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

Spring migration at the hook; we may see a wide range of species from wading birds to raptors to songbirds at this regional hotspot. 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

Spring migration at the hook; we may see a wide range of species from wading birds to raptors to songbirds at this regional hotspot. 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

Late waterfowl and other wetland birds. We'll look for returning breeding species and songbird migrants as well. Great Swamp NWR has extensive freshwater wetlands and woodlands where a variety of waterfowl and other waterbirds may be seen. We’ll also search for returning songbird breeding species and migrants. Expect some walking over flat terrain for short distances. Led by Carole Hughes and Chris Daly. Location: Meets at the Helen C Fenske Visitor Center 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. 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. Bring lunch. Led by Linda Mack, Jason Denesevich, Chris and Paula Williams. 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

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. 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

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. 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." PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $20 Members, $25 Non-members REGISTER HERE