We had an excellent day’s birding at Forsythe (Brig) NWR on July 13. No rain, low numbers of greenheads, and plenty of birds. We tallied 18 species of shorebirds including 2 American Avocets, 48 Whimbrels, 3 Stilt Sandpipers, and Wilson’s Phalarope. Other cool stuff included Least Bittern, White-faced Ibis, and Saltmarsh Sparrow. July is certainly summer, but for many species of birds “fall” migration is underway. All Things Birds summer schedule of trips is here. https://njaudubon.org/calendar/category/all-things-birds/list/
American Avocet photo by Associate Naturalist Linda Mack
One of two American Avocets that have been hanging around the southwest pool recently. Avocets breed in the prairie pothole region and saline lakes in the interior west. They are scarce migrants in NJ.
White-faced Ibis photo by Associate Naturalist Linda Mack
White-faced Ibis is a rare but annual in NJ, mostly in April/May and July/August. Note the complete white frame to the red eye-both characteristics that help distinguish it from the similar Glossy Ibis.
Photo by Scott Barnes.
There were a few thousand shorebirds feeding in the east pool. The most common species were Short-billed Dowitcher, Semipalmated Sandpiper, and Lesser Yellowlegs. These birds have already been to their nesting areas in the far north and are migrating south to wintering grounds.
Least Bittern photo by Associate Naturalist Jason Denesevich.
A Least Bittern flew out into the open and gave everyone great views of this secretive marsh species.
Gull-billed Tern photo by Scott Barnes
Forsythe is one of the best places in NJ to view the localized Gull-billed Tern. Two of their favorite foods there are frogs and fiddler crabs.
Attendee panel closed
