Cape May New Jersey Birds

Cape May is a popular beach locale, but it is also a well-known destination for birders. That’s because of its location at the midpoint of the Atlantic Flyway and its varied natural habitats. This location “draws birds and butterflies, and the people who watch them. In fact, some call it a ‘mecca’ for bird watching.” (http://www.njwildlifetrails.org)

NJ Audubon

The New Jersey Audubon Society serves the entire state of New Jersey, but much of its work is in Cape May. For example, it holds an annual Cape May Autumn Birding Festival. This year the festival is on the weekend of Oct. 24 – 26, 2014. Other Cape May birding activities and events include the annual World Series of Birding, the Cape May School of Birding, and Cape MAYgration.

Since Cape May is such an important birding location, the NJ Audubon has two centers in Cape May; Northwood Center at Cape May Point and Center for Research and Education at Cape May Court House.

New Jersey Birds

Many types of birds make New Jersey their home, but New Jersey’s state bird is the American goldfinch. If you are interested, the American Birding Association (ABA) has up-to-date news and New Jersey bird lists.

Cape May Warbler

The Cape May Warbler got its name from the fact that the first specimen was collected at Cape May, New Jersey, where it is a common migrant. It’s a small (5”) songbird with a yellow chest with thin black stripes and a reddish and yellow face. An interesting fact is that during migration these birds show a curious attraction to ornamental spruces.

Photo courtesy of outdooralabama.com