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No walk-ins for programs that require pre-registration
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Events
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In the Presence of Birds: Oil Paintings by Janet Atkinson
FeaturedScherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary 11 Hardscrabble Rd, Bernardsville, NJ, United StatesIn the Presence of Birds: Oil Paintings by Janet Atkinson Wayrick Wildlife Art Gallery | April 1 – May 29, 2026 2nd Floor, Scherman Hoffman Nature Center In the Presence of Birds is a solo exhibition of oil paintings by Janet Atkinson, featuring evocative depictions of birds and the natural world. Atkinson began her career as a professional illustrator, creating concept-driven imagery for book covers and editorial publications, where she became known for translating complex ideas into compelling visual narratives. She later transitioned to fine art, working primarily in oil, balancing subtle storytelling with expressive, painterly techniques. Her work has been recognized by Communication Arts, the Society of Illustrators, the Hispanic Creative Awards, and Print Design Annual. In 2026, she was selected for juried exhibitions including Visions: AAPL at the Carriage Barn Arts Center, the James Library & Center for the Arts 7th Annual Spring Show, and the Jackson's Art Prize 2026 Extended Long List. Free and open to the public. janetatkinsonstudio.com | @janet.atkinson.studio
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Birding By Ear Mini Workshop
Higbee Beach WMA NJ, United StatesJoin CMBO Associate Naturalists Lynn and Dave Pollard in the Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area parking lot as they explore a process for enhancing your birding by ear skills. Learn techniques for dissecting and categorizing bird songs to help with identifications and then put those skills to work on whatever birds are present and singing at the time. Those who sign up for the Higbee Walk following the presentation will join Dave, Lynn, and other CMBO guides to broaden their morning birding experience. PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED. Ticket sales will end 20hrs before the start of the event. COST: $5 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. Before the start of the workshop, you will be emailed more information regarding this mini-workshop, including a downloadable Birding By Ear Phonetics Guide. 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
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Higbee Beach Birding
Higbee Beach WMA NJ, United StatesJoin CMBO naturalists for this 2-hour walk around the Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area! Famous for migration, we'll search for Blue Grosbeaks, Brown Thrashers, Yellow-breasted Chats, Yellow Warblers and White-eyed Vireos. All arrive in April to breed here. Many spring warblers and other songbirds migrate through. 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
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Half Day Fridays at Sandy Hook
Sandy Hook - Lot B Hartshorne Drive, Sandy Hook, NJ, United StatesSpring migration at the hook; we may see a wide range of species from wading birds to raptors to songbirds at this regional hotspot. Spring birding at the hook for migrants. The wide variety of habitats here ensures a good diversity of bird species from herons and egrets to shorebirds, hawks, and songbirds. Every week is different as we watch spring migration unfold. Be prepared for a fair amount of walking over flat and sometimes sandy terrain. Meet at parking lot B by the bathrooms. Led by Scott Barnes, Linda Mack, Carole Hughes, and other associate naturalists. WEATHER & TRANSPORTATION: Please arrive at the appointed time. Be sure to check the forecast in advance and dress in layers appropriate for prevailing weather conditions. We sometimes bird in the rain, so bring rain gear if warranted. Transportation during the field trip is by private vehicle (be sure you have enough gas). Most trips involve some amount of walking, sometimes through muddy or sandy terrain. LOCATION: Meet at Parking Lot B, about halfway down the lot by the bathrooms PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $25 Members, $30 Non-members CANCELLATION: NJA/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
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Forest Stewards: Volunteer Opportunities
Lorrimer Sanctuary 790 Ewing Avenue, Franklin Lakes, NJ, United StatesLove nature? Join us in person to help care for our forests! This is a fantastic chance to get your hands dirty, meet awesome people, and make a real difference. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a total newbie, all are welcome. Let's come together to protect and preserve our beautiful woods. Don’t miss out on this fun and fulfilling experience! Sign up for one day or all season! Please review the New Jersey Audubon Volunteer Page for more information: Volunteer Opportunities | New Jersey Audubon REGISTER HERE Lorrimer Sanctuary Turns 70 in 2026! Celebrate with us and make a donation to support our expansion project. DONATE TODAY
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Birding the Ocean City Rookery
Featured Birding the Ocean City RookeryOcean City Welcome Center 300 W 9th Street, Ocean City, NJ, United StatesThe Ocean City Welcome Center has become a must-see breeding bird destination. Join our Volunteer Naturalists for great views of nesting wading birds, including Great Blue and Little Blue herons, Yellow-crowned and Black-crowned night-herons, Great and Snowy egrets, Glossy and White ibis - all building and sitting on nests. The raised parking lot of the Welcome Center provides very close views of the birds, so be sure to bring your camera to try to capture some amazing photos! The group will spend time viewing these birds from the bridge overlook, as well as taking a short walk underneath the bridge to view the birds at eye level. Our Naturalists will provide scopes for participants, but bringing your own scope is encouraged. PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED. COST: $10 General Admission 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. DISTANCE COVERED: Very short distance from parked car to walkway with railing overlooking rookery, followed by a short walk underneath the bridge. ACCESSIBILITY: You arrive at a paved parking lot on the upper viewing level. A lower level is available for viewing at ground level via stairs and ramp. Restrooms inside Welcome Center. Notes: The Welcome Center exit takes you into Ocean City. Once in town you can go around a block to get back onto the outbound road. Gnats may be a problem. Be prepared with head nets, long sleeves, long pants, bug spray. 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
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Warbler Chorus
FeaturedBelleplain State Forest 1 Henkensifkin Rd, Woodbine, NJ, United StatesSpend the morning with Scott Whittle, bird expert, photographer, and author of The Warbler Guide, as he provides valuable insights into identifying the variety of warblers found in Cape May County each spring. During May, most of Cape May’s breeding warblers, as well as a good number of migrant species heading further north, will be in the area and this course offers an opportunity to become more familiar with a good number of them. The North American wood warblers are a remarkable group of birds, famed not so much for their song as for their dazzling plumages. However, though their songs may be relatively simple, such vocalizations can often be our first clue to locating them in the leafy forest canopy. This workshop aims to help you connect visual cues with audio cues, adding greatly to your enjoyment of these wonderful birds. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to learn how you can utilize cutting-edge conservation technology to identify and listen to these beautiful birds in your own backyard! Scott, Terra Project expert and co-founder, can guide you through this amazing new system that allows you to become part of recording spring migration. Because of the inherent dynamic nature of birding, we do not pre-set an exact itinerary but will visit those parts of Cape May Point 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 – Ticket sales end 24hrs before start of program COST: $50 members, $65 nonmembers. 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. We reserve the right to substitute leaders, thought this rarely happens. REGISTER HERE
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Spring Birding at the Garrett Family Preserve
The Nature Conservancy's Garrett Family Preserve 801 Wilson Street, Cape May, NJ, United StatesJoin CMBO naturalists for this 2-hour walk around The Nature Conservancy's Garrett Family Preserve property! Explore the numerous grassy paths through The Nature Conservancy’s Garrett Family Preserve. Located along Cape Island Creek, this hidden gem holds warblers, sparrows and much more, including great views of the tidal marsh and the birds within. 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
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The Nature Conservancy Little Sit Event Cape May
FeaturedThe Nature Conservancy's South Cape May Meadows 692 Sunset Blvd, Cape May, NJ, United StatesWhat is a Little Sit? A spin on the annual, international birding event The Big Sit, this event takes that idea and slows it down. Join THE Nature Conservancy and THE Cape May Bird Observatory staff for a fun, educational challenge to see how many birds we can identify from one location. In the spring the South Cape May Meadows is the perfect location to see migrating shorebirds, warblers in breeding plumage and soaring raptors. As a part of this event, we will have benches for sitting, binoculars and spotting scopes for viewing, and educational materials to assist with bird identification. No matter your level of birding experience you are welcome to help us add to our morning species total! An ASL interpreter will be provided for this event. No need to pre-register, simply show up for a fun morning of birding! RAIN DATE will be Sunday May 3 Location Information: South Cape May Meadows, Sunset Blvd, Cape May, NJ. Click the following link for directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VFXqNr2iiEUg473g8 Parking: Three designated accessible parking spaces with aisle access on paved concrete. Additionally, there are 37 standard car spaces on compact gravel. Restroom: An ADA-compliant portable restroom is situated near the parking area. Trained service animals are welcome.
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Garret Mountain Reservation
Garrett Mountain Reservation - Three-Tiered Parking Lot Garrett Mountain Reservation, Woodland Park, NJ, United StatesSpring 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. 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.” Be prepared for 4 hours of leisurely walking over uneven terrain. Led by Carole Hughes, Chris Daly, and Jonathan Klizas. A NOTE ON MEETING 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: $25 Members, $30 Non-members 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