The Birding Hub
The Birding Hub

Cape Island - CMP - CMBO Northwood Center

New Jersey · Northeast

ChallengingOfficial Site View on eBird
Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk; center hours vary

About This Location

Cape Island - CMP - CMBO Northwood Center is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 284 species recorded on eBird. This coastal 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

SanderlingBrown PelicanOspreyRoyal TernWilletTurkey VultureNorthern HarrierRed-bellied WoodpeckerDowny WoodpeckerAmerican CrowCarolina ChickadeeTufted Titmouse

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

3/4/2026Stone Harbor Blvd.1 observed

White Ibis

Eudocimus albus

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

King Rail

Rallus elegans

3/3/2026Prime Hook NWR--Fowler Beach Rd./Fowler Beach1 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

3/3/202614187–14199 Oyster Rocks Rd, Milton US-DE 38.78743, -75.213697 observed

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

3/2/2026Prome Hook Beach Rd1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/1/2026Cape Island--WCM--Crawford House14 observed

American Tree Sparrow

Spizelloides arborea

3/1/2026Prime Hook NWR--Headquarters area1 observed

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.

  4. 4

    Onshore winds can push pelagic species closer to shore, making post-storm days excellent for rarities.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Amenities

Parking
Trails

Nearby Attractions

  • Cape May Point State Park
  • The Meadows
  • Higbee Beach WMA

More in New Jersey

Cape May

Premier Atlantic Flyway migration hotspot with legendary fall raptor flights.

Abbott Marshlands - John A. Roebling Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in New Jersey with 221 recorded species.

Allaire State Park

Forest birding hotspot in New Jersey with 218 recorded species.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Cape Island - CMP - CMBO Northwood Center for birding?▼
The best months to visit Cape Island - CMP - CMBO Northwood Center for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cape Island - CMP - CMBO Northwood Center?▼
Notable species at Cape Island - CMP - CMBO Northwood Center include Sanderling, Brown Pelican, Osprey, Royal Tern, Willet, Turkey Vulture, Northern Harrier, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, American Crow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cape Island - CMP - CMBO Northwood Center?▼
Birding at Cape Island - CMP - CMBO Northwood Center is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
Is there an entrance fee at Cape Island - CMP - CMBO Northwood Center?▼
There is no entrance fee at Cape Island - CMP - CMBO Northwood Center. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk; center hours vary.
What amenities are available at Cape Island - CMP - CMBO Northwood Center?▼
Cape Island - CMP - CMBO Northwood Center offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.