This page combines birds from two separate trips to Belleplain State Forest and vicinity, on April 8 and April 27, 2022. The area offers both migrants and breeding birds, and the dates were chosen to see both. While April 8 was a fine day, it was a little early for breeders; unfortunately, April 27 was a cold day with rising winds and difficult for any kind of birding.

The route in both cases covered the State Forest, with stops at bridges, lakes, and wetlands; then Jakes Landing for saltmarsh species, East Point light, and Heislerville for shorebirds and other species.

Our highight birds for April 8 included Yellow-throated Warblers, Louisiana Waterthrush, and a Black-headed Gull (East Point) with Bonaparte’s Gulls. April 27 was more difficult birding but we enjoyed the antics of the Osprey and Cormorants at Heislerville.

Our route was two-lane roads, Route 206 to 54 through Hammonton, 557 to Millville, and 47 south to Belleplain,  avoiding freeways almost completely.

Participants (combined trips): Dino Fiabane, Holly Hoffman, Robert Koch, Laurie Larson, Miriam Swatrz, Mary Walter, Mike Zickler.