The inlets and ponds in this area can be great for a variety of winter birds including ducks, loons, gulls and maybe alcids. The "north shore" between Point Pleasant Beach and Belmar can make for great winter birding. We'll search the inlets, ponds, and oceanfront for a variety of ducks, loons, gulls, and more. In some years Razorbills or other rarer alcids may be present, and the tour can be good for "white-winged" gulls. Meet at the east end of Broadway in Point Pleasant Beach. Bring binoculars, spotting scope if you have one, and lunch. Dress warmly. This trip requires little walking. For young birders ages 11-17 plus parent/guardian. Led by Scott Barnes and Carole Hughes. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: FREE REGISTER HERE

Harlequins & other sea ducks; p loons and gannets. We'll visit some nearby bayside spots after birding the inlet for additional species. Winter birding in the shadow of "Old Barney," looking for Harlequin Ducks, eiders, and scoters. We may also see loons and gannets. After birding the lighthouse/inlet area, we'll caravan to nearby bayside spots for more species. Meet in the main parking lot of Barnegat Lighthouse State Park. Bring binoculars, spotting scope if you have one, lunch, and dress warmly! For young birders ages 11-17 plus parent/guardian. Led by Scott Barnes and Linda Mack. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: FREE REGISTER HERE

Spring 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. Be prepared for 4 hours of leisurely walking over uneven terrain. Led by Carole Hughes and Emma Price. 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: FREE REGISTER HERE

For youth ages 11-18 interested in birds. Search this productive site for a variety of nesting songbirds and other species. Assunpink Wildlife Management Area is one of central jersey's best birding spots. We'll explore fields, forests, and wetlands for a variety of nesting species including both cuckoos, Willow Flycatcher, Pileated Woodpecker, Blue Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, and Yellow-breasted Chat. Be prepared for a fair amount of walking with one moderate incline. Ticks and other biting insects may be present-bring insect repellent. Led by Linda Mack and Carole Hughes. Location: Lake Assunpink Boat Launch, Clarksburg-Robbinsville Road, Trenton, NJ, 08691 PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: FREE REGISTER HERE

Fall birding at "the hook" focusing on migratory shorebirds and songbirds including thrushes, sparrows, and warblers. The second half of September can be excellent for migratory birds if the winds are right. We'll search the hook's varied habitats for a variety of shorebirds, wading birds, and warblers. Trip is open to youth ages 11-17 who are interested in birds plus parents/guardian. Meet at Sandy Hook, parking lot B, about halfway down the lot by the bathrooms.  Trip is free but pre-registration is required. Led by Scott Barnes and Linda Mack. Location: Meet at Sandy Hook, parking lot B, about halfway down the lot by the bathrooms. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: FREE REGISTER HERE

For young birders ages 11-17 plus parent/guardian. Winter birding in the shadow of "Old Barney," looking for Harlequin Ducks, eiders, and scoters. We may also see loons and gannets. After birding the lighthouse/inlet area, we'll caravan to nearby bayside spots for more species. Meet in the main parking lot of Barnegat Lighthouse State Park. Bring binoculars, spotting scope if you have one, lunch, and dress warmly! Led by Scott Barnes & Linda Mack. Pre-registration is required.  LOCATION: Meet in the main parking lot of Barnegat Lighthouse State Park. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: FREE REGISTER HERE

Spring 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.  Be prepared for 3.5 hours of leisurely walking over uneven terrain. Led by Carole Hughes and Mary Birrer. 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: FREE REGISTER HERE