The Birding Hub
The Birding Hub

Cape Island (Cape May County south of the Cape May canal)

New Jersey · Northeast

ChallengingOfficial Site View on eBird
Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Cape Island (Cape May County south of the Cape May canal) is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 368 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Brant, Canada Goose, and Mute Swan among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

BrantCanada GooseMute SwanGadwallAmerican WigeonTurkey VultureNorthern HarrierRed-bellied WoodpeckerDowny WoodpeckerAmerican CrowCarolina ChickadeeTufted Titmouse

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

3/4/2026Stone Harbor Blvd.1 observed

White Ibis

Eudocimus albus

3/4/2026Ocean Drive--Two Mile Landing17 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

3/3/202614187–14199 Oyster Rocks Rd, Milton US-DE 38.78743, -75.213697 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/1/2026Cape Island--WCM--Crawford House14 observed

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

2/28/2026Indian River2 observed

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    Onshore winds can push pelagic species closer to shore, making post-storm days excellent for rarities.

  5. 5

    Check access conditions and any ferry schedules before planning your trip to ensure the site is reachable.

Amenities

Parking
Trails

Nearby Attractions

  • Cape May Bird Observatory
  • Cape May Point State Park
  • The Meadows

More in New Jersey

Cape May

Premier Atlantic Flyway migration hotspot with legendary fall raptor flights.

Abbott Marshlands - John A. Roebling Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in New Jersey with 221 recorded species.

Allaire State Park

Forest birding hotspot in New Jersey with 218 recorded species.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Cape Island (Cape May County south of the Cape May canal) for birding?▼
The best months to visit Cape Island (Cape May County south of the Cape May canal) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cape Island (Cape May County south of the Cape May canal)?▼
Notable species at Cape Island (Cape May County south of the Cape May canal) include Brant, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Turkey Vulture, Northern Harrier, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, American Crow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cape Island (Cape May County south of the Cape May canal)?▼
Birding at Cape Island (Cape May County south of the Cape May canal) is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
Is there an entrance fee at Cape Island (Cape May County south of the Cape May canal)?▼
There is no entrance fee at Cape Island (Cape May County south of the Cape May canal). Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Cape Island (Cape May County south of the Cape May canal)?▼
Cape Island (Cape May County south of the Cape May canal) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.