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Trail Guides
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William D. and Jane C. Blair Jr. - Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge (a.k.a. "The Meadows")
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4
 
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Sunset Blvd., West Cape May, NJ
Phone: (609) 861-0600
www.tnc.org
The Nature Conservancy
Turn around in Sunset Beach
parking lot and drive back down Sunset Blvd.
After 1.5 miles, turn Right into the Refuge
parking area. Map
At least ten species of ducks and other waterfowl frequent the ponds; you also can see several species of sea ducks from the beach. Some of the wintering raptors such as Peregrine Falcon, Cooper’s Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Northern Harrier and Northern Goshawk are
often present.
Many waterfowl remain through the spring. American Woodcock often display at dusk. The month of May is probably one of the best times to walk the paths of the Meadows to look for migrants and unusual species.
June is a good month for seeing tiny Piping Plover chicks on the beach. By July many of the migrating shorebirds are returning from breeding grounds in the far north. Many of the warblers are migrating by mid-August and pass through this refuge. Late in the season, marsh mallow, a large showy flower, blooms on the edges of the ponds.
Every visit to the Cape May area for fall
birding should include at least one visit to the Meadows. When weather conditions are right, you can observe hawks, waterfowl and songbirds while on a one to two hour walk around the trail loop. Sometimes there are spectacular movements of dragonflies after a cold front passes through the region and if you linger until the end of the day, you may be treated with a stunning late
fall sunset.
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| Chestnut-sided Warbler | Kevin Karlson |
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The Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge is a wonderful place for birders of all skill levels, and is also recognized as a national and international “Important Bird Area.” This site has undergone a major habitat restoration in the past three years. Improvements to the trails along the new viewing platform make what has always been a premiewr birding site even better. The trail from the parking lot to the beach is about one quarter of a mile long, passing hedgerows, grasslands, shrub/scrub, cattails, tall reedy plants called phragmites and freshwater ponds. When you reach the beach, turn left (east) and walk several hundred yards to find the east trail. It passes back through more freshwater ponds, and returns to the parking lot. Beginning and novice birders can find 15 or 20 identifiable species on this short walk. Throughout the year, well over 100 species can be seen.
Please note, this is a favorite spot for sensitive beach nesting birds, so large areas may be off limits around nesting season. More often than not, you can still view the birds from a distance.
the many species of ducks in fall, winter and early spring. Also, be sure to keep an eye out for Piping Plover and Least Tern and their chicks on the beach in June and July.
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