By Steffen Klenk
Nature is all around us. Here in South Jersey, we are lucky to have several spots where bird watchers can relish in spotting even the rarest of feathered friends. Every year, tens of thousands of nature enthusiasts “flock” to the southernmost point in New Jersey, eyes peeled and cameras in hand, in hopes of capturing the most magnificent photos of incoming birds. For some, it is a chance to count the number of birds seen on any given day. For others, it’s a chance to enjoy the beauty and diverse landscape that is the Jersey Shore.
With the warm weather making its return, so do the many birds that settle along our stretch of coastline. At the Ocean City Welcome Center, on the Route 52 Causeway, Snowy Egrets inhabit the wetlands. These small herons can be spotted along our back bays, and other estuaries along the east coast. The Snowy Egret can easily be identified by their white plumage, black and yellow beaks, colorful eyes, black legs and yellow feet. You may find them foraging for food at the edges of rivers and lakes.
The Great Egret is also populating our region, and was recently spotted at the Welcome Center. During the breeding season, you may notice their long feathery plumes that grow from its back. Their long S-curved neck and yellow-orange bills make them hard to miss. The beautiful egret is a true spectacle to watch in flight!
The Yellow- Crowned Night Herons have invaded the protected areas along the causeway in recent weeks. These small birds are easy to spot, with their blocky heads and thin neck. You may notice their white cheek patch and bright orange-yellow legs. They perch quietly along tree branches and stumps, feeding on crayfish, crabs and other crustaceans, and are found commonly along our coastal wetlands.
Along your journey, you may find a flock of Great Blue Herons nesting along the wetlands. These magnificent birds can grow in size anywhere from 3-4 feet and have a wingspan of up to 6 ½ feet.
Ospreys are a popular sighting during the spring months. Their nests are situated along the back bays, just far enough from away from people and other birds that may wander. The large raptors enjoy living near bodies of water where their food supply is plentiful. The osprey’s diet largely consists of fish, and its vision is adapted to spotting underwater objects. Here’s an interesting fact: ospreys can be found on every continent with the exception of Antarctica. These large birds can tolerate many different habitats.
The Red-Winged Blackbird is showing a large presence in South Jersey. The passerine birds are known to be one of the most abundant living land birds in the entire continent. Its song is quite distinctive, a loud “conk-la-ree!” that almost sounds like a screech. You will often find the red-winged blackbird sitting atop high perches, surrounded by fresh and saltwater marshes. These birds are hard to mistake. The males are often seen with red and yellow shoulder badges, while females appear more crisply streaked and dark brown.
And, of course, there is the American robin. These birds are a welcome sight across lawns throughout the country. You will often find these songbirds low to the ground, foraging for insects and other small creatures. During the fall and winter months, they especially enjoy eating fruits. Set up a bird feeder in your yard, and you are bound to see these colorful birds make an appearance. Their orange bellies are a popular sighting no matter where you live.
These are just some of the most recent bird sightings throughout our local area. Wherever you are in South Jersey, you are bound to find many unique birds flocking throughout our region. Now is the time to charge your camera, grab your favorite pair of shoes, and explore the nature that surrounds us.
Steffen Klenk is a multimedia journalist. He resides in Ocean City and enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life.
