Sue Slotterback of the Nature Center of Cape May and Captain Ginny Powell of the Skimmer invited Rob and me to join them and other environmental educators for a tour of the salt marshes of Cape May NJ on Saturday June 7.

At this time of year nesting birds are in abundance. Cape May has the largest North American colony of nesting Laughing Gulls.

Highlights of the trip included Willets, Snowy, and Great Egrets (above), Black-crowned Night Herons (above), Oystercatchers, and Clapper Rails. 

There were quite a few nesting Ospreys, too. This couple seems to like ropes for their nest. You have to admit, it’s very colorful!

Captain Ginny had some sea stars on board and we had a chance to handle them. If you didn’t know, they are no longer called “starfish” (you can learn more about that in our book, “Take a Beach Walk”).

It was an exciting trip. Captain Ginny (above) was knowledgeable and funny! If you are visiting the Jersey shore this summer, I highly recommend you plan to tour the marshes with the Skimmer. and that you visit the Nature Center of Cape May with your children.