Winter brings Tundra Swans and many other species of waterfowl at this great refuge. We’ll also search for raptors including Northern Harrier, Red-shouldered Hawk, and Bald Eagles. Some wintering songbirds may also be present. Bring binoculars, spotting scope if you have one, and dress warmly. This trip requires minimal walking and follows an eight-mile auto loop. Restrooms on site. Bring lunch.  Led by Mike Mandracchia and Hank Burk. 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 IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Wear long pants and a lightweight long-sleeved shirt. Insect repellant is advised. 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

Winter birding at the hook: we may encounter big flocks of sea ducks, gulls, raptors, and possibly Horned Larks and Snow Buntings. We may also drop south and bird ocean spots in Monmouth Beach and Long Branch. Meet at Sandy Hook Parking Area B, about halfway down the lot by the bathrooms. Dress warmly, bring binoculars, spotting scope if you have one, and pack a lunch. Led by Linda Mack and Carole Hughes. 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

The "north shore" between Point Pleasant Beach and Belmar can make for great winter birding. We'll search the inlets, ponds, and oceanfront for a variety of ducks, loons, gulls, and more. In some years Razorbills or other rarer alcids may be present, and the tour can be good for "white-winged" gulls. Meet at the east end of Broadway in Point Pleasant Beach. Bring binoculars, spotting scope if you have one, and lunch. Dress warmly. This trip requires little walking. Led by Scott Barnes and Chris Daly. 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

Mid-winter can be a good time to see a diversity of ducks, loons, and grebes at this easily accessible park. This is also a good place for many species of gulls, and we might luck into some raptors including Bald Eagle, Peregrine, and more. Be prepared for 3+ hours of easy walking and standing. Restrooms on site. Led by Patrick Belardo and Jason Denesevich. 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. 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

An afternoon and evening birding at one of the state's best birding spots. The varied habitats of Forsythe NWR assures a good variety of species from ducks to raptors and sparrows. This a good time of year for eagles, hawks, and other birds of prey. Easy birding around an 8-mile wildlife drive. Bring binoculars, spotting scope if you have one, and dress warmly. Led by Mike Mandracchia and Hank Burk. 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 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

These reservoirs can host lots of geese, ducks, and gulls. We'll also search nearby uplands for field and forest birds. These reservoirs are known for a variety of wintering waterfowl and up to 7 species of gulls, including some of the highest counts of Lesser Black-backed Gulls in North America. We’ll also bird the surrounding parks’ upland habitats for other wintering species like raptors and songbirds. Expect to walk 3-4 miles on well-defined trails and paths. Led by Alan Mart. Location: Meets at the Spruce Run Boat Launch, located at 12 Van Syckles Rd, Clinton, NJ 08809. Google directions: Spruce Run Boat Launch PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $25 members, $30 nonmembers. REGISTER HERE

This can be an excellent time of year at “Brig,” when eagles and other raptors are in evidence, plus large numbers of geese and ducks. 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. Led by Mike Mandracchia and Hank Burk. 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 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 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. Led by Scott Barnes, Linda Mack, Carole Hughes, and other associate naturalists. 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