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E-Z Birding at the Cape May Point State Park
Cape May Point State Park Hawkwatch Platform NJ, United StatesJoin CMBO naturalists for 2 hours of birding around the Cape May Point State Park! E-Z Birding is for beginning birders and for those want to learn more about the birds and how to find them. Cape May Point State Park is a great place to bird with a variety of habitats - woods, fields, ponds, dunes, and beach! PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED. SCHEDULE: Thursday 09/05/24 - REGISTER HERE Thursday 09/12/24 - REGISTER HERE Thursday 09/19/24 - REGISTER HERE Thursday 09/26/24 - REGISTER HERE Thursday 10/03/24 - REGISTER HERE Thursday 10/10/24 - REGISTER HERE Thursday 10/24/24 - REGISTER HERE 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.
Greenwood Gardens Birdwalk
Greenwood Gardens 274 Old Short Hills Rd, Short Hills, NJ, United StatesLed by Dave Hall, NJ Audubon Associate Naturalists. Venture into the garden for an immersive experience with this avian expert who will talk about the varied species of birds that visit Greenwood’s peaceful woodlands and the surrounding 2,100 acres of South Mountain Reservation’s protected parkland. End the morning with a visit to the Greenwood gift shop. Registration with Greenwood Gardens is required for this trip. Please register below with Greenwood Gardens or call 973-258-4026. Cost: $15 per person Location: Greenwood Gardens, 274 Old Short Hills Road, Short Hills, NJ 07078 Website: greenwoodgardens.org REGISTER HERE
Tiny Tots – Fall 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 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! SCHEDULE: September 26th: Terrific Turtles October 3rd: Scales and Tales (Snakes) October 10th: What Lives Under a Log? Registration ends at 5 pm the day before each event! 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. ***Please note that Lorrimer's building facilities will be going under construction sometime during the fall and winter. If this leads to cancelled programming, we will refund your order completely and let you know as soon as possible about these cancellations.*** REGISTER HERE
Migration 101 Mini-Workshop
Cape May Point State Park - East Shelter NJ, United StatesAre you interested in uncovering the mysteries surrounding bird migration? Join our CMBO Interpretative Naturalists as they explain how birds of all shapes and sizes are able to complete their annual migrations, as well as why Cape May is one of the best places to witness this incredible natural phenomenon! Meets at the East Shelter, the picnic pavilion NEXT to the Hawkwatch Platform. NO preregistration required. Family-friendly COST: FREE Interested in becoming a member? Please click on the following link to learn more or join: Become a Member today!
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
NJ Audubon: Hawk Watches at Scherman Hoffman Observation Deck
New Jersey Audubon's Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary 11 Hardscrabble Road, Bernardsville, NJ, United StatesJoin our Naturalist on the observation deck for a bird’s eye view of fall migration. We'll be looking for migrating raptors and any passerines passing through. Marvel at the spectacular views of Broad-winged Hawk kettles as they fly over the sanctuary, Bald Eagles, and other raptors. Hawk Watches are scheduled for Thursdays, September 12, 19, and 26, and October 10, 17, 24, and 31 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Loaner binoculars will be available. Note: a hawk watch day will be cancelled if there is rain, snow, or weather warnings. Registration and fee are per date. You must pre-register for each date you wish to attend. Ticket sales ends at 4:00 PM on the day before each hawk watch. One person per ticket. 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! 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
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 warbler, vireos, sparrows, and so much more. If the winds are right, we could be awash with migrants! PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED. COST: $8 members, $12 nonmembers. SCHEDULE: Friday 09/13/24 - REGISTER HERE Friday 09/20/24 - REGISTER HERE Friday 09/27/24 - REGISTER HERE Friday 10/04/24 - REGISTER HERE Friday 10/11/24 - REGISTER HERE Friday 10/25/24 - REGISTER HERE 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.
Raptor Migration at its Best
Join CMBO Director Brett Ewald and CMBO Naturalists for this workshop. Bird the “raptor capital of North America” at the peak of diversity. Bird the “raptor capital of North America” at the peak of diversity, when falcons are zipping along the dunes, accipiters are flap, flap, flapping by, buteos are soaring overhead, and eagles are chasing Ospreys. Early October often produces flights in the thousands and is the peak time for Peregrine Falcons and others. It is a rare moment during October in Cape May when raptors are not in view and this concentration of birds should ensure that we almost always have something to look at. Learn how to tell buteos from accipiters, falcons from eagles, at the very edge of your eyesight or right overhead, and focus on tricky species-pairs, such as the many ways to tell Sharp-shinned from Cooper’s Hawks. We’ll visit areas around Cape May to make the most of your raptor watching on this “in the field” workshop. We’ll also be in a prime location to enjoy other migrants, such as shorebirds, late warblers, early sparrows, and more! 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 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: $100 members, $130 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
Half Day Fridays at Sandy Hook
Sandy Hook - Lot B Hartshorne Drive, Sandy Hook, NJ, United StatesEarly fall birding at the hook: we may encounter anything from shorebirds and terns to flycatchers, sparrows, and warblers. A wide variety of habitats ensure good bird diversity at one of the state’s best spots. Be prepared for 3-4 hours of walking over flat and sandy surfaces. Led by Carole Hughes, Jonathan Klizas, and Chris & Paula Williams. Location: Meet at Parking Lot B, about halfway down the lot by the bathrooms PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED COST: $25 Members, $30 Non-members REGISTER HERE
Cape May Songbird Stopover Project: Banding Demo
The Nature Conservancy's South Cape May Meadows 692 Sunset Blvd, Cape May, NJ, United StatesJoin the Cape May Songbird Stopover Project team as they walk you through the processes and procedures of songbird banding! Gain an understanding of the project while taking a closer look at how and why songbirds are being banded at the Nature Conservancy's South Cape May Meadows. Most importantly, learn how songbird banding is being utilized to inform decisions on conservation policy development, species conservation, and land stewardship initiatives. Preregistration is required. COST: General Admission $10 SCHEDULE: Friday 09/13/24 - REGISTER HERE Friday 09/20/24 - REGISTER HERE Friday 09/27/24 - REGISTER HERE Friday 10/04/24 - REGISTER HERE Friday 10/11/24 - REGISTER HERE Friday 11/01/24 - REGISTER HERE 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. 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.