tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55508117851760436062024-02-21T22:06:44.696-05:00New Jersey OutdoorsBillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17180565029502925352noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5550811785176043606.post-12109911941874246462010-06-25T16:14:00.003-04:002010-06-25T16:22:12.387-04:00NJO has a new location!We're in the process of making a switch to <a href="http://njoutdoors.wordpress.com/">http://njoutdoors.wordpress.com/</a> - please continue to follow the blog at its new home! NJ Outdoors is expanding with more contributors in a number of different areas. We plan on having a constant flow of new material covering everything from birding and hiking to gardening and fishing! Like to surf? Send in a column! Have some cool photos from a recent camping trip? We'll post them!<br /><br />Please send us an email at <a href="newjerseyoutdoors@gmail.com">newjerseyoutdoors@gmail.com</a> if you would like to be a regular contributor to the blog, or if you would like us to post your story, event, or pictures.<br /><br />Thanks, everyone!Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17180565029502925352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5550811785176043606.post-83184776318596165002010-06-09T14:28:00.002-04:002010-06-09T14:36:02.001-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Clever Gulls<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1295/4685181692_72f435a1a0_b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 294px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1295/4685181692_72f435a1a0_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4025/4622181791_f227f32348_b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 431px; height: 254px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4025/4622181791_f227f32348_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1299/4605620834_be817bb5ae_b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 583px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1299/4605620834_be817bb5ae_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17180565029502925352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5550811785176043606.post-20082598692938365942010-06-08T10:15:00.003-04:002010-06-08T11:05:59.286-04:00Jersey Fresh!The 2010 growing season has already begun for most New Jersey farms, and there are plenty of opportunities to reap the delicious rewards! It's too late to purchase a CSA share (check out our food blog at <a href="http://partyof2wo.blogspot.com/">Party of Two </a>for updates on our Honeybrook Organic Farm CSA) - but there are plenty of other ways to join in on the Garden State's rich agricultural tradition.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1415/922665324_7308b8ab38.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 431px; height: 265px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1415/922665324_7308b8ab38.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Photo by Chuck Walker (c) 2007</span><br /><br /></div>Community and roadside farmers markets are an excellent way to find fresh and local produce in your area. Different markets offer different things - you will undoubtedly be able to find fruits and veggies in plentiful amounts, but some markets may also have stands selling cheeses, pickles, freshly baked breads and baked goods, and locally raised meats.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1107/1156211656_dbc285cfb2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1107/1156211656_dbc285cfb2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Photo by Chuck Walker (c) 2007<br /><br /></span></div>There are also some wonderful Pick-Your-Own opportunities throughout the state. Most PYO farms offer some combination of tree fruits (apples, peaches, etc) and berries (strawberries, blueberries, etc).<br /><br />Check out the Department of Agriculture's<a href="http://www.state.nj.us/jerseyfresh/"> Jersey Fresh website</a> for listings of all the different stands and farms in your area, as well as a list of what types of produce are currently in season.Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17180565029502925352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5550811785176043606.post-70112280235275983952010-06-02T09:42:00.003-04:002010-06-02T09:47:22.811-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Shorebirds<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4021/4623785047_5e53b880fb_b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 440px; height: 293px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4021/4623785047_5e53b880fb_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4623783293_74646ee935_b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 440px; height: 302px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4623783293_74646ee935_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3348/3635677882_acbac083e0_o.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 441px; height: 291px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3348/3635677882_acbac083e0_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3408/3621680755_016eefe6f6_b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 440px; height: 294px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3408/3621680755_016eefe6f6_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2466/3622499204_123e394619.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 440px; height: 492px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2466/3622499204_123e394619.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">As always, click on the images for larger versions.</span><br /></div>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17180565029502925352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5550811785176043606.post-79328898665550209332010-05-19T11:08:00.004-04:002010-05-19T11:16:23.723-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Chuck and Dee<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4587816523_4bf2b425b1_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 214px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4587816523_4bf2b425b1_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">(click image for larger version)</span><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3414/4616840101_c261f32ecc.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 418px; height: 496px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3414/4616840101_c261f32ecc.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4062/4616839875_03fb4a3c40.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 362px; height: 495px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4062/4616839875_03fb4a3c40.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4010/4616839435_721a97e921.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 431px; height: 393px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4010/4616839435_721a97e921.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17180565029502925352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5550811785176043606.post-14249699600570737982010-05-14T17:31:00.003-04:002010-05-14T17:35:05.051-04:00World Series of BirdingNew Jersey's World Series of Birding begins at midnight tonight! Teams from all over the state and country will compete to see who can identify (through sight and sound) the most species of birds within the state of NJ in a 24-hour period.<br /><br />Our team will be competing for the 2nd year. Check out our recent <a href="http://knightherons.blogspot.com/2010/05/this-is-it.html">blog post</a> for updates and please consider supporting the team! Thanks, everyone.<div><br /></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1225/4601145175_4ab19c344f.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 303px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1225/4601145175_4ab19c344f.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17180565029502925352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5550811785176043606.post-2795291920710715122010-05-11T18:23:00.002-04:002010-05-11T18:40:16.325-04:00Re-Purpose New Jersey!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/object2/1439/107/n115034588535402_1722.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 161px;" src="http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/object2/1439/107/n115034588535402_1722.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Rutgers University is hosting a Re-Purpose event where anyone can come and donate clothing, electronics, and other unwanted items. The following locations will be accepting donations from noon - 8pm on Wednesday, May 12th, and from 9am - noon on Thursday, May 13th:<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 22px;color:#000000;" ><span style="font-size: 14px;">• Busch: Richardson Lot 58B & Silvers Lot<br />• Livingston: Sidewalk between Quad 1 & 2 off Avenue E.<br />• CAC: Hardenburgh Hall Lot 20 & Stonier Lot 35<br />• Cook: Newells Lot 99a & Nicholas Lot 76<br />• Douglass: New Gibbons Lot 74A<br /><br />Simply show up and donate! You can find more information (and volunteer) on the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=24803843#%21/event.php?eid=115034588535402&index=1">event's Facebook page</a> or on the <a href="http://www.repurposenj.org/">Re-Purpose New Jersey website</a>.<br /></span></span>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17180565029502925352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5550811785176043606.post-4164844874019613262010-04-19T13:44:00.004-04:002010-04-19T14:04:20.955-04:00Ag Field Day / Rutgers DayIf you ask the loyalists on the Cook and Douglass campuses what April 24th is called, they'll emphatically tell you it's "Ag Field Day". The annual event in New Brunswick has now been transformed into the broader, University-wide "Rutgers Day", but on the fields and farms of Cook/Douglass, they're hanging onto the 104-year old moniker.<br /><br />Throughout the day there will be various tours, demonstrations, and lectures all over campus. On the big lawn on Cook/Douglass, the NJ Folk Festival will be held with live music, craft tents, artists, and food trucks. Read more about the food at <a href="http://partyof2wo.blogspot.com/">Party of Two</a>, our food blog.<br /><br />The Ecology and Evolution Graduate Student Association will be leading tours throughout Helyar Woods and Rutgers Gardens during the day. It all kicks off at 8am as Brian Clough (member of our <a href="http://knightherons.blogspot.com/">Scarlet Knight-Herons World Series of Birding team</a>) leads a birding tour through Helyar Woods. Last year I co-led this tour with Charlie Kontos. We had a great turnout and ended up seeing a good number of bird species. Helyar Woods can be a great spot during migration, and there are sure to be a number of warblers and other songbirds flitting about. We had great looks at a Scarlet Tanager last year during the walk.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/4529065656_05bb37ec4c_b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 287px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/4529065656_05bb37ec4c_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />At 10am the husband-wife pairing of Kenneth Elgersma and Ai Wen will lead a "Scalies and Slimies" tour through the woods looking for any amphibians and reptiles they can turn up. We found a lone salamander last year during our bird walk, but they are sure to turn up more than that. The woods are home to a variety of snakes, turtles, frogs, and salamanders.<br /><br />Sona Mason will lead a wildflower walk at 11am to round out the day at Rutgers Gardens/Helyar Woods. There are sure to be plenty of beautiful flowers to admire!<br /><br />Faculty member Lena Struwe will lead a pair of tours through the Floriculture Greenhouse on Cook Campus. At 10:30 and 11:30 the walks will be "The Sex Life of Plants" and "Strange, Smelly, and Armed Plants", respectively. I've visited the Floriculture Greenhouse a number of times, and it is a REALLY neat place. There are a vast number of interesting and exotic plants to study and observe.<br /><br />You can find more information about the April 24th events here:<br /><br /><a href="http://agfieldday.rutgers.edu/">http://agfieldday.rutgers.edu/</a><br /><a href="http://rutgersday.rutgers.edu/">http://rutgersday.rutgers.edu/</a><br /><a href="http://www.ecogsa.rutgers.edu/agfieldday.html">http://www.ecogsa.rutgers.edu/agfieldday.html</a>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17180565029502925352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5550811785176043606.post-35994177333142885222010-04-09T14:52:00.004-04:002010-04-09T15:32:43.005-04:00Sandy Hook BirdingI joined fellow birders Tom Reed, Brian Clough, and Amy Manning for an early spring morning at Sandy Hook. We started at the north end of the Hook, where a new pond has been created thanks to all of the recent precipitation. Most conspicuous upon our arrival was a flock of Glossy Ibis feeding along the edge of the water. As we scanned the banks, we found the Stilt Sandpiper that had been reported, along with a Lesser Yellowlegs, a Willet, and a few Killdeer. A pair of Wood Ducks splashed down for a few moments before taking off again and flying out of sight.<br /><br />Not a bad start to our morning! We started walking north toward the Fisherman's Trail when something hopped out of the grass and onto the concrete steps of one of the crumbling buildings. It hid behind a pillar for a moment before hopping up the steps and revealing itself to be none other than a Sora!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4503484480_4ac12a6170_b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 431px; height: 288px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4503484480_4ac12a6170_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Soras are secretive marsh birds that are rarely seen, so witnessing this individual expose itself by climbing up steps was extremely unusual. Chances are it had been migrating over the area and was just plain exhausted. It continued up the steps, hopping one-by-one, until it had tucked itself away in a corner at the top (the steps led nowhere, by the way). We decided to move on quickly in the hopes that the Sora could continue on its journey undisturbed.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4505589594_21590e077f_b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 309px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4505589594_21590e077f_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />As we walked through the dunes of the Fisherman's Trail, we counted numerous Blue-Gray Gnatcatchers and Palm Warblers. A pair of Brown Thrashers flew low across the trail, and an adult White-Crowned Sparrow graced us with a quick glimpse of its impressive head coloration. The end of the trail led us out to an ocean view, which held a handful of Norther Gannets flying out over the water. A single Common Loon floated calmly in the water, with its beautiful breeding plumage starting to show. Across the water we could see a pair of American Oystercatchers moving up and down the beach. An Osprey flew over our heads with a nice meal.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4504955567_163b7468ca_b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 297px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4504955567_163b7468ca_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After a quick trip down to the Boy Scout Camp area, we decided to head up to the Hawk Watch platform to see if the Swallow-tailed Kite would show up for a third day. Unfortunately we didn't find the kite, although we were treated to a pair of Common Ravens (quite the oddity for Sandy Hook), along with migrating Northern Harriers and Sharp-Shinned Hawks. An Eastern Bluebird even stopped on a nearby tree and posed for a few moments.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4505031743_0086374c09_b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 309px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4505031743_0086374c09_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />With the real world of work and school calling (not to mention a sweltering sun - I think NJ set a record high temperature), we decided to call it a day.<br /><br />Migration has really kicked it into high gear, and with recent wind and temperature conditions, big-time rarities have already started showing up. Multiple Swallow-Tailed Kites and a Brown-Headed Nuthatch were spotted yesterday in Cape May. What will end up in New Jersey next week?Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17180565029502925352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5550811785176043606.post-74208657460014401362010-03-25T13:42:00.003-04:002010-03-25T14:22:26.652-04:00Wild parakeets in New JerseyBelieve or not, there are wild populations of Monk Parakeets living in the Garden State. These birds were released in New York in the middle of the last century, spread into the suburbs, and have somehow managed to survive the winters and continue to reproduce successfully for the last 50 or 60 years.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4025/4462789862_cdea2f77c4_b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 592px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4025/4462789862_cdea2f77c4_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />There are now a few colonies in New Jersey, with the largest containing about 50 of these native Argentinians. They use sticks and twigs to create large nests, such as the one pictured below. Usually built around transformers, it is believed they gain some measure of warmth from building their nests in these locations. Some officials have expressed concern over potential problems, but so far the birds haven't caused any harm.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2745/4462789866_0e32a25cb6_b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 287px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2745/4462789866_0e32a25cb6_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />As serious birders know, last year the Monk Parakeet was added to the official New Jersey state checklist, recognizing the species as a sustainable population in the state. Unlike escapees from homes and pet stores, this means the birds are known to be permanent residents here in NJ, able to breed and live in the wild. How these South American parakeets have survived the frigid winters here in the northeast is anyone's guess - but they have.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/4460301464_5ffa18b714_b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 294px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/4460301464_5ffa18b714_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The small colony we visited in Carteret seemed to have at least five birds heading in and out of the nest. We were informed by a resident that there is another colony only a few blocks away. The species seem completely out of place - bright green and blue birds feeding in empty lots, chomping on grass (see the photo below) and hanging around with European Starlings and Mourning Doves.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/4462789856_593c2455e8_b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 431px; height: 250px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/4462789856_593c2455e8_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />As long as the species remains confined to these types of areas and their population sizes stay relatively low, they don't seem to pose much of a threat. In Argentina they are considered agricultural pests, so there has been some concern over the possibility of populations spreading to more rural regions. I certainly hope that doesn't happen, as these birds were a real treat to watch. I wouldn't want to have to lump them in with other invasive avian species like the House Sparrow and European Starling - yuck!Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17180565029502925352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5550811785176043606.post-58747419977375432042010-03-16T11:08:00.003-04:002010-03-16T11:56:38.774-04:00Salamander migrationWhile many eyes and binoculars will be pointed toward the sky in anticipation of spring migration, another type of migration has already begun here in New Jersey. Late last week, as temperatures rose and rain started to fall, amphibians started to stir.<br /><br />The migration of a salamander isn't exactly the 40,000 mile round-trip of the Arctic Tern, but it is just as important to these amphibian species. After awakening from their winter slumber, they have to move into vernal pools, seasonal ponds that fill with water during late winter and spring. Unfortunately many of these areas have been filled for development, and those that remain may be cut off from breeding populations by roads or other man-made obstacles. As salamanders move across roads in concentrated numbers, it only takes one car to drastically alter their population size, which could ultimately lead to local extinctions.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/4435278841_1d3377f2b2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 323px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/4435278841_1d3377f2b2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Spotted Salamander (c) Richard Wolfert 2010</span><br /><br /></div>One of the best known spots for salamander migration in the area is East Brunswick's Beekman Road. The town closes the road when conditions are favorable to limit the hurdles these animals must overcome to reach the vernal pools. Nature-lovers flock to the area when the migration begins, and carefully scan the road for different species.<br /><br />The migration event lasts for only a few short weeks, and will only occur on warm, wet evenings. Rainfall is being predicted for the latter part of this upcoming weekend and early next week, so that may very well be the next best time to check out these little critters.<br /><br />Please check the <a href="http://web.mac.com/rwolfert/NJ_Nature_Notes_Website/Salamander_Page.html">Salamander Page of the East Brunswick Environmental Commission</a> for updates on when the road will be closed for migration. Currently there is also an emergency alert due to the recent storm.Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17180565029502925352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5550811785176043606.post-47987332149711862412010-03-09T18:28:00.004-05:002010-03-09T19:20:01.637-05:00North ShoreAmerican Woodcocks are being seen and heard throughout the state. Butterflies started to appear this week. And just yesterday, an Osprey was seen flying over Cape May. Despite these signs of spring, winter isn't over just yet! I headed down to the "North Shore" of NJ with some fellow birders (and graduate students in the Ecology & Evolution program at Rutgers University) to see what winter waterfowl were still hanging around.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs430.snc3/24793_964686862719_8806518_52338138_4012012_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 287px;" src="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs430.snc3/24793_964686862719_8806518_52338138_4012012_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />It turns out, quite a bit! We started in Belmar and walked the jetties at Shark River Inlet. There were good numbers of Long-Tailed Ducks and Common Loons in the water, and eventually we spotted a Western Grebe that had been observed a few times earlier in the year.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2772/4420225908_684816ab57_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 288px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2772/4420225908_684816ab57_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Ring-Billed Gull</span><br /></div><br />We moved south down the coast, stopping to scan the ocean whenever we were offered a good vantage point. A few Red-Throated Loons were added to the mix, although we had no luck finding the Pacific Loon that had been reported earlier in the week. Black Scoters and Surf Scoters were also seen out in the Atlantic, along with a rare winter sighting of a sub-species of <span style="font-style: italic;">Homo sapiens</span>: the surfer!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2643/4419438641_2d90e7becb_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 293px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2643/4419438641_2d90e7becb_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/4420222160_fddf33eef0_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 287px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/4420222160_fddf33eef0_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />As we continued on our way, we visited some of the coastal lakes known for their wintering waterfowl. Almost annually you can find a Eurasian Wigeon in one of these lakes, and sometimes a Common "Eurasian" Teal as well. These are closely related to the American Wigeon and Green-Winged Teal that are found regularly in the United States, except the former species are lost individuals who have ended up on the wrong side of the pond. We weren't lucky enough to find either on this day, but we were able to observe large numbers of Red-Breasted Mergansers, Hooded Mergansers, Bufflehead, and Ruddy Ducks. We also found a pair of Green-Winged Teal, a single Lesser Scaup, and an American Wigeon.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2685/4419431541_4483ab078a_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 431px; height: 250px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2685/4419431541_4483ab078a_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Ruddy Ducks</span><br /></div><br />Our next stop on the coast was the Manasquan Inlet. We walked the jetties again and were treated to more good looks at the aforementioned species. A few small groups of Purple Sandpipers moved around the jetties.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2774/4416896099_9d2a753368_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 431px; height: 284px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2774/4416896099_9d2a753368_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Purple Sandpiper</span><br /></div><br />After dining on some authentic and completely delicious Mexican food at Jose's, we turned around and headed north. Our final stop was Sandy Hook. We searched the bay across from the Sandy Hook Bird Observatory, but weren't able to locate either species of goldeneye. However we did spot a seal sticking his nose out of the water, and were able to watch as a few male Red-Breasted Mergansers started practicing their mating display. If you haven't seen it, the display is quite entertaining.<br /><br />We walked the beach one last time and saw our third species of scoter for the day - the White-winged Scoter. A nearby raft of Black Scoter afforded us some fantastic, crystal-clear views, and a single Surf Scoter ventured close to shore as well.<br /><br />Soon all these birds will be heading north for the mating season, and a whole new group of birds will begin migrating through and settling in New Jersey. For most naturalists this time of year is truly exciting - birds in bright breeding plumage singing for prospective mates, salamanders migrating to precious vernal pools, and flowers blossoming in vibrant spring colors. The season is upon us!Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17180565029502925352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5550811785176043606.post-35433863951370435782010-03-01T18:05:00.004-05:002010-03-01T18:43:13.447-05:00Eco-travel & conservation in PeruEco-travel. Eco-tours. Eco-lodges. They all sound fun and adventurous - but what are they really doing for the natural world? In the case of Kolibri Expedition's 8-day birding trip through Manu National Park, plenty!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2745/4166781195_65f6374399.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2745/4166781195_65f6374399.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Scarlet Macaws (c) Kaitlyn Rose<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Manu is a biosphere reserve located in Peru, offering some of the most awe-inspiring glimpses into the wild that you can find anywhere on the planet. Within the park you can find over 15,000 species of plants, 1,300 butterfly species, and...wait for it...1,000 species of birds! That's more than you can find throughout all of Canada and the United States.<br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3569/3774370473_591365e352.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3569/3774370473_591365e352.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Black-Faced Brush-Finch (c) Carol Foil<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.kolibriexpeditions.com/birding/perutours/peru_tours.asp?idtourk=156">The 8-day adventure</a> through Manu's various hot spots isn't all fun and games, though. For the traveler it may be all about birds, or bugs, or flowers - but for the people of Peru it is about protecting and preserving this exceptional example of life on Earth. Instead of mining, logging, and exploiting other natural resources, the people of the Amarakaeri communal reserve outside of Manu are working toward more sustainable forms of industry. Eco-tourism is at the forefront of this crisis, and Kolibri Expeditions is lending a much-needed hand to the communities of the Amarakaeri.<br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2488/4166236957_abc256cded.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2488/4166236957_abc256cded.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Walking Stick (c) Kaitlyn Rose<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2615/4158386591_95b3a09036.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 333px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2615/4158386591_95b3a09036.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Leaf-cutter Ants (c) Kaitlyn Rose<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3454/3782398238_d03c827c43.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 330px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3454/3782398238_d03c827c43.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Rufous-Crested Coquette (c) Carol Foil<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2654/3775134112_18b0de3ecb.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 410px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2654/3775134112_18b0de3ecb.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Andean Cock-of-the-Rock (c) Carol Foil<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I will be serving as the hosting blogger for the May 23rd trip, which you can sign up for <a href="http://www.kolibriexpeditions.com/birding/perutours/peru_tours.asp?idtourk=156">here</a>. I strongly encourage anyone interested in eco-tourism and/or birding to think about making Manu your 2010 vacation. Not only will you be able to visit some of the most spectacular places in the world, see some of the most breath-taking birds, and meet some of the nicest people - but you will be helping those birds and helping those people keep the natural areas of South America wild and free from bulldozers and dynamite. The price of the trip drops precipitously as more people sign up, so I encourage people to email <a href="http://www.kolibriexpeditions.com/" target="_blank" class="texto_7">kolibriexp@gmail.com </a>with your name - or you can reserve your space right on <a href="http://www.kolibriexpeditions.com/birding/perutours/peru_tours.asp?idtourk=156">the event pag</a>e at the bottom. <br /><br /><br /></div></div>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17180565029502925352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5550811785176043606.post-91310852345373521572010-02-25T15:34:00.002-05:002010-02-25T16:11:03.144-05:00More snow?!Yup, that's right. As of this posting, more snow is falling throughout the Garden State. The Revenge of Snowmageddon, Snowpocalypse: Redux, or whatever you might call it - the snow is back for another round. That will probably mean driving through some slush, shoveling out some driveways and sidewalks, and brushing off cars. It can also mean tons of fun, though!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2738/4367801889_8f75cdc907_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 287px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2738/4367801889_8f75cdc907_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />This is my little sister, Alyssa, peering through the window of the snow fort we made after the last big snow storm. We used paper recycling bins to pack snow into bricks and built up the walls to about four feet high. And of course some intimidating icicles were needed to help deter enemy attacks.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/4381940247_62e2e1d9d2_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 287px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/4381940247_62e2e1d9d2_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4382710800_e233d854d0_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 287px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4382710800_e233d854d0_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4381940733_eda401b867_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 287px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4381940733_eda401b867_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After working construction for two or three hours it was nice to sit back and relax with a cup of hot chocolate inside our newly built snow fortress. My wife, Elizabeth, was thanked with a snowball to the back of the head! Six-year olds. Sheesh.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4381949947_6a3801a3de_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 642px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4381949947_6a3801a3de_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I went back over the next morning to play with Alyssa before work, and ended up burying her in the snow. Some husbandly revenge, perhaps.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/4371094317_df3fc9bfb8_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 322px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/4371094317_df3fc9bfb8_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A few days later my Dad brought over my other two little sisters (ah, the joys of a modern family) to play for a bit in the snow. We ended up entrenched in a classic snowball fight. Sarah took great pleasure in dodging Dad's attack:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2184/4376972514_24e1e224e4_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 550px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2184/4376972514_24e1e224e4_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The snow and ice also grant some great opportunities for photography.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4376145401_631531fd4b_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 556px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4376145401_631531fd4b_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/4374096744_8fe3cef49b_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 641px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/4374096744_8fe3cef49b_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4034/4371837392_6ae57f649e_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 643px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4034/4371837392_6ae57f649e_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Bundling up and drinking hot chocolate while watching a movie is nice, but don't ignore the great possibilities of a fun snow day! Go sledding, take a hike, build a fort! And of course if you're a bird-watcher don't forget to stock those feeders!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/4371846062_d138b57494_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 544px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/4371846062_d138b57494_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17180565029502925352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5550811785176043606.post-49962487880547693692010-02-11T18:39:00.003-05:002010-02-11T19:06:57.283-05:00Obligatory Snow Day Post!On an average day we might have two or three Dark-Eyed Juncos on our feeders, along with a Black-Capped Chickadee and maybe a few other individuals. We're on the third floor and have a modest setup (two suet cages and a sock feeder) in the branches next to our balcony. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2745/4348527867_61733a7642.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 294px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2745/4348527867_61733a7642.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />On the evening before the big storm of February 10th, I had actually used up the last of our seed and dumped the remnants of the bag on the thin layer of snow that was leftover from last week's storm. Whoops - there was actually more left than I had thought. Oh well, the birds will find it...holy moly, did the birds find it! We woke up to a literal carpet of juncos on our balcony, furiously kicking up snow to locate as many seeds as they could. At any given time throughout the day I counted between 10 and 13 juncos.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4014/4349269830_916504ed0a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 496px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4014/4349269830_916504ed0a.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>In addition to what have become daily visits from the Red-Breasted Nuthatches, the White-Breasted Nuthatches returned today and posed for a little bit before heading to the suet feeder.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4348529347_e53b73d050.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 286px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4348529347_e53b73d050.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Of course a pair of Black-Capped Chickadees showed up and patiently waited their turn as the more aggressive Tufted Titmice and House Sparrows hogged the suet feeders. Once in awhile one would hop up to the pine cone feeder (made by my 5-year old sister Emma) and take a few nibbles.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2715/4348527815_18e7499925.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 288px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2715/4348527815_18e7499925.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I sprinkled some more seed out on the balcony and eventually this male House Finch joined in on the buffet. I've seen them around before (usually on our sock feeder during the spring), but it had been awhile and it was nice to see that splash of red. Another bird joined the feeding frenzy - a new visitor to our home! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2511/4348528299_27c0f5540b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 303px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2511/4348528299_27c0f5540b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>A White-Throated Sparrow jostled for dominance with a few of the male juncos, but there was plenty for everyone. Soon enough we had another new bird for our "yard" list! A Red-Bellied Woodpecker flew in and started slowly making his way up one of the branches.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4348529827_d33a659ac0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 284px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4348529827_d33a659ac0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />There's just something about the red on some birds that looks great against the white and gray of a snowy day.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4348528555_b1cb705ee1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 344px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4348528555_b1cb705ee1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4348528801_d7ed310daa.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 322px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4348528801_d7ed310daa.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2773/4349276114_6779b0718c.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 287px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2773/4349276114_6779b0718c.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4349277492_7b550326a3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 429px; height: 288px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4349277492_7b550326a3.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Unfortunately the third new bird we added during the snow was the European Starling. I guess the rest of the birds had finally tipped them off. Thankfully only three or four actually ended up in the tree, and they only fed on the suet for a short time before moving on. Kind of strange, actually. Perhaps they sensed my displeasure with their presence. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4348529145_91f1d508b4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 476px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4348529145_91f1d508b4.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />There is nothing more appealing than the sight of a bright male Northern Cardinal in the snow - again, back to that red thing. Unfortunately he never really came out into the open, so this photo was all I could muster:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4068/4348528851_be3bdc9681.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 502px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4068/4348528851_be3bdc9681.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Now is the time when a bird's resources are the most scarce! Seeds, nuts, and any lingering insects have totally vanished after a snow storm like the one the east coast just suffered - birds can't find 'em and so they need the help of our feeders more than ever. If you've been putting it off - don't any longer! Get out there and fill 'em up with plenty of seed and suet. The birds will thank you. :)Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17180565029502925352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5550811785176043606.post-33726431420928730362010-02-08T18:42:00.002-05:002010-02-08T18:47:08.648-05:00The Great Backyard Bird Count!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/2010-web-buttons/GBBC-button_housefinch.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 190px; height: 76px;" src="http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/2010-web-buttons/GBBC-button_housefinch.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />GBBC 2010 has arrived, and will be kicking off this weekend. It will run from February 12th through February 15th - find out all the info you'll need at <a href="http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/">the official site</a>. The event is a fun way to contribute to the field of ornithology, helping researchers find out which species of birds may be in certain areas, and which have declined (or perhaps even increased) in recent years. The only thing you need to participate is 15 minutes of time to bird-watch over the weekend!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2723/4335698944_b2b64850c9.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 395px; height: 458px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2723/4335698944_b2b64850c9.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17180565029502925352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5550811785176043606.post-88538051469458775602010-02-03T13:53:00.003-05:002010-02-03T14:00:37.176-05:00Machias Seal Island<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3470/3775013253_d539f057a5_o.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 317px; height: 144px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3470/3775013253_d539f057a5_o.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />During the summer I traveled out to Machias Seal Island off the coast of Maine to visit the Atlantic Puffin colony. These are really fascinating birds that are tough to study from shore, so the trip was very exciting and afforded me some up-close looks at the pelagic birds. Check out my post on <a href="http://www.naturesdomain.us/2010/01/27/machias-seal-island/">Nature's Domain here</a> and all of my puffin photos on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/billysbirds/sets/72157622477174634/">my Flickr page here</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.naturesdomain.us/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/didyouheartheone-700x468.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 440px; height: 294px;" src="http://www.naturesdomain.us/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/didyouheartheone-700x468.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17180565029502925352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5550811785176043606.post-20631425824460007592010-01-21T13:17:00.004-05:002010-01-21T18:04:33.448-05:00DeKorte ParkWith the Northern Shrike still hanging around the Meadowlands, I decided to give it another shot. Even if the bird didn't show up, some of the ice had apparently melted and there had been at least 9 species of duck in the early part of the week. So I ventured out into the dark at 5:45am and headed to Rutgers to pick up fellow birder Tom Reed. We ended up taking the "scenic route" to get there (translation: my GPS took us back and forth across Newark Bay), but still ended up arriving just as the sun was coming up.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4292646963_5cdfe2ec52_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 287px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4292646963_5cdfe2ec52_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Soaking in the first bit of morning light, we started down the Saw Mill Creek Path from Disposal Road. It wasn't long before we heard an odd sound coming from just up ahead. Soon enough we located the silhouette of a bird perched on one of the high tension wire bases. As it turned its head, we could make out the hooked beak and knew it was going to be a good morning.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2505/4292650443_5804cc893e_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 287px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2505/4292650443_5804cc893e_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />We made our way slowly down the trail and put the sun to our backs. And there it was - the Northern Shrike, sitting and singing calmly next to a high voltage sign. As are many of my birding experiences in the Meadowlands, the entire thing was a bit surreal. With huge jumbo jets flying overhead, sirens going off in every conceivable direction, and the New York City skyline just behind us...this little predatory powerhouse didn't seem to be out of his element at all. The shrike sat and soaked up the sun as we watched and listened to him vocalize for about 20 minutes. You can hear a brief clip of a Northern Shrike at <a href="http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Shrike/sounds">Cornell's All About Birds site</a>. The last note in the clip is what this particularly individual was doing for most of the time we observed him, so it was a bit more attractive than the recording in the link.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4293394034_877a1c4fdc_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 300px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4293394034_877a1c4fdc_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Unfortunately a dog was walked by and the bird headed for the hills. He perched briefly at the very top of a tree (classic shrike behavior), and then dove down into some Phragmites.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4005/4293388182_1ab1451b85_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 530px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4005/4293388182_1ab1451b85_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />With our fingers crossed for another meeting later that day, we continued down the path in the direction of the New Jersey Turnpike. A few Northern Harriers hunted across the water over the landfill, and a Red-Tailed Hawk flew overhead. The ducks were the real non-shrike stars of the day, though. On the first leg of the trail Northern Pintail were plentiful. These are extremely handsome ducks, and one drake even hung around the edge of the trail long enough for me to get some relatively up-close photos of him in the morning light.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/4291497697_41073c6077_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 431px; height: 259px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/4291497697_41073c6077_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Mallards and Black Ducks were abundant as well, and we eventually found a hybrid cross between the two. These crosses are becoming increasingly common, and can be picked out of a flock by their wigeon-like green face patches. A male is pictured below, showing that tell-tale mallard coloration in the head.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2702/4293389844_cc17888090_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 321px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2702/4293389844_cc17888090_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />As we continued walking more and more duck species started popping up. Northern Shoveler and Green-Winged Teal were hanging out on the far shore, and Buffleheads occasionally flew by before splashing down and resuming their diving.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2725/4292647895_a1620f2c91_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 284px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2725/4292647895_a1620f2c91_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />A few Ring-Necked Ducks were also enjoying the favorable weather, along with a female Common Goldeneye.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4293389648_fd7d9a2905_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 279px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4293389648_fd7d9a2905_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Common Mergansers flew back and forth across the water, and a few Hooded Mergansers were hanging around toward the end of the trail. We headed back the way we came, but instead turned right, toward the Meadowlands Commission building. After spotting a Ruby-Crowned Kinglet, a Double-Crested Cormorant, and some Red-Winged Blackbirds, we started down another leg of the path to get a closer look at an enormous raft of Canvasback. The dozen or so pictured below were only a fraction of the more than 225 individuals! As we passed them, more and more birds kept flying in and joining the flock.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4293381764_3537971123_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 431px; height: 214px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4293381764_3537971123_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />We also passed these Pintail on the way back, seemingly on their way to a double date.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4293389370_da71827e42_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 241px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4293389370_da71827e42_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Gadwall ended up being our 12th species of duck for the day, a fairly exciting total! We were on the lookout for Ruddy Duck and Red-Breasted Merganser, but couldn't extend the count beyond a dozen. Here's a quick rundown again of the ducks we ended up seeing:<br /><br />Mallard<br />Black Duck<br />Green-Winged Teal<br />Northern Shoveler<br />Northern Pintail<br />Canvasback<br />Hooded Merganser<br />Common Merganser<br />Bufflehead<br />Common Goldeneye<br />Ring-Necked Duck<br />Gadwall<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2787/4292639405_8b9b481e11_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 274px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2787/4292639405_8b9b481e11_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />As we turned the last corner before reaching the parking lot, something flew across the water and perched on some marsh elder near the osprey platform. After a quick inspection we realized our friend the Northern Shrike and come out for Act 2. He changed perches a few times, until settling in directly in front of the Empire State Building (pictured below). Another surreal sight.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4023/4293392436_00280cec10_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 707px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4023/4293392436_00280cec10_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Eventually a jogger came a bit too close and the Northern Shrike shot down into the brush. We searched a bit but realized he had probably exited out of the back of the trail and across the water. We headed back toward the car and called it a morning.<br /><br />Northern Shrike and twelve ducks?! That's one heck of a way to start a Wednesday!Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17180565029502925352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5550811785176043606.post-47312689223930879502010-01-19T18:59:00.003-05:002010-01-19T19:46:11.433-05:00Scholarly BirdingRight in the center of Rutgers University's Douglass campus there is a small pond (referred to as "Passion Puddle") that I often frequent during my winter and summer lunch breaks. Despite being surrounding by the fairly urban New Brunswick, the pond and it's surrounding lawn and patches of trees is an oasis for many species of birds.<br /><br />In the past I have seen Pied-Billed Grebe swimming casually in the pond, as well as Belted Kingfisher, Eastern Kingbird, and Great Crested Flycatcher using the trees of its bank as perches prior to a hunt. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4286643024_d75ded9694_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 516px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4286643024_d75ded9694_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>This winter the area has surprised me again with the wealth of bird-life I've observed. The usual species like Black-Capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Dark-Eyed Junco, and White-Breasted Nuthatch have been joined by a few that are seen less often. Red-Breasted Nuthatch (pictured above) and Brown Creeper were both spotted in the trees up the hill from the pond (behind Foran Hall for those familiar with the area). At least four species of woodpecker have also been observed here (Downy, Hairy, Red-Bellied, and Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4279838024_07f3af8761_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 583px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4279838024_07f3af8761_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Even when the species pool "runs out", interesting behaviors never do. Last week I observed this White-Breasted Nuthatch picking up bits of food (seeds, perhaps) and sticking them in between bark, presumably caching them for later.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2781/4277369085_325df9ca22_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 426px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2781/4277369085_325df9ca22_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2753/4275512208_2b4969e4e7_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 431px; height: 309px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2753/4275512208_2b4969e4e7_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>It can also be fun to get to know certain birds. The Song Sparrow above greeted me every afternoon for two weeks straight in the exact same location (a small bush on the edge of the pond). After a few days I could tell just where he would pop up and how he would react to me and to other birds.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4062/4275512508_6b24be1e57_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 322px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4062/4275512508_6b24be1e57_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4255628884_1680ea22c5_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 236px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4255628884_1680ea22c5_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Even the most common birds around can be fun to watch and to photography. Observing a bathing goose shows just how well adapted these birds and their feathers are to a life on the water. With their well-oiled feathers held close to their body, the water runs right off of their backs. Photographing these "usual" birds in an unusual setting can make things more interesting for you and for anyone viewing your photos.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/4257750195_4d82f31ca8_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 287px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/4257750195_4d82f31ca8_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />As always, click on the photos for larger versions and check out <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/billysbirds/">my Flickr page</a>.Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17180565029502925352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5550811785176043606.post-58566423011925422252010-01-13T12:39:00.002-05:002010-01-13T12:46:52.167-05:00Sibley weighs in on NJ Goldeneye<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Controversy has swept through the birding community this week as disputes over a potential Barrow's Goldeneye in Somerset have heated up. Alright, so maybe that makes it sound a bit more dramatic than it has actually been. <br /><br />What was at first called a female Barrow's Goldeneye (much less common than Common Goldeneye...well, duh) is now mostly agreed upon to be either a Common Goldeneye with an unusual bill color or perhaps a hybird Common/Barrow's. The female Common Goldeneye's bill in winter is dark with a yellow tip, while the Barrow's is yellow-orange (pictured below).<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2001/2142693980_172443c044.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 459px; height: 344px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2001/2142693980_172443c044.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Photo by Len Blumin (c) 2006</span><br /></div><br />The individual (seen with a flock of Common Goldeneye) has an orange-yellow bill, however other details have lead experts to believe it is not a Barrow's Goldeneye (at least not a "pure" Barrow's). David Sibley has even put forth his thoughts on the matter, and they can be found <a href="http://www.sibleyguides.com/2010/01/identification-of-hybrid-female-goldeneyes/">here.</a><br /><br />Either way, it sure is fun to speculate!Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17180565029502925352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5550811785176043606.post-89877864320960214572010-01-11T11:55:00.002-05:002010-01-11T12:49:49.385-05:00Neighborhood BirdingAs most of you probably know, it's been a wee bit chilly here in the Garden State so far in 2010. It's January, yes, so the cold is expected. Still, a little bit of added motivation to get off my butt and outside hasn't hurt. I decided that I would do a photo a day type of thing in 2010 - you can view the Flickr set <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/billysbirds/sets/72157623012791323/">here</a>. Of course I usually end up taking more than one photo per day...but the rule is I must take at least one. Anyway, on a few occasions I've decided to walk down to the pond at the entrance to our condo development to see what was happening.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4020/4252433726_fa8f1be59e.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 334px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4020/4252433726_fa8f1be59e.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The ponds around our development have actually been surprisingly productive since we moved in a year and a half ago. Productive being a relative term and taking into account that we live right off of a very busy section of Route 1 - but we've seen Belted Kingfisher, a number of herons and egrets, and the usual assortment of gulls and waterfowl. Driving by last week, however, I spotted something among the Canada Goose flock in the main entrance pond. After parking and grabbing my camera, I headed back out and took the two-block walk back to the pond. To my susprise, there was a female Bufflehead calmly floating in the middle of it!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2740/4253258331_b9d84c73a3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 354px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2740/4253258331_b9d84c73a3.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Of course if you want to see Buffleheads during winter, you can travel to any number of spots and reliably find them. To have one in my somewhat urban/suburban neighborhood was a real treat, though. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4062/4264067149_d4ed74a12c.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 283px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4062/4264067149_d4ed74a12c.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Outside of the Bufflehead, it's been mostly the dreaded Gs - gulls and geese. Sure, there's always the slim chance of a Cackling Goose or an Iceland Gull mixed in, but so far it's been what you would expect. Ring-Billed and Herring Gulls, and lots of Canada Geese.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4026/4249322463_7974d467ee.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4026/4249322463_7974d467ee.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Now, I won't pretend that I appreciate every individual poop-producing Canada Goose and parking lot Ring-Billed Gull. There's just too damn many of the things. When you do stop a take a closer look, though, you realize these birds have just as many cool adaptations and behaviors as your favorite pelagic bird or the most interesting raptor you can find.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2707/4244746916_b6d2424258.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 300px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2707/4244746916_b6d2424258.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The tightly compressed, oily feathers of gulls keep near freezing water from coming into contact with their bodies. This allows them to swim, forage, and bathe without worrying about the water temperature. It's pretty incredible how the water just glides off their backs.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4041/4246295006_6ba6bafe54.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 311px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4041/4246295006_6ba6bafe54.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2716/4245558051_88755079fb.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 334px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2716/4245558051_88755079fb.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I found these neat "ice balls" as well (photo below). Not sure exactly what's going on here, but for whatever reason it appears the frozen water around the tips of this vegeation stayed frozen while the rest of the ice in this section of the pond melted.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2752/4245522481_f91e358900.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 369px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2752/4245522481_f91e358900.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />This Friday the forecast is calling for a sweltering 43 degrees, so make sure to get outdoors and enjoy the winter season!Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17180565029502925352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5550811785176043606.post-61692388563273934982010-01-06T10:56:00.002-05:002010-01-06T11:13:34.745-05:00Hunters feed the hungry<a href="http://wildnewjersey.tv/">Wild New Jersey</a> has posted a very interesting article with a CNN video about Hunters Helping the Hungry (HHH), a NJ non-profit corporation. Working with local food banks, hunters are able to donate venison to needy families while simultaneously addressing the overabundance of white-tailed deer in the state. Click <a href="http://wildnewjersey.tv/2010/01/05/cnn-hunters-feed-the-hungry-in-new-jersey.aspx?ref=rss">here</a> to visit the site and read the article.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2517/4073295901_12a42b19b4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 334px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2517/4073295901_12a42b19b4.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/huntingdesigns/">huntingdesigns</a> (c) 2009<br /></span></div>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17180565029502925352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5550811785176043606.post-68782890110272245582010-01-04T21:50:00.007-05:002010-01-05T09:14:49.455-05:00Shrike Out<div>I ventured to the Meadowlands over the weekend to try and find the Northern Shrike that has been hanging out there recently. Shrikes are bad-ass birds, preying on anything and everything they can get their razor sharp, hooked beak on. They often save food for later, impaling insects, reptiles, and even smaller birds on plant spines and barbed wire fences. The day before I took the trip up the Turnpike, the Shrike had been seen feeding on a mouse.</div><div><br /></div><div>Arriving around 7:30am, I was disappointed to see that all of the water along the DeKorte Park trail was frozen over. It had been cold the last few days, but a few degrees above freezing, so I didn't think such large bodies of water would be totally frozen. After hanging out there for awhile I went over to the nature center and walked one of the boardwalk trails...again, everything was frozen! I couldn't believe it. Even if the Northern Shrike hadn't been hanging around, the Meadowlands is usually a great spot for wintering waterfowl - Canvasback, Ruddy Duck, merganser species, etc.</div><div><br /></div><div>After returning to Disposal Road I continued to search for the Shrike. Plenty of Song Sparrows flitted about cautiously, and there were a surprising amount of Northern Harriers (one of my favorite raptors). A Merlin even zoomed by and vanished into some tall vegetation on the side of the road. No Shrike, though. After a very cold 4 hours I decided to pack it up. </div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/125/368542365_c7841b2f14.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 468px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/125/368542365_c7841b2f14.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Photograph by Rick Leche (c) 2</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">007</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">After arriving home I logged into my email and found a message that had just been sent - "Meadowlands Shrike - YES". The bird had been seen literally 5 minutes after I had left! Five minutes! Boy, oh boy. I can accept a bird not showing up - that's just birding. But a bird coming out 5 minutes after a 4 hour failed attempt? That stings. It does, however, serve as a reminder that birds aren't just out there for us to check off or photograph. They have no knowledge of our hobbies and our obsessions. They're wild animals and they're acting accordingly.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHeOGs790_ebsruVMRCCdBw4ovvMm_qbnFaDVbsHgk6YCMMPYL7s2LzxMgwgIy-oeLmLI3ZkRHNNTuWh9RsgkHeonU1VDKRv_f4MqT_K5ukrG1NrIw2U2KL7oiPC7pL6MVjR5pP_tx-8/s1600-h/songsparrow.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 370px; height: 424px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHeOGs790_ebsruVMRCCdBw4ovvMm_qbnFaDVbsHgk6YCMMPYL7s2LzxMgwgIy-oeLmLI3ZkRHNNTuWh9RsgkHeonU1VDKRv_f4MqT_K5ukrG1NrIw2U2KL7oiPC7pL6MVjR5pP_tx-8/s400/songsparrow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423100379597015058" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:100%;">It's a shame the day was such a wash, but the Meadowlands is definitely one of the hidden gems of New Jersey. Tucked away against a backdrop of the Turnpike, a skyline of New York City, and a dump, it's a great spot for raptors, ducks, and plenty of other species.</span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoNJXiyyX38VKRDkctU2DdkazBbVkiLPzTkcQpHl5njPtm1X41B6erbOl7dr8SQ-fPRrL5FW8_rdaO9k9fvZKkF3CTctW4lcf6kXQrHG7XKigyM2o8kebFi7CvMtAkt8RJSarW19tXoJI/s1600-h/meadowlands.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 492px; height: 328px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoNJXiyyX38VKRDkctU2DdkazBbVkiLPzTkcQpHl5njPtm1X41B6erbOl7dr8SQ-fPRrL5FW8_rdaO9k9fvZKkF3CTctW4lcf6kXQrHG7XKigyM2o8kebFi7CvMtAkt8RJSarW19tXoJI/s400/meadowlands.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423100493118194786" border="0" /></a><br /></div></span></div>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17180565029502925352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5550811785176043606.post-15806110156795158102009-12-24T08:28:00.002-05:002009-12-24T09:01:12.633-05:00Nature's Domain<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3470/3775013253_d539f057a5_o.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 317px; height: 144px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3470/3775013253_d539f057a5_o.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Earlier this year, Larry and Ray Hennessy launched their new nature photography blog. Their goal was to create an informative blog about nature and wildlife photography, and they've been quite successful. The site creates a community of naturalists and photographers that can share their ideas and their passion by displaying their work. Check out the site at <a href="http://www.naturesdomain.us/">Nature's Domain</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.naturesdomain.us/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/colaracari.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 462px; height: 279px;" src="http://www.naturesdomain.us/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/colaracari.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>My first post on the site is a brief trip report of my recent trip to Panama's <a href="http://www.canopytower.com/">Canopy Tower</a>. It was my first foray into the world of eco-tourism and birding outside of the northeast, and I had an absolute blast. Please check out the post and all of the incredible wildlife I was able to capture. It can be found<a href="http://www.naturesdomain.us/2009/12/22/panamania/"> here</a>. Thanks, everyone!Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17180565029502925352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5550811785176043606.post-33395755771665350132009-12-21T13:29:00.003-05:002009-12-21T13:40:58.841-05:00Christmas Bird CountIf you're not familiar with CBCs, they are all day bird counts in a given area. That could be a town (East Brunswick), a county (Sussex), or any other location you can think up (the Raritan River Estuary). The events this year run from December 14th until January 5th, and you can still get in on many that invite the public or decide to have your own just for fun!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3062/3284531479_5583955fce.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 371px; height: 391px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3062/3284531479_5583955fce.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Long-Eared Owl seen in Morris County (c) 2008</span><br /></div><br />The Christmas Bird Count is a great way to get outdoors during the winter season and have a good time. It's also a great way to serve as a citizen scientists; the data gathered during these events may help conservation organizations to determine the health and status of many groups of birds.<br /><br />Visit <a href="http://www.audubon.org/bird/cbc/index.html">Audubon's Christmas Bird Count site</a> for more information! Bundle up and get out there!Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17180565029502925352noreply@blogger.com0