduction of peregrine falcons. I have been to many wildlife refuges over the years, expecting them to be like Forsythe, but I am yet to find one better so far. Malheur is on my to do list, since I moved to Oregon not long ago.

[@Bob_Duchesne]

I still say "Brigantine." And, yeah, I loved Malheur, even though I was there in a dry October. I'll definitely revisit that one!

[@nonewherelistens1906]

Have the same pathway. Philadelphia eventually to Eugene (with a few stops along the way). Malheur is on my to-do list.

[@patrickhanly7458]

Local birders simply call it "Brigantine" and I go twice a year, followed by a trip down to Cape May. Depending on the season, I regularly find Rails, Whimbrel, Avocet, Skimmer, Oyster Catcher both sea and fresh water ducks (as you point out), many raptors (I've seen the Harriers chasing each other, so no, they don't get along), tons of shorebirds, Seaside and Salt marsh sparrows, several Heron species, several species of Terns and spring can be good for songbirds in that single "tree" that you pointed as well as the adjoining woodlands. I have had Scarlet Tanager and several Warblers in that tree. It's funny, I was there in mid November, and I also had a single Black-Bellied Plover among a huge flock of feeding Dunlin, just like you did.

[@nonewherelistens1906]

Wow, what a blast from my past. An old girlfriend took me here for the first time in 1976, when we both lived in Philadelphia. We made many trips in different times of the year. I knew it was a good place, but never expected it to be on somebody's number 1 list. I now live 5 hours from Malheur NWR (on your honorable mention list) but have yet to visit it, but it is on the top of next spring's agenda.

[@Bob_Duchesne]

Thanks. I could easily spend a whole week at Malheur. Loved it.

[@curtislewis3555]

Loess Bluff NWR in Missouri is great this time of year. It's a 7 hour drive from where I live in Arkansas. I go a couple times a year.

[@kerrymagee199]

Another great video. Made my day. Love your videos. And like my birding buddy Shelley says "we always learn something". Birding videos with a sense of humor... awesome 👍😀

[@Bob_Duchesne]

Somehow, I seem to have this drive to share awesome places. This one is always amazing. Love it.

[@MiTmite9]

Thank you for this, Bob. You made my day.

[@physicsandstuf7817]

These videos are great! There's a bunch of interesting info about the site, but there's also so much footage of the birds. I use a lot of these clips to help me ID similar species in california

[@JaniceinUtah]

Lovely, I think that will be our first trip in 2025. My favorite is Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in Utah. Looking forward to your next video, subscribed! Thanks.

[@Bob_Duchesne]

Thanks! I have high hopes of exploring Utah in the near future.

[@JaniceinUtah]

@@Bob_Duchesne we have salt water too. lol

[@Robirda]

​@@Bob_Duchesne yes, please come to Utah! Bear River refuge, Antelope Island Causeway at the Great Salt Lake are both fantastic birding.

[@alexisnogueras9400]

Very nice!! Big Cypress down here in S.Florida has good times in the year. But as long as they continue to be protected they are ALL beautiful.

[@Bob_Duchesne]

If only I could see a Florida panther in Big Cypress. Not for lack of trying! On the other hand, I did have one bound across the road in front of me on the road to Flamingo decades ago, so I can't complain.

[@alanmarkowitz3366]

We bought a summer place in Belmar NJ a couple years ago and have been to Forsythe a couple times and have enjoyed each visit. Reminds me of Blackwater near Cambridge MD in how the drives are laid out.

[@Bob_Duchesne]

Yeah, actually Blackwater was the first Delmarva refuge I ever visited...a LONG time ago. I return every few years, and I plan to visit again next year.

[@alanmarkowitz3366]

@ we haven’t been there since the late 80s. Probably won’t be long before much of it is under water.

[@thesecretthirdthing]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1059">17:39</a> okay that's one hell of a thing

[@birdman5223]

Excellent👍

[@kms409]

Beautiful! Looks a lot like the ones here in the gulf coast. San Bernard, Lacassine and Cameron Prairie. You'll see roseate spoonbills, gators, ibis and Cara Caras. Some of my favorites

[@Bob_Duchesne]

I've done some great ones in Louisiana. Loved Lacassine. Haven't done much from the Florida panhandle through Alabama. The whole gulf coast is in my sights.

[@kms409]

@Bob_Duchesne that's great! I'll go back and watch 😁

[@kristinaketelsen5797]

Thanks for the video! Many, many of the same Birds along the Pacific Flyway. I like bird festivals because they do the heavy lifting for you. Come for the Yuba City, Chico and Lodi bird festivals in the winter

[@TheWolfHowls1]

I live in Wisconsin, I’ve been to necedah refugee and I’m gonna check out horicon also.

[@roberthackbart7247]

When visiting Horicon Marsh it’s large so it’s best to have a plan. The upper 2/3rds is federal and the bottom 1/3 is state. That’s because when it was restored in the 1930’s Wisconsin didn’t have enough money to finish the project so the federal government agreed to fund 2/3rds. So there are two visitor centers, both state and federal. Check out the centers once the bird activity slows down midday. Here’s what I’ve learned and use for my visits: For success at Horicon, get there early enough. The key is to get there at or before sunrise. There is a road in the federal section called Old Marsh Road. Access is only allowed between June 1st and Sept 1st on this road. That’s to protect the breeding season and the migration season along the road. (The rest of Horicon has access year round. ). Go to the east side of the marsh and start walking in on Old Marsh Road before the sun starts showing itself. Walk in at least a mile. (Sun at your back) I’ve had great success doing this. Wear old shoes because the road is covered with geese droppings! After I’m done with this I’ll checkout the auto tour and the hwy49 ponds and other Horicon stops. Study the online maps before going. I always carry a copy. Check out Badgerland Birding’s KZbin channel for their video on their visit to Horicon. Hope this helps make your visit a success. Have fun!

[@donnay1]

Horicon Marsh is fantastic! Largest freshwater marsh.

[@16SarahE]

Have you visited Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira in Kansas? It has a similar set up of fresh water and brackish wetlands

[@Bob_Duchesne]

Nope. Sounds like I have a reason to visit Kansas!

[@danhealyeverythingoutdoors7105]

Great video ! Are there any wild Ringneck Pheasant there ?

[@Bob_Duchesne]

Not that I know of. It's not the dry grassland pheasants prefer.

[@danhealyeverythingoutdoors7105]

Thank you ! When I was growing up in NJ they were plentiful , now VERY rare !

[@dannyc9784]

I go to Richard W. DeKorte Park almost daily in Lyndhurst NJ very close to where I live. It's a very similar habitat on a smaller scale then this one. I truly love it, it's an amazing place and the wildlife is always so diverse and ever changing, depending on the season. I'm glad I'm not the only crazy OCD person, that has to count the amount of birds in a particular flock 🤣😂🤣.You should check it out when your in Jersey, there are some less established paths that are very interesting to walk & explore.

[@Oenloveslife]

Hi Bob, another wonderful video! When you say Clapper Rails are "jerks", what does that make a Black Rail? 😁

[@Bob_Duchesne]

Don't get me started on those! I've been close. They were calling. But invisible to the end.

[@vincentnichnadowicz]

Glad you enjoyed it. There are more parts of the refuge east, north and south of where you were but only accessible from other roadways.

[@Bob_Duchesne]

Yes, we took an Air B&B for 3 nights adjacent to another part of the refuge. I look forward to exploring the rest on my next visit.

[@bigcheese9924]

Can’t thank you enough for this!

[@robertsanders2992]

Thanks! Brought me back to growing up in NJ. You demonstrate the importance of mud for shorebirds, etc. I'm in FL now & visit Merritt Island NWR. Unfortunately it hasn't been as productive in recent years. The feeling is the managers keep too much water in areas that used to feature mud flats & lots of birds in an effort to reduce mosquitoes. Too bad. It's not the same.

[@Stukin_The_Pines]

Really enjoy your videos, whether it be a familiar place or somewhere far afield. Yes, I agree that Brigantine (aka "Brig") is the best NWR! (Well, maybe a little less so in the summer months when the Greenhead Flies are in attack mode.) Always lots of birds. Since I live only about an hour away, I have easy access to this excellent site. I enjoy the shorebirds & raptors & waders, but the changing cast of waterfowl are easier to observe. One never knows when an unexpected species will show up at Brig. Many years ago, in a June both times, I got these Lifers there: Garganey and Ruddy Shelduck.

[@aureaphilos]

I've not yet been to Forsythe or Brigantine, but Montezuma NWR, near Seneca Falls NY, is a must visit if you should find yourself driving across New York State. Their signature species is Tundra Swan, who breed there. The last time I went to visit family in West Texas, I drove out to Bitter Lake(s?) NWR in Roswell NM. No aliens to be seen in the area, but thousands of ducks, herons, Lesser Sand Hill Crane, ... and Scaled Quail 😮 around the visitor center! Definitely worth a repeat visit.

[@Bob_Duchesne]

I like Montezuma a lot. I do wish there was a little more road access around some of the pools. And, unfortunately, it was a dry year when I arrived last year. The swans were barely present. Fortunately, I have relatives in Rochester, so I'm likely to hit it again before too long.

[@RockbridgeWildlifeandFar-ti1mx]

100% agree. A timely video for us. We stopped by Forsythe over Thanksgiving weekend driving south to home in Virginia after visiting our daughter in New Hampshire. We hadn't been to Forsythe in 30 years (before out daughter was born)! Although cold and breezy, we spent an amazing morning at the refuge. We almost made it to Maine this trip - visited Odiorne Point State Park in Rye, so we could see Maine. We enjoy your videos. PS. We are always amazed at the number of mylar balloons that show up on our farm in Western Virginia. I've wondered if its something about our property that attracts them or if there are just thousands that are released. The only thing worse than one mylar balloon is accidently bushhogging one and ending up with a thousand silver flakes.

[@whfowle]

E B Forsythe NWR does look good. But, I doubt I'll ever get there. I'll just have to put up with my little Bosque del Apache here in New Mexico.

[@georgeg.7124]

Nice video. Hope you get a chance to visit St. Marks NWR. It's quite nice.

[@johnr75]

it's a good one, I was there in September, but Hagerman near Texoma is pretty good too and they both have auto-loops.

[@MaineSWH]

Great spot 🌾

[@mel9845]

Sand Lake Refuge near Aberdeen SD, largest gathering of cattle egrets. Great to see when there is a good spring flood. Large gatherings of purple martins near Columbia SD.

[@Bob_Duchesne]

Sorry to have missed that refuge. I found SD to be a delightful place to bird and I can't wait to do it again.

[@WhatKindOfGuitarIsIt]

Check out Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Southeast Oregon sometime, and take in Steen's Mountain as well, they are connected.

[@Bob_Duchesne]

I LOVE Malheur! And Steen's Mountain. I did a video on it a couple years ago. It was in autumn, and really dry, so I'm quite anxious to return. Absolutely loved it.

[@Mad_Ancient_Computer_700AD]

Shiawassee NWR is very similar. Located in Michigan. A must-visit location!

[@Bob_Duchesne]

Sounds good. There are other places in Michigan I want to visit, too.

[@cliftonwhittaker260]

Thanks, Bob. :)

[@Joy_vlogca]

Enjoy watching to the end,thx for sharing with us 🫶🤗🇨🇦🎄🎄🎄

[@finntowle3186]

Plum island is a great place for me

[@Bob_Duchesne]

Funny you should mention it. I was just thinking about it this morning. Good place for unusual owls in winter, and only about 3 hours from my house. My last visit was probably about four years ago.

[@callisto5810]

Got 120 species in one day there back in May!

[@DrDavidThor]

__ I'm glad there's something called a Common Green-Shanks. If they didn't exist, we'd have to invent them.

[@dannyluelee]

I’d argue Horicon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge just because of the incredible history of restoring it by amazing people.

[@Bob_Duchesne]

FINALLY I have a reason to go to Wisconsin! 😊

[@christopherbuckley94]

It's pretty good. I also like Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge near Saginaw, MI. I also went to Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in NM and saw absolutely nothing! LOL

[@michigangundogoutdoors9234]

@@christopherbuckley94 copper harbor Located in the furthest north tip in the upper peninsula of MI around Mother’s Day you’ll see a peregrine falcon migration across the lake

[@matches81]

If you ever get the chance checkout Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge in Forest City Missouri, during the winter months. It will reach over a million snow geese in one area. Several other species too.

[@Bob_Duchesne]

Yeah, somebody else suggested that one, too. I think I hit it 30+ years ago and really liked it. But it wasn't the best season and I always wanted to go back. Gotta put it on the visitation list!

[@matches81]

@@Bob_Duchesne I went there over the weekend, there's 500+ Bald Eagles right now and thousands of Trumpeter Swans. My hands were sore by the end of the day I took so many photos. lol

[@edkight6447]

Bob, great video again. Just found and subscribed to your channel. That place on my bucket list. I'm three hours away and hesitated because didn't want to do an overnight. Would you recommend avoided full moons for the tides ? Thanks

[@Bob_Duchesne]

Full moons are no problem. I usually go around twice, at least, so I hit all the tides. The birding changes with the tide, so it's interesting no matter what. I planned on three days this time, just to do it justice.

[@edkight6447]

@ thanks for your response. Never thought of that. If you’re there long enough, tides are moving.

[@billmuni2702]

Okefenooke Swamp NWR in Georgia is also wonderful.

[@bobert561]

Ottawa Wildlife Refuge Ohio Maggie Marsh is also good for birding, from Pennsylvania four hours from me.

[@dengueberries]

Alaska has entered the chat.

[@Bob_Duchesne]

Oh, Lord, birding Alaska was SO much fun. If only my every attempt to get to St. Paul hadn't failed.

[@jz4492]

What gear are you shooting your video with? Camera/lens/TC? At what focal length?

[@Bob_Duchesne]

The main camera is a Canon HF g50 video camera. For handheld and scenery, I rely on my DJI Osmo Pocketplus 3. Both are real workhorses!

[@StellarLimpkin]

Definitely check out Bosque del Apache and San Bernardino NWRs

[@Bob_Duchesne]

Yup, bumped way up my wish list. What's the best month?

[@MiroslavjMaran]

Brazoria in Texas. Anything on your experience with that refuge.

[@Bob_Duchesne]

No, I've done a good chunk of Texas, but not there. Texas is high on my revisitation list!

[@737Parkie]

Wichita Mountains WR in Oklahoma is my favorite. Roosevelt helped restart the bison population there in 1901 after they had been decimated by hunters.

[@Bob_Duchesne]

At last, someone has made a good recommendation for Oklahoma. I've never been there, but I want to. Thanks!

[@stevencanden2911]

The sheer numbers of shorebirds that show up here during migration is legitimately absurd. I've never seen so many in my life

[@MrsTracy-hs7tu]

I would make the case for Bombay Hook NWR in Smyrna, DE. As I watch this video, I thought I was watching Bombay Hook. They are VERY similar! Check it out - only 126 miles from Forsythe. 😊

[@Bob_Duchesne]

Way ahead of you! Bombay Hook was the video I did just before Forsythe. Love that refuge!

[@cirrus_sky1920]

Looking at the map at the beginning of the video, interesting how many NWR are in North Dakota.

[@Bob_Duchesne]

I've had so much fun birding South Dakota that I've kinda ignored North Dakota. I probably shouldn't.

[@njnature]

Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in NJ not to shabby. They wanted to put Newark Airport there. Gratefully common sense prevailed. It's the headwaters of the Passaic river which is tragically polluted downstream. To my knowledge, no conservation efforts to clean it. The Raptor Trust is a must see when visiting the Great Swamp.

[@CA-lf7jt]

I love the one outside of Idaho springs about a half hr drive in Idaho can’t remember the name moose birds

[@timefortinybirdandfriends6565]

I hope it stays this way.🙂

[@thomastuorto9929]

I was there for the first time in Oct. probably go back around 12/10 & again in Jan & Feb 2025.

[@stevensaunders4982]

If you’re going back this winter, you may want to also visit Barnegat Light at the end of LBI (Long Beach Island) just north of Forsythe at Exit 63 for sea ducks

[@thomastuorto9929]

@ Absolutely! Seen a show on tv , The Wildlife Photography Show at Barnegat Light on the winter ducks. That’s why Dec & Jan. Pretty sure he said the series recorded in Feb. I only have been there during summer & fall when I use to fish the inlet. Any who, that show is still a bailable on the Natural History Channel here on u- tube.

[@Bob_Duchesne]

I've done Barnegat Light, but most of the ducks that show up in winter are common where I live in Maine, so I don't feel quite the urge to return. I probably should.

[@thomastuorto9929]

@@Bob_Duchesne Yup. I'm a couple miles from Sandy Hook NRA. We get some winter'rs here but hard to get close enough for photos which is my main thing. As a kid I grew up rite on a river seen so many & I gues just took em for granted but wasn't in to the photography back then.

[@stevensaunders4982]

@@Bob_Duchesne everyone gets excited about seeing the Harlequins there

[@RetrieverTrainingAlone]

I grew up in New Jersey and visited Brigatine National Wildlife Refuge frequenty....is that the same refuge. By the way, the BEST National Wildlife Refuge is the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge!

[@michaelmateo1199]

Hey Bob Duchesne, when is the best time here to picture birds? I'm MD and it is about a 4 hours drive. Thanks!

[@Bob_Duchesne]

I generally visit anytime between mid-August and mid-November. More shorebirds and wading birds earlier, more waterfowl later. Late Arctic migrants latest. I haven't done much in spring or summer. I'm told greenhead flies are bad.

[@joshuampayne]

Ah yes, clapper rail... the classic "hear but don't see" bird for me hah

[@joshuampayne]

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia Beach is similar to this as far as biome and a lot of the same species... however the main dikes used for walking and biking... don't really have the best view. I might have to make a trek out to this park at some point!

[@thesecretthirdthing]

The Desert NWR is largely inaccessible and isn't taken great care of but the scale is awesome. I don't really trek in to bird, but I don't think there's a better one for exploring outside of Alaska. I find something unexpected every time I go.

[@Flybob2]

Agree, Probably one of the best NWF’s. Although we have some great ones here in Florida!

[@Bob_Duchesne]

What's your favorite Florida NWR? Loxahatchee comes to mind. Merritt Island in the past. I've done nothing around the pan handle.

[@Flybob2]

Merritt Island, also Ten Thousand Islands, there are other interesting places as well.

[@douglasstemke2444]

You ever been to Aransas?

[@Bob_Duchesne]

Yes, but in fog so thick I couldn't see the front of the car. Must return.

[@wkuhlewind8928]

What month were at the WR?

[@Bob_Duchesne]

Mid-November

[@silvershadow013]

BTW, that road you showed with just the tracks is not a public road. Just the 8 mile drive is.

[@Bob_Duchesne]

Right. My original shot included the No Entry sign, but that seems to have ended up on the cutting room floor.

[@AbHAT22]

Bombay Hook not on your list?

[@Bob_Duchesne]

Definitely. That was my last video! It's my #2 favorite

[@aronlengyel]

I can't be the only one who noticed the word "refuge" being misspelled in your video thumbnail. Anyway, I thought of letting you know. Thanks for sharing the video, by the way.

[@Bob_Duchesne]

HA! So far, you're the only one to mention it. Time to get out the red magic marker...

[@chasingbirds3073]

Bosque del Apache in New Mexico is top 3.

[@Bob_Duchesne]

Yes, I REALLY want to visit that one.

[@joated]

While I whole heartedly agree with you about Forsythe, you've got to check out Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in Brigham City, Utah.

[@Bob_Duchesne]

Utah is bumping up to the top of my must-do list. I think I'll have to wait for the flammulated owls to come back, though.

[@TomReichner]

I do go to a lot of National Wildlife Refuges throughout the United States, and I have been to Edwin B. Forsythe many times because it less than 100 miles from where I spend my summers. But I fail to see how one can legitimately call it "the best". I guess if you are just into birds, and want to see a large number of different species, it's good for that, if you don't mind seeing them at a fair distance. But if you are a wildlife photographer, and want frame-filling images of birds, then it isn't very good at all, because the layout of it and the strict rules prevent you from getting close enough to the birds to get truly frame-filling, professional quality images. And if you are not really into birds, but prefer mammals, then there is almost nothing unique or rare to see at this refuge. Sure, Whitetail Deer and Raccoons and Muskrats and other mammals live there, but almost never ever ever ever ever give visitors an opportunity to observe them, especially at close distances and/or for more than a fleeting moment. In most of the refuge, you're not able to walk around at will, so you are basically just trapped on the road or in your car looking out the window. If that is your idea of an "amazing wildlife experience" then it is hard for me to relate to you. For those of us who spend a lot of our lives on foot, away from roads, watching and photographing wild animals at truly close distance, we just don't understand how the Edwin B. Forsythe experience can be something that anyone thinks of as being so great. If your idea of an amazing wildlife experience is looking at a Peregrine Falcon thru binoculars from the inside of your car, then you may really love Edwin B. Forsythe. Or if you are a serious birder who just wants to amass a long list of different species seen, then this will be a GREAT wildlife refuge for your purpose. But is that really the most personal, immersive way to experience wildlife? Hardly. My recommendations for those who like to be able to get out into the habitat with the animals and spend hours and hours truly close to the wild animals, away from roads and other people, would be the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma and the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge in Colorado. These refuges have more than just birds, with the Arsenal having birds plus a diversity of megafauna and Prairie Dog colonies, and Wichita having birds plus a diversity of megafauna and a wide diversity of reptiles, all of which may be readily observed at close distances away from roads and other people.

[@joefrat]

Stop it. You've got me driving all over the northeast looking for birds. 😉

[@Bob_Duchesne]

Oh, I can do much worse. 😉

[@jaurijantzi424]

Montezuma national wildlife refuge

[@Bob_Duchesne]

Yeah, did that a year ago. Very good. I do wish the roads got closer to other sides of the pool. Ducks were abundant but most were very distant. Still, I plan to do it again when I next head that way. Got family in Rochester.

[@joyous7777777]

@@Bob_Duchesne I agree totally. We live relatively close to Montezuma, but our best birding, by FAR, is at Forsythe. It is definitely worth the drive!

[@douglasstemke2444]

I've visited almost a third of the NWR in the US. From what I've seen, bragging rights go to Santa Ana, even with that stupid wall in the middle of it.

[@Bob_Duchesne]

Well, I can't disagree with you about Santa Ana. It's been years since my last visit, but I want to spend a LOT more time exploring that one.

[@moonlitpearl700]

I respectfully disagree. The best is the Merritt Island Conservation area near Mims, FL. Besides abundant sea birds of every kind, you have alligators, turtles, snakes, newts, bullfrogs, Florida panthers, armadillos, and so much more.

[@Bob_Duchesne]

LOL. I have friends who run the Space Coast birding festival. I need to spend more time there