This beautiful park can be great for a wide variety of migrant birds from shorebirds to waders, falcons, thrushes & warblers. One of the gems of the state park system, Island Beach has miles of beach, tidal wetlands, maritime forest and thickets that can host a good diversity of birds, especially if the winds are right. There is a $5 entry fee for NJ residents who do not have a state park pass or are 65 years of age or older. Be prepared for several hours of walking on flat terrain, sometimes sandy. Bring lunch. Led by Scott Barnes and Linda Mack A NOTE ON MEETING LOCATION! We'll meet just outside of the park entrance, in the median parking lot at the end of Rt. 35. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $25 Members, $30 Non-members REGISTER HERE

Early November can be excellent for migratory waterfowl, raptors, sparrows, and other species at this coastal hotspot. Fall birding at the hook: in November we expect migratory waterfowl, gulls, raptors, and sparrows. A wide variety of habitats ensure good bird diversity at one of the state’s best spots. Bring lunch and be prepared for walking over flat and sandy terrain. Meet at Parking Area B about halfway down the lot by the restrooms. Led by Patrick Belardo and Jason Denesevich. 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

Fall birding at one of the state's best hotspots. Expect good numbers of ducks, geese, and swan, 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. Easy birding with minimal walking. Restrooms on site. Led by Mike Mandracchia and Hank Burk. Location: 800 Great Creek Road, Oceanville, Forsythe NWR at main lot by headquarters. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $25 Members, $30 Non-members REGISTER HERE

November can be excellent for migratory waterbirds and raptors at this coastal hotspot. Arriving waterfowl and lingering land birds at one of the state’s best hotspots. We’ll scan the ocean and bay for migrating seafowl and work the hook’s thickets and woods for sparrows and other songbirds. Be prepared for walking on flat and sandy terrain. Bring lunch. 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

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. Meet in the main parking lot of Barnegat Lighthouse State Park. 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: $25 Members, $30 Non-members REGISTER HERE

December brings building flocks of wintering waterfowl and other species at this coastal hotspot. Good time for building flocks of waterbirds including sea ducks and loons, plus gannets and gulls. We’ll work the beaches for a flock or two of Snow Buntings and Horned Larks, with a chance for Lapland Longspur or another rarity. Be prepared for a fair amount of walking over flat and sandy terrain. Bring lunch. Led by Scott Barnes and Linda Mack. 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

Start the year off with some coastal birding at Sandy Hook looking for waterfowl, loons, grebes, and gulls. Start the year out with some coastal birding at Sandy Hook where we’ll look for sea ducks and Snow Buntings. If we're lucky we could find a Razorbill or two. We may also drop south and bird locations in Monmouth Beach and Long Branch for waterfowl, loons, and gulls. Bring lunch and be prepared for a few hours of walking over flat and sandy terrain. Led by Scott Barnes, Linda Mack, and Carole Hughes. Location: Meet at Parking Lot B, about halfway down the lot by the restrooms. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $25 Members, $30 Non-members REGISTER HERE