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December 2 , 2006, Sandy Hook MEETING
PLACE: Visitor Center HIGHLIGHTS: After several weeks of above-normal temperatures, this field trip took place just after a severe weather system moved through, bringing more normal temps and brisk, gusty winds. Some hoped that the weather system would bring with it lots of interesting birds, but the high winds kept most of the birds undercover. We started our day on the boardwalk at Spermaceti Cove, where we had good looks through the scope at Northern Pintail, Greater Scaup, Horned Grebe, Bufflehead, Red-breasted Merganser, Brant, and even a Red-throated Loon. Land birds along the boardwalk were minimal, but a Norther Flicker made its presence known by calling, and Turkey Vultures played overhead on the winds. Next we moved to "I" lot and the North Beach area to search for Snow Buntings. Bruce knew that a flock was in the area, and it wasn't long before we found the flock flying overhead, spooked by a Red-tailed hawk. At the water's edge we found Common Loon and not much else. Since the winds made stop somewhat uncomfortable, the group moved on. At the North Pond area the group spotted a Sharp-shinned Hawk overhead, but beyond that the land birds were extremely quiet. There were no waterfowl on the pond, either, making this a rather disappointing way to end our trip. But as they say, a slow day of birding is better than a great day working, so the group had a great time nonetheless.
November 11, 2006, Island Beach State Park MEETING
PLACE: Park entrance HIGHLIGHTS: It was a beautiful sunny, warm day despite the weather reports of calling for clouds. Our first stop was Reed's Road. Despite the lack of land birds we did get fleeting glimpses of a Hermit Thrush. What a difference in the amount of land birds since the weekend before, when they were at our feet anywhere you walked. At the bay we found returning Horned Grebes, Red Breasted Mergansers and Buffleheads. Our return to the cars produced no more land birds. Robins and a Flicker caught our attention for a minute or two. With
no land birds we decided to make the ocean side our next stop. In the
parking lot we were treated to good long looks at a Downy Woodpecker,
Yellow-rumped Warblers and a mockingbird. At the ocean, Northern Gannets
were everywhere. We had birds in all plumages making plunging dives into
the sea. An uncooperative Common Loon was diving for food. He wasn't up
long enough to get looks of him in the scope. A few of us were able to
see a lone Long-tailed Duck in the scope, and a few Forster's Terns flew
by. Lines of Black and Surf Scoters flew past on their way south. A great
Blue Heron trailed behind one line trying to keep up. The ocean was the
highlight of our trip, and we were able to go home with the memories of
all the gannets sailing, gliding and diving into the rough sea.
October 27, 2006, Sandy Hook MEETING
PLACE: Visitors Center HIGHLIGHTS: It was a cool and windy day. The cloud cover was thick. Walking along the boardwalk at Spermaceti Cove, Golden-crowned Kinglets called as they went from cedar to cedar. A mockingbird frolicked through the trees. We viewed a Northern Flicker in our scopes until he flew to new parts. An Osprey flew gracefully across the bay looking for some fish. Across the bay we had our first fall looks at the returning Brant. Some Double-crested Cormorants rested and spread their wings to dry. A cool breeze blew up and we decided to find shelter. We walked along the bike path north of the Visitors Center to the blind. We found American Black Ducks swimming in the pond. An immature Black-crowned Night-Heron nestled in the phragmites. A couple of Mallards came out of the phrags to see what was going on. Swamp Sparrows chipped around us also, hiding in the phrags. We made our way to the ocean and walked the beach back. As we walked across the parking lot a Merlin came streaking across. A nice way to end our trip.
September 23, 2006, Thompson Park MEETING
PLACE:
Marlu Lake August 17 , Sandy Hook MEETING
PLACE: Visitors Center HIGHLIGHTS: The light was not to our advantage, but we were not deterred. The Osprey came flying in with his young. The young were getting their daily flying lessons. We watched as they skimmed the surface with their talons. We knew it was only weeks before they would start their journey to their winter vacations. Across the bay to the spit we watched the Black-bellied Plovers walk along the shore. A Great Egret searched the water's edge for food. We saw the American Oystercatcher frantically pacing and fussing. On the boardwalk a Green Heron flew into a nearby tree. He sat there patiently as we took our glimpses in the scopes. He finally got bored with us and decided to leave. We knew it was time to move on so we packed up the scopes and headed to the north end. We all braved the legendary "death march" down Fisherman's Trail. Despite the late hour the sun was still not forgiving. At the salt pond we glimpsed Semipalmated Plover, Semipalmated Sandpipers and Laughing Gulls. As the rest of the group joined us we ventured closer to the beach. At the beach we spotted a Semipalmated Plover walking the surf with a Black-bellied Plover. Study the size, shape and color difference, our leader Linda Mack instructed. Further down, a Willet and a Greater Yellowlegs fed in the surf. Alittle higher a Ruddy Turnstone also fed. The Sanderlings frolicked, being chased by the surf. The
sun started to set, reminding us it was time to head back up the long
trail. The night was beautiful with a cool breeze, making it easier to
walk back. The beautiful night at Sandy Hook makes it hard to leave! July 13, Sandy Hook MEETING
PLACE: Visitors Center HIGHLIGHTS: Spermaceti cove was active with the Osprey and their chicks. Both chicks were visible at some point this evening A Short-billed Dowitcher and Black-crowned Night-Heron fed in the cove off the boardwalk. As we watched we kept getting awesome looks at four baby Clapper Rails. It was a first time for all. A Green Heron chased one of the babies into the grass. Another baby chased the dowitcher. We all had a great time watching the antics of all. We had Black Skimmers land on the beach, and the oystercatchers were very active, at one point taking a bath. A Snowy Egret raced around in the water while the Great Egret and Great Blue Heron waded, looking for food. The no-see-ums were coming out in full force; they sent us packing. At
the beach behind the Visitors Center two more oystercatchers played on
the beach. Common Terns raced up and down feeding in the ocean. This time
the flies chased us out. It was a lovely evening, and a great way to end
our long day. June 8, Sandy Hook MEETING
PLACE: Visitors Center HIGHLIGHTS: The evening was cool. A light wind whistled through the marsh. Across the bay on the spit a couple of American Oystercatchers walked on the sand. A Boat-tailed Grackle frantically tried to get away from a persistent peregrine chasing it. The grackle won out - the Peregrine had to settle for a rest on the spit. On the platform the Ospreys had their dinner. A Great Egret was wandering too close and was tormented by the Osprey. The egret soon moved on to a better place away from danger. He had found food. As he walked among the rising tide, he showed off his plumes in the breeze. As we were admiring the egret, a Black Skimmer flew over the water. We were hoping to hear a bark but they were too busy skimming the water. Before we called it a night we headed across to the ocean side. The beach was quiet. A Least Tern Flew close to shore and up over our heads heading to the bay. The evening was cooling fast. We headed to our cars, enjoying the sunset. May 6, Allaire State Park MEETING
PLACE: Main parking area HIGHLIGHTS:
We greeted the group in the main parking lot at Allaire State Park
and promised everyone that they would learn at least three bird songs
before the trip was over. As we headed out onto the trail As we passed the pond we heard Pine Warbler and the uncommon Yellow-throated Vireo as well as a Red-eyed Vireo, making for easy comparison. One of the group spotted an enormous snapping turtle in a low-lying spot in the woods; Fred V. examined the turtle and showed it to the group, which earned Fred an appreciative round of applause! We were nearly halfway around the trail when we heard our first Scarlet Tanager, as well as the first of many Black-throated Green Warblers. In all we had 14 warblers in a morning’s birding - not bad! We made a final stop at the Environmental Center, where we watched a Ruby-throated Hummingbird at their feeder and studied other feeder birds such as White-breasted Nuthatch and Eastern Goldfinches. We had a really great group of people, and they all left knowing at least three warbler songs, as promised! While in Allaire one week later, we ran into several of our participants, who enjoyed the walk so much they came back on their own. Now that’s someone who had a good time! April 15 , 2006, Sandy Hook MEETING
PLACE: Sandy Hook Visitors Center HIGHLIGHTS: We started our trip in fog. We walked across the street to Spermacetti Cove, where the Osprey were home, a Great Egret hunted for food, and as the fog lifted, we saw Red-breasted Mergansers and Horned Grebes diving for food. The American Oystercatchers fussed on the spit. Palm Warblers sat on branches in front of the pines as Golden-crowned Kinglets sang. North Pond and the Migration Watch were next. The Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks started their fights as we gathered in the parking lot. They kept coming as we made our way around the pond. On the pond were Ring-necked Ducks, a female Hooded Merganser, American Coot and Green-winged Teal. A Belted Kingfisher rattled his way over the pond. The migration platform was buzzing with people as we climbed to the top. A few Broad-winged Hawks came soaring by. A Merlin was perched in the trees across the pond. In the distance a Northern Harrier searched the dunes for a meal. A pair of Osprey flew overhead to reach their platform for a rest. On the ground below the platform Eastern Towhees and a beautiful White-crowned Sparrow fed on seeds. Our day may have started out a bit foggy, but it turned out to be a beautiful spring day. No one wanted to call it quits and go home. Some reluctantly said their good-byes, while others stayed a bit longer. A perfect and fun day it was. March 11 , 2006, North Shore Ponds
HIGHLIGHTS: The weather was spectacular, unseasonably warm and sunny as we headed out of Belmar Marina toward Point Pleasant. The plan was to drive south and work our way up the Jersey coast, stopping at many of the ponds that dot coastal Monmouth County. Our first stop at Little Silver Lake in Point Pleasant Beach was probably the most interesting, with a dozen species of waterfowl to watch and compare. The most spectacular was the EURASIAN WIGEON, which was out in the open, very close, and quite active. We also enjoyed the whistling of the American Wigeon, the diving activity of the Ruddy Ducks and the graceful movements of a pair of Northern Pintail. Next we stopped at the Manasquan Inlet, where we were treated to great looks at Purple Sandpiper, both Common and Red-throated Loons, Long-tailed Duck, and both Black Scoter and Surf Scoter. Further up the coast we visited Wreck Pond on the Sea Girt/Spring Lake border, where we added Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Hooded Merganser and Red-breasted Merganser to our waterfowl list, along with Great Blue Heron. Other stops included Lake Como, Silver Lake, and the Shark River Inlet before returning to the Belmar Marina for some well-earned lunch. After lunch we visited Pullman Ave. in Elberon before calling the field trip a success. In all, we found 22 species of waterfowl -- a real accomplishment in anyone's book! February 5, 2006, Sandy Hook
HIGHLIGHTS: With the wind in our faces, our group headed to Spermacetti Cove. Sifting through all the waterfowl we found hundreds of Greater Scaup with a few Lesser Scaup among them. American Wigeon swam among the American Black Ducks and Mallards. A Black-capped Chickadee called nearby above the melodious sounds of the Brant. As we headed back to the Visitor's Center a Red-tailed Hawk flew by in the distance. At the ocean's edge we found the Black Scoters. A Northern Gannet flew and dove to the water's edge. Wakling down the beach we came across another pack of scoters. This time we had a mixture. Among the Black Scoters we found Surf Scoters and the rare White-winged Scoter. Our side trip to the bird blind gave us some Mallards and Canada Geese. With the wind picking up we decided to head back to the cars and take cover.
January 21, 2006, Barnegat Light/Manahawkin MEETING
PLACE: Barnegat Light State Park HIGHLIGHTS: Mike Casper, John Temple, Harden Fowler and I led the to Barnegat Light. The weather was positively balmy - none of the usual Sta-Puff Marshmallow-looking people on this trip! We
arrived at noon and with a group of approx. 20 participants ventured out
the jetty to within 50 feet of the end. (We didn't want to disturb a flock
of approx. 200 Dunlin by progressing further.) Highlights included Sharp-shinned
Hawk, American Kestrel, Merlin, Northern Harrier, Red-breasted Merganser,
Long-tailed Duck, HARLEQUIN DUCK, Black Scoter, Surf Scoter, COMMON EIDER,
PURPLE SANDPIPER, Surprising was the presence of only one Red-breasted Merganser, when we usually spot several dozen. Also notable was the large numbers of Long-tailed Duck, many right alongside the rocks -- best looks I've ever had. HARLEQUINS numbered around 20 and were widely dispersed along the jetty. Hundreds of Scoters (we didn't see any White-winged) were at the mouth of the inlet, as were about a dozen COMMON EIDER. We didn't note any Kings. After a break most of the group headed to the Bridge to Nowhere -- yesterday nicknamed the "Bridge to Nothing." VERRY quiet, bird-wise, with a single Northern Harrier, a few Great Blue Herons and one Belted Kingfisher. We hypothesized that there was a lack of food critters here this year, since not only were there no Short-eared Owls, our normal target species for this location, the usual plentiful harriers were all but absent as well. We had a great group of enthusiastic participants who enjoyed a January day in the field with little of the usual seasonal discomfort. A fine time was had by all.
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