Birdwatching Frenzy: Streaked Shearwater Draws Crowds to Cape May

Issue #405

July 26, 2025

In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather 

‍🐦 Birdwatching Frenzy: Streaked Shearwater Draws Crowds to Cape May

🏖️Shore Towns Face $34M Lifeguard Pension Crisis, State Comptroller Finds

 🦟 Mosquito-Proof Your Summer with These Expert-Backed Tips

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: Shop Local

👇 Here’s what’s going on in the Cape May Local Area👇  

 July 26

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Birdwatching Frenzy: Streaked Shearwater Draws Crowds to Cape May

 A streaked shearwater, a seabird typically found in the Pacific Ocean, was spotted near the Cape May-Lewes Ferry in what is now confirmed as the first documented Atlantic sighting of the species. The event has thrilled bird watchers across the region and drawn visitors to Cape May, a known migratory bird hotspot. Cape May has long been a hotspot for migratory birds, attracting species from across the hemisphere. Still, sightings like this one are extremely rare. For many, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime event—an avian anomaly that’s turned a quiet day on the ferry into a statewide spectacle. Even casual beachgoers and day-trippers are taking notice. With Cape May’s natural charm, historic lighthouse, and summer beauty already drawing crowds, this rare visitor is giving people one more reason to head south.

Shore Towns Face $34M Lifeguard Pension Crisis, State Comptroller Finds

A state report revealed that six New Jersey shore towns face more than $34 million in unfunded lifeguard pension liabilities. The Office of the State Comptroller found issues ranging from underfunded plans to missing actuarial data. Towns like Margate and Ventnor have taken corrective steps, while others, such as Sea Isle City, dispute the findings. In addition, Asbury Park and Long Branch were found to have never implemented the lifeguard pension programs required by state law. Other shore communities, including Cape May, North Wildwood, Wildwood, and Ocean City, failed to obtain actuarial evaluations, leaving the costs of their pension obligations unknown. A nearly century-old state law mandates that any city bordering the Atlantic Ocean with a population under 50,000—classified as “fourth-class” cities—must provide pensions for lifeguards. However, the OSC report calls into question the effectiveness of such benefits, suggesting that seasonal work does not justify the long-term financial burden placed on municipalities. The office recommended phasing out pensions for new lifeguards and renegotiating terms for current employees. The report suggests that providing pensions for seasonal lifeguards is financially impractical and recommends legislative reforms to phase out or restructure the system.

Mosquito-Proof Your Summer with These Expert-Backed Tips

 Long summer evenings are meant for grilling, stargazing, and relaxing outside—not swatting away mosquitoes. If buzzing pests have taken over your backyard, it’s time to fight back with expert strategies that keep mosquitoes out of your space safely and effectively. According to pest control professionals and entomologists, the first step to reclaiming your yard is understanding what attracts mosquitoes in the first place. Female mosquitoes, the ones that bite, are on the hunt for places to lay their eggs—and that often means they’re lurking close to where they were born. If they’re in your backyard, chances are their breeding ground is nearby.  Standing Water:
Top of the list is standing water—any stagnant moisture offers the perfect mosquito nursery. Carbon Dioxide:  Humans and animals exhale carbon dioxide, which mosquitoes can detect from a distance. Dense Shade and Overgrown Grass:
Overgrown lawns or thick and untamed shrubs are the perfect resting spot.

Effective Ways to Eliminate Backyard Mosquitoes.  Remove Standing Water:
Regularly check and empty containers that collect rainwater, including plant saucers, trash can lids, and kids’ toys. Clean out gutters and avoid letting water pool in birdbaths or tree crevices. The goal is to disrupt the mosquito life cycle by eliminating their breeding grounds. Trim Trees and Shrubs:
Keeping your lawn mowed and trees pruned improves airflow and helps dry out moist, shady areas where mosquitoes like to hide.  Install Mosquito Traps:
Mosquito traps that use carbon dioxide or UV light to lure and trap insects can help reduce populations—though they work best as part of a broader control plan, not on their own.  Add Protective Netting:
Mesh screens on windows and mosquito netting around patios or gazebos can help block pests from entering your favorite gathering spots.  Plant a Mosquito-Repelling Garden:
A well-chosen garden can double as a mosquito deterrent. Plants like lavender, citronella, lemongrass, catnip, and marigolds naturally repel mosquitoes through their scent or essential oils.  Consult a Professional:
For persistent issues, bringing in a pest control expert can help pinpoint hidden problem areas and apply targeted treatments that won’t harm pollinators like bees or butterflies. By making your yard less inviting to mosquitoes—and more inviting to you—you’ll be able to enjoy your summer evenings without the bites. 

Answer to the July 25th Trivia Question

Which famous American architect was a frequent visitor to Cape May, New Jersey?

A) Frank Lloyd Wright
B) Louis Sullivan
C) Daniel Burnham
D) I.M. Pei

Answer: A) Frank Lloyd Wright

Frank Lloyd Wright, the renowned American architect, was one of the notable visitors to Cape May. He stayed at the Windsor Hotel, along with other distinguished guests such as railroad tycoon Diamond Jim Brady and media mogul William Randolph Hearst

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