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

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

5/31/2026Cape Island--CMP--CMBO Northwood Center1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

5/31/2026Cape Island--SCMM--Cove Pool1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/31/2026Prime Hook NWR--Dike Trail (formerly Observation Point Trail)1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

5/31/2026Cape Island--CMP--Coral Ave. dune crossing1 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

5/31/2026Cape Island--South Cape May Meadows (SCMM)

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

5/31/2026East Point Lighthouse1 observed

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

5/30/2026566 Stipsons Island Road, Woodbine, New Jersey, US (39.188, -74.912)1 observed

American Barn Owl (American)

Tyto furcata

5/30/2026Stipson Island Rd.1 observed

Pileated Woodpecker

Dryocopus pileatus

5/30/2026B&D Gardens1 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

5/30/2026Cape Henlopen SP--Gordon's Pond Trail north1 observed

Nelson's Sparrow

Ammospiza nelsoni

5/30/2026Thompson's Beach and Road2 observed

White-winged Dove

Zenaida asiatica

5/30/2026Stevens St. Yard1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Tern

65/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

245/31/2026

Osprey

15/31/2026

Laughing Gull

105/31/2026

American Herring Gull

205/31/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

35/31/2026

Forster's Tern

155/31/2026

American Crow

15/31/2026

Barn Swallow

25/31/2026

Fish Crow

15/31/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/31/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

15/31/2026

Chimney Swift

25/30/2026

American Oystercatcher

15/30/2026

Willet

15/30/2026

Brown Pelican

15/30/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

25/27/2026

Black Skimmer

35/27/2026

Purple Martin

15/27/2026

Least Tern

15/26/2026

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.