Harlequins & other sea ducks; plus, loons and gannets. We'll visit some nearby bayside spots after birding the inlet for additional species. Early winter birding for Harlequin Ducks, eiders, and scoters. In some years seabird migration is still underway, and we may also see many gulls, loons and gannets. The beaches may host Horned Larks, Am. Pipits, and/or Snow Buntings. After birding the lighthouse/inlet area, we'll caravan to nearby bayside spots for more species. Bring binoculars, spotting scope if you have one, lunch, and dress warmly! Led by Scott Barnes & Linda Mack. LOCATION: Meet in the main parking lot of Barnegat Lighthouse State Park. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $20 Members, $25 Non-members REGISTER HERE

Spend a winter afternoon birding at "Brig." Expect good numbers of ducks, geese, and swans. We'll end by looking for nocturnal birds. This afternoon trip will begin by looking for wintering waterfowl and birds of prey. Dusk can be an excellent time to see nocturnal species "waking up," and may include rails, American Bittern, and possibly American Woodcock or Short-eared Owl. Bring binoculars and weather appropriate clothing. Led by Mike Mandracchia and Hank Burk. Meeting location: 800 Great Creek Rd, Galloway NJ 08205. Forsythe NWR at main lot by headquarters, near the bathrooms. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $20 Members, $25 Non-members REGISTER HERE

The inlets and ponds in this area can be great for a variety of winter birds including ducks, loons, gulls and maybe alcids. 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 Linda Mack. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $20 Members, $25 Non-members 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. 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.  Led by Scott Barnes and Linda Mack. Location: Meet at Parking Lot B, about halfway down the lot by the restrooms. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $20 Members, $25 Non-members REGISTER HERE

Winter birding at one of the state's best hotspots. Expect good numbers of ducks, geese, and swans, plus eagles and other raptors. 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. Meeting location: 800 Great Creek Rd, Galloway NJ 08205. Forsythe NWR at main lot by headquarters, near the bathrooms. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $20 Members, $25 Non-members REGISTER HERE

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: $15 Members, $20 Non-members REGISTER HERE