Cape May Refugewildlife
At Cape May National Wildlife Refuge, the timing for wildlife comes in 2 separate phases, each its own display, neither a peak: Birds raise and fledge their young, June, July, and August is the time when our feathered families are raised and fledged; and Monarch butterflies migrate through, in fall (September, October, and November). No official report yet this season.
- June–AugustBirds raise and fledge their youngJune, July, and August is the time when our feathered families are raised and fledged
- September–NovemberMonarch butterflies migrate throughin fall (September, October, and November)
Your guide to the area
Where to watch
- Songbird TrailA foot trail in the Delaware Bay Division, where the refuge keeps a year-round visitor contact station; open every day from sunrise to sunset, with parking
- Woodcock TrailThe Delaware Bay Division's second foot trail; open every day from sunrise to sunset, with parking; pets on a short hand-held leash
- Two Mile Beach Unit: Marsh and Dune TrailsTrails with observation platforms and a blind; the beachfront itself is open for wildlife watching only October 1 to March 31, and pets aren't allowed at this unit
Nearby
- Forsythe Refuge34 mi4 separate phases, from in spring (March, April, and May)SatSlight Chance Rain Showers
- Fire Island143 mi2 separate phases, from from March to September
- Wertheim Refuge158 mi2 separate phases, from in the spring and summer months (March – September)
- Morton Refuge186 mi3 separate phases, from between mid-March and early April
- Cuyahoga Valley382 mi5 separate phases, from late February or early MarchSatSlight Chance Rain Showers
- Carolina Sandhills Refuge434 mi3 separate phases, from April through OctoberSatSlight Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
The year at Cape May Refuge
- Ospreys return to their nests in spring, March to MayMar–May
- Two Mile Beach visitor station open weekends, May to OctoberNowMay–Oct
- Birds raise and fledge their young, June to AugustJun–Aug
- Jul: Southbound shorebird migration begins in JulyJul
- Aug: Tree swallows gather before migrating, AugustAug
- Monarch butterflies migrate through in fall, September to NovemberNowSep–Nov
- Two Mile Beach beachfront open for wildlife watching, October 1 to March 31Oct–Mar
Questions people ask
When is the best time to see wildlife at Cape May National Wildlife Refuge?
In 2 separate phases: Birds raise and fledge their young, June, July, and August is the time when our feathered families are raised and fledged and Monarch butterflies migrate through, in fall (September, October, and November). They're separate displays, not one long season, and neither is a peak.
Is it the season at Cape May National Wildlife Refuge right now?
There's no official report yet this season.
Can I walk the beach at Two Mile Beach in summer?
No. The Two Mile Beach beachfront is open for wildlife watching only from October 1 to March 31; in summer, use the unit's Marsh and Dune Trails with their observation platforms and blind.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Cape May NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
When are the trails open?
The nature trails and observation areas are open seven days a week, sunrise to sunset, with parking at every site. The headquarters on Kimbles Beach Road is open weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Cape May NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I bring my dog?
In the Delaware Bay and Great Cedar Swamp divisions, on a short hand-held leash. Pets are not allowed at the Two Mile Beach Unit.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Cape May NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is there hunting?
Yes: seasonal deer and migratory game bird hunting in designated areas. Stop at the headquarters for current maps and information.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Cape May NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
When is the Two Mile Beach visitor station open?
Saturdays and Sundays from May through October, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It has the Friends of Cape May gift store and is the starting point for Saturday morning family walks.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Cape May NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Cape May National Wildlife Refuge?
Songbird Trail: a foot trail in the Delaware Bay Division, where the refuge keeps a year-round visitor contact station; open every day from sunrise to sunset, with parking; Woodcock Trail: the Delaware Bay Division's second foot trail; open every day from sunrise to sunset, with parking; pets on a short hand-held leash; Two Mile Beach Unit: Marsh and Dune Trails: trails with observation platforms and a blind; the beachfront itself is open for wildlife watching only October 1 to March 31, and pets aren't allowed at this unit.
What is Cape May National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Birds raise and fledge their young, June to August (Jun–Aug), Southbound shorebird migration begins in July (Jul), Tree swallows gather before migrating, August (Aug), Monarch butterflies migrate through in fall, September to November (Sep–Nov), Ospreys return to their nests in spring, March to May (Mar–May), Two Mile Beach beachfront open for wildlife watching, October 1 to March 31 (Oct–Mar) and Two Mile Beach visitor station open weekends, May to October (May–Oct).