Look Up! Fall Migration in Cape May
October brings plenty of changes to Cape May. The air gets cooler, the beaches get quieter, and overhead, fall migration is in full swing.
Cape May is well known as a destination for birdwatching, and you don’t have to leave the city to catch a glimpse of the action. From the beachfront to the harbor, there are plenty of opportunities to look up and see some of the many birds traveling south for the season.
Why Cape May?
Cape May’s location at the southern end of the Cape May Peninsula puts the area along an important route for migrating birds.
Throughout the fall, birds traveling south become concentrated along the peninsula as they approach the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean. That makes October an especially interesting time to keep an eye on the skies while exploring Cape May.
Start Along the Beach
One of the easiest places to watch for migrating birds is right along Cape May’s beachfront.
Take a walk along the Promenade or head down to the sand and spend a few minutes looking out over the ocean and sky. Depending on the day, you may spot migrating birds moving along the coastline or seabirds passing offshore.
The best part? You don’t need to plan an entire birding excursion. A pair of binoculars can turn your regular morning or evening beach walk into a completely different Cape May experience.
Explore Cape May's Harbor
Head across town and Cape May Harbor offers another perspective.
The harbor, surrounding waterways, and nearby wetlands provide habitat for a variety of birds throughout the year. During fall migration, keep an eye out for additional visitors passing through or stopping to rest and feed before continuing their journeys south.
It’s also a great excuse to explore a side of Cape May that can sometimes be overlooked in favor of the beachfront and historic district.
Don't Forget the City's Parks and Green Spaces
You never know what you might spot while walking through Cape May.
Trees, gardens, parks, and other green spaces throughout the city can provide temporary places for migrating birds to rest and refuel. That means birdwatching in Cape May doesn't always require heading somewhere specifically to birdwatch.
Sometimes, all you have to do is pay attention.
A Different Way to Experience Fall in Cape May
Fall migration is another reminder that Cape May is much more than a summer destination.
Take a morning walk along the Promenade. Spend some time by the harbor. Explore the city's quieter streets and green spaces. Bring your binoculars—or simply look up every once in a while.
October is a great time to discover the wild side of Cape May.
