Coastal birding habitat

Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area - Morning Flight platform

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 - Morning Flight platform is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 252 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

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/1/2026Yard List- West Cape May1 observed

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

5/31/2026Stipson Island Rd.2 observed

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

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

5/31/2026East Point Lighthouse1 observed

American Barn Owl (American)

Tyto furcata

5/30/2026Stipson Island Rd.1 observed

Pileated Woodpecker

Dryocopus pileatus

5/30/2026B&D Gardens1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Turkey Vulture

25/28/2026

Swallow-tailed Kite

25/28/2026

Barn Swallow

35/28/2026

Prairie Warbler

15/28/2026

Northern Cardinal

15/28/2026

Mallard

15/28/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

155/28/2026

Laughing Gull

65/28/2026

Forster's Tern

15/28/2026

Osprey

25/28/2026

White-eyed Vireo

25/28/2026

Carolina Chickadee

15/28/2026

Carolina Wren

15/28/2026

Cedar Waxwing

55/28/2026

Field Sparrow

25/28/2026

Common Grackle

65/28/2026

Common Yellowthroat

25/28/2026

Indigo Bunting

25/28/2026

Mourning Dove

15/28/2026

Bald Eagle

25/28/2026

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 - Morning Flight platform for birding?
The best months to visit Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area - Morning Flight platform 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 - Morning Flight platform?
Notable species at Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area - Morning Flight platform 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 - Morning Flight platform?
Birding at Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area - Morning Flight platform 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 - Morning Flight platform?
Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area - Morning Flight platform offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.