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November 22 , Island Beach State Park MEETING
PLACE: Entrance to state park HIGHLIGHTS: We started off to the ocean. Streams of gannets and scoters streamed by. A Common Loon swam in the surf. A group of Surf Scoters streamed by with one White-winged Scoter among them. Eiders, five or six of them flying low. Look at the sloping forehead. In front of us flew a flock of Snow Buntings, landing on and in the dune a short ways away. What a beautiful sight. After our seawatch, we headed toward the bay. The bay side was less windy and warmer. We headed toward the blind at Spizzle Creek. As everyone took their turn a Harrier flew in the distance. A Peregrine occupied a far-off owl box. With everything in the distance we headed back to the ocean. Our last stop was at the end. A Savannah Sparrow very nicely entertained us. We all got wonderful looks in the scopes until we had to move on. Gannets and scoters still streamed by. Loons frolicked in the surf. Long-tailed Ducks flew by. A perfect ending to a beautiful day. . November
1 , Big Brook Preserve, Marlboro MEETING
PLACE: Entrance to preserve HIGHLIGHTS: While waiting for the group to arrive, Don Sutherland heard lots of White-throated Sparrows in a nearby hedgerow. There were birds everywhere, it seemed - this was going to be a great day. We had Eastern Meadowlark fly over us near the entrance gate as we entered the preserve. Because of the very unseasonable warm weather (it reached nearly 80°), birds quieted down very early in the day. We found plenty of birds, but they were in concentrated pockets. This made for some very exciting birding as we looked from one bird to the next. There were hundreds of Yellow-rumped Warblers in one hedgerow; in another, there were nearly 50 Cedar Waxwings. We had six species of sparrows, including the beautiful White-crowned Sparrow, and four species of hawks. What made the day stand out wasn't the birds, although they were great. It was, for lack of a better way to say it, oddities. First, there were thousands of slugs along the roads. Long after they were gone their slime trails were clearly visible. Along with the slugs were thousands of caterpillars and hundreds of grasshoppers, all brought to activity by the heat. And how is this for odd: First we saw an albino American Goldfinch, studied it briefly before it flew away, calling. Then, ten minutes later, we found a partially albino Yellow-rumped Warbler -- in the same tree! What are the odds of that?!? Don's big disappointment was not being able to find a White-throated Sparrow to show the group. However, we found plenty of them by sound, and we had to be satisfied with that. We had a really terrific group and a nice morning of birding. Thanks, Don! . October 18, Sandy Hook MEETING
PLACE: Visitor Center, Gateway NRA/Sandy Hook HIGHLIGHTS: As we listened to the introductions, a flock of Common Loons flew in off the ocean, some of the first of the season. We headed out to Spermacetti Cove. Sparrow were flying from here to there, mostly Song and Swamp Sparrows. As we scanned the sand spit across the cove a few Northern Harriers and a migrant Osprey flew overhead. On the spit we found Common Terns, Forster's Terns, and a couple of Royal Terns. Black-bellied Plovers roamed free. A Great and Snowy Egret flew by. What a glorious day it was turning out to be! At North Pond, half of the group followed another leader. I guess we'll catch up. On the observation platform we scanned the pond. A Pied-billed Grebe swam by and dove. We spotted a young Wood Duck in "eclipse" plumage. As we left the platform, we found the rest of our group and met Pete Bacinski from NJAS, who told us about a Sora at the pond. Off we went for a closer look. As we scanned, two sharp-shinned hawks perched in the trees on the other side of the pond. At the far side of the pond, a Common Moorhen and several American Coot were found, then - there, further right by the flowers - it's the Sora! These birds skulk along the edges of the pond, hiding in the vegetation and only coming out for brief periods to feed. In all, we found three before we finally left. Our last stop was the K-lot field. Mission: Clay-colored Sparrow. While we didn't find one, we had great looks at both a Red-tailed Hawk and another Sharp-shined Hawk. We headed to our cars and noticed something hopping around near them -- look, it's a Lincoln's Sparrow. It disappeared too quickly, and not everyone was able to see. A Brown Creeper scaled a nearby tree trunk, and a White-crowned Sparrow flew down in front of us. Finally, it was time to say good-bye. What a great morning of birding! . October 11, Beginners Walk, Cheesequake MEETING
PLACE: Entrance, Cheesequake State Park HIGHLIGHTS: After Joe's Birding Basics 101, a flock of blackbirds flew overhead. Where are they going? A Red-tailed Hawk is soaring after them -- that explains it. We headed into the woods. Blue Jays screeched and Cardinals chipped. Activity -- stop here, look and listen. Robins flew from tree to tree, and a Downy Woodpecker called. We walked down steps and walked over bridges. A Tufted Titmouse frolicked in the trees. The habitat changed as a marsh came into view. Through the trees in the marsh a Great Egret stalked his prey. At the pond a lone Brant swam with Ring-billed and Herring Gulls. A Snowy Egret walked at the edge of the lake. He saw us and flew out of sight. A few minutes later he flew back and perched on a sign. I guess he thought we deserved a better look! A family of mMallards flew to the other side of the marsh. On our way
back a few Black-capped Chickadees flew over to investigate. At the crossroads
we said our good-byes. Some folks continued on to the Nature Center, and
some decided to call it a day. We all went our separate ways knowing a
little more about birding and nature. September 27, MCAS Bayonet/ Thompson Park MEETING
PLACE: Bayonet Farm/ Thompson Park HIGHLIGHTS: As I pulled into Bayonet Farm and looked at the darkening sky, a NORTHERN BOBWHITE called. Good Morning! I started out on a small scouting trip before the trip and was greeted by WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES and a TUFTED TITMOUSE. Walking along it started to rain. I took cover under some pines and trees. When the rain slowed I made my way to the car to wait out the rain with the others, then we started our trip at 8:30 AM. Walking along an EASTERN PHOEBE called, "Come find me." We finally found him. As we watched the phoebe a PALM WARBLER flew out. We started out again, and the phoebe followed us. Up ahead was quite a din. What are those crows upset about, we wondered? We followed their cries and found, sitting on a branch dodging the bombing crows, a GREAT HORNED OWL! We got a scope from the car and were treated to some wonderful looks. We pulled ourselves away and continued through the trees. At the edge of the clearing a RED-TAILED HAWK flew to a tree on the opposite edge of the field. We wathched and he called and flew off to parts unknown. One last look at the owl and off we went to Thompson Park. Thompson Park was a bit quieter. A DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT dried his wings, while a GREAT EGRET and a few MALLARDS fed. We took to the fields, but nothing was stirring. We called it a day. Thank-you for coming. We hope to see you again soon. Evening
Bird Walk MEETING
PLACE: Visitors Center, Sandy Hook HIGHLIGHTS: The Osprey were waiting for us at Spermacetti Cove when we started. A Louisiana Waterthrush chipped from the bushes. A nearby sandbar hosted Ruddy Turnstone, Black-bellied Plover and American Oystercatcher. A Great Egret flew in to get up-close and personal. OK, folks, off to the salt pond at the end of Fisherman's Trail our caravan went. Our trek produced a Eastern Towhee and a Field Sparrow calling to us from the bushes. At the pond we had Common Terns bathing, Short-billed Dowitchers eating away, and a Spotted Sandpiper peeking out from a rose bush. A Black Skimmer bathed, and a Baird's Sandpiper roamed the shore with White-rumped Sandpipers. As dusk fell, Pete yelled, "I think there is a Wilson's Phalarope next to the dowitchers..." Everyone scanned. "There, I see it!" What a find - a rare bird to add to our list! On the way
back to the parking lot, an American Pipit called overhead. Come again
- hope you had a good time! Evening
Bird Walk MEETING
PLACE: Visitors Center, Sandy Hook HIGHLIGHTS: The tide was high -- where to go? The OSPREY called from their nest while we decide. We piled into our cars and headed to North Pond. TREE SWALLOWS and BARN SWALLOWS raced through the sky. Several LEAST TERNS flew over the swallows, voicing their opinions. We scanned the pond looking for LEAST BITTERN. We were about to give up, when -- what was that? A LEAST BITTERN was calling! We scrambled up the rocks to find it. "There - in front of you!" someone yells. The Bittern flew to the reeds and attached itself to one. He slid down the stalk and out of sight, teasing us a few times, poking his head out. He was gone as quickly as he'd appeared. From North Pond, we trekked what we've labeled the "death march" up Fisherman's Trail to the salt ponds at the very tip of Sandy Hook. 24 hours ago, we were told, there was only one pond -- the tide was THAT high. We walked to the western pond and scoped for shorebirds, finding a PIPING PLOVER and her chicks. A family of KILLDEER shared the shoreline. At the back edge of the pond were LEAST SANDPIPERS, and a SPOTTED SANDPIPER joined the group as well. With the wind in our hair, we reluctantly made our way back up the trail to the parking area. We said our goodbyes, and as the cars drove away, we yelled, "Come back next month!" Evening
Bird Walk MEETING
PLACE: Visitors Center, Sandy Hook HIGHLIGHTS: We walked across the street to Spermaceti Cove. Here a Green Herson was resting among the tall grasses. A male Osprey flew in with dinner for the family. Proudly he fed his two chicks and the female. We scanned the sand spit across the bay finding American Oystercatcher and late Brant, plus a possible Red Knot. Our next stop was Parking Area B. We hoped to find nesting Piping Plovers here. We found many Least Terns but no plovers at this location. As we crossed the beach to a second nesting area a Black-crowned Night-heron flew by. We set up our scopes at the second nesting area and, after extensive searching, we found a Piping Plover sitting on a nest inside one of the exclosures. It was the perfect ending to a glorious night. Beginners'
Birding MEETING
PLACE: Environmental Center, Manasquan Reservoir HIGHLIGHTS: The day was damp, but we managed to see a few birds. As Joe educated the participants about Audubon and the tools of birding, a Song Sparrow watched over the pond. As Joe discussed field guides a Great Egret flew overhead along with Tree Swallows and Northern Rough-winged Swallow. At the end of the "Birds 101" lesson, we trekked to the woods. ON the way we found the Eastern Wood Pewee that had been calling as Joe spoke, In the woods an Ovenbird called: teacher, teacher, teacher. Blue Jays frolicked in the trees. At the reservoir a pair of Osprey were observed defending their nest from the starlings and grackles. As rain fell we decided to head back. We heard a Warbling Vireo in the distance as we left. When the outdoor portion of the trip ended, some of the group checked out the exhbitis inside the Environmental Education Center. Thanks to the folks at the Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Education Center for allowing us to crowd their entrance during the rain storm. Allaire
State Park MEETING
PLACE: Main parking area, Allaire State Park HIGHLIGHTS: The day started out cold and damp. A Red-tailed Hawk greeted us in the parking lot and American Goldfinches called from nearby. The woods were quiet for most of our walk. As we went further in Blue-gray Gnatcatcher called. The sound of a "squeaky wheel" told us a Black-and-white Warbler was close by. A Blackpoll Warbler flew overhead, alluding many. The woods were quieter than most trips, probably due to a long spell of colder than normal temperatures. No birds were coming out for us to see. Mike pished to chickadees, who came closer to investigate the racket. The woods were alive with calls and flight. Deer raced by in the distance. White-eyed Vireos, Blue-headed Vireos and a Yellow-throated Vireos called in the distance, while a Red-eyed Vireo came close enough to show off his brilliant red eyes. At the feeders a pair of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds were feeding at the nature center feeders. White-braested Nuthatches and Tufted Titmice visited the feeders, too, while Yellow-rumped Warblers sang with a Northern Parula. The joke of the day was that anyone who found a parula would get a free bird walk -- but of course, all our walks are free! At the bridge, we finished our walk with an Eastern Phoebe. A turtle came up, and Northern Cardinals sang. As we headed to our cars the Red-tailed Hawk escorted us once more. . Sandy
Hook Migration MEETING
PLACE: Visitors Center, Sandy Hook HIGHLIGHTS: Morning rain put a damper to the start of our trip. Thanks to the Sandy Hook Bird Observatory for opening their doors and providing coffee, a warm place to dry out and the porch to get out of the rain to bird. A Common Loon was swimming through. We sifted through some Brant looking for the grey morph that was seen a couple of days before, but no luck. As the rain slowed, we made our way to North Beach Pavilion. We scanned the ocean finding Long-tailed Ducks, Red-breasted Mergansers and a Red-necked Grebe swimming in the surf. Some Surf Scoters flew by. There were several Bonaparte's Gulls close to shore. A couple of American Oystercatchers flew in and rested on the shore with the Sanderlings. As the weather cleared we headed to North Pond. The pond hosted a Wood Duck trying to hide in the reeds. A Canada Goose nested while a musrat swam by. A male Red-breasted Merganser had come in to get away and rest. A Great Cormorant flew by. We trekked up to the observation platform where Dan Haggerty, NJAS's Migration Watch counter, informed us it was not very busy. The skies were clearing giving hope to the day. Our last stop was Spermacetti Cove. The sun was finally peeking out. The Osprey were nesting. One came flying to the boardwalk to give us a birds-eye view. Horned Grebes were swimming showing off their beautiful breeding plumage. Harbor Seals sunned themselves on the shore across the cove. Buffleheads popped their heads up to see what was going on. A Red-throated Loon and a Commom Loon swam through the bay, while American Oystercatchers watched from the sand spit. As we ended our trip the sun came out in all its glory. Our trip was a sucess after all. North
Shore Ponds & Puddles MEETING
PLACE: Barnegat Inlet HIGHLIGHTS: We hoped to re-find the Pacific Loon that had been seen at the Manasquan Inlet earlier in the week but we were unsuccessful. We did have great looks at ~50 PURPLE SANDPIPER, one female HARLEQUIN DUCK and dozens of COMMON LOONS. We were treated to an irruption of RED-NECKED GREBES throughout the day with at least 8 at the inlet and a day total of 30. In addition, we had fly-by BONAPARTE'S GULL and LONG-TAILED DUCK. Wreck Pond provided lots of interesting waterfowl including RUDDY DUCK, NORTHERN SHOVELER, HOODED MERGANSER and GADWALL. At Lake Como we saw our first ICELAND GULL of the day. Shark River was very bird-y with more RED-NECKED GREBES, 4 GREAT CORMORANT, huge numbers of BRANT and small numbers of both GADWALL and AMERICAN WIGEON. Eurasian Wigeon, which had been reported here earlier in the week, was not found. A side trip to a feeder in Shark River Hills provided a brief glimpse at a WESTERN TANAGER. Deal Lake was frozen over, but scanning the gull flock on the ice netted us both a first-year ICELAND GULL and a LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL. Scanning the ocean at several locations provided NORTHERN GANNET, BLACK SCOTER and a single SURF SCOTER. Lake Takanassee yielded GREEN-WINGED TEAL, RING-NECKED DUCK and many AMERICAN COOT. We did not find the Tufted Duck reported earlier in the week. In
all, our final count of 61 species was very respectible for a winter day
in the field! Barnegat
Light / Manahawkin WMA MEETING
PLACE: Barnegat Light State Park Manahawkin: Bald Eagle (2), Northern Harrier, Peregrine Falcon, Rough-legged Hawk (dark phase), Short-eared Owl (8), Swamp Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Savanah Sparrow, Belted Kingfisher, Mute Swan, Rock Dove.
At the end of the walkway the group split. The brave jetty walkers continued on the rocks, and the not-so-brave beach walkers observed from the sand. We came upon more RB Mergansers, both loons, many Long-tailed Ducks and Greater Scaup. At the end of the jetty, a small group had brief looks at one Razorbill. The waters around the end of the jetty contained more Harlequins, two Horned Grebe and a Surf Scoter. Large flocks of scoters (primarily Black with some Surf) were seen on the Holgate side of the inlet. Ruddy Turnstones and Purple Sandpipers were found in large numbers on the rocks. Farther out a Harbor Seal poked its head out of the waves to see what was going on. At the Manahwkin WMA, after a much-needed break, we were off to find Short-eared Owls. As soon as we arrived, we had an owl perched on a fence (pointed out to us by a helpful birder at the Bridge to Nowhere) and two Bald Eagles. Soon after a Rough-legged Hawk swooped in to rest on a pole, and more Short-eared Owls worked the marsh for food. It was a tremendous day for owls!
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©2000-2008 Monmouth County Audubon Society |
