Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area - Hidden Valley

New Jersey · Northeast

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area - Hidden Valley is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 278 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, and Turkey Vulture 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

American Tree Sparrow

Spizelloides arborea

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

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

3/1/2026Prime Hook NWR--Dike Trail (formerly Observation Point Trail)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

32/28/2026

Mourning Dove

12/28/2026

Turkey Vulture

62/28/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

22/28/2026

Downy Woodpecker

12/28/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

12/28/2026

Blue Jay

12/28/2026

American Crow

12/28/2026

Tufted Titmouse

22/28/2026

Carolina Wren

22/28/2026

European Starling

32/28/2026

Northern Mockingbird

12/28/2026

American Robin

32/28/2026

White-throated Sparrow

32/28/2026

Song Sparrow

12/28/2026

Eastern Towhee

12/28/2026

Common Grackle

22/28/2026

Northern Cardinal

22/28/2026

Killdeer

12/28/2026

Carolina Chickadee

22/28/2026

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 Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area - Hidden Valley for birding?
The best months to visit Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area - Hidden Valley for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area - Hidden Valley?
Notable species at Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area - Hidden Valley include Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, Turkey Vulture, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area - Hidden Valley?
Birding at Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area - Hidden Valley is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area - Hidden Valley?
Cape Island - Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area - Hidden Valley offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.