Fall migration brings birds, and the people that love them, to Cape May

PERCHED at the tip of South Jersey, Cape May is a renowned bird watcher’s paradise, especially in autumn when the region comes alive with the movement of waterfowl, songbirds and raptors heading to warmer climates on their fall migrations.
Known as one of North America’s top birding destinations, the area draws thousands of enthusiasts each year to see the variety of species that pass through, and its accessible trails, guided walks and welcoming community also make it an ideal place for newcomers to explore and grow their interest in the hobby.
“What makes Cape May so unique for bird watchers is the geography, the shape of the southern part of New Jersey. We’re the first south-facing peninsula on the East Coast,” said Adehl Schwaderer, program coordinator for New Jersey Audubon. “All of the birds, butterflies and bats are migrating south for the winter to get to warmer areas, and they often get funneled down towards Cape May and especially down to Cape May Point.”
Adehl and her team at New Jersey Audubon oversee the Cape May Bird Observatory, a hub for bird conservation and research. Their work supports the organization’s mission to protect the state’s wildlife and natural habitats through science-based advocacy, environmental education and community outreach. In addition to research and bird-monitoring efforts, the observatory hosts a wide range of birding programs year-round from guided walks and beginner workshops to seasonal festivals.
Beginner bird walks are a perfect opportunity for locals and tourists alike, according to Adehl.
“You don’t have to fully dive in to do a full bird walk yourself the first time you come down,” she said, recommending the Observatory’s free programs as a great starting-off point for someone who might be interested in the hobby.
“Bird Before Beach,” a casual, one-hour walk along Cape May Point State Park, is a free experience offered each Tuesday morning, and the “Morning Flight Experience” is a meeting two hours after sunrise on Jetty Road at Higbee Beach for a free exploration of songbird migration patterns in the fall.
“You don’t need any equipment or need to have any prequalifications,” Adehl said. “You just need to want to be outside and to learn about birds.”
For more experienced birders, the observatory offers a wide range of programs at varying price points. These include Friday morning bird walks at Lorrimer Sanctuary, which are free for New Jersey Audubon members and $5 for nonmembers. For those looking to explore on the water, Back Bay boat tours are available at $42 for adults, $25 for children and $38 for Audubon members, providing a unique opportunity to spot coastal and marshland species in their natural habitat.
As the seasons shift, the observatory expands its offerings.
“Fall is the best time because of the southbound movement of these birds being funneled down to Cape May. The northwest wind is a tailwind that helps to push them in a southerly direction,” Adehl said. “This perfect storm of geography of South Cape May, a northwest wind pattern and the drive these birds have to get south for somewhere warm is really why Cape May is the best place to be on the East Coast in the fall.”
The last two weeks of September and first two weeks of October are the best times for bird watching in the area, as migration hits its peak the skies, trees, and shorelines come alive with movement, she added.
During this period visitors can expect to see a spectacular variety of species including sharp-shinned and Cooper’s hawks and songbirds such as warblers, tanagers and thrushes moving through in waves, while coastal areas bustle with egrets and herons refueling before their next flight.
This is also when NJ Audubon hosts one of its biggest programs, the Cape May Fall Festival. The weekend event will take place October 16-19 and will include field trips, trolley trips and a keynote speaker.
Beyond the thrill of spotting rare or colorful species, birding offers a deeper connection to the natural world, according to Adehl. Observing birds in their habitats can reveal patterns of migration, changes in seasonal behavior and the delicate balance of local ecosystems.
It’s an activity that not only sharpens your senses but also broadens the understanding of how wildlife, climate and habitat are all interconnected. As Adehl explains, “We are a part of the web. Birding can increase someone’s understanding of not just Cape May, but where they fit into the ecosystem, even if they’re just visiting for a weekend.”
By Rebecca L. Forand. Photos by Caroline Behnke.

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