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

Spring Fall

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 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

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

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

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

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

Canada Goose

225/31/2026

Mute Swan

125/31/2026

Chimney Swift

25/31/2026

Laughing Gull

15/31/2026

Least Tern

35/31/2026

White Ibis

15/31/2026

Great Egret

25/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/31/2026

Purple Martin

205/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

15/31/2026

Gadwall

15/31/2026

Mallard

75/31/2026

Mourning Dove

15/31/2026

American Oystercatcher

45/31/2026

American Herring Gull

205/31/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

65/31/2026

Forster's Tern

25/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Fish Crow

25/31/2026

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
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.

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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.