Wednesday, October 14, 2026: Merlin and audio recordings of birds: How Sound ID works and how you can help to improve it

This talk will cover how the Merlin team at Cornell makes Sound ID, what sorts of mistakes Merlin can make and why, the best ways to use Merlin, and how birders can make and contribute their audio recordings to help Merlin improve over time.

Speaker Bio:

Blaine Carnes is the Merlin Sound ID US and Canada project coordinator at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. In addition to his work on Merlin Sound ID, he runs a long-term bird banding project in Texas with study sites at the John Bunker Sands Wetland Center and Trinity River Audubon Center, and has helped to run a monitoring program with autonomous recording units at Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center. He handles eBird review for the area around Dallas, Texas, and is secretary of the Texas Bird Records Committee His past field experience includes ornithology projects through North America and the Neotropics.

Wednesday, November 11: The First Time: Birding New South Wales in Spring by Rick Wright

The First Time: Birding New South Wales in Spring by Rick Wright.

In person at the Union Congregation Church in Upper Montclair.

Birding can take us to the ends of the earth, or at least to Montclair’s near-antipode on the vast continent of Australia. From kangaroos to currawongs, even the briefest of visits to the tiniest bit of the east coast is full of natural wonders. Join Rick Wright for an introduction to birding “down under,” illustrated with photos by his companions on this inaugural trip, Ric Cohn and Sandy Sorkin.

A member of the Montclair Bird Club executive board and a widely published writer, Rick Wright leads Birds and Art tours for Victor Emanuel Nature Tours, ventbird.com.

CANCELLED - Saturday, September 26, 2026: Fall Birding at Sandy Hook

Semipalmated sandpiper. Photo by Ric Cohn. 

The trip to Sandy Hook scheduled for this Saturday, September 26 is cancelled due to the predicted Nor'easter. We hope to reschedule in October. 

Sandy Hook, a unique geological feature on the northernmost extent of the Jersey shore, has long been known as one of New Jersey's premiere birding sites. In fall, Sandy Hook's considerable patches of coastal forest may attract great numbers of migrants as they spot this enticing habitat at first light while crossing the New York Bay. We will explore the varied habitats of the Hook, hoping to see a good variety of sparrows, some late warblers, thrushes, shorebirds, raptors, and maybe something unexpected. Last year’s trip reported 76 species including 13 warbler species, an American golden plover and white-rumped sandpiper. Fingers crossed, we will do as well this year.

We will meet at Lot B, on the right side of the road just a few hundred yards after the entrance gate. Park near the building in the center of the lot, which is a public restroom. Sandy Hook is largely flat and its trails are not challenging, but walking in general can be quite fatiguing since it is mostly done on sand. We recommend comfortable hiking boots that can keep sand out. Along with binoculars, please bring a scope if you own one- there are many spots where it will come in handy. Extra layers are recommended if it is windy. Bring a sunhat, water and a snack or lunch if you like. Bug spray and sunscreen may be useful.

Contact mbcoutings@gmail.com for further information.