Cape May Warbler

Cape May Warbler
Originally uploaded by Laura Erickson

Christmas in Cape May

If you are looking for Christmas related activities in Cape May, check out this great article

http://capemay.com/magazine/2009/12/whats-happening-this-december/!

9th Annual Cape May Film Festival

Don't miss the annual Cape May Film Festival this weekend. Click on http://www.njstatefilmfestival.com/ for more details on films, tickets, venues, and places to stay.

Heading into the waves

Heading into the waves
Originally uploaded by Cape May Black Dog

Cape May Jazz Festival

Don't miss this year's Cape May Jazz Festival! November 6-8 at various venues throughout the town. Last year my husband and I went, and loved it. Take advantage of the transportation provided to make sure you have a safe and fun night.

Click the posting title above to link to the Festival website.

Ships waiting at the mouth of the Delaware, Cape May

Ships waiting
Originally uploaded by Cape May Black Dog

Dahlia in Cape May

Dahlia in Cape May
Originally uploaded by Cape May Black Dog

Hereford Inlet Garden is still in bloom!

Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Garden

Check out the New Jersey Lighthouse Society!

http://www.njlhs.org/index.html is the home website for the NJ lighthouse society. The society has run into some tough times lately, with scant volunteers being available for their efforts. If NJ Lights are near and dear to your heart, head over and consider volunteering your time.

Halloween Happenings

From South Jersey.com Halloween Happenings in Victorian Cape May Two weeks of specially-themed tours and events including Ghostwriter Trolley Rides, Miss Parmentier’s Psychic Teas, Historic Haunts Combination Tours, Phantoms of the Physick Estate and much more to help you get into the “spirit” of the season! Friday, Oct. 16-Saturday, Oct. 31. Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC). For more information or to make reservations, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or go to capemaymac.org.

Birthday Bash for Lighthouse

From KYW - A big time birthday party is planned down the shore in a couple weeks to mark the 150th anniversary of the opening of the Cape May Lighthouse.

Not only does the lighthouse on Cape May Point serve as a beacon in the night for boaters, it’s quite the tourist attraction. The light was first fired up on October 31st, 1859. To mark the event, festivities are planned on Halloween starting at noon.

Margo Harvey with the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts says you can take in a bit of Civil War era history at the party:

“Some costumed re-enactors, including General Meade, who will be accompanied by his honor guard and our Dr. Emlyn Physick, and we’re also going to have a birthday cake.”

And admission to the lighthouse will be reduced to a $1.50 a head for the day. And while it is not required, you can wear your Halloween costume.

Red Knots on the Net

Where can you get your Red Knot fix? Try the following:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Knot

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red_Knot/lifehistory

http://www.fws.gov/northeast/redknot/index.html

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/crash-a-tale-of-two-species/introduction/592/

Cape May Black Dog is cited on the last site!!!

It's time again for hawk migration

One of the highlights of the fantastic bird migration season in the autumn in cape may is the hawk migration. Bird of prey fly by the thousands over Cape May Point every year, and one of the best spots is the hawk watch platform to capture it. Head to : http://www.capemaytimes.com/birds/cape-may-hawkwatch.htm for directions and more information.

Cape May Diamond wildlife trail map

Click the Post title above to get a great map of the area wildlife trails, and bird observation locations.

Become a member of the NJ Audubon society TODAY!

Join on of the best nature organizations around, and learn so much about the natural world in our great state. Head over the http://www.njaudubon.org/, and join up. It's a great way to expose yourself and your family to nature, get outside, and support a wonderful organization.

Get your Birding Groove on at the Cape May Bird Observatory, Autumn Birding Weekend

Head over to http://www.birdcapemay.org/autumn.shtml to check out the great programs for the best seat in the fall bird migration house SOON, because programs with the top experts are SELLING OUT!

September birding list by Cape May TImes

Head over to http://www.capemaytimes.com/birds/cape-may-birds-by-the-month/september.htm to see a birding in September guide.

Check out Cape May Restaurant Week!

Get your appetites ready, because the second Cape May Restaurant Week is coming October 18-25, 2009. Check out the participating restaurants and choose a prix fixe tier to go chow down:Tier 1 - Dinner - $35.09 | Tier 2 - Dinner - $22.09 | Tier 3 - Lunch- $16.09.

For more information, go to http://www.cmrestaurantweek.com/.

Looking for a dog friendly place to stay in Cape May?

Check out Billmae Cottage and Guest Suites! They just won Cape May.com's award for best pet-friendly accomodations!

Cape May Jazz Vespers

Sunday, Sept. 20, Jazz performers of the First Presbyterian Church, @Hughes and Decatur streets in Cape May at 7:30 p.m. Among the performers will be Grammy-nominated George Mesterhazy, Grammy-winning jazz pianist Barry Miles, singer Lois Smith, trumpeter Bob Ferguson, saxophone player Michael Pedicin, singer Rita Stafford, The Herb Moore Trio, vibes player Behn Gellice and the Antfarm Trio. Money raised will support First Presbyterian’s many community programs including theater and musical arts groups, support groups, a community food closet and mission work. Tickets will be $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Call 884-0680 for more information and ticket sales, or visit www.capemayjazzvespers.com.

Monarch Monitoring Program

The monarch migration monitoring program is about to begin for the 2009 season.

The Cape May Point Road Census is conducted three times per day from September 1st through October 31st. Counts are made by a single observer driving a car approximately 20-25 mi. per hour along a 5 mile route. All monarchs observed are tallied but no stops are allowed to count specific concentrations. The route passes through a variety of habitats including southern hardwood forest, agricultural field, brackish wetland meadow, suburban neighborhoods, and coastal dunes along the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay.See Monarch Monitoring Project Page for a map of the route.

Get your reservations to get your birding groove on!! Fall Birding Weekend

Don't miss the Cape May Bird Observatory's Fall Birding Weekend! It is a can not miss for the serious birder, and an incredible learning opportunity for those who are just starting in the sport. David SIBLEY will be there. Reserve EARLY. Click the posting title link to get to the site.

Cape May Warbler

Cape May Warbler
Originally uploaded by Saskbirder

One of the classiest little residents of Cape May

Inside of the Cape May Lighthouse from FLICKR

20050725 Cape May Lighthouse, Cape May, New Jersey 014
Originally uploaded by gakout

Cool shot from the INSIDE! Love shots of th outside, but I think this is unique

Still trying to figure out which beach go to?

Check out the link HERE at capemaybeaches.com

OK Guys, About Higbee and being a nude beach....

Alright, alright, I have been amazed at the numbers of people who are searching for Higbee, the nudists beach! I have done a little more research, and I think the question was answered by the old gov. Christine in the 1990s. Hang out at Higbee in your birthday suit at your own risk...

News Tuesday, June 29, 1999 ---Whitman signs law allowing ban on nudity at Higbee Beach In addition to the law to let Lower Township enforce its ban on nude sunbathing at Higbee Beach, the governor also signed the state budget Monday that provides $149,000 to help the town with policing of the beach.

By MATTHEW J. DOWLING
Statehouse Bureau, 292-4935
TRENTON --The sun has set on nudity at Higbee Beach. Gov. Christie Whitman signed legislation Monday that allows Lower Township to enforce its decade-old ordinance banning nude sunbathing on the secluded beach. The town had previously been barred from enforcing the ordinance because Higbee Beach falls on state land.
Lower Township Mayor Larry Starner said he believes the ban on nudity will help ease problems the municipality had been facing with lewd behavior in the dunes and parking area around Higbee Beach. ...

Don't Forget! Coming up is the Cape May Wine Festival!

Saturday and Sunday, October 10 & 11: 12noon to 5pm
Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal, Rte 9 South, Lower Township, NJ, overlooking the Cape May Canal and Delaware Bay

Delaware Bay Lighthouse Adventures

Saturdays, July 25, August 29 and September 26, 2009.

Take a cruise up the Delaware Bay aboard the Cape May Whale Watcher for a superb lighthouse viewing experience. See and photograph historic lighthouses which were built during the late 19th and early 20th centuries as aids to ships sailing the treacherous mid-channel of the Delaware Bay. Most of these lighthouses stand on pedestals out of sight of land and are still operational. Each cruise also includes narration on Delaware Bay lore and legend, including information on fishing, spawning grounds, and more.

Click the post title for more information

Did you know...

That Cape May is named after Cornelis Jacobsz Mey (also Cornelius; May; Meij) - a Dutch explorer, captain and fur trader, and namesake of Cape May, so named first in 1620.

And that the Delaware River was named the Zuidt Rivier, during the same period when the area was under the control of the New Netherlands Company -- only to be taken over by the Dutch East Indies company.

There are other Dutch names that survive in the area, including Henlopen. Check out Lewes, DE Zwaanendael museum for more Dutch history in the area.

Snap From the Osprey

Looking for dog friendly lodgings in Cape May??

If you are looking to share your vacation with your four legged fuzzy friend, check out the Cape May Times article HERE for pet friendly lodgings.

Great Article on Last Minute Get-Aways to the Cape

Check out this new article at the Washington Post HERE for some tips on last minute deals for a Cape May getaway.

For those firefighters on a shore visit...

Step back in time and check out the Cape May Firehouse museum. The Cape May Fire Department Museum was built in 1984 as an example of a typical firehouse from the victorian time period. The fire engine inside is a restored 1928 American Lafrance engine. Inside the museum are many vintage firefighting tools and photos of past fires and personnel.

Donations welcome for admission.
643 Washington Street Cape May, NJ 08204 (609) 884-9512

Full Moon parties at the Congress Hall

June 4, July 7, August 7, Septmeber 3, October 4
Congress Hall throws a poolside "Full Moon Party." Under the stars buffet, live music and a cash bar stocked with all of your favorite drinks. 8:00pm - 11:00pm (October 4 party 6:00pm - 9:00pm).

Sounds like quite the wild time!

Cape May Movie Series

Check out the Cape May Film Society! They are offering Monday movies for 5$ (members), 10$ (non-members) at the West Cape May Borough Hall. This year's series is Love and Bullets, with commentators at each showing.

Just Flip 'Em Program

Check out horseshoecrab.org for the program designed to give a helping hand to our crabby friends. They even have a theme song, believe it or not.

From the Site
The idea is simple: when you see a horseshoe crab that is stranded upside down on the beach, just flip them over. It's important not to flip them by their tail, however. Even though it looks scary, the tail is very delicate and can be easily damaged. The best way to turn them over is by the edge of their shell. No need to be cautious; the horseshoe crab doesn't bite or sting and it's claws are very gentle and won't hurt you.

Photo from warofthenuts.blogspot.com

The Cape May Wine Posting

There are several posts on this site regarding the thriving Wine culture on the Cape, but I thought I should take some time and summarize them all into one article for you. There are 4 Vineyards within driving distance, which make up the Cape May County Wine trail. (See list and locations below) Pick a weekend and a designated driver to try them all.

If you are looking for some picnic basket goodies to go with your wine, go to the Seaside Cheese Company at 600 Park Blvd., West Cape May

Check out the MAC website for a listing of wine related events:

The Cape May Wine Festival is held in Octber at the Cape May Ferry Terminal.
The Cape May Food and Wine Festival is in September.
Cape May Wine School and Wine Weekends are held at the Washington Inn.

Cape May Wine Trail Tours Cape May Wine Trail: Sundays, June 21, July 12, August 9 and September 27; and Friday, October 16: 12noon-5pm

From the MAC website:
New in 2009! Spend the afternoon visiting Cape May County's wineries and sampling the unique flavors of each. First, enjoy lunch at one of Cape May's fine restaurants, and then board the MAC trolley, which will shuttle you to local wineries. Tour Cape May Winery, Turdo Vineyard and Natali Vineyard, learn about viticulture

Tickets cost $75 per person. Call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 for more information.

Cape May Winery & Vineyard
711 Townbank Road
Cape May, NJ 08204
(609) 884-1169
www.capemaywinery.com
Open year round, tasting room, gift shop, custom labels, blending parties, winery tours, indoor and outdoor seating

Hawk Haven Vineyards
600 South Railroad Ave
Rio Grande, NJ 08246
www.hawkhavenvineyard.com
Open Daily From 11-7

Natali Vineyards, LLC
221 N. Delsea Dr
(Mile marker 12.9 on US Hwy 47)
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
(609) 465-0075
www.natalivineyards.com
Tasting Room and Gift Shop open daily
from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm except
Dec 24th and 25th.

Turdo Vineyards & Winery
3911 Bayshore Road
North Cape May, NJ 08204
(609) 884-5591

Amazing Birding Photography at the Cape May Bird Observatory

Check out the amazing photographs at the CMBO’s photo galleries! Black Guillemot shown from the gallery. Click the title on this posting for more.

Is Higbee a Nude Beach?

Well, hmmm. It supposedly was in the past, but I see a lot of boats parked off the beach, and hear a lot of people talking about it so... check HERE

World War II History at Cape May

The recenty innaugurated World War II Watch Tower at Sunsent Beach highlights Cape May's role in the second world war. Two weeks ago, the Mid-Atlantic council on the arts opened up the newly renovated six story tower to visitors. There is a great article at the Baltimore Herald highlighting a bit of the history of the tower, and other world war II history about the area. The Delaware Bay was actually an important location to our enemies, and our defense. Link for the article is HERE

You have GOT to check out the Horseshoe Crab Chronicles

This guy is amazing - he was here teaching a course with his partner, and they thought they would take some photos of the crab migration. I thought it was incredible enough to share. Check out the link to thier blog and site HERE

I contacted ian, and prints run about 300 a print.

Cool Horseshoe Crab Picture - Miami Beach

My friends Jeanie B and George took this picture of a horseshoe crab trail that I think is really cool. Horseshoe crab numbers are declining as the days go by, which I guess is just the resolution of the season. On a happier note, it seems that strandings are down and I notice a lot of Villas residents that take a lot of care to turn the crabs over and make sure that they return to the bay so that they can make the trip back next spring.

Get a ghostly thrill in Cape May

Haunted New Jersey runs the best rated paranormal walking tour of Cape May, full of historical information. More information at the link HERE

Cape May has long been a hotbed of ghostly activity, that is now being chronicaled by native Craig Mc Manus, who has written a new book 400 Years of the Ghosts of Cape May. You can read more of some of McManus' experience with local ghosts in an article by the Cape May Times HERE

Sunset on the Bay at Cape May

Jeanie B and George recently came to visit and sent us this beautiful sunset shot that I wanted to share with everyone.

South Jersey Magazine's Best of the Shore - Cape May Picks

South Jersey Magazine just published it's "Best of the Shore" listing, and here are the Cape May Picks:

Best Walking Tour: www.capemaymac.org

Golden Fork Awards:
Alexanders Inn , Black Duck on Sunset , Ebbitt Room , La Verandah , Peter Shields Inn , Tisha's
Union Park Dining Room , Washington Inn

Most Romantic Spot: Sunset Beach, Cape May
Most Romatic Place to Stay: Angel of the Sea, Cape May

Trolley and Walking Tours of Cape May Historic Sites

Check out the MAC kiosk on the Washington Street Mall (Down by the Ugly Mug) for a great group of activities to learn about and see Downtown Cape May. Guided and Self-guided walking tours are available, along with Trolley rides.

Check out the link HERE

New Lecture at Cape May Lighthouse

From the MAC website...

The Keeper's on Duty
Sundays (beginning May 24): 1pm

What's it like to be a Lighthouse Keeper? If you’d like the answer to this question and others, join us for The Keeper's On Duty, at the Education Center at Cape May Point State Park.

The Keeper of the Cape May Lighthouse presents an informative and entertaining half hour talk on the history and lore of the famous 1859 Cape May Lighthouse. Suited for everyone from children to lighthouse buffs, it’s the perfect introduction to your lighthouse climb!

Free admission. Presented by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC) and Cape May Point State Park.

Osprey Cruise - a Cape May Best Bet

For those of you who are interested in the history of Cape May, seeing the less travelled places and learning something about birding (or are experienced) - head over to the Miss Chris Marina and take a cruise with Captain Dave on the Osprey Cruise. Link is HERE. Awesome picture taking opportunities, a peaceful, relaxing trip, and Captain Dave provides an amazing amount of information about birds and local wildlife. Really a great experience for young and experienced naturalists alike. 5$ off coupon is available, and he also co-runs trips with the Cape May Bird Observatory, so check thier calendar as well.

Hereford Inlet Lighthouse

Took a visit to Hereford Inlet Lighthouse, and the gardens were so beautiful, it was tough to leave them and go inside - but I'm really glad I did. This slightly off-the-beaten path attraction is really worth the trip if you want a glimpse of south shore history. Lots of artifacts, photos and information about what it would have been like to be a lighthouse keeper in the late 19th and early 20th century.

Hours and other information

May 17th 2008 to Oct 15th 2008 – Open 7 days per week
Hours: 9.00am - 5:00pm
Last tour ticket sold 4:00PM

NO CHARGE TO BROWSE THE GARDENS OR GIFT SHOP

TOUR ADMISSION FEES:
Adults 12 yrs. and up $4.00
11 yrs. and under $1.00
Call for group rates 609 522 4520


Driving Directions:

From Garden State Parkway South

•Parkway North
•Take Exit 4 (Wildwoods/Rio Grande)
•Turn right at end of exit ramp onto Rio Grande Avenue, following signs to the Wildwoods
•Continue on Rio Grande Avenue over the drawbridge and into Wildwood
•Turn Left onto Atlantic Avenue through Wildwood until it ends at 1st Avenue in North Wildwood
•Turn left on 1st Avenue
•Turn right onto Central Avenue
•Lighthouse is on Central Avenue near 1st Avenue
•Lighthouse parking on Central Avenue

Delaware Bayshore Drive Map

Just found a great article on a driving tour of some of the Cape May's Delaware Bay side nature sites, developed by the Audubon Society HERE

Also some great information on Nummy Island on the same site.

Red Knot Viewing Areas

For those of you who are looking for more information on where to see the red knot, and what you can do to help save this great little bird, head over the the NJDEP link HERE


If you are a Cape Resident and want to help by contributing to the knowledge base on horseshoe crab habitat and spawning grounds, go to the link HERE and contact the DEP with your info.


When observing the birds - do not disturb the crabs, stay off the beach as much as possible, respect private property, keep dogs on a leash and seek out the great naturalists that might be on site at one of the main locations below:

Fortescue: Take Fortescue Rd. to New Jersey Ave., Go south
.5 mi. to Raybin's Beach, a major horseshoe crab spawning area.
View birds and crabs from the road or bridge that crosses Oyster
Creek. Best viewing is two hours before or after low tide.
Please do not walk on dunes or beach.

2 East Point: Follow East Point Rd. to Lighthouse Lane.
Park near lighthouse. View birds and crabs at stretch of beach
in front of the lighthouse.

3 Reed's Beach: Take Reed's Beach Rd. to Beach Avenue,
turn right and park at marina parking lot. Parking available here
during May and early June for $1/car (supports ecotourism).
Parking on road shoulders not permitted. Two viewing platforms
are available: one on beach front, one inside marina parking lot
overlooking marsh.

4 Norbury's Landing: Park at end of Norbury's Landing Rd.
Viewing area and interpretive sign located on beachfront.

5 Nummy Island: Ocean Drive south of Stone Harbor crosses a
salt marsh known as Nummy Island. No designated viewing
areas. Park well off road and view from marsh edge. CAUTION:
high speed traffic. The island is a popular roost for spring shorebirds
in the late afternoon and at high tides.


WANT TO LEARN MORE?
• Shorebird stewards are available on weekends at Reed's Beach and Norbury's Landing.
• The Cape May Bird Observatory (609-861-0700) conducts naturalist-led field trips.


Image from Billtacular at FLIKR

Villas - Horseshoe Crab Observation

Horseshoe crab populations seem to be higher this year, on the naked eye method, based on the showing at the last night high tide. Strandings do not seem to be as great as in prior years, either. Memorial day beach goers were kept to a minimum by the cloudy weather, which may have helped on certain beaches. Shorebird sightings besides gulls have not been very high at my location, but I am hopeful.

Go fly a Kite

If you went to the Wildwood International Kite Festival this weekend, and have been inspired, check out the links below for some great instructions on building your own kite. I thought the kite arch was pretty cool.

Lifehacker

Maya Made

Cape May Nature, Nature, everywhere...

It's dizzying the array of nature centers that are clustered in the Cape May area.

Perhaps this will help with what to find where:

Cape May Point State Park (NPS)
Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge(NPS)
Higbee Beach WMA(NJDEP)
Tuckahoe WMA (NJDEP)
Nature Conservancy’s Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge (Meadows)
New Jersey Audubon Society: The Nature Center at Cape May, Cape May Bird Observatory - the Northwood Center (Cape May Point) and the Center for Research and Conservation (Rt. 47).
Cape May National Wildlife Refuge (USFWS)

Dave Maher, photo of Cape May Point

Gorgeous Nature Center in Stone Harbor - Wetlands Institute

There is beautiful new wetland research institute in Stone Harbor...that is definitely worth a visit.

They have nature trails, and a great educational program.

The Wetlands Institute
1075 Stone Harbor Blvd.
Stone Harbor, NJ 08247-1424
Phone: (609) 368-1211 Fax: (609) 368-3871

Summer Hours: May 15th through October 15th
Monday through Saturday: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from mid-June-Labor Day: Special evening hours until 8 pm
Sunday: 10 am to 4 pm
Closed Labor Day

Bayshore Discovery Project

If you are in the mood to go sailing on a masted ship, check out the Bayshore Discovery project HERE

They have evening cruises at 5 that last until 7:30 for 35$a head, Day long sailing camps, and packages for educational groups. Contacts below for reservations.

Bayshore Discovery Project
2800 High St., Bivalve
Port Norris, NJ 08349

Voice: (856) 785-2060

Cape May County Birding Check List

The Cape May Audubon society published this birding checklist in 1997, which the USGS has posted on thier website very helpfully HERE

Turdo Vineyards

Ranked as the number 3 attraction in Cape May, according to the visitors to trip advisor, Turdo is quite close to the Cape, located at:

3911 Bayshore Road, North Cape May, NJ 08204

With Wine tastings daily after Memorial Day from 12-5, Turdo vineyards is a great place to visit. According to trup advisor:

Turdo Vineyards & Winery is now on the 5th vintage and offers an array of Italian varieties - Sangiovese, Barbera and Nebbiolo, to mention a few. All the wines are grown and produced in Cape May

For the link, click HERE

Can this ancient creature survive?

Check out this great special on Nauture for Crash of 2 Species on the great horseshoe crab and all of the things that surround it.

If you come from any area of the country other than the upper east coast, you may be wondering what those really ugly looking skeletons on the bayside beaches are. (They don't smell too nice either.) We have just finished the Horseshoe crab mating season at the Cape about a month ago, but there are still a lot of shells floating around on the beach.

These crabs, which are actually an ancient relative of the spider are very important to the bird population, as well as we humans. For more information on this interesting, if not ugly guy, see the following:

University of Delaware Sea Grant - Horseshoe Crabs

Wikipedia Horseshoe Crab Article

New Vineyard and Winery Opening near the Cape - Hawk Haven

According to Easy Living/Shore News,a new winery is opening up in Rio Grande - Hawks Haven. According to the site:

... Located at 600 S. Railroad Avenue in Rio Grande, Hawk Haven will be opened daily from 11am to 7pm where you’ll be able to taste their wines for a nominal fee. Sunday’s will be “Sangria Sundays,” where they will feature special blend sangria and their house sangria, plus have food tasting, etc. Eventually they’ll get into summer concerts, self guided wine tours, and tables in front of their wine tasting room where you can have a picnic,...

What can you expect to see or purchase at Hawk Haven Vineyard? Beautifully designed bar stools made from recycled wine barrels, tea light holders made from wine barrel slats, gourmet foods, a great selection of picnic baskets, cutting boards and cheese knives, and these wines for purchase; 2008 Riesling, 2008 Pinot Grigio, 2007 Red Table wine, 2007 American Kestrel White, 2008 Red Tailed Rose.

....

Educational links on Birding

Want to find out more about birding? Well, you really are in the great corner of the world to start a birding career. Did you know that birding is considered the number one sport in the country - well I am sure some NFL and NBA fans might have a quarrel with that statement.

None the less, this site offers several links to the local nature organizations, and several good quality Cape directed bird guides are listed.

In addition, see the Wasatch Audubon society website that has a nice Birding 101 section that is broken down into easy to understand topics HERE

For species identification information, including songs, and migration maps, go to the Cornell Orinthology Lab at the allaboutbirds link HERE

The USGS has a huge of information on bird migration - not just for Cape May, but in general and for the US HERE

There is a species checklist for Cape May County listed a few posts ago, so be sure to check that out at the USGS as a guide.

Please stop by one of the great local nature organizations listed and learn about the great conservation efforts that are going on here at the Cape.

Red Knot Bird Blogging at it's best

For those of you looking for additional information on the Red Knot, and some of the programs that will help this little bird, head over to the BirdFellow Blog for an article titled:"Help the Delmarva Ornithological Society Help the Red Knot"

A really great article by Elizabeth Rosenthal - full of information about the species, horseshoe crabs all of the issues surrounding the red knot.

The golden light on the point

Dig Shanti-Dog

Dig Shanti-Dog
Originally uploaded by shanti.banerjee

A hot diggity dog of the playful variety!!!

View from the top at Cape May

View from the top at Cape May _IGP4850
Originally uploaded by tim613

Love this view!

The Trawlers of Cape May

The Trawlers of Cape May
Originally uploaded by _Robert C_

Smashing Shot of eastern side of the Cape

Grass at Cape May Point State Park

Grass at Cape May Point State Park
Originally uploaded by Jim Frazier

Fall is coming! Great colors!

Cape May Monarch 10/08

Cape May Monarch 10/08
Originally uploaded by upfoamer

Monarch Migration is coming up!

Piping Plover

Piping Plover
Originally uploaded by hjhipster

I love these little guys. They always make me smile.

Cape May Lighthouse in Gray

Cape May
Originally uploaded by s_h_a_w_n_g_13

Probably what the light looks like this morning!

The best part of waking up is Cape May in your cup!

Cape May, N.J.
Originally uploaded by Kevin Burkett

Sorry, it had to be done.

Sunrise over the Cape May Commercial Fishing Fleet

Sunrise over the Cape May Commercial Fishing Fleet
Originally uploaded by John F Hark

Another sweet sunrise shot. Can you tell the dog and I didn't get much sleep last night?

Sunrise At Cape May Lighthouse

Sunrise At Cape May Lighthouse 2
Originally uploaded by chickenking90

Yup, probably what the place looks like right about now. Thanks chickenking90

Red Knot in breeding plumage

Red Knot in breeding plumage
Originally uploaded by matthewstudebaker

Sweet capture!

House in Cape May

House in Cape May
Originally uploaded by Brit Godish

Just a unique shot....

Ready, Set, Sail!!!.

Floating...
Originally uploaded by crazedairflow

brings back memories...

What is a Cape May Diamond?

Cape May is home to beautiful beaches and you will find pretty little quartz pebbles strewn here and there, especially after a storm. These pebbles originate very far up the Delaware river, and it can take a few years for them to arrive at the bay. They are round and have a dull polish. Red, pink, yellow and clear are some of the colors you will see, but the clear ones are the "Cape May Diamonds." When polished, they are brilliant and clear. You can purchase one already polished and mounted at the tourist shops at Sunset Beach for a few dollars.

The Wiki entry has a little more history HERE.

A small example of the raw clear pebbles that beach goers take home as a souvenir --->

Archived Article: New York Times

If you are looking for a good listing of things to do in the off season, see this archived New York Times Article. Although the summer sun may have cooled, there are still great things to see and do. The dates may have changed with the year, but a lot of the venues remain.

Leamings Run Gardens

Leaming’s Run Gardens

According to the Leamings Run Garden's Website - Leamings Run and Colonial Farm is really a beautiful place to visit, slightly off the beaten Cape tourist path. Open to the public since 1978, it offers a spot for visitors to relax and enjoy lush gardens in harmony with the natural beauty surrounding them. Kids can learn a lot, and there is also a living history museum, & historic site.

Picnic facilities available, no food sold on-site, and bring your sunscreen if you go. They also offer haunted tours for Halloween and a gift shop.

1845 Route 9 North
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
(609) 465-5871

From the North via Garden State Parkway
Traveling south on the Garden State Parkway, take Exit 13. Turn right onto Avalon Boulevard and proceed to traffic light. Turn right onto Route 9 and travel north for one mile. Garden entrance on left immediately after bend.

From Philadelphia
Take the Walt Whitman Bridge into NJ. Take Route 42. Exit from right onto Route 55. Follow Rt. 55 all the way until it ends onto Delsea Drive. Within a short distance the road forks - kept to left following Alt. Delsea Drive (Route 670). Stay on this road. Shortly after passing through Dennisville make left onto Route 83. Follow Rt. 83 till it ends onto Route 9. Make right onto Rt. 9. Garden entrance appears shortly on right immediately before bend in road.

According to the Cape May Times:

The largest annual garden in the United States is right here in Cape May County. The red sage and cardinal flowers draw in the hummingbirds in August and early September. $7 adults, $4 children, under 6 free.

Daily, 9:30AM to 5PM until October 20. 1845 Route 9 North, Cape May Court House (609) 465-5871

Geocaching at the Cape - Treasure hunts in the digital age

The other night my husband found a great site for Geocaching, and we thought it might be fun the do the next time we were at the shore ->http://www.geocaching.com/

I am amazed at how many of these things thre are, and how many people are into it! Of course, I HAD to download the latest version of free Google Earth software, JUST so I could cross map the locations of the caches that geocaching.com provides to us. Um, yeeaah. The flyby feature on that software is neat. Oh, and the constellation view is pretty cool too.