Bright sunshine held sway all day today, and my friend Laura and I took advantage of it and headed out this morning for a couple hours of birding. Our first stop was at a scenic overlook along the Delaware River off Interstate 295 near Trenton. We’d stopped there once previously, only to find a big,Continue reading “Along the interstate, I find a lifer”
Tag Archives: Trenton
Harlequin romance: a rare visitor on the Delaware River
Rarely has a Jersey girl caused such a fuss. Since she was first spotted in the Delaware River on Thursday, a harlequin duck — believed to be the first ever recorded on e-Bird in Mercer Counry — has had birders flocking to observation points on the river banks in Trenton and Morrisville, Pennsylvania. While IContinue reading “Harlequin romance: a rare visitor on the Delaware River”
A trip to Trenton on ‘Black Duck Friday’
While many Americans were hitting the mall this morning, my friend Laura and I drove down to the Tulpehaking Nature Center, one of the gateways to Abbot Marshlands. We joined a group of about 10 birders for a “Black Duck Friday” birding walk. Gathering in the parking lot, we were treated to a through-the-scope viewContinue reading “A trip to Trenton on ‘Black Duck Friday’”
Winter gives way to Spring in New Jersey
Winter has receded and Spring has sprung in central New Jersey, and we’re seeing the changing of the guard in the birds that frequent these parts. Warblers are starting to arrive, although I have yet to get a confirmed sighting in my recent outings. Who’s on the way out? White-throated sparrows and American tree sparrowsContinue reading “Winter gives way to Spring in New Jersey”
Caspian terns pay us a visit at Trenton marsh
After the Mercer Meadows Pole Farm, one of my favorite places to bird is the Trenton marsh. After seeing an alert that Caspian terns were spotted there on Saturday, I drove down as the sun came out that afternoon and was treated to a delightful display by these unusual visitors. The terns are fast flyers,Continue reading “Caspian terns pay us a visit at Trenton marsh”
A futile search for the vesper sparrow, and a bad hair day for a heron
This past week was full of birding adventures close to home, with a typical mixture of highs and lows. I’ve just about given up my quest to spot a vesper sparrow this fall. One (or who knows how many) has been hanging out at the Mercer Meadows Pole Farm, spotted by several people over theContinue reading “A futile search for the vesper sparrow, and a bad hair day for a heron”
I rely upon the kindness of other birders
Every day I’m reminded of how kind other birders can be in sharing their knowledge. Thanks to one of them, today at the Abbott Marshlands at the edge of Trenton, I was treated to a rare sight: a least bittern. Knowing that these elusive birds have been visiting the marsh across from Silver Lake atContinue reading “I rely upon the kindness of other birders”
Setting the year in motion: Birding resolutions for 2022
As I headed into 2021, I was intent on improving my ability to recognize birds by their calls and songs. I’m happy to report that I improved that skill considerably, and I’ll continue my education there. I also realize that I am woefully weak on spotting and identifying waterbirds. In the new year, my topContinue reading “Setting the year in motion: Birding resolutions for 2022”
The Jersey Birder 