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

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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

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

7/16/2026Stevens Street-yard1 observed

Wood Stork

Mycteria americana

7/15/2026Cape Island--South Cape May Meadows (SCMM)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

Mourning Dove

37/15/2026

Laughing Gull

207/15/2026

American Herring Gull

17/15/2026

Osprey

27/15/2026

Bald Eagle

17/15/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

17/15/2026

White-eyed Vireo

17/15/2026

Blue Jay

27/15/2026

Tufted Titmouse

17/15/2026

Purple Martin

7/15/2026

Carolina Wren

17/15/2026

House Sparrow

17/15/2026

Common Yellowthroat

17/15/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/15/2026

Indigo Bunting

27/15/2026

Wild Turkey

17/15/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

17/15/2026

Chimney Swift

17/15/2026

Least Sandpiper

17/15/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

87/15/2026

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.