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Spring Migration with Richard Crossley

Available May 2026

Beach Plum Farm Cottages

Set out with Richard Crossley as your guide to experience Cape May's epic Red Knot and shorebird migration.

View Itinerary Reservations Available Soon

Escape into the heart of one of the world’s premier birding destinations with a luxurious twist. Join Richard Crossley—internationally acclaimed birder, photographer, and author—for an unforgettable spring birding experience based at the Beach Plum Farm Cottages in Cape May, New Jersey. This exclusive package pairs the thrill of bird migration with inspired farm-fresh dining, private cottage accommodations, and the expert insight of a world-renowned guide who will bring your birding experience to life.

Nestled amid 62 acres of working farmland, the Beach Plum Farm Cottages offer the rare opportunity to immerse yourself in nature without sacrificing comfort. Wake to the songs of warblers and the scent of the sea breeze drifting through the trees. Explore winding trails that connect fields and hedgerows alive with migrating birds. After a day of discovery, return to the farm for a multi-course dinner prepared by Beach Plum Farm’s culinary team, showcasing ingredients grown just steps from your cottage. It’s a spring retreat where luxury meets the land, and every moment deepens your connection to the natural world.

Included in this package:

  • Deluxe Overnight Accommodations
  • A Welcome Reception on the night of your arrival
  • Two Hands-On Birding excursions, led by Richard Crossley
  • Continental Breakfast each morning
  • Lunch in between your excursions
  • Dinner in the Hoop House on Tuesday evening
  • All transportation provided to each destination

Spring Migration Itinerary

Warm Welcome

Day One

Check-In
4:00pm
Welcome Reception in the Hoop House
6:00pm
Dinner & Evening at Leisure
Dusk

Look to the Sky

Day Two

Light Breakfast
7:30am
Depart for Morning Excursion
8:00am
Lunch at Beach Plum farm
12:30pm
Depart for Afternoon Excursion
4:00pm
Dinner in the Hoop House
7:30pm

Fond Farewells

Day Three

Depart for Morning Bird Watch
6:30am
Check-out & Farewell
11:00am

Migration Package Excursions

In the morning, set out for a remarkable natural event along the shores of the Delaware Bay, where millions of horseshoe crab eggs provide a critical food source for migrating shorebirds. This extraordinary phenomenon occurs only for a brief window each spring, as birds such as the Red Knot make their long journey from the southern tip of South America to the Arctic. Witness the fascinating interplay of life as ancient horseshoe crabs come ashore to spawn, while flocks of birds—many of them endangered or threatened—arrive to refuel on the nutrient-rich eggs. It’s a breathtaking display of timing and interdependence in nature, and a must-see for any wildlife enthusiast.

Cape May is internationally renowned for its incredible avian diversity and wide range of habitats. In the afternoon, we’ll explore some of the region’s most productive birding locations, carefully selected to offer you a variety of sightings. From coastal wetlands and salt marshes to woodlands and open fields, each stop provides a different window into the migratory and resident bird populations that thrive here. Whether you're a seasoned birder or a curious beginner, this curated journey through Cape May’s natural landscapes offers an enriching and rewarding experience.

Photo Gallery

A Swan And Her Ducklings Swimming In A Lake A Bird Standing In A Pond A Person Sitting On A Structure In A Field A Man Holding A Camera A Group Of People Walking On A Path With Guns A Group Of People Taking Pictures Birds On The Beach A Bird Flying In The Sky
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A Man With His Hands Crossed
A Camera On A Table
About Your Host

Richard Crossley

Richard Crossley, a passionate and pioneering figure in the world of birding, will be your guide throughout this incredible experience. His extensive knowledge of the region, combined with his dynamic teaching style, will help you view birds in ways you never thought possible. Richard’s innovative approach to bird identification emphasizes learning to look more closely, rather than just ticking off lists. His method of teaching is designed to help both beginner and experienced birders enhance their skills and deepen their connection to the natural world. Richard’s infectious enthusiasm and boundless energy will leave you with a new perspective on birding and a greater appreciation for the diverse avian species that migrate through Cape May each spring.

Richard Crossley’s passion for birding and his deep connection to Cape May are what make this experience truly special. After relocating to Cape May in the early 1990s, Richard’s enthusiasm for the area’s birding scene has only grown. His unique approach to bird identification and his commitment to simplifying the process will make you feel like a more confident and independent birder. Many participants have shared their surprise at how much they can see and learn, often leaving with the thought, “Why didn’t someone tell me this before?”

To learn more about Richard Crossley, visit CrossleyBooks.com.

A Body Of Water With Grass And Trees In The Background

“Cape May is famous for its diversity of birds and their habitats—and we’ll pick the best locations for you to sample.” -Richard Crossley

A Bird Flying Over A Lake
A Bird Standing In A Pond
A Flock Of Birds Flying In The Sky
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