Saturday, MAY 16

7:00 – 9:00 AM FIELD WORKSHOP Birding by Ear with Michael O’Brien
7:30 – 9:30 AM FIELD TRIP Cape May Point State Park
7:30 – 9:30 AM FIELD TRIP Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge
7:30 – 9:30 AM FIELD TRIP Higbee Beach
7:30 – 9:30 AM FIELD TRIP Rea Farm
9:30 – 10:30 AM PROGRAM Shorebirds & Horseshoe Crabs with John Heuges
10:00 – 11:00 AM WORKSHOP Selecting A Spotting Scope
10:00 AM – Noon FIELD TRIP Cape May Point State Park
10:00 AM – Noon FIELD TRIP Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge
10:00 AM – Noon FIELD TRIP Higbee Beach
10:00 AM – Noon FIELD TRIP Rea Farm
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM BOAT TRIP▲ Back Bay Salt Marsh
10:30 AM – 2:30 PM BOAT TRIP▲ Poor Man’s Pelagic Cape May to Lewes
11:00 AM – Noon WORKSHOP Options for Optics, What Binoculars to Choose
1:00 – 2:00 PM WORKSHOP Butterfly Identification with Will Kerling
1:00 – 2:15 PM WORKSHOP Warbler Identification with Louise Zemaitis
1:00 – 2:30 PM WORKSHOP Intermediate Birding with Vince Elia
1:00 – 3:00 PM FIELD WORKSHOP Tree ID for Birders with Bert Hixon
1:00 – 3:30 PM FIELD WORKSHOP Birding by Impression with Kevin Karlson
1:30 – 3:30 PM FIELD WORKSHOP Spring Wildflowers for Beginners with Rick Radis
1:30 – 4:00 PM BOAT TRIP▲ Back Bay Salt Marsh
2:00 – 2:45 PM PROGRAM Who’s Looking for our Summer Residents this Winter with International Park Flight Interns
2:00 – 3:30 PM FIELD TRIP Up Close with Shorebirds & Horseshoe Crabs
2:00 – 4:00 PM BOAT TRIP▲ Cruising Cape Island Creek by Kayak
2:30 – 3:15 PM PROGRAM Lyme Disease: Fact vs. Fiction with Kathy Roye
2:30 – 4:00 PM FIELD TRIP Butterfly Identification on the Wing with Will Kerling
2:30 – 4:00 PM FIELD TRIP Intermediate Birding with Vince Elia
3:00 – 3:45 PM PROGRAM The Osprey: Eggs to Flight with Jane Galetto
3:30 – 4:45 PM PROGRAM Birding in Costa Rica with Mark Garland
4:00 – 4:45 PM PROGRAM The Great Pageant with Eldon Remy

Sunday, MAY 17

7:30 – 9:30 AM FIELD TRIP Cape May Point State Park
7:30 – 9:30 AM FIELD TRIP Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge
7:30 – 9:30 AM FIELD TRIP Higbee Beach
7:30 – 9:30 AM FIELD TRIP Rea Farm
7:30 – 10:30 AM FIELD TRIP Belleplain State Forest
8:00 – 10:00 AM FIELD TRIP Sayre’s Farm
9:00 – 11:00 AM FIELD TRIP Villas Wildlife Management Area
9:00 – 11:00 AM FIELD TRIP Botany of Bennett Bog with Rick Radis
10:00 AM – Noon WORKSHOP Digiscoping for Beginners with Betty Lemley
10:00 AM – Noon FIELD TRIP Cape May Point State Park
10:00 AM – Noon FIELD TRIP Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge
10:00 AM – Noon FIELD TRIP Higbee Beach
10:00 AM – Noon FIELD TRIP Rea Farm
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM BOAT TRIP▲ Back Bay Salt Marsh
1:00 – 2:00 PM WORKSHOP Selecting A Spotting Scope
1:00 – 3:00 PM FIELD TRIP 3B’s of Belleplain – Birds, Botany & Butterflies
1:00 – 4:00 PM FIELD WORKSHOP Digiscoping for Beginners with Betty Lemley
1:30 – 3:30 PM FIELD TRIP Stone Harbor Point & Nummy’s Island with Kevin Karlson
1:30 – 4:00 PM BOAT TRIP▲ Back Bay Salt Marsh
2:00 – 3:00 PM WORKSHOP Options for Optics, What Binoculars to Choose
2:00 – 4:30 PM FIELD TRIP Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
3:00 – 5:30 PM FIELD TRIP Heislerville WMA at High Tide

Cape May Bird Observatory

If you need accommodations for your trip try the Bacchus Inn at 609.884.2129

Birds and bird watchers take to the field

By On Deck Staff
Capemaycountyherald.com

In baseball the season is just starting and the pennant race is wide open. But in the world of competitive birding, it’s already come down to the biggest game of the series.

On May 9, millions of birds and hundreds of bird watchers will take the field to see who can spot the most species of birds between midnight and midnight.

The playing field is the entire state of New Jersey – one of the most bird rich places in North America. For 26 years, teams of birders from across North America and abroad have come here to test their skills.

“New Jersey is to birding what Augusta National is to golf,” says Pete Dunne, the founder of the event.

One of the reasons the event was founded was to draw attention to New Jersey’s strategic, and overlooked, importance to birds.

“We’ve got a wealth of natural areas. We’re positioned right on the migratory mainline. In one compact and highly birdable state, teams can go from Canadian zone forest to Carolina coastal habitat and not even stop for gas.

“Only in Texas have more birds been seen by single team in one day,” says Dunne. The total number of species recorded by all contestants commonly exceeds 270. According to Dunne “more than one third of all the bird species found in North America.”

The other reason over 100 teams will be competing in this years event is for a share of the prize money. There is no cash purse. Instead team supporters pledge money on the number of species found by their favorite team. The money is used to support the bird conservation efforts of each team’s sponsoring organizations such as National organizations like the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and The Nature Conservancy, the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club and Connecticut Audubon.

Many teams also enjoy the sponsorship or co-sponsorship of major corporations connected to the birding market or who espouse a conservation ethic, companies like Estee Lauder, Nikon, Zeiss, Swarovski, PECO, and US Silica. Since its inception twenty-five years ago nearly $9,000,000 has been raised.

“There are a lot of Golden-winged Warblers looking for nesting habitat and Red Knot searching for horseshoe crab eggs that owe a measure of thanks to this event,” says Dunne.

The event has grown since thirteen teams first took up New Jersey Audubon’s challenge in 1984. Now there are multiple divisions, including a popular youth division, a senior division, and several different categories.

Teams can plan routes that cover the entire state; individual counties; even remain in a single, 17 foot circle and record birds without leaving that spot.

This year a new “Carbon Footprint Cup” category has been inaugurated. All birding must be done using human powered means of transportation. Contestants can walk, run, bike, row – anything that doesn’t require energy tied to fossil fuel.

The Awards Brunch will be held at the Grand Hotel in Cape May on Sunday, May 10. For more information visit the website,

www.worldseriesofbirding.org

If you would like to try a bed and breakfast while attending the world series of birding try The Bacchus Inn Bed and Breakfast.

www.bacchusinn.com

CAPE MAY — Delaware River and Bay Authority Commissioners (DRBA) has increased the rates this season. Travelers staying in Cape May at Bed and Breakfasts, or hotels with cars will pay more than those without vehicles. There are Cape May ferry discounts available for more frequent visitors to Cape May.

Effective April 1, the new ferry fare schedule is expected to stabilize the Cape May – Lewes Ferry’s operating deficit, which was approximately $9 million in 2008. The 2009 fare increase, which averages 6 percent, is projected to generate gross income of approximately $14.9 million.

Travelers should be aware of the changes when planning the next trip to Cape May NJ.

The Ferry’s new 2009 Fees are as follows:

• Car, SUV, pickup truck less than 20 feet, Nov. to March: $29.50. April to Oct.: $36, peak season: Memorial Day to Labor Day Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.: $43.25.
• Return-Trip Value Fare: Nov.-March: $25.25, April to Oct.: $30.75, peak: $31.75
• Motorcycle: Nov.- March: $24.25, April-Oct.: $30.75, peak: $36
Return-trip Value Fare: Nov-March: $21.25, April to Oct and peak.: $26.50.
Discount Book of six tickets (all vehicles less than 20’ length) $153 all year.
Discount Book of six tickets (commercial vehicles): 15% off scheduled fare.
Discount vehicle tickets: not valid Saturday, Sunday or Holiday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
• Vehicle and foot passengers: under six years of age: free.
• Children, age six to 13: Nov.- March: $3.75, April to Oct. and peak: $5
• Return-Trip Value Fare: Nov.-March: $2.75, April-Oct. and peak: $4
• Fourteen years of age and older: Nov.-March: $7.50, April-Oct. and peak: $10
• Return-Trip Value Fare: Nov.-March: $5.25, April-Oct. and peak: $8
• Discount book of six adult tickets: $43.50 all year.

All return trip value fares must be purchased with initial sailing
Reservation fees and discounts: Internet reservation fee discount is $2. Non-refundable reservation cancellation fee is $5.

The schedule of departure times from Lewis to Cape May flucuates throughout the year. Be sure to checkout the Cape May ferry website:

www.capemaylewesferry.com

Travelers in need of accommodations can try the Bacchus Inn Bed and Breakfast at 609.884.2129. The Bacchus inn Bed and Breakfast is open in all season and is just minutes from the Cape May ferry terminal.

Many guest of the Bacchus Inn Bed and Breakfast chose to leave there vehicles in Lewis and travel to Cape May as passengers. This is a great way to save money since the ferry offers a shuttle from the terminal into town.

The Bacchus Inn Bed and Breakfast is centrally located in Cape May so once a traveler arrives it is just a couple block walk to the Washington street Mall, Cape May MAC – Emilen Physick Estate, and several restaurants like the Merion Inn, Washington Inn, and Union Park.

www.bacchusinn.com

Spring is in bloom in historic Cape May. That means it is once again time for the 30th Annual Great Cape May Footrace. This annual Cape May attraction is sponsored by Cape May Chamber of Commerce.  The run offers great scenery along the beach passing bed and breakfast, guest houses, hotels, and private residence while listening to the waves crashing on the shore.

The aesthetics in Cape May are unique. Runners are treated to a historic Victorian seaside resort that has a variety of painted lady. Some of these are private homes while others are bed and breakfast offering lodging to travelers.

This 5 k run may not compete with high level running competitions but it will be one of the most beautiful races. Fans and racers can equally appreciate what Cape May has to offer.

After the work is done racers can enjoy a lovely afternoon of strolling the Washington street mall, taking a walk down on the beach, riding in a horse drawn carriage or dining in one of our fabulous restaurants.

If you enjoy a run then try the Great Cape May footrace May 16th @ 9:00am at Convention Hall. There are two races a 5k and a 10k. If you would like to sign up a link is provided below.

http://www.capemaychamber.com/pages/2009footrace.html

If you need accommodations for the Great Cape May Footrace try the Bacchus Inn Bed and Breakfast at 609.884.2129. The Bacchus Inn bed and breakfast is located just 2 blocks from convention hall where the Great Cape May Footrace begins.

www.bacchusinn.com

Cape May is located at the southern most tip of the New Jersey. The Cape May NJ peninsula is a unique spot that allows party fishing boats to fish in Delaware Bay or the Atlantic ocean. The party boats fish for mackerel, drumfish, weakfish, flounder, tautog, seabass, blue fish, and striped bass. There are several options in the marina area. The party boats normally fish for 4 or 8 hours. Some of the boats have specialty trips and group rentals.

Here are some links to party boats in the area:

www.misschris.com/

http://www.porgyiv.com/

http://www.capequeencharters.com/

Party Boats with no website in Cape May

Fiesta Party Fishing Boat – South Jersey Marina, Cape May, NJ 08204

Sea Star III – Cape May 609.884.3421

If you are traveling to Cape May to fish and need lodging try the Bacchus Inn Bed and Breakfast at 609.884.2129.  The Bacchus Inn Bed and Breakfast is located in the center of Cape May but is just minutes from the marina. Check out exactly how close on our website.

www.bacchusinn.com

Several blazed trails lead visitors to various pond, coastal dune, marsh and forest habitats of the park where wildlife can be viewed from observation platforms. This natural area is significant along the East Coast for its resident and migratory birds and includes habitat suitable for northern and southern species of fauna and flora.

Cape May Point is known as a major migratory route. Many sea/shore birds and songbirds migrate through this area in the spring. At the end of the summer, Dragonflies and Monarch Butterflies migrate through the area stopping briefly to gain their strength before continuing their journey across the Delaware Bay. Cape May also hosts the annual migration of the Horseshoe Crab along the Delaware Bay, where they come ashore to lay their eggs. These protein rich eggs are an important food source for Ruddy Turnstones, and Red Knots. Cape May is viewed by many as the premier Hawk migration route of North America. In the fall hundreds of hawks are counted as they pass the narrow corridor of land along the Cape May peninsula heading south. This offers birdwatchers of all ages the opportunity to see these beautiful birds in flight as they soar across the fields and meadows, on their southward trek across the Delaware Bay.

Piece from Dept of Environmental Protection

http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/capemay.html

If you enjoy birding then Cape May is a wonderful place to visit. Birders come from all over the world to visit Cape May and witness the spring and fall migrations. Tweeter’s from England visits in great numbers. For many of these visitors the holiday or vacation is a little longer. Cape May Bed and Breakfast, like the Bacchus Inn, cater to these bird watchers. If you are looking for accommodations in Cape May try the Bacchus Inn at 609.884.2129 or check us out online at:

www.bacchusinn.com

The Cape May ferry is a transportation option for visitors from Washington, Baltimore, Virginia, and Delaware.  The ferry brings travelers from Lewis Delaware to Historic Cape May in just 80 minutes.

But the ferry is much more than just a transportation vehicle. It can be a real pleasant afternoon boat ride.  Many guest rave about sunning themselves on the observation desks and just enjoying the sun and pleasant breezes.  A trip back and forth without a vehicle is less expensive then ferrying a car.

Many travel to Delaware to check out the outlet stores. Delaware offers some tax breaks on purchases which can be incentive enough for the trip.  Many travel to the Cape May terminal to enjoy Cape May Bed and Breakfasts, restaurants,hotels, shopping, birding, and beaches. There are bus shuttles to the center of Cape May and Lewis available at the terminal. Just be sure to check out the ferry schedule for times. The bus shuttle service does have limited hours.

The 80 minute ferry ride doesn’t save much time for most travelers because the driving time to Cape May roughly times out to be the same. What the ferry does do is offer a scenic option that limits the drive time required by the traveler. Many embrace the opportunity to allow someone else to drive for them.

In any case if one is traveling to or from places south or west of Cape May you may wish to try the ferry as an option. It can be a very pleasant experience.  If you need lodging in Cape May try the Bacchus Inn Bed and Breakfast at 609.884.2129.

www.bacchusinn.com

The ferry does have a limited schedule which changes with the seasons allowing more travelers to cross between Lewis and Cape May. Check out the website listed below for times and rates.

www.capemaylewisferry.com

Photo from Cape May Ferry website

Cape May is situated at the southern most point of NJ and is surrounded by water. It is a haven for fisherman offering large purse shark,marlin and tuna fishing tournaments annually with some in spring and other in summer. Cape May also offers daily charter fishing with many options available at Jersey Cape Marina just minutes away from historic Cape May hotels and Bed and Breakfast.

If surf fishing is your passion then Cape May offers several options. The marina area under the Cape May bridge is popular as is the jetty by Cape May point. Jim’s bait and tackle offers insight as well as reasonable rental rods. There are other tackle shops in and around the marina area.

On your next stay in Cape May try fishing. It is a relaxing day that offers fun for one or the whole family.

If you are looking for accommodations on your next  fishing trip try the Bacchus Inn Bed and Breakfast at 609.884.2129. It is just minutes from the Cape May marina in Cape May NJ.

This is a good reference website for Cape May.
http://www.fishingnj.com/fishing.htm

The Cape May Jazz Festival
“Legends and more Blues”

The 31st Cape May Jazz Festival April 17-19 2009 “Legends and more Blues” presented by NJ Division of Travel and Tourism and Bank of America opens a Tribute to Billy Eckstine and Sarah Vaughn with “Have a Song on Me Celebrating Mr. B” and the Big Band Music of the 40s and 50s with the B Swingers Big Band and Steve Butler. Billy Eckstine, known as Mr. B, became the most influential ballad singer during this era with an appealing baritone voice. It has been said that Steve Butler “looks and sounds hauntingly similar to Billy Eckstine…capable and convincing” and the Big Band one of the best. Sabrina Carten is convincing honoring Sarah Vaughn.

More Blues Saturday night with the Grammy Award winner James “Superharp” Cotton whose pedigree is a veritable who’s who in the world of Blues. Cotton and his Blues Band showcase his immense talent and keep him one of the most sought-after, hard-driving blues musicians touring the world today. More Blues continues all weekend at Cabanas with Andrew Jr. Boy Jones, Eddie Shaw and the Wolf Gang, Alan Weber and Frenz and Juke Joints Last Stand.

Legendary Odean Pope, known for his fiery, often intense solos, dazzling elevations and throbbing husky sounds, opens Aleatheas Restaurant at the Inn of Cape May for The Jazz Dinner and late Show. Barbara King continues the legends with a Tribute to Sarah Vaughn. She was introduced at an early age to jazz legends such as Sarah, Ella, Dinah and Billie who influence her singing.

Opening up Carneys Main Room Saturday night, Cuban percussionist Mayra Casales brings her band “Women on Fire” with Cuban Francois Zayas, drums. Her fiery, heartfelt spirit with strong roots in Cuban music is always present. DC Sharon Clark returns by popular demand for The Jazz Dinner and late Show in Aleatheas Saturday night. Sharon is an amazing, exceptionally gifted talent. Her performances include jazz standards plus lesser known songs performed by Ella, Sarah, Johnny Hartman and Nancy Wilson. Woody and Carol saw Roni Ben-Hur in NYC and knew he was a must for the festival. He is a very charming, talented guitarist and composer offering creative melodies, brilliant solos and dazzling original compositions.

Sylvia Cuenca opens Carneys Main Room Friday night with her organ quartet. Sylvia swings impeccably with her authentic feel for the Latin genre. Performing in the Boiler Room at Congress Hall Saturday night, the Michael Thomas Quintet is a powerful, energetic group that is deeply rooted in the rich tradition of hard-bop and blues with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers their major influence. Along with the usual high energy jams Saturday and Sunday in Carneys, the complimentary workshops and CD Signing Party, Juke Joint Central will be in Cabanas Sunday afternoon. This is a fun, stimulating band with a juke joint jamming feel that is mainly blues — a not to be missed experience.

Cape May Jazz.com-Article
www.capemayjazz.org

This year will be the 3rd Annual Cape May Shark Tournament, we plan on a bigger and better event than the last 2 years. The tournament has become known as having the best payout per boat in Sharking. Last year we handed out over $35,000 in prize money and along with thousands in merchandise at the Captains Meeting! We will continue our partnership with Sharky’s Feeding Frenzy, to provide the best awards dinner around. Last year Sportfishermen.com provided live video coverage of the weigh-ins via the internet, so family and friends can follow the event from home or office. So sign up now and join us for the best sharking event in Cape May.

Chuck & Mary Hinchcliffe
Off the Hook B&T @ Hinch Marina

http://capemaysharktournament.com/

If you are interested in a place to stay close to the marina try the Bacchus Inn Bed and Breakfast. The inn offers 13 different options from very reasonable to luxurious. If you are interested dial 609.884.2129.