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
Birding
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.
Birding on the Barrier Islands
Stone Harbor Point - 2nd Ave Parking Lot 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
Forsythe (Brigantine) NWR
Edwin B Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge Admin Building And Visitor Contact Station 800 Great Creek Road, Galloway, NJ, United StatesAn afternoon and evening birding at one of the state's best birding spots. The varied habitats of Forsythe NWR assures a good variety of species from ducks to raptors and sparrows. This a good time of year for eagles, hawks, and other birds of prey. Easy birding around an 8-mile wildlife drive. Bring binoculars, spotting scope if you have one, and dress warmly. Led by Mike Mandracchia and Hank Burk. Location: 800 Great Creek Road, Oceanville, Forsythe NWR at the main parking lot on the left-hand side 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
Nightfall at Jake’s Landing
Jake's Landing Jakes Landing Road, Woodbine, NJ, United StatesJoin CMBO naturalists where the forest meets the salt marsh at Jake's Landing! Search for wildlife where the forest meets the salt marsh. Watch for Northern Harriers, Short-eared Owls, Great Horned Owls, and winter songbirds. We may walk up to 1.5 miles, over generally level, sometimes muddy or sandy terrain. Some trips involve walks over jetties. 4:30 pm-Dusk, 5:30 pm-Dusk on 03/09/25 ONLY PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED. COST: $8 members, $12 nonmembers. SCHEDULE: Sunday 02/23/25 - REGISTER HERE Sunday 03/02/25 - REGISTER HERE Sunday 03/09/25 - 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. 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.
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! The “shoulder season” in Cape May is a wonderful time for birding and there’s no better place to do it than the Cape May Point State Park. With its diversity of habitat – beach, dunes, ponds, forest, and marsh – it’s the perfect spot for migrating waterfowl, songbirds and shorebirds to stop and refuel as the push of spring migration begins. We’ll travel the trails, check out CMBO’s Northwood Center and other surrounding hotspots on The Point, as we soak up the wonder of this annual phenomenon of Nature. Join us every Saturday for 2 hours of birding at the Cape May Point State Park and let us share with you the wonder of this special time of year. 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: $8 members, $12 nonmembers. SCHEDULE: Saturday 03/01/25 - REGISTER HERE Saturday 03/08/25 - REGISTER HERE Saturday 03/15/25 - REGISTER HERE Saturday 03/22/25 - REGISTER HERE Saturday 03/29/25 - REGISTER HERE Saturday 04/05/25 - REGISTER HERE Saturday 04/12/25 - REGISTER HERE Saturday 04/19/25 - 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. 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.
6hr Mini Pelagic Trip with the Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center
South Jersey Marina 1231 Route 109 South, Cape May, NJ, United StatesThis 6hr Mini Pelagic tour is offered in partnership with the Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center. The cruise will focus on exploring the inshore Pelagic Zone (approx. 3-20 miles) off Cape May, NJ for Pelagic Birds and Marine Mammals. Marine Mammal Naturalists from Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center with our expert Pelagic Bird Naturalists from the Cape May Bird Observatory and will guide you through spotting and photographing the amazing wildlife Cape May has to offer! This trip is an excellent choice for the beginner in pelagic birding to try out a longer cruise, as well as a convenient option for the experienced birder to get out on the ocean! Enjoy the comfort of our heated inside cabin and full galley/bar aboard the American Star. eBird checklists are created by our team of experts and shared after the trip. Prepaid Reservations Only! Due to the special nature of this trip, we are not able to offer the marine mammal guarantee. Possible sightings include: Baleen Whales: Humpback, Fin, Minke, or Right Common Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, Harbor Porpoise Harbor Seals, Grey Seals Inshore Birds: Great Cormorant, Common and Red-throated Loons, scoters and other seaducks, Harlequin Duck (uncommon), Northern Gannet Pelagic Birds: Black-legged Kittiwake, Razorbill, Common Murre, Thick-billed Murre (rare), Dovekie, Iceland Gull Please note, trips are subject to varying weather and sea conditions. Trips will only sail in favorable weather conditions. Captain will make the final decision if the trip is sailing 48hrs prior to the scheduled cruise. Cost: $85 Adults (age 13+) REGISTER HERE
Nightfall at Jake’s Landing
Jake's Landing Jakes Landing Road, Woodbine, NJ, United StatesJoin CMBO naturalists where the forest meets the salt marsh at Jake's Landing! Search for wildlife where the forest meets the salt marsh. Watch for Northern Harriers, Short-eared Owls, Great Horned Owls, and winter songbirds. We may walk up to 1.5 miles, over generally level, sometimes muddy or sandy terrain. Some trips involve walks over jetties. 4:30 pm-Dusk, 5:30 pm-Dusk on 03/09/25 ONLY PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED. COST: $8 members, $12 nonmembers. SCHEDULE: Sunday 02/23/25 - REGISTER HERE Sunday 03/02/25 - REGISTER HERE Sunday 03/09/25 - 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. 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.
Birding After Dark
There is nothing quite like watching the sunset over the ocean in Cape May, New Jersey. Now, imagine getting treated to that sunset while spending the last few hours of daylight searching for various critters who thrive during the crepuscular hours! Join CMBO’s Program Coordinator, Adehl Schwaderer, and Associate Naturalists to observe birds as they wind down for the evening and track down the peculiar ‘peeent’ of a woodcock or the call of a territorial owl. This program will be held on Cape Island, with the final location selected depending on the presence of bird activity and shared the week of the program. A small flashlight may be helpful toward the end of the trip for walking back to vehicles. -We do not set a firm daily schedule in advance, leaving us flexible to maximize birding opportunities, taking advantage of weather conditions and recent bird sightings. We may walk up to 1.5 miles on sand and boardwalk. Please arrive at the appointed time with a full tank of gas as transportation is by private vehicle. 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! The “shoulder season” in Cape May is a wonderful time for birding and there’s no better place to do it than the Cape May Point State Park. With its diversity of habitat – beach, dunes, ponds, forest, and marsh – it’s the perfect spot for migrating waterfowl, songbirds and shorebirds to stop and refuel as the push of spring migration begins. We’ll travel the trails, check out CMBO’s Northwood Center and other surrounding hotspots on The Point, as we soak up the wonder of this annual phenomenon of Nature. Join us every Saturday for 2 hours of birding at the Cape May Point State Park and let us share with you the wonder of this special time of year. 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: $8 members, $12 nonmembers. SCHEDULE: Saturday 03/01/25 - REGISTER HERE Saturday 03/08/25 - REGISTER HERE Saturday 03/15/25 - REGISTER HERE Saturday 03/22/25 - REGISTER HERE Saturday 03/29/25 - REGISTER HERE Saturday 04/05/25 - REGISTER HERE Saturday 04/12/25 - REGISTER HERE Saturday 04/19/25 - 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. 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.
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