Snow Buntings, Northern Harriers, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Long-tailed ducks and many other varieties of birds will be sought when the Monmouth County Audubon Society hosts a bird walk on Sandy Hook in northern Monmouth County on Feb. 10.
The trip will be led by accomplished birders who are familiar with Sandy Hook and its birds, according to a press release.
“Many species of ducks which breed in the Arctic spend the winter in the area,” said Linda Mack, field trip leader and past president of the organization. “They seek protection in the coves along the Hook and usually remain for most of the season.
“In addition, hawks continue to hunt here all winter and they are fascinating to watch. And we don’t discount the possibility of seeing some really rare birds” such as Snowy Owls, Mack said.
Anyone interested in participating in the bird walk can meet at 10 a.m. in parking lot near the visitors center (which is closed). The parking lot is just south of the ranger’s station, about 1.8 miles north of the entrance gate.
The trip is open to members and non-members of the Monmouth County Audubon Society and participation is free. Advance registration is not required. Participants should dress appropriately for cold temperatures and windy conditions, according to the press release. Binoculars are essential and a field guide is helpful.
In other news, zoologist Bill Pitts will present his program, “American Kestrels,” at the 8 p.m. Feb. 14 meeting of the Audubon Society at the Knights of Columbus hall, 200 Fair Haven Road, Fair Haven. The public is welcome and admission is free.
Pitts is an assistant zoologist with New Jersey Fish and Wildlife’s Endangered and Non-Game Species program. He will discuss the evolution of the division’s American Kestrel nest box project from its preliminary findings in 2004 to the beginning of nest box installations in 2006, to the expansion into Salem County in 2012, and the lessons learned along the way, according to the press release.
The Monmouth County Audubon Society, a chapter of the National Audubon Society, is dedicated to the enjoyment and study of nature, wildlife conservation, habitat protection and education, according to the press release. Further information may be obtained by visiting http://www.monmouthaudubon.org or via email at info@monmouthaudubon.org
