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December 4, Sandy Hook bird walk MEETING
PLACE: Visitors Center With a beautiful day ahead of us we started our trip at Spermaceti Cove. Flying overhead a large flock of Snow Geese were our first birds for our treasure chest of delights. In the bay we found four Horned Grebes, a large flock of Greater Scaup and Bufflehead. A lone Red-breasted Merganser swam at the other end. As we left to our next destination a Great Blue Heron caught someone's eye across the field. Our next stop was the beach at the Visitor's Center. In the distance, a large flock of gulls and Northern Gannets were feeding. Close to shore, a Red-throated Loon chased fish. As we were watching the loon swallow a fish, we heard a buzzing sound. A small flock of Snow Buntings flew over our heads. They landed nearby in the dunes, then took flight again. We watched as they darted about, and as quickly as they came, they were gone. We took this as our cue to move on. Our last
stop was the north end of the Hook. Up on the migration platform we had
our first glimpse of a Cooper's Hawk followed by a Peregrine Falcon that
soared into view. Our attention was drawn to another flock of Snow Geese.
They flew into view, forming beautiful flight patterns against a beautiful,
cloudless sky. The perfect ending to a perfect day. November 13, Island Beach State Park This trip was cancelled due to inclement weather. October 23 , Sandy Hook bird walk MEETING
PLACE: Visitors Center It was a cool and crisp morning. As we waited for more people to arrive we heard a few flocks of Pine Siskins flying over. Maybe this is a sign of the start of a good winter finch season - only time will tell. With everyone in attendance, we headed across the street to Spermaceti Cove. As we walked along the edge of the parking lot we stopped to watch the Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets. They were so close we could almost touch them. As we watched in awe, an Orange-crowned Warbler poked his head out at us. A hard and rare bird to find was right there in front of us - how lucky were we! Deciding we had watched him long enough, he flew off for more cover, leaving a Red-breasted Nuthatch in its place and a Black-capped Chickadee called nearby. Spermaceti Cove hosted the newly arrived Brant and a few Red-breasted Mergansers. Among the gulls at the tip of Skeleton Island were several Black-bellied Plovers. It was time to try our luck somewhere else. A new place, new treasures to see! The Gunnison Beach parking lot was our next stop. A couple of us ventured through the field to try and flush some birds. We managed to coax a few Yellow-rumped Warblers to come out. Across the parking lot a Northern Harrier hunted, and a Red-tailed Hawk flew high above in the thermals looking for prey. Once again, the shrubs and grassy areas were awash in Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets, many almost within arm's reach. One more stop before we called it a day. Off we all went hoping for more. Our final
destination was the Sandy Hook's north end. We walked through K-lot looking
for more sparrows. Overhead several Cooper's Hawks circled in the distance,
while in front of us a White-crowned Sparrow and his cousin the White-throated
Sparrow graced us with great looks. At the parking area a Brown Creeper
caught our eye as we said our good-byes, some to go home, and others to
continue their search of that one bird they missed earlier. September 18 , Manasquan Reservoir MEETING
PLACE: Environmental Center August 12, Sandy Hook evening bird walk MEETING
PLACE: Visitors Center We started our evening at Spermaceti Cove. The Osprey were at their nest with their young. A Great Egret flew in so as not to be missed. On the spit across the bay we found a Whimbrel, rare for Sandy Hook. As he preened we all stole great looks at this not-too-frequent visitor. Further down Ruddy Turnstones, Common and Least Terns and gulls fed, unaware we were watching. Our next stop was the salt ponds at the end of the long walk of Fisherman's Trail. Another not-too-frequent visitor, the Stilt Sandpiper, made our long hike worth the trip. Feeding with them was Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, and we noted the sewing machine motion of the Short-billed Dowitcher. At the ocean's edge we found one of the not-too-abundant Piping Plover, Semipalmated Plover and an American Oystercatcher. Sanderlings joined in, showing off their summer plumage. As the sun
set, Black Skimmers flew over our heads. We then all headed back to our
cars, reluctant to leave such a perfect night, the sound of the waves
and the cool breeze behind. We had our adventures of the night to reflect
upon as we drove home. See you in September at Manasquan Reservoir. July 8 , Sandy Hook evening bird walk MEETING
PLACE: Visitors Center It was a sunny, warm and breezy night, a perfect night to go bird watching. From the Visitors Center, we crossed the street to Spermacetti Cove. Momma Osprey was in the nest with her chick. Everyone had amazing looks through the scope. Daddy Osprey flew in with dinner. We all were delighted as we watched Momma feed her chick. As some watched the Osprey Family, others scanned the sand spits. A Red-breasted Merganser sat on the beach among a few Mallards. A Black-crowned Night Heron watched from his hiding place among the grasses. A Great Egret fished for his dinner. Common and Least Terns dotted the spit. A few skimmers skimmed the water's surface looking for food. Standing at attention guarding the spit was a Great Blue Heron. We almost missed him, he was standing so still. The night was so perfect we forgot to leave the spot we were in. No one seemed to want to leave, then about two Black-crowned Night Herons flew over. Finally, an excuse to stay a little longer! All things do come to an end. The August trip is right around the corner. Hopefully, it will be just as spectacular. June 10 , Sandy Hook evening bird walk MEETING
PLACE: Visitors Center About 6 people ventured to Sandy Hook for this evening walk, but the weather was too poor and the trip was unfortunately cancelled. May 8 , Allaire State Park MEETING
PLACE: Main parking area, Allaire State Park While the day started brisk and breezy, conditions in the park were very pleasant, and the birds were much more abundant than on any recent day. Our 30+ participants included a large Girl Scout contingent. Unfortunately most of them didn't have binoculars, so they got a crash-course in "birding by ear" (IDing birds by song). The walk started off slow, with few birds, but picked up quickly as birds flitted overhead and called from deep in the woods. Our leader, Mike Casper, promised the group first one bird, then another, and as if in response to these promises, the birds called IN ORDER! That speaks to the experience of the leader, to know his area so well that he can name birds to be seen, in order! The group was treated not only to beautiful birdsong from the treetops, but also to excellent looks at most warbler species. Scarlet Tanager was one of the sing-on-command species, which absolutely delighted the group. Many had never seen this bird before and really appreciated its extraordinary beauty. We had a
fantastic group of people, and we all had a really enjoyable day. After
spending a morning at Allaire in May, every one of them can now ID Ovenbird
by ear! May 1 , "Members-only" trip, Manasquan Reservoir MEETING
PLACE: Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center HIGHLIGHTS: From the Environmental Center, the group hit an offshoot from the main trail. Things were uncharacteristically quiet for the first weekend of May, with few birds around. The group did manage to find a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher on a nest. Further up the trail four Ospreys flew overhead at once. On the causeway north of the Environmental Center we found an Orchard Oriole, Warbling Vireo and several Yellow-rumped Warblers. Bob, our fearless leader, pulled out every trick in his repertoir, but the birds just wouldn't cooperate. We backtracked to the environmental center, then headed to Chestnut Point. At Chestnut Point everyone had long looks as the Bald Eagle nest with its three month-old eaglets. Both parents were nearby keeping a watchful eye on the nest, much to the delight of all participants! Also seen from the Chestnut Point causeway were a lone Bufflehead and a Ring-Necked Duck. Our group of 20 members had an enjoyable morning of birding. There could have been more birds, but we couldn't have asked for better weather or a nicer group of people! April 24 , Huber Woods, Middletown MEETING
PLACE: Huber Wood Environmental Center HIGHLIGHTS: As I pulled into the parking space a Red-tailed Hawk was sitting at the edge of the woods looking for prey. As we watched he swooped down in the field. Did he find something? He flew back to his perch with empty claws. The parking lot was a buzz with the chatter of birds. At the feeders
we found a pair of Downy Woodpeckers. A Red-bellied Woodpecker and White-throated
Sparrows fed on the seeds that fell to the ground. The cardinals and a
titmouse flew from trees to the feeder. On our way
out a Broad-winged Hawk flew over us. In the brush a towhee sang, "Drink
your tea!" We finally found him in all his Sunday best. April 17 , Sandy Hook MEETING
PLACE: Sandy Hook Visitors Center HIGHLIGHTS: Where to Look? There were birds everywhere. Pulling into the Visitors Center I was treated to a couple of chipping sparrows and a couple of palm warblers feeding in the grass. This is going to be a great day, I thought. We started our trip at Spermaceti Cove. The marsh was alive with Palm Warblers, singing Song sparrows and a Northern Mockingbird teasing us with phoebe calls. The Osprey came and went from the nest. All was alive and rejoicing that spring was finally here. A Blue-headed Vireo played in the tree at the end of the boarwalk, while a Brown Creeper climed the trunks. From across the marsh American Oystercatchers called and a couple of harbor Seals swam nearby. It was difficult to leave, but we tore ourselves away to head to Horseshoe Cove. At Horseshoe Cove we parked at the first parking area and walked the Multipath through the woods. The woods were quiet. A Carolina Wren called in the distance and we found a few Blue-gray Gnatcatchers flitting from tree to tree. We left the woods and walked the beach. It was a day for Palm Warblers -- they were everywhere! In the bay, Horned Grebes dove and Double-crested Cormorants spread their wings in the breeze. Walking back to our cars, a Red-tailed hawk and a Red-shouldered Hawk circled above. Our last stop was North Pond. Gnatcatchers whined, Yellow-rumped Warblers chipped, and a Hermit Thrush popped up as we made our way to the pond. The pond was quiet except for some turtles at the far end that we tried to make into Soras. An American Kestrel was perched in a tree across the marsh, and a Belted Kingfisher watched from his lookout. Before saying our goodbyes we all went to the Hawkwatch to say Hello to Bob Fogg, Sandy Hook Bird Observatory sponsored Hawkwatcher, to check out his finds for the day. March 14 , North Shore Ponds MEETING
PLACE: Belmar Marina, Belmar HIGHLIGHTS: It was a sunny, windy and cold start to the day. We all got quickly in our cars and headed around the marina. The wind made scoping difficult, but we managed to find a Horned Grebe molting into breeding plumage. Marconi Road was our next stop. It was more sheltered so it wasn't too uncomfortable. Several flocks of American Black Duck flew in. At the shore was a Northern Shoveler. American Wigeon joined him. Behind us a Carolina Wren and a Song Sparrow serenaded. Riverside Ave. had Fish Crows calling, and a Red-winged Blackbird who sounded like a crow with a sore throat tried to stump us all to no avail. Red-breasted Mergansers and Mute Swans swam by. The wind and cold were becoming too much, so we headed to Sylvan Lake and Lake Como, finding American Coot on shore, with Ruddy Ducks and more Northern Shovelers. American Wigeons called in the background. Shark River Inlet hosted three Common Loons. A Northern Gannet was spotted flying in the distance. The wind kept us from staying too long. Our last stop was Lake Takanasee. In the back pond were Ring-necked Ducks swimming about. As we walked to the back ponds a crow harrassed the first Osprey of the year for us all. Thoughts of spring danced in our heads. Green-winged Teal tried to hide from us, but we were determined to find them. Cold, wind-blown and hungry, we went back to the cars. Despite the wind and cold we all can't wait for next month's trip to Sandy Hook to begin our quest again! January 17 , Barnegat Light / Manahawkin WMA MEETING
PLACE: Barnegat Light State Park HIGHLIGHTS: The cold weather didn't keep people home. With hopes of finding a Lapland Longspur or a Harlequin Duck, 23 people braved the low temps to participate in our annual foray to the Barnegat Inlet. A short way out along the concrete walkway we found Red-breasted Mergansers and Long-tailed Ducks in the bay, and Ruddy Turnstones and Dunlin on the rocks. No sign of Harlequin Ducks, at least not yet. Our leader, Mike Casper, spotted a flock of Snow Buntings. Inspection of the flock didn't reveal any other species of birds. Soon we encountered Pete Bacinski and his SHBO field trip group. Pete pointed out several birds we'd missed, like a Greater Scaup, and a female King Eider across the bay. Pete also spotted several Horned Larks and a Lapland Longspur near the Snow Bunting flock. We scanned again and found not only one, but two Lapland Longspurs! This was a life bird for many participants. The group split, with most participants braving the icy jetty and a few less fleet-footed walking out along the beach. A large flock of Black and Surf Scoters rafted at the mouth of the inlet along with a lone White-winged Scoter. Another (male) King eider was spotted across the inlet, as well as a Harbor Seal -- always a treat -- and three Horned Grebe. Time marches on, and the second half of our field trip lay ahead of us.
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©2000-2008 Monmouth County Audubon Society |
After
a warmup period at Dunkin Donuts, 13 participants headed to our next stop.
The road leading to the "Bridge to Nowhere" in the Manahawkin
WMA looks like the remains of a mine field, pocked with deep ruts and
pits. After a slow, careful drive to the bridge, we met up with several
new participants, and we prepared for a cold wait for our quarry: Short-eared
Owl. Donna Juettner scanned the open marsh and discovered a Rough-legged
Hawk. A Red-tailed Hawk and several Northern Harriers were also seen.
Then -- over there! -- a Short-eared Owl flew low over the marsh, looking
for his next meal. We followed the activity of this beautiful creature
for 30 minutes or more. When light began to fail we said our goodbyes.
We were frozen, but happy!