Tuesday, April 01, 2008

N.J. birding in Philadelphia Inquirer

Still haven't sampled the birding at New Jersey's southernmost tip, Cape May? Perhaps this article in The Philadelphia Inquirer will nudge you to do so.

Experts consider Cape May and the surrounding region the premier migratory flyway of North America - and possibly the world - by accident of geography. The Atlantic flyway funnels mind-boggling numbers of birds along New Jersey's coastline for one of their last stopovers for rest and nourishment before their thousands-of-miles journey to breeding grounds in the Canadian Maritimes and other points north.

And the spectacle can be amazing:

Marshes at the Cape May Meadows filled with so many egrets it looked as though snow was blanketing the reeds. Hundreds of ethereal-looking gannets roosted on a sunken ship at Sunset Beach. The woods at Higbee Beach were alight with flocks of yellow-throated warblers that never seemed to stop their sing-song trill.
I've had the pleasure of visiting Cape May about twice a year for four years. No one at my office hears grumbles about those business trips.

Think the area appeals only to birders? Think again. As a Jersey shore vacation destination, it offers other temptations -- day spas, excellent restaurants, fun shops and, of course, the beach.







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6 Comments:

Blogger Rick Wright said...

Where d o e s one eat nowadays in Cape May? Finding good food was always a challenge back in our Jersey days. We usually ended up at Maria's, an acceptable Italian place but nothing special.
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April 01, 2008 7:12 PM  
Blogger Amy said...

I enjoy Gecko's (vurry spicy!) and Freda's Cafe and Uncle Bill's Pancake House (chocolate chip peanut butter pancakes!) and Mad Batter. A number of high-end restaurants have remained beyond my wallet (c:

April 02, 2008 12:15 PM  
Blogger elizabird said...

Lucky Bones...very popular with the locals and great for Vegetarians as well. The beet salad is fantastic.

April 02, 2008 6:19 PM  
Blogger Jen A. Miller said...

I second Lucky Bones and Gecko's. My favorite, though, is the Blue Pig Tavern at Congress Hall (I wrote a book about the Jersey Shore if you want more recommendations!

If Uncle Bill's is too crowded, there's also Dock Mike's which is near the Lobster House when you come into town.

April 03, 2008 4:33 AM  
Blogger Susan Gets Native said...

Laura, Delia, Susan M. and I went to a nice Italian place a few blocks off the man drag....but for the life of me, I can't remember the name. Something Italianate.
The food was good, but the calf muscles on the waiter were even better than the linguine.

April 09, 2008 8:40 PM  
Blogger Amy said...

You crack me up, Susan. Birdchick and I will be there next month; if you think of that restaurant's name, please let me know.

April 10, 2008 10:06 AM  

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