Fall Migration at Cape May
October 2 - 6, 2016

Let yourself be overwhelmed by one of the top birding locations in North America - at the peak of migration. An amazing diversity and abundance of birdlife will be enjoyed in this beautiful and historic coastal setting, such as warblers (over 20 species possible), flycatchers, thrushes, vireos, and sparrows. Possibilities include Gray-cheeked Thrush, White-eyed Vireo, Philadelphia Vireo, Orange-crowned Warbler, Connecticut Warbler, Blue Grosbeak, and Clay-colored Sparrow. We will revel in the world famous raptor migration from the hawkwatch platform, at the prime time for sought-after species like Merlin and Peregrine Falcon. We will spend some time at the seawatch in Avalon, witnessing early movements of waterfowl and seabirds (Black Scoter, Surf Scoter, Northern Gannet), as well as a stop at Brigantine National Wildlife Refuge’s freshwater pools, salt marshes, and tidal mud flats for waterfowl, wading birds, and shorebirds. This trip also includes a unique back bay boat trip for close-up study of herons, egrets, and shorebirds in the intercoastal waterway (Glossy Ibis, Tricolored Heron, Black Skimmer, American Oystercatcher). Cape May is renowned for hosting an astounding number of rarities in the fall, with numerous occurrences of Swainson’s Hawk, Cave Swallow, Northern Wheatear, Western Kingbird, Fork-tailed Flycatcher, Lark Sparrow, and many more!

Day One: Arrive in the afternoon for check-in. Meet at 4:00 p.m. and proceed to dinner (included) at a nearby restaurant, after a stop at the hawkwatch to check on the afternoon “Merlin Show”. This will give us all a chance to get acquainted and discuss the possibilities presented by the Cape May area. 

Day Two: Meet early for the drive over to Higbee Beach and a morning of warblers and other passerines. We will pause for breakfast around 8:30 a.m. and then proceed to the hawkwatch at Cape May Point State Park to observe the wonders of the raptor migration. After lunch, we will stop at a number of birding locales around Cape May Point, including the South Cape May Meadows. Dinner and the evening are on your own to explore and enjoy Cape May. 

Day Three: Depart at 8:00 a.m. for a morning of coastal birds at Brigantine N.W.R. After lunch, we will work our way south, stopping in Avalon to observe flocks of migrating waterfowl and seabirds winging past the jetties. We will also check out the sanctuary at Stone Harbor and search for a nearby heron roost, arriving back in Cape May around 4:30. Dinner and the evening are on your own.


Day Four: An early start will put us at Hidden Valley to take in the passerine migration. After a stop for breakfast, we will return to Cape May Point State Park. Besides the passing hawks, we will also investigate the trails and ponds of the park for waterfowl, marshbirds, and passerines. After lunch, we will take a back bay cruise out of Cape May to experience the salt marshes of the intercoastal waterway and the natural treasures they hold, such as Snowy Egrets, Marbled Godwits, and Forster’s Terns. The cruise will conclude around 4:00 p.m. We will finish the day out with a relaxing dinner (included) and review the day’s sightings. 

Day Five: This morning will find us birding around Cape May Point, concentrating on species that may have eluded us thus far. We will bird until 10:00 a.m., at which time we will return to the motel for a sightings summary and the conclusion of the tour. Afterwards, you are welcome to stay and explore more of Cape May on your own.

Tour Details
This tour includes four nights of ocean view accommodations at a beachfront motel. All rooms are furnished with two double beds and include the usual amenities. ALL meals are included, from dinner on Day One to breakfast on Day Five (excluding alcoholic beverages), except dinner on Day Three – an opportunity for you to explore this resort town on your own. Entrance fees for Brigantine N.W.R. and charter fees for the back bay cruise are included, as well.

Also included are professional guide services for the duration of the tour. Brett M. Ewald will be the tour leader on this exciting excursion. As well as being an accomplished birder, naturalist, and biologist, Brett possesses an intimate understanding of the birdlife in the Cape May area. He has been fortunate to experience this area’s natural history on many occasions, including conducting research for the Cape May Bird Observatory. He looks forward to sharing the wonders of Cape May with you!

Besides the spectacular birding, Cape May is also famous for its beautiful beaches, picturesque Victorian homes, and historic lighthouse. There is also an eclectic mix of quaint shops and galleries. For those looking to experience another side of southern New Jersey, Atlantic City is within an hour’s drive.

Tour Pricing
Prices listed are per person, based on your level of occupancy. 

• Double: $985.00 
  
• Single: $1245.00
  

Terms and Conditions
Please fill out completely and sign the Extended Tours Registration Form and mail to Lakeshore Nature Tours, along with a $150.00 per person deposit. Make your check or money order payable to Lakeshore Nature Tours. Any balance due is required July 31, 2016. Confirmation and an informational packet, with finalized tour itinerary and details, will be sent upon guarantee of tour departure, based on adequate participation. A full refund of tour payments will be executed from Lakeshore Nature Tours for any cancellation resulting from inadequate participation. If the tour is full, a waiting list will be taken, and filled according to the date of registration. A $25 service fee will apply to a participant cancellation before July 31, 2016. Cancellations after July 31, 2016 will forfeit the entire $150.00 deposit. Transportation and any corresponding tolls are the responsibility of the participant(s).