Free, Public Events with Washington Crossing Audubon Society

Washington Crossing Audubon Society welcomes the public to join us for the following free events in September 2018:

FIELD TRIPS

• September 8, 2018. “Edwin Forsythe NWR (Brigantine)”. Join Washington Crossing Audubon Society at 9 AM on Saturday, September 8 for a walk led by Brad Merritt at the Forsythe NWR at Brigantine. “The Brig” offers great viewing access to migrating shore birds, terns, raptors, waterfowl, herons, egrets and the occasional uncommon bird. For more information or in event of inclement weather, call Brad at (609) 921-8964. Directions: Take the Garden State Parkway South to exit 48, then Rte. 9 South for approximately 5 miles. Look for the Brigantine Forsythe NWR sign on the left, and turn left onto Great Creek Road. Meet in the parking area. See our website (www.washingtoncrossingaudubon.org) and follow us on Facebook.
• September 16, 2018. “Bird Banding at Featherbed Lane”. Join Washington Crossing Audubon Society (www.washingtoncrossingaudubon.org) at 8 AM on Sunday, September 16, for a free, public birding trip at the Featherbed Lane Banding Station. Led by Mark Witmer and Hannah Suthers, this unique field trip will expose you to the ongoing research conducted for over 40 years by Hannah Suthers and her volunteers (hopewell-birds.freehostia.com). You will see the entire process of bird banding and learn what data are collected. We are likely to see a variety of species, including warblers, thrushes, wrens, and Hannah's favorite, the catbird. Note that registration is required and limited to 12 persons: Call Brad Merritt at (609) 921-8964 to register. Directions: Registered participants should meet at Featherbed Lane. From Rt. 518 in Hopewell, Turn North on Greenwood Avenue and drive approximately 1.5 miles. Turn right onto Featherbed Lane and go about 0.5 miles to the banding area. Park on the right side of the lane. See our website (www.washingtoncrossingaudubon.org) and follow us on Facebook.
• September 22, 2018. “St. Michael’s Farm Preserve, Hopewell”. Join Washington Crossing Audubon Society (www.washingtoncrossingaudubon.org) at 8 AM on Saturday, September 22, for a free, public birding trip led by Sharyn Magee, Juanita Hummel and Brad Merritt at St. Michael’s Farm Preserve in Hopewell. We will explore the Preserve for fall migrants such as sparrows, raptors and other passerines associated with open space. This is an excellent place and time for a fall nature walk. For more info or in case of inclement weather, call Brad Merritt, 609-921-8964.
  Directions: From Rosedale Road, turn right on Carter Road and continue four miles to find parking lot on the right just before entering Hopewell Borough. From 206, go west on Route 518, continue six miles and turn left on Princeton Avenue in Hopewell Borough at the traffic light. The main parking lot is 0.5 mile out Princeton Avenue on the left. See our website (www.washingtoncrossingaudubon.org) and follow us on Facebook.
• September 29, 2018. “Negri-Nepote Native Grassland Preserve”. Join Washington Crossing Audubon Society (www.washingtoncrossingaudubon.org) at 8 AM on Saturday, September 29, for a free, public birding trip led by Brad Merritt at the Negri-Nepote Native Grasslands Preserve in Somerset County. This 164-acre preserve is home to a number of sensitive species, including the Grasshopper Sparrow, Cooper’s Hawk, American Kestrel and Eastern Meadowlark. We will also have the opportunity to view Wood Ducks, Bluebirds and Purple Martins. For more info or in case of inclement weather, call Brad Merritt, 609-921-8964.
  Directions: Take Rte. 514 East (Amwell Rd.) from Rte. 206 at Woods Tavern. From South Middlebush Rd., turn onto Skillmans Lane. The preserve entrance is on the West side, between the two 90-degree curves. See our website (www.washingtoncrossingaudubon.org) and follow us on Facebook.

MONTHLY PROGRAM

On Monday, September 17 at 8 PM Washington Crossing Audubon Society will present: “Pete Bacinski: Colonial Nesting Birds – Our Coastal Gems”.

Featuring images taken by some of America’s best nature photographers, Pete Bacinski will offer a look at some of New Jersey’s most glorious birds: colonial nesting herons, egrets, terns and gulls. He will acquaint us with this marvelous group of birds in their finest (breeding) attire and explore their way of life right here in New Jersey. Efforts on the part of several organizations to protect their habitats will be examined.

The program will be held in Stainton Hall on the campus of the Pennington School, 112 W. Delaware Ave., Pennington, NJ. Refreshments are served at 7:30 PM and the talk will begin at 8 PM. The public is invited. Additional information can be found at www.washingtoncrossingaudubon.org. Follow us on Facebook.

GENERAL INFORMATION ON WASHINGTON CROSSING AUDUBON SOCIETY

Washington Crossing Audubon Society is a local member chapter for central New Jersey of the National Audubon Society. We have approximately 1600 members, mostly from the five counties of central New Jersey. Our monthly lectures and frequent field trips are free and open to the public. More information about WCAS can be found at the Society’s web site: www.washingtoncrossingaudubon.org. Follow us on Facebook.