Cape May: Experience the Thrill of Railbiking Amidst Stunning Wildlife

Cape May is celebrated not only as America's first beach resort but also as a sanctuary where wildlife flourishes amidst its beaches and Victorian charm. This coastal gem offers an unmatched diversity of species and habitats, making it a year-round paradise for nature enthusiasts.

Ospreys could be the official mascot of Cape May. They nest in extremely high densities on the Cape May peninsula, which is adjacent to the railroad tracks of Rev Rail Tours. Did you know Ospreys always adjust their catch so the fish head faces forward to make it more aerodynamic as they fly?

Nestled in the heart of Cape May, Revolution Rail offers an unrivaled opportunity to explore the landscapes and diverse wildlife of this historic locale. This unique railbiking adventure is not just a journey; it's your front-row seat to the natural beauty and ecological diversity of Cape May. So, let me walk you through what you might see during your tour.

A Year-Round Wildlife Sanctuary

During the spring, Horseshoe Crabs (literal living dinosaurs) come onto the bay shore beaches under the full moon to lay their eggs. Red Knots, a small species of sandpiper who spend their winters in southern South America, arrive on these same beaches to feast on the Horseshoe crab eggs. During the summer, Bottlenose Dolphins are ubiquitous in the surf along the beach. Dolphins migrate north from the Carolinas to give birth in Cape May’s food-rich waters. Look carefully, and you may see a calf alongside the adult dolphins. If you are lucky, you might spot a Humpback Whale or two just beyond the breakers. In winter, harbor seals hunt for fish in the mouth of the Delaware Bay.

Experience the awe-inspiring sight of thousands of migrating birds and butterflies.

Cape May’s main attraction occurs during the fall. (Don’t fret if your visit to Cape May falls outside autumn; here is never a bad season to be in the Cape May area.) As temperatures drop, all winged creatures must begin migrating south to warmer climates, including birds, butterflies, bats, and even dragonflies.

During their journey, these animals follow the coastline south and get funneled down the Cape May Peninsula, carefully avoiding the dangerous open waters of the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Delaware Bay to the west. Eventually, they hit land’s-end in Cape May. Surrounded by water on three sides, they must decide how to cross the mouth of Delaware Bay and reach the next land mass. The closest point of land is 13 miles away in Delaware, a long and potentially deadly flight over open water. Many migrants descend from the sky into suitable habitats in search of food before making the strenuous trek across the bay. On days with weather conditions conducive to migration, it is normal to see thousands of birds dripping from the trees or so many monarch butterflies that it feels like you are in a snow globe of butterflies. These spectacles are so impressive they one-up nearly every other migration hotspot across the United States, bringing nature enthusiasts from across the globe to soak in the migration goodness of Cape May. 

Fortunately for visitors, Revolution Rail is an immersive experience that blends adventure with experiencing nature. Operating over nine months each year, Rev Rail tours allow visitors to witness the changing seasons and wildlife of Cape May from the unique vantage point of a railbike. Our railbiking tours travel along a two-mile stretch of railroad track that transects various habitats, making it a nature lover’s dream. In spring, you can see Ospreys busily building their nests atop a nesting platform, or in summer, hundreds of fiddler crabs may be seen scurrying along the salt marsh. In fall, Bald Eagles might be noted cruising down the Cape May canal searching for fish.

This Kirtland’s Warbler delighted hundreds of birders as it called the Garrett Family Preserve for nearly two weeks before it continued its journey to the Bahamas.

Noteworthy Birdwatching

With over 160 species observed to date, Revolution Rail tours are a birdwatcher’s paradise. Highlight sightings include the rare Kirtland’s Warbler and frequent appearances by majestic raptors like the Swainson’s Hawk.

The Kirtland Warbler has only been documented in the state of New Jersey two times, and both were seen on the same day. One was a Revolution Rail tour, and the other was six miles away to the north. There are only 5,000 Kirtland Warblers in the world. They breed in Jack Pine forests in the upper Midwest and spend the winters in the Bahamas, and yet, one of these birds was blown off course and called The Garrett Family Preserve in Cape May home for a couple of weeks. Each Rev Rail tour pauses at The Preserve.

Other avian highlights observed on a Rev Rail tour include a Swainson’s Hawk, a Red-headed Woodpecker, a Prothonotary Warbler, and a Common Raven.

However, we can’t forget other critters calling the train tracks and surrounding habitats home. Resident mammals often detected on tours include Eastern Cottontails, Gray Squirrels, and occasionally Coyotes. The proximity to water also allows for a host of other wildlife to be observed. New Jersey’s only saltwater reptile, the Diamond-backed Terrapin, is a fan favorite as they exit the salt marshes onto the railroad tracks in search of higher ground to lay their eggs. Snapping Turtles are sometimes seen lumbering from pond to pond. Box Turtles, a terrestrial species, are frequently seen on Rev Rail tours. Bullfrogs can be heard vocalizing from nearby ponds.  

A Butterfly Haven: The Garrett Family Preserve

Butterflies are a major component of Rev Rail tours. Each tour stops at The Garrett Family Preserve to take a break from pedaling, relax, and learn. The Preserve is an excellent location to see diverse butterflies as The Nature Conservancy consciously plants native plants there, and flowering plants provide nectar for these insects. Up to 20 species of butterflies can be seen on a single tour. I encourage you to pay close attention while on a tour. For this reason, binoculars or cameras are a must-have for wildlife enjoyment. Optics can help you see the unseen.

Participants learn about ongoing research and conservation efforts in Cape May. For example, the Cape May Bird Observatory keeps its finger on the pulse of migration by conducting migratory bird watches, such as a Hawkwatch, every fall. These migration counts help monitor the populations of birds of prey and can shed light on the conservation status of many species. Organizations like the Cape May Bird Observatory make Cape May “ground zero” for seeing wildlife conservation in action. This educational component of our tours highlights how every visitor contributes to the sustainability of Cape May's wildlife.

This gorgeous butterfly is a Pearl Crescent. With a wingspan of 1 inch, it can easily be overlooked, but careful study reveals a spectacular pattern. They are commonly seen at the Garrett Family Preserve.

Expanding Your Adventure: Other Wildlife Activities in Cape May

There is more wildlife to experience in Cape May, so be sure to take full advantage of the viewing options. Other excellent places to hike and soak in nature include Cape May Point State Park, South Cape May Meadows, and Higbee Beach WMA. If the marine life in Cape May is more up your alley, I recommend going on a salt marsh safari tour on The Skimmer or signing up for a whale-watching tour with the Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center. 

Rev Rail in Cape May is more than an adventure; it's a comprehensive introduction to the natural wonders of this historic resort town, from salt marshes to coastal forests—offering unparalleled opportunities to encounter local wildlife. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning enthusiast, each tour is a journey through the heart of Cape May's stunning landscapes and rich wildlife. Visit Cape May—and experience it with Revolution Rail.