Name: Seabird ID Mini-Workshop
Start: 2024-11-16T14:00:00-05:00
End: 2024-11-16T15:00:00-05:00
Location: Avalon Seawatch

8:00 am

Raptor Migration at its Best

October 5, 2024 @ 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Join CMBO Director Brett Ewald and CMBO Naturalists for this workshop. Bird the “raptor capital of North America” at the peak of diversity. Bird the “raptor capital of North America” at the peak of diversity, when falcons are zipping along the dunes, accipiters are flap, flap, flapping by, buteos are soaring overhead, and eagles are chasing Ospreys. Early October often produces flights in the thousands and is the peak time for Peregrine Falcons and others. It is a rare moment during October in Cape May when raptors are not in view and this concentration of birds should ensure that we almost always have something to look at. Learn how to tell buteos from accipiters, falcons from eagles, at the very edge of your eyesight or right overhead, and focus on tricky species-pairs, such as the many ways to tell Sharp-shinned from Cooper’s Hawks. We’ll visit areas around Cape May to make the most of your raptor watching on this “in the field” workshop. We’ll also be in a prime location to enjoy other migrants, such as shorebirds, late warblers, early sparrows, and more! Because of the inherent dynamic nature of birding, we do not pre-set an exact itinerary but will visit those parts of Cape May County that regularly hold good numbers of birds. 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: $100 members, $130 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