Summer's over, but the migration to the shore is just beginning. The
migration of the birds that is. Hundreds of thousands of birds migrate to
warmer climates every fall and Cape May is one of the best places in the
nation to observe this fascinating journey. During the last weekend of
September, over 400 members of the New Jersey Audubon Society also took a
journey to the shore to experience the birds in flight, at rest and at play.
Even with bad weather, the birders' spirits were lifted with many rare
sightings. Already a record number of eagles and osprey have been seen in
the area. The Cape May Bird Observatory took the birders on a special tour
through the peninsula by foot and by boat to ensure the best view of our
feathered friends. Cape May Bird Observatory, founded in 1975 by the New
Jersey Audubon Society, holds daily walks and events and on weekends
conducts hawk banding at Cape May Point State Park. For more information,
call the Cape May Bird Observatory at 609-884-2736 and for recent sightings,
call the birding hotline at 609-861-0466. Birds aren't the only things
flying around Cape May. Bring out your binoculars to view more than 100
species of butterflies and over 75 species of dragonflies and damselflies
buzzing around our wetlands. Early October is a great time to spot hundreds
of Monarch butterflies migrating.
Because of our geographical location, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Delaware Bay, Cape May also has an array of sealife. From fish and mollusks to whales and dolphins, many species of sealife can be found in Cape May. Try a fishing cruise, a whale and dolphin watching trip or even a leisurely kayaking tour of the back bays. Plentiful plantlife flourishes in the Cape May area. Bamboo, dune grass, ferns, and rare orchids is just a sampling of our flora waiting to be explored. Experience nature, up close and learn more about animals habitats, our environment and how all should be protected, contact the New Jersey Audubon's Nature Center of Cape May , 609-898-8848.
Cape May Birding & Eco-Tourism Activities
Join the Center for their Harbor Fair held annually on Columbus
Day Monday from 10am to 4pm and for other programs, workshops and
tours for children, adults and the family.
For more information on Eco-tourism, the Cape May Bird Observatory,
the Nature Center of Cape May and nature tours in and around
Victorian Cape May, contact the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape
May at 609-884-5508.
Mention the Cape May Community Information Pages