The Ecowalk at the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce allows visitors to view a unique collection of vegetation and local and migrating birds. The Ecowalk is located at the south end of the Chamber’s parking area, just off Exit 11 on the Garden State Parkway.

A “must-see” on the visitor’s list is the Wetland’s Institute on Stone Harbor Boulevard. An awarding winning organization, the Institute offers live exhibits, aquariums, and an observation tower and guided tours that focus on the importance of wetlands and the fragile eco-system.

During May and June, millions of horseshoe crabs come ashore along Delaware Bay to lay over 100 tons of eggs. Birds that have flown from South America arrive at the same time and the eggs of the horseshoe crab provide a protein-rich food supply for the birds to continue north.

At Cape May Point State Park, the hawk-viewing platform regularly hosts 100,000 visitors each season. Cape May Point is the premier area for both bird and butterfly watchers although there are plenty of other great spots around Cape May County.

Bird watchers can enjoy guided tours, programs and other special events at the Cape May Bird Observatory. The Nature Center of Cape May offers garden walks, tidal marsh tours by kayak and beach combing. Hike through the County Park, with its botanical gardens and nesting areas for woodpeckers and Eastern Bluebirds. For an enjoyable afternoon, head to Belleplain State Forest and watch for southern swamp warblers, butterflies and dragonflies.

The Jersey Cape, with its peninsular geography and diverse habitats, creates an hospitable environment for birds, butterflies and horseshoe crabs as well as the people who love to observe them.•