Mission Statement

The mission of the Southern Ocean Birding Group is to provide information about birds, conduct field trips, and present programs for the enjoyment and education of the members and guests. The group is open to the public, from novices to experienced birders, and all are welcome. You can find a copy of our club bylaws HERE.

Meetings

We meet the first Thursday of most months, usually at our new location at the Barnegat Branch of the Ocean County Library, 112 Burr St. in Barnegat, NJ 08005. Check the monthly meeting notifications for locations. Our meetings start at 7PM, with the doors open at 6:30 for socializing. All meetings are open to the public, and are free.

Field Trips

We run monthly field trips to various birding areas in southern New Jersey.  These trips are a way for our members to share their collective knowledge of birds along with providing an opportunity to improve their observational skills.

eBird checklists from some of our field trips: https://ebird.org/profile/MzY4OTUzMA/US-NJ

Visit our Friends in SOBG Facebook group

Click  here for a map of the Best Birding Locations in Southern Ocean County.

Club Officers and Committee Members (2025-2026)

President: Melissa Jorda
Vice-president: Josh Gant
Treasurer: Morry Kapitan
Secretary: Valerie Henken
President Ex-Officio: Amy Ryan
Programs: Joanne Hall
Membership: Jeanine Apgar
Website: Greg Prelich
Scholarships: Nancy Gallagher

At our January 2023 meeting, the club presented a Certificate of Appreciation to outgoing President Sue Puder for her long years of dedicated and outstanding service to the club. Sue organized the club in 2008 and has served as President ever since then. Many thanks go to Sue for her leadership to make the club what it is today.