Bird watching is one of the favorite activities in Great Swamp NWR. Over the years more than 244 different species have been observed. The Friends Blind at the Wild Life Observation Center is a good location to view water birds and perhaps a Pileated Woodpecker. On the Pleasant Plains auto tour, a Bittern is sometimes seen from the Overlook, as are Red-headed Woodpeckers. No matter what road, boardwalk or trail you take, the observant birder will find much to enjoy.
Wildlife Observation Center
Enjoy the 1.2 miles of trails at the Wildlife Observation Center where you can get a close up view of an exciting array of wildlife including frogs, snakes, turtles, mammals, and birds as you walk right over the swamp on boardwalk trails. There are three observation blinds where you can view wildlife. During spring and fall migration season, the information center is staffed by volunteers who point out sightings, answer questions, and hand out the popular Boardwalk Bingo game which provides an opportunity for kids to practice their observation skills while trying to win "bingo" as they locate and identify various wildlife and natural objects on the trails. The Wildlife Observation Center is open from dawn to sunset daily. Rest room facilities are available. No pets or picnicking are allowed.
Wilderness Area
Hike some of the 8 miles of trails through the 3,660 acre Wilderness Area of Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. These are primitive hiking trails and are frequently wet, but it's a rare opportunity to experience a solitary walk in this metropolitan area.
Wildlife Tour Route
The Wildlife Tour Route on Pleasant Plains Road is a opportunity to see birds and other wildlife from your car. The Friends' have created a Wildlife Tour Route Guide and numbered stops along the road are keyed to this printed guide. The Guide begins at the Friends Bookstore & Gift Shop. Copies are available at Refuge Headquarters, the Friends' Bookstore & Gift Shop, and the Wildlife Observation Center. The Wildlife Tour Route is open from dawn to sunset daily. There are rest room facilities available at Refuge Headquarters during the week and at the Friends' Bookstore & Gift Shop on weekends.
Overlook on Pleasant Plains Road
In the spring, the Overlook provides a wonderful view of a heron rookery—a place where great blue herons nest high in the dead trees of the impoundment area. Viewing scopes, donated by the Friends, provide visitors with a close up view of these magnificent birds as they nest and raise their young from April through June. The Overlook provides a wide variety of habitats and is an excellent place for viewing wildlife at any season. Early in the spring, woodcock perform their courtship ritual over the open fields. Spring and summer are excellent times for viewing many different kinds of wildlife and plants. You might see fox, snapping turtles laying eggs, bluebirds and tree swallows in their nest boxes, kestrels perching on the wires as they scan the fields. Secretive American bitterns have been seen along the pond edges at the Overlook. In the fall, kestrels and other hawks hunt in the fields as flocks of ducks fly into and out of the impoundment area. In winter, harriers hunt the fields and red–headed woodpeckers visit the dead trees.