It may be getting toward the end of the shorebird season, but Heislerville still managed to be spectacular today. Many of the shorebirds have moved already, such that Semipalmated Sandpipers in their thousands dominated the whole scene at the impoundment today. Though many birds had moved on, all the usual species were nevertheless still present and we particularly enjoyed a group of nine White-rumped Sandpipers along the north side of the main pool.
After getting an up close and personal demonstration of New Jersey Audubon’s semipalmated Sandpiper research project – and enjoying White-rumped Sandpiper in the hand! – we briefly visited East Point, where the heaving mass of shorebirds along the tideline was easily one of the most spectacular sights of the entire spring. Oh yes, wonderful out-in-the-open views of preening Clapper Rail and singing Seaside Sparrow were also on the highlight list.
Leaders: Mike Crewe, Megan Crewe, Mary Watkins, and Deb Payson.
