May, New Jersey, is one of the top birding areas not only in our country, but in the world. The peninsular geography, prevailing westerly winds and habitat diversity create a migrant trap unparalleled in the East. Cape May is located on the southeastern-most tip of New Jersey. In fall, birds migrating along the coast, as well as other migrants pushed to the coast by the predominant northwest and west winds, funnel down this peninsula. When these birds reach the southern tip, the varied habitats attract many of them to stay for a time before crossing the imposing waters of Delaware Bay.
Many species rest, feed and gather strength before continuing their migration.
Cape May. The first half of October is the time of peak raptor diversity and marks the period when hallmark numbers of Peregrine Falcons pass through. The Cape May Point Hawk Watch platform, which has been manned each fall since 1976 by the Cape May Bird Observatory's official hawkwatcher from mid-August to the end of November, is a good location to sharpen your bird of prey I.D. skills. A daily and annual raptor count is tallied there throughout the fall, and monumental totals are recorded each year. To reach the Cape May Hawk Watch, take the Garden State Parkway south to the end. Continue straight on Route 109 at the end of the Parkway.