Gulls Simplified

Gulls are an interesting lot; as a group they can be found on every continent around the world, yet there is a tendency for them to be, well, a little ‘samey’! In this workshop, we aim to spend time focusing on the four regular, wintering species in Cape May – Herring, Great Black-backed, Ring-billed and Bonaparte’s; in the process, we will practice “sifting flocks” for rarer gulls. Perhaps we’ll see an Iceland Gull or other unusual species, or perhaps the season’s first Laughing Gull will wend its way northward past us. As well as considering identification, we’ll also help to demystify the fancy terminology surrounding age, plumage and condition of molt, useful considerations when working through a seemingly bewildering group.

We don’t pre-set an itinerary but will explore those parts of Cape May County that regularly hold good numbers of gulls, such as Cape May Point, Cape May Harbor and the Cape May Ferry Terminal area. 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.

COST: $90 members, $120 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.

NEW JERSEY AUDUBON’S PROGRAM GUIDELINES:

Fully vaccinated people may attend outdoor programs without masks. If you are unvaccinated, please mask up. Please do not come to a program if you are sick, have a sick family member or have reason to believe you may have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus.

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