Here are some of the upcoming field trips I will be leading in my home region.

Cape May: Our home is in Cape May for a reason -- this is a superb natural history destination.  Nature enthusiasts can find much to enjoy in this seaside locale at any time of year, but Cape May really shines in autumn, when literally millions of southbound birds and insects pass through our airspace.  Enjoy it all from the shadows of the stately Cape May Point lighthouse on any of these programs.

Elderhostel: In 2009 I will again be leading Elderhostel birding programs at Cape May.  Birds are the primary focus, but a taste of Cape May’s history and culture are also included, thanks to co-leader Bob Heinly, also known as “Dr. Emlen Physick” and “The Beachchair Birder.”  For details check the Elderhostel website www.elderhostel.org.  Cape May birding Elderhostel programs for spring 2009 are scheduled for May 10 - 15 and  May 17 - 22, fall courses Sept. 27 - 30 and Oct. 18 - 23.

ANS field trips:  In early 2009 I will be leading two Cape May field trips for the Audubon Naturalist Society, each running 2 days.  We’ll offer a winter trip over the weekend of February 7-8 and a Thursday/Friday program April 23-24 (in the busy spring and fall seasons, prices are lower and the Cape May natural areas are less crowded on weekdays). See details of all upcoming ANS programs at: www.audubonnaturalist.org.

NJ Audubon Cape May Spring Weekend:  The New Jersey Audubon Society annually sponsors 2 weekends jam-packed with activities, from field walks and boat trips to presentation, workshops, displays, and dinner banquets with noted speakers.  Dates in spring 2009 are May 15 to 17.  I expect to be leading field trips and giving illustrated talks.  Contact the Cape May Bird Observatory for details, www.cmbo.org or (609) 884-2736.

The Cape May School of Birding:  The Cape May Bird Observatory sponsors a series of field-based workshops, most based in Cape May but some in northern New Jersey or in Delaware.  For 2008-09 I’m scheduled to lead these programs in the School of Birding:

    Delaware Waterfowl, Nov. 22 & 23, 2008 (with Michael O’Brien)

    Building Basic Birding Skills, Apr. 18 & 19, 2009 (with Don Freiday)

    Birding By Ear, Appalachians, May 29 & 30, 2009 (with Don Freiday)

    Shore Birds, June 25 & 26, 2009 (with Michael O’Brien)

    Fall Migration Sampler, Sept. 14-16, 2009 (with Don Freiday)

    Songbirds, Hawks, & Brigantine, Oct. 9-11, 2009 (co-leader TBA)

    Cape May w/Everything On It, Oct. 26-28, 2009 (with Louise Zemaitis)

Contact CMBO for more details: www.cmbo.org or (609) 861-0700.

New River Birding & Nature Festival:  I will be returning to West Virginia’s New River region next spring for this wonderful, relaxed and warbler-rich birding festival.  I can’t think of a better place to spend the last week of April!  The festival runs from April 26 to May 2 in 2009.  For more info check the website http://www.birding-wv.com.

Private Tours: I am one of several Cape May naturalists working for the Cape May Bird Observatory’s Guide for Hire program -- learn about hiring your own naturalist to guide you around Cape May by contacting the CMBO Northwood Center at (609) 884-2736 or see www.cmbo.org.

Speaking gigs:  Every year I give talks to a few birding clubs, nature festivals, etc.  Last summer I gave the talk, “The Wilds of Alaska” for the Smithsonian in Washington.  In early November I was a speaker for the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival in southern Texas, http://www.rgvbirdfest.com.  On December 10 I’ll offer “Tropical Birds do the Coolest Things” to the Monmouth County Audubon Society in central New Jersey.  Interested in having me speak to your group?  Contact me at mgnature@mac.com for rates and scheduling information.