Cape Island - CMPSP - Hawkwatch Platform

New Jersey · Northeast

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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

3/4/2026Stone Harbor Blvd.1 observed

White Ibis

Eudocimus albus

3/4/2026Ocean Drive--Two Mile Landing17 observed

King Rail

Rallus elegans

3/3/2026Prime Hook NWR--Fowler Beach Rd./Fowler Beach1 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

3/3/202614187–14199 Oyster Rocks Rd, Milton US-DE 38.78743, -75.213697 observed

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

3/2/2026Prome Hook Beach Rd1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/1/2026Cape Island--WCM--Crawford House14 observed

American Tree Sparrow

Spizelloides arborea

3/1/2026Prime Hook NWR--Headquarters area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

63/4/2026

Mute Swan

23/4/2026

Ring-necked Duck

13/4/2026

Bufflehead

23/4/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

23/4/2026

Mallard

33/2/2026

Hooded Merganser

23/2/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

23/2/2026

American Black Duck

73/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

23/1/2026

Redhead

13/1/2026

Mourning Dove

13/1/2026

Horned Grebe

13/1/2026

Great Egret

13/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

33/1/2026

Northern Flicker

33/1/2026

Blue Jay

13/1/2026

Carolina Chickadee

13/1/2026

Carolina Wren

13/1/2026

House Finch

53/1/2026

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.