Kick Off Your Year List 2026

Let’s be honest, this is simply a day of pure, unadulterated fun! Birders love to keep lists of what they see and, perhaps, the most frequently-kept list is the year list - a tally of all those species seen over the course of a single calendar year. January 1st gives us a great opportunity to start our New Year with a great day out in Cape May County, exploring hidden corners as well as well-known locations, and covering a range of habitats. We'll visit multiple locations and hotspots, including the Cape May Point State Park and the Nature Conservancy's South Cape May Meadows. We are scheduled to end at 5:00 p.m., but there may be optional birding opportunities later into the evening.

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 will break for an hour or so for lunch and to warm up.

We may walk up to 1.5 miles, over generally level, sometimes muddy or sandy terrain.

PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED.

COST: $30 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.

CANCELLATION: NJ Audubon’s CMBO programs are virtually never cancelled. If we cancel, due to lack of participation, severe weather, or unforeseen circumstances, all participants will be notified as soon as possible and are eligible for a full refund. Participants may cancel without penalty if greater than 48 hours in advance. Sorry, no refund for cancellations less than 48 hours in advance unless due to health emergencies; however, registrations can be transferred to another program in the future.