Background by Linda Mack, Snowy Egret by Dave Blinder, Monarch by Mitchell Dormont, Lighthouse by Pete Bacinski
The Sandy Hook Bird Observatory was established in 2001 by the New Jersey Audubon Society in one of New Jersey's best year-around birding locations. Sandy Hook is a peninsula that projects northward into Raritan Bay at the northern-most point of the New Jersey coast. Due to its history as a military installation until recently, Sandy Hook is largely undeveloped and supports a variety of habitats. Click here for more information about the environs of SHBO, and some stunning photographs.
A major migration path in both spring and fall, Sandy Hook has attracted approximately 350 bird species and over 50 species of butterflies to its varying habitats. Click here for more information about birds and birding locations in this area.
Programs
Facilities
SHBO offers a variety of natural history experiences, both scheduled and made-to-order, for all ages and levels of expertise. A more detailed description of our program offerings can be found here, and particulars about future planned activities are on our quarterly Calendar. We also provide on-line directions for field trips and other scheduled events.
Recent bird sightings and birding maps of the Hook are available at SHBO. The associated shop stocks birding and natural history books as well as bird-watching optics, bird feeders, and bird-theme gift items. A hummingbird and butterfly garden (photos) is planted around the Center building. July to early October is the season for butterflies in our garden.
20 Hartshorne Drive, Highlands, NJ 07732
Phone: (732) 872-2500 Fax: (732) 872-2577Rare Bird Alert: (732) 872-2595E-mail: shbo@njaudubon.org
Sept. - May Hours:Tues.-Fri., 10-5Sanctuary Director: Pete BacinskiSenior Naturalist: Scott Barnes