Nummy Island (birding) - Image 1
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Nummy Island Birding

4.6
·5 reviews·Middle Township, United States

A serene coastal marshland offering exceptional roadside birdwatching, famous for herons, egrets, and migratory geese.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Dawn & Dusk

Peak bird activity

CrowdLow
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Nummy Island (birding) - Image 1

Nummy Island Birding

Best Time

Dawn & Dusk

Peak bird activity

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene coastal marshland offering exceptional roadside birdwatching, famous for herons, egrets, and migratory geese.

4.6
(5 reviews)

"Unbelievable views of herons and egrets of all types, busy picking out their grub in the salty marshes."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Use Road Shoulders Safely

Roads have wide shoulders for safe pull-offs. Be aware of fast traffic and park completely off the road.

binoculars for Best Views

Bring binoculars to get a closer look at the birds, especially the well-hidden Clapper Rails.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Atlantic Brant Migration

Atlantic Brant Migration

Salty Marshes

Witness the impressive evening commute of Atlantic Brant geese as they gather in the salty marshes.

Heron and Egret Spectacle

Heron and Egret Spectacle

Salty Marshes

Marvel at the diverse array of herons and egrets actively foraging for food in the rich marsh environment.

Tern Activity

Tern Activity

Coastal Areas

Observe busy terns as they dive and hunt for fish throughout the day, a common sight along the coast.

Hidden Clapper Rails

Hidden Clapper Rails

Marsh Vegetation

Challenge yourself to spot the well-camouflaged Clapper Rails hiding within the dense marsh vegetation.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Bird Sightings

For the best birding experience at Nummy Island, aim for dawn or dusk. This is when many species, like the Atlantic Brant, are most active feeding or migrating. Early mornings offer cooler temperatures and fewer visitors, enhancing your chances of spotting elusive birds.

Roadside Birding Etiquette

Nummy Island offers fantastic roadside birding opportunities. Always use designated pull-offs and be mindful of fast-moving traffic. Ensure your vehicle is safely off the road to avoid accidents and allow other birdwatchers clear viewing access.

Best Times

When
Dawn & Dusk
Why
Peak bird activity
Crowd
Low
When
Early Mornings
Why
Cooler temps, fewer people
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Atlantic Brant on their evening commute at Nummy Island, Stone Harbor, New Jersey. #brant #atlanticbrant #goose #honkhonk #waterfowl #wildfowl #birds #birdsofinstagram #birding #birdsinflight #birdvideo #stoneharbor #capemay #nj #newjersey #unitedstates
tomjohnsonbirds
127 likes • 2K views

🚗 Use Road Shoulders Safely

Roads have wide shoulders for safe pull-offs. Be aware of fast traffic and park completely off the road. Reddit

binoculars for Best Views

Bring binoculars to get a closer look at the birds, especially the well-hidden Clapper Rails. Reddit

Combine with Stone Harbor

Nummy Island is a great addition to a Stone Harbor trip for a full day of nature exploration. Reddit

Embrace the Seclusion

Enjoy the peaceful, off-the-beaten-path atmosphere for a true nature immersion. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Use Road Shoulders Safely

Roads have wide shoulders for safe pull-offs. Be aware of fast traffic and park completely off the road. Reddit

binoculars for Best Views

Bring binoculars to get a closer look at the birds, especially the well-hidden Clapper Rails. Reddit

Combine with Stone Harbor

Nummy Island is a great addition to a Stone Harbor trip for a full day of nature exploration. Reddit

Embrace the Seclusion

Enjoy the peaceful, off-the-beaten-path atmosphere for a true nature immersion. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(5 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the incredible birdwatching opportunities at Nummy Island, particularly the diverse herons, egrets, and the spectacle of Atlantic Brant. The roadside access is convenient, though drivers should be cautious of fast traffic. It's praised as a beautiful, secluded spot perfect for nature lovers.

"Unbelievable views of herons and egrets of all types. The birds love the salty marshes around this island and busy picking out their grub. Terns are also busy throughout the day. Plenty of Clapper Rails as well. One just has to look hard because they hide so well.

The roads have wide shoulders but the traffic moved fast through the road at about 50 miles/hr. Great views on both sides."

Satish Shikhare

"Pretty good for seeing some shorebirds, just pull over to side of road and check them out. Good to combine with a trip to Stony Harbor"

Taylor Driggs (Taylor)

"Beautiful secluded off the beaten path a place to be at one with nature"

NICOLE K

What People Like

Unbelievable bird views
Salty marsh ecosystem
Peaceful, secluded nature

What People Dislike

Fast-moving traffic

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Nummy Island is primarily accessed via the scenic road that runs through it. You can pull over to designated shoulders to observe the birds. It's often combined with a visit to nearby Stone Harbor. Reddit

Yes, Nummy Island makes for an excellent day trip, especially when combined with other attractions in Stone Harbor. It offers a peaceful escape into nature. Reddit

The main road through Nummy Island offers great views on both sides. Look for wide shoulders where you can safely stop and observe the wildlife. Reddit

While there aren't designated parking lots, the road shoulders are designed for temporary pull-offs. Always ensure you are safely off the main travel lanes. Reddit

The primary birding is done from the roadside. While walking might be possible in some areas, it's best to stick to safe pull-offs to avoid disturbing wildlife and traffic. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Nummy Island is a natural area accessible by road, and there are no admission fees or tickets required to visit. Reddit

Nummy Island is accessible at all times as it's an open natural area. However, birdwatching is best during daylight hours, especially dawn and dusk. TikTok

There is no entrance fee for Nummy Island. It's a public access area for enjoying nature and birdwatching. Reddit

While official guided tours might be limited, local birding groups or guides may offer excursions. It's best to check with local nature centers or birding organizations. Reddit

The main restriction is to be mindful of traffic and wildlife. Stay on designated pull-offs and avoid disturbing the birds or their habitats. Reddit

🎫 🐦 Birdwatching Experience

Nummy Island is renowned for its diverse birdlife, including Atlantic Brant, herons, egrets, terns, and well-camouflaged Clapper Rails. TikTokReddit

Dawn and dusk are considered the prime times for birdwatching as many species are most active during these periods. TikTok

Binoculars are highly recommended for spotting and identifying birds. A field guide can also be helpful. Reddit

Yes, the abundant birdlife and scenic marsh landscapes offer excellent opportunities for photography, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. TikTok

Maintain a respectful distance to avoid disturbing the birds. Use binoculars or a telephoto lens for close-up views. Reddit

🎫 🚗 Onsite Experience

The road through Nummy Island has wide shoulders, but traffic can move quickly. It's important to use pull-offs safely. Reddit

Nummy Island is a natural area, and typically lacks extensive facilities. It's advisable to use restrooms before arriving and be prepared for a more rustic experience. Reddit

The primary way to experience Nummy Island is by car, pulling over at safe spots. Extensive walking or hiking trails are not a prominent feature. Reddit

Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes suitable for potentially uneven terrain if you step out of your car. Layers are recommended. Reddit

Birding from the car and using roadside pull-offs can be accessible. However, extensive walking or navigating uneven ground might be challenging. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Nummy Island offers a unique and accessible way for families to introduce children to birdwatching. The roadside viewing means kids can stay relatively close to the car, making it easier to manage younger children. Pointing out the different types of birds, like the honking geese or the elegant herons, can be a fun and educational activity. TikTok

Encourage kids to use binoculars if you have them, and make a game of spotting as many different species as possible. The open marshland provides a sense of space and nature that children often enjoy. Remember to pack snacks and drinks, as facilities are limited, and ensure everyone stays safely within the designated pull-off areas away from traffic. Reddit

📸 Photographers

For photographers, Nummy Island presents a fantastic opportunity to capture stunning wildlife shots. The abundant birdlife, including herons, egrets, terns, and the migratory Atlantic Brant, provides constant subjects. The marsh landscape itself offers beautiful backdrops, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. TikTok

Utilize the roadside pull-offs to set up your gear safely. A telephoto lens is highly recommended to get close-up shots of the birds without disturbing them. Be patient, as the best shots often come from observing the birds' natural behaviors, like feeding or flying. The clear views from the road shoulders allow for unobstructed compositions. Reddit

🌿 Nature Enthusiasts

Nummy Island is a gem for those seeking a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path nature experience. The salty marshes are a vibrant ecosystem supporting a diverse array of bird species, offering a chance to connect with nature in a serene setting. It’s a place to truly be 'at one with nature,' as one reviewer put it. Reddit

Take your time to observe the subtle movements in the marsh and listen to the sounds of the birds. The lack of crowds and commercialization makes it an ideal spot for quiet contemplation and appreciation of the natural world. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons for an even more tranquil experience. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Allure of Nummy Island's Marshes

Nummy Island is a haven for birdlife, largely due to its extensive and productive salty marshes. These wetlands provide a rich feeding ground for a variety of species. The shallow waters teem with small fish, crustaceans, and invertebrates, making it an ideal spot for wading birds like herons and egrets to hunt. The dense vegetation also offers crucial nesting and roosting sites. The Atlantic Brant, a species of goose, is particularly drawn to these areas, especially during their migratory periods, often seen gathering in large numbers. TikTokReddit

The unique ecosystem of the marshes means that even well-camouflaged birds, such as the Clapper Rail, can be found here, though spotting them requires patience and a keen eye. Birdwatchers often describe the experience as a rewarding challenge, emphasizing the thrill of discovering these hidden residents. The overall atmosphere is one of being 'at one with nature,' a sentiment frequently echoed by visitors seeking a peaceful escape. Reddit

For photographers and bird enthusiasts, the interplay of light on the water and the dynamic activity of the birds create unbelievable views. The best times to capture these moments are during the soft light of dawn and dusk, when the birds are most active and the scenery is particularly picturesque. TikTok

Roadside Birding: Safety and Strategy

Nummy Island offers a unique birding experience centered around its roadside access. The road that traverses the island is lined with wide shoulders, specifically designed to allow visitors to safely pull over and observe the abundant wildlife. This roadside approach makes birdwatching accessible without requiring extensive hiking. However, it's crucial to be aware that traffic can move at approximately 50 miles per hour, so drivers must exercise extreme caution when slowing down or stopping. Reddit

Birdwatchers are advised to utilize these shoulders fully, ensuring their vehicles are parked completely off the travel lanes to prevent accidents and allow for unimpeded viewing for others. This strategy allows for excellent views of various species, from waterfowl like the Atlantic Brant to shorebirds and wading birds. The convenience of this method means you can enjoy the natural spectacle without needing to venture far from your vehicle. TikTokReddit

Combining a visit to Nummy Island with nearby Stone Harbor is a popular strategy for a more comprehensive coastal experience. This allows visitors to enjoy both the unique roadside birding of Nummy Island and the other attractions Stone Harbor has to offer, making for a well-rounded day trip. Reddit

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