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Important Bird and Birding Areas
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Moe Mountain
Sussex CountyCoordinates: N 41.1975
W 74.3871
Skylands: Appalachian MountainsArea: 18,198 Acres Habitat: Scrub-shrub with upland forest and cultivated and fallow fieldsSite Description: Moe Mountain is in the northeast corner of Sussex County. It is bordered by the New Jersey/New York state line to the north, Warwick Turnpike to the west and residential development to the south and east. Portions of the site are owned and managed by NJ Department of Environmental Protection’s (NJDEP) Wawayanda State Park. Most of the area was formerly farmed but has since reverted to scrub-shrub habitat. The Appalachian Trail bisects the southern corner where an eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) forest harbors a rich diversity of forest interior species. This site is also located within the Highlands Preservation Area, a region of exceptional natural resource value designated by NJDEP’s Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act (Highlands Act). This act was created to preserve open space and protect NJ’s diversity of natural resources.
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| Golden-winged Warbler | Kevin Watson |
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Birds: The scrub-shrub habitat of Moe Mountain is ideally suited for early successional habitat specialists like the state-threatened Golden-winged Warbler. In 2002, eight pairs of Golden-winged Warblers were found at the site. Today the numbers vary between three and four pairs. Other species that use scrub-shrub include Yellow-breasted Chat and Black-and-white Warbler. This site also provides valuable breeding habitats for the state-endangered Red-shouldered Hawk and the state-threatened Barred Owl.Conservation: The most significant threat to the Moe Mountain IBA is the succession of scrub-shrub habitats. To preserve early successional habitat for scrub-shrub dependent birds, it is important to interrupt the natural process of succession to forested climax conditions with active management. Management techniques include prescribed mowing/haying, grazing and burning. Regular maintenance ensures the perpetuity of early successional habitats. Successful management will incorporate a monitoring program to determine the best management practices for species such as the Golden-winged Warbler. Unprotected parcels of Moe Mountain and the surrounding habitats need to be targeted for acquisition and outreach to private landowners should encourage habitat maintenance and restoration. Several federal and state incentive programs are available to landowners interested in managing and protecting wildlife habitat. Additional threats include development, cowbird parasitism, overabundant deer, tree diseases and invasive plant and insect species. Nonnative, invasive species reduce habitat diversity, alter forest structure, suppress forest regeneration and outcompete native understory vegetation. Appropriate methods of managing invasive species may include mechanical removal and/or use of herbicides.Additional Information: Site Report
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| Ridgeline scrub-shrub habitat | John Parke |
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