Cape May Overview

Cape May is one of the most famous geographic bottlenecks in global birding. Located at the southern tip of New Jersey, its peninsula shape acts as a massive funnel for millions of migrating raptors, shorebirds, and songbirds that are reluctant to cross the Delaware Bay.

Key Habitats & Highlights

• Cape May Hawkwatch Platform: Legendary for massive autumn raptor flights. On a good day with northwest winds, you can see thousands of Sharp-shinned Hawks, Peregrine Falcons, and Merlins.
• The Meadows (TNC Preserve): Excellent for migrating shorebirds, wading birds, and exhausted songbirds seeking refuge.
• Higbee Beach: Famous for morning songbird flights where thousands of warblers "correct" their migratory path at dawn after being blown out to sea overnight.
• Delaware Bay Beaches: Critical stopover habitat where Red Knots gorge on horseshoe crab eggs during their epic spring migration.

Seasonal Guidance

• Peak Migration (May, September to November): Fall is the undisputed king in Cape May, offering jaw-dropping raptor flights and songbird fallouts. May is also spectacular for the Red Knot migration and northbound warblers.
• Winter Rarities (December to February): While bitter cold, winter brings incredible congregations of sea ducks (Scoters, Eiders), Northern Gannets, and Snowy Owls to the coastal jetties and marshes.