Birdwatching, Cape May

When moving to New Jersey, we learned that our state is located on the migratory route of countless bird species, so it was no surprise to hear that Cape May County is one of the top bird watching locales in the state. It is also a gathering spot for monarch butterflies in the Fall before their departure for Mexico.

Spring and Fall bird migrations bring carloads of people to Cape May to observe all types of birds. Cape May Bird Observatory includes The Northwood Center ( 2001) and The Center for Research and Education (1997).

The Northwood Center on Cape May Point is a nature resource center which promotes all birding activities. It offers travel, nature and birding information. A nature shop is on the premises. The center is open daily from 9 am-4:30 pm. (609-884-2726)

The Center for Research and Education focuses on backyard habitats and backyard birdwatching. The 8,600 square feet center is on twenty-six acres of marsh and upland on New Jersey's Delaware Bayshore where it is stragically placed for peak observation. The hours of operationg are 9 am-4:30 daily. (609-861-0700)

For directions and additional information about their programs see their website below.

3 more images

As often as we visited Cape May when living in New Jersey, we never took a birding cruise. Birding reigns supreme in this area, that is after the historic Victorian homes!
Cape May is nicely situated on a bird migration route, so a wide variety of species appear at different times of the year.

On our 10am two hour narrated cruise, we headed to the salt marsh where we received a very interesting eco-tour. After motoring passed a few jetskis and several large ships at dock, we began seeing many types of gulls. Soon osprey nests appeared, then great egrets and herons.

pic #2 osprey nest
pic #3 great egret
pic #4 laughing gull

The captain knew his birds! That's more than I can say for myself. Most of my photos were of laughing gulls and I missed a photo of a rare type of gull highlighted during our cruise.

Spending time on the water is 'time well spent' indeed and the cruise was both relaxing and informative. My husband and I left with an appreciation of the varied number of bird species which can be found along the shores of southern New Jersey.

FYI: cost for the cruise is $28 for adults, $15 for kids 7-12. Age 6 and under is free. Seniors get a break on the 1:30pm tour on Mondays, when its $15 for those 55 and over. See the website for additional tour times. $5 off on tickets when purchasing online.

Bring your binoculars. Many beach nesting bird habitats all along the shore, with nice access platforms that make it easy for you.

Advise: if you want to trail along these habitats...leave your pooch at home.

Bird watching year round. Winter birds seen in January, Painted Bunting, Razorbill, Harlequin Duck, Common Eider, Great Cormorant, American Woodcocks,