Situated at the most important concentration along the Atlantic Flyway, Cape May is a “crossroads of migration” that has attracted, inspired and overawed ornithologists, birders and other visitors for centuries. In fact, it was selected as the second-best birding destination in the world in a National Geographic survey, trailing only Antarctica (if only we had penguins in Cape May!).
Since 1976, New Jersey Audubon’s Cape May Bird Observatory has been monitoring the migration of birds, butterflies, dragonflies and other wildlife that pass through, over, and past Cape May’s shores, keeping our finger on the pulse of species populations and conservation needs. This leading role in research, education and conservation is recognized worldwide, with data collected being used in scientific papers and for policy-making decisions, fulfilling our stated mission of “inspiring and empowering people to care for nature throughout New Jersey and beyond.”
That “beyond” is partly reflected in a unique Friendship Agreement that CMBO has with “sister” observatories in Spurn, UK, Falsterbo, Sweden and Long Point, Canada. Interestingly, just like at Cape May, each of these observatories is situated at the southern tip of a peninsula with a lighthouse, a seaside resort town with its summer rush of tourists and most importantly, a migration concentration point for birds. Each site has studies involving point counts, banding and educational programs.
These similarities create an immediate bond and understanding of the opportunities and challenges presented. The result of these recognized parallels is this empowering friendship agreement, in which we have set aims to foster and collaborate on studies, share knowledge and best practices to enhance effectiveness and reach, increase awareness in the international public, and excitingly to implement a Young Professional Exchange.
The Young Professional Exchange has allowed various individuals, early in their ornithological careers, to visit and experience firsthand the work of the respective observatories, promoting global youth birding relations and enhancing our connection. Despite a difference in attendant species at these distant locations, the similarities in orientation and timing are enlightening and spark further conversation about the intersection of birds and people.
Through the use of technology, the observatories are also able to keep in touch through regular meetings via Zoom and giving virtual presentations at festivals, connecting like-minded individuals across the globe. And each site uses Trektellen, the data tracking software system hosting sites from around the world, that allows us to live-stream our observations as they’re happening and check on other projects in real-time. As birds are unaware of national borders and travel worldwide, so too must be our approach to study and understanding. We’re proud to be a part of this observatory community and strive for a future where people and nature thrive together.
To read more about the Friendship Agreement, check out what we’re seeing right now at our Springwatch happening in Cape May Point (March 1 to May 31), or to find out about upcoming programs and events, visit CMBO’s landing page: www.birdcapemay.org.
