Spring in Cape May

Cape May, New Jersey, is one of North America’s most legendary birding destinations. Each spring, this narrow peninsula becomes a crossroads for migration—where arctic-bound shorebirds, dazzling warblers, and northbound raptors converge in a spectacular seasonal show.

We’ll base ourselves comfortably in Cape May for several days, exploring the region’s best birding areas at an easy pace. From the broad beaches of Cape May Point to the quiet forests of Belleplain State Forest, every day brings new discoveries. Our flexible schedule lets us adapt to the rhythms of tides, winds, and weather—ensuring the best possible birding opportunities.

At the Delaware Bayshore, we’ll witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles: Red Knots and other shorebirds feasting on Horseshoe Crab eggs, a critical link in their long migration from South America to the Arctic. In nearby marshes, elegant herons, Glossy Ibis, and secretive Clapper Rails glide through the reeds, while Saltmarsh and Seaside sparrows sing from the grasses.

Overhead, Broad-winged Hawks spiral on thermals, sometimes joined by Mississippi or Swallow-tailed kites. Offshore, the churning waters of “the rips” attract flocks of terns, gulls, and sometimes Northern Gannet or Parasitic Jaeger. And in the woodlands, the songs of warblers, tanagers, and orioles fill the air—bright reminders that spring has arrived on the Atlantic Flyway.

With its mild weather, relaxed schedule, and compact geography, Cape May offers the perfect mix of excitement and ease—a quintessential spring getaway for birders and nature lovers alike.

Coastal beaches, tidal marshes, maritime forests, and pine woodlands create a rich mosaic of habitats along the Atlantic Flyway.