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Fall Migration at Cape May
NJ, United StatesJoin Louise Zemaitis for this three-day birding workshop exploring Cape May’s September bird migration! September straddles the migratory timetable – not too late for shorebirds, not too early for hawks, and right on time for Neotropical songbird migrants. Our time will largely be spent getting to know the great wealth of warblers, flycatchers, vireos and other migratory songbirds that pause at Cape May during their southward migration at this time of year. This migration is very much weather-dependent, so there are no guarantees on what we may see, but it is pretty certain that each day will be very different to the last, creating a wonderful atmosphere of intrigue and an element of the unknown. While songbirds will be a major focus for us, we shall also spend time sampling the shorebirds, seabirds and raptors that also pass through at this time. Most of the three days will be spent outdoors, learning directly from our field experiences and much of our time will most likely be spent at some of Cape May’s key migration locations. We don’t pre-set an itinerary but will visit those parts of Cape May County that regularly hold good numbers of birds at this time of year. Final location decisions will be made by the leader, based on local knowledge and conditions at the time. We may walk up to 1.5 miles, over generally level, sometimes muddy or sandy terrain. PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $225 members, $300 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
Morning Flight Experience
Higbee Beach Morning Flight Observation Deck NJ, United StatesJoin CMBO interpretive naturalists to experience and learn about the songbird morning flight that takes place during fall migration. Meets for two hours after sunrise at the observation tower on the jetty road at Higbee Beach. NO preregistration required. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Start time for this event varies based on sunrise. Weather Permitting COST: FREE Interested in becoming a member? Please click on the following link to learn more or join: Become a Member today!
Birding Cape May Point
Cape May Point State Park Hawkwatch Platform NJ, United StatesWith its diversity of habitat – beach, dunes, ponds, forest, and marsh – Cape May Point is the perfect spot for great year-round birding. We'll look for breeding songbirds, waterbirds, terns and the chance of a passing migrant. We’ll travel the trails, check out CMBO’s Northwood Center and other surrounding hotspots on The Point. 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. PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED. COST: $8 members, $12 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: 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. REGISTER HERE
Hawk ID Mini-Workshop
Cape May Point State Park - East Shelter NJ, United StatesStruggling to separate a Sharp-shinned Hawk from a Cooper's? Amazed when a Bald Eagle is spotted high in the sky where you see nothing? Learn how seasoned Hawk watchers spot and identify these magnificent birds. Join CMBO interpretive naturalists at the raptor capital of North America, Cape May Point State Park. Meets at the East Shelter, the picnic pavilion NEXT to the Hawkwatch Platform. NO preregistration required. Family-friendly COST: FREE Interested in becoming a member? Please click on the following link to learn more or join: Become a Member today!
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
Fall Migration Cruise
Miss Chris Marina - The Osprey 1212 Wilson Dr, Cape May, NJ 08204, NJ, United StatesJoin CMBO naturalists to cruise through nearly inaccessible back-bay marshes from Cape May to Stone Harbor. This trip will be by boat (beginning and ending at Cape May) through protected back-bay waters where we will enjoy a great variety of waterbirds and raptors. 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: $43 members, $48 nonmembers. REGISTER HERE
Monarch Tagging Demo
Cape May Point State Park - East Shelter NJ, United StatesJoin the Monarch Monitoring Project team to learn about the Monarch butterflies that migrate through Cape May, as well as the ongoing research and outreach our staff is doing to help protect the species. After the talk, watch as small tags are affixed to Monarchs to track their migration to Mexico. And best of all, you'll learn how you can contribute to Monarch conservation! NO preregistration required. Family-friendly Meeting Location: Meets at the East Shelter located next to the Hawkwatch platform at the Cape May Point State Park Cost: FREE - contributions to the Monarch Monitoring Project are welcome. Interested in becoming a member? Please click on the following link to learn more or join: Become a Member today!
Hawks, Trails and Beach
Cape May Point State Park Hawkwatch Platform NJ, United StatesJoin CMBO naturalists for this 2-hour walk around the Cape May Point State Park! The afternoon hawk flight is often strong, with late day movements of falcons. Seabirds and shorebirds often pass or rest on the beach and songbirds are found on the trails. PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED. COST: $8 members, $12 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: 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. REGISTER HERE
Morning Flight Experience
Higbee Beach Morning Flight Observation Deck NJ, United StatesJoin CMBO interpretive naturalists to experience and learn about the songbird morning flight that takes place during fall migration. Meets for two hours after sunrise at the observation tower on the jetty road at Higbee Beach. NO preregistration required. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Start time for this event varies based on sunrise Weather Permitting COST: FREE Interested in becoming a member? Please click on the following link to learn more or join: Become a Member today!
Hawk ID Mini-Workshop
Cape May Point State Park - East Shelter NJ, United StatesStruggling to separate a Sharp-shinned Hawk from a Cooper's? Amazed when a Bald Eagle is spotted high in the sky where you see nothing? Learn how seasoned Hawk watchers spot and identify these magnificent birds. Join CMBO interpretive naturalists at the raptor capital of North America, Cape May Point State Park. Meets at the East Shelter, the picnic pavilion NEXT to the Hawkwatch Platform. NO preregistration required. Family-friendly COST: FREE Interested in becoming a member? Please click on the following link to learn more or join: Become a Member today!