a lighthouse on top of a hill on a sunny day

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

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Wood Stork

Mycteria americana

7/17/2026Cape Island--South Cape May Meadows (SCMM)1 observed

Roseate Tern

Sterna dougallii

7/17/2026Cape Henlopen SP--The Point1 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

7/17/2026Cape Island--South Cape May Meadows (SCMM)2 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

7/16/2026Stevens Street-yard1 observed

Gull-billed Tern

Gelochelidon nilotica

7/14/2026Cape Henlopen SP--Gordon's Pond Trail North1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

7/13/2026200 Goshen Swainton Rd, Cape May Court House US-NJ 39.12807, -74.823931 observed

Eurasian Collared-Dove

Streptopelia decaocto

7/13/2026Stone Harbor Blvd--The Wetlands Institute1 observed

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

7/12/2026Stipson Island Rd.2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

77/8/2026

Mute Swan

27/8/2026

Mallard

97/8/2026

Mourning Dove

17/8/2026

Chimney Swift

37/8/2026

Least Sandpiper

17/8/2026

Laughing Gull

17/8/2026

Least Tern

17/8/2026

Forster's Tern

17/8/2026

Royal Tern

77/8/2026

Snowy Egret

17/8/2026

Great Egret

17/8/2026

Black Vulture

17/8/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/8/2026

Osprey

17/8/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/8/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

17/8/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

17/8/2026

American Crow

17/8/2026

Fish Crow

17/8/2026

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.

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.