As trees blossom and flowers begin to bloom, the Jersey Cape invites you fly on in for a visit and enjoy the world-renowned Spring bird migration!
About the Spring bird migration
With its peninsular geography, westerly winds and diverse habitats, the Jersey Cape creates a hospitable environment for birds to rest, feed and gather strength before continuing their migration. Perfectly situated along the Atlantic Flyway, the region is ranked among the greatest eco-tourist destinations in the world.
Early Spring starts the migration of birds along the Delaware Bay, and the crowds of winged visitors grow through May when millions of Ruddy Terns and Red Knots come to feast on horseshoe crab eggs along the bay beaches.
The Spring migration phenomenon includes more than 100 species of songbirds, shorebirds, raptors and others on a northward path after crossing the open waters of the Delaware Bay.
Among the early arrivers recorded so far by the Audubon Society’s 2021 Cape May Springwatch are Wood Ducks, American Oystercatchers, Killdeer, Piping Plovers, Black Scoters, Northern Gannetts and Pine Warblers.
Planning a Bird watching Trip
Where to Observe
Cape May Point is one of the premier places with marked, easy-to-follow trails to help even the novice birder spot ducks, swans, osprey and other shore birds and wildlife along the way. The NJ Audubon Society’s Cape May Bird Observatory is located in Cape May Point and plays host to the annual World Series of Birding.
The 200-acre South Cape May Meadows preserve between Cape May and Cape May Point State Park is a birder’s paradise with trails that skirt the Atlantic Ocean.
The Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary is a 21.5 acre preserve with three public access paths.
Straddling the Cape May-Cumberland border, Belleplain State Forest encompasses 21,000 acres of Pinelands with opportunities for hiking, biking, bird watching, canoeing and exploring.
One of the newest attractions, the Cox Hall Creek Wildlife Management Area in Villas, Cape May County is quickly becoming a favorite spot for birdwatchers with more than 4 miles of trails.
Where to Stay
Among the many advantages of the visiting the Jersey Cape for the Spring migration is the extensive accommodations. From hotels to motels, bed and breakfast inns, campgrounds and vacation home rentals, there are options to match your travel preferences, and often available at off-peak rates.
For more info on lodging during the Spring visit escapetothejerseycape.com/AllYear/OpenAllYear