Autumn 2018 - New Jersey Audubon Society€¦ · Most of our weekly walks involve walking a mile or more on varied terrain such as asphalt, boardwalk, gravel, beach, and dirt (sometimes

Autumn 2018Cape May Bird Observatory

Birds and Wildlife

www.BirdCapeMay.org

Cape May Bird Observatory 3 2 The Kestrel Express

2018 CAPE MAY SCHOOL OF BIRDING Fall Migration At Cape MayWith Louise Zemaitis • September 13-15

Falcon Fest And Hawks On HighWith Pete Dunne • September 29-30

Things That Go Seepin The Night!With Michael O’Brien • September 29-30

Monarchs On MigrationWith Mark Garland • October 2

Sparrow Sampler With Michael O’BrienOctober 13-14

Cape May With Everything On ItWith Louise ZemaitisOctober 15-16

Hawks In FlightWith Pete DunneOctober 17-18

PhotobirdingWith Scott WhittleOctober 22-23

www.birdcapemay.org – 609.400.3864

Birding and learning in

famous Cape May,

New Jersey

A Quarterly NewsletterPublished by New Jersey Audubon. All rights reserved.

Autumn Programs 2018 September - November 2018 • Volume 22, Number 4

CAPE MAY BIRD OBSERVATORY

Northwood CenterP.O. Box 3, 701 East Lake Drive

Cape May Point, NJ 08212Phone: 609.400.3868 • Fax: 609.884.6052

September-October: Open daily, 9:30am. - 4:30pmNovember: Wednesday-Monday, 9:30am. - 4:30pm

closed Tuesdays. Center for Research and Education

600 Route 47 NorthCape May Court House, NJ 08210

Phone: 609.246.3581 • Fax: 609.861.1651Store closed, trails open.

www.birdcapemay.org • www.njaudubon.orgwww.featheredgeoptics.org

HOLIDAY OBSERVANCES & CLOSURESBoth CMBO centers will be CLOSED Labor Day (Monday, September 3) and Thanksgiving Day

(Thursday, November 22).

OCTOBER 18 - 21, 2018FIELD TRIPS | PROGRAMS | WORKSHOPS

For more information, visitWWW.BIRDCAPEMAY.ORG WWW.NJAUDUBON.ORG

Cape May Fall Festival

SEE PAGE 14 FOR DETAILS


WEEKLY WALKS/ACTIVITIESThe following regularly scheduled programs, led by CMBO’s stellar Associate Naturalists and/or professional staff, meet at locations highlighted on the CMBO Bird and Butterfly Map of Cape May County (available at our stores, or downloadable from our website). Bring binoculars, field guides, bug repellent, sunscreen, and drinking water. Dress for prevailing weather and for protection from sun, heat, cold, wind, rain, and insects according to season. Note: Programs may be cancelled due to difficult/unsafe weather conditions.

NO PREREGISTRATION NECESSARYOn our regular weekly walks, children age 15 and younger are free. Although children accompanied by parents are always welcome, walks that are especially Family-friendly are noted.

Most of our weekly walks involve walking a mile or more on varied terrain such as asphalt, boardwalk, gravel, beach, and dirt (sometimes muddy) paths. For more information about accessibility for those with limited mobility, contact the Northwood Center at 609.400.3868.

Saturdays1 MORNING FLIGHT EXPERIENCESaturdays, September 8 to October 13For two hours after sunriseMeets at the observation tower on the jetty road at Higbee Beach. Join CMBO interpretive naturalists to experience and learn about the songbird morning flight that takes place during fall migration. Also offered on Sundays. No preregistration necessary. Cost: FREE.

2 FALL MIGRANTS AT THE REA FARMSaturdays, September 1 to November 17 (EXCEPT October 20) 7:30 am - 9:30 amMeets in The Beanery parking lot on Bayshore Road. NJ Audubon has leased the birding privileges on this working farm where the field edges regularly attract warblers, sparrows, and other fall migrants. It’s also a great place to see migrant raptors overhead. No preregistration necessary. Cost: $6 members, $10 nonmembers.

Autumn Programs 2018Season’s Passage Autumn 2018There are few places in the world that can boast the magnitude of autumn migration like Cape May. Couple that with a picturesque Victorian town perched on a gorgeous stretch of beach and you have a combo that is hard to beat! Here’s a little pro-tip from a local: the best beach month in Cape May is September! With less tourist traffic, the beaches become full of birds and the water is still gorgeous for a dip, so when you’re taking a swim, don’t be surprised at close encounters with a myriad of gulls and terns, evening passages of feeding Black Skimmers, and the occasional early Surf Scoter. Fall in Cape May is defined by wave after wave of migrating birds, and when the wind turns northwest any night from early August to the end of November, you can bet birds will be in Cape May by morning. It’s this dependability that makes Cape May one of the greatest migration hotspots in the world, and NJ Audubon’s Cape May Bird Observatory is your gateway to enjoying every bit of it! In your hands you hold the key to your adventure, so jump right in with one of our two-hour walks, a multi-day workshop, or plan your visit around our Cape May Fall Festival - So.Many.Birds! in October. No matter what you do, you’ll be in the capable hands of our fantastic Associate Naturalists or one of our world-renowned program leaders.

I’ll look for you on the Hawkwatch Platform…or if it’s warm out, in the surf at Cove Beach gawking at Black Skimmers!

Good Birding,

David La PumaDirector, New Jersey Audubon’s Cape May Bird Observatory

Become a New Jersey Audubon member and enjoy discounts on tours, events, and field trips at all New Jersey Audubon centers. Members also get a 10% discount at our Nature Stores (some exclusions apply). Optics and tripods are already at their lowest prices.


3 HAWK ID MINI-WORKSHOPSaturdays, September 8 to October 27 (EXCEPT October 20) 10:30 am - 11:30 amMeets at the East Shelter next to the Hawkwatch Platform at Cape May Point State Park. Join CMBO interpretive naturalists to learn how seasoned hawk watchers spot and identify these magnificent birds. Also offered on Fridays and Sundays. No preregistration necessary. Family-friendly. Cost: FREE.4 SEABIRD ID MINI-WORKSHOPSaturdays, September 29 to November 10 (EXCEPT October 20)2:00 pm - 3:00 pmMeets at the Avalon Seawatch location, on the beach between 8th and 9th St., at the north end of Avalon. Join CMBO interpretive naturalists for this outdoor workshop to witness the migration of scoters and other sea ducks, loons, cormorants and gannets. Bring binoculars, scope and tripod, if available. Dress in layers for wind, cold, or warm weather. Also offered on Sundays. No preregistration necessary. Cost: FREE.5 MONARCH TAGGING DEMOSaturdays, September 8 to October 13 (weather permitting) 2:00 pm - 2:45 pmMeets at the East Shelter next to the Hawkwatch Platform at Cape May Point State Park. Join CMBO Monarch Monitoring Project naturalists to learn about the Monarch butterflies that migrate through Cape May. You’ll learn how you can help with Monarch conservation. After the talk, watch as small tags are affixed to Monarchs to track their migration. Also offered on Fridays and Sundays. No preregistration necessary. Family-friendly. Cost: FREE.6 HAWKS, TRAILS AND BEACHSaturdays, September 1 to November 10(EXCEPT October 20) 3:00 pm - 5:00 pmMeets near the Hawkwatch Platform at Cape May Point State Park. The afternoon hawk flight is often strong, with lower birds punctuated by late day movements of falcons. Seabirds and shorebirds often pass or rest on the beach and passerines remain to be found on the trails. No preregistration necessary. Family-friendly. Cost: $6 members, $10 nonmembers.

Sundays7 SUNSET BEACH: A PLACE FOR ALL SEASONSSundays: September 9, October 7, & November 119:00 am - 11:00 amMeets at the parking lot behind the miniature golf course,

on the north side of Sunset Blvd. as you approach Sunset Beach. Part of the world-famous Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area, the Sunset Beach area hosts an array of birds, including sparrows, warblers, hawks, and waterbirds. This FREE walk is sponsored by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife.8 ABOVE PAR BIRDING AT COX HALL CREEKSundays, September 2 to November 11 (EXCEPT October 21) 7:30 am - 9:30 amMeets at the parking area at the west end of Shawmount Ave. (off Route 603 / Bayshore Road, south of Route 654 / Fulling Mill Road, 0.2 miles south of the Lower Township municipal buildings and library). Explore this former golf course, now a state wildlife management area, on easy-walking asphalt trails. Good for woodpeckers, grosbeaks, sparrows, warblers and other migrants. No preregistration necessary. Cost: $6 members, $10 nonmembers.9 MORNING FLIGHT EXPERIENCESundays, September 2 to October 14 For two hours after sunriseSee Saturday write-up for program details. Cost: FREE.10 HAWK ID MINI-WORKSHOPSundays, September 2 to October 28(EXCEPT October 21) 10:30 am - 11:30 amSee Saturday write-up for program details. Cost: FREE.11 SEABIRD ID MINI-WORKSHOPSundays, September 30 to November 11 (EXCEPT October 21) 2:00 pm - 3:00 pmSee Saturday write-up for program details. Cost: FREE.12 MONARCH TAGGING DEMOSundays, September 9 to October 14(weather permitting) 2:00 pm - 2:45 pmSee Saturday write-up for program details. Cost: FREE.

Mondays13 BIRDING THE MEADOWSMondays, September 3 to November 127:30 am - 9:30 amMeets at The Nature Conservancy’s South Cape May Meadows Preserve parking lot on Sunset Blvd. Expect herons, terns, migrant shorebirds, and ducks later in the season. No preregistration necessary. Family-friendly. Cost: $6 members, $10 nonmembers.


Tuesdays14 MIGRATION AT THE POINTTuesdays, September 4 to October 307:30 am - 9:30 amWith Program Director Brett Ewald and CMBO Naturalists. Meets at the outer parking lot at the entrance to Cape May Point State Park. With migration in full swing, every day sees new arrivals: seabirds, waterfowl, raptors, warblers, sparrows and more! No preregistration necessary. Cost: $6 members, $10 nonmembers.15 SUNSET BIRDING AT STONE HARBOR POINTTuesdays, September 4 to October 165:00 pm - dusk in September4:30 pm - dusk in OctoberMeets at the parking lot at the south end of 2nd Ave. in Stone Harbor. Enjoy shorebirds, waterbirds, raptors, Monarch butterflies and more. Note: Walking on sandy terrain. May visit Nummy Island and nearby sites. No preregistration necessary. Cost: $6 members, $10 nonmembers.

Wednesdays16 CAPE MAY’S WILD SIDE TROLLEY TOURWednesdays, September 5 to October 108:30 am - 10:30 amBeyond the charming Victorian homes and sandy beaches, Cape May is world famous for its birdwatching, Monarch migration, and natural history. Join Cape May Bird Observatory naturalists on a trolley tour to local “hotspots” (with exits at several spots), learning about the diversity, abundance (millions of birds pass through each year), geography, and extensive history of this amazing spectacle.Relax and be entertained in the birding capital of North America! Co-sponsored by New Jersey Audubon’s Cape May Bird Observatory and the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities. Tours leave from the Washington Street Mall Information Booth, where tickets may be purchased. For more information, call 609-884-5404 or visit www.capemaymac.org. Cost: $20 for adults and $15 for children (ages 3-12).17 TWILIGHT WALK AT THE MEADOWSWednesdays, September 5 to October 175:00 pm - dusk in September4:30 pm - dusk in OctoberMeets at The Nature Conservancy’s South Cape May Meadows Preserve parking lot on Sunset Blvd. The Meadows attracts herons, egrets, falcons, shorebirds and – rarely – even owls. No preregistration necessary. Cost: $6 members, $10 nonmembers.

Thursdays18 E-Z BIRDINGThursdays, September 6 to October 258:30 am - 10:30 amMeets near the Hawkwatch Platform at Cape May Point State Park. For beginning birders and anyone who wants to learn more about birds and how to find them. The park has a variety of habitats – woods, fields, ponds, dunes, and beach. Loaner binoculars are available. No preregistration necessary. Family-friendly. Cost: $6 members, $10 nonmembers.19 BREAK INTO BIRDING MINI-WORKSHOPThursdays, September 6 to October 251:00 pm - 3:00 pmWith Chuck Slugg. Meets at the Northwood Center in Cape May Point. Learn where to go to find birds and how to identify them. Discover how to get the most out of field guides and optics. For absolute beginners, backyard birders, and any birder who wants to improve their skills. Numbers limited, so please call 609.400.3864 to reserve a place. Family-friendly (recommended for age 12 and up). Cost: $15 members, $25 nonmembers (includes a $10 certificate towards membership).

Fridays20 HIGBEE BEACH BIRDINGFridays, September 7 to October 126:30 am - 8:30 am in September (NEW TIME)7:00 am - 9:00 am in OctoberWith David La Puma and CMBO naturalists. Meets at the parking lot at the west end of New England Road. Additional parking is available along New England Road before the parking lot entrance. If the winds are right, we could be awash with migrants; if not, we’ll have a good time anyway! No preregistration necessary. Cost: $6 members, $10 nonmembers.21 HAWK ID MINI-WORKSHOPFridays, September 7 to October 26(EXCEPT October 19) 10:30 am - 11:30 amSee Saturday write-up for program details. Cost: FREE22 MONARCH TAGGING DEMOFridays, September 7 to October 12(weather permitting) 2:00 pm - 2:45 pmSee Saturday write-up for program details. Cost: FREE23 A MEADOWS AFTERNOONFridays, September 7 to October 123:00 pm - 5:00 pmMeets at The Nature Conservancy’s South Cape May


Meadows Preserve parking lot on Sunset Blvd. Freshwater ponds attract migrant shorebirds and waterbirds. Timed to allow for an early dinner in one of Cape May’s many restaurants. No preregistration required. Family-friendly. Cost: $6 members, $10 nonmembers.

SPECIAL FIELD TRIPSPREREGISTRATION REQUIRED

Register online through our website www.birdcapemay.org. Please register early; group size is limited. For more information, contact the Program Registrar at [email protected] or by calling 609.400.3864.24 THINGS WITH WINGSMonday, September 24 1:00 pm - 4:00 pmWith Catherine Busch and CMBO Naturalists. Birds aren’t the only migrants in September—many butterflies and dragonflies are migrating too! We’ll visit several locations on Cape Island, some not usually visited on our regular walks, including the Garrett Family Preserve. Pollinator habitat will be discussed, and if some birds fly by, we’ll look at those too! Please plan to carpool and to walk some distances. Preregistration required. Cost: $15 members, $20 nonmembers.25 SO.MANY.SEABIRDS.Saturday, November 3 and 17 1:30 pm - 4:30 pmWith Program Director Brett Ewald and CMBO Naturalists. The fall migration of seabirds along the South Jersey coast is fascinating, inspiring, and sometimes overwhelming, as hundreds of thousands head south to wintering grounds. Join us for an afternoon of scoters, gannets, loons, grebes, cormorants, jaegers, and more – a chance to learn about and appreciate these amazing movements. We’ll concentrate our efforts around Stone Harbor and Avalon – taking it all in. Please plan to carpool and to walk some distances on sand. Preregistration required. Cost: $15 members, $20 nonmembers.26 BAYSHORE BIRDING AT ITS BESTSunday, November 4 10:00 am - 4:00 pmJoin Janet Crawford, Karen Johnson, and other CMBO naturalists on an exploration of the best birding sites in Cumberland County. The route will depend on the latest bird sightings, but our search for ducks, raptors and much more could include the following hotspots: East Point for migrant raptors and other birds; the “Bluffs” on the Maurice River; the Natural Lands Peek Preserve and other little-known spots in Cumberland County. Preregistration required. Cost: $24 members, $32 nonmembers.27 COASTAL BIRDING AT TWO MILEFriday, November 9 1:00 pm - 4:00 pmWith Catherine Busch and Barb Bassett. Come explore the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge’s Two Mile Beach Unit’s barrier island habitat where we’ll see shorebirds,

gulls, and waterfowl as well as offshore migrants such as Northern Gannett and scoters. We’ll walk the beach to the Cold Spring Jetty where we’ll look for Great Cormorant and Purple Sandpiper. We’ll also visit the duck blind to view the salt ponds for ducks and raptors. Preregistration required. Cost: $15 members, $20 nonmembers.28 BRIGANTINE AND MOTT’S CREEKSaturday, November 24 1:00 pm - 5:00 pmWith Janet Crawford, Karen Johnson, and CMBO Naturalists. Edwin B. Forsythe NWR is a great place to see ducks, Northern Harriers, Short-eared Owls, eagles and Rough- legged Hawks. After birding the refuge, the group will head to nearby Mott’s Creek for raptor watching. A refuge pass ($4; can be purchased that day), Golden Age Pass, or federal duck stamp will be required for each vehicle to enter the NWR. Preregistration required. Cost: $24 members, $32 nonmembers.

29 HARLEQUIN ROMANCESaturday, December 8 10:00 am - 4:00 pmWith Program Director Brett Ewald and CMBO naturalists. Harlequin Ducks and Purple Sandpipers are almost guaranteed on this trip to Barnegat Light State Park along with scoters, gulls, Northern Gannets and other winter specialties. This trip involves a long walk over sand and jetty, is often windy and cold, but always productive. Preregistration required. Cost: $24 members, $32 nonmembers.

CAPE MAY SCHOOL OF BIRDING WORKSHOPS

PREREGISTRATION REQUIREDRegister online through our website www.birdcapemay.org. Please register early; group size is limited. For more information, contact the Program Registrar at [email protected] or by calling 609.400.3864.

30 FALL MIGRATION AT CAPE MAYThursday-Saturday, September 13-157:00 am - 4:00 pmWith Louise Zemaitis. September straddles the migratory timetable; you're not too late for shorebirds, not too early for hawks, and right on time for warblers and other neotropical migrants. Indeed, it is the great variety of songbirds heading south during early September that will be the main target of this three-day birding workshop and we shall have ample opportunity to learn these birds both by sight and sound. Preregistration required. Cost: $225 members, $300 nonmembers.

31 FALCON FEST AND HAWKS ON HIGHSaturday-Sunday, September 29-308:00 am - 4:30 pm


34 SPARROW SAMPLERSaturday-Sunday, October 13-14 7:30 am - 4:00 pmWith Michael O’Brien. A workshop celebrating the ‘LBJs’ (little brown jobs). Subtle and cryptic they might be; difficult to identify they are not, providing you have the right instructor, in the right place at the right time. A time when lots of sparrows and lots of species abound. Common species like Swamp, Field, Savannah and Chipping. Uncommon ones like Clay-colored, Vesper, Lincoln’s, Nelson’s and Saltmarsh. Learn the basics of size, shape and behavior first, then practice examining plumage patterns to discover how stunning sparrows can be. Preregistration required. Cost: $150 members, $200 nonmembers.

35 CAPE MAY WITH EVERYTHING ON ITMonday-Tuesday, October 15-16 7:30 am - 4:00 pmWith Louise Zemaitis. Mid-October is the time the local birders wait for; the most massive fallouts of the season commonly occur NOW! Sparrows, kinglets, bluebirds, American Robin, Hermit Thrush, and literally who knows what else, since this week generally starts the season for vagrants in Cape May. It's also a great time for big raptors like buteos and Golden Eagle, while seabird flights pass Avalon and Cape May Point nearly every day. Cost: $150 members, $200 nonmembers.

36 HAWKS IN FLIGHTWednesday-Thursday, October 17-188:00 am - 4:00 pmWith Pete Dunne. At fifteen raptor species, this is the time of peak raptor diversity in Cape May. Perhaps including bonus birds like Golden Eagles and Swainson's Hawk! It is a rare moment during late October in Cape May when something raptorial is not in view. Learn how to tell buteos from accipiters from falcons from eagles at the very edge of eyesight. Pete Dunne co-wrote the book that is the title of this workshop, and the only thing he enjoys more than watching hawks is imparting the knowledge he has accumulated during his 15,000 hawk watching hours. Preregistration required. Cost: $150 members, $200 nonmembers.

37 PHOTOBIRDINGMonday-Tuesday, October 22-23 8:00 am - 4:30 pm With Scott Whittle. Accelerate your bird identification skills while learning how to photograph birds in Cape May. Photography can be an excellent tool for identification, as well as a way to convey the beauty of our experiences in the natural world. Professional photographer Scott Whittle will help you move toward your photographic goals in this workshop, with a focus on using the camera to look more closely at what we see. Preregistration required. Cost: $150 members, $200 nonmembers.

With Pete Dunne. Bird Cape May at the peak time for raptor diversity, with experts who know identification tips unavailable anywhere else! This workshop will be "just birding," no indoor workshop time (unless severe weather dictates otherwise). Expect many falcons (including Peregrines), plus accipiters, buteos, harriers, ospreys and eagles. Though our aim will be to study and appreciate the sometimes spectacular passage of falcon species through Cape May at this time of year, we shall be in a prime location to enjoy other migrants too, and depending on the conditions, we may also seek shorebirds, late warblers, early sparrows, and more. Preregistration required. Cost: $150 members, $200 nonmembers.32 THINGS THAT GO SEEP IN THE NIGHT! (2 HALF-DAYS) SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 292:00 pm - 4:30 pm & 10:00 pm - midnightSUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 5:00 am - 6:30 amWith Michael O’Brien. Experience the cutting edge of birding! Birds don't sing much in the fall - but they sure do call. Chip notes, flight notes, and critical listening are the primary subjects of this workshop, led by the man who wrote the book (well, maybe the CD-ROM) on flight calls. Includes optional nighttime listening for nocturnal migrants. Learn to dissect a single note determining whether it rises or falls and is clear or burry. This workshop is spread over two half-days to allow us to be in the field at the best time of day; it includes an evening session to study nocturnal migrants, followed by an early morning listening session the next day - the perfect way to learn the subject! Preregistration required. Cost: $90 members, $120 nonmembers.33 MONARCHS ON MIGRATIONTuesday, October 2 9:30 am - 5:30 pmWith Mark Garland. Learn about the biology of the monarch butterfly and spend a day in the field with the Director of the CMBO Monarch Monitoring Project. Visit gardens and other natural areas around Cape May Point to watch monarch behavior and see the principles of butterfly gardening in action. Learn how to safely handle and tag monarchs, and also learn methods for conducting field research into these migratory insects. Visit the CMBO Northwood Center to see the terraria where monarch caterpillars and chrysalides are on display, and learn about the proper husbandry of such displays. We will take time to identify many other butterflies that can be found at this season in Cape May Point, and we’ll identify a few of the migrant birds that are sure to be around, but the primary focus will be on monarch biology. There will be a short indoor illustrated talk on monarchs, but most of the day will be in the field in Cape May Point. Preregistration required. Cost: $90 members, $120 nonmembers.


40 FALL MIGRATION CRUISESaturday, September 8 & Saturday, October 6 1:30 pm - 5:00 pm Join CMBO naturalists to cruise through nearly inaccessible back-bay marshes from Cape May to Stone Harbor. This trip will be by boat (beginning and ending at Cape May) through protected back-bay waters where we will enjoy a great variety of waterbirds and raptors. See previous listing for details and reservation information. Cost: $38 members, $48 non-members.41 BIRDING BY KAYAKThrough October, we offer two-hour, guided kayak tours into the quiet back bay marshes of Cape May and up close and personal with birds and other wildlife. For full details of rates, times and other information, call The Osprey on 609-898-3500 and ask about the Birding by Kayak program.

SEASONAL RESEARCH42 CAPE MAY HAWKWATCH (SPONSORED BY SWAROVSKI OPTIK) September 1 to November 30Join the CMBO official hawk counter and interpretive naturalists at the Hawkwatch Platform at Cape May Point State Park to witness one of the greatest hawk migrations in North America. Flights totaling more than 1,000 hawks per day occur several times each autumn. Note: a formal program is offered here most Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; see daily listings for details. The Hawkwatch is a partnership project with the NJ Division of Parks and Forestry. No preregistration, just drop by.43 SONGBIRD MORNING FLIGHT PROJECT (SPONSORED BY SWAROVSKI OPTIK) August 1 to November 15Beginning at sunrise migrant songbirds move past the northwest corner of Cape Island every morning in the fall. The flight can end abruptly two hours after sunrise or continue into the afternoon. Peak days tally tens of thousands of birds! Join other viewers at the observation tower on the jetty road at Higbee Beach. Note: a formal program is offered here some Saturdays and Sundays; see daily listings for details. No pre-registration, just drop by.44 AVALON SEAWATCH (SPONSORED BY SWAROVSKI OPTIK) September 22 to December 22Witness amazing numbers of migrating scoters, loons, cormorants, gannets and more. Peak daily numbers can exceed 50,000. Located at the north end of Avalon, beachside between 8th Street (the Jetty) and 9th Street, it includes a visitor’s blind built by our partners the Borough of Avalon! No preregistration, just drop by.

SPECIAL EVENTS38 CAPE MAY FALL FESTIVAL Thursday, October 18 to Sunday, October 21We are looking forward to another incredible Cape May Fall Festival with So.Many.Birds! Our Friday evening speaker is Dr. J. Drew Lanham, who will present Ornitherapy - Confessions of a Lapsed Lister and a Life Saved by Birds - a medley that blends natural history, travelogue adventure and social commentary.On Saturday night, we will host Dr. Merlin Tuttle, a world-renowned bat expert. If you'd like to learnabout these fascinating creatures, ranging from cute as a panda to strange as a dinosaur, you won’t want to miss Dr. Merlin Tuttle’s talk, “The Incredible World of Bats.” Dr. Tuttle has studied and photographed bats for more than 50 years, including hundreds of species, from beautiful to bizarre. To see his photographs and learn of his current work, go to MerlinTuttle.org.We’ll have our regular full schedule of walks, talks, trolley trips, Thursday Evening Kick-off Party, and the fabulous Trip to the Rips. When you’re not birding with our outstanding staff and Associate Naturalists, you’ll want to make your way over to Cape May Convention Hall. In addition to artists, craftspeople, publishers, retailers, optics companies, silent auction and more, we’ll welcome Nature Nick’s Animal Adventures. Register online at www.birdcapemay.org or call Deb Shaw at 609-400-3836. Preregistration is required and some events have limited capacity, so sign up early.

BOAT TRIPS39 BACK BAY BIRDING BY BOAT ON THE OSPREYSaturdays, September 1 to November 10(EXCEPT October 20) 10:00 am - 12:30 pmSundays, September 2 to November 11(EXCEPT October 21) & Mondays, September 3 to October 29 10:00 am - 1:00 pmJoin Capt. Bob & the naturalists and crew of The Osprey to explore Cape May Harbor and the coastal wetlands. See nesting Osprey, migrating shorebirds, herons and egrets, raptors, waterfowl, and the elusive clapper rail. 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.birdingbyboat.com or call The Osprey at 609.898.3500. All trips depart from the Miss Chris Marina, 1212 Wilson Drive, Cape May. Free parking. Family-friendly.Cost: $30 members, $35 nonmembers (Saturdays)$35 members, $40 nonmembers (Sundays, Mondays)


2018 Business PartnershipsThis listing highlights the businesses that support our organization at the Partner level. Visit our website at www.birdcapemay.org for a complete list.Please let these businesses know that you appreciate their support of the Cape May Bird Observatory. Many of them offer discounts to current NJ Audubon/ CMBO members. So keep your card handy when you visit! Enjoy Cape May!BIRDING BY BOAT – THE OSPREYMiss Chris Marina 1212 Wilson Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204609-898-3500 • www.birdingbyboat.comCOASTLINE REALTY LLC941 Columbia Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204609-884-5005 • www.coastlinerealty.comFINS BAR & GRILLE142 Decatur Street Washington Street MallCape May, NJ 08204609-884-3449 • www.finscapemay.comTHE GRAND HOTEL1045 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204609-884-5611/800-257-8550 www.grandcapemay.comHYLAND MOTOR INN38 East Mechanic StreetCape May Court House, NJ 08210609-465-7305 • www.hylandmotorinn.comMAD BATTER RESTAURANTat the Carroll Villa Hotel19 Jackson St., Cape May, NJ 08204609-884-5970 • www.carrollvilla.comMONTREAL BEACH RESORTBeach & Madison Avenues, Cape May, NJ 08204609-884-7011 • www.montrealbeachresort.comTHE RUSTY NAIL/BEACH SHACK205 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204609-884-0017 • www.caperesorts.comSALT MARSH SAFARI – THE SKIMMERCape May Inlet Marina1001 Ocean Drive, Wildwood Crest, NJ 08260609-884-3100 • www.skimmer.comSEA CREST INN101 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204609-884-4561 • www.seacrestinn.comSUNSET LIQUORS106 Sunset Boulevard, Cape May, NJ 08204609-435-5052 • www.sunsetliquorsnj.comWEST CAPE MOTEL307 Sunset Boulevard, Cape May, NJ 08204609-884-4280 • www.westcapemotel.comTHE WILDLIFE GARDENER795 Goshen Road, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210 609-536-8036 • www.njwildlifegardener.com

45 MONARCH MONITORING PROJECT DROP-IN September 10 through October 25Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays only1:00 pm - 1:30 pmStop by Triangle Park, at Lighthouse and Coral Avenues in Cape May Point to learn about the Monarch Monitoring Project. The team may be tagging monarchs, tending to the gardens that support the monarchs, or engaged in other project activity. No reservations needed for this free program, but contributions to the Monarch Monitoring Project are welcome.

CMBO PERENNIALSWANTED: USED (AND NOT-SO-USED) BOOKSClean your shelves and help fill ours for a good cause! Birding, butterflies, nature, gardening for wildlife (no magazines or periodicals, please). Bring donations to the Northwood Center and check out our used books section.SEVEN POINT BINO-CHECKSince optics are the primary tools for enjoying bird life, it is important to keep them in top working condition. Stop at the Northwood Center during business hours to have your binocular performance evaluated. Limited availability at peak visitation times. Cost: FREE

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIESYOU AND YOUR TIME ARE VALUABLE TO US!

Associate Naturalists and Field Trip Assistants: Most of our programs are led by volunteers. If you are a good birder/naturalist and have excellent people skills, contact Program Director Brett Ewald, [email protected] Store Volunteers: Friendly people needed to greet visitors, answer phones, provide information and process sales. Contact Brian Moscatello, [email protected] Habitat Garden Care: Are you a gardener? Do you possess one of those proverbial green thumbs? Backyard Habitat at CMBO in Goshen needs your care and attention. Contact Deb Shaw, [email protected] Outreach Events: Contact Deb Shaw, [email protected].

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16 WILD SIDE TROLLEY TOUR 8:30-10:30am17 TWILIGHT WALK 5:00pm-dusk


14 MIGRATION @ THE POINT 7:30-9:30am15 SUNSET BIRDING 5:00pm-dusk



13 BIRDING THE MEADOWS 7:30-9:30am39 BACK BAY BIRDING 10:00am-1:00pm


13 BIRDING THE MEADOWS 7:30-9:30am24 THINGS WITH WINGS 1:00-4:00pm39 BACK BAY BIRDING 10:00am-1:00pm

7 SUNSET BEACH 9:00-11:00am8 ABOVE PAR BIRDING 7:30-9:30am9 MORNING FLIGHT EXPERIENCE

two hours after sunrise10 HAWK ID MINI-WKSHP 10:30-11:30am12 MONARCH TAGGING 2:00-2:45pm39 BACK BAY BIRDING 10:00am-1:00pm

8 ABOVE PAR BIRDING 7:30-9:30am9 MORNING FLIGHT EXPERIENCE

two hours after sunrise10 HAWK ID MINI-WKSHP 10:30-11:30am12 MONARCH TAGGING 2:00-2:45pm39 BACK BAY BIRDING 10:00am-1:00pm

8 ABOVE PAR BIRDING 7:30-9:30am | both

9 MORNING FLIGHT EXPERIENCE two hours after sunrise | both

10 HAWK ID MINI-WKSHP 10:30-11:30am | both

11 SEABIRD MINI-WORKSHOP 2:00-3:00pm | 30th

12 MONARCH TAGGING 2:00-2:45pm | both

31 FALCON FEST & HAWKS ON HIGH8:00am-4:30pm | 30th

32 THINGS THAT GO SEEP IN THE NIGHT! 5:00am-6:30am | 30th

39 BACK BAY BIRDING 10:00am-1:00pm | both

18 E-Z BIRDING 8:30-10:30am19 BREAK INTO BIRDING 1:00-3:00pm30 FALL MIGRATION 7:00am-4:00pm

18 E-Z BIRDING 8:30-10:30am19 BREAK INTO BIRDING 1:00-3:00pm

20 HIGBEE BEACH BIRDING 6:30-8:30am21 HAWK ID MINI-WKSHP 10:30-11:30am22 MONARCH TAGGING 2:00-2:45pm23 A MEADOWS AFTERNOON 3:00-5:00pm30 FALL MIGRATION 7:00am-4:00pm

20 HIGBEE BEACH BIRDING 6:30-8:30am21 HAWK ID MINI-WKSHP 10:30-11:30am22 MONARCH TAGGING 2:00-2:45pm23 A MEADOWS AFTERNOON 3:00-5:00pm


1 MORNING FLIGHT EXPERIENCE two hours after sunrise

2 FALL MIGRANTS: REA FARM 7:30-9:30am3 HAWK ID MINI-WKSHP 10:30-11:30am5 MONARCH TAGGING 2:00-2:45pm6 HAWKS, TRAILS & BEACH 3:00-5:00pm30 FALL MIGRATION 7:00am-4:00pm39 BACK BAY BIRDING 10:00am-12:30pm


2 FALL MIGRANTS: REA FARM 7:30-9:30am3 HAWK ID MINI-WKSHP 10:30-11:30am5 MONARCH TAGGING 2:00-2:45pm6 HAWKS, TRAILS & BEACH 3:00-5:00pm39 BACK BAY BIRDING 10:00am-12:30pm


2 FALL MIGRANTS: REA FARM 7:30-9:30am3 HAWK ID MINI-WKSHP 10:30-11:30am4 SEABIRD ID MINI-WKSHP 2:00-3:00pm5 MONARCH TAGGING 2:00-2:45pm6 HAWKS, TRAILS & BEACH 3:00-5:00pm31 FALCON FEST & HAWKS ON HIGH

8:00am-4:30pm32 THINGS THAT GO SEEP IN THE NIGHT!

2:00-4:30pm & 10:00pm - midnight39 BACK BAY BIRDING 10:00am-12:30pm



Numbers next to events on calendar correspond to event numbers in text. Ex.0

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1

3 4 5 6 7 82

SEPTEMBER 2018




LABOR DAY Both CMBO Centers Closed


two hours after sunrise10 HAWK ID MINI-WKSHP 10:30-11:30am39 BACK BAY BIRDING 10:00am-1:00pm



2 FALL MIGRANTS: REA FARM 7:30-9:30am6 HAWKS, TRAILS & BEACH 3:00-5:00pm39 BACK BAY BIRDING 10:00am-12:30pm


2 FALL MIGRANTS: REA FARM 7:30-9:30am3 HAWK ID MINI-WKSHP 10:30-11:30am5 MONARCH TAGGING 2:00-2:45pm6 HAWKS, TRAILS & BEACH 3:00-5:00pm39 BACK BAY BIRDING 10:00am-12:30pm40 FALL MIGRATION CRUISE 1:30-5:00pm

29

Sponsored by SWAROVSKI OPTIK:42 CAPE MAY HAWKWATCH August 1 to November 3043 SONGBIRD MORNING FLIGHT PROJECT August 1 to November 15 44 AVALON SEAWATCH September 22 to December 2245 MONARCH MONITORING PROJECT DROP-IN September 10 through October 25

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays only, 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Cape M


20 The K

estrel Express

28

15 1614

22 2321

29 30 31

17 18 19 20

24 25 26 27

17 TWILIGHT WALK 4:30pm-dusk36 HAWKS IN FLIGHT 8:00am-4:30pm

14 MIGRATION @ THE POINT 7:30-9:30am15 SUNSET BIRDING 4:30pm-dusk35 CAPE MAY WITH EVERYTHING ON IT

7:30am-4:00pm

14 MIGRATION @ THE POINT 7:30-9:30am37 PHOTOBIRDING 8:00am-4:30pm

14 MIGRATION @ THE POINT 7:30-9:30am

13 BIRDING THE MEADOWS 7:30-9:30am35 CAPE MAY WITH EVERYTHING ON IT

7:30am-4:00pm39 BACK BAY BIRDING 10:00am-1:00pm

13 BIRDING THE MEADOWS 7:30-9:30am37 PHOTOBIRDING 8:00am-4:30pm39 BACK BAY BIRDING 10:00am-1:00pm



two hours after sunrise10 HAWK ID MINI-WKSHP 10:30-11:30am11 SEABIRD ID MINI-WKSHP 2:00-3:00pm12 MONARCH TAGGING 2:00-2:45pm34 SPARROW SAMPLER 7:30am-4:30pm39 BACK BAY BIRDING 10:00am-1:00pm

38 CAPE MAY FALL FESTIVAL

8 ABOVE PAR BIRDING 7:30-9:30am10 HAWK ID MINI-WKSHP 10:30-11:30am11 SEABIRD ID MINI-WKSHP 2:00-3:00pm39 BACK BAY BIRDING 10:00am-1:00pm

18 E-Z BIRDING 8:30-10:30am19 BREAK INTO BIRDING 1:00-3:00pm36 HAWKS IN FLIGHT 8:00am-4:30pm38 CAPE MAY FALL FESTIVAL



21 HAWK ID MINI-WKSHP 10:30-11:30am


2 FALL MIGRANTS: REA FARM 7:30-9:30am3 HAWK ID MINI-WKSHP 10:30-11:30am4 SEABIRD ID MINI-WKSHP 2:00-3:00pm6 HAWKS, TRAILS AND BEACH 3:00-5:00pm

39 BACK BAY BIRDING 10:00am-12:30pm


SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY

8 97

OCTOBER 2018

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

6

10 11 12 13



14 MIGRATION @ THE POINT 7:30-9:30am15 SUNSET BIRDING 4:30pm-dusk33 MONARCHS ON MIGRATION

9:30am-5:30pm




7 SUNSET BEACH 9:00-11:00am8 ABOVE PAR BIRDING 7:30-9:30am9 MORNING FLIGHT EXPERIENCE

two hours after sunrise10 HAWK ID MINI-WKSHP 10:30-11:30am11 SEABIRD ID MINI-WKSHP 2:00-3:00pm12 MONARCH TAGGING 2:00-2:45pm39 BACK BAY BIRDING 10:00am-1:00pm






2 FALL MIGRANTS: REA FARM 7:30-9:30am3 HAWK ID MINI-WKSHP 10:30-11:30am4 SEABIRD ID MINI-WKSHP 2:00-3:00pm5 MONARCH TAGGING 2:00-2:45pm6 HAWKS, TRAILS & BEACH 3:00-5:00pm39 BACK BAY BIRDING 10:00am-12:30pm40 FALL MIGRATION CRUISE 1:30-5:00pm


2 FALL MIGRANTS: REA FARM 7:30-9:30am3 HAWK ID MINI-WKSHP 10:30-11:30am4 SEABIRD ID MINI-WKSHP 2:00-3:00pm5 MONARCH TAGGING 2:00-2:45pm6 HAWKS, TRAILS & BEACH 3:00-5:00pm34 SPARROW SAMPLER 7:30am-4:30pm39 BACK BAY BIRDING 10:00am-12:30pm

1 2 3 4 5

Cape M


22 The K

estrel Express

25

12 1311

19 2018

26 27 28

14 15 16 17

21 22 23 24

13 BIRDING THE MEADOWS 7:30-9:30am7 SUNSET BEACH 9:00-11:00am8 ABOVE PAR BIRDING 7:30-9:30am11 SEABIRD ID MINI-WKSHP 2:00-3:00pm39 BACK BAY BIRDING 10:00am-1:00pm

2 FALL MIGRANTS: REA FARM 7:30-9:30am25 SO.MANY.SEABIRDS. 1:30-4:30pm

28 BRIGANTINE & MOTT’S CREEK1:00-5:00pm

29


SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY

5 64

NOVEMBER 2018

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

3

7 8 9 10

1 2

13 BIRDING THE MEADOWS 7:30-9:30am8 ABOVE PAR BIRDING 7:30-9:30am11 SEABIRD ID MINI-WKSHP 2:00-3:00pm26 BAYSHORE BIRDING AT ITS BEST

10:00am-4:00pm39 BACK BAY BIRDING 10:00am-1:00pm

27 COASTAL BIRDING AT TWO MILE 1:00-4:00pm

2 FALL MIGRANTS: REA FARM 7:30-9:30am4 SEABIRD ID MINI-WKSHP 2:00-3:00pm6 HAWKS, TRAILS & BEACH 3:00-5:00pm25 SO.MANY.SEABIRDS. 1:30-4:30pm39 BACK BAY BIRDING 10:00am-12:30pm

2 FALL MIGRANTS: REA FARM 7:30-9:30am4 SEABIRD ID MINI-WKSHP 2:00-3:00pm6 HAWKS, TRAILS & BEACH 3:00-5:00pm39 BACK BAY BIRDING 10:00am-12:30pm

30

Coming in December: 29 HARLEQUIN ROMANCE Saturday, December 8, 10:00am-4:00pm

Documents

Autumn 2018 - New Jersey Audubon Society€¦ · Most of our weekly walks involve walking a mile or more on varied terrain such as asphalt, boardwalk, gravel, beach, and dirt (sometimes