Cape May Bird Observatory's numerous fall monitoring projects start behind the scenes, much earlier in the year, with interviews to select the numerous personnel needed to conduct the counts and present interpretation. Most renowned is the Cape May Fall Hawk Watch, which started its 51st year on September 1, 2026! The 34th season of the Avalon Sea Watch begins October 1, 2026. The Morning Flight, Montclair Hawk watch, and Monarch Monitoring Projects each have different but equally respected histories. For more information see https://njaudubon.org/watches/

Starting in 2025, Carl Zeiss (R) Optics (now Valyra) became lead sponsor of the Fall Cape May Hawk Watch, providing much of the financial support needed for staff and also all of the top-shelf binoculars, spotting scopes, and tripods needed for a rigorous autumn of daily fieldwork. While those optics may see more hours afield between August and December than most birders might accumulate in a year or more, they're designed to last for decades.

And that's where you come in. After the final raptor has passed the Cape May Hawk Watch, you can continue to support them by purchasing these still young and fully-warranted Zeiss Optics products. You realize significant savings, and CMBO is better positioned for taking the pulse of the next migration. That's a win-win in any birder's book!

Some of the "DemoWatch" optics and accessories which should become available in January 2027 include top-tier binoculars such as the Zeiss Victory SF 8x32, 8x42 & 10x42, Conquest HD X 8x42, SFL 8x30 and the Conquest Apia 20-50x65 compact spotting scope.

Supplies are limited each year, so check for remaining DemoWatch products on FeatherEdgeOptics.org or call the Northwood Center for information on availability.