Guided Walks at Higbee Beach

Guided walks in the Hidden Valley area of Higbee Beach WMA are being offered monthly by NJ Audubon in cooperation with the NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife.

The Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area is important for its value to endangered, threatened and nongame wildlife.

This Cape May peninsula hosts one of the world's largest migrations each fall as millions of birds stop at the peninsula seeking food, cover and water. Higbee Beach plays a vital role in the migration, providing migrants with a stopover site as they increase their fitness before continuing their sojourn south.

The roughly 1,100-acre area offers a unique blend of several different habitats, including dune, forest, scrub-shrub and early successional fields. The Endangered and Nongame Species Program, in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management, manages the fields and scrub-shrub areas for migrating songbirds and raptors.

There are two new viewing platforms that have been added to the nearly 2 miles of nature trails at the area. The platforms, which offer spectacular views of the field and forest canopy, feature educational signs on migration and habitat.

A dune trail that runs through forested dunes with views of the expansive Delaware Bay was added in 1999.

Higbee Beach is comprised of six different locales: Signal Hill, Davey’s (or Davis) Lake, Pond Creek, Sassafras Island, Hidden Valley, and the Magnesite Plant.

Hidden Valley's mix of varied habitats hosts a diversity of birds which may be encountered, including sparrows, hawks, waterbirds, and even the possibility of an owl.

According to capemay.com, Hidden Valley was once a 92-acre farm between Bayshore Road and the Pond Creek Marsh. The Dickinson family, preferring it be preserved rather than developed, sold it to the state in 1986. Part of the acreage is known as Hidden Valley Ranch and is leased for equestrian activities. The fields, trails and swamps are well known to birders.

For more information visit community.njaudubon.org

If visiting during the fall migration, it is suggested that you go following a cold front with northerly winds. All you need is a set of binoculars and ID books.

In warmer weather, Higbee Beach is also home to lots of dragonflies and butterflies, including the long-distance migrant - the Monarch butterfly.

NJDEP Fish & Wildlife's Fall Fishing Program

Get ready for fall fishing by joining NJDEP Fish & Wildlife's R3 Fishing Program at a FREE beginner fishing workshop. These workshops are for new anglers or those looking to get back into fishing.

Fish biology; how to set up equipment; safety practices; bait and tackle choices; casting; and fishing regulations will be covered at each workshop. Participants will put their new skills into practice with a fishing experience.

Registration is required. dep.nj.gov/njfw/education/r3-fishing-program/ 

Let's Go Fishing!
October 7, 2026, 2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Willingboro Lakes County Park, Willingboro

The World's Fastest Insect Is Also a Great Hunter

 

Dragonflies via openclipart.org

Did you know that one species of dragonfly reaches speeds of 58 kilometers (36 miles) per hour, making it the world's fastest-flying insect?

WE are in dragonfly migration season, which is believed to run from August to November. However, researchers know much less about dragonfly migrations than they do about bird or whale migrations.

North America may have up to 18 migratory dragonfly species. A recent study revealed that the species undertakes complex long-distance migrations every year that span generations and seem to be influenced by temperature, making them particularly vulnerable to climate change.

They have been observed eating flies, bees, beetles, butterflies, and even small birds. Dragonflies achieve a hunting success rate of up to 97% by waiting for prey before attacking or scouting an area.

Their compound eyes provide nearly 360-degree vision, with each eye possessing as many as 30,000 ommatidia—individual units that point in a unique direction and have their own lens. Besides their complex compound eyes, dragonflies have three smaller eyes at the front of their heads called ocelli, which are thought to help keep them stable while flying. While humans possess three light-sensitive pigments involved in color vision—blue, green, and red—dragonfly eyes have as many as 30 such proteins.

They also have two pairs of wings, but the angle and speed of each wing are controlled independently, enhancing the insect's flight control and agility.

Wildwood Coyotes

Coyote pup in Wildwood.
So cute, you might be tempted to go nearer and feed it. DON'T

Coyotes in New Jersey are not rare, endangered or threatened. But they are becoming more common, and many people are fearful of their presence. 

A recent increase in coyote sightings near Wildwood’s back bay has raised concerns among local residents. These cunning and very adaptable predators are digging underneath fences, entering backyards, and keeping frightened residents at home. Homeowners are keeping their pets inside, and they’re thinking twice about letting small children outside unattended. 

City officials say locals feeding the coyotes is contributing to the problem. The city has put up more than a dozen warning signs around town to not feed any coyotes. The mayor noted that the coyotes are fearless and that they don’t run and just stare when a car comes closer to them. 

These sightings have been concentrated near Wildwood’s former landfill, which is currently being redeveloped into a nature preserve. Officials are hoping the completion of the project will keep coyotes further from residential homes. 

Residents throughout the state are encouraged to follow these guidelines to mitigate coyote encounters:

• No feeding 
• Secure garbage and pet food 
• Strengthen fencing 
• Consider installing motion-activated lights or sound deterrents