September 8th, 2010
Viewing Wildlife and migration studies
by Ben Wurst, Habitat Program Manager
A juvenile black skimmer is viewed through a spotting scope at Forsythe NWR in Oceanville, NJ. © Ben Wurst
Fall migration is underway! Ospreys are headed south for the winter. Juveniles will spend the next two years in their wintering areas in northern South America. Rob Bierregaard, from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte has been tracking ospreys from Martha’s Vineyard since 2000. Currently twelve ospreys are fitted with satellite transmitters. Rob uses the data to study migration patterns and the local dispersal of juvenile and adult ospreys. Check out maps from this seasons birds by clicking here. A great place to view ospreys as they travel south is at Cape May Point State Park. Go after a cold front has passed and you should see high numbers of raptors including ospreys on migration.
Red knots, black belly plovers, dunlin, and ruddy turnstones are beginning to show up on beaches along the coastline. Many hop-scotch their way south to their wintering grounds in South America. Great places to view them include Brigantine Inlet, Avalon, Stone Harbor Point, and North Wildwood. Many of these shorebirds are banded with an alpha-numeric color band. If you have a high power spotting scope, then you should be able to read the band. You can contribute your sightings to the International Shorebird Project by submitting your sightings.
Another great website that tracks avian (bird) migration patterns over New Jersey is www.woodcreeper.com. It is run by David La Puma who uses Doppler radar to track movements of birds as they take off on migration, most at night. He is predicting that a large number of birds will take off Wednesday night/Thursday morning after a cold front with winds that prevail from the north passes through. He expects large numbers of migrants to arrive here to “rest and refuel” on Thursday/Friday. Check out this cool graphic of some Doppler radar where you can see birds moving behind the passing cold front (with precipitation).
Get out this weekend and enjoy the beautiful fall weather and watch some of the amazing natural events that take place in New Jersey. Learn key locations to view wildlife by visiting our wildlife viewing map.
Tags: 2010, birding, Cape May Point State Park, fall migration, New Jersey, osprey, red knot, woodcreeper.com
Posted in Outdoor Recreation, Wildlife Protection | No Comments »
August 30th, 2010
Osprey numbers continue to rise
by Ben Wurst, Habitat Program Manager
Three osprey nestlings at a nest near Osbourne Island. © Eric Sambol
Ospreys are currently listed as a threatened species in New Jersey. They were first listed as endangered in 1974 after the state population declined to only 50 pairs, from over 500 prior to 1950. Ospreys have made a remarkable recovery in New Jersey thanks to biologists with the Endangered and Nongame Species Program (ENSP) and many volunteers. Surveys that help monitor the population were conducted in late June and early July.
Volunteers and biologists surveyed all major nesting colonies from Sandy Hook south along the Atlantic Coast to Cape May and west to Salem County. Ospreys almost exclusively nest on man-made structures including platforms designed specifically for them, cell towers, duck blinds, channel markers, and boat lifts. Surveyors visited these nest structures to observe whether or not they were occupied. If they’re occupied, then the number of young were recorded and the young were banded for future tracking with a USGS bird band. Preliminary results show that productivity rates are up for all nesting colonies except one (Sedge Island WMA). Since ospreys are predators, they are at the top of the food chain. They are considered to be an indicator species, or a species that is sensitive to changes in environmental conditions and can serve as an indicator of an unhealthy marine ecosystem. Basically, a healthy osprey population means a healthy marine ecosystem.
The climate during this summer has been the complete opposite as last year. It was hot, dry, and calm, with only a few severe storms with high winds that caused some nests to fail. Otherwise, fish stocks are plentiful, especially menhaden. This year many out-of-state commercial fishing boats have started fishing for bunker off New Jersey waters. This is mostly due to declines in herring stocks in New England and the high demand for bait for use in lobster pots. State legislators have introduced a bill that would limit boats from catching bunker for use as bait. Read more here and this press release from the Recreational Fishing Alliance.
Full results from this years survey will be published soon in our annual newsletter. Here is last year’s newsletter.
Tags: 2010, Endangered and Nongame Species Program, Menhaden, New Jersey, NJ Osprey Project, osprey, Osprey Surveys, Pandion haliaetus
Posted in Volunteer Programs, Wildlife Protection | 2 Comments »
August 27th, 2010
2010 Eagle project volunteer get-together. © Larissa Smith
by Larissa Smith Volunteer Coordinator & Biologist
Every year starting in the late fall/early winter the bald eagle project volunteers start to monitor their eagle pairs. This dedicated group of 60 volunteers monitors each nest at least once a week during the nesting season which goes into July. Observers record all data including number of birds, courtship or nesting behaviors, incubation, feeding, hatching and fledging. Volunteers notify CWF/ENSP staff immediately if any unusual or threatening activities are seen around the nest site. The eagle project volunteers are the eyes and ears of the program. They form relationships with landowners, neighbors and educate the public about eagles in NJ.
Eagle project volunteer Roger Smith shows off the new eagle project t-shirt © Larissa Smith
So far in 2010, 23 eagle project volunteers have reported volunteering at total of 1,312 hours! This is a significant amount of time and will increase as more volunteers report their hours for the year.
On Saturday August 21st a get-together was held for the eagle project volunteers. Not only was this a way to thank volunteers it also gave them the opportunity to discuss the nesting season with fellow volunteers and staff. A power point presentation was shown featuring photos from the nesting season taken by volunteers.
THANK YOU to all the dedicated eagle project volunteers!
Posted in Volunteer Programs, Wildlife Protection | No Comments »
August 24th, 2010
Kids spend a week exploring the natural wonders of Barnegat Bay.
By Maria Grace, Education & Outreach Manager
Earlier this month, 14 kids from across the state, got to spend the week in Barnegat Bay. They were the first participants in the Sedge Island Summer Field Experience, a week long immersion that took place at the Sedge Island Natural Resource Education Center, a facility run by the NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife within the Sedge Island Marine Conservation Zone.
Participants from the first Sedge Island Summer Field Experience.
This outstanding group of kids spent time clamming, kayaking, bird watching, fishing, fish tagging and even saw diamondback terrapins hatching. Each day a different activity was organized by our friends and partners in the conservation community and each night, the group reflected on their activities by writing in journals provided especially for this experience. These kids were privileged to learn from the experts – biologists and environmental specialists who work on various topics like shellfish restoration, bird and terrapin conservation, to oceanography.
On the last day of the experience, the kids welcomed their families to the island and the kids taught their parents about Barnegat Bay and its natural wonders. All involved considered this pilot program to be a great success that will be duplicated in future years. If you are interested in applying to attend future Sedge Island Summer Field Experiences, please email maria.grace@conservewildlifenj.org.
Posted in Education | 1 Comment »
August 18th, 2010
A final report from our seasonal beach nesting bird steward at Stone Harbor Point
by Christopher Haxter, Seasonal Steward
A juvenile piping plover. © Chris Kisiel
Well as summer’s end slowly draws near, the beach nesting bird season has wrapped up on Stone Harbor Point. All of the Piping Plover and American Oystercatcher chicks have fledged (i.e. reached the stage where they can fly). In the past, this has often been a very depressing time. Stone Harbor Point has a bad history of flooding, and many of the nests and chicks were destroyed; some years we only had a couple of chicks fledge. This year, however, there is good news! A total of 13 Piping Plover chicks and 10 Oystercatcher chicks have fledged, from 9 and 21 breeding pairs, respectively! I owe this very successful year to the weather cooperating during the high spring tides; flooding was not a big issue this summer. I also owe my thanks to the public for respecting the rules and staying out of the fenced areas, giving these beach nesting birds the room to successfully fledge their chicks.
This breeding season sure has had its ups and downs. One low point that comes to mind is finding Oystercatcher nest after nest washed away from a high tide the night before (most of them luckily renested). One of the greatest feelings is finding a chick on its fledge date, knowing that it now has a much greater chance of survival. We also had a Least Tern colony on Stone Harbor Point that fledged a good amount of chicks.
Our focus now has shifted to migration. Thousands of migratory shorebirds are now congregating on Stone Harbor Point. Most are on their way south from breeding up north in Canada and the Arctic. Oystercatchers and Piping Plovers are also preparing to head south for the winter. They are currently gathering in huge roosting flocks before their departure. This gives us ample opportunity for band resighting and to conduct surveys, estimating the population sizes of these shorebirds.
Since the season is just about over it means my job (as Seasonal Steward) is just about over. Words can’t describe how much I love this job and what I have learned over the last four months. The Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ is truly making the difference for wildlife all over the state, and I’m glad I got to be a part of it!
Tags: 2010, beach nesting bird, endangered species, New Jersey, piping plover, Stone Harbor, wildlife conservation
Posted in Beach Nesting Birds, Wildlife Protection | 2 Comments »
August 12th, 2010
Counting bats or the lack thereof
by Ben Wurst, Habitat Program Manager
It is clear to me that White-nose syndrome (WNS) has decimated a large portion of the bat population in New Jersey, or at least at a site where I count bats for the Summer Bat Count. In 2008 (before WNS), I counted 261 bats at the Chatsworth General Store in August. Counting bats may seem like a daunting feat, but at dusk (when there is still a little light) the bats fly out of their daytime roosts. Sometimes, 1-2 at a time or in bursts of 3-4 or more. In August 2009, I counted 169 bats at the store. This past Sunday, I only counted 23 bats. To say the least these results are alarming. I hope that at other locations in New Jersey people are still seeing bats and I hope that WNS does not continue to decimate the population.
A photo of the bat houses installed on the Chatsworth General Store where many of the bats roost during the day. Many more used to roost in the attic. This image was captured using a technique referred to as HDR. © Ben Wurst.
Tags: 2010, bat, Burlington County, Chatsworth, Chatsworth General Store, New Jersey, Summer Bat Count, White-nose Syndrome, wildlife
Posted in Photography, Volunteer Programs, Wildlife Protection | Comments Off
August 9th, 2010
Juvenile eagle released back into the wild
by Ben Wurst, Habitat Program Manager
The eagle in a carrier to be transported from Sandy Hook to The Raptor Trust. Image courtesy National Park Service.
Last Tuesday I met with Debra and Gail, volunteers with The Raptor Trust in northern New Jersey to help release a juvenile eagle. The release was coordinated by Kathy Clark with the Endangered and Nongame Species Program and Cathy with the Raptor Trust. They transported the eagle for more than 2 hours to see it return to the wild. I was merely there because I have experience with handling birds of prey (in case anything were to happen).
The eagle was found on Gunnison Beach in late June inside Gateway National Recreation Area on Sandy Hook.The eagle was spotted by park visitors on the beach. The eagle was distressed but had no injuries. Jeanne McArthur–Heuser, NPS transported the eagle to the Raptor Trust, located in Millington, New Jersey.
Many juvenile raptors or birds of prey are not 100% successful at catching prey. Some rely on their parents for food until they learn the skills to catch prey that they will use for the rest of their lives.
The eagle takes flight after being rehabilitated at the Raptor Trust. © Debra Falanga
The eagle was rehabilitated at the Raptor Trust for 6 weeks. It was a male and was banded with a federal USGS bird band for future tracking. At the Raptor Trust it got plenty of rest and relaxation under their care. I met Gail and Debra in Millville where we traveled south towards Newport. We released the eagle at a location determined by Kathy Clark in Cumberland County at Nantuxent Wildlife Management Area. The release was uneventful (which is good!!!). We basically stood behind and to the sides of a large dog crate and opened the door. I held the door open and lifted up the back to try and encourage the eagle to leave the crate. After about 45 seconds, the eagle hopped out of the crate and immediately took off into the distance with a strong flight.
Without the care of the National Park Service, The Raptor Trust, and the Endangered and Nongame Species Program, this eagle might not have survived! This is a clear example of how we are all connected and how delicate the balance of nature is! We hope this eagle lives on and is able to flourish in New Jersey!
Tags: 2010, bald eagle, eagle, Endangered and Nongame Species Program, endangered species, Gateway National Recreation Area, National Park Serive, New Jersey, the raptor trust, wildlife
Posted in Wildlife Protection | Comments Off
August 4th, 2010
Where the birds are!
by Skyler Streich, Barnegat Bay Birder-In-Residence
Adult osprey perched in a holly tree. © Bill Dalton
Every Thursday this summer, I am leading birding trips throughout Island Beach State Park. One week we walk, the next week we paddle. This Thursday, August 5th, I will lead a walk amongst the sand dunes and along the bay. The following Thursday, August 12th, we will paddle throughout the Sedge Islands.
Over the past couple of weeks we have seen a number of uncommon birds as well as some more common species. The interesting birds of the July 15th trip included numerous ospreys collecting nesting material and hunting and capturing fish to take back to their nest and feed their young; a great view of a flock of glossy ibis flying in the distance; and great views of Forster’s terns and double crested cormorants. The highlights of the trip on July 29th included a marbled godwit on a sandbar directly in front of the kayak launch; 12 whimbrels flying overhead; and a single brant near the mouth of Spizzle Creek. The number of shorebirds are steadily increasing in the bay as we move towards fall migration.
I hope you can join me on a walk or a paddle this August. The remaining walks for the season are August 5th, August 19th, and September 2nd. For more information about the bird walks, please call (609) 984-0621. The remaining kayak trips are August 12th and August 26th. Kayak trips are $25.00 and include a kayak, paddle, and life jacket.
- For more information or to register for a kayak tour, please call 732-250-6314
Posted in Education, Outdoor Recreation | Comments Off
August 2nd, 2010
To the internet, not wildlife!
By Ben Wurst, Habitat Program Manager
The office where I work, inside Tuckahoe Wildlife Management Area in northern Cape May County, recently lost its connection to the world wide interweb. The office is home to the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife staff and three CWF employees. Since the demise of our connection to the world wide interweb the office has been ghostly quiet. Some have chosen to work at home, use some vacation time, or get some field work done. I just wrapped up my primary field season surveying osprey nests along the Atlantic Coast of NJ so I chose to be constructive, literally. I started constructing some artificial nesting platforms for ospreys. Normally I do this in the winter when field work is very limited, but finishing these now will give me a chance to install them this fall. Late summer and fall are the best times to install platforms. The water and air are warm and the winds are calm, so boots and bulky clothes aren’t required. So, I’m glad the internet is down because it gave me a reason to construct these platforms earlier than usual.
An osprey platform sits while I work on the finishing touches. This image was shot using a technique referred to as HDR. © Ben Wurst
Two platforms will be going up in Lavallette, one near Tuckerton, and the other has yet to be determined (possibly Sea Isle). Stay tuned for more updates and photos!
Tags: 2010, HDR, New Jersey, new jersey osprey project, NJ Fish and Wildlife, osprey, osprey platform, Pandion haliaetus, Tuckahoe WMA, wildlife
Posted in Wildlife Protection | 1 Comment »
July 30th, 2010
Roads are barriers to wildlife
By Ben Wurst, Habitat Program Manager
This year we started a new project to try and help reduce the amount of road kills of northern diamondback terrapins along Great Bay Blvd. in southern Ocean County. Great Bay Blvd. is a 5 mile long paved road that extends into the coastal saltmarsh. The road leads to the Rutgers Marine Field Station and the old Fish Factory on Seven Island. We were able to fence a small portion of the road, install three crossing signs along the road, and develop an educational brochure (that is available at marinas in the area).
Unfortunately, terrapins are still hit by motor vehicles along other portions of the road. This is inevitable. Fencing the whole road would almost be impossible and very time consuming to maintain. This fall and winter I am going to work with the town (Little Egg Harbor) and NJ Fish and Wildlife (who owns the land around the road) to come up with a plan to minimize road kills along the road. A viable option would be to install speed humps to reduce the speed of motorists along the road and for the town to post and enforce a reduced speed limit (25mph) along the road.
A northern diamondback terrapin pauses while crossing Great Bay Blvd. near Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey. © Ben Wurst
We are committed to preserving this incredible species and would like to thank everyone who has helped fund this project.
Tags: 2010, great bay blvd, little egg harbor, New Jersey, northern diamondback terrapin, Ocean County, terrapin, terrapin project
Posted in Photography, Wildlife Protection | Comments Off
