brown rocky mountain beside body of water during daytime

Cape Island - CMPSP - Hawkwatch Platform

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 - CMPSP - Hawkwatch Platform is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 348 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mute Swan, and Ring-necked Duck 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

8/29/2026898 Second Ave, Cape May US-NJ 38.94987, -74.910131 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

8/29/2026Oyster Rocks Rd.1 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

8/29/2026Oyster Rocks Rd.3 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

8/29/2026Oyster Rocks Rd.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

28/29/2026

Little Blue Heron

18/29/2026

Common Nighthawk

18/29/2026

Black Skimmer

458/29/2026

American Kestrel

28/29/2026

Bank Swallow

18/29/2026

Mute Swan

58/29/2026

Barn Swallow

8/29/2026

Mallard

48/29/2026

Chimney Swift

18/29/2026

Solitary Sandpiper

48/29/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

168/29/2026

Least Sandpiper

18/29/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

48/29/2026

Laughing Gull

408/29/2026

American Herring Gull

28/29/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

18/29/2026

Royal Tern

48/29/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

98/29/2026

Great Blue Heron

18/29/2026

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 - CMPSP - Hawkwatch Platform for birding?
The best months to visit Cape Island - CMPSP - Hawkwatch Platform for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cape Island - CMPSP - Hawkwatch Platform?
Notable species at Cape Island - CMPSP - Hawkwatch Platform include Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Red-winged Blackbird, 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 - CMPSP - Hawkwatch Platform?
Birding at Cape Island - CMPSP - Hawkwatch Platform 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 - CMPSP - Hawkwatch Platform?
There is no entrance fee at Cape Island - CMPSP - Hawkwatch Platform. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Cape Island - CMPSP - Hawkwatch Platform?
Cape Island - CMPSP - Hawkwatch Platform offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.