It’s Cape May Bird Observatory’s
50th Anniversary!
The 2026 Cape May Fall Festival, October 15th to 18th.
Registration will open one week in advance for NJ Audubon and Cape May Bird Observatory members, the week of July 6th. To become a member, please visit njaudubon.org
All your choices in a nutshell can be viewed on the Agenda Tab or this Print-Friendly Festival Schedule
Agenda items may be added later when we receive confirmations. Existing registrants will be alerted to new activities via email. Making agenda changes is easy; just keep your confirmation email handy.
What's Included in your Registration
A wide selection of guided field trips, with our extremely talented naturalists. New Birders should look for sessions marked "NBE" for New Birder Essentials. Indoor programs and outdoor workshops, both educational and entertaining.
The Nature Place at Cape May Convention Hall will feature nature-themed vendors.
Viewing stations are carefully curated for an optimal bird-watching experience!
The Thursday Evening Kickoff party, Friday Evening VIP Reception at The Nature Place in Convention Hall, and Saturday Evening Keynote Presentation and book signing featuring Dr. Laurie Goodrich
Featured Sessions
- Seabirds of Avalon and Townsends Inlet
- Dale Rosselet on How to Look at Birds
- Sparrow ID Workshop with Michael O'Brien
- Eastern Warbler ID With Kevin Karlson
- My Backyard is for the Birds with NJA Education staff, Mary Birrer and Roberta Hunter
Special Events
For an additional fee, these special events can be added to your registration. Please view the Agenda Tab for more details.
- Leader's Choice Trolley Trips
- Cape May Triple Play Bus Trips
- Birding Aboard the Osprey Boat
- Kayaking on the Back Bay
- Revolution Rail, Birding by Railbike
- Trip to the Rips: Three Hours of pelagic birding on The American Star
- Exclusive birding opportunities with Laurie Goodrich & Peter Marra
Keynote Speaker Dr. Laurie Goodrich
Get ready to be inspired by one of the world’s leading voices in raptor conservation.
Dr. Laurie Goodrich, Sarkis Acopian Director of Conservation Science at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, has spent more than four decades studying the mysteries of bird migration and protecting raptors across the globe. From Broad-winged Hawks soaring over Pennsylvania to international conservation partnerships spanning South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia, her work connects local landscapes to global wildlife preservation.
A nationally respected ornithologist and migration expert, Laurie oversees Hawk Mountain’s renowned conservation science program, long-term migration counts, and world-famous trainee program. Her research has advanced understanding of hawks, vultures, kestrels, and songbirds while helping shape conservation efforts worldwide.
Laurie’s journey began with a life-changing hawk-watching season in Cape May in 1981, launching a career dedicated to birds of prey and the people who protect them. Her keynote will blend science, conservation, and personal stories from a lifetime spent watching the skies.
Also, author Pete Dunne on his new book, Under Their Wing: A History of Birds and Humans, and Peter Marra, PhD, author of the new The Atlas of North America’s Migratory Birds. There is also a high likelihood of some other special guest appearances!
Registration Rates and Dates
3 Day Registration
Thursday evening, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
$280
2 Day Registration
Friday & Saturday, Friday & Sunday, Saturday & Sunday
$220
1 Day Registration - Available August 18th
Friday Only, Saturday Only, or Sunday Only
$110
Trip to the Rips - Birding Boat trip Only
Sunday afternoon
$60
Children 10 & Under - Free to attend accompanied by a registered adult.
Child registration available.
Cancellation Policy
Prior to October 1st, cancellations will be refunded registration costs minus a $50 cancellation fee. No refunds will be provided on or after October 1st.
Important Dates
- July 6th Membership Early Registration
- July 13th Public Registration Opens
- September 1st, 1-Day Registration Opens
- Lodging discount at The Grand Hotel must be arranged by September 14, 2026 (Go to Travel Info/Lodging tab for more info)
- October 1st No Refunds
- Registration will remain open through October 10th, unless the event reaches capacity beforehand. The festival organizers reserve the right to close registration early at their discretion.
Thank you to our Gold Sponsors
Thank you to our Bronze Sponsors
Thank you to our Friends of CMBO Sponsors
Thank you to our members
New Jersey Audubon is a privately supported, not-for profit, statewide membership organization. Founded in 1897, and one of the oldest independent Audubon societies.*
* New Jersey Audubon is an independent Audubon and is not a chapter of the National Audubon Society.
When you become member you join a vital team some 18,000 strong that is helping to preserve New Jersey's wildlife and at-risk natural habitats. Your membership provides the essential financial support we need to maintain our wildlife sanctuaries and conduct critically important programs in Conservation, Advocacy, Research and Environmental Education.
To become a member and learn more about our mission, please visit njaudubon.org.
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