Spring songbird migrants at two productive urban oases. Good days can produce a dozen or more species of warblers, plus thrushes & vireos. These Middlesex County hotspots provide green oases for migratory species. Warren Park (at the border of Woodbridge & Perth Amboy) has an excellent hardwood forest—complete with understory that is excellent for thrushes, vireos, and warblers; we’ll also visit the Oros Wildlife Preserve where pin oaks, brushy fields, and a large pond/wetland will complement the day’s bird list. Oros Preserve is sometimes muddy, so hiking shoes or other footwear you don’t mind getting a little dirty are best. A spotting scope is not necessary for this trip. Led by Scott Barnes and Patrick Belardo. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED A NOTE ON MEETING LOCATION! Some navigational devices may take you to a condo complex adjacent to the park. Take a moment to make sure you go to the right location. Once you enter the park, you will come to a T intersection. Turn left and follow this road clockwise until it ends in a wooded parking lot north of what the park map calls "The Open Grove." 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

Spring migration at the hook; we may see a wide range of species from wading birds to raptors to songbirds at this regional hotspot. Spring birding at the hook for migrants. The wide variety of habitats here ensures a good diversity of bird species from herons and egrets to shorebirds, hawks, and songbirds. Every week is different as we watch spring migration unfold. Be prepared for a fair amount of walking over flat and sometimes sandy terrain. Meet at parking lot B by the bathrooms. Led by Scott Barnes, Linda Mack, Carole Hughes, and other associate naturalists. 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. LOCATION: Meet at Parking Lot B, about halfway down the lot by the bathrooms PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $25 Members, $30 Non-members 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

Spring birding at one of the state's best hotspots. Expect good numbers of ducks, long-legged wading birds, plus shorebirds and songbirds. May brings many herons, egrets, and shorebirds to the refuge, as well as returning breeding species. We may also find sparrows and other songbirds along the dikes and keep our eyes out for secretive marsh birds like American Bittern and rails. Bring lunch and weather appropriate clothing. Forsythe NWR at main lot by headquarters. Led by Mike Mandracchia. MEETING LOCATION: 800 Great Creek Road, Oceanville, Forsythe NWR at the main parking lot on the left-hand side by the bathrooms 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

A perennial favorite for many breeding warblers and other songbirds in a beautiful setting during the height of the nesting season. Great roadside birding along the scenic upper Delaware River, with a wide variety of breeding songbirds, including Black-billed Cuckoo, Alder Flycatcher, Louisiana Waterthrush, Worm-eating, Hooded, & Cerulean Warblers. Led by Scott Barnes and Linda Mack. MEETING LOCATION: Meet at the Kittatinny Point Visitor Center. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $25 Members, $30 Non-members REGISTER HERE

A perennial favorite for many breeding warblers and other songbirds in a beautiful setting during the height of the nesting season. Great roadside birding along the scenic upper Delaware River, with a wide variety of breeding songbirds, including Black-billed Cuckoo, Alder Flycatcher, Louisiana Waterthrush, Worm-eating, Hooded, & Cerulean Warblers. Led by Scott Barnes and Linda Mack. MEETING LOCATION: Meet at the Kittatinny Point Visitor Center. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $25 Members, $30 Non-members REGISTER HERE

We’ll search for nesting grassland birds including Grasshopper Sparrow at this hidden gem. This restored grassland hosts a good variety of breeding species including American Kestrel, Black-billed Cuckoo, Grasshopper Sparrow, Orchard Oriole, and Blue Grosbeak. Be prepared for three hours of walking over flat terrain. We’ll also spend a little time looking at butterflies and dragonflies. There are no restrooms on site. Led by Christopher Daly and Carole Hughes. COST: $20 Members, $25 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

A perennial favorite for many breeding warblers and other songbirds in a beautiful setting during the height of the nesting season. Great roadside birding along the scenic upper Delaware River, with a wide variety of breeding songbirds, including Black-billed Cuckoo, Alder Flycatcher, Louisiana Waterthrush, Worm-eating, Hooded, & Cerulean Warblers. Led by Carole Hughes and Jonathan Klizas. MEETING LOCATION: Meet at the Kittatinny Point Visitor Center. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $25 Members, $30 Non-members REGISTER HERE

Summer birding at one of the state's best hotspots. Expect shorebirds, wading birds, terns, marsh birds, and raptors. There’s arguably no better all-around summer birding spot in the state than Forsythe NWR. “Brig’s” combination of habitats, easy accessibility, and penchant for attracting rare species make this a perennial favorite. Expect a wide range of species from long-legged wading birds to raptors, rails, and many species of shorebirds, terns, and passerines. Each week is likely to be different as we watch the ebb and flow of summer migration. Location: 800 Great Creek Road, Oceanville, Forsythe NWR at main lot by headquarters. wear long pants and a lightweight long-sleeved shirt. Insect repellant is advised. Bring lunch. Led by Scott Barnes and associate naturalists. MEETING LOCATION: 800 Great Creek Road, Oceanville, Forsythe NWR at main lot by headquarters. 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