a landscape with rocks and plants

Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area - Dike/Morning Flight Songbird Count

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 - Dike/Morning Flight Songbird Count is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 323 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

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

Laughing Gull

155/30/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

25/30/2026

White-eyed Vireo

35/30/2026

European Starling

45/30/2026

Gray Catbird

25/30/2026

Chipping Sparrow

15/30/2026

Prairie Warbler

35/30/2026

Northern Cardinal

35/30/2026

Indigo Bunting

25/30/2026

Northern Bobwhite

15/20/2026

Mourning Dove

25/20/2026

Osprey

25/20/2026

Tufted Titmouse

35/20/2026

Carolina Wren

25/20/2026

Cedar Waxwing

15/20/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

25/20/2026

Common Grackle

15/20/2026

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 - Dike/Morning Flight Songbird Count for birding?
The best months to visit Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area - Dike/Morning Flight Songbird Count 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 - Dike/Morning Flight Songbird Count?
Notable species at Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area - Dike/Morning Flight Songbird Count include Sanderling, Brown Pelican, Osprey, Royal Tern, Willet, Turkey Vulture, Northern Harrier, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, American Crow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area - Dike/Morning Flight Songbird Count?
Birding at Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area - Dike/Morning Flight Songbird Count 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 - Dike/Morning Flight Songbird Count?
There is no entrance fee at Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area - Dike/Morning Flight Songbird Count. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area - Dike/Morning Flight Songbird Count?
Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area - Dike/Morning Flight Songbird Count offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.