Birds are fascinating, and birdwatching has become a popular hobby over the years. It’s one of those activities the whole family will enjoy. Cape May, New Jersey, is one of the best places in the United States for birding. Ocean Club Hotel is an oceanside hotel that offers luxurious and family-friendly accommodations for bird lovers of all ages. Here, our staff discusses our favorite tips for watching birds.
Find the Perfect Location for Birdwatching
As the first recognized resort town in America, Cape May is lined with beaches and estuaries full of many birding opportunities. Within just a few miles of our hotel, there are several places where you have clear ocean views and unobstructed sights of the sky.
Beaches
Our beautiful seaside town has over two miles of pristine and sparkling beaches. Not only do these beaches offer places for you to sit down and watch birds, but your children can spend hours digging and playing in the sand.
Cape May Lighthouse
Cape May Lighthouse is one of the spots we recommend the most to our guests. This lighthouse has been enjoying a bird’s eye view of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay since 1859. Now, it offers a spectacular ocean view to its visitors. You can climb its 199 steps onto its lookout deck and enjoy breathtaking views and opportunities to see birds flying around and landing on nearby points.
Cape May Bird Observatory
A part of the New Jersey Audubon Society, the Cape May Bird Observatory was founded in 1976 to help celebrate the wonders of the birds who migrate through Cape May. The observatory holds festivals every year during these massive migrations, so visitors can take in the beauty of the colorful warblers who pass through this natural funnel.
Cape May Point
Steeped in history and the waters of the Delaware Bay, this small town was founded in 1875. Home to the Cape May Lighthouse, Cape May Point offers additional attractions for avid birdwatchers.
Some of its highlights include:
- Lake Lily: A freshwater lake encircled by the Atlantic Ocean that birds use as a haven during migration season
- Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area: A 1,100-acre home to threatened and endangered birds and other animals
- Cape May Point State Park: A 244-acre hiking and fishing spot that falls on the natural migratory route of birds
Bring the Right Gear for Birdwatching in Cape May
Birdwatching is one of those hobbies that doesn’t require a lot of gear. Usually, just a few things will work.
- Binoculars: Binoculars for birdwatching can range in price from $100 to upwards of a few thousand dollars. Buy binoculars that fit within your budget.
- Backpack: Even more affordable backpacks are a great gear option. Backpacks securely store snacks, binoculars, and any other supplies you may want while on the trail of birds.
- Guidebook or identification app: There are many physical guidebooks and identification apps to choose from. Some apps use pictures of birds to identify them, while others use the sounds the birds make.
Choose gear that reflects your needs, dedication, and budget. Birding may not require a lot of gear, but its top-of-the-line gear can be costly.
Book Accommodations at Ocean Club Hotel
You’ve planned your birdwatching trip, now it’s time to book accommodations. Luckily, we’re here to help. At Ocean Club Hotel, we pride ourselves on creating a family-friendly atmosphere that balances comfort and luxury in one place.
Our SeaSalt Restaurant caters to fine dining without the fuss, allowing you to come as you are after a day of adventuring. We also offer beautiful cabana rooms with attached, private cabanas; ocean view rooms with full or partial views of the water; and ADA-compliant rooms suitable for people of every ability. To find out more about our offerings and how we can help you get the most out of your next trip to Cape May, New Jersey, contact us today.