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Northwood Center CLOSED – Holiday Break
Cape May Bird Observatory - Northwood Center 701 East Lake Drive, Cape May Point, NJ, United StatesOur Northwood Center will be closed for the holiday week. Please visit our website at www.birdcapemay.org for birding information and local birding maps. To shop our store, please visit FeatherEdgeOptics.org.
Kick Off Your Year List-Sandy Hook
Sandy Hook - Lot B Hartshorne Drive, Sandy Hook, NJ, United StatesStart the year off with some coastal birding at Sandy Hook looking for waterfowl, loons, grebes, and gulls. Start the year out with some coastal birding at Sandy Hook where we’ll look for sea ducks and Snow Buntings. If we're lucky we could find a Razorbill or two. We may also drop south and bird locations in Monmouth Beach and Long Branch for waterfowl, loons, and gulls. Bring lunch and be prepared for a few hours of walking over flat and sandy terrain. Led by Scott Barnes, Linda Mack, and Carole Hughes. Location: Meet at Parking Lot B, about halfway down the lot by the restrooms. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $25 Members, $30 Non-members REGISTER HERE
Kick Off Your Year List 2024
Cape May Point State Park Hawkwatch Platform NJ, United StatesHappy New Birding Year! Time to kick-off your yearly birding list with Tom Reed and CMBO naturalists. Let’s be honest, this is simply a day of pure, unadulterated fun! Birders love to keep lists of what they see and, perhaps, the most frequently kept list is the year list - a tally of all those species seen over the course of a single calendar year. January 1st gives us a great opportunity to start our New Year with a great day out in Cape May County, exploring hidden corners as well as well-known locations, and covering a range of habitats. We'll visit multiple locations and hotspots, including the Cape May Point State Park and the Nature Conservancy's South Cape May Meadows. We are scheduled to end at 5:00 p.m., but there may be optional birding opportunities later into the evening. 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. Final location decisions will be made by the leader based on local knowledge and conditions at the time. We will break for an hour or so for lunch and to warm up. We may walk up to 1.5 miles, over generally level, sometimes muddy or sandy terrain. PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $28 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 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
Weequahic Park Bird Walk
Weequahic Park Meeker Avenue, Newark, NJ, United StatesWinter birding for geese, ducks, and gulls around the lake. Easy walking trails and relaxed pace. Visit an Essex County oasis while searching for wintering ducks, gulls and passerine birds. All can be viewed along an easy trail around the lake. Enter at Meeker and Empire Streets, then bear left and continue to the large parking area on the south side of the lake. Led by Dave Hall, Associate Naturalist PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $15 members, $20 nonmembers. REGISTER HERE
Tiny Tots – Winter Series
Lorrimer Sanctuary 790 Ewing Avenue, Franklin Lakes, NJ, United StatesToddlers can be naturalists too! Perfect for littles 18 months to 3 years old, join us for story time and nature activities! We're excited to welcome a new generation of budding naturalists to Lorrimer Sanctuary for this "grown-up-and-me" style program. We will read books, explore outside, and learn about nature in age-appropriate ways for littles! This is NOT a drop-off program; children must be accompanied by an adult. There is no cost for accompanying adult. Programs have indoor and outdoor components, please be sure to dress appropriately for the weather. SCHEDULE: December 7: Rocks and Fossils December 14: Evergreens December 21: Solstice and Yule January 4: Snowflakes January 11: Nature Weaving January 18: Nature Art COST: $5 per child for members, $6 per child for nonmembers. 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
Harborside Chats
Nature Center of Cape May 1600 Delaware Avenue, Cape May, NJ, United StatesTake a break from your busy day to learn something new. Local 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. COST: $5 member; $7 non-member 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: 11/30/23: Our winter season of Harborside chats kicks off with Ralph Boerner who will treat us to a presentation about “invasives.” Because it is never too early to start thinking about spring planting. 12/7/23: Today we remember that day that shall live in “infamy” when the Japanese empire carried out a surprise and unprovoked attack upon the United State fleet then moored at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. That morning, Edwin Hill, from Cape May, New Jersey was aboard the battleship Nevada. His heroics that morning would not only save his ship, but earn him our nation’s highest honor, the Medal of Honor, the only person from Cape May to ever have received this honor. 12/14/23: The mighty Golden Eagle. Most of us are familiar with the Bald Eagle, but how many of us are equally familiar with the Bald Eagle’s cousin, the Golden? Bigger, stronger, faster, the Golden has been known to even take prey the size of sheep. Come out to hear Dr. Trish Miller, but leave your puppies at home. 12/21/23: The Cape May Bird Observatory’s migration coordinator, Tom Reed, will bring us up-to-date on how our favorite insect fared during its recent migration. More than mere metrics, Tom will be sharing how the Monarch Monitoring Project carries out its science. 12/28/23: Cape May’s Harbor Masters, Jack Lord and Tom Carroll, will be on hand to discuss harbor issues and share an update on this first summer with harbor masters. 1/4/24: Dr. Neeti Bathala is an accomplished educator in the areas of ecology and environmental science, and she is an accomplished author who has published a children’s book called, Moonlight Crab Count. Come out to hear a truly entertaining presentation about a topic important to so many of us. 1/11/24: We all are looking forward to “Floating the Boat.” This of course is the historic Coast Guard motor lifeboat (MLB) #36358 that a group of dedicated volunteers has been restoring for the past five years. Jerry Tarrant will be on hand to give us an update. Perhaps this will be the year that we get to see 36358 in our harbor. 1/18/24: Back by popular demand, Jim Webster, Dr. Dark Sky, will share progress made in the past year when it comes to protecting our avian friends from light pollution. 1/25/24: Migratory song birds are dying by the BILLIONS! And it’s not just from the light pollution that we learned about last week, but they are dying from crashing into buildings, habitat loss, killer agricultural practices, invasive plant & animal species, microplastics, herbicides, pesticides, biocides, power-lines, and so much more, even […]
Birding Cape May Point
Cape May Point State Park Hawkwatch Platform NJ, United StatesJoin CMBO naturalists for 2 hours of birding around beautiful Cape May Point! Crossbills, siskins, redpolls – oh, my! Winter can be such a special time to bird Cape May Point. Each week we’ll scour the Park or wander the streets to see what avian visitors are calling Cape May Point their winter home. The winter finch prediction sounds promising, the ponds are full of ducks, and loons and scoters are on the move. Our path may take us through the quiet streets of Cape May Point, visiting local feeders. Or maybe we’ll travel along the dunes to check the morning flight line. Lily Lake and the Northwood Center often hold wintering songbirds and, of course, the State Park is always good. So let us add some joy to your winter – join us every Saturday for 2 hours of birding around Cape May Point. 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
North Shore Ponds & Inlets
Point Pleasant - Broadway Public Parking lot 3 Broadway, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ, United StatesThe "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. Led by Scott Barnes and Linda Mack. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $25 Members, $30 Non-members REGISTER HERE
NJ Audubon Employee and Volunteer Art Show
New Jersey Audubon's Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary 11 Hardscrabble Road, Bernardsville, NJ, United StatesThe NJ Audubon Employee and Volunteer Art Show will be opening a the Wayrick Wildlife Art Gallery, located on the 2nd floor of the Scherman Hoffman building. Our volunteers and employees will be displaying their latest and favorite wildlife and natural landscapes artwork between October 7, 2023, and January 31, 2024. Light refreshments will be served on October 7 between 12:30pm and 3pm. The Art Gallery is open: Thursday-Saturday 9am – 5pm Sunday 12 noon – 5pm. Cost: FREE Location: Wayrick Wildlife Art Gallery on the second floor of the Scherman Hoffman Sanctuary, 11 Hardscrabble Rd. in Bernardsville.
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. Preregistration is required. There will be no class 12/23, 12/30, 1/13, and 2/17. 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. The in-person class has a limit of 10 people. Be sure to purchase the correct ticket. COST: $14 members, $18 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