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| Eastern Goldfinch Carduelis tristis ©Stephen O Muskie http://www.outtakes.us/birds/index.html |
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birding... |
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Cape MayInformationSatellite View The city of Cape May in Cape May County, which comprises the southern-most tip of New Jersey, is THE birdiest place in the state. It is the home of the Cape May Bird Observatory and the Cape May Hawk Watch. The Victorian city itself is a lovely place to take a vacation (Spring, Summer and Autumn are best – rates are cheaper in Spring and Autumn). The annual World Series of Birding takes place here every May (the teams try to see how many species they can see in a 24-hour period birding entirely within the borders of the state, although there are now categories for Cape May County alone, and for a Big Sit too, as well as others). Birds to be seen at the Hawk Watch depends on the month. Broad Winged Hawks come through in September. Bald Eagles are seen in Sept. and Oct. (but now that these eagles are much more common in New Jersey, they are possible almost any month) and Golden Eagles (if seen at all) would be seen in Nov. More commonly seen are Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s Hawks, Northern Harriers (a/k/a Hen Harrier), both Black and Turkey Vultures, Red-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawks, Peregrine Falcon, Merlin and American Kestrels. Rarities are amazingly common and not limited to raptors (Swallow-tailed and Mississippi Kites, Anhingas, Wood Storks, etc. have all been sighted here recently). The Cape May Point neighborhood just outside Cape May Point State Park is a very birdy area. Many homes keep bird feeders that attract a wealth of birds (including the latest introduced species that is expanding its range in North America, Eurasian Collared Dove!). The beaches on the south tip of the peninsula can be very rewarding especially during migration or during or after a storm. Another site for raptors is the tower at Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area (“WMA”) (located at the end of New England Road - Google coordinates 38.961582,-74.960178). The WMA itself is very good for migrating birds in Spring and Autumn. The Nature Conservancy’s Cape May Meadows (parking lot located on the south side of Sunset Boulevard about half way between West Cape May and Cape May Point – Google coordinates 38.938416,-74.944538) is a beach and dune habitat providing nesting areas for the endangered Piping Plover. A system of ponds amid the dunes provide habitat for migrating shorebirds in Autumn. The nearby town of Avalon has a Seawatch where one can observe the migration of seabirds in Autumn. The Seawatch is located at the end of 7th Street and the beach in north Avalon (Google coordinates 38.109388,-74.708018.) There are many other birding sites in the area and one should consult Boyle’s “A Guide to Bird-finding in New Jersey” for more information. Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife RefugeInformationSatellite View Also known as Brigantine National Wildlife Refuge and located in Galloway Township just north of Atlantic City, the refuge visitor’s center is located on Great Creek Road near the coast on the Atlantic Ocean (Google coordinates 39.465031,-74.448273). A wildlife drive takes one around a series of dykes and ponds. Spring and Fall are best. (Summer is incredibly hot and humid with biting green flies and mosquitoes in abundance – insect repellant is a must!!) Fall migration is liable to bring any number of rarities to the refuge. Conditions are best when the tide is out as then mud flats are exposed. A spotting scope is also recommended for this refuge. All the commonly seen shorebirds are possible here. Terns seen include Least, Common, Fosters, Gull-billed, and in migration Royal, Caspian and Black. Common birds include Wood Duck, Black Skimmers, Black-crowned Night-herons, Great Blue and Little Blue Herons, Great and Snowy Egrets, Clapper Rail, Marsh Wren, Purple Martins (there is a colony near the visitor’s center), Swamp, Seaside, and Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrows, and Blue Grosbeak. Least Bittern is regularly seen from the Observation Tower. It is not unusual to see Bald Eagle and Peregrine Falcon (the latter nest on a tower in the east end of the refuge). Garret Mountain ReservationInformationSatellite View This Passaic County Park located in the Watchung Mountains just south-west of the city of Paterson is a prime birding site in Spring. (Google coordinates 40.902238,-74.181334.) The areas to bird include: the paths surrounding Barbour Pond – look for migrant warblers and other birds such as Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, Tufted Titmouse, Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Thrasher, Eastern Towhee, Chipping and Song Sparrows, as well as waterfowl on the pond. In the woodlands at the north and south ends of the pond look for Wood Thrush and Veery. Near the southern end of the pond is a gazebo where a small stream enters the pond. Eastern Phoebes nest under the bridge by the stream and Louisiana Waterthrush is common in the area along the stream to the south. This is also a good site for Winter Wren which overwinters here. Wilson Avenue which extends from Mountain Avenue off the west side of the reservation. Pine Warbler can be found here (in the pines) along with other warbler species as well as both Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets. It is always worth walking down this short street as you never know what you’ll find here. Look for Common Mergansers on the New Street Reservoir. At the very north end of the park is an overlook providing a splendid view of the city of Paterson. If you have time, by all means take a trip into Paterson itself to see the Great Falls of the Passaic, one of the natural wonders of New Jersey. It is located at McBride and Wayne Avenues in Paterson (Google location 40.915345,-74.179961). The falls and Passaic River’s reliable source of water power led to the area being a key site during the industrial revolution in America. The area is now a National Historic Park and there is a visitor’s center across McBride Avenue from the falls parking area. [At nearby Rifle Camp Park (just to the south of Garret Mountain) one can see Wild Turkeys very easily.] Sandy HookWebsiteSatellite View A part of Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook is on a peninsula extending north from the Atlantic Highlands on coast into Raritan Bay. (Google coordinates are 40.468482,-74.008305.) In the summer a fee is charged from Memorial Day (the last Monday in May) to Labor Day (the first Monday in September). You don’t have to pay this fee to bird the area – just tell the attendant that you are going birding and they will allow you to enter free and will be allowed to park at the Visitor’s Center, Horseshoe Cove, Boy Scout Camp, all Fort Hancock lots and K-Lot and the Sandy Hook Bird Observatory. However, if you want to park at any of the beach parking areas, you will have to pay the fee. One could bird here all year round, but Spring, Fall and Winter are best. There is extensive forest on the peninsula and the plants there attract many species that overwinter, including many rarities. Recent years have seen Bohemian Waxwings, Common Redpolls, Pine Siskins, Orange-crowned Warblers, etc. Winter also brings King Eider and Barrow’s Goldeneye (usually seen each winter) as well as Bonaparte’s Gulls, Northern Gannets, all three scoter species, Snow Buntings and Horned Larks. North of K-Lot is a hawk-watch platform overlooking the north tip of the peninsula. A walk out to the beach here can be rewarding in Fall for migrating shorebirds. The Observatory has a small book store and restrooms are located in the parking lot outside which facilities are open year-round. Worthington State Forest & Delaware Water Gap National Recreation AreaInformationSatellite View These two areas are treated together as they are contiguous to each other. To reach them take Interstate 80 (“I-80”) west to Exit 1 where it meets New Jersey’s western border, the Delaware River. (Google coordinates 40.977857,-75.134082.) (In doing so, you have to drive through the Delaware Water Gap which is another of New Jersey’s natural wonders, a place where the Delaware River actually wore down the rising bedrock forming a spectacular, meandering gorge.) There is a small visitors center and picnic grounds on the south side of I-80. At the bottom of the exit ramp from I-80, turn right. You may have to wait for the traffic light as the beginning of this road is one way as it is very narrow. Worthington State Forest is the first area you will explore. The best times are Spring and Early Summer. The road is closed in Winter. I suggest one read the description of these areas in Boyle’s “A Guide to Bird-Finding in New Jersey” as it is too much information to present here. Birds found all along this area include Wild Turkey, Osprey, Bald Eagle (there is a nest across the river on the Shawnee Inn Golf Course in Pennsylvania that is visible from the south end of the Worthington Campground), Broad-winged, Red-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawks, Killdeer, Spotted and Solitary Sandpiper, Yellow-billed and Black-billed Cuckoos, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied, Downy, Hairy and Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Acadian and Least Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Yellow-throated, Warbling, and Red-eyed Vireos, Northern Rough-winged, Tree, Bank, and Barn Swallows, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina and House Wrens, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Eastern Bluebird, Veery, Wood Thrush, Cedar Waxwing, Blue-winged, Nashville, Yellow, Chestnut-sided, Black-throated Blue, Yellow-rumped, Black-throated Green, Pine, Cerulean, Black-and-White, Hooded, Worm-eating Warblers, Northern Parula, American Redstart, Ovenbird, Louisiana Waterthrush, Common Yellowthroat, Eastern Towhee, Chipping, Field, Song and White-throated Sparrows, Scarlet Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Orchard and Baltimore Orioles, etc. Note that this area is one of the best in the state for sightings of Black Bear! Usually these creatures are shy. However, if on foot, do not approach a bear, ever! Viewing them from the safety of your automobile is recommended. John J. Collins Dave Magpiong Number of bird species: 463
![]() A Guide to Bird-Finding in New JerseyWilliam J Boyle 492 pages, b/w illus, maps. Rutgers University Press 2002ISBN: 0813530857 Buy this book from NHBS.com Birding the Delaware Valley Region- A Comprehensive Guide to Birdwatching in Southeastern Pennsylvania, Central and Southern New Jersey and NorthcentralPaperback - 223 pages (May 1980) Temple University Press ISBN: 0877221820 Buy this book from NHBS.com National Geographic Field Guide to Birds: New JerseyMel Baughman Series: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC STATE FIELD GUIDES TO BIRDS 272 pages, maps, photos, drawings. National Geographic Society 2005ISBN: 0792238753 Buy this book from NHBS.com New Jersey Birds : An Introduction to Familiar Species(Pocket Naturalist)Waterford PressPaperback (March 1999) Waterford PressISBN: 1889903825 Buy this book from NHBS.com The Birds of New Jersey: Status and DistributionBy William J Boyle | 308 pages | 202 colour photos | 460 maps | Princeton University Press Softcover | 2011See Fatbirder Review ISBN: 9780691144108 Buy this book from NHBS.com State BirdEastern Goldfinch Carduelis tristis Atlantic Audubon SocietyWebsiteOur mission : Increase public knowledge and awareness of environmental issues; provide an avenue for participation in governmental policy; work toward the preservation and sustainability of natural ecosystems; promote an appreciation of the natural environment. Audubon Society in New JerseyWebsiteA list of all the chapters of the Audubon Society in New Jersey... Bergen County Audubon SocietyWebsiteServing the communities of Northern New Jersey Fyke Nature AssociationWebsiteFyke was founded in 1952 by a group of people strongly dedicated to saving undeveloped tracts of land in Bergen County, New Jersey as nature preserves. Since its founding, Fyke has not only been a force for preservation, but a forum where people can educate themselves and share their love of the natural world. Currently, the Association, along with the Borough of Allendale, co-manage the Celery Farm Natural Area in Allendale, NJ. Together, we have been instrumental in keeping the Celery Farm, a 107-acre freshwater wetland, in its natural state. As a result, fifty-three bird species breed here, and a total checklist of 225+ have been recorded... Great Swamp Watershed AssociationWebsiteGreat Swamp Watershed Association was created in 1981 to protect the Great Swamp watershed basin. The association acts as steward for this valuable and sensitive region in northern New Jersey... Highlands Audubon SocietyServing the communities of Passiac and Sussex Counties and Northwest NJ Monmouth County Audubon SocietyWebsiteThe Monmouth County Audubon Society, a chapter of the National Audubon Society, is dedicated to the enjoyment and study of nature, wildlife conservation, habitat protection, and education. Morris Highlands Audubon SocietyPO Box 935, Denville, NJ 07834 - John Knapp, President Nature Conservancy in New JerseyWebsiteCheck out the Fall photo of William L. Hutcheson Memorial Forest on the opening page. The Nature Conservancy has been working to protect New Jersey's natural areas since 1955, when it helped save one of the mid-Atlantic's last primeval forests. Hutcheson Memorial Forest's old fields and 60-foot-tall stands of hardwoods now span 500 acres. The forest is the birthplace of the Conservancy in the Garden State... New Jersey AudubonWebsiteThe New Jersey Audubon Society (NJAS) is a privately supported, not-for profit, state-wide membership organization. Founded in 1897, and one of the oldest independent Audubon societies, NJAS has no connection with the National Audubon Society. The New Jersey Audubon Society fosters environmental awareness and a conservation ethic among New Jersey`s citizens; protects New Jersey`s birds, mammals, other animals, and plants, especially endangered and threatened species; and promotes preservation of New Jersey`s valuable natural habitats. New Jersey Bird Records CommitteeWebsiteDuring a recent conversation with a fellow birder, I asked him to submit to the New Jersey Bird Records Committee (N.J.B.R.C.) a written report of a rarity he had just found. His blunt reply, What? ! So you can tell me if I was correct in my identification! caught me by surprise. Who were we, the N.J.B.R.C., to tell him whether or not he'd correctly identified this bird! Do you feel the same way as this birder? Many people do. We'd like to try to dispel the myth that our major purpose is to vet your rare bird reports. Looks like this is a universal problem... Washington Crossing Audubon SocietyWebsiteBetter than the usual site which just lists officers and meeting dates it carries reports such as... A Biological Survey of the Pole Farm, presented by WCAS to members of the Mercer County Park Northwest steering committee at its public meeting held on October 22, 1998. Wetlands InstituteMission Statement - To promote appreciation and understanding of the vital role wetlands and coastal ecosystems play in the survival of life on this planet. May Day FestivalWebsiteTreat Mom to a Day with Mother Earth on Saturday May 7! Surprise her with a “Mother Nature’s Silent Auction” gift – place your bids for tickets to McCarter, NJ Shakespeare, or Mayo Theatre – or an overnight stay for 2 at Dolce Hotel… maybe she’d prefer a basket from C’est Cheese or Enjou Chocolat – just to mention a few of the many, many wonderful gifts available for you to win… while supporting the Sanctuary at the same time. Find amazing creatures along a Nature Treasure Hunt, peruse gorgeous wildlife photography in the Wayrick Wildlife Gallery and meet the artist herself! And don’t forget to visit the Young Audubon Children’s Art Show featuring the works of talented 4th Graders from area schools! Young Audubon work will be on display just outside the Sanctuary Nature Store until June 1st. And speaking of the Nature Store, every May Day guest - not just Moms - will receive a Special May Day/Mother’s Day 20% off Discount to apply to virtually everything (except optics) in the beautiful new store! Relax and enjoy live outdoor performances by Eco-Man and the talented musicians of the NJ Folk Project while the kids get their faces painted and are busy with nature crafts at The Children’s Tent – or sit in on talks by very special guest speakers, including every Jersey birder’s favorite and renowned author, Pete Dunne; Giselle Smisko will talk about Chimney Swifts, why they are on the decline, and how they can be helped. History buffs will be treated to a fascinating and entertaining Hike through History with Gordon T. Ward – enjoy nature while learning about the critical role the Sanctuary grounds played in the American Revolution. And for Moms who aren’t easily grossed-out, Rizzo’s Reptiles will be on hand with a wild posse of snakes, reptiles and amphibians – and even a baby alligator! Bring your family and friends to this festive annual event where you’ll discover a place where experiencing nature is pure fun. Questions? Please call Mike Anderson, Director of Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Laurie Sindlinger, Naturalist (908) 766-5787 or Kathleen Mistretta, NJA May Day Coordinator (908) 204-8998 x10. Cape May Bird ObservatoryObservatorySatellite View Founded in 1975 by the New Jersey Audubon Society, the Cape May Bird Observatory (CMBO) is a leader in research, environmental education, bird conservation, and recreational birding activities. Our mission: to understand and instill appreciation of the needs of resident and migrating birds so that human ambitions do not undermine them. Chimney Rock Hawk WatchObservatorySatellite View The Chimney Rock hawk watch is located in Washington Valley Park, on the First Watchung Ridge in Martinsville, New Jersey. The Somerset County Park Commission generously provides and maintains the platform and parking lot for the hawk watch... Featherbed Lane Banding StationBanding StationSatellite View This is the home page of the Featherbed Lane Banding Station, one of the longest-running privately-run bird banding research and training projects in North America... Sandy Hook Bird ObservatoryObservatorySatellite View The Sandy Hook Bird Observatory was established in 2001 by the New Jersey Audubon Society at Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook Unit in the Historic Fort Hancock District. The Observatory replaces the Owl Haven Nature Center in Tennent established in 1978... Lorrimer SanctuaryWebsiteSatellite View 790 Ewing Avenue, PO Box 125, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417 (201) 891-2185 New Jersey Appalachian Trail ConservancyWebsiteThe Appalachian Trail along the Kittatinny Range in New Jersey is rugged and more remote than one might expect considering its proximity to large population centers, with abundant wildlife, including an active bear population... Plainsboro PreserveWebsiteSatellite View Plainsboro Preserve, 80 Scotts Corner Road, Cranbury, NJ 08512, Phone: (609) 897-9400 Sherman-Hoffman SanctuariesWebsiteSatellite View Scherman-Hoffman Sanctuaries are New Jersey Audubon's twin sanctuaries in Bernardsville, Basking Ridge, and Harding Township, NJ. In 1965 Mr. and Mrs. Harry Scherman donated a 125 acre tract of land with an endowment to the New Jersey Audubon Society. Later, in 1973 and 1975, Mr. G. Frederick Hoffman donated parcels of land. The Hoffman house, barn and caretaker's house were added to the sanctuary in 1981 at the time of Mr. Hoffman's death. This completed what is now Scherman-Hoffman Sanctuaries, 260 acres of woodland, field, and floodplain habitat supporting over 200 species of wildlife over the course of a year. Warren E. Fox Nature CenterWebsiteSatellite View Atlantic County, New Jersey maintains a sprawling system of parks totalling thousands of acres of beautiful woodlands and wetlands throughout the county. Combined these areas offer a wide range of outdoor activities that everyone can enjoy. 1997 [September] - Rick SimpsonReport...Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. (New York) Coastal marsh with fresh water ponds, scrub and woodland. With Tony Buonocore a birding friend who lives in Hackensack NJ... 2000 [October] - Justin Jansen - Cape MayReportI visited twice, once from 14 - 21 June 1997 and between 29 September – October 2000. I stayed mainly around Cape May with few excursions outside this spot. Cape May is situated on the most southern tip of New Jersey, 100 km from Philadelphia and 200 km from New York. I noted here what species I recorded and where. Three trips outside Cape May County, this was to Seeley for cranes, Forsythe for ducks and to Chedar Ville for the Loggerhead Shrike... 2000 [September] - Cape MayReport...most notable were an Osprey and three Red-tailed Hawks. Several warblers were heard calling in flight over CMP after dark promising much for tomorrow... 2002 [September] - John van der WoudeReportCape May is a bird migration hotspot on the East coast of the USA, and is located on the South tip of the New Jersey peninsula, which is not far South of New York. Especially during and after the passage of a cold front from the Northwest, large numbers of songbirds are passing, and may hang around on this South tip for a while. Added to this is a good hawk migration watch, and some nice sites for coastal birds... Birding PalInformationLocal birders willing to show visiting birders around their area... NJ AudubonGuidesContact the local Audubon chapter for guides... Avondale By The SeaAccommodation...in the heart of Cape May... Northwood Inn B&BAccommodationLeamings Run Gardens & Colonial Farm - Open May through October. Rt. 9, Cape May Court House. Largest annual garden in the USA. Haven for humming birds in August... Southern Mansion B&BAccommodationThe famous Cape May wildlife preserve is unparalleled for the huge quantity and variety of birds for the bird watchers to delight in. The Woolverton Inn B&BAccommodationNestled on a ten-acre estate of century old maple trees, surrounded by 400 acres of rolling farmland and forest... ForumMailing ListTo post to list:forumsnj@nj.com Jersey birdwatchers, talk about your latest sightings and trade tips here. A Case of BirdigoBlogSightings and musings of a teenager birder from New Jersey... Behind the BinsBlogJust me behind the bins, out and about looking for birds... Beth GrahamBlogNews, thoughts and adventures in birding... Kevin Bolton - Jersey DigiscopingBlogNew Jersey birding Photographer and Digiscoper... New Jersey OutdoorsBlogWith a heavy focus on birding, this site wanders through the Garden State in search of fun outdoor activity, conservation groups, rare birds, and much much more! Owl BoxBlogThe life and times of a fanatical bird watcher tracking all our feathered friends - I'm a bird enthusiast based in NW New Jersey who spends most of his time backyard watching. Having two little kids doesn't leave much time for bird watching trips… Patrick Belardo - The Hawk Owl's NestBlogA blog dedicated to birding, botanizing, and butterflying in New Jersey… WoodcreeperBlogA sort of birding BLOG with photos etc... Backyard Wild BirdsWebsiteWe feature select quality products and complete solutions to backyard wild birding. Our 'Bird Feeding Kits' & systems can include bird feeders, bird feeder poles, and squirrel stopping baffle protectors. Invite wild birds to your backyard to provide an endless source of nature's beauty and enjoyment for all! Barnegat LighthouseWebsiteA series of photographs of birds taken, presumably, from the lighthouse... Birding in New JerseyWebsiteNew Jersey's Birds and our mission to see them all... Cape May Birding and BirdsWebsiteA series of articles etc. from the Cape May Times... ChecklistWebsiteJust BinocularsWebsiteBinoculars, Spotting Scopes and Rangefinders from Name Brand Manufacturers at the Lowest Prices. We carry binoculars for hunting, boating, birding and traveling as well as binoculars for star gazing, equine sports, night vision and sporting events. Top Name Brands from Steiner, Zeiss, Nikon, Leupold, Bushnell and Tasco. From this New Jersey based company. New Jersey Nature NotesWebsiteA website dedicated to nature, science and the environment, centered but not limited to New Jersey, USA. The site is heavily oriented to birds and birding… Photographer - Douglas GoodellGalleryWelcome! This is Douglas Goodell`s photo site featuring birds and related scenes. The images are presented in galleries, arranged mostly by species type. What`s New highlights new works before they are integrated into the galleries; a few favorites are shown separately. Note that space is limited, so not all images are shown here. If you are looking for something in particular that is not in the galleries, or have comments, please contact me. |
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