PRE-REGISTRATION MAY BE REQUIRED FOR CERTAIN PROGRAMS AND FIELD TRIPS
No walk-ins for programs that require pre-registration
Quick Links to Individual Calendars
All NJ Audubon | All Things Birds | Cape May Bird Observatory | Lorrimer Nature Sanctuary | Nature Center of Cape May | Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary | Young Birders Club | Urban Oasis
Bird Walk
- Events
- Bird Walk
NJ Audubon Annual Canoe Brook Reservoir Bird Count
Canoe Brook Reservoir JFK Parkway, Short Hills, NJ, United StatesThis RESTRICTED ACCESS site is a hot spot for wintering waterfowl. Join us in our annual bird count for NJ American Water. NJ Audubon has been granted access to New Jersey American Water Canoe Brook Reservoir, one of the best places in Essex County for wintering waterfowl. We may catch a glimpse of hawks and perhaps a Bald Eagle. NJ American Water has been collecting our annual count data for almost 20 years! Be a part of conservation. COST: $20 members, $25 nonmembers. Interested in becoming a member? Please click on the following link to learn more or join: Become a Member today! CANCELLATION: NJ Audubon’s programs require a minimum number of registrants to run. If we cancel, due to lack of participation, severe weather, or unforeseen circumstances, all participants will be notified as soon as possible and are eligible for a full refund. Participants may cancel without penalty if greater than 48 hours in advance. Sorry, no refund for cancellations less than 48 hours in advance unless due to health emergencies; however, registrations can be transferred to another program in the future. 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
Birding on the Barrier Islands
Hereford Inlet – North Wildwood Seawall 135 East Spruce Avenue, Wildwood, NJ, United StatesJoin Chris Marks and CMBO Naturalists, as we explore some of the iconic barrier islands in Cape May County! These long and narrow land strips are teeming with a variety of birds. For this trip, we’ll spend the majority of our time on Seven Mile Island, home to the boroughs of Stone Harbor and Avalon as well as amazing ocean views, dunes, and marshes. As we walk the beach at Stone Harbor Point, we’ll look for wintering shorebirds, gulls, and sparrows. The Avalon jetty is a great spot to try for winter goodies such as Great Cormorant and Purple Sandpiper as well as migrating scoters, loons, and other waterfowl. We may also try for salty sparrows such as Nelson’s and Saltmarsh Sparrow on Nummy Island. 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 will walk up to 2 miles on sand and boardwalk. PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $20 members, $25 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 in Cape May 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
Brigantine and Mott’s Creek
Edwin B Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge 800 Great Creek Road, Galloway, NJ, United StatesJoin Mary Watkins and CMBO Naturalists to explore Edwin B. Forsythe NWR where ducks will be massing, and raptors will be hunting! November is a great month to visit coastal South Jersey. Ducks and geese will be gathering on the back bays and saltmarshes and it’s a great time of year to be looking for the raptors that this mass of birds attracts. Conversational flocks of Brant and Snow Geese and busy parties of Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, Buffleheads and much more will vie for our attention as we hope for views of hunting Northern Harriers, Peregrines, Bald Eagles - maybe even a Golden Eagle. We will spend part of our time at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, Brigantine Division, where the managed impoundments provide ideal wintering habitat for wetland birds. After birding the refuge, we will head to nearby Mott’s Creek, a regular - though not guaranteed - site for wintering Short-eared Owls and Rough-legged Hawks. Entrance to the NWR is contingent upon purchase of a $4 Refuge Pass, or possession of a Golden Age Pass or Federal Duck Stamp is required for each vehicle. You may purchase a day pass at the site 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. PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $20 members, $25 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 in Cape May 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
Birding Cape May Point
Cape May Point State Park Hawkwatch Platform NJ, United StatesJoin CMBO naturalists for 2 hours of birding around beautiful Cape May Point! Crossbills, siskins, redpolls – oh, my! Winter can be such a special time to bird Cape May Point. Each week we’ll scour the Park or wander the streets to see what avian visitors are calling Cape May Point their winter home. The winter finch prediction sounds promising, the ponds are full of ducks, and loons and scoters are on the move. Our path may take us through the quiet streets of Cape May Point, visiting local feeders. Or maybe we’ll travel along the dunes to check the morning flight line. Lily Lake and the Northwood Center often hold wintering songbirds and, of course, the State Park is always good. So let us add some joy to your winter – join us every Saturday for 2 hours of birding around Cape May Point. PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED. COST: $8 members, $12 nonmembers. SCHEDULE: Saturday 12/07/24 - REGISTER HERE Saturday 12/14/24 - REGISTER HERE Saturday 12/21/24 - REGISTER HERE Saturday 01/04/25 - REGISTER HERE Saturday 01/11/25 - REGISTER HERE Saturday 01/18/25 - REGISTER HERE Saturday 01/25/25 - REGISTER HERE Saturday 02/01/25 - REGISTER HERE Saturday 02/08/25 - REGISTER HERE Saturday 02/15/25 - REGISTER HERE Saturday 02/22/25 - REGISTER HERE 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 in Cape May 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: We may walk up to 1.5 miles, over generally level, sometimes muddy or sandy terrain. Some trips involve walks over jetties. CANCELLATION: NJ Audubon’s CMBO programs are virtually never cancelled. If we cancel, due to lack of participation, severe weather, or unforeseen circumstances, all participants will be notified as soon as possible and are eligible for a full refund. Participants may cancel without penalty if greater than 48 hours in advance. Sorry, no refund for cancellations less than 48 hours in advance unless due to health emergencies; however, registrations can be transferred to another program in the future.
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
Bayshore Birding at its Best
Mauricetown Wawa 3904 Route 47, Millville, NJ, United StatesJoin CMBO Naturalists Chris Marks and Mary Watkins for a day exploring some of the lesser-known corners of wonderful Cumberland County! This day out in the field will take you away from the ‘traditional’ birding spots of greater Cape May to some of the lesser-known corners of wonderful Cumberland County. In November, the Bayshore marshes, sheltered wood lots, fields and roadsides of the lower Delaware Bay region can be a great place to see a wealth of birds. Ducks and geese will be gathering on the bay and saltmarshes and it’s a great time of year to be looking for the raptors that this mass of birds attracts. Conversational flocks of Snow Geese and busy parties of Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, Buffleheads and much more will vie for our attention as we hope for views of hunting Northern Harriers, Peregrines, Bald Eagles - maybe even a Golden Eagle. Wild Turkeys will be in peak numbers right now and the fields sometimes abound with masses of blackbirds, grackles and cowbirds, while wooded areas attract busy flocks of sparrows (of many species), juncos, towhees and more. 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 - Ticket sales end 24hrs before start of program COST: $20 members, $25 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 in Cape May 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
Birding Cape May Point
Cape May Point State Park Hawkwatch Platform NJ, United StatesJoin CMBO naturalists for 2 hours of birding around beautiful Cape May Point! Crossbills, siskins, redpolls – oh, my! Winter can be such a special time to bird Cape May Point. Each week we’ll scour the Park or wander the streets to see what avian visitors are calling Cape May Point their winter home. The winter finch prediction sounds promising, the ponds are full of ducks, and loons and scoters are on the move. Our path may take us through the quiet streets of Cape May Point, visiting local feeders. Or maybe we’ll travel along the dunes to check the morning flight line. Lily Lake and the Northwood Center often hold wintering songbirds and, of course, the State Park is always good. So let us add some joy to your winter – join us every Saturday for 2 hours of birding around Cape May Point. PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED. COST: $8 members, $12 nonmembers. SCHEDULE: Saturday 12/07/24 - REGISTER HERE Saturday 12/14/24 - REGISTER HERE Saturday 12/21/24 - REGISTER HERE Saturday 01/04/25 - REGISTER HERE Saturday 01/11/25 - REGISTER HERE Saturday 01/18/25 - REGISTER HERE Saturday 01/25/25 - REGISTER HERE Saturday 02/01/25 - REGISTER HERE Saturday 02/08/25 - REGISTER HERE Saturday 02/15/25 - REGISTER HERE Saturday 02/22/25 - REGISTER HERE 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 in Cape May 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: We may walk up to 1.5 miles, over generally level, sometimes muddy or sandy terrain. Some trips involve walks over jetties. CANCELLATION: NJ Audubon’s CMBO programs are virtually never cancelled. If we cancel, due to lack of participation, severe weather, or unforeseen circumstances, all participants will be notified as soon as possible and are eligible for a full refund. Participants may cancel without penalty if greater than 48 hours in advance. Sorry, no refund for cancellations less than 48 hours in advance unless due to health emergencies; however, registrations can be transferred to another program in the future.