Six birders assembled at 9 AM. The Lumberton Leas Ornithologists were Louise Tompkins, at 203 Woodside Drive; Barbara Zimmerman, 206; and Dr Osborn (Oz) Cresson, 80. The visitors from Medford Leas were Dr E Wayne Marshall, Bird Club Chair, 153; Dr Arthur Steitz, 275; and Dr Howard Kriebell, 625. It was a cold and windy morning.

About 8 residents had feeders and the birds were active there. Active noisy construction kept birds at a distance and the lack of planting around many of the houses. A census taken January 2001 and 2002 I’m sure will show an increase in numbers. We all enjoyed the WIDE paved paths around the circumference. We also enjoyed the wonderful woods with beautiful holly trees and berries. The Residents are clearing paths through the woods. The wide tidal flats are quite different from Medford Leas Rancocas Stream area. We look forward to having our broken dam repaired.

Our hostess, Louise Tompkins, provided the cold weary walkers with hot drinks and a place to eat our picnic lunch. The new beautiful white houses were a joy to visit, and we thank OZ, Barbara, and Louise for their hospitality.

The only sad note is the bulldozing of the gravel pits and the destruction of the Bank Swallow nests. Removing all these Bank Swallows will allow the flies and mosquitoes to flourish, and insect lotions and sprays will be needed in the spring, unless the swallows are allowed to dig new nests. The Audubon Society should take efforts to correct this. We plan a trip to visit the area and see the damage.

[written by Dr Marshall]