Ask anybody who knows a thing or two about birding and one of the first places they’ll mention is Cape May. Known around the world for the thousands of birds that touch down here during their annual migration, the area is birding heaven. And in the middle of it all is the Cape May Bird Observatory Northwood Center, a small place that is big, big, big among birders.
Surrounded by thickets of trees, bird baths and feeders, the Northwood Center really is at the center of all things related to birding. Pop in before you get started to get the most up-to-the-minute info on recent spottings and what species have dropped into town for a layover. Join in the daily birding walks or check out the other events – the back bay birding by boat is a popular way to spot herons, rails, nesting Ospreys and other water birds.
During other times of the year, you can spot downy woodpeckers, white-eyed vireo, Eurasian Collared Doves and literally hundreds of other species, depending on the weather conditions, winds and other factors. But no matter when you're at the Cape May Bird Observatory, you’ll always see something to add to your birding list.
If you want to learn more about birding – and once you get started, chances are you’ll be hooked – the Cape May Bird Observatory runs a variety of workshops led by expert birders who can help you sharpen your skills.
The Cape May Bird Observatory Northwood Center is also a renowned research facility that has ongoing activities to monitor Monarch butterflies, hawks, water birds and morning songbirds. When you stop in the center, ask how you can join in the various sitings that are part of the monitoring and research.