Cape Island - SCMM - Cove Pool

New Jersey · Northeast

ChallengingView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Coastal

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Cape Island - SCMM - Cove Pool is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 261 species recorded on eBird. This coastal 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

Sanderling Brown Pelican Osprey Royal Tern Willet

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 National Wildlife Refuge1 observed

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

7/20/2026Stipson Island Rd.1 observed

Roseate Tern

Sterna dougallii

7/20/2026Cape Henlopen SP--Breakwater Harbor and shoreline1 observed

Eurasian Collared-Dove

Streptopelia decaocto

7/20/202620 W Atlantic Ave, Villas US-NJ 39.02852, -74.934921 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

7/19/2026Villas--Cox Hall Creek WMA1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

67/20/2026

Least Sandpiper

207/20/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

107/20/2026

Laughing Gull

107/20/2026

Least Tern

47/20/2026

Forster's Tern

27/20/2026

Snowy Egret

37/20/2026

Osprey

17/20/2026

Purple Martin

67/20/2026

Carolina Wren

17/20/2026

European Starling

87/20/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/20/2026

House Sparrow

87/20/2026

American Goldfinch

27/20/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

107/20/2026

Common Grackle

67/20/2026

Common Yellowthroat

17/20/2026

Northern Cardinal

27/20/2026

Wood Stork

17/19/2026

Mallard

27/18/2026

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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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 - SCMM - Cove Pool for birding?▼

The best months to visit Cape Island - SCMM - Cove Pool for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Cape Island - SCMM - Cove Pool?▼

Notable species at Cape Island - SCMM - Cove Pool include Sanderling, Brown Pelican, Osprey, Royal Tern, Willet. The area supports coastal habitats.

How difficult is birding at Cape Island - SCMM - Cove Pool?▼

Birding at Cape Island - SCMM - Cove Pool is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.

What amenities are available at Cape Island - SCMM - Cove Pool?▼

Cape Island - SCMM - Cove Pool offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.