National Geographic has named Cape May one of the top ten birding destinations in the world on a list that includes birding hotspots such as South Georgia Island and Broome in Western Australia.

Surprised? If you’re not a birder, you might not know this, but Cape May is considered a birding capital in North America. Our geography creates a funnel for millions of migratory birds annually, making us a goldmine for spotting large numbers of species during spring and fall migrations.

“At dawn on a good day, legendary Higbee Beach offers front-row seats to a feathered fashion show,” wrote National Geographic’s Noah Strycker. “With a little luck, you can see 20 species of warblers, each in its own colorful costume.”

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which prohibits the capture or killing of migratory bird species.