We say it every year, September and October are beautiful months for a visit to the Jersey Shore. Thankfully, while Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, it does not mean the end of the season in Cape May, or at The Queen Victoria. In fact, as we approach the fall, you’ll find the warmest water of the year, smaller crowds, free beaches, lots of fun things to do outside in Cape May, and – last but not least – world-class birdwatching!
Most are surprised to learn that Cape May is a premier birdwatching destination, one of the best in the world. Impressive, right? Yes, our quaint seaside town, where you love to visit and lounge on the beach, also attracts birdwatchers from all over.
September and October are ideal for birding in Cape May. Those interested in spotting raptors, AKA birds of prey, are in for a special treat. The Cape May Lighthouse features a large deck called the “Hawk Watch Platform”, from which groups of serious “birders” keep a count of all raptors that pass by.
The NJ Audubon Society and its local chapter, the Cape May Bird Observatory (CMBO), have an office and gift shop not far at Cape May Point at one end of Lake Lilly. From that location, they offer several guided tours for interested parties of all levels. Learn more about birding events and tours at the CMBO.
Every September, the annual southward migration of the Black Skimmers brings these interesting creatures back to Cape May’s beaches. They’ve already started to arrive, and you’ll see them gathering in groups across the beach. They’re particularly interesting to watch as they launch themselves into the air and soar up and down over the water in search of their next meal.
So, you see you don’t have to venture far to experience the joys of birding in Cape May. Visit the lighthouse and Bird Observatory, or simply keep your eyes out for all kinds of species, like Ospreys that dive into the water all day long.
Cape May birdwatching is a fun and inexpensive opportunity to learn about birds, their migration patterns, feeding preferences, behaviors, songs, and more. It’s a great activity for people of all ages and skill levels. Make it a rigorous hike, or leisurely outing. You may spot:
- Heron
- Egret
- Laughing Gulls
- Scarlet Tangers
- Prothonotary Warblers
- Yellow Warblers
- Osprey
- Yellow-breasted Chats
- Peregrine Falcon
- Bald Eagle
- Red-Tailed Hawk
We’re very excited to welcome you this fall to The Queen Victoria. Apart from birding, there are many fun things to do outside in Cape May. Book your room today.