Join CMBO Naturalists to explore Edwin B. Forsythe NWR where ducks will be massing, and raptors will be hunting! January is a great month to visit coastal South Jersey. Ducks and geese will be massed on the back bays and saltmarshes and it’s the best 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 Rough-legged Hawk. We will aim to spend much of our time at Brigantine, where the managed impoundments provide ideal wintering habitat for wetland birds, then later move on to Mott’s Creek, a regular - though not guaranteed - site for wintering Short-eared Owls. 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: $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. ACCOMMODATIONS: For those of you traveling from further afield and looking for somewhere to stay, please take a look at our list of Business Supporters of the Cape May Bird Observatory below: Carroll Villa Hotel-Mad Batter Restaurant – Carroll Villa Hotel-Mad Batter Restaurant West Cape Motel – West Cape Motel Coastline Realty – Coastline Realty Periwinkle Inn - Periwinkle Inn The Jetty Motel Mt. Vernon Motel The Views at Cove Beach Avondale by the Sea Capri Motor Inn Cape May is a popular place, so we suggest making reservations as early as possible. Accommodations are the responsibility of participants and are not included in the price. 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 […]