New Jersey Audubon’s Cape May Bird Observatory (CMBO) was founded in 1976

Hours

Northwood Center
Hours: Wed-Sun 9:30am-4:30pm
CLOSED Monday and Tuesday
Closed for Holidays

Ryan De Witt Memorial Trail – Open year-round, dawn to dusk


Center for Research and Education
Center building is Closed to Public
Self-guided trails open year-round, dawn to dusk

Why Visit Us In Cape May

National Geographic lists Cape May as a World’s Best destination for birding

Here is what they say: The narrow peninsula at Cape May acts as a bird funnel, bringing in songbirds during their spring and fall migrations. At dawn on a good day, legendary Higbee Beach offers front-row seats to a feathered fashion show: A steady procession flies by, each bird intent on finding a place to rest as it encounters the natural barrier of Delaware Bay. With a little luck, you can see 20 species of warblers, each in its own colorful costume.


Cape May has the best beach in New Jersey

“It’s Exit 0 on the Garden State Parkway, but No. 1 on our list”  NJ.com


Birding!!

The main reason to come to our Cape May Bird Observatory in Cape May….SO.MANY.BIRDS.

Center upcoming events

Things To Do

  • School of Birding
  • Special Field Trips
  • Weekly Walks
  • Fall and Spring Festivals
  • World Series of Birding

More To Do

Special Programs

Cape May School of Birding

These workshops are a fun and attentive way to visit one of the best birding and natural history places on the planet. From our cadre of in-depth birding excursions to a celebration of butterflies, dragonflies, and all things wild, you’re sure to find an offering that catches your eye. All of our workshops are led by experts in their field: world-class birders and naturalists that have often written the guides we all rely on. Our intimate approach to enjoyment and teaching will provide the opportunity and information you need to grow in understanding and appreciation – the leader-to-participant ratio is 12:1 or better.

While the majority of time is spent in the field watching birds and nature, some of the workshops will incorporate an indoor session – a chance to demonstrate and discuss identification, techniques, conservation, and ecology. Along the way, you’ll meet like-minded people and are sure to form lasting memories and friendships. From beginner to advanced, all are welcome! All the while, your registration fees are helping support the mission of New Jersey Audubon’s Cape May Bird Observatory.


Details and descriptions of all our preregistration programs are available on the registration site (Special Field Trips in brown and School of Birding Workshops in blue).  All special field trips require advance registration, and the number of participants is limited to ensure the best experience. Upon completion of registration, you will receive a confirmation email that also contains attached details and directions – please look all the materials over and retain for your records. Sign up early to secure your spot!

NEW JERSEY AUDUBON AND CAPE MAY BIRD OBSERVATORY MEMBERS RECEIVE A 25% DISCOUNT ON ALL SPECIAL FIELD TRIPS AND WORKSHOPS – please make sure to indicate you are a current member at registration checkout. Not a member – join now at FeatherEdge Optics, by contacting the Program Registrar at 609-400-3864 , or in person at the nearest NJA center.

Cape May Bird Observatory Weekly Walks

CMBO’s Weekly Walks are regularly scheduled programs and activities, led by our stellar Associate Naturalists and professional staff, that take place at all the best birding and natural history locations around Cape May. These walks change throughout the year, focusing on the best of each season, whether that is breeding hotspots, winter visitors, or the spectacle of migration. Normally two or three hours in duration, these walks are sure to fit nature into your busy schedule. All experience levels are welcome, and those marked E-Z Birding and A Bird Walk for All People are especially geared for beginners or a relaxed pace. A full schedule of Weekly Walks is published seasonally in The Kestrel Express, along with our Special Field Trips, School of Birding Workshops, Festivals, and other events.

NO PREREGISTRATION is necessary for our weekly walks – just show before the designated start time. Children age 15 and younger are free. Although children accompanied by parents are always welcome, walks that are especially Family-friendly are noted. New Jersey Audubon and Cape May Bird Observatory members receive a discount on weekly walks, as indicated in the individual walk descriptions. Not a member? Join now at FeatherEdge Optics, by contacting the Program Registrar at 609-400-3864 , or in person at the nearest NJA center.

These walks meet at locations highlighted on the CMBO Bird and Butterfly Map of Cape May County. Bring binoculars (loaners often available if you don’t have any), field guides, bug repellent, sunscreen, and drinking water. Dress for prevailing weather and protection from sun, heat, cold, wind, rain, and insects according to season. Most of our weekly walks involve walking a mile or more on varied terrain, such as asphalt, boardwalk, gravel, beach, and dirt (sometimes muddy) paths.

For more accessibility for those with limited mobility, contact the Northwood Center at 609-400-3868 .

Note: Programs may be cancelled due to difficult/unsafe weather conditions.

Special Field Trips

Cape May Bird Observatory’s Special Field Trips offer you a chance to experience the natural wonders of the Cape May area alongside our Associate Naturalists. These outings take our weekly walks a step further, with extended opportunities for viewing birds and other wildlife. They are single day events (two – six hours in length) that target famous local hotspots and are timed to capture diversity and abundance during the breeding, migratory, and winter seasons. Join us on one of these exciting excursions!


Details and descriptions of all our preregistration programs are available on the registration site (Special Field Trips in brown and School of Birding Workshops in blue).  All special field trips require advance registration, and the number of participants is limited to ensure the best experience. Upon completion of registration, you will receive a confirmation email that also contains attached details and directions – please look all the materials over and retain for your records. Sign up early to secure your spot!

NEW JERSEY AUDUBON AND CAPE MAY BIRD OBSERVATORY MEMBERS RECEIVE A 25% DISCOUNT ON ALL SPECIAL FIELD TRIPS AND WORKSHOPS – please make sure to indicate you are a current member at registration checkout. Not a member – join now at FeatherEdge Optics, by contacting the Program Registrar at 609-400-3864 , or in person at the nearest NJA center.

Places to Eat, Shop & Stay

This guide to the Business Members of New Jersey Audubon’s Cape May Bird Observatory and Nature Center of Cape May can help you plan your stay or visit. The businesses who support our organization help ensure that the natural treasures you enjoy here, remain. Whether you are familiar visitors, a first-timer, a resident, or business-owner, it is important to let these businesses know that we appreciate their support. Many of these businesses offer discounts to current New Jersey Audubon / Cape May Bird Observatory members.

This listing is offered as a service and includes lodging, restaurants, shops, tours, and activities for varying tastes and budgets. Please contact the businesses directly for rates, reservations, and discount policies. All listings, including discount policies, are subject to change at the discretion of the business.

Interested in having your listing on our website or in being featured at our Cape May locations?

Become a Cape May Bird Observatory and Nature Center Of Cape May Business Member: Email Deborah Shaw at [email protected] or call 609-400-3836 for an application

AVONDALE BY THE SEA

609 Beach Avenue
P O Box 2382
Cape May, NJ 08204
Phone:609.884.2332 or Toll Free 800.676.7030
E-Mail:[email protected]
Web Site:http://www.avondalebythesea.com
Open:Mid April to November
Discount:Ask about our birder discounts.
Internet:Yes
Beachfront accommodations with spectacular views in the heart of the historic district. Warm hospitality, attentive service, and immaculate accommodations. Continental breakfast. Free WIFI.

 

CAPRI MOTOR LODGE

1033 Beach Avenue
Cape May, NJ 08204
Phone:609-884-4727
E-Mail:[email protected]
Web Site:http://www.caprimotorlodge.com
Open:May – mid-October
Discount:10% discount to CMBO/NJA members with current membership card
Internet:Yes
The Capri is a family owned motel that prides itself on true seaside accommodations. We offer one room efficiencies, suites and townhouses. We have a pool, ping-pong, shuffle board, BBQ grills, daily maid service and free Wifi. We are located just across the street from Cape May’s beautiful beaches. It is just a short walk to the boardwalk and mall area. In season there is a free trolley.

 

JETTY MOTEL

2nd & Beach Avenue
Cape May, NJ 08204
Phone: 609.884.4640
Fax: 609.884-1507
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web Site: http://www.jettymotel.com
Open: Year Round
Discount: 10% discount to birders.
Internet: Yes

Nestled on a quiet, unspoiled beach in the nation’s oldest seaside resort, steps from one of the worlds most beautiful beaches. The best location for your birding vacation!

 

SEA CREST INN

101 Beach Avenue
Cape May, NJ 08204
Phone: 609.884.4561
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web Site: http://www.seacrestinn.com
Open: open early April to mid November
Discount: 10% off-season discount (Sunday-Thursday) to CMBO/NJ Audubon members. Restrictions apply.
Internet: Yes
Handicap Accessible: Yes

The closest oceanfront motel to the Cape May Bird Observatory. Easy walk to the Cape May Point State Park and lighthouse. Ocean view accommodations are immaculately maintained with completely updated kitchens and bathrooms. Amenities include heated pool/spa, elevator, off street parking, wonderful views of the ocean, lighthouse, and State Park. Give us a call 609-884-4561 or visit us on the web at www.seacrestinn.com

 

PERIWINKLE INN

1039 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ
609-884-9200
Situated across the street from the beach, this stylish pink hotel with arched verandas is within 1 mile of downtown and 3.8 miles from popular birding destination Cape May Point State Park.

CARROLL VILLA HOTEL

19 Jackson Street
Cape May, NJ 08204
Phone:609.884.9619 or Toll Free 877.275.8452
Fax:609.884.0264
E-Mail:[email protected]
Web Site:http://www.carrollvilla.com
Open:Year Round
Discount:Sun-Thurs, Sept 21-May 14, 10% off lodging to current CMBO members
Recipient of the NJ Governor’s Diamond Award as a Cape May destination point. A national landmark hotel, circa 1882, we’ve gone green with energy-saving and environmentally friendly enhancements. With 21 individually decorated rooms, we are one of only five remaining original Victorian hotels. Nationally acclaimed, the adjoining Mad Batter Restaurant, is a must for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or cocktails with daily happy hour and live music.

THE VIEWS AT THE COVE

14 Second Avenue, Units 2 & 3, Cape May, NJ
Craig and Lisa Ver Steeg
Phone: 908-930-8515
Email: [email protected]
Outstanding location at the Cove with an unparalleled view of lighthouse and dunes from the deck. Newly renovated third floor, 2 Bedroom apartment. Great views of Conservancy for bird watchers! Open mid-March through November 30. All new floors, paint, and furniture. New Mitsubishi split HVAC system. Brand new kitchen and bathroom with skylights. New decks and deck lighting. Brand new outdoor shower (shared with two other units).  On-site parking for one car. Recently featured property on Capemay.com.

COASTLINE REALTY

941 Columbia Avenue
Cape May, NJ 08204
Phone: 609.884.5005
Fax: 609.884.4620
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web Site: http://www.coastlinerealty.com
Open: Mon-Sat: 9-5; Sunday: 11-3
Discount: Many of our private rentals offer discounts to members.
Internet: Yes
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Dogs Welcome: Yes

Full service and family owned real estate company. Whether you are looking for a place to stay during migration or looking to purchase, we have the home for you!

 

HOMESTEAD REAL ESTATE CO., INC.

502 Bank Street
Cape May, NJ 08204
Phone:609.884.1888
E-Mail:[email protected]
Web Site:http://www.homesteadcapemayrentals.com
Open:Year Round
Internet:Yes
Handicap Accessible:Yes
Dogs Welcome:Yes
Specializing in vacation rentals and sales in the Cape May area. We offer drive-thru check-in/out, credit card acceptance, 24 hr. reservations, and a full-time rental team to accept your call.

FINS BAR & GRILLE

142 Decatur Street (on Washington Street Mall)
Cape May, NJ 08204
Phone: 609-884-3449
Web Site: http://finscapemay.com
Open: Year Round
After a day of birding treat yourself to an exciting Cape May dining experience. Fins mixes an exciting vibe with a relaxing atmosphere and uses that backdrop to elevate their outstanding cuisine. Whether you prefer to sit at the bar, or relax and enjoy your meal in one of the dining rooms, it is impossible to ignore the centerpiece of it all – a brilliant 600 gallon saltwater fish tank!

LAMONICA FINE FOODS

48 Gorton Road, PO Box 309
Millville, NJ 08332
Phone: 856-825-8111
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web Site: http://www.lamonicafinefoods.com

We are a seafood processing plant that is proud to support the important work of New Jersey Audubon’s Cape May Bird Observatory and the Nature Center of Cape May.

 

MAD BATTER RESTAURANT

at The Carroll Villa Hotel
19 Jackson Street
Cape May, NJ 08204
Phone:609-884-5970 or 877-275-8452
E-Mail:[email protected]
Web Site:http://www.carrollvilla.com
Open:Open year-round; weekends only January thru March.
Discount:Sunday-Thursday, Sept. 21-May14 10% off lodging to current CMBO members
Internet:Yes
Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Mad Batter has been a leader in the growth of Cape May and now this historic establishment is leading the way to a greener future. Visit the website for more details. Roll out of bed for one of the best breakfasts of your life – Chesapeake Bay Benedicts, omelets, oatmeal pancakes, and more. Daily happy hour, live music with half price drinks and guests of the Carroll Villa Hotel receive 30% off dinner!

 

THE ORIGINAL FUDGE KITCHEN

513 Washington Street Mall
728 Beach Avenue
Cape May, NJ 08204
Phone:609.884.2834 or 609.884.4287 or Toll Free 800.23.FUDGE
Fax:609.884.8814
E-Mail:[email protected]
Web Site:http://www.fudgekitchens.com
Open:Open every day, year round.
Discount:Show your current CMBO/NJ Audubon membership card for 10% discount.
The best sweet treats at the beach – creamy, whipped fudge (stop by Washington Street store and watch it being made), salt water taffy, premium chocolates (including sugar free), ice cream, candies, and souvenirs. We ship around the world!

BIRDING BY BOAT

Aboard The Osprey
1212 Wilson Drive – Miss Chris Marina
Cape May, NJ 08204
Phone:609.898.3500
E-Mail:[email protected]
Web Site: www.birdingbyboat.com
Open:March thru November
Discount:See our website for specials and discount coupons
Handicap Accessible:Yes
Dogs Welcome:Yes
Cruise the back bays, harbors, and sounds of Cape May aboard the 38-passenger Osprey and view migrant shorebirds, salt marsh nesting colonies, waterfowl, loons, waders, and rails. Experienced naturalists and guides on board. USCG inspected. Group rates available. Free on-site parking; toilet facilities on boat.

MISS CHRIS KAYAK AND PADDLEBOARD RENTALS

at the Miss Chris Marina
1212 Wilson Drive
Cape May, NJ 08204
Phone:609-884-0997
E-Mail:[email protected]
Web Site:http://www.capemaykayaks.com
Open:March thru November
Discount:Visit our website for specials and coupons.
Explore the beautiful tidelands around Spicer Creek and Cape May Harbor. Great wildlife viewing from a new perspective. Watch herons, egrets, Osprey feeding their chicks, shorebirds along the mudflats in an area with little or no current or boat traffic.

Kayaks are stable and easy to paddle; instructions to get you started. Kayaks seat 1 to 3 people so bring the family. Rentals by the hour or come on our guided kayak trips!

THE WILDLIFE GARDENER

795 Goshen Road
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
Phone: 609-536-8036
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web Site: http://www.njwildlifegardener.com
Open: open year round by appointment

Wildlife-friendly landscaping, nature programs, native plant sales.

UTSCH’S MARINA

1121 NJ-109, Cape May, NJ
Phone: 609-884-2051
Email: [email protected]
Website: capemayharbor.com
Full-service marina facility for overnight dockage or seasonal. Many attractions for families, including charter and party boats, Whale Watcher, intimate pontoon environmental cruises, parasailing, jet boats and skis. Boat sales, tackle, merchandise and more.

Burke Motor Group

519 Stone Harbor Boulevard
Cape May Court House, NJ  08210
609-465-6000
burkemotorgroup.com

For over 100 years, Burke Motor Group has been South Jersey’s most trusted family of dealerships. Our new and pre-owned Subaru, Volkswagen, Buick, GMC, Chevrolet and Cadillac dealerships and service centers offer customer service that’s a step ahead of the rest. That’s why it’s better at Burke!

 

Glenn Insurance

500 E. Absecon Boulevard
Absecon, NJ 08201
www.glenninsurance.com
[email protected]
888-654-5366

Premier personal and business insurance with outstanding customer service

 

The Flying Fish Studio

130 Park Boulevard
West Cape May, NJ 08204
www.theflyingfishstudio.com
[email protected]
609-884-2760

Screen printing and hand-made clothing with original, funky, retro design on soft, high-quality shirts

About Cape May Bird Observatory

Founded in 1976 by New Jersey Audubon, the Cape May Bird Observatory (CMBO) is a leader in research, environmental education, bird conservation, and recreational birding activities.

CMBO fulfills New Jersey Audubon’s twofold mission of connect people to nature and steward the nature of today for the people of tomorrow in several special ways.

First, embedded in the DNA of CMBO, is our charge of keeping our finger on the pulse of migration. We do this through annual counts and censuses of wlidlife, starting with the Cape May Hawkwatch in 1976, and including the Monarch Monitoring Project (est. 1990), the Avalon Seawatch (est. 1993) and the Morning Flight Songbird Count (est. 2003), and a host of other conservation-driven studies.

Second, we are training the conservation leaders of tomorrow, today, through our seasonal internships, George Myers Naturalist position, and year-round Associate Naturalist programs. Previous interns have gone on to run non-profit organizations, become community leaders in environmental justice, and to carry the torch of spreading the conservation ethic to future generations.

Finally, because we are located a tank of gas from 60 million people, we throw a great party to raise awareness for wildlife and wildlife habitat conservation! Our flagship festivals, the Cape May Fall Festival and Cape May Spring Festival, bring thousands of visitors to Cape May each year to celebrate the magic of migration at one of the greatest migration hotspots on earth! Each May our World Series of Birding engages over 300 participants from all over the world and raises hundreds of thousands of dollars for bird conservation, while highlighting the amazing diversity of birds across the Garden State.

Funded almost entirely by the support of an international membership, two facilities serve our members’ needs and interests.
There are few places in North America which have been birded longer or have more birding advocates than Cape May, New Jersey, one of the planet’s most celebrated migratory junctions. An array of habitat types and a wealth of protected natural areas make Cape May and the entire Delaware Bayshore a birding destination for all seasons. Wind and geography conspire to direct millions of migrating hawks, seabirds, shorebirds, songbirds, butterflies, and dragonflies here every autumn.

Training the Conservation Leaders of Tomorrow

  • GM Naturalist
  • Seasonal Naturalists
  • Associate Naturalists and Field Trip Leaders

Keeping our finger on the pulse of Migration

  • Phenomenon of migration – spring and fall
  • Migration counts
  • Migration counter positions

International Friendship Agreement

This Friendship Agreement provides the framework for mutual cooperation between New Jersey Audubon Society’s Cape May Bird Observatory, (New Jersey, USA), Falsterbo Fågelstation (Sweden), Spurn Bird Observatory (UK) and Bird Studies Canada’s Long Point Bird Observatory (Ontario, Canada). This document outlines the relationship between the respective bird observatories to further our knowledge and wonder at the birds, wildlife, habitat and people using each site through the seasons and for the mutual benefit of the observatories.  Learn more here

Staff & Personnel

Brett Ewald
Director of Cape May Bird Observatory

Scott Barnes
Senior Naturalist

Jessica Schera-Scullion
Administrative Assistant

Lillian Armstrong
Special Events Director

Shannon DeAngelis
Events Assistant

Brian Moscatello
Sales Manager

CariAnne Slotterback
Retail Operations Assistant

Deborah Shaw
Nature Store Associate

Adehl Schwaderer
Program Coordinator

Tom Reed
Migration Count Coordinator

Rene Buccinna
Administrative Assistant

Contact Us


The Northwood Center
701 East Lake Drive
Cape May Point, NJ 08212

609-400-3868
[email protected]


Center for Research and Education
600 N Delsea Drive (Rt. 47 N)
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210

609-246-3581
[email protected]