33rd Annual Cape May Spring Weekend
May 21 - 23, 2010
Congregate. . .
. . .Where the Birds Migrate
MIGRATION MAINLINE - CAPE MAY, NJ
Celebrate spring and enjoy a weekend in North America's world famous bird watching destination where there is something for everyone, from the novice to the seasoned naturalist, with three days of field trips, variety of boat trips, workshops, and programs.
Field Trips - Friendly and easy-paced trips to Cape May's birding hotspots led by North America's finest naturalists. Weekend bird checklist can tally close to 200 species.
Workshops & Programs - Indoor programs, workshops, and field workshops covering species identification, beginning and intermediate birding, gardening for wildlife, butterflies, how to choose binoculars and spotting scopes, and more.
Salt Marsh Eco Tour - Explore Cape May’s coastal waters aboard The Osprey with naturalist Captain David Githens. Combine birding, ecology of the tideline, Cape May history, and fun! Excellent views of many species unique to the salt marsh, including Osprey, herons, egrets, oystercatchers, shorebirds, and possibly rails. ▲Additional cost; registration required.
Mini-Pelagic aboard the Cape May Lewes Ferry - A ½ day round trip excursion across the Delaware Bay in search of gannets, a variety of gulls and terns, lingering scoters and loons, and the possibility of jaegers, petrels or shearwaters. ▲Additional cost; registration required.
Cruising Cape Island Creek - Kayak along Cape Island Creek with experienced naturalists for up close looks at Osprey, egrets, and other marine life. Single and double kayaks provided for a fun, safe adventure. No experience or equipment needed. ▲Additional cost; registration required.
Pedaling Ponderlodge - Bring your bicycle (thin tires are not recommended), helmet & binoculars for an easy paced ride through Villas Wildlife Management Area (formerly Ponderlodge Golf Course) on paved paths winding through former fairways. ▲No additional cost but registration required.
Biking Belleplain - Bring your bicycle (thin tires are not recommended), helmet & binoculars for an easy paced ride along paved roads through Belleplain State Forest. ▲No additional cost but registration required.
GRAND OPENING • Sluice Creek Art GalleryCelebrating the Natural World
CMBO's Center for Research and Education
Thursday evening, May 20 from 7 to 9 PM
featuring over 30 South Jersey artists
EVENING PROGRAMS*
featuring
Dr. David Mizrahi
Pete Dunne
Friday Evening Program
Dr. David Mizrahi
Extreme Globe Trotters:
The Extraordinary Migrations of Shorebirds
Learn about the extreme migrations of shorebirds and how this and other factors make them highly vulnerable. New Jersey Audubon's Vice President of Research, Dr. David Mizrahi, will also talk about the current efforts to conserve populations at risk.
Saturday Evening Program
Pete Dunne
Bayshore Summer
Between the tide and the pines lies New Jersey's forgotten shore - a land of Black Duck and blue mud; salt hay famers and tenth generation watermen. Visitors skirt it. Most New Jersey residents don't know it exists. The natural and cultural heritage of the Delaware Bayshore is as rich as it is unheralded. Enjoy, while author Pete Dunne, shares many of those secrets tonight. (Bayshore Summer, the 2nd of Pete Dunne's Season Series and is available at CMBO).
*Evening Programs are not available separately; you must be registered for dinner in order to attend the evening program.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Registration is required to participate in any weekend activities. We offer several packages but individual walks/activities are not available. Participants may choose any activities they wish for the period they are registered; however, any activity marked▲requires additional registration. A packet containing a detailed schedule of events, map, admission tags and tickets will be mailed to all registrants. All transportation throughout the weekend is the responsibility of the participant.
The WEEKEND REGISTRATION FORM is now available in pdf
format. It can be completed online and you
may print, and mail or fax (609.861.1651) with your payment. No registrations will be accepted
without payment in full. If you are unable to download the form, please call (609.861.0700 or 609.884.2736) and asked to be mailed a Spring Weekend brochure (available late March).
Advance registrations will be accepted until May 5, 2010. You may also register in person during the event at the New Jersey Audubon desk in the lobby of the Grand Hotel in Cape May. Event organizers reserve the right to cancel or substitute activities when necessary.
LODGING IS NOT INCLUDED with Spring Weekend registration. The Grand Hotel is offering special rates for our festival registrants using Group Code 116176 (follow this direct link to hotel reservation page). If you cannot access The Grand Hotel's reservations page, please call them directly (609.884.5611 or toll free 800.257.8550).
WEEKEND ACTIVITIES
This is a PRELIMINARY schedule. The detailed schedule of events with
exact activities, times, and meeting places will be mailed to registered participants.
Friday, MAY 21
7:30 AM - 9:30 AM |
FIELD TRIP |
Cape May Point State Park |
7:30 AM - 9:30 AM |
FIELD TRIP |
Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge |
7:30 AM - 9:30 AM |
FIELD TRIP |
Higbee Beach |
7:30 AM - 9:30 AM |
FIELD TRIP |
Rea Farm |
7:30 AM - 10:30 AM |
FIELD TRIP |
Belleplain State Forest |
8:00 AM - 10:30 AM |
FIELD TRIP |
Peaslee Wildlife Management Area |
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM |
PROGRAM |
Shorebirds & Horseshoe Crabs with John Heuges |
10:00 AM - Noon |
FIELD TRIP |
Cape May Point State Park |
10:00 AM - Noon |
FIELD TRIP |
Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge |
10:00 AM - Noon |
FIELD TRIP |
Higbee Beach |
10:00 AM - Noon |
FIELD TRIP |
Rea Farm |
11:00 AM - Noon |
WORKSHOP |
Selecting A Spotting Scope |
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM |
FIELD TRIP |
Jakes Landing for Rails & Raptors |
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM |
FIELD TRIP |
Up Close with Shorebirds & Horseshoe Crabs |
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM |
BOAT TRIP▲ |
Salt Marsh Eco-Tour |
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM |
WORKSHOP |
Options for Optics, What Binoculars to Choose |
1:30 PM - 2:15 PM |
PROGRAM |
10 Simple Things to Make Bird Watching More Fun with Don Freiday |
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM |
FIELD TRIP |
Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge |
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM |
FIELD WORKSHOP |
Cape May Peninsula Shorebirds by Impression with Kevin Karlson |
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM |
PROGRAM |
Discover New Jersey’s Highlands with Rick Radis |
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM |
FIELD TRIP |
Lake Lily |
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM |
PROGRAM |
How to Create a Butterfly & Hummingbird Garden with Patricia Sutton |
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM |
FIELD TRIP |
Stone Harbor Point |
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM |
BOAT TRIP ▲ |
Cruising Cape Island Creek Kayak Trip |
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM |
PROGRAM |
Pete Dunne on Bird Watching |
3:00 PM - 3:45 PM |
PROGRAM |
Fresh Water Fish of NJ with Patrick Scheuer |
4:00 PM - 4:45 PM |
PROGRAM |
Birds on the Beach with Don Freiday |
4:00 PM - 4:45 PM |
PROGRAM |
The Art of Pishing with Pete Dunne |
Saturday, MAY 22
7:30 AM - 9:30 AM |
FIELD TRIP |
Cape May Point State Park |
7:30 AM - 9:30 AM |
FIELD TRIP |
Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge |
7:30 AM - 9:30 AM |
FIELD TRIP |
Higbee Beach |
7:30 AM - 9:30 AM |
FIELD TRIP |
Rea Farm |
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM |
PROGRAM |
Shorebirds & Horseshoe Crabs with John Heuges |
10:00 AM - Noon |
FIELD TRIP |
Cape May Point State Park |
10:00 AM - Noon |
FIELD TRIP |
Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge |
10:00 AM - Noon |
FIELD TRIP |
Higbee Beach |
10:00 AM - Noon |
FIELD TRIP |
Rea Farm |
10:00 AM - Noon |
FIELD TRIP▲ |
Pedaling Ponderlodge |
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM |
BOAT TRIP ▲ |
Salt Marsh Eco Tour |
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM |
PROGRAM |
Discover New Jersey’s Pine Barrens with Rick Radis |
10:30 AM - 2:30 PM |
BOAT TRIP▲ |
Cape May Lewes Ferry Mini-Pelagic |
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM |
PROGRAM |
Not All Grasslands Are Created Equal with Beth Ciuzio |
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM |
WORKSHOP |
Selecting A Spotting Scope |
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM |
WORKSHOP |
Intermediate Birding with Vince Elia |
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM |
FIELD TRIP |
Up Close with Shorebirds & Horseshoe Crabs |
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM |
FIELD TRIP |
Pine Barrens of Belleplain State Forest with Rick Radis |
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM |
WORKSHOP |
Cape May Peninsula Shorebirds by Impression with Kevin Karlson |
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM |
FIELD TRIP |
Stone Harbor Point |
1:30 PM - 4:00 PM |
BOAT TRIP ▲ |
Salt Marsh Eco Tour |
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM |
PROGRAM |
Warbler Identification with Louise Zemaitis |
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM |
WORKSHOP |
Options for Optics, What Binoculars to Choose |
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM |
BOAT TRIP ▲ |
Cruising Cape Island Creek Kayak Trip |
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM |
FIELD TRIP |
Intermediate Birding with Vince Elia |
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM |
WORKSHOP |
Birding by Ear with Michael O’Brien |
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM |
PROGRAM |
Birds and Birding at Cape May with Pat & Clay Sutton |
BOOKSIGNING - Saturday, May 22 -
5 PM - 6 PM
Join noted authors Pete Dunne, Mark Garland, Kevin Karlson, Michael O'Brien, Pat and Clay Sutton, Louise Zemaitis for a reception and booksigning.
A limited selection of books will be available for sale during the booksigning; pick up your favorite
titles at the Cape May Bird Observatory, or bring your books from home.
Sunday, MAY 23
7:30 AM - 9:30 AM |
FIELD TRIP |
Cape May Point State Park |
7:30 AM - 9:30 AM |
FIELD TRIP |
Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge |
7:30 AM - 9:30 AM |
FIELD TRIP |
Higbee Beach |
7:30 AM - 9:30 AM |
FIELD TRIP |
Rea Farm |
7:30 AM - 10:00 AM |
FIELD WORKSHOP▲ |
Birding By Ear with Michael O’Brien |
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM |
FIELD TRIP |
Villas Wildlife Management Area |
10:00 AM - Noon |
FIELD TRIP |
Cape May Point State Park |
10:00 AM - Noon |
FIELD TRIP |
Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge |
10:00 AM - Noon |
FIELD TRIP |
Higbee Beach |
10:00 AM - Noon |
FIELD TRIP |
Rea Farm |
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM |
BOAT TRIP▲ |
Salt Marsh Eco Tour |
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM |
FIELD TRIP▲ |
Biking Belleplain |
11:00 AM - Noon |
PROGRAM |
Spring Butterflies of Cape May with Will Kerling |
11:00 AM - Noon |
WORKSHOP |
Selecting A Spotting Scope |
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM |
FIELD TRIP |
Up Close with Shorebirds & Horseshoe Crabs |
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM |
FIELD TRIP |
Spring Butterflies of Cape May with Will Kerling |
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM |
FIELD TRIP |
Birds on the Beach with Don Freiday |
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM |
WORKSHOP |
Options for Optics, What Binoculars to Choose |
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM |
FIELD TRIP |
Jakes Landing for Rails & Raptors |
1:30 PM - 4:00 PM |
BOAT TRIP▲ |
Salt Marsh Eco Tour |
2:00 PM - 4:30 PM |
FIELD TRIP |
Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge |
Monday, MAY 24
7:30 AM - 9:30 AM |
FIELD TRIP |
Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne |
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
WORKSHOP▲ |
Peak of the Red Knots |
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM |
BOAT TRIP ▲ |
Back Bay Birding by Boat |
Special Workshop - Peak of the Red Knots 
Thursday, May 20 - or - Monday, May 24
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The concentration of Red Knots and other shorebirds drawn to Delaware Bay by spawning horseshoe crabs peaks in late May. If you’ve never seen it, it’s time. If you have, you want to see it again. A great way to stretch your CMBO spring weekend! On this all day birding field trip with Don Freiday and other CMBO naturalists, we’ll visit Delaware Bayshore sites and other areas like Stone Harbor and Nummy Island for knots and other shorebird species. Participants may have an opportunity to witness shorebird banding by researchers. Advance registration required. Cost is $45 for members, $60 for nonmembers.
For more information on the weekend, please send an email to CMBO Events or call 609.884.2736
New Jersey Audubon fosters an awareness and respect for our natural world since 1897. New Jersey Audubon is an independent, privately supported, not-for-profit, membership organization and not
affiliated with National Audubon.
Art by Charley Harper © 2006.
Photo Credits: Linda Dunne, Don Freiday, Kevin Karlson, Robert Lego, Marleen Murgitroyde, CMBO Files