Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area - Hidden Valley

New Jersey · Northeast

ChallengingView on eBird Directions

Habitat

CoastalWetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area - Hidden Valley is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 278 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, and Turkey Vulture among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Canada Goose Mourning Dove Turkey Vulture Red-bellied Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Wood Stork

Mycteria americana

7/21/2026Cape Island--South Cape May Meadows (SCMM)1 observed

Gull-billed Tern

Gelochelidon nilotica

7/21/2026Prime Hook NWR--Petersfield Ditch1 observed

Roseate Tern

Sterna dougallii

7/21/2026Cape Henlopen SP--The Point1 observed

Sandwich Tern

Thalasseus sandvicensis

7/21/2026Cape Henlopen SP--The Point2 observed

Eurasian Collared-Dove

Streptopelia decaocto

7/21/2026Cape Island--CMPSP--Hawkwatch Platform1 observed

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

7/20/2026Stipson Island Rd.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

37/15/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

27/15/2026

Laughing Gull

307/15/2026

American Herring Gull

17/15/2026

Black Vulture

17/15/2026

Turkey Vulture

77/15/2026

Osprey

27/15/2026

Cooper's Hawk

17/15/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

27/15/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

17/15/2026

White-eyed Vireo

17/15/2026

American Crow

67/15/2026

Carolina Chickadee

27/15/2026

Tufted Titmouse

47/15/2026

Tree Swallow

17/15/2026

Purple Martin

47/15/2026

Barn Swallow

187/15/2026

Carolina Wren

57/15/2026

Northern Mockingbird

37/15/2026

American Robin

17/15/2026

Birding Tips

1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in New Jersey

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New Jersey Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in New Jersey →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area - Hidden Valley for birding?▼

The best months to visit Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area - Hidden Valley 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 - Hidden Valley?▼

Notable species at Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area - Hidden Valley include Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, Turkey Vulture, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area - Hidden Valley?▼

Birding at Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area - Hidden Valley is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.

What amenities are available at Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area - Hidden Valley?▼

Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area - Hidden Valley offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.