This Nature Conservancy refuge is known locally as the Cape May Meadows..no doubt dating back to the time when cattle grazed here. Making New Jersey a Better Place for People and Wildlife since 1897. The shallow, freshwater ponds and mudflats are one of the neatest shorebird stopover locations along the East Coast. Watch for feeding plovers, including their young, at the edge of the surf and feeding Least Terns in the ponds or just beyond the surf line. It supports 317 bird species, 42 mammal species, 55 reptile and amphibian species, and numerous fish, shellfish and other invertebrates. Virginia Rails may be seen running or feeding – again if you are patient – at the edges of the ponds. The Cape May National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area on the Cape May Peninsula in Cape May County, New Jersey. At this time also look for jaegers and gannets in the distance. In late October through November, hawks continue, and are joined by waterfowl, rails, sparrows, etc. Blue-winged Teal and other ducks add to the diversity, and are present in modest numbers. If you are lucky they will come out for a few seconds. By August, their numbers are peaking and waterfowl begin to arrive. Flickr photos, groups, and tags related to the "capemaymigratorybirdrefuge" Flickr tag. Habitat in the Meadows has changed over the years. Least Bitterns can best be seen along the east path by simply waiting and watching for motion a foot inside the phramites. Start by getting to the destination from your hometown. American Bitterns, Long-eared Owls, Short-eared Owls, and some other species can sometimes be seen taking off and moving toward the Lighthouse and Delaware as they circle up against into the descending darkness. Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge. Be sure to bring insect repellent, sunscreen and wear appropriate clothing. Cape May National Wildlife Refuge provides important habitat to a wide variety of migratory birds and other wildlife. Fish and Wildlife Service closed the trail that accesses the Coast Guard property to promote public safety and reduce confusion. The Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge - known as the Cape May Meadows - used to be a cow pasture at the edge of the dunes. Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge listed as CMMBR. Least Bittern and Virginia Rails are relatively common in the Meadows, although seeing them takes patience. In the complaint filed in Charleston federal court, Defenders of Wildlife alleges that the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in allowing the harvest on Cape Romain, violated: the National Wildlife Refuge Improvement Act of 1997, the Endangered Species Act, and; the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. CMMBR - Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge. This Nature Conservancy refuge is known locally as the Cape May Meadows..no doubt dating back to the time when cattle grazed here. The 2020 - 2021 hunting regulations and maps are now available. The Cape May National Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest in the National Wildlife system. Read Clay Sutton's column on the The Cape May Meadows at the peak of shorebird migration. Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we encourage you to: Check local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information, Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick. The piping plover breeds on the northern Great Plains, in the Great Lakes, and along the Atlantic coast (Newfoundland to North Carolina); and winters on the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts from North Carolina to Mexico, and in the Bahamas West Indies. Common Moorhen nest at the edges of the ponds and are most often seen east of the east path. The U. S. Coast Guard property, which sits on the southern boundary of Cape May NWR's Two Mile Beach Unit, is now closed to the public as well as all trails leading from the refuge to the beach and jetty area. May Birds by the Month, Cape Check out our Visitor Activities page to learn the best places to visit on the refuge. Then figure out where to stay (like Marquis De Lafayette Hotel), find things to see and do (like Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge), and research places to eat (like Harbor View Marina). Blizzards of Tree Swallows can sometimes be seen in fall, and earlier in the fall and during spring migration all species of swallows are present. Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge The refuge is circled by a looping trail which takes you through meadows, by freshwater ponds, onto sand dunes overlooking the Atlantic Ocean then back, with a view of the lighthouse the whole way. There are no safeguards, lifeguards or safety infrastructure as is required for safe access. Check out our Plan Your Visit page to learn more. A major restoration project was recently completed. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife, and plants. Peregrines, Cooper’s Hawks, and Merlins can put on a spectacular show from mid-September through late October, along with scads of harriers, Sharp-shins, and even the occasional Bald Eagle circling overhead. There are activities for the whole family year-round at Cape May National Wildlife Refuge including fishing, hunting, environmental education, interpretation, wildlife viewing and photography. May Birding Questions. In whatever season, the Meadows offer fine birding opportunities. Buff-breasted Sandpipers, Arctic Tern, Roseate Tern, Whiskered Tern, Wilson’s Phalarope, Black Rail, King Rail, Hudsonian Godwit, and Black-necked Stilt are among the rarities recorded from the Meadows. Due to its location and mile-long beach front, The Nature Conservancy’s William D. & Jane C. Blair Jr. Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge is one of Cape May’s “hot spots” for birding. Later in the summer and into fall, look for Black Skimmer skimming in the shallows just off the beach or, at times, in the Meadow’s ponds. Nestled in a verdant corner of West Cape May, the West Cape Motel is across the street from the West Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge and a short drive or bike ride from the Historic District. The pastures and cows have succeeded to brush and early succession forest. Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge. Owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy, Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge — know as “The Meadows” to local residents — is a globally renowned birders paradise. Situated at the southwest tip of the Cape May peninsula, the South Cape May Meadows Preserve includes more than 200 acres of critical habitat in the globally renowned birding hot-spot of Cape May, New Jersey. Loons (both Red-throated and Common) pass by regularly with some stopping to feed off the beach. Established in 1989, Cape May National Wildlife Refuge provides critical habitat to a wide variety of migratory birds and other wildlife. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is accessible year-round. The Nature Conservancy has its own property, the Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge (formerly called "The Meadows") on Sunset Blvd. Fall migration in the Meadows is nothing short of spectacular. It is part of the National Wildlife Refuge System and managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. It's near the intersection of Bayshore Rd and Sunset Blvd., on the way to Cape May Point. All the guest rooms feature stylish contemporary decor and refrigerators; efficiency units have kitchenettes, and the suites have kitchens. Volunteers play a huge role at Cape May National Wildlife Refuge - potential assignments include horseshoe crab tagging, invasive plant species removal, greeting visitors, nature walks and trail maintenance. Dusk at the platform along the main trail can payoff bigtime if you are lucky. The federally-threatened piping plover is a small, stocky shorebird resembling a sandpiper. It's near the intersection of Bayshore Rd and Sunset Blvd., on the way to Cape May Point. Cape Island--CMMBR (Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge (Meadows)), Cape May County, New Jersey, US on Tue Apr 28, 2020 Same location Cape Island--CMMBR (Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge (Meadows)), Cape May County, New Jersey, US Visit the Get Involved page to learn more about volunteering on the refuge. From mid to late fall and into early winter lots of songbirds arrive including Palm and Yellow-rumped Warblers, bluebirds, waxwings, and, of course, plenty of sparrows and finches. Herons and egrets frequent the ponds from April through and it isn’t unusual to see a Black-crowned Night-heron feeding in the shady edge of the phragmites. South Cape May Meadows is a 1.7 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Cape May, New Jersey that offers the chance to see wildlife and is good for all skill levels. Loons, mostly Common, often can be seen foraging just off the beach. It is Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge. The U.S. Established in 1989, Cape May National Wildlife Refuge provides critical habitat to a wide variety of migratory birds and other wildlife. Rare shorebirds are not the exception but the rule. Cape Island--CMMBR (Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge (Meadows)) Established in 1989, Cape May National Wildlife Refuge provides critical habitat to a wide variety of migratory birds and other wildlife. Beach nesting species include Piping Plover and Least Tern in most years. Nesting territories often include small creeks or wetlands. The refuge provides a haven for two … By Paul Kerlinger September 12, 2020 by daveblinder in 2020, Cape May, New Jersey State Parks Forests and WMAs and tagged 2020 September, Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge, Cape May places to go birding, dave blinder new jersey photographer, img_6171, South Cape May Meadows Bird Refuge, Where to photograph sunset in Cape May | Leave a comment This Nature Conservancy refuge is known locally as the Cape May Meadows..no doubt dating back to the time when cattle grazed here. In some good news for all birds, a federal judge recently re-affirmed the protections for migratory birds under the Act. They use wide, flat, open, sandy beaches with very little grass or other vegetation. In late summer, shorebirds show up in larger numbers, offering great opportunities to study different plumages. Founded in 1976 by New Jersey Audubon, the Cape May Bird Observatory (CMBO) is a leader in research, environmental education, bird conservation, and recreational birding activities. It comprises three distinct and non-contiguous units: the Delaware Bay D It was established to protect migratory birds along New Jersey's coastline. Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge - How is Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge abbreviated? Cape May is such a legendary and productive hotspot that you can find doorstop-sized books written about birds and birding on this tiny peninsula. The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Cape Day 7 Everyone gets to enjoy a free morning in Baltimore. The shallow, freshwater ponds and mudflats are one of the neatest shorebird stopover locations along the East Coast. The Cape Island IBA includes The Nature Conservancy's South Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge (229 acres), the Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area (1068 acres), Cape May Point State Park, Hidden Valley Ranch and privately owned habitat south of the canal and west of the Garden State Parkway. Established in January 1989 with 90 acres acquired from the Nature Conservancy, it has since grown to more than 11,000 acres in size, and plans call for its further expansion to more than 21,200 acres. The William D. and Jane C. Blair, Jr. Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge, owned by The Nature Conservancy, is just a short drive from Cape May Point State Park. Learn more about the refuge Visit Courtship behavior of the terns can be fun to watch, unless gulls show up to steal the terns’ fishy offerings. About Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge. Plan a visit to the South Cape May Meadows Preserve The U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security closed their beach primarily for safety and liability reasons. It supports 317 bird species, 42 mammal species, 55 reptile and amphibian species, and numerous fish, shellfish and other invertebrates. Plan your trip to Cape May. DESCRIPTION: The Lower Cape May Meadows Project includes approximately 350 acres in area containing Cape May Point State Park and the Nature Conservancy’s Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge. They can be found in the roped off areas. The refuge is subject to seasonal variations in weather and temperature and home to biting insects. Waterfowl are the signature birds of the Refuge, the most common ducks being found here are Mallard, Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, Wood Duck, American Wigeon, Northern Shoveler and Northern Pintails, though many other species also occur. A steady procession of scoters can be seen, mostly well offshore, but sometimes they are just beyond the surfline. Outdoors Columnist. Winter is a bit slower in the Meadows, although waterfowl frequent the ponds, American Bitterns can be at the edges of the phramites, and hardier songbirds are plentiful. Gadwall and other ducks nest. Rare shorebirds are not the exception but the rule. See other rides. Each year, hundreds (maybe thousands) of Saw-whet Owls move through the Meadows unseen, along with zillions of robins, woodcock, rails and others. The Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge - known as the Cape May Meadows - used to be a cow pasture at the edge of the dunes. Other protected open space includes The Nature Conservancy's Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge and Eldora Nature Preserve, and the Bennett Bogs Preserve owned jointly by The Nature Conservancy and the New Jersey Audubon Society. Fall migration is a must-see in Cape May, expect to see a wide variety of migrants from September through November. Two hours of hard birding is usually enough, although you may be lured into staying longer in hopes of seeing one of those rarities. Despite these changes, the Meadows still offers great birding and is a must visit for birders coming to Cape May. The refuge is currently at 11,000 acres and is made up of three units; the Delaware Bay Division, the Great Cedar Swamp Division, and the Two Mile Beach Unit, and there are plans to expand the Refuge to 21,200 acres. Sat 05/02 (21.1 miles) Reading to Pottstown v... Sun 04/26 (2.2 miles) Milford Millponds walk... Sun 04/12 (6.4 miles) Ride to soccer game Sat 04/04 (0.6 miles) Cape May Bunker Sat 04/04 (0.1 miles) Cape May Lighthouse Many of the hawks counted at the Cape May Hawkwatch pass directly over the Meadows or hunt in it. Marsh Wren and Common Yellowthroat abound in the phragmites and brush at the edges of the ponds. Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge Cape May is one of the prime birding areas on the East Coast. Looking for abbreviations of CMMBR? Its value for the protection of migratory birds and their habitat will continue to grow as wildlife habitat along the Jersey Shore is … Because of its closeness to town and other birding locations, it doesn’t take long to get to and bird this site. The peninsula acts as a funnel for birds migrating along the Atlantic Flyway. It's near the intersection of Bayshore Rd and Sunset Blvd., on the way to Cape May Point. Special Note Regarding Service Dogs Service dogs for accessibility, such as guide dogs for the blind, are permitted at both the Cape May Point State Park and the …