PRE-REGISTRATION MAY BE REQUIRED FOR CERTAIN PROGRAMS AND FIELD TRIPS
No walk-ins for programs that require pre-registration
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South Mountain Reservation Birding
South Mountain Reservation - Oakdale Lot just past the Regatta Playground on the left coming from Northfield Ave side. Cherry Lane, Cherry Lane, Cherry Lane, Cherry Lane, West Orange, NJ, United StatesSouth Mountain Reservation offers exceptional views of waterfowl at the reservoir as well as forest and edge habitats along the trails. Join us for a leisurely walk through the reservation looking for late fall migrants. We'll also search the reservoir for waterfowl. Led by Dave Hall, Associate Naturalist, South Mountain Reservation covers 2,112 acres in the central section of Essex County, extending through the municipalities of West Orange, Maplewood, and Millburn, bordering South Orange, between the first and second ridges of the Watchung Mountain Range. The presence of the early Lenape Indians lingers in the name given to the Watchung—the “high hills.” Location: Meet at Oakdale parking lot, across from the swan boat dock on Cherry Lane. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $10 members, $15 nonmembers. REGISTER HERE
Harborside Chats
Nature Center of Cape May 1600 Delaware Avenue, Cape May, NJ, United StatesLocal experts in their fields will lead a presentation and discussion each Thursday at noon at the Nature Center of Cape May. There will be a different speaker and topic each week. Light refreshments will be provided. There is no set cost to attend, although the Center suggests a $5 donation. Chats will be held at the Nature Center of Cape May (1600 Delaware Ave) unless otherwise stated. Please note that this schedule is subject to change. Check back frequently for an updated schedule: COST: FREE Interested in becoming a member? Please click on the following link to learn more or join: Become a Member Today! WHERE: At the Nature Center of Cape May, 1600 Delaware Avenue, Cape May, NJ. SCHEDULE: 9/26/24: The Nature Center of Cape May’s first guest this fall, will be Carla Dove, Program Manager of the “Feather Identification Laboratory”, Smithsonian’s Division of Birds at the National Museum of Natural History. None of us will ever forget the “Miracle on the Hudson,” that occurred on January, 5th, 2009, when USAir flight 1549 flew through a flock of birds upon take off from JFK Airport in New York, ingesting several that resulted in a loss of both engines. The miracle that followed was when Captain Sully Sullenberger managed to make a controlled water landing on the Hudson River that resulted in zero (0) fatalities. Any/every pilot will tell you that birds and aircraft simply don’t mix, and bird strikes in the aviation world continue to exist. This is a rare opportunity to hear an expert on this subject. “Harborside Chats,” are always popular, and preregistration for Ms. Dove’s presentation will be required. 10/3/24: Mark Garland of NJ Audubon's Monarch Monitoring Project will share their research methods, recent findings, and conduct a butterfly tagging demonstration. This program will be OFFSITE, at Harborview Park. 10/10/24: Jessica York: From the Delaware to the Hudson, Jessica will share this season’s voyages of the A.J. Meerwald. She’ll also detail some of exciting new exhibits that are coming to the Bayshore Center. 10/17/24: Lisa Calvo will present, “Back from the Brink.” This is the remarkable story of how Delaware Bay oysters have staged a comeback and are once again a staple on menus around the world. This presentation will include a shucking demonstration and raw-oyster tasting for those who wish to partake. Pre-registration is a must for this “Chat.” 10/24/24: Bill Boyle, avid birder, will share tales of his adventures around the world. He just recently completed his goal of observing at least one species of bird from every single family of birds. This is an incredible accomplishment! More coming soon! CANCELLATION POLICY: NJ Audubon’s programs require a minimum number of registrants to run. 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
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
NJ Audubon: Morning Walk at Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary
New Jersey Audubon's Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary 11 Hardscrabble Road, Bernardsville, NJ, United StatesEnjoy a quiet morning here at the Sanctuary walking the trails with an NJ Audubon staff or Associate Naturalist. These walks are informal and informative: birds, trees, tracks, wildflowers, reptiles, and amphibians are a few of nature’s wonders waiting for us to discover. The walks are cancelled if there is snow, rain, or weather warnings. Registration required by 4:00 PM the day before the walk. Pre-registration Required. COST: Free for members, $5 nonmembers. Interested in becoming a member? Please click on the following link to learn more or join: Become a Member today! IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Please bring binoculars if you have them. Loaner binoculars will be available. CANCELLATION: NJ Audubon’s programs require a minimum number of registrants to run. 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
IN-PERSON Nature Infused Yoga
New Jersey Audubon's Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary 11 Hardscrabble Road, Bernardsville, NJ, United StatesLed by Kristin Mylecraine, Yoga Teacher. Yoga is a great way to relax, connect with yourself, and increase flexibility and strength. Explore the connections between yoga and nature in this 75-minute class. No experience necessary; all levels welcome. For ages 15 years and older. Please arrive 10 minutes early and bring a yoga mat if you have one (some will be provided.) Registration is required. There will be no classes 11/30/24. Ticket sales end at 4:30 PM on the Friday before each class. You must pre-register, walk-ins will not be allowed to participate. We are offering an in-person class at the sanctuary and a virtual class online simultaneously. Be sure to purchase the correct ticket. COST: $15 members, $19 nonmembers. Interested in becoming a member? Please click on the following link to learn more or join: Become a Member today! IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Please bring your own yoga equipment for the in-person class if you have it. Equipment will be available to borrow. CANCELLATION: NJ Audubon’s programs require a minimum number of registrants to run. 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
VIRTUAL Nature Infused Yoga
New Jersey Audubon's Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary 11 Hardscrabble Road, Bernardsville, NJ, United StatesLed by Kristin Mylecraine, Yoga Teacher. Yoga is a great way to relax, connect with yourself, and increase flexibility and strength. Explore the connections between yoga and nature in this 75-minute class. No experience necessary; all levels welcome. For ages 15 years and older. Please join the class 10 minutes early. Registration required. There will be no class 11/30. THIS CLASS WILL BE HELD VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM COST: $14 members, $18 nonmembers. Ticket sales ends at 4:30 PM on the Friday before each class. Interested in becoming a member? Please click on the following link to learn more or join: Become a Member today! IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This class will be held virtually through ZOOM. Participants will be emailed the link to the meeting after registration closes and before the class. CANCELLATION: NJ Audubon’s programs require a minimum number of registrants to run. 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
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
NJ Audubon Digital Photography Workshop 3: Photographic Composition
New Jersey Audubon's Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary 11 Hardscrabble Road, Bernardsville, NJ, United StatesInstructors: Phil Witt, Associate Naturalist Workshop 3 will focus on composition--that is, capturing the best image. The workshop will be organized around three nature photography principles—light, composition, and moment. You will learn how to use elements of composition such as color, depth of field, lines, patterns, perspective, shapes, space, and texture. The workshop will review examples from a variety of subject types within nature photography, ranging from birds to insects to landscapes. Participants are encouraged to bring examples of their own images on a thumb drive for in-class critique and editing. Registration required, ticket sales end on 11/22 at 4:00 PM. COST: $12 members, $25 nonmembers. Interested in becoming a member? Please click on the following link to learn more or join: Become a Member today! CANCELLATION: NJ Audubon’s programs require a minimum number of registrants to run. 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
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
Northwood Center CLOSED – Thanksgiving holiday
Cape May Bird Observatory - Northwood Center 701 East Lake Drive, Cape May Point, NJ, United StatesOur Northwood Center will be closed in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. We will resume our normal hours on Saturday November 30, 2024.