|
Trail Guides
|
Andaloro Wildlife Management Area
|
3
 
|
Almonesson Road, Deptford Township, NJ
Phone: (856) 629-0090
www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/wmas.htm
NJ Department of Environmental Protection
From the parking area at Wheelabrator Wildlife Refuge, turn Left onto Hazel Avenue and then Left onto Route 130. After 0.5 miles turn Right onto River Drive. At the “T” intersection, turn Right onto Route 47/ Delsea Drive. After 0.5 miles turn Left onto Almonessen Road. After crossing the overpass over Route 295, go 0.1 miles and turn Left onto an unmarked dirt road, just past the tree line. Continue slowly down the dirt road for 0.3 miles to the parking area. DIRECTIONS FROM NEAREST HIGHWAY: Take exit 58 on Route 55 to Almonesson Avenue (CR 621). Turn Left at first traffic light onto Almonesson Avenue. Travel approximately 2.3 miles and turn Left onto an unmarked dirt road, just past the tree line. Continue slowly down the dirt road for 0.3 miles to the parking area. Map
New Jersey Transit Bus Lines No. 400 Sickerville/Philadelphia and No. 455 Cherry Hill Mall/Woodbury/Paulsboro both stop at the Deptford Mall. Walk 5 blocks on North Almonesson Road. Walking distance is less than 1 mile.
Survey the wooded mound that runs through the center of the grassy area for some good views of birds in the edge habitat and the trees. Trails run along the periphery on both sides of the mound.
| |  This undeveloped parcel of 53 acres is a woodland, grassland and shrub area on an unmarked dirt road in a suburban locale. A series of trails leads through grassland areas and wooded streamside habitats. The Big Timber Creek and one of its tributaries border the management area and birds can be seen on the open water from the wooded and elevated banks, as well as in shaded stream and wetland settings. The area occupies a slight hillside that affords views of birds in the tall grasses. This site is a former farm that was recently preserved, and no doubt holds new wildlife discoveries for frequent visitors.
Early mornings offer good birding from creek-side elevated trails. Birds can be seen on the open water, in the trees, and feeding in the grassland.
Several places along the dirt road are good spots to view birds such as White-throated Sparrow, American Goldfinch, and Northern Mockingbird from the comfort of inside your car. Hiking in the wooded areas offers shelter from the wind. This is a secluded place amid the suburbs that makes for a tranquil winter hike.
Early spring mornings are ideal for viewing species that stop to rest during their migration. Birds sit in the sun and feed in the trees early in the day and are active along the edges of the woods. Look for Common Yellowthroat, Carolina Wren and Song Sparrow, among the several species nesting in the trees and tall grasses. Woodchucks forage in clearings and near the roadside.
Songbird and waterfowl fledglings such as Gray Catbird and Mallard feed in the area on the tall grasses and shrubs. The plant life provides berries and seeds for many nesting species, and nectar for butterflies such as cabbage white, yellow sulfur, and spicebush swallowtail. It’s a good place to hike on summer days in the shaded trails through the woods.
Deciduous trees exhibit their autumn colors. Some migrating waterfowl such as Ruddy Duck and Hooded Merganser can be spotted on the open water of the Big Timber Creek. This is a good “fall out” area amid the suburbs for migrating songbirds that are best viewed in the early morning. Watch the skies for passing hawks and vultures.
At the West end of the site, near Almonesson Road, a wooded wetland has a small brook running through it. The habitat here is good for spotting woodland birds feeding in the mud and leaf litter.
|
|
|