Led by Dave Oster, Associate Naturalist.
Island Road is a productive grassland birding spot located in Whitehouse Station in eastern Hunterdon County.  Extensive grassy fields, used for hay production, provide nesting habitat for Bobolink, Meadowlark, Bluebird, Grasshopper Sparrow and other species.  Normally the birds are easily seen and heard from the road, although Grasshopper Sparrow may take a bit of work.

The lower part of Island Road passes through a wet woodland interspersed with smaller open areas.  We will start the trip by walking this section of road, which features a good diversity of nesting songbirds.   After seeking out the various flycatchers, warblers and vireos, we’ll head on to the open grassy fields.  By parking at strategic spots we’ll hope to obtain the best views of nesting grassland species, and enjoy the wonderful songs of the Bobolink and Meadowlark.  Grasshopper Sparrow will also entertain us with its buzzy, insect-like song.  To register please call 908-396-6386.

$15 members, $20 nonmembers

Directions

To reach Island Road take Route 287 south to Exit 17.  Keep right at the exit and follow signs for Route 22 West–Clinton.   Proceed about 5.5 miles west on Route 22 until you see Mangia Bella Pizza & Pasta on the right.  Turn right onto Island Road just past this restaurant.  (The road is poorly marked and easy to miss).  As you turn onto Island Road you will see a large, vacant store, formerly a Home Depot, on the left.  We will meet in the parking lot at 8:30 am.