a group of seals on a beach

Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 339 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, and Black Vulture among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

Loading map...

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

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

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

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

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

Mourning Dove

65/31/2026

White-eyed Vireo

15/31/2026

Tufted Titmouse

35/31/2026

Carolina Wren

45/31/2026

American Robin

15/31/2026

Chipping Sparrow

15/31/2026

Field Sparrow

25/31/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

15/31/2026

Scarlet Tanager

15/31/2026

Northern Cardinal

35/31/2026

Blue Grosbeak

15/31/2026

Indigo Bunting

25/31/2026

Mallard

35/30/2026

Common Nighthawk

15/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

35/30/2026

Osprey

25/30/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/30/2026

Gray Catbird

15/30/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

25/30/2026

Laughing Gull

35/30/2026

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

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area for birding?
The best months to visit Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area?
Notable species at Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area include Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Northern Flicker, Northern Harrier, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, American Crow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Wren. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area?
Birding at Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area 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 - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area?
There is no entrance fee at Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area?
Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.