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Birds of Belleplain State Forest
Belleplain State Forest 1 Henkensifkin Rd, Woodbine, NJ, United StatesJoin CMBO naturalists for 3 hours of birding in Belleplain State Forest! The varied habitats of this wonderful forest yield an amazing diversity of spring migrants and breeders. Highlights including Summer Tanager, Hooded Warbler, Acadian Flycatcher, Louisiana Waterthrush, and Yellow-billed Cuckoo, are near the northern limit of their breeding range in Belleplain. Our leaders know the best spots! CARPOOLING ENCOURAGED PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED. COST: $12 members, $18 nonmembers. SCHEDULE: Thursday 04/17/25 - REGISTER HERE Thursday 04/24/25 - REGISTER HERE Thursday 05/01/25 - REGISTER HERE Thursday 05/08/25 - REGISTER HERE Thursday 05/22/24 - 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: Carpooling will be encouraged for this trip. 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.
Warren Park/Oros Preserve
William Warren Park Florida Grove Road, Woodbridge Township, NJ, United StatesSpring songbird migrants at two productive urban oases. Good days can produce a dozen or more species of warblers, plus thrushes & vireos. These Middlesex County hotspots provide green oases for migratory species. Warren Park (at the border of Woodbridge & Perth Amboy) has an excellent hardwood forest—complete with understory that is excellent for thrushes, vireos, and warblers; we’ll also visit the Oros Wildlife Preserve where pin oaks, brushy fields, and a large pond/wetland will complement the day’s bird list. Oros Preserve is sometimes muddy, so hiking shoes or other footwear you don’t mind getting a little dirty are best. A spotting scope is not necessary for this trip. Led by Scott Barnes and Patrick Belardo. A NOTE ON MEETING LOCATION! Some navigational devices may take you to a condo complex adjacent to the park. Take a moment to make sure you go to the right location. Once you enter the park, you will come to a T intersection. Turn left and follow this road clockwise until it ends in a wooded parking lot north of what the park map calls "The Open Grove." 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
Shorebirds at Heislerville
Heislerville 114 Matt's Landing Rd., Heislerville, NJ, United StatesJoin CMBO naturalists at the epicenter of spring shorebirding on the edge of the Delaware Bay. The impoundment at Heislerville has become a spring legend, attracting rarities, plus zillions of shorebirds. Depending on the tide conditions, we may visit nearby East Point or Thompson's Beach. PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED. COST: $8 members, $12 nonmembers. SCHEDULE: Thursday 04/17/25 - REGISTER HERE Thursday 04/24/25 - REGISTER HERE Thursday 05/01/25 - REGISTER HERE Thursday 05/08/25 - REGISTER HERE Thursday 05/22/25 - 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.
Higbee Beach Birding
Higbee Beach WMA NJ, United StatesJoin CMBO naturalists for this 2-hour walk around the Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area! Famous for migration, we'll search for Blue Grosbeaks, Brown Thrashers, Yellow-breasted Chats, Yellow Warblers and White-eyed Vireos. All arrive in April to breed here. Many spring warblers and other songbirds migrate through. PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED. COST: $8 members, $12 nonmembers. SCHEDULE: Friday 04/04/25 - REGISTER HERE Friday 04/11/25 - REGISTER HERE Friday 04/18/25 - REGISTER HERE Friday 04/25/25 - REGISTER HERE Friday 05/02/25 - REGISTER HERE Friday 05/09/25 - REGISTER HERE Friday 05/23/25 - 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.
Half Day Fridays at Sandy Hook
Sandy Hook - Lot B Hartshorne Drive, Sandy Hook, NJ, United StatesSpring birding at the hook for migrants. The wide variety of habitats here ensures a good diversity of bird species from herons and egrets to shorebirds, hawks, and songbirds. Every week is different as we watch spring migration unfold. Be prepared for a fair amount of walking over flat and sometimes sandy terrain. Led by Scott Barnes, Linda Mack, Carole Hughes, and other 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 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
Birding the Ocean City Rookery
Ocean City Welcome Center 300 W 9th Street, Ocean City, NJ, United StatesThe Ocean City Welcome Center has become a must-see breeding bird destination. Join our Volunteer Naturalists for great views of nesting wading birds, including Great Blue and Little Blue herons, Yellow-crowned and Black-crowned night-herons, Great and Snowy egrets, Glossy and White ibis - all building and sitting on nests. The raised parking lot of the Welcome Center provides very close views of the birds, so be sure to bring your camera to try to capture some amazing photos! The group will spend time viewing these birds from the bridge overlook, as well as taking a short walk underneath the bridge to view the birds at eye level. Our Naturalists will provide scopes for participants, but bringing your own scope is encouraged. PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED. COST: $10 General Admission SCHEDULE: Friday 04/18/25 - REGISTER HERE Friday 04/25/25 - REGISTER HERE Friday 05/02/25 - REGISTER HERE Friday 05/09/25 - REGISTER HERE Friday 05/23/25 - REGISTER HERE Friday 05/30/25 - 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. DISTANCE COVERED: Very short distance from parked car to walkway with railing overlooking rookery, followed by a short walk underneath the bridge. ACCESSIBILITY: You arrive at a paved parking lot on the upper viewing level. A lower level is available for viewing at ground level via stairs and ramp. Restrooms inside Welcome Center. Notes: The Welcome Center exit takes you into Ocean City. Once in town you can go around a block to get back onto the outbound road. Gnats may be a problem. Be prepared with head nets, long sleeves, long pants, bug spray. 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.
Spring Birding at the Garrett Family Preserve
The Nature Conservancy's Garrett Family Preserve 801 Wilson Street, Cape May, NJ, United StatesJoin CMBO naturalists for this 2-hour walk around The Nature Conservancy's Garrett Family Preserve property! Explore the numerous grassy paths through The Nature Conservancy’s Garrett Family Preserve. Located along Cape Island Creek, this hidden gem holds warblers, sparrows and much more, including great views of the tidal marsh and the birds within. PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED. COST: $8 members, $12 nonmembers. SCHEDULE: Saturday 04/26/25 - REGISTER HERE Saturday 05/03/25 - REGISTER HERE Saturday 05/24/25 - 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.
Garret Mountain Reservation
Garrett Mountain Reservation - Three-Tiered Parking Lot Garrett Mountain Reservation, Woodland Park, NJ, United StatesSpring migration at one of the state’s best migrant traps. Lots of songbirds including thrushes, vireos, sparrows, and warblers. Garret Mountain can be a terrific spot for songbird migration in spring, and its location on the Watchung Ridge means some days there are raptors overhead as well. Please use 8 Mountain Ave, Woodland Park, NJ as a navigation address. Once you enter the park from Mountain Ave, go right (it’s a one-way road), and the meeting place/parking lot is the first lot immediately on your left. It’s often referred to as the “Three-Tiered Lot.” Be prepared for 4 hours of leisurely walking over uneven terrain. Led by Carole Hughes, Chris Daly, and Jonathan Klizas. A NOTE ON MEETING LOCATION! Please use 8 Mountain Ave, Woodland Park, NJ as a navigation address. Once you enter the park from Mountain Ave, go right (it’s a one-way road), and the meeting place/parking lot is the first lot immediately on your left. It’s often referred to as the “Three-Tiered Lot.” PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $25 Members, $30 Non-members 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. REGISTER HERE
Island Beach State Park
Search maritime forest for migrant vireos, tanagers, and warblers. We’ll also spend time checking out waterbirds in the marshes. Spring birding at one the state’s most beautiful parks. We’ll look for migrant songbirds and survey bayside wetlands for a variety of waterbirds including herons, ibis, and terns. We'll meet just outside of the park entrance, in the median parking lot at the end of Rt. 35. There is a $5 entry fee to the park if you don’t have a state park pass or are less than 62 years old. Be prepared for a good amount of walking over flat and sandy terrain. 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 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
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