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Sat., Jan. 23, 1:00 pm --- Sat., Feb. 20, 10:00 am --- Sun., March 28, 8:30 am --- Sat., April 17, 9:00 am --- Sat., May 8, 8:15 am
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Monmouth County Audubon Society visits Barnegat Light January 23
Michael Casper, board member and field trip leader, explains the lure of this particular area. “Many species of ducks which breed in the Arctic spend the winter in the area of Barnegat Light. This is a good place to see some birds of the dunes, such as Snow Buntings and Horned Larks.” Some of the ducks that can be found here in winter include Long-tailed Duck, scoters, loons and eider. This is also one of the most reliable locations in New Jersey to see the beautiful Harlequin Duck, another rare but regular winter visitor. Later in the day, after a “warm-up” break, the group will explore part of the Manahawkin WMA to look for Short-eared Owls. This is one of the best places in the state in which to see them, when conditions are favorable. “Even though it can get cold standing in a salt marsh in winter, you would be surprised how quickly you forget about the weather once you see or hear your first owl!” says John Temple, trip co-leader. Anyone interested in participating in the event can meet at 1:00 pm in the Barnegat Light parking lot. Follow the Garden State Parkway south to Exit 63, then take Route 72 East to Long Beach Island. At the road’s end turn left; follow the main road to the north end of the island and to the parking lot for the lighthouse. After exploring the Barnegat Light area, the group will re-convene at the Horizon Diner, on East Bay Avenue in Manahawkin. People interested in the second leg of the trip, a visit to the Manahawkin marshes, should plan to arrive at the Horizon Diner by 4:00 pm. Participants should dress appropriately for extremely cold temperatures and windy conditions, including footwear suitable for jetty-walking. Pets are not permitted. Why? Monmouth County Audubon Society plans Sandy Hook bird walk February 20
These, and many other varieties of birds, will be sought when the Monmouth County Audubon Society hosts a bird walk on Sandy Hook on Saturday, February 20. This is a great opportunity to shake off the stuffiness of winter, get some sunshine, and enjoy the outdoors. The trip will be led by accomplished birders who are very familiar with Sandy Hook and its birds. “Many species of ducks which breed in the Arctic spend the winter in the area,” explains Linda Mack, field trip leader and past president of the organization. “They seek protection in the coves along the Hook and usually remain most of the season. In addition, hawks continue to hunt here all winter, and they’re fascinating to watch. And we don’t discount the possibility of seeing some really rare birds.” Anyone interested in participating in the event can meet at 10:00 am in the parking lot of the Sandy Hook Visitor’s Center. Participants should dress appropriately for cold temperatures and windy conditions, which are common along the coast. Binoculars are essential, and a field guide is helpful. Pets are not permitted. Why? About
our field trips In case of inclement weather... We try to run our field trips even if there are showers predicted. However, in the event of severe weather that would affect the safety of the group and restrict travel, trips are occasionally postponed or cancelled. The decision on whether or not to hold a field trip will be made by 6:00 pm the night before. In the event of a cancelled or postponed event, we will post a notice on our phone hotline, (732) USA-BIRD, and on this page.
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