Cape Island - Sunset Beach/Concrete Ship

New Jersey · Northeast

ChallengingView on eBird

Habitat

Coastal

Best Seasons

SpringFall

Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Cape Island - Sunset Beach/Concrete Ship is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 272 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Bonaparte's Gull, American Herring Gull, and Yellow-rumped Warbler among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Bonaparte's Gull American Herring Gull Yellow-rumped Warbler Brant Greater Scaup

Live Bird Data

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

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

American Tree Sparrow

Spizelloides arborea

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Bonaparte's Gull

303/1/2026

American Herring Gull

123/1/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

13/1/2026

Brant

12/28/2026

Greater Scaup

752/28/2026

Surf Scoter

2/28/2026

Black Scoter

2/28/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

12/28/2026

Ring-billed Gull

2/28/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

12/28/2026

Horned Grebe

12/28/2026

Red-throated Loon

12/28/2026

Common Loon

12/28/2026

Northern Gannet

12/28/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

12/28/2026

Turkey Vulture

142/27/2026

Bald Eagle

12/27/2026

Common Raven

12/27/2026

Merlin

12/26/2026

Northern Harrier

12/23/2026

Birding Tips

1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

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 - Sunset Beach/Concrete Ship for birding?▼

The best months to visit Cape Island - Sunset Beach/Concrete Ship for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Cape Island - Sunset Beach/Concrete Ship?▼

Notable species at Cape Island - Sunset Beach/Concrete Ship include Bonaparte's Gull, American Herring Gull, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Brant, Greater Scaup. The area supports coastal habitats.

How difficult is birding at Cape Island - Sunset Beach/Concrete Ship?▼

Birding at Cape Island - Sunset Beach/Concrete Ship is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.

What amenities are available at Cape Island - Sunset Beach/Concrete Ship?▼

Cape Island - Sunset Beach/Concrete Ship offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.