| To many bird watchers Cape May is not a secret, in | | | | mavens keep excellent track of the migration. In fact |
| fact New Jersey has some of the best habitats for | | | | they hold many events such as the Big Sit in October |
| birding in the country. I personally visit Cape May | | | | to count the seemingly endless stream of bird species |
| Lighthouse many times a year. The migration in that | | | | that frequent the area that time of year. When I visited |
| area is world famous. What I love to see are the | | | | near Halloween my kids loved the monarch butterflies |
| raptors who frequent the area during their migration. | | | | who also migrate through the area that time of year, |
| To understand how great of a bird watch resource | | | | there were hundreds of these beautiful creatures. The |
| Cape May is, one needs to think as the birds think. The | | | | bird count was amazing and it was quick to see how |
| Delaware River cuts in between the Cape and the | | | | wonderful a spot Cape May is for birding hobbyists. |
| nearby state of Delaware. For most birds that 16 miles | | | | In 2009 there were over 140 different species |
| of water from the point of Cape May to the other side | | | | documented at Cape May Lighthouse park. Of that |
| of the Delaware bay basin is not a fun flight nor a flight | | | | great number raptors were very dominant. Everything |
| they will attempt. This fact is an important one, the | | | | from Hawks to Vultures and even American Bald |
| migration of birds is so intense in the Cape May | | | | Eagles were seen. The list is impressive and it is a |
| because of its food abundance, habitat and for a | | | | testament to those participating in the bird watch and |
| pit-stop for those heading and looking for the easier | | | | Cape May as a birding capital here on the east coast |
| routes southward. | | | | of the United States. |
| Personally my hats off to the great groups that | | | | If you want to sharpen your bird watching and |
| maintain the pristine environment for the many birds | | | | increase your bird sightings, plan a trip to southern New |
| that call Cape May home. A count is done annually | | | | Jersey sometime soon and see the great migration. I |
| and can be seen on a board near the Hawkwatch | | | | know for me it is the most exciting time of the year! |
| Platform as the locals call it. These bird watching | | | | |