Cape May hawk watch platform overlooking coastal wetlands

Cape May

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
CoastalWetlandForest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

September-November

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Dawn to dusk daily

About This Location

Cape May is one of North America's premier birding destinations, sitting at a natural funnel point for migratory birds along the Atlantic Flyway. The combination of coastal habitats, wetlands, and forests attracts over 400 species annually, with legendary raptor flights in autumn.

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

Anhinga

Anhinga anhinga

6/3/2026Villas--Cox Hall Creek WMA1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

6/3/2026346 Goshen Swainton Rd, Cape May Court House US-NJ 39.13274, -74.830372 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

6/3/2026Cape Island--South Cape May Meadows (SCMM)1 observed

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

6/2/2026Stipson Island Rd.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

Mourning Dove

26/3/2026

Chimney Swift

26/3/2026

Laughing Gull

46/3/2026

American Herring Gull

16/3/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/3/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

26/3/2026

Blue Jay

26/3/2026

Tufted Titmouse

26/3/2026

Northern House Wren

16/3/2026

Carolina Wren

36/3/2026

European Starling

46/3/2026

Northern Mockingbird

46/3/2026

American Robin

66/3/2026

Cedar Waxwing

16/3/2026

House Sparrow

46/3/2026

House Finch

36/3/2026

Chipping Sparrow

16/3/2026

Baltimore Oriole

16/3/2026

Common Grackle

46/3/2026

Northern Cardinal

46/3/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit the hawk watch platform in fall for spectacular raptor flights

  2. 2

    Arrive at dawn for peak songbird activity at the point

  3. 3

    Visit during spring migration (April-May) for the greatest species diversity

  4. 4

    Fall migration (September-October) brings waves of southbound warblers and raptors

  5. 5

    Check the tide schedule — shorebirds are most active during falling and low tides

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Cape May for birding?
The best months to visit Cape May for birding are September-November. The best seasons are Fall and Spring.
What birds can I see at Cape May?
Notable species at Cape May include Sharp-shinned Hawk, Peregrine Falcon, Cape May Warbler, Black Skimmer, American Oystercatcher, Turkey Vulture, Northern Harrier, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, American Crow. The area supports coastal, wetland, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cape May?
Birding at Cape May is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Cape May?
There is no entrance fee at Cape May. Hours: Dawn to dusk daily.
What amenities are available at Cape May?
Cape May offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Visitor Center, Trails, Gift Shop.