Cape May Bird Observatory – Cape May, New Jersey
Cape May Bird Observatory was founded in 1976 by the New Jersey Audubon Society to do research, environmental education, bird conservation and hold recreational birding act ivies for all that are interested in the wonderful world of birds. You can come and participate in bird watching while you are on your New Jersey vacation. Maybe you want to check out the best places to go, they have birding maps available for you and a checklist for you to mark those that you have seen.
If you have an interest in the different types of birds that you can see in this area you will certainly enjoy spending time here. Maybe you will see the Least Bitterns, Willow Flycatchers or Blue Grosbeaks. You can listen to the beautiful music their chirping brings to the quiet of the area.
There were Laughing and Herring Gulls near Reeds’ Beach for you to enjoy as well as Ring-billed Gulls and some Turnstones and Knots. There are also Bald Eagles in the area that will have your heart soaring right along with their powerful wing strokes as they sail through the air.
The Observatory offers weekly walks led by CMBO’s associate naturalists and/or professional staff. Be sure to bring your binoculars, field guides, bug repellent, sunscreen and drinking water. Check the weather to make sure you are appropriately dressed. The programs can be cancelled if the weather conditions or heavy rain make it unsafe to go.
There is also the opportunity to take a boat trip on a pontoon boat for looking at secretive rails, nesting Ospreys, migrant shorebirds, nesting terns, gulls, herons, and more. There is free parking for you at the Miss Chris Marina, 2nd Ave. and Wilson, for you to leave your car while on the boat. There are different boat tours available so be sure to check with the observatory for the one that best fits your desires.
You can learn a great deal about bird watching if you join a Cape May School of Birding Workshop. You will hear about topics that cover a wide variety of the birds of the area. The majority of the time will be spent in the field, watching and listening to the birds as you learn about them. There will be at least one indoor session with the daily plans adjusted to the weather conditions and migration conditions.
Young people truly enjoy birding too. They should seek out a mentor, whether that is someone from the local Audubon Society, a teacher or parent, or any other person in good standing that cares about birding.
Everyone has a different time of the year that is their favorite for birding. If you are in the area near the end of September and the beginning of October you will be able to see an increase in Hawk flights, neotropical and short-distance songbird migrants, water bird migration begins in earnest and the general social atmosphere that makes Cape May a fabulous place to be is especially strong during this time.
Location:
The Northwood Center
701 East Lake Drive
PO Box 3
Cape May Point, NJ 08212
Phone: 609.884.2736
Email: marleen.murgitroyde@njaudubon.org
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