Cape May Harbor

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFall
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

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/6/2026Cape Island--The Beanery/Rea Farm (restricted access)16 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/6/2026Cape Henlopen SP--The Point1 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

3/4/2026Stone Harbor Blvd.1 observed

White Ibis

Eudocimus albus

3/4/2026Ocean Drive--Two Mile Landing17 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Black Duck

22/27/2026

White-winged Scoter

12/27/2026

Bufflehead

1202/27/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

62/27/2026

Ruddy Duck

182/27/2026

Rock Pigeon

22/27/2026

Ring-billed Gull

12/27/2026

American Herring Gull

42/27/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

12/27/2026

Horned Grebe

52/27/2026

Common Loon

12/27/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

12/27/2026

Turkey Vulture

12/27/2026

Peregrine Falcon

12/27/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

22/27/2026

Northern Cardinal

12/27/2026

Brant

352/27/2026

European Starling

72/27/2026

American Robin

22/27/2026

Song Sparrow

12/27/2026

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.