Coastal birding habitat

Cape Island - Garrett Family Preserve

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Cape Island - Garrett Family Preserve is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 261 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Brant, Mourning Dove, and Northern Flicker 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

7/17/2026Cape Island--South Cape May Meadows (SCMM)1 observed

Roseate Tern

Sterna dougallii

7/17/2026Cape Henlopen SP--The Point1 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

7/17/2026Cape Island--South Cape May Meadows (SCMM)2 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

7/16/2026Stevens Street-yard1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

7/16/2026Cape Island--Cape May Point SP (CMPSP)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

Northern Bobwhite

17/17/2026

Mourning Dove

27/17/2026

Clapper Rail

47/17/2026

Laughing Gull

57/17/2026

White Ibis

167/17/2026

Glossy Ibis

17/17/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/17/2026

American Crow

17/17/2026

Carolina Chickadee

57/17/2026

Tufted Titmouse

17/17/2026

Purple Martin

17/17/2026

Northern House Wren

27/17/2026

Carolina Wren

67/17/2026

European Starling

57/17/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/17/2026

American Robin

47/17/2026

House Sparrow

37/17/2026

Field Sparrow

97/17/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

37/17/2026

Common Grackle

17/17/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Cape Island - Garrett Family Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Cape Island - Garrett Family Preserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cape Island - Garrett Family Preserve?
Notable species at Cape Island - Garrett Family Preserve include Brant, Mourning Dove, Northern Flicker, Blue Jay, American Crow. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cape Island - Garrett Family Preserve?
Birding at Cape Island - Garrett Family Preserve is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Cape Island - Garrett Family Preserve?
Cape Island - Garrett Family Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.