Cape May, New Jersey is one of the most renowned birding
areas, not only in the U. S., but in the world. The peninsular
geography and prevailing westerly winds create a migrant trap
unmatched in the eastern North America. Cape May is situated at
the southeastern-most tip of New Jersey. During periods of
northwest and west winds in fall large numbers of southbound
hawks, as well as other migrants, are steered toward the coast
and subsequently funneled down the peninsula to Cape May. When
migrating raptors arrive at the southern tip of the sate, the 13
mile expanse of Delaware Bay causes most species to hesitate
before choosing a strategy for continuing their migration.
Each fall, 16 regularly occurring species of hawks migrate
through Cape May. Late September through mid October is the time
of peak raptor diversity and marks the period when impressive
numbers of Peregrine Falcons pass through. The Cape May Point
Hawk Count platform has been staffed each fall since 1976 by the
Cape May Bird Observatory's official hawk counter, from
September 1 to the end of November. A daily and annual raptor
count is tallied throughout the fall, and exceptional totals are
recorded each year. If you are a novice, there are education
interns on hand from early September through early November to
help you hone your hawk I. D. skills.
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. This road becomes Lafayette Street after you
cross the bridge over the canal. Go about 2 miles and bear right
onto Perry Street In about 0.4 miles you will come to the
traffic light at Broadway and Sunset. Continue straight ahead on
Sunset for 1.7 miles to Lighthouse Avenue. Turn left onto
Lighthouse Avenue and go 0.7 miles to entrance for the
Lighthouse and the State Park on your left. The hawk watch
platform is at the far end of the parking lot.
Click Here to see the 2004 Daily Totals.
Take a look at 28 years of hawk counting at the Cape May Hawk Watch!
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