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Events for May 2, 2026
In the Presence of Birds: Oil Paintings by Janet Atkinson
In the Presence of Birds: Oil Paintings by Janet Atkinson Wayrick Wildlife Art Gallery | April 1 – May 29, 2026 2nd Floor, Scherman Hoffman Nature Center In the Presence of Birds is a solo exhibition of oil paintings by Janet Atkinson, featuring evocative depictions of birds and the natural world. Atkinson began her career as a professional illustrator, creating concept-driven imagery for book covers and editorial publications, where she became known for translating complex ideas into compelling visual narratives. She later transitioned to fine art, working primarily in oil, balancing subtle storytelling with expressive, painterly techniques. Her work has been recognized by Communication Arts, the Society of Illustrators, the Hispanic Creative Awards, and Print Design Annual. In 2026, she was selected for juried exhibitions including Visions: AAPL at the Carriage Barn Arts Center, the James Library & Center for the Arts 7th Annual Spring Show, and the Jackson's Art Prize 2026 Extended Long List. Free and open to the public. janetatkinsonstudio.com | @janet.atkinson.studio
Warbler Chorus
Spend the morning with Scott Whittle, bird expert, photographer, and author of The Warbler Guide, as he provides valuable insights into identifying the variety of warblers found in Cape May County each spring. During May, most of Cape May’s breeding warblers, as well as a good number of migrant species heading further north, will be in the area and this course offers an opportunity to become more familiar with a good number of them. The North American wood warblers are a remarkable group of birds, famed not so much for their song as for their dazzling plumages. However, though their songs may be relatively simple, such vocalizations can often be our first clue to locating them in the leafy forest canopy. This workshop aims to help you connect visual cues with audio cues, adding greatly to your enjoyment of these wonderful birds. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to learn how you can utilize cutting-edge conservation technology to identify and listen to these beautiful birds in your own backyard! Scott, Terra Project expert and co-founder, can guide you through this amazing new system that allows you to become part of recording spring migration. Because of the inherent dynamic nature of birding, we do not pre-set an exact itinerary but will visit those parts of Cape May Point 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 – Ticket sales end 24hrs before start of program COST: $50 members, $65 nonmembers. 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. We reserve the right to substitute leaders, thought this rarely happens. REGISTER HERE
Spring Birding at the Garrett Family Preserve
The Nature Conservancy's Garrett Family Preserve 801 Wilson Street, Cape MayJoin CMBO naturalists for this 2-hour walk around The Nature Conservancy's Garrett Family Preserve property! Explore the numerous grassy paths through The Nature Conservancy’s Garrett Family Preserve. Located along Cape Island Creek, this hidden gem holds warblers, sparrows and much more, including great views of the tidal marsh and the birds within. 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
The Nature Conservancy Little Sit Event Cape May
What is a Little Sit? A spin on the annual, international birding event The Big Sit, this event takes that idea and slows it down. Join THE Nature Conservancy and THE Cape May Bird Observatory staff for a fun, educational challenge to see how many birds we can identify from one location. In the spring the South Cape May Meadows is the perfect location to see migrating shorebirds, warblers in breeding plumage and soaring raptors. As a part of this event, we will have benches for sitting, binoculars and spotting scopes for viewing, and educational materials to assist with bird identification. No matter your level of birding experience you are welcome to help us add to our morning species total! An ASL interpreter will be provided for this event. No need to pre-register, simply show up for a fun morning of birding! RAIN DATE will be Sunday May 3 Location Information: South Cape May Meadows, Sunset Blvd, Cape May, NJ. Click the following link for directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VFXqNr2iiEUg473g8 Parking: Three designated accessible parking spaces with aisle access on paved concrete. Additionally, there are 37 standard car spaces on compact gravel. Restroom: An ADA-compliant portable restroom is situated near the parking area. Trained service animals are welcome.
Garret Mountain Reservation
Spring migration at one of the state’s best migrant traps. Lots of songbirds including thrushes, vireos, sparrows, and warblers. Garret Mountain can be a terrific spot for songbird migration in spring, and its location on the Watchung Ridge means some days there are raptors overhead as well. Please use 8 Mountain Ave, Woodland Park, NJ as a navigation address. Once you enter the park from Mountain Ave, go right (it’s a one-way road), and the meeting place/parking lot is the first lot immediately on your left. It’s often referred to as the “Three-Tiered Lot.” Be prepared for 4 hours of leisurely walking over uneven terrain. Led by Carole Hughes, Chris Daly, and Jonathan Klizas. A NOTE ON MEETING LOCATION! Please use 8 Mountain Ave, Woodland Park, NJ as a navigation address. Once you enter the park from Mountain Ave, go right (it’s a one-way road), and the meeting place/parking lot is the first lot immediately on your left. It’s often referred to as the “Three-Tiered Lot.” PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $25 Members, $30 Non-members 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
Island Beach State Park
Search maritime forest for migrant vireos, tanagers, and warblers. We’ll also spend time checking out waterbirds in the marshes. Spring birding at one the state’s most beautiful parks. We’ll look for migrant songbirds and survey bayside wetlands for a variety of waterbirds including herons, ibis, and terns. We'll meet just outside of the park entrance, in the median parking lot at the end of Rt. 35. There is a $5 entry fee to the park if you don’t have a state park pass or are less than 62 years old. Be prepared for a good amount of walking over flat and sandy terrain. 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 WEATHER & TRANSPORTATION: Please arrive at the appointed time. Be sure to check the forecast in advance and dress in layers appropriate for prevailing weather conditions. We sometimes bird in the rain, so bring rain gear if warranted. Transportation during the field trip is by private vehicle (be sure you have enough gas). Most trips involve some amount of walking, sometimes through muddy or sandy terrain. CANCELLATION: NJA/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
NJ Audubon: Rutgers University Ecological Preserve Birder’s Walk
Led by Jeremy Cohen, Associate Naturalist Join us at the Rutgers Ecological Preserve and Natural Teaching Area for a spring bird walk. The preserve is 316 acres of woodlands, wetlands, and meadows. Spring migration is the time of the highest bird diversity, and we expect to see or hear 30 – 40 or more bird species. Expect to walk about 1.5 miles on flat trails, but please wear shoes that can handle some light mud. Free parking is available by required special permit; parking permit link provided in program registration confirmation email. Please bring your own binoculars, and spotting scope if desired. Registration required. Walk-ins will not be permitted to participate. Ticket sales end on 5/1 at 4:00 PM. COST: $15 members, $20 nonmembers. Interested in becoming an NJ Audubon member? Please click on the following link to learn more or join: Become a Member today! CANCELLATION: NJA/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
Native Plant Sale
Your gardens will be the buzz, tweet, and talk of the neighborhood when you get off to a good start with top-quality plants. We are exclusively offering New Jersey native plants, which benefit wildlife and have a strong aesthetic appeal for your landscape. Visit njaudubon.org/native-plant-sales for full details
Spring Native Plant Sale – Save the Date!
Your gardens will be the buzz, tweet, and talk of the neighborhood when you get off to a good start with top-quality plants. We emphasize the use of New Jersey native plants, which benefit wildlife and have a strong aesthetic appeal for your landscape. Some non-natives (but non-invasive) perennials and annuals, which offer an added boost to butterfly gardens, will also be available. Visit njaudubon.org/native-plant-sales for full details
Spring Native Plant Sale
Join us for an exceptional native plant sale celebrating the beauty and ecological importance of our region's indigenous flora! Lorrimer Sanctuary, presents a carefully curated selection of native species perfect for spring planting. Discover over 30 native plant species that support local wildlife and thrive in our regional climate. Naturalists will be available to help you make the perfect selection. For more information visit: Spring Native Plant Sale
Spring Birding at the Garrett Family Preserve
The Nature Conservancy's Garrett Family Preserve 801 Wilson Street, Cape MayJoin CMBO naturalists for this 2-hour walk around The Nature Conservancy's Garrett Family Preserve property! Explore the numerous grassy paths through The Nature Conservancy’s Garrett Family Preserve. Located along Cape Island Creek, this hidden gem holds warblers, sparrows and much more, including great views of the tidal marsh and the birds within. 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
Spring Birding at the Garrett Family Preserve
The Nature Conservancy's Garrett Family Preserve 801 Wilson Street, Cape MayJoin CMBO naturalists for this 2-hour walk around The Nature Conservancy's Garrett Family Preserve property! Explore the numerous grassy paths through The Nature Conservancy’s Garrett Family Preserve. Located along Cape Island Creek, this hidden gem holds warblers, sparrows and much more, including great views of the tidal marsh and the birds within. 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
Spring Birding at the Garrett Family Preserve
The Nature Conservancy's Garrett Family Preserve 801 Wilson Street, Cape MayJoin CMBO naturalists for this 2-hour walk around The Nature Conservancy's Garrett Family Preserve property! Explore the numerous grassy paths through The Nature Conservancy’s Garrett Family Preserve. Located along Cape Island Creek, this hidden gem holds warblers, sparrows and much more, including great views of the tidal marsh and the birds within. 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
Spring Birding at the Garrett Family Preserve
The Nature Conservancy's Garrett Family Preserve 801 Wilson Street, Cape MayJoin CMBO naturalists for this 2-hour walk around The Nature Conservancy's Garrett Family Preserve property! Explore the numerous grassy paths through The Nature Conservancy’s Garrett Family Preserve. Located along Cape Island Creek, this hidden gem holds warblers, sparrows and much more, including great views of the tidal marsh and the birds within. 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
Spring Birding at the Garrett Family Preserve
The Nature Conservancy's Garrett Family Preserve 801 Wilson Street, Cape MayJoin CMBO naturalists for this 2-hour walk around The Nature Conservancy's Garrett Family Preserve property! Explore the numerous grassy paths through The Nature Conservancy’s Garrett Family Preserve. Located along Cape Island Creek, this hidden gem holds warblers, sparrows and much more, including great views of the tidal marsh and the birds within. 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