The Birding Hub
The Birding Hub
Coastal birding habitat

Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area - Magnesite Plant

New Jersey · Northeast

ChallengingView on eBird Directions
Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area - Magnesite Plant is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 278 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

SanderlingBrown PelicanOspreyRoyal TernWillet

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Wood Stork

Mycteria americana

7/17/2026Cape Island--South Cape May Meadows (SCMM)1 observed

Roseate Tern

Sterna dougallii

7/17/2026Cape Henlopen SP--The Point1 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

7/17/2026Cape Island--South Cape May Meadows (SCMM)2 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

7/16/2026Stevens Street-yard1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

7/16/2026Cape Island--Cape May Point SP (CMPSP)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

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.

Amenities

Parking
Trails

More in New Jersey

Cape May

Premier Atlantic Flyway migration hotspot with legendary fall raptor flights.

Abbott Marshlands - John A. Roebling Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in New Jersey with 221 recorded species.

Allaire State Park

Forest birding hotspot in New Jersey with 218 recorded species.

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 - Magnesite Plant for birding?▼
The best months to visit Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area - Magnesite Plant 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 - Magnesite Plant?▼
Notable species at Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area - Magnesite Plant include Sanderling, Brown Pelican, Osprey, Royal Tern, Willet. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area - Magnesite Plant?▼
Birding at Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area - Magnesite Plant 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 - Magnesite Plant?▼
Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area - Magnesite Plant offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.