The action-filled weekend focused on the abundant coastal wildlife and habitat of Cape May with a smattering of presentations, business meetings, awards. Folks came from all over New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and beyond. We explored the Delaware Bay Division of the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge where we tracked birds on the Songbird Trail and pulled a seine net to see wildlife below the waterline at Kimball’s beach.  The new refuge manager, Brian Braudis, addressed our group at lunch on Friday and acknowledged the Society’s role in protecting and preserving refuge lands. Society members enjoyed discovering the rich bird life in the salt marshes of Delaware Bay aboard Back Bay LLC’s pontoon boat the Osprey--including multiple sightings of the errant Brown Boobie that has been visiting Cape May since Hurricane Irene blew through the area.

One of the biggest thrills of the weekend was the hawk banding with the Cape May Raptor Banding Project. Society members got to see a variety of raptors up close and then watch their release back into the wild. Even the dolphins cooperated by frolicking in nearshore waters in front of the hotel. (See Don Riepe"s great photo of the immature red-tailed hawk.)

On Thursday evening, our program directors updated members about their ongoing projects in New Jersey and New York and we all shared wine and cheese. On Friday night, noted diver and underwater photographer, Herb Segars, treated the group to a sneak preview of his upcoming book, New Jersey: The Underwater Garden State, featuring 30 years of underwater photography taken in waters off of New Jersey. Look for his book in the spring and a book signing event with us somewhere in Monmouth County.

The weekend culminated in our 50^th anniversary dinner at the Lobster House. We remembered those who were no longer with us, honored long-time members and contributors, elected new trustees, conferred awards and ate incredible food. The Society awarded its Graham Macmillan award to long-time member, trustee, and marine biologist, Frank Steimle of Wanamassa, NJ, for his lifetime of dedication to marine science and conservation. We also recognized the Laurel Commons Condominium Association of Toms River with a Citizen Advocate Award for this community’s ongoing efforts to protect Barnegat Bay. 

The food, the company, the birds, and fish were all stellar. We enjoyed excellent service and cuisine at the La Mer Beachfront Inn and the nearby Pier House Restaurant and Lobster House. If you didn"t make it this year, consider coming next year--we are looking at a new venue in coastal Delaware--look for details in the new year.