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: $25 Members, $30 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. Meet at parking lot B by the bathrooms. Led by Linda Mack and Chris & Paula Williams. 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-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. Led by Mike Mandracchia and Hank Burk. Location: Meet at the main parking lot on the left-hand side by the bathrooms at 800 Great Creek Rd, Galloway NJ 08205. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $25 Members, $30 Non-members REGISTER HERE

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: $25 Members, $30 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. Meet at parking lot B by the bathrooms. Led by Linda Mack and Chris & Paula Williams. 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

Excellent forest birding for breeding songbirds of north jersey. We may see & hear many species of flycatchers, vireos, and warblers. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation in Jefferson Twp. is a large forested area where many breeding songbirds may be found. Species we'll search for include Yellow-throated Vireo, Acadian Flycatcher, Louisiana Waterthrush, Hooded Warbler, and Cerulean Warbler as we walk the park’s many wooded trails. Be prepared for a fair amount of walking with some uneven terrain. Restrooms on site.  Led by Jonathan Klizas and Carole Hughes. MEETING LOCATION: Meet at the Saffin Pond parking lot off Weldon Road. This is the parking lot adjacent to Saffin Pond and south of Weldon Road. 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 Patrick Belardo. COST: $20 Members, $25 Non-members REGISTER HERE

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.  Led by Scott Barnes, Linda Mack, Carole Hughes, Mike Mandracchia, Jason Denesevich and/or Chris Daly. Location: 800 Great Creek Road, Oceanville, Forsythe NWR at main lot by headquarters. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $25 Members, $30 Non-members IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Wear long pants and a lightweight long-sleeved shirt. Insect repellant is advised. REGISTER HERE