Over 40 species of saltwater fish are common the the ocean and bay area. During the summer months, warmer waters from the Gulf Stream bring marlin, dolphin and wahoo close to the Jersey Cape coast.

Mild winters and warm summers allow for hundreds of species of annuals, perennials and semi-tropical vegetation to thrive here, including several species of orchids.

Birds

Cape May County is known the world over as a birding mecca. August through October is by far the best time to see the greatest diversity of birds, while raptors, songbirds and shorebirds are found here in the spring. Winter also offers excellent opportunities to see raptors, seabirds and waterfowl.

Fish

Cape May County is literally a world of water, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Delaware Bay to the west, and the Tuckahoe River to the north. Half of the county is covered with wetlands. All of these waters are laden with fish. Saltwater anglers can try their luck for bluefish, stripers, weakfish and flounder from the beach, in the back bays, or on the ocean. Freshwater ponds and lakes harbor largemouth bass, pickerel, crappie and sunfish.

Mollusks

Whelks, moon snails, scallops and clams are just a few of the mollusks whose empty shells wash up with the tides. The diligent beachcomber can find the shells of over 40 species of mollusks on Atlantic and Delaware Bay beaches. While shells can be found at any time of year, the first few days after storms can be the most productive times to go beachcombing.

Reptiles & Amphibians

Most reptiles and amphibians are secretive creatures. However, careful observers in the proper habitat will spot many of them in Cape May County. Turtles and frogs can often be found along the edges of ponds, streams and wetlands. Dune areas are home to toads, skunks and fence lizards. In June and early July, diamondback terrapin females can be seen crossing the roads and causeways adjacent to the salt marsh. Give them a "brake" and drive carefully.

Butterflies & Dragonflies

In Cape May County these days, binoculars are just as likely to be pointed at butterflies and dragonflies as they are at birds. More than 100 species of butterflies and over 75 species of dragonflies damselflies have been seen in the County. For butterflies, look in gardens, old fields and forest edges. The migration of the Monarch butterflies during early October is a sure signal of summer's end. The greatest variety of dragonflies are found near ponds, streams and wetlands.

Mammals

Except for squirrels and people, most mammals are active at night. At dawn and dusk, the careful observer in the  proper habitat should see common mammals like raccoon, deer, rabbit, muskrat, bats, opossums and skunk. Luck observers may spot rarer species like fox, river otter, beaver or weasel. Dolphin are commonly seen close to shore in the summer. Some years, in late summer and early fall, humpback whales may be seen close to shore.

Cape May Whale Watcher

Flora

The native flora of Cape May county is as varied as the habitats found on this tiny peninsula. Situated in what is referred to as the Zone 7 growing area, the county is the nothernmost habitat for many plant species such as the tropical bamboo. Acuba, Water Fern and Vinca Major. Coastal and freshwater wetlands, forests, fields and dunes are waiting to be explored by amateur botanists. Scattered bald cypress trees and rare orchids are just a few of the interesting plant species found here. In addition, several formal gardens of all types are found throughout the County.

Other activities for the nature enthusiast include:

Whatever you choose, please remember to "take only pictures, leave only footprints."