Cape May: Fall Migration
Cape May one of the premier birding destination in the United States, attracting southbound migrants like warblers, hawks, and a variety of seabirds. The area features a charming town with Victorian architecture and modern accommodations. Our visit is timed to visit during the peak of migration, and if the winds are right, tens of thousands of birds are possible in a given day. Rarities, including Swainson’s Hawk, Golden Eagle, and American Goshawk, have been recorded on past trips. We’ll visit all the official migration count sites, each with a chance to find something rare and exciting! Every day offers unique experiences during fall migration.
Itinerary
Day 1
The van will make pickups in Connecticut along the shoreline. On the way to Cape May, we’ll stop at known migrant traps to eat lunch and explore these prime fueling stops for migrant songbirds. A stop at Avalon Sea Watch to see the arrival of migrating sea birds is possible. Arrival in Cape May is in the late afternoon, with some rest time before dinner.
Night: Cape May
Meals: D
Days 2 - 3
Before breakfast, we’ll visit the famous Higbee Dike for the morning flight of arriving nocturnal migrants. We’ll return to the hotel to get breakfast at one of the local eateries before heading back out into the field. Exploration and birdwatching will be along the famed birding areas of Cape May, including Higbee Beach, South Cape May Meadows, and lunch at the Cape May Hawk Watch platform. Afterwards, the group will visit sites along the Delaware Bay shore looking for shorebirds and some South Jersey resident species. We’ll return to downtown Cape May for an early dinner. The daily itinerary is flexible to accommodate reported rarities we might like to pursue. Depending on group interests, a long walk on the beach for more shorebirds and offshore specialties may be an option.
Nights: Cape May
Day 4
Breakfast will be at a local favorite eatery. Morning birding will venture through Cape May with possible stops to the north at Stone Harbor marshes and Edward B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, where we can expect excellent numbers of fall migrants. Lunch will be at a birding spot or picnic area, followed by the return to Connecticut. Exact return time depends on birds, weather, and traffic, but it will probably be early evening.
Tour Leader
Matt Bell
EcoTravel Frequently Asked Questions
Why travel with EcoTravel?
We’re proud to offer small group travel in support of conservation, both locally and across the globe! By traveling with EcoTravel, you’re supporting environmental education and habitat management everywhere we go. When traveling internationally, we strive to use local companies who know the best places to visit, providing an intimate experience with the culture and wildlife.
What's included in the cost of the trip?
Most everything. Most every travel expense is included in one up-front price – airport transfers as specified in the itinerary, all hotel accommodations, birding/sightseeing with experienced guides, meals as specified in the itinerary, airport transfers, services of local guides, and more.
Most meals are included on EcoTravel journeys. All breakfasts are included, and some dinners. Occasional lunches in special locations may also be included. Although some dinners may not be included, suggestions for dining options will be offered by your tour leader. Many EcoTravel guests choose to dine together to share in new friendships and discoveries, but the choice is yours. Dining is a delightful and integral part of the EcoTravel experience – and that is why we select restaurants that offer a true taste of each region you visit. Most included meals offer limited choice menus, and some may be from a set menu or buffet. All appropriate gratuities for included meals are included.
For exact information of what’s included on a specific trip, please check the trip page.
What's not included in the cost of the trip?
Alcoholic beverages are not included, nor are meal gratuities for not-included meals, local guides, luggage handling, bellmen, doormen, and dining room servers. EcoTravel guides and driver gratuities are not included and should be offered individually, not as a group. Transfer driver gratuities are included.
Luggage service on EcoTravel tours is not included.
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What's your cancellation policy?
All trips are non-refundable.
Day Trips run as scheduled, and all participants are expected to be there. In the event weather postpones the trip and you can’t make the new date, or we don’t receive enough signups to run the trip, you’ll receive a non-expiring credit for the full value paid.
Overnight Trips can be partially refunded outside of 120 days before departure. Payment is due in full 120 days before departure, and no refunds are given. Exact details for each trip can be found in the terms and conditions on the Printable Itinerary.
What's the average group size?
Almost all of our trips are kept to single digits! We believe that small groups give a better experience to everyone. Day Trips and certain overnights may include up to 14 participants, with two guides.
Many of our trips run with just 4-6 participants!
What level of birder do I need to be?
All levels are welcome! While some trips are more intense than others, our guides are skilled at helping everyone see as many birds as possible while having a great time.
Do you sell travel insurance?
EcoTravel is an authorized agent of Travelex travel insurance. Please call the office for more information.
What happens if the tour doesn't fill?
Day Trips: Cancellation results in a credit for the full value that can be used for future trips.
Overnight Trips: Travelers are given the chance to rebook the same trip for a future year, or to move their money at full value to another trip.
What's the activity level of the tours?
It varies! Some tours have lots of walking, while others are more sedentary. For exact information on the activity level of a specific trip, please call the office.
How far in advance can I / should I book?
We encourage you to make your reservation just as early as possible – especially if you are limited to the time period in which you can travel. EcoTravel journeys are popular and tend to fill quickly.
Can EcoTravel help make arrangements for pre-tour and post-tour hotel nights?
Absolutely! Many guests choose to extend their stay and we’re happy to help. As a service, EcoTravel will make hotel reservations before and/or after your journey at select pre-/post-stay hotels offered for that tour. Rooms are reserved at the first or last night’s hotel property of any EcoTravel journey, so there’s no worry of having to change hotels or rooms at the start or end of your trip. Rooms are reserved on a space-available basis, and the cost will be added to your tour cost.
Arranging hotel accommodations in the city where your journey begins for the night preceding your EcoTravel itinerary not only gives you more time to explore on your own, allows your group to become better acclimated to time changes before your journey begins and helps to relieve stress from potential travel delays – important factors to consider! Guests wishing to spend more time in cities where our journeys end can extend their stay – a great way to make your vacation last a little longer.
Are transfers included to and from my pre-tour and post-tour hotels?
Complimentary transfers are included from the airport to your pre-stay hotel for the start of your journey and from your post-stay hotel to your departure airport.
Please Note:Transfers are included for EcoTravel-approved pre- and post-stay hotels. Non-EcoTravel hotel transfers must be approved prior to leaving on your tour.
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