Wintering and Migrant Waterfowl

March is a wonderful time of year to seek out various species of waterfowl, as lingering winterers are joined by northbound migrants. We’ll seek out as many species as we can find across several locations, while taking time to study various identification clues: plumage, size & shape, flight characteristics, behavior, habitat preferences, and migration timing. Your guide, Tom Reed, serves as CMBO’s Migration Count Coordinator, is the editor of the Cape May County Annual Bird Report, and is excited to share his nearly unequaled knowledge of Cape May County and its birds. This birding break has something to offer birders of all skill and experience levels.

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 waterfowl. Final location decisions will be made by the leader based on local knowledge and conditions at the time. We may walk up to 2 miles, over generally level, sometimes muddy or sandy terrain.

PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED (walk-ups will not be permitted).

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 2.0 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.