By: centraljersey.com
– Washington Crossing Audubon Society will host a field trip to the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge on Sept. 11 at 9 a.m. Brigantine’s 20,000 acres of salt marsh, bays, freshwater impoundments, fields, and forests are known for their abundant waterfowl during autumn migration. Bring binoculars, field guide, lunch and beverages, as well as money for the refuge entrance fee. Meet at the parking lot by the visitor’s center, where rest rooms and check lists are available. Directions: Garden State Parkway south to exit 48. Drive south on Route 9 for six miles to Oceanville. Turn left on Great Creek Road (there is a stoplight and a small sign for the refuge). Preregistration is recommended because the trip may be canceled due to bad weather or other reasons. To register, call Lou Beck, 737-0070. There is no charge for this or for any of WCAS’ programs.
– The society will host a field trip to Point Breeze in Bordentown on Sept. 11 from 1-3 p.m. Jim Consolloy and Philo Elmer will lead the trip. This event is led by the Friends for the Marsh and is cosponsored by the society and D&R Greenway Land Trust. Directions: Meet at Divine Word Missionaries, 101 Park St., Bordentown. For additional information, call 732-821-8310.
– The society will host a field trip to Nature Cove Park in Palmyra on Sept. 18 at 8 a.m. Charles Brine will lead the trip. Call Lou Beck (737-0070) with questions. Palmyra Park is located off Route 73 just under and south of the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge. The park has been exceptional for various species, including sparrows and warblers. The park has a variety of habitats including marsh, deciduous trees, conifers, and bushes/vines and is located along the Delaware River. Directions: Travel time is about one hour from the Princeton area. Go south on I-295 to Route 73/Palmyra exit (Exit 36). Go five miles west on Route 73 to just before the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge. Look for a sign to the Palmyra Cove Park
– The bird-banding facility on Featherbed Lane in Hopewell Township will be the site of a fieldtrip sponsored by the society on Sept. 19, starting at 8 a.m. and led by Mark Witmer and Hannah Suthers. Participation will be limited to 12 persons, and participants must register with Lou Beck by calling 737-0070. Participants will see birds, such as black-throated blue or magnolia warblers, in the hand. The trip will expose participants to the ongoing research conducted by Ms. Suthers and her volunteers during fall migration. She has been banding on this site during the nesting season through fall migration for more than 30 consecutive years, and has documented the progression of habitat from fields to forest. See the process of bird banding, learn what information is obtained from these efforts, and probably learn a few things about common birds. Participants may see a variety of species, including warblers, thrushes, wrens and the catbird. Directions: Registered participants will meet at Featherbed Lane, just north of Hopewell Borough. From Route 518 in Hopewell, turn north on Greenwood Avenue and go approximately 1.5 miles. Turn right onto Featherbed Lane and go about 0.5 miles to the banding area. Park along the right side of the lane.
– On Sept. 20, the society will host "Antarctica," a presentation by Phil and Becky Witt, in Stainton Hall on the campus of The Pennington School, 112 W. Delaware Ave., Pennington. Refreshments are served at 7:30 p.m; program begins at 8 p.m. Questions? Call Herb Lord at 443-3981. Every nature-lover dreams of a voyage to Antarctica. The Witts had the opportunity to fulfill that dream and will share their stories. They are volunteers at NJ Audubon’s Scherman-Hoffmann Nature Center, where Mr. Witt teaches photography workshops.

