Posted by Jeff Loomis on September 7, 2010 at 1:31 PM
One of the great things about NPN is the sharing of information among its members. This knowledge base has been a great resource to me, so I figured I would take my turn at sharing something that others might find useful. I apologize if some of this is common knowledge, but I figured there could be some newer photographers who could benefit.
My tip has to do with photographing birds in Cape May, NJ. If you have never visited this area before, you are in for a real treat… and the timing couldn’t be better. Late summer and fall provide excellent opportunities to witness migration up close and personal. Each year birders from all over the world flock there (pun intended, sorry) to experience the action. From shorebirds, to raptors, to warblers and other passerines, they have it all. Much of the action takes place south of the canal, so you can concentrate your efforts on this small area – about 3 miles by 5 miles – and still have access to a variety of habitats including fresh and salt marshes, beaches, ponds, fields, and forests. Yesterday was what I consider a slow day with a very light migration, but I still managed 79 species of birds. There was also a nice variety of butterflies and dragonflies, not to mention the beach scenery and lighthouse, depending on what you’re into.
If you’d like to plan a trip, the Cape May Bird Observatory has an excellent website (http://www.birdcapemay.org/) that posts recent sightings and a schedule of upcoming events, including guided bird walks. They also have a downloadable bird & butterfly map that highlights all the hotspots. The hawk watch at Cape May Point State Park is a must see!
One last tidbit for those who are serious about migrating birds: There is a very interesting website (http://www.woodcreeper.com/) that gives a ‘migration forecast’ for the coming week using Doppler radar. Migrating birds can be so concentrated that they actually show up on radar and this information, along with weather and wind conditions, can be a good indicator of how just how good the birding will be. This Thursday and Friday are looking really good.
I hope this information contributes to your next successful photographic adventure!
Discussion
0 repliesMy tip has to do with photographing birds in Cape May, NJ. If you have never visited this area before, you are in for a real treat… and the timing couldn’t be better. Late summer and fall provide excellent opportunities to witness migration up close and personal. Each year birders from all over the world flock there (pun intended, sorry) to experience the action. From shorebirds, to raptors, to warblers and other passerines, they have it all. Much of the action takes place south of the canal, so you can concentrate your efforts on this small area – about 3 miles by 5 miles – and still have access to a variety of habitats including fresh and salt marshes, beaches, ponds, fields, and forests. Yesterday was what I consider a slow day with a very light migration, but I still managed 79 species of birds. There was also a nice variety of butterflies and dragonflies, not to mention the beach scenery and lighthouse, depending on what you’re into.
If you’d like to plan a trip, the Cape May Bird Observatory has an excellent website (http://www.birdcapemay.org/) that posts recent sightings and a schedule of upcoming events, including guided bird walks. They also have a downloadable bird & butterfly map that highlights all the hotspots. The hawk watch at Cape May Point State Park is a must see!
One last tidbit for those who are serious about migrating birds: There is a very interesting website (http://www.woodcreeper.com/) that gives a ‘migration forecast’ for the coming week using Doppler radar. Migrating birds can be so concentrated that they actually show up on radar and this information, along with weather and wind conditions, can be a good indicator of how just how good the birding will be. This Thursday and Friday are looking really good.
I hope this information contributes to your next successful photographic adventure!
- Jeff