Cape May isn’t known just for its fabulous beaches, lovely Victorian homes, and captivating history. It is also renowned as one of the top birding destinations in the world (ranked #2 by National Geographic), and has been since the late 1700s, with visits by historically important naturalists like Charles Peale, Alexander Wilson, and John James Audubon.
Its location in the Mid-Atlantic region as a southward-facing peninsula and varied habitats combine to produce incredible abundance, diversity, and rare bird sightings throughout the year. Over 440 species of birds have been recorded in Cape May County, which is more than have been seen in many states.
While there are many resident, nesting, and wintering species to delight and keep one’s attention, the spectacle of migration really makes Cape May shine. We’re situated at the most important concentration point along one of the world’s greatest natural wonders—the Atlantic Flyway. Millions of birds, butterflies, and other wildlife pass through, over, and by the Cape’s shores, making Cape May the pinnacle of avian migration in Eastern North America.
And where there are birds, there are birders and nature lovers. It only makes sense that a world-renowned bird observatory should be located in Cape May. New Jersey Audubon’s Cape May Bird Observatory (CMBO) has been a leader in bird research, education, and conservation since 1976. They have taken enormous strides to better understand this natural migratory phenomenon and the implications it holds for population monitoring and outreach.
CMBO’s suite of long-term migration watches, which includes the Cape May hawkwatch (since 1976), Avalon Seawatch (1993), Morning Flight Songbird Count (2003) and Springwatch (2018), gathers critical population and timing data on hundreds of species.
Over 1.5 million raptors, seabirds, shorebirds, and songbirds are counted annually, sometimes in mind-blowing numbers. Just three weeks ago, over 10,500 Blue-gray Gnatcatchers were counted in a single day, a record for the United States. Just a few days later, a Common Swift was observed—one of only a handful of records of this Eurasian vagrant ever recorded in Eastern North America. Last fall, over 1.1 million seabirds were counted passing the Avalon Seawatch, the highest season total in that site’s history. This mix of abundance and rarity is seldom duplicated anywhere else in the world.
And it’s not just birds! Cape May also hosts incredible movements of Monarchs & other butterflies, dragonflies, bats, and more. CMBO’s Monarch Monitoring Project, initiated in 1990, is the longest-running study of its kind in the world, with tagging and educational efforts providing important data and inspiration. Over 100 Monarchs tagged in Cape May have been refound on the wintering grounds in Mexico.
Another main feature of CMBO’s efforts is the Northwood Center (701 East Lake Drive in Cape May Point—right in the heart of it all) and its engagement with the thousands of residents and visitors who want to experience and learn about nature and the well-being it provides. The center, nature store, and trails are open year-round and free to the public. The center provides resources such as birding guides, binoculars, apparel and gifts, and an opportunity to immerse yourself in a model natural habitat.
Whether you’re a beginning birder or a pro, the Northwood Center is the hub of the birding world in Cape May.
All of this is geared toward New Jersey Audubon’s vision of a future where people and nature thrive together by fostering the appreciation of birds and enjoying all that nature provides. Get out and experience the birds and butterflies of Cape May for yourself!
To learn more about birds, butterflies and nature, visit the Cape May Bird Observatory’s Northwood Center, (701 East Lake Dr., Cape May Point), the Nature Center of Cape May (1600 Delaware Ave., Cape May) or go to www.birdcapemay.org and check out our full calendar of upcoming programs and information. Of course, we can’t do what we do without your support—please consider membership or a donation and be part of the team.
