Cape Island - CMP - CMBO Northwood Center

New Jersey · Northeast

ChallengingOfficial Site View on eBird Directions

Habitat

Coastal

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk; center hours vary

About This Location

Cape Island - CMP - CMBO Northwood Center is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 284 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts a wide variety of species among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Sanderling Brown Pelican Osprey Royal Tern Willet Turkey Vulture Northern Harrier Red-bellied Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker American Crow Carolina Chickadee Tufted Titmouse

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

5/31/2026Cape Island--CMP--CMBO Northwood Center1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

5/31/2026Cape Island--SCMM--Cove Pool1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/31/2026Prime Hook NWR--Dike Trail (formerly Observation Point Trail)1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

5/31/2026Cape Island--CMP--Coral Ave. dune crossing1 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

5/31/2026Cape Island--South Cape May Meadows (SCMM)

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

5/31/2026East Point Lighthouse1 observed

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

5/30/2026566 Stipsons Island Road, Woodbine, New Jersey, US (39.188, -74.912)1 observed

American Barn Owl (American)

Tyto furcata

5/30/2026Stipson Island Rd.1 observed

Pileated Woodpecker

Dryocopus pileatus

5/30/2026B&D Gardens1 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

5/30/2026Cape Henlopen SP--Gordon's Pond Trail north1 observed

Nelson's Sparrow

Ammospiza nelsoni

5/30/2026Thompson's Beach and Road2 observed

White-winged Dove

Zenaida asiatica

5/30/2026Stevens St. Yard1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mute Swan

25/31/2026

Mourning Dove

15/31/2026

Great Egret

25/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Blue Jay

15/31/2026

Tufted Titmouse

15/31/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

25/31/2026

Carolina Wren

25/31/2026

Gray Catbird

15/31/2026

American Robin

15/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

15/31/2026

Common Grackle

35/31/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/31/2026

American Redstart

15/31/2026

Northern Parula

15/31/2026

Northern Cardinal

35/31/2026

Carolina Chickadee

15/30/2026

Forster's Tern

15/29/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

15/29/2026

Indigo Bunting

15/29/2026

Birding Tips

1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.
4
Onshore winds can push pelagic species closer to shore, making post-storm days excellent for rarities.
5
Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

Nearby Attractions

Cape May Point State Park
The Meadows
Higbee Beach WMA

More in New Jersey

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New Jersey Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in New Jersey →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Cape Island - CMP - CMBO Northwood Center for birding?▼

The best months to visit Cape Island - CMP - CMBO Northwood Center for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Cape Island - CMP - CMBO Northwood Center?▼

Notable species at Cape Island - CMP - CMBO Northwood Center include Sanderling, Brown Pelican, Osprey, Royal Tern, Willet, 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 - CMP - CMBO Northwood Center?▼

Birding at Cape Island - CMP - CMBO Northwood Center 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 - CMP - CMBO Northwood Center?▼

There is no entrance fee at Cape Island - CMP - CMBO Northwood Center. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk; center hours vary.

What amenities are available at Cape Island - CMP - CMBO Northwood Center?▼

Cape Island - CMP - CMBO Northwood Center offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.