Cape May Fall 2027
America's Premier Fall Birding Destination
Cape May sits at the tip of a funnel — a narrow peninsula where southbound migrants concentrate in extraordinary numbers each autumn. October brings the peak of hawk migration, with thousands of Sharp-shinned Hawks, Cooper's Hawks, Merlins, and Peregrine Falcons streaming overhead, while the fields and thickets fill with sparrows, warblers, and kinglets.
This five-day tour places you at the heart of it all. You'll hawk-watch from the famous Cape May Point platform, work the songbird traps of Higbee Beach, scan the mudflats of the Delaware Bay for shorebirds, and experience the spectacle of evening flight at the Cape May Lighthouse — all with a small group and expert guidance.
What You’ll Experience
- Peak autumn hawk migration — thousands of raptors daily
- Songbird fallout at Higbee Beach and the Meadows
- Shorebirds and seabirds along the Delaware Bay
- Evening flight spectacle at Cape May Lighthouse
- A dedicated guide who knows Cape May's seasonal rhythms
- Small group size for an unhurried, personal pace
What’s Included
This is a fully all-inclusive tour. Your price covers:
- Hotel accommodations (double occupancy, Hilton-brand property)
- All meals — breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Ground transportation throughout the tour
- Professional guide services
- Spotting scope provided in the field
- Snacks and water daily
- Entry fees to all sites in the itinerary
Not included: Airfare to/from the departure airport, alcoholic beverages, and gratuities.
Tour Days at a Glance
- Travel day — arrive in Philadelphia
- Welcome dinner and trip orientation
- We'll outline the week ahead: where we're headed and which species to expect
- Overnight in Philadelphia, then transfer to Cape May in the morning
- Morning: depart the airport hotel and head south for Route 47 saltmarsh birding
- Jakes Landing — open views over the Dennis Creek tidal marshes for early raptors: Northern Harriers, Bald Eagles, Osprey, and migrating falcons
- Arrive in Cape May, drop luggage, and lunch
- Afternoon: Cape May Point State Park Hawkwatch Platform — warm thermals lift the big raptors high overhead
- Slow drive down Sunset Boulevard to Sunset Beach to scan the ocean for migrating scoters and loons
- Back to the Cape May hotel to freshen up before dinner
- Morning (dawn–11 AM): the Cape May Point State Park Hawkwatch Platform
- On northwest winds, spectacular numbers of Sharp-shinned Hawks, Cooper's Hawks, American Kestrels, and Merlins right over the platform
- Afternoon: the boardwalks at South Cape May Meadows for Peregrines chasing shorebirds and migrating waterfowl
- Morning (dawn): Higbee Beach WMA for the famous Cape May Morning Flight, as songbirds back-haul north rather than cross the open bay
- As the air warms, scan for the larger soaring raptors — Osprey, Bald Eagles, and Broad-winged Hawks
- Afternoon: Back Bay Birding Cruise aboard The Osprey — a relaxed, guided boat ride for shorebirds and raptors
- Morning: the Avalon Seawatch — one of North America's premier fall seabird counts, with thousands of scoters, loons, and gannets streaming past
- Afternoon: north along the Atlantic route to Edwin B. Forsythe NWR (Brigantine); the 8-mile wildlife drive is packed with migrating ducks, wading birds, and hunting Peregrines
- Check in to a hotel near the airport
- Head directly from your airport hotel to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) for departures
Expected Species List
Pricing for this tour will be announced soon. Register your interest and we'll notify you when details are finalized.
Notify MeEvery tour is fully all-inclusive — hotel, meals, transportation, expert guide, spotting scope, and daily snacks & water.
Guided by Bob Needham
Bob Needham brings the same meticulous planning and guest-focused approach to Cape May that defines every Premier Birding tour. Having birded the cape's legendary fall migration extensively, Bob knows where the hawks concentrate, where the songbird traps produce, and how to position the group for the best experiences each day.
Reserve Your Place at Cape May
The Cape May Fall 2027 tour will open for booking soon. Register your interest and we'll notify you when pricing and availability are confirmed.
Notify MeFully all-inclusive · Pricing announced soon
Guided Journeys Crafted with Expertise
Since its inception, the team has facilitated comprehensive small-group tours that reveal the cultural, historical, and ecological narratives of each destination, thereby demonstrating meticulous planning and on-site proficiency.
Grounded in rigorous safety standards and sustainable practices, the organization implements evidence-based solutions that optimize travel logistics while ensuring every guest experiences informed guidance and respectful engagement with local communities.
Request a Tailored Itinerary
Kindly submit the inquiry form to explore how a customized tour solution can optimize your upcoming travel experience and facilitate a seamless booking process.