The Birding Hub
The Birding Hub
brown rocky mountain beside body of water during daytime

Cape Island - CMPSP - Hawkwatch Platform

New Jersey · Northeast

ChallengingOfficial Site View on eBird Directions
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 - 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

Canada GooseMute SwanRing-necked DuckBuffleheadRed-winged BlackbirdTurkey 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

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

Canada Goose

57/16/2026

Mute Swan

87/16/2026

Mallard

67/16/2026

American Black Duck

27/16/2026

Laughing Gull

107/16/2026

Forster's Tern

37/16/2026

Common Tern

87/16/2026

Snowy Egret

47/16/2026

Great Egret

27/16/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/16/2026

Barn Swallow

77/16/2026

Chimney Swift

17/16/2026

Killdeer

27/16/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

37/16/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

17/16/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

17/16/2026

Willet

17/16/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

27/16/2026

Stilt Sandpiper

17/16/2026

Least Sandpiper

167/16/2026

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.

Amenities

Parking
Trails

Nearby Attractions

  • Cape May Bird Observatory
  • Cape May Lighthouse
  • 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.

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 - 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.