Coastal birding habitat

Cape Island - Sunset Beach/Concrete Ship

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Cape Island - Sunset Beach/Concrete Ship is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 272 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Bonaparte's Gull, American Herring Gull, and Yellow-rumped Warbler 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

Wood Stork

Mycteria americana

7/18/2026Cape Island--South Cape May Meadows (SCMM)1 observed

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

7/18/2026DuPont Nature Center and Lighthouse Rd.1 observed

Roseate Tern

Sterna dougallii

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

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

7/16/2026Stevens Street-yard1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Laughing Gull

147/18/2026

American Herring Gull

67/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

37/18/2026

Fish Crow

37/18/2026

Field Sparrow

17/18/2026

Song Sparrow

17/18/2026

Common Yellowthroat

17/18/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/18/2026

Indigo Bunting

17/18/2026

Mute Swan

47/12/2026

Forster's Tern

17/12/2026

Brown Pelican

17/12/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

47/10/2026

Osprey

17/10/2026

Lesser Black-backed Gull

47/9/2026

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 - Sunset Beach/Concrete Ship for birding?
The best months to visit Cape Island - Sunset Beach/Concrete Ship for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cape Island - Sunset Beach/Concrete Ship?
Notable species at Cape Island - Sunset Beach/Concrete Ship include Bonaparte's Gull, American Herring Gull, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Brant, Greater Scaup. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cape Island - Sunset Beach/Concrete Ship?
Birding at Cape Island - Sunset Beach/Concrete Ship is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Cape Island - Sunset Beach/Concrete Ship?
Cape Island - Sunset Beach/Concrete Ship offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.