Edwin B. Forsythe (Brigantine) NWR, March 20, 2019
The weather gods finally relented and gave us a mostly sunny, relatively warm and most importantly windless day to visit the refuge. We were hoping to see the Gyrfalcon which was present a few days before our visit but had not been seen in the prior couple of days. Even though we missed it we still saw a good number interesting birds especially among the waterfowl.
We saw about 40 Canvasbacks and among a vast sea of white morph Snow Geese managed pick out a single blue morph. Lots of Brant Geese still present but the large flocks of Canada Geese all reduced to pairs getting ready to mate. Other ducks of note were Buffleheads, Ring-necks, Green-winged Teal, Red-breasted Mergs, Hooded Mergs, Gadwall and Northern Shovelers. Shorebirds were scarce but we did pick up a few Greater Yellowlegs and a couple of Oystercatchers.
Bald Eagles (one adult and one immature), a couple of Ospreys and a Northern Harrier were the notable raptors. We totaled 34 species and ended our adventure with a hearty and delicious lunch at the venerable Shea’s establishment.
Participants: Ethel Cebra, Gil Goering, Robert Koch, Al Migdal, Miriam Swartz, Jean and Chris Tindall, Louise Tompkins and Ro Wilson.
Guest: Mike Zickle
Report and photos by Robert Koch
Bird List:
Double-crested Cormorant
Canada Goose
Snow Goose
Brant Goose
Mute Swan
Red-breasted Merganser
Hooded Merganser
Ring-necked Duck
Mallard
Bufflehead
Green-winged Teal
Northern Shoveler
Gadwall
Canvasback
Black Duck
Herring Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Black-backed Gull
Great Egret
Great Blue Heron
Greater Yellowlegs
Am. Oystercatcher
Bald Eagle
Northern Harrier
Osprey
Turkey Vulture
Belted Kingfisher
Tufted Titmouse
Tree Swallow
Red-winged Blackbird
Fish Crow
American Crow
American Robin
Song Sparrow
