The National Geographic lists Cape May as one of the best destinations in the world for birding. Due to Cape May’s small peninsula, the area draws in a wide variety of birds during spring and fall migrations. Home to the Cape May Bird Observatory and several popular migratory areas nearby, birding in Cape May is a favorite activity for both locals and visitors alike.
Visit the Cape May Bird Observatory
Visit the Cape May Bird Observatory with their weekly walks. Led by their associate naturalists and professional staff, the walks change throughout the year, focusing on what to see each season. The walks last anywhere from two to three hours and welcome beginners and expert birders. Or take birding in Cape May to the next level and sign up for one of their full-day workshops for extended birding opportunities.
Cape May Hawk watch
Every fall, beginning in September and lasting through the end of November, visitors can watch as thousands of raptors flood across the sky during their southbound migration. See everything from Broad-winged Hawks in September to Golden Eagles and Red-shouldered Hawks in November. The main command post to see this migration sits at Cape May Point State Park. The Cape May Bird Observatory staffs the observation deck until end of November with official hawk counters.
Birdwatching at Higbee Beach
One of the best places to see the fall migration of warblers is at Higbee Beach. Located on the Delaware Bay, the rich landscape offers a diverse habitat for stellar bird watching. Songbirds, like the warblers, are nocturnal migrators. But in some coastal areas, like Cape May, they migrate just after sunrise. This migration begins around the beginning of August and through mid-November. There is an observatory platform near the main parking lot that gives birdwatches a great vantage point.
Seabirds in Avalon
Located 20 miles north of Cape May, Avalon is a seabird watcher’s fantasy come to life. Seabirds migrating south follow the coastline very closely, providing front row seats to 700,000 waterbirds streaming past the Avalon Seawatch. This is best observed between mid-August through mid-December.
Stay at the Southern Mansion
Your experience of birding in Cape May isn’t complete until you’ve booked your stay at Southern Mansion. Located just three miles from the Cape May Bird Observatory and other area attractions, the Southern Mansion is a great jumping off point for all your vacation adventures. Enjoy the charm of our Victorian mansion with beautiful gardens, opulent rooms and suites, plus a fanciful parlor to greet you upon arrival.
Book your stay with us during the week and receive 20% off your stay, Sunday through Thursday. Effective November 1st through December 23rd. Book now and save on your Cape May vacation with the Southern Mansion!
