Does spring fever have you daydreaming about warmer days and more time outdoors? The days are getting longer, the snow is melting, and before you know it we will see the first blooms of the season.
Here in Cape May County, spring is marked by the influx of bird species either passing through on their way north to their breeding grounds or settling in for breeding season right here. Some notable species include Red Knots, Northern Gannets, Tree Swallows, and a wide variety of warblers. Whether you enjoy the new arrivals in your own backyard or you’re game to search out new species, you already have luck on your side because Cape May is one of the top birding destinations in the world!
Want a chance to see many of these species up close and personal? Join us for one or more of our many spring programs, special field trips, or workshops. Our 2-hour birding walks are great for all experience levels. If you’re an early bird, join us for our Birding Cape May Point, Birding the Meadows, or Migration at Cape May Point weekly walks, where we will identify all species from songbirds to waterfowl to migrant shorebirds. Right now, there are three or four events each week. The pace increases throughout March and by mid-April there are guided bird walks every day of the week right through Memorial Day weekend.
Are you new to birds and birding? Consider our Intro to Birding workshop on Friday afternoon, April 11. We will get down to basics of birding equipment and identification tips, with plenty of time for all your questions. Indoor time will be followed by visits to local birding hotspots to take in the early spring migrants while focusing on improving your bird identification in the field.
If you’re ready to take your birding to the next level, join one of our many special field trips or workshops. During our Birding After Dark special field trip on Friday, March 25, we will spend the last few hours of daylight observing birds as they wind down for the evening and track down the peculiar ‘peeent’ of a Woodcock or the call of a territorial owl. Learn about birds you can only see up-close at sea during a six-hour trip aboard the Atlantic Star on March 29 in partnership with the Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center. There’s a good chance of spotting whales and dolphins on this trip, too.
Finally, mark your calendars for an exciting free event sponsored by the Diane Cornell Wildlife Garden Project. On May 2, Dr. Doug Tallamy will address many of the commonly asked questions about ecological landscaping. These are good, thoughtful questions about ecology and evolution, biodiversity, invasive species, insect declines, native and non-native plants, and more. In this talk, Dr. Tallamy’s goal is to motivate people to participate in the active restoration of ecosystem function where they live, work, play, worship, and farm.
For more information and to register for these programs, please visit www.birdcapemay.com and click on the Calendar of Events, or call the Northwood Center at 609-400-3868.
