The Great Egg Harbor River corridor is one of the best birdwatching areas in southern New Jersey. The mix of freshwater wetlands, tidal marshes, pine forest, and cedar swamp supports a wide variety of species that are difficult to find elsewhere in the densely developed Northeast. Bald eagles nest along the river and have become increasingly reliable sightings since their recovery from near-extinction in the region. Osprey are common in summer, using the taller dead trees and purpose-built platforms for nesting.
The Pine Barrens tree frog — a small bright green frog found almost nowhere else in the mid-Atlantic — uses the sphagnum bogs along the river margins. Waterfowl use the wetlands year-round, with winter bringing diving ducks to the larger water bodies. Wading birds including great blue heron, great egret, and little blue heron are common in the warmer months. The area around Lake Lenape at Mays Landing is a good base for birding, with trails through different habitat types accessible without a boat.