CAPE MAY
BIRDING & ECO-TOURISM
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. 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.
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Last modified: 09/27/00
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