Birdwatchers in South Jersey??? A Rare Bird of Their Own

To many, bird watching is a hobby for some rare “Birds” themselves. We picture an older generation with their khaki shorts and shirts and wide brim hats and a pair of binoculars peering out at nothing. To the avid bird watcher, this is as far from the truth as you can get.

Cape May County in Southern New Jersey is one of the favorite spots for bird watching. Enthusiasts come from all around the world to get a glimpse of some of the rare birds migrating. There are many bird sanctuary’s along the coast in Cape May County including Cape May, Stone Harbor, and Avalon, just to name a few. That along with the Jersey shore’s natural beauty, Cape May County is the perfect spot for this event.

Bird Watching has become so popular that there is a American Birding Association that even promotes a bird watching code of ethics. If you are going to be a bird watcher, there are certain things you should adhere to. The Cape May Bird Observatory in Middle Township, Cape May County lectures birders on not to focus on nearby houses or commercial businesses. This can alarm anyone who notices you and create problems which could ultimately involve the police.

Cape May County, with its multibillion dollar tourist industry welcomes birders from around the world. There are several events held during the course of the year in the area to bring in tourists beyond the summer season. Birding and other ecotourism is huge business in New Jersey, bringing in more than $500 million dollars each year in Cape May County alone according to a 2006 study.

So the next time you see the funny looking person standing erect with their binoculars focused on one thing or another, remember how far this “Hobby” has evolved and its place in the chain of tourism.