Wetland birding habitat

Cape May National Wildlife Refuge - Songbird Trail

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Cape May National Wildlife Refuge - Songbird Trail is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 242 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

6/2/2026Stipson Island Rd.1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

6/2/2026Cape Island--South Cape May Meadows (SCMM)1 observed

Pileated Woodpecker

Dryocopus pileatus

6/2/2026Weatherby Rd--Tarkiln Pond & vicinity1 observed

Black-necked Stilt (Black-necked)

Himantopus mexicanus

6/2/2026Cape Island--South Cape May Meadows (SCMM)1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

6/2/2026Weatherby Rd--Tarkiln Pond & vicinity1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Willet

16/2/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

106/2/2026

Red Knot

66/2/2026

Sanderling

126/2/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

1506/2/2026

Laughing Gull

6/2/2026

American Herring Gull

146/2/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

26/2/2026

Common Tern

26/2/2026

Snowy Egret

26/2/2026

Great Egret

16/2/2026

Osprey

16/2/2026

Barn Swallow

26/2/2026

European Starling

26/2/2026

Forster's Tern

126/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

306/2/2026

Brown Pelican

16/2/2026

Eastern Bluebird

16/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

16/2/2026

Fish Crow

16/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Cape May National Wildlife Refuge - Songbird Trail for birding?
The best months to visit Cape May National Wildlife Refuge - Songbird Trail for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cape May National Wildlife Refuge - Songbird Trail?
Notable species at Cape May National Wildlife Refuge - Songbird Trail include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cape May National Wildlife Refuge - Songbird Trail?
Birding at Cape May National Wildlife Refuge - Songbird Trail is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Cape May National Wildlife Refuge - Songbird Trail?
Cape May National Wildlife Refuge - Songbird Trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.