a group of seals on a rocky beach

Cape Island - CMP - CMBO Northwood Center

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

7/16/2026Stevens Street-yard1 observed

Wood Stork

Mycteria americana

7/15/2026Cape Island--South Cape May Meadows (SCMM)1 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

Mute Swan

27/9/2026

Chimney Swift

37/9/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

17/9/2026

Laughing Gull

257/9/2026

Lesser Black-backed Gull

27/9/2026

Least Tern

67/9/2026

Gull-billed Tern

17/9/2026

Forster's Tern

207/9/2026

Common Tern

97/9/2026

Royal Tern

107/9/2026

Green Heron

17/9/2026

Osprey

17/9/2026

Cooper's Hawk

17/9/2026

Blue Jay

27/9/2026

Fish Crow

37/9/2026

Tufted Titmouse

17/9/2026

Purple Martin

67/9/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

17/9/2026

Barn Swallow

27/9/2026

Northern House Wren

17/9/2026

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

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

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.