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Morning Flight Experience
Higbee Beach Morning Flight Observation Deck NJJoin CMBO interpretive naturalists to experience and learn about the songbird morning flight that takes place during fall migration. Meets for two hours after sunrise at the observation tower on the jetty road at Higbee Beach. NO preregistration required. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Start time for this event varies based on sunrise. Weather Permitting COST: FREE Interested in becoming a member? Please click on the following link to learn more or join: Become a Member today!
Fall Migrants at the Rea Farm
Rea Farm - The Beanery Bayshore Rd, West Cape MayJoin CMBO naturalists for this 2-hour walk around the Rea Farm "Beanery" property! NJ Audubon has leased the birding privileges on this working farm where the field edges regularly attract warblers, sparrows, and other fall migrants. It's also a great place to see migrant raptors overhead. PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED. COST: $8 members, $12 nonmembers. Interested in becoming a member? Please click on the following link to learn more or join: Become a Member today! IMPORTANT INFORMATION: We bird in all weather. Be sure to check the forecast in advance and dress in layers appropriate for prevailing weather conditions. The weather in Cape May can differ considerably from nearby inland areas and may be warmer, colder, or windier so it’s best to be over prepared. We may have to bird in the rain, so please bring your rain gear. TRANSPORTATION: We may walk up to 1.5 miles, over generally level, sometimes muddy or sandy terrain. Some trips involve walks over jetties. CANCELLATION: NJ Audubon’s CMBO programs are virtually never cancelled. If we cancel, due to lack of participation, severe weather, or unforeseen circumstances, all participants will be notified as soon as possible and are eligible for a full refund. Participants may cancel without penalty if greater than 48 hours in advance. Sorry, no refund for cancellations less than 48 hours in advance unless due to health emergencies; however, registrations can be transferred to another program in the future. REGISTER HERE
Morning Walk at Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary
New Jersey Audubon's Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary 11 Hardscrabble Road, BernardsvilleEnjoy a quiet morning here at the Sanctuary walking the trails with an NJ Audubon staff or Associate Naturalist. These walks are informal and informative: birds, trees, tracks, wildflowers, reptiles, and amphibians are a few of nature’s wonders waiting for us to discover. The walks are cancelled if there is snow, rain, or weather warnings. Pre-registration required. Registration required by 4:00 PM the day before the walk. COST: Free for members, $5 nonmembers. Interested in becoming a member? Please click on the following link to learn more or join: Become a Member today! IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Please bring binoculars if you have them. Loaner binoculars will be available. CANCELLATION: NJ Audubon’s programs require a minimum number of registrants to run. If we cancel, due to lack of participation, severe weather, or unforeseen circumstances, all participants will be notified as soon as possible and are eligible for a full refund. Participants may cancel without penalty if greater than 48 hours in advance. Sorry, no refund for cancellations less than 48 hours in advance unless due to health emergencies; however, registrations can be transferred to another program in the future. REGISTER HERE
Fall Migration Birding
Lorrimer Sanctuary 790 Ewing Avenue, Franklin LakesGrab your binoculars and head out to Lorrimer for some beginner friendly collaborative birding! Have you ever wondered about the birds you see in your backyard? Learn basic bird ID during this beginner friendly bird walk. All skill levels are welcome. Enjoy the fall sights and sounds as we wander the trails at Lorrimer birding! Dress appropriately for the weather! We will be outdoors the entire time. COST: $8 members, $10 non-members IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Dress appropriately for the weather. This program is entirely outdoors. CANCELLATION: NJ Audubon’s programs require a minimum number of registrants to run. If we cancel, due to lack of participation, severe weather, or unforeseen circumstances, all participants will be notified as soon as possible and are eligible for a full refund. Participants may cancel without penalty if greater than 48 hours in advance. Sorry, no refund for cancellations less than 48 hours in advance unless due to health emergencies; however, registrations can be transferred to another program in the future. REGISTER HERE
Raptor Migration at its Best
NJJoin CMBO Director Brett Ewald and CMBO Naturalists for this workshop. Bird the “raptor capital of North America” at the peak of diversity. Bird the “raptor capital of North America” at the peak of diversity, when falcons are zipping along the dunes, accipiters are flap, flap, flapping by, buteos are soaring overhead, and eagles are chasing Ospreys. Early October often produces flights in the thousands and is the peak time for Peregrine Falcons and others. It is a rare moment during October in Cape May when raptors are not in view and this concentration of birds should ensure that we almost always have something to look at. Learn how to tell buteos from accipiters, falcons from eagles, at the very edge of your eyesight or right overhead, and focus on tricky species-pairs, such as the many ways to tell Sharp-shinned from Cooper’s Hawks. We’ll visit areas around Cape May to make the most of your raptor watching on this “in the field” workshop. We’ll also be in a prime location to enjoy other migrants, such as shorebirds, late warblers, early sparrows, and more! Because of the inherent dynamic nature of birding, we do not pre-set an exact itinerary but will visit those parts of Cape May County that regularly hold good numbers of birds. Final location decisions will be made by the leader based on local knowledge and conditions at the time. We may walk up to 1.5 miles, over generally level, sometimes muddy or sandy terrain. PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $90 members, $120 nonmembers. Interested in becoming a member? Please click on the following link to learn more or join: Become a Member today! IMPORTANT INFORMATION: We bird in all weather. Be sure to check the forecast in advance and dress in layers appropriate for prevailing weather conditions. The weather in Cape May can differ considerably from nearby inland areas and may be warmer, colder, or windier so it’s best to be over prepared. We may have to bird in the rain, so please bring your rain gear. TRANSPORTATION: Please arrive at the appointed time with a full tank of gas, as transportation to field sites is by private vehicles. We may walk up to 1.5 miles, over generally level, sometimes muddy or sandy terrain. Some trips involve walks over jetties. CANCELLATION: CMBO programs require a minimum number of registrants to run, five days in advance of the start of the tour but are seldom cancelled. If we do cancel, due to lack of participation, severe weather, or unforeseen circumstances, we notify all participants in advance, and all are eligible for a full credit or refund. Participants may cancel without penalty if greater than 30 days in advance. Cancellations 10 to 30 days in advance may be subject to a 25% service charge. No refunds or credits for cancellations less than ten days in advance unless due to health emergencies. REGISTER HERE
Island Beach State Park
NJThis beautiful park can be great for a wide variety of migrant birds from shorebirds to waders, falcons, thrushes & warblers. One of the gems of the state park system, Island Beach has miles of beach, tidal wetlands, maritime forest and thickets that can host a good diversity of birds, especially if the winds are right. There is a $5 entry fee for NJ residents who do not have a state park pass or are 65 years of age or older. Be prepared for several hours of walking on flat terrain, sometimes sandy. Bring lunch. Led by Scott Barnes and Linda Mack A NOTE ON MEETING LOCATION! We'll meet just outside of the park entrance, in the median parking lot at the end of Rt. 35. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $25 Members, $30 Non-members REGISTER HERE
NJ Audubon Employee and Volunteer Art Show
New Jersey Audubon's Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary 11 Hardscrabble Road, BernardsvilleThe NJ Audubon Employee and Volunteer Art Show will be opening a the Wayrick Wildlife Art Gallery, located on the 2nd floor of the Scherman Hoffman building. Our volunteers and employees will be displaying their latest and favorite wildlife and natural landscapes artwork between October 7, 2023, and January 31, 2024. Light refreshments will be served on October 7 between 12:30pm and 3pm. The Art Gallery is open: Thursday-Saturday 9am – 5pm Sunday 12 noon – 5pm. Cost: FREE Location: Wayrick Wildlife Art Gallery on the second floor of the Scherman Hoffman Sanctuary, 11 Hardscrabble Rd. in Bernardsville.
Hawk ID Mini-Workshop
Cape May Point State Park - East Shelter NJStruggling to separate a Sharp-shinned Hawk from a Cooper's? Amazed when a Bald Eagle is spotted high in the sky where you see nothing? Learn how seasoned Hawk watchers spot and identify these magnificent birds. Join CMBO interpretive naturalists at the raptor capital of North America, Cape May Point State Park. Meets at the East Shelter, the picnic pavilion NEXT to the Hawkwatch Platform. NO preregistration required. Family-friendly COST: FREE Interested in becoming a member? Please click on the following link to learn more or join: Become a Member today!
IN-PERSON Nature Infused Yoga
New Jersey Audubon's Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary 11 Hardscrabble Road, BernardsvilleLed by Kristin Mylecraine, Yoga Teacher. Yoga is a great way to relax, connect with yourself, and increase flexibility and strength. Explore the connections between yoga and nature in this 75-minute class. No experience necessary; all levels welcome. For ages 15 years and older. Preregistration is required. Ticket sales end at 4:30 PM on the Friday before each class. You must pre-register, walk-ins will not be allowed to participate. We are offering an in-person class at the sanctuary and a virtual class online simultaneously. The in-person class has a limit of 10 people. Be sure to purchase the correct ticket. COST: $14 members, $18 nonmembers. Interested in becoming a member? Please click on the following link to learn more or join: Become a Member today! IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Please bring your own yoga equipment for the in-person class if you have it. Equipment will be available to borrow. CANCELLATION: NJ Audubon’s programs require a minimum number of registrants to run. If we cancel, due to lack of participation, severe weather, or unforeseen circumstances, all participants will be notified as soon as possible and are eligible for a full refund. Participants may cancel without penalty if greater than 48 hours in advance. Sorry, no refund for cancellations less than 48 hours in advance unless due to health emergencies; however, registrations can be transferred to another program in the future. REGISTER HERE
VIRTUAL Nature Infused Yoga
New Jersey Audubon's Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary 11 Hardscrabble Road, BernardsvilleLed by Kristin Mylecraine, Yoga Teacher. Yoga is a great way to relax, connect with yourself, and increase flexibility and strength. Explore the connections between yoga and nature in this 75-minute class. No experience necessary; all levels welcome. For ages 15 years and older. Preregistration required. THIS CLASS WILL BE HELD VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM COST: $14 members, $18 nonmembers. Ticket sales ends at 4:30 PM on the Friday before each class. Interested in becoming a member? Please click on the following link to learn more or join: Become a Member today! IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This class will be held virtually through ZOOM. Participants will be emailed the link to the meeting after registration closes and before the class. CANCELLATION: NJ Audubon’s programs require a minimum number of registrants to run. If we cancel, due to lack of participation, severe weather, or unforeseen circumstances, all participants will be notified as soon as possible and are eligible for a full refund. Participants may cancel without penalty if greater than 48 hours in advance. Sorry, no refund for cancellations less than 48 hours in advance unless due to health emergencies; however, registrations can be transferred to another program in the future. REGISTER HERE
Nature Explorers – FALL 2023
Lorrimer Sanctuary 790 Ewing Avenue, Franklin LakesJoin Lorrimer's Teacher Naturalist and enjoy watching your naturalist go wild experiencing woodland adventures. Great for kids 4-10! Lorrimer Sanctuary invites families, friends, and nature lovers to join us for an exploration of our natural world. Enjoy watching your budding naturalist ‘go wild’ experiencing woodland adventures. Children use all their senses to safely explore and discover the wonders of nature here at Lorrimer Sanctuary. Children are introduced to nature concepts using a combination of storytelling, exploration and arts and crafts. It is educational and fun! Best for families with children 4-10. COST: $8 per child for members, $10 per child for nonmembers. SCHEDULE: October 7th: Birding October 21st: Colors of Nature November 4th: Nature's Camouflage November 11th: Invasive Species November 18th: Radical Reptiles November 25th: Mammal Madness IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Programs run completely outdoors/rain or shine so please come prepared for wet/muddy conditions. Dress for the weather. Pre-registration is required Maximum of two children per adult; all sessions limited to 12 children. For more information, email: [email protected] or call 908-396-6514 CANCELLATION: NJ Audubon’s programs require a minimum number of registrants to run. If we cancel, due to lack of participation, severe weather, or unforeseen circumstances, all participants will be notified as soon as possible and are eligible for a full refund. Participants may cancel without penalty if greater than 48 hours in advance. Sorry, no refund for cancellations less than 48 hours in advance unless due to health emergencies; however, registrations can be transferred to another program in the future. REGISTER HERE Many thanks to Rockland Electric for its generous sponsorship of the Nature Explorers series this fall!
Back Bay Birding by Boat on the Osprey
Miss Chris Marina - The Osprey 1212 Wilson Dr, Cape May, NJ 08204, NJJoin Captain Bob and the crew of The Osprey for close-up looks at secretive rails, nesting Ospreys, migrant shorebirds, terns, gulls, herons and more. We explore the coastal saltmarsh of Cape May from Cape Island Creek to the Wildwoods and view the natural wonders of historic Cape May Harbor. The Osprey is a 37' pontoon boat that has a comfortable enclosed cabin with large viewing windows, a front deck with a railing, and a restroom on board. Non-motorized wheelchair accessible. More information, detailed directions, and online reservations at www.ospreycruise.com or call the Osprey at 609-898-3500. All trips depart from the Miss Chris Marina in Cape May. Free parking. Family-friendly. Preregistration is suggested. Cost: $38 members, $43 nonmembers, $25 Children (12 and under) REGISTER HERE
Fall Migration Cruise
Miss Chris Marina - The Osprey 1212 Wilson Dr, Cape May, NJ 08204, NJJoin CMBO naturalists to cruise through nearly inaccessible back-bay marshes from Cape May to Stone Harbor. This trip will be by boat (beginning and ending at Cape May) through protected back-bay waters where we will enjoy a great variety of waterbirds and raptors. The Osprey is a 37' pontoon boat that has a comfortable enclosed cabin with large viewing windows, a front deck with a railing, and a restroom on board. Non-motorized wheelchair accessible. More information, detailed directions, and online reservations at www.ospreycruise.com or call the Osprey at 609-898-3500. All trips depart from the Miss Chris Marina in Cape May. Free parking. Family-friendly. Preregistration is suggested. Cost: $43 members, $48 nonmembers. REGISTER HERE
Monarch Tagging Demo
Cape May Point State Park - East Shelter NJJoin the Monarch Monitoring Project team to learn about the Monarch butterflies that migrate through Cape May, as well as the ongoing research and outreach our staff is doing to help protect the species. After the talk, watch as small tags are affixed to Monarchs to track their migration to Mexico. And best of all, you'll learn how you can contribute to Monarch conservation! NO preregistration required. Family-friendly Meeting Location: Meets at the East Shelter located next to the Hawkwatch platform at the Cape May Point State Park Cost: FREE - contributions to the Monarch Monitoring Project are welcome. Interested in becoming a member? Please click on the following link to learn more or join: Become a Member today!
Seabird ID Mini-Workshop
Avalon Seawatch AvalonThe migration of scoters and other sea ducks, loons, cormorants and gannets can be an overwhelming sight. For example, the CMBO full-time Avalon Seawatch project sighted over one million seabirds here in 2014! Join CMBO interpretive naturalists for this outdoor workshop to witness and learn about this migration spectacle. Meets at the Avalon Seawatch location on the Beach between 8th and 9th St., at the north end of Avalon. NO preregistration required. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Bring binoculars, scope and tripod, if available Dress in layers for wind, cold, or warm weather COST: FREE Interested in becoming a member? Please click on the following link to learn more or join: Become a Member today!
Hawks, Trails and Beach
Cape May Point State Park Hawkwatch Platform NJJoin CMBO naturalists for this 2-hour walk around the Cape May Point State Park! The afternoon hawk flight is often strong, with late day movements of falcons. Seabirds and shorebirds often pass or rest on the beach and songbirds are found on the trails. PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED. COST: $8 members, $12 nonmembers. Interested in becoming a member? Please click on the following link to learn more or join: Become a Member today! IMPORTANT INFORMATION: We bird in all weather. Be sure to check the forecast in advance and dress in layers appropriate for prevailing weather conditions. The weather in Cape May can differ considerably from nearby inland areas and may be warmer, colder, or windier so it’s best to be over prepared. We may have to bird in the rain, so please bring your rain gear. TRANSPORTATION: We may walk up to 1.5 miles, over generally level, sometimes muddy or sandy terrain. Some trips involve walks over jetties. CANCELLATION: NJ Audubon’s CMBO programs are virtually never cancelled. If we cancel, due to lack of participation, severe weather, or unforeseen circumstances, all participants will be notified as soon as possible and are eligible for a full refund. Participants may cancel without penalty if greater than 48 hours in advance. Sorry, no refund for cancellations less than 48 hours in advance unless due to health emergencies; however, registrations can be transferred to another program in the future. REGISTER HERE