To provide you with a snapshot of Cape May’s spring migration timeframe, we’ve put together some of the most symbolic species for each segment of the migration season.
Early-Spring
Red-throated Loon
Red-throated Loons are one of the first signs of the coming spring in Cape May. By President’s Weekend in February, loons can be seen as they start to congregate in the mouth of Delaware Bay. Numbers build through the early spring, with dozens visible at a time from Sunset Beach or from various beach access points in Cape May Point. However, don’t necessarily go looking for loons with red throats—this species typically doesn’t attain its full breeding plumage until after it leaves Cape May for its nesting grounds farther north.
Mid-Spring
Prothonotary Warbler
By mid-April, the strong, sweet song of the Prothonotary Warbler will emanate from swampy forests around Cape May. This species is arguably one of our most beautiful warblers and unlike many species that just migrate through the area, also sticks around to breed. The Beanery/Rea Farm, Beaver Swamp WMA, and “the bridge” at Belleplain State Forest are great places to search for this jewel of the swamp.
Late-Spring
Red Knot
The Red Knot is the quintessential shorebird species of late-spring along the Delaware Bay beaches, where countless numbers of migrating shorebirds congregate to feed upon Horseshoe Crab eggs to fatten up before the final leg of the journey to their breeding grounds. Knots winter at the southern tip of South America, and breed in the high Arctic—an incredible journey for such a small bird. However, in the recent past, Red Knot numbers have diminished as a result of the overharvesting of Horseshoe Crabs along the Delaware Bay. Venture out to places such as Reed’s Beach, Cook’s Beach, Kimble’s Beach or Norbury’s Landing to behold this incredible spectacle during the second half of May.
Table of Contents | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3: Sample Itinerary & Hotspot Maps