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

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

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

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Laughing Gull

5/27/2026

Swallow-tailed Kite

25/27/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/27/2026

Carolina Wren

15/27/2026

Field Sparrow

15/27/2026

Northern Cardinal

25/27/2026

Indigo Bunting

15/27/2026

Turkey Vulture

45/20/2026

American Crow

15/20/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/20/2026

Common Grackle

25/20/2026

Mourning Dove

35/19/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/19/2026

Blue Jay

15/19/2026

Tufted Titmouse

15/19/2026

House Sparrow

25/19/2026

House Finch

15/19/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

15/19/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

15/19/2026

Common Yellowthroat

25/19/2026

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.