Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
CoastalWetland
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 - 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

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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

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/6/2026Cape Island--The Beanery/Rea Farm (restricted access)16 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/6/2026Cape Henlopen SP--The Point1 observed

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

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

63/1/2026

Mourning Dove

63/1/2026

Black Vulture

13/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

43/1/2026

Northern Flicker

13/1/2026

Blue Jay

143/1/2026

American Crow

23/1/2026

Carolina Chickadee

13/1/2026

Brown Thrasher

13/1/2026

Northern Mockingbird

13/1/2026

Eastern Bluebird

73/1/2026

American Robin

103/1/2026

House Finch

13/1/2026

Field Sparrow

23/1/2026

White-throated Sparrow

123/1/2026

Song Sparrow

43/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

453/1/2026

Common Grackle

253/1/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

33/1/2026

Northern Cardinal

33/1/2026

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

    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.