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Birds of Peaslee Wildlife Management Area
Belleplain State Forest 1 Henkensifkin Rd, Woodbine, NJ, United StatesJoin Chris Marks and CMBO Naturalists, as we explore the birds of Peaslee Wildlife Management Area. Peaslee WMA is an extension of Belleplain State Forest with special areas that attract migrant and breeding songbirds. Get to know some of the very best spots in this wonderful natural area - great for vireos, tanagers, warblers and much more! 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. PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $20 members, $26 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
Exploring Atlantic County
Warren E. Fox Nature Center 109 NJ-50, Mays Landing, NJ, United StatesJoin CMBO Naturalists Chris Marks and Shaun Bamford to explore the birding hotspots in Atlantic County. This trip will focus on Estelle Manor Park, one of the many excellent spring birding spots in Atlantic County. It is bordered by the Great Egg Harbor River / South River to the east and by Route 50 to the west. In all, it is about 1700 acres and includes a 2-mile paved loop with viewpoints of the South River as well as several hiking paths throughout the park. Many different habitats comprise the park, which creates a diverse selection of plant and wildlife. Some sightings may include bald eagles, Eastern Bluebirds, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Louisiana Waterthrush, Magnolia Warbler, Prothonotary Warbler, Hooded Warbler and much more; if time allows, other nearby spots may be visited. Because of the inherent dynamic nature of birding, we do not pre-set an exact itinerary but will visit areas 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: $15 members, $20 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
Shorebirds on the Bay
Mauricetown Wawa 3904 Route 47, Millville, NJ, United StatesJoin Dave and Lynn Pollard and CMBO Naturalists on this special trip to the Delaware Bayshore beaches! This is the best time of year for migrating shorebirds. Red Knots, Ruddy Turnstones, and many more birds are stopping over to feed on Horseshoe Crab eggs before heading to the high Arctic to breed. We'll visit several protected shorebird hotspots in our search for shorebirds and Horseshoe Crabs in action! 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 may walk up to 1.5 miles, over generally level, sometimes muddy or sandy terrain. PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $20 members, $26 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
Beach Birds of Summer
Join CMBO Program Coordinator Adehl Schwaderer and CMBO Naturalists to search the Cape May beaches and marshes for gulls, terns, and shorebirds! In summer, Cape May’s beaches attract an interesting range of terns, gulls, and shorebirds, and this Special Field Trip offers a golden opportunity the subtle beauty of these birds. Common, Forster’s and Least Terns are plentiful at this time, and there may be a few Royal Terns and Black Skimmers around. We’ll search for uncommon gulls among the cadre of common species, and spend time looking at shorebirds, migrant and resident, such as American Oystercatchers, Sanderlings, Willets, and more! 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
SO.MANY.SEABIRDS
Avalon - 8th Street Parking Lot Avalon, NJ, United StatesJoin Shaun Bamford and CMBO naturalists for an afternoon of scoters, gannets, loons, grebes, cormorants, jaegers, and more! The Fall migration of seabirds along the South Jersey coast is fascinating, inspiring, and sometimes overwhelming, as hundreds of thousands head south to wintering grounds. Join us for an afternoon of scoters, gannets, loons, grebes, cormorants, jaegers, and more – a chance to learn about and appreciate these amazing movements. We’ll discuss plumage, flight style, seasonality and other aspects that affect migration. We’ll concentrate our efforts around Stone Harbor and Avalon – taking it all in. 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 seabirds during November. Final location decisions will be made by the leader based on local knowledge and conditions at the time. 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
November Novelties
Cape May Point State Park - Outer Parking Lot Lighthouse Ave, Cape May Point, NJ, United StatesMid-November is one of the best times to look for vagrants. Join Kathy & Roger Horn, Karen Thompson and CMBO naturalists in rounding up these rarities! Cape May is well known for the sheer number of birds that migrate through each fall, but did you know it’s also a great place for unexpected species to be spotted? Mid-November is one of the best times to look for vagrants: landbird migration is still ongoing, and rarities often show up and stick around for days or even weeks. We might seek “stake-out” birds (birds previously found and staying in the same area) and search local hotspots to try to track down our own out of place birds! Late fall has featured many irruptive landbirds and we’ll seek these out as they remain available. Join us on this Special Field Trip as we try to round up as many unexpected birds as possible around the tip of the Cape May peninsula. 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 seabirds during November. Final location decisions will be made by the leader based on local knowledge and conditions at the time. 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
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
Brigantine and Mott’s Creek
Edwin B Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge 800 Great Creek Road, Galloway, NJ, United StatesJoin Mary Watkins and CMBO Naturalists to explore Edwin B. Forsythe NWR where ducks will be massing, and raptors will be hunting! November is a great month to visit coastal South Jersey. Ducks and geese will be gathering on the back bays and saltmarshes and it’s a great time of year to be looking for the raptors that this mass of birds attracts. Conversational flocks of Brant and Snow Geese and busy parties of Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, Buffleheads and much more will vie for our attention as we hope for views of hunting Northern Harriers, Peregrines, Bald Eagles - maybe even a Golden Eagle. We will spend part of our time at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, Brigantine Division, where the managed impoundments provide ideal wintering habitat for wetland birds. After birding the refuge, we will head to nearby Mott’s Creek, a regular - though not guaranteed - site for wintering Short-eared Owls and Rough-legged Hawks. Entrance to the NWR is contingent upon purchase of a $4 Refuge Pass, or possession of a Golden Age Pass or Federal Duck Stamp is required for each vehicle. You may purchase a day pass at the site 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 may walk up to 1.5 miles, over generally level, sometimes muddy or sandy terrain. 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
Harlequin Romance
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park Broadway, Barnegat Light, NJ, United StatesJoin CMBO staff and naturalists on this trip to Barnegat Light State Park! Harlequin Ducks and Purple Sandpipers are guaranteed and over time this trip has yielded Black-legged Kittiwakes, Northern Gannets, all three scoters, both eiders, both white-winged gulls, Razorbills and more. All the latter are only possibilities, and who knows what might turn up this year? We will be walking most of the day. We will take a walk on the long stone jetty near the inlet or along a sandy beach. Our route will depend on the weather on the day of the trip. Time and weather permitting, we may look for Short-eared Owls and other birds at nearby marshes later in the day. This trip involves walking over jetties. 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 may walk up to 1.5 miles, over generally level, sometimes muddy or sandy terrain. Some trips involve walks over jetties. PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $30 members, $35 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 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
Bayshore Birding at its Best
Mauricetown Wawa 3904 Route 47, Millville, NJ, United StatesJoin CMBO Naturalists Chris Marks and Mary Watkins for a day exploring some of the lesser-known corners of wonderful Cumberland County! This day out in the field will take you away from the ‘traditional’ birding spots of greater Cape May to some of the lesser-known corners of wonderful Cumberland County. In November, the Bayshore marshes, sheltered wood lots, fields and roadsides of the lower Delaware Bay region can be a great place to see a wealth of birds. Ducks and geese will be gathering on the bay and saltmarshes and it’s a great time of year to be looking for the raptors that this mass of birds attracts. Conversational flocks of Snow Geese and busy parties of Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, Buffleheads and much more will vie for our attention as we hope for views of hunting Northern Harriers, Peregrines, Bald Eagles - maybe even a Golden Eagle. Wild Turkeys will be in peak numbers right now and the fields sometimes abound with masses of blackbirds, grackles and cowbirds, while wooded areas attract busy flocks of sparrows (of many species), juncos, towhees and more. 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 may walk up to 1.5 miles, over generally level, sometimes muddy or sandy terrain. Some trips involve walks over jetties. 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