Early spring birding for loons, grebes, gulls, & migrants. If winds are right, we could have a modest hawk flight. Raritan Bay Waterfront Park has long been known as a concentration point for Bonaparte's Gulls in spring. If we're lucky a Little Gull or Black-headed Gull could be among them. The bay usually hosts a variety of waterbirds in early spring and some landbird migrants could be around. Once you enter the park, go north and park at the end of the lot close to the bay. Be prepared for easy walking for 3 hours. Restrooms on site. Led by Scott Barnes and Hank Burk. 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

Early spring migration at “the hook.” If the winds are right, we could have a good flight of hawks, swallows, and other migrants. 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. Be prepared for a fair amount of walking over flat and sometimes sandy terrain. Meet at parking lot B by the bathrooms. Led by Linda Mack, Carole Hughes, Jonathan Klizas, and Chris Daly. Location: Meet at Parking Lot B, about halfway down the lot by the bathrooms PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $20 Members, $25 Non-members 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

Early spring migration at “the hook.” If the winds are right, we could have a good flight of hawks, swallows, and other migrants. 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. 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 and 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 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. Mid-April 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 and Hank Burk. 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

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 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