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All Things Birds
NJ Young Birders Club-Avalon Seawatch
Avalon Seawatch Avalon, NJ, United StatesAn afternoon learning about waterbird migration at the east coast's only full-time seawatch. We may view sea ducks, loons, gannets, & gulls. This trip is open only to young birders and parent/guardian. The migration of seabirds along the coast New Jersey coast is spectacular, and an average of almost 800,000 seabirds are counted at the Avalon Seawatch annually. In some years the count approaches one million birds. As remarkable as those numbers are, the bulk of this flight is extremely contracted. In most years about 70 percent of all the migrant seabirds pass in five weeks (from about October 7 to November 14). Varieties can and do show up at any time, and some very unexpected species have chosen to fly by the Avalon Seawatch during the past 19 years. Led by Adehl Schwaderer, Program Coordinator, and Kristal Stahler, George Meyers Naturalist Cape May Bird Observatory. Location: Meets at the Avalon Seawatch, located on the beach in Avalon between 8th and 9th Street. Address: 25 East 9th Street Avalon, NJ PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: FREE REGISTER HERE
Island Beach State Park
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
South Mountain Reservation Birding
South Mountain Reservation - Oakdale Lot just past the Regatta Playground on the left coming from Northfield Ave side. Cherry Lane, Cherry Lane, Cherry Lane, Cherry Lane, West Orange, NJ, United StatesSouth Mountain Reservation offers exceptional views of waterfowl at the reservoir as well as forest and edge habitats along the trails. Join us for a leisurely walk through the reservation looking for late fall migrants. We'll also search the reservoir for waterfowl. Led by Dave Hall, Associate Naturalist, South Mountain Reservation covers 2,112 acres in the central section of Essex County, extending through the municipalities of West Orange, Maplewood, and Millburn, bordering South Orange, between the first and second ridges of the Watchung Mountain Range. The presence of the early Lenape Indians lingers in the name given to the Watchung—the “high hills.” Location: Meet at Oakdale parking lot, across from the swan boat dock on Cherry Lane. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $10 members, $15 nonmembers. REGISTER HERE
Barnegat Light and environs
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park Broadway, Barnegat Light, NJ, United StatesHarlequins & 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 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
Harlequin Romance
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park Broadway, Barnegat Light, NJ, United StatesJoin CMBO staff and naturalists on this trip to Barnegat Light State Park! Harlequin Ducks and Purple Sandpipers are guaranteed and over time this trip has yielded Black-legged Kittiwakes, Northern Gannets, all three scoters, both eiders, both white-winged gulls, Razorbills and more. All the latter are only possibilities, and who knows what might turn up this year? We will be walking most of the day. We will take a walk on the long stone jetty near the inlet or along a sandy beach. Our route will depend on the weather on the day of the trip. Time and weather permitting, we may look for Short-eared Owls and other birds at nearby marshes later in the day. This trip involves walking over jetties. We do not set a firm daily schedule in advance, leaving us flexible to maximize birding opportunities, taking advantage of weather conditions, tides, and recent bird sightings. We may walk up to 1.5 miles, over generally level, sometimes muddy or sandy terrain. Some trips involve walks over jetties. PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $30 members, $35 nonmembers. Interested in becoming a member? Please click on the following link to learn more or join: Become a Member today! IMPORTANT INFORMATION: We bird in all weather. Be sure to check the forecast in advance and dress in layers appropriate for prevailing weather conditions. The weather can differ considerably from nearby inland areas and may be warmer, colder, or windier so it’s best to be over prepared. We may have to bird in the rain, so please bring your rain gear. TRANSPORTATION: Please arrive at the appointed time with a full tank of gas, as transportation to field sites is by private vehicles. We may walk up to 1.5 miles, over generally level, sometimes muddy or sandy terrain. Some trips involve walks over jetties. CANCELLATION: 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
Sandy Hook Birding
Sandy Hook - Lot B Hartshorne Drive, Sandy Hook, NJ, United StatesDecember 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 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
Kick Off Your Year List-Sandy Hook
Sandy Hook - Lot B Hartshorne Drive, Sandy Hook, NJ, United StatesStart the year off right with New Year’s Day birding along the north coast. 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. Meet at Sandy Hook, parking lot B by the bathrooms. Bring lunch and be prepared for a few hours of walking over flat and sandy terrain. Led by Scott Barnes, Linda Mack, and other associate naturalists. Location: Meet at Parking Lot B, about halfway down the lot by the restrooms. 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
North Shore Ponds & Inlets
Point Pleasant - Broadway Public Parking lot 3 Broadway, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ, United StatesThe "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: $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
Barnegat Light and Environs
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park Broadway, Barnegat Light, NJ, United StatesEarly winter birding for Harlequin Ducks, eiders, and scoters. In some years seabird migration is still underway (sometimes alcids), 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 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
Spruce Run & Round Valley Reservoir Birding
Spruce Run Boat Launch 12 Van Syckles Rd, Clinton, NJ, United StatesThese reservoirs can host lots of geese, ducks, and gulls. We'll also search nearby uplands for field and forest birds. These reservoirs are known for a variety of wintering waterfowl and up to 7 species of gulls, including some of the highest counts of Lesser Black-backed Gulls in North America. We’ll also bird the surrounding parks’ upland habitats for other wintering species like raptors and songbirds. Expect to walk 3-4 miles on well-defined trails and paths. Led by Alan Mart. Location: Meets at the Spruce Run Boat Launch, located at 12 Van Syckles Rd, Clinton, NJ 08809. Google directions: Spruce Run Boat Launch PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $25 members, $30 nonmembers. REGISTER HERE