Cape May Migration Magic: Fall Birding at Its Finest
Experience the magic of Cape May's fall bird migration, where millions of raptors, shorebirds, and songbirds funnel through this legendary birding hotspot.
Each autumn, Cape May, New Jersey transforms into one of the world's most spectacular birding destinations. Positioned at the southern tip of New Jersey where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, Cape May acts as a natural funnel for millions of migrating birds heading south.
The Hawk Migration Spectacle
Cape May is world-renowned for raptor migration. From late August through November, thousands of hawks, eagles, and falcons pass through daily. Peak days in September can see over 10,000 raptors including Sharp-shinned Hawks, American Kestrels, and Peregrine Falcons.
Shorebird Stopover
Before the raptors arrive, Cape May hosts massive concentrations of shorebirds. Red Knots, Sanderlings, and Ruddy Turnstones fuel up on horseshoe crab eggs in the Delaware Bay, one of the largest shorebird migration phenomena in the Western Hemisphere.
Songbird Fallouts
Northwest winds in September and October can produce legendary songbird 'fallouts' with warblers, vireos, and thrushes concentrated in Cape May's parks and gardens.