CENTRAL JERSEY: Birdies aren’t going bye, bye this year

By >Charley Falkenburg, Staff Writer
   They’re splashing in chilly lakes and chirping in leafless trees. They’re congregating on corporate lawns and relaxing on telephone pole wires. They’re even taking midday strolls on roads and highways — the birds are doing everything this winter except migrating.
   Birdwatchers are rejoicing because the birds are out in full force this winter, thanks to the mild weather. New Jerseyians can expect to see a lot more birds this season because these feathery friends are celebrating spring break early this year.
   Larry Hajna, the spokesperson for the State Department of Environmental Protection, said the weather is affecting migratory patterns. They no longer have to fly as far to find a habitat they like and need — making them perfectly content on Jersey soil.
   People can expect to see more geese ditching their Canada roots by joining the ranks of the already large denizen of resident Canada geese. Mr. Hajna said Canada geese become “residents” when they stay in the area year round and no longer migrate.
   ”Which is a problem — it’s been a problem for a number of years,” he added. “More migratory geese are getting more comfortable and joining the resident geese.”
   In addition, the geese that pass through the state during migration just aren’t as bent on putting the mileage on their wings and often remain in Jersey — adding to an already blooming geese population.
   And geese aren’t the only birds in town.
   Mr. Hajna said there has been an influx of bald eagles because they don’t have to fly as far south to find open water. With no frozen lakes, the eagles are able to forage fish without the inconvenience of relocating.
   ”In the mid winter eagle survey, they counted close to a record number of 317 bald eagles,” he added. This figure is just shy of the ultimate record of 328 bald eagles in 2010.
   Don’t forget the Daffys and Donalds either.
   With the slew of snowstorms in 2010, ducks blew right through New Jersey. But with the lack of snow and ice this winter, ducks are taking their sweet time.
   And it doesn’t only feel like spring — it sounds like it too. Sharon Petzinger, a senior zoologist for New Jersey Fish and Wildlife, said more grackles, robins, goldfinches, blue and blackbirds are chirping around now than in previous winters.
   ”Usually they winter farther south in Jersey, but we’re seeing them farther north, like in Hunterdon County,” she added.
   The mellow weather holds nothing but benefits for birds, but Ms. Petzinger expressed concern that a big snowstorm in early spring would push them further south when they are supposed to be north.
   Birds and humans aren’t the only ones loving this pseudo-winter.
   Since the ground isn’t covered in snow and ice, deer and coyotes in the area are enjoying a buffet of food without burning their fat reserves. With foraging and finding prey becoming a breeze, their bodies aren’t as stressed and their populations will be strong come spring.
   ”Nature finds a way of reducing a population whether it’s through disease or lack of food,” he added. “Who knows what next winter will bring?”
   The people who have them on their property hope it won’t be more geese.