Sunday, November 2: Sandy Hook National Recreation Area

Long tailed duck. Photo by Sandy Sorkin.

9 AM to 12:30PM

Meet at Lot B on Sandy Hook.

Rain date: Monday November 3.

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 early winter, Sandy Hook's considerable patches of coastal forest may hold some lingering fall migrants as well as a variety of sparrows and other songbirds.   Raptors are likely to be seen perched or soaring overhead and the bays and ocean surrounding the Hook can be expected to host a variety of wintering waterfowl, herons, gulls, terns and shorebirds.  We will explore the Hook’s varied habitats, searching out its specialties and perhaps a surprise or two.  

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 there 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.

Contact Chris Williams at 732-673-4973 for more information. 

October 8: Cuba with the Montclair Bird Club

Cuban Trogon by Ric Cohn

On October 8, Ric Cohn will be presenting our "Club's February trip to Cuba." We'll discuss the birds we saw (including most of the 28 Cuban endemics), and what it was like to bird there.

Saturday, November 15: Mill Creek Marsh Photography

House finch in sweet gum tree. Photo by Ric Cohn.

with Sandy Sorkin and Ric Cohn.

Meet at 8:00 am at the Mill Creek Marsh entrance. 

Rain date: Sunday, November 16

Join us for a Montclair Bird Club photography trip to Mill Creek Marsh, in Secaucus. We’ll meet at the entrance gate (by Bob’s Furniture) at 8:00 am with cameras, tripods, scopes, binoculars, and smartphones. 

We’ll take our time following the trail, keeping the sun over our shoulders and photographing birds, landscapes, woodchucks, and any other slice of nature we encounter; we will share tips, help each other with equipment, and review shots. If you are new to photography or just like to watch photographers, you are welcome to come along. There are no bathrooms at this site, but we can use the bathroom at Bob’s, which opens at 10:00. Contact Sandy Sorkin 973 698-7900 or Ric Cohn 917 414-3392 for further information.  

We will also schedule a Zoom follow-up to discuss images from the day, answer questions, and review camera settings. We can also talk about workflow, picture storage, and processing software. We will wait for group input to schedule the Zoom review session.