Saturday, September 28: Fall Birding at Sandy Hook

(canceled in event of rain) Meet at 8:30 am in Lot B of Sandy Hook. Trip ends at 12:30 pm.

Sandy Hook, a unique geological feature on the northernmost Jersey shore, has long been known as one of New Jersey's premier birding sites. In fall, Sandy Hook's coastal forest may attract great numbers of migrants crossing New York Bay. We will explore the varied habitats here, hoping to see a good variety of sparrows, some late warblers, thrushes, shorebirds, raptors, and maybe something unexpected.

Meet in Lot B, on the right side of the road just a few hundred yards after the entrance gate. Park near the public restroom. Sandy Hook is largely flat, and the trails are not challenging, but walking here can be tiring, since it is mostly on sand. We recommend comfortable hiking boots. Along with binoculars, please bring a scope if you have one: there are many spots where it will come in handy. If it is windy, extra layers are recommended.

Write mbcoutings@gmail.com for more information.

Saturday, October 5: Hilltop Reservation

Meet at 8:00 am in the parking lot at Mountain Avenue and Courter Lane, North Caldwell, near the dog park.

Hilltop Reservation is a 284-acre nature preserve located on the Second Watchung Mountain, at the point where North Caldwell, Verona, and Cedar Grove meet. The habitat includes upland grasslands, oak-hickory and beech-maple forest, and open and wooded wetlands. In the center of the reservation, the native grasses and wildflowers of a 15-acre meadow, restored by the Hilltop Conservancy, are often excellent for fall migrants. In recent autumns, birds seen here have included the Bobolink, Clay-colored Sparrow, Connecticut Warbler, and Yellow-breasted Chat. 

Bathrooms or porta-sans are available in the parking lot. Bring binoculars, tick

repellent, a snack, and water. A sunhat is recommended.

From the Montclair area, take Bloomfield Avenue west to Mountain Avenue in north Caldwell. Turn right on Mountain Avenue, then right on Courter Lane and park.

Write mbcoutings@gmail.com for more information.  

Saturday, October 19: Cold Brook Preserve

Meet at 8:30 am in the preserve parking lot at 65 Old Turnpike Road, Oldwick, NJ 08858.

A birder’s meetup

Just forty-five minutes from Montclair, in the middle of New Jersey's horse county, this 287-acre Hunterdon County park is well known for beautiful views and excellent fall birding. Hedgerows provide plenty of edge where birds can forage and find shelter from predators (or nosy birders). The occasional heron or duck can be found on the small pond. Northern harriers, red-tailed hawks, American kestrels, and other raptors are often seen at this season, and many sparrow species are known from this site. Ring-necked pheasants are also seen on occasion.

Our walk of one and a half or two miles will end at 10:30. The trails are flat, though there are a few areas where the terrain is rolling and sloped; a trail map is here. Bathrooms are available at the Oldwick Market, two minutes from the preserve.

Driving directions: From the Montclair area, take the Garden State Parkway south to exit 142B for I-78 west; alternatively, take I-80 west to exit 43 and follow 287 south to exit 21B for I-78 west. Leave I-78 at exit 24 for Route 523, Oldwick. Continue straight through the village of Oldwick and past Zion Church on your right. The preserve parking is ahead on your left, just at the end of Oldwick.