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Birding
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
Seabird ID Mini-Workshop
Avalon Seawatch Avalon, NJ, United StatesThe migration of scoters and other sea ducks, loons, cormorants and gannets can be an overwhelming sight. For example, the CMBO full-time Avalon Seawatch project sighted over one million seabirds here in 2014! Join CMBO interpretive naturalists for this outdoor workshop to witness and learn about this migration spectacle. Meets at the Avalon Seawatch location on the Beach between 8th and 9th St., at the north end of Avalon. NO preregistration required. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Bring binoculars, scope and tripod, if available Dress in layers for wind, cold, or warm weather COST: FREE Interested in becoming a member? Please click on the following link to learn more or join: Become a Member today!
6hr Mini Pelagic Trip with the Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center
South Jersey Marina 1231 Route 109 South, Cape May, NJ, United StatesNEW 2024! This 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
Seabird ID Mini-Workshop
Avalon Seawatch Avalon, NJ, United StatesThe migration of scoters and other sea ducks, loons, cormorants and gannets can be an overwhelming sight. For example, the CMBO full-time Avalon Seawatch project sighted over one million seabirds here in 2014! Join CMBO interpretive naturalists for this outdoor workshop to witness and learn about this migration spectacle. Meets at the Avalon Seawatch location on the Beach between 8th and 9th St., at the north end of Avalon. NO preregistration required. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Bring binoculars, scope and tripod, if available Dress in layers for wind, cold, or warm weather COST: FREE Interested in becoming a member? Please click on the following link to learn more or join: Become a Member today!
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
Back Bay Birding by Boat on the Osprey
Miss Chris Marina - The Osprey 1212 Wilson Dr, Cape May, NJ 08204, NJ, United StatesJoin Captain Bob and the crew of The Osprey for close-up looks at secretive rails, nesting Ospreys, migrant shorebirds, terns, gulls, herons and more. We explore the coastal saltmarsh of Cape May from Cape Island Creek to the Wildwoods and view the natural wonders of historic Cape May Harbor. The Osprey is a 37' pontoon boat that has a comfortable enclosed cabin with large viewing windows, a front deck with a railing, and a restroom on board. Non-motorized wheelchair accessible. More information, detailed directions, and online reservations at www.ospreycruise.com or call the Osprey at 609-898-3500. All trips depart from the Miss Chris Marina in Cape May. Free parking. Family-friendly. Preregistration is suggested. Cost: $38 members, $43 nonmembers, $25 Children (12 and under) REGISTER HERE
Seabird ID Mini-Workshop
Avalon Seawatch Avalon, NJ, United StatesThe migration of scoters and other sea ducks, loons, cormorants and gannets can be an overwhelming sight. For example, the CMBO full-time Avalon Seawatch project sighted over one million seabirds here in 2014! Join CMBO interpretive naturalists for this outdoor workshop to witness and learn about this migration spectacle. Meets at the Avalon Seawatch location on the Beach between 8th and 9th St., at the north end of Avalon. NO preregistration required. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Bring binoculars, scope and tripod, if available Dress in layers for wind, cold, or warm weather COST: FREE Interested in becoming a member? Please click on the following link to learn more or join: Become a Member today!
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