Coastal birding habitat

Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area - Magnesite Plant

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
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

Loading map...

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

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

6/2/2026Stipson Island Rd.1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

6/2/2026Cape Island--South Cape May Meadows (SCMM)1 observed

Black-necked Stilt (Black-necked)

Himantopus mexicanus

6/2/2026Cape Island--South Cape May Meadows (SCMM)1 observed

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

6/2/2026Cape Henlopen State Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-bellied Plover

16/2/2026

Black Skimmer

16/2/2026

American Oystercatcher

16/2/2026

Laughing Gull

106/2/2026

American Herring Gull

56/2/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

36/2/2026

Least Tern

16/2/2026

Forster's Tern

206/2/2026

Brown Pelican

16/2/2026

Field Sparrow

16/2/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

16/2/2026

Canada Goose

46/2/2026

Mute Swan

16/2/2026

Gadwall

16/2/2026

Mallard

146/2/2026

Mourning Dove

56/2/2026

Chimney Swift

56/2/2026

Black-necked Stilt

16/2/2026

Killdeer

26/2/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

66/2/2026

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.

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.