At the southernmost tip of New Jersey, where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, lies a birder’s paradise that ranks among the world’s premier bird-watching destinations. Cape May’s unique geography, diverse habitats, and position along the Atlantic Flyway make it a crucial stopover point for millions of migrating birds, earning it international recognition as one of the top ten birding locations globally. On a more local scale, Cape May is considered to be the top bird watching location in North America.
A Natural Funnel for Migration
Cape May’s peninsula acts as a natural funnel, concentrating birds along the coast during their seasonal migrations. This phenomenon creates spectacular opportunities for birders to observe thousands of birds in a single day. During peak migration periods, the sky becomes a highway of wings as raptors, songbirds, and shorebirds make their way along the Atlantic Flyway.
The fall migration, which typically runs from late August through November, is particularly spectacular. Hawk watchers at Cape May Point State Park regularly count over 80,000 raptors passing through during this season. On prime days in September and October, observers might witness the breathtaking sight of hundreds of Sharp-shinned Hawks, Cooper’s Hawks, and Northern Harriers streaming overhead.
The Cape May Fall Festival is a birding festival that coordinates with peak migration. The four-day event features programs and field trips for novice and expert birdwatchers alike. The keynote speaker for the 2025 event will be Kenn Kaufman. Mr. Kaufman is a professional bird tour leader and author of 14 books. His talk will be titled “The Hidden History of American Shorebirds: Cape May Edition.” Mark your 2025 calendar for October 16-19 and make your reservations early.
Spring Spectacles
While fall migration draws the largest crowds, spring brings its own unique charm to Cape May. From March through May, the peninsula welcomes returning warblers, tanagers, and other neotropical migrants. The trees and shrubs of Cape May Point State Park and Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area come alive with the songs of Blue-Winged Warblers, Scarlet Tanagers, and Baltimore Orioles.
Spring also brings the annual World Series of Birding. During this one-day event, teams set out to tally as many different bird species as possible in a 24-hour period. They are allowed to identify the birds by sight or by sound. More than 90 teams competed in this Cape May birding event in 2024; the top two teams identified 213 species of birds each throughout the entire state. There is also a category for Cape May County only and the winning team identified 175 species of birds. The 2025 event is scheduled for May 10.
The Birds of Cape May
Cape May is the home or resting stop for so many species of birds. You can check eBird for recent sightings to note opportunities you may have during your birdwatching visit to Cape May. If you are planning ahead for a future trip, change the time period to see the types of birds that frequent Cape May during the month of your trip.
Cape May is home to numerous charismatic birds that consistently draw observers. Here is a sample of ten species that birders eagerly seek during their visits:
- Red-tailed Hawk – During fall migration, hundreds of these magnificent raptors soar over the hawk watch platform, offering spectacular views of their distinctive rusty tails catching the sunlight.
- American Oystercatcher – These striking shorebirds, with their bold black-and-white plumage and bright orange bills, can be found year-round along Cape May’s beaches and tidal flats.
- Purple Sandpiper – A winter specialty of the jetties and rocky coastline, these hardy shorebirds delight observers with their close approaches and subtle purple sheen.
- Northern Gannet – From fall through spring, these impressive seabirds can be seen plunge-diving into the ocean from great heights, creating spectacular displays visible from shore.
- Black Skimmer – Summer visitors can watch colonies of these unique birds feeding at dusk, their longer lower mandibles skimming the water’s surface for small fish.
- Tree Swallow – Massive flocks numbering in the thousands swirl over the marshes during fall migration, creating mesmerizing aerial ballets.
- Cedar Waxwing – These sleek, crested birds often appear in flocks during migration, their high-pitched trills and social behavior making them a favorite among observers.
- American Woodcock – During spring evenings, males perform spectacular aerial displays at dusk in suitable habitat around Cape May Point.
- Yellow-rumped Warbler – The most numerous warbler during migration, these active birds can be found in mixed feeding flocks throughout the peninsula’s wooded areas.
- Snow Bunting – These arctic visitors can be found along the beaches and dunes during winter months, their white plumage blending perfectly with any occasional snowfall.
World-Class Birding Infrastructure
What sets Cape May apart from other birding destinations is its well-developed infrastructure for bird watching. The Cape May Bird Observatory, operated by New Jersey Audubon, provides educational programs, guided walks, and workshops throughout the year. Their migration watches are ideal for those who are new to birdwatching because staff can help locate and identify birds.
The hawk watch platform at Cape May Point State Park, staffed by professional counters during migration seasons, provides comfortable seating and educational programs for visitors. Here, experienced birders freely share their knowledge with newcomers, creating a welcoming community atmosphere that has become a hallmark of Cape May’s birding culture.
Other popular places for birdwatching in Cape May include:
- Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area – There are two miles of trails and two viewing platforms.
- South Cape May Meadows – The welcome center has an interactive kiosk that features the calls of local birds.
- Cape May National Wildlife Refuge – The marsh boardwalk is especially popular with birders.
- Birding By Boat on the Osprey – Captain Bob takes birdwatchers into the coastal salt marsh to see marine birds up close.
Planning Your Visit
For the optimal birding experience, timing is crucial. Fall migration peaks from mid-September through October, with different species moving through at different times. Raptor enthusiasts should target September for the bulk of the hawk migration, while waterfowl numbers peak in late October and November. Check out the Wilbraham Mansion rooms and book your trip now.
Spring migration is more compressed, with the greatest diversity typically occurring in May. However, any time of year can provide remarkable birding experiences in Cape May, as different seasons bring different species and spectacles. Book a stay in one of Wilbraham’s suites for a delightful retreat after a long day of bird watching.
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious beginner, Cape May offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness one of nature’s most impressive phenomena. The combination of geographic advantage, species diversity, and birding infrastructure makes it not just one of America’s premier birding destinations, but truly one of the world’s great gathering places for birds and those who love them.
