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Events for May 3, 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
NJ Audubon: Wonderful World of Warblers at Hawk Rise
Led by Angus Macaulay, NJ Audubon Teacher Naturalist Join us for a birding walk to look for warblers and much more! Hawk Rise provides critical habitat for migratory bird species. Join us for a birding walk. We will find warblers and much more. Loaner binoculars will be available. This program is appropriate for individuals of all ages. Come dressed for the weather. Beverages will be served afterwards. Registration required at Eventbrite by 4/11/26 at 4:00 PM. COST: FREE 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
Exploring Atlantic County
Join CMBO Naturalists Chris Marks and Shaun Bamford to explore the birding hotspots in Atlantic County. This trip will focus on Estelle Manor Park, one of the many excellent spring birding spots in Atlantic County. It is bordered by the Great Egg Harbor River / South River to the east and by Route 50 to the west. In all, it is about 1700 acres and includes a 2-mile paved loop with viewpoints of the South River as well as several hiking paths throughout the park. Many different habitats comprise the park, which creates a diverse selection of plant and wildlife. Some sightings may include bald eagles, Eastern Bluebirds, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Louisiana Waterthrush, Magnolia Warbler, Prothonotary Warbler, Hooded Warbler and much more; if time allows, other nearby spots may be visited. Because of the inherent dynamic nature of birding, we do not pre-set an exact itinerary but will visit areas 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: $20 members, $25 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
Youth Birders and Spring Migration: Garrett Mountain
Led by Carole Hughes & Mary Birrer Early May is peak time to see spring migration, and Garret Mountain is one of the best places to see it in NJ. We’ll focus on looking and listening for many species of vireos, thrushes, warblers, and sparrows as we walk the park’s trails and paths. Be prepared for 4 hours of leisurely walking over uneven terrain. Recommended age for field trip: 8 years old and up. Parents or guardians are required to accompany their children during this program at no additional charge. When registering, please use the youth birders name. 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.” PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED - Registration ends 24hrs before start of program COST: FREE 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 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. 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
NJ Audubon: Sunday Afternoon Bird Walk
Led by Jeremy Cohen, Associate Naturalist Join our naturalist for a Sunday afternoon birdwalk at Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary. We’ll look for the migrating birds and the summer resident birds of the sanctuary. Loaner binoculars will be available. Registration required at Eventbrite by 4:00 on 05/02/26. COST: FREE Interested in becoming a member? Please click on the following link to learn more or join: Become a Member today! 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
NJ Audubon: Fierce and Fastest – Peregrine Falcon
Join author Jim Wright to learn about Peregrine Falcons in his illustrated talk. (Photo: Kevin Watson) Jim Wright, author of the acclaimed new book The Peregrine Falcon, tells all about these incredible raptors in this lavishly illustrated talk: how they can travel at 200 mph, why they nearly went extinct, how they were saved (in the unlikeliest way) and how they became an internet superstar. Even if you think you know a lot about peregrines, prepare to be surprised. Jim's book The Peregrine Falcon will be available for purchase at the program. The Booklist magazine gave The Peregrine Falcon a great review: "Full of personal anecdotes from Wright's many years as a nest monitor and hawk watcher and quotes from scientists and early naturalists and richly illustrated with beautiful color photos, this will be the peregrine primer for years to come." A must-have book for your library! About the speaker: In addition to this go-to book on peregrine falcons, Jim wrote The Screech Owl Companion and The Real James Bond. He monitors nesting peregrines for the state of New Jersey in the spring, coordinates the State Line Hawk Watch this fall, and writes a birding column for The Record in Northern New Jersey every two weeks. Registration required at Eventbrite by 4:00 PM 05/02/26. COST: FREE Interested in becoming a member? Please click on the following link to learn more or join: Become a Member today! 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
Opening Reception: In the Presence of Birds
Opening Reception: In the Presence of Birds Sunday, May 3, 2026 | 3:00 – 5:00 PM Wayrick Wildlife Art Gallery, 2nd Floor, Scherman Hoffman Nature Center Join us for a public reception celebrating In the Presence of Birds, a solo exhibition of oil paintings by Janet Atkinson. Come meet the artist and experience her evocative paintings of birds and the natural world firsthand. Atkinson began her career as a professional illustrator, creating concept-driven imagery for book covers and editorial publications before transitioning to fine art. Working primarily in oil, her paintings are known for balancing subtle storytelling with expressive, painterly technique. Her work has been recognized by Communication Arts, the Society of Illustrators, the Hispanic Creative Awards, and Print Design Annual. The exhibition runs April 1 through May 29, 2026, and is free and open to the public. The reception is a wonderful opportunity to view the work, speak with the artist, and celebrate the beauty of the natural world through her distinctive vision. janetatkinsonstudio.com | @janet.atkinson.studio RESERVE A SPOT