Coastal birding habitat

Cape May Harbor

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Cape May Harbor is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 224 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts American Black Duck, White-winged Scoter, and Bufflehead 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

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

Canada Goose

105/29/2026

Clapper Rail

15/29/2026

American Oystercatcher

25/29/2026

Black-bellied Plover

45/29/2026

Semipalmated Plover

25/29/2026

Willet

65/29/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

105/29/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

105/29/2026

Laughing Gull

505/29/2026

American Herring Gull

55/29/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

25/29/2026

Least Tern

55/29/2026

Forster's Tern

15/29/2026

Common Tern

55/29/2026

Royal Tern

25/29/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

405/29/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

15/29/2026

Snowy Egret

15/29/2026

Great Egret

105/29/2026

Osprey

85/29/2026

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 May Harbor for birding?
The best months to visit Cape May Harbor for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cape May Harbor?
Notable species at Cape May Harbor include American Black Duck, White-winged Scoter, Bufflehead, Red-breasted Merganser, Ruddy Duck. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cape May Harbor?
Birding at Cape May Harbor is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Cape May Harbor?
Cape May Harbor offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.