Salem County Field Trip Report, March 10, 2007.

Two eagle’s nests with a total of eight eagles seen were the highlight of our March field trip to Salem County. Our first stop had a flock of about 50 or so horned larks. Even though well-camouflaged in the open dirt field, we got good looks, both with our binoculars and in our scopes. Mannington Marsh, our next stop, afforded ample opportunity to see a good variety of ducks and other waterfowl. Here we observed Coots, Swans, both Tundra and Mute, and a good variety of ducks including Pintail, A. Wigeon, Wood Duck, Green-winged Teal, N. Shoveler, Common Mergansers, Hooded Mergansers, Black, Mallard, and Gadwall. Many in the grouped remarked about the number of Wood Ducks seen and seen well. I would estimate 40 or 50. Every scan with the scope seemed to find yet another group of Wood Ducks.

Money Island Rd. was our final stop and we enjoyed seeing a Great-Horned Owl on the nest. An adult Bald eagle was observed sitting on a tower and numerous Harriers were seen hunting in the open marsh. Two Tree Swallows flew by and were a clear reminder spring migration is underway.

Elusive birds were the White-crowned sparrows and Meadowlarks which we usually see this time of year. Conditions were a little windy but the sun was shining and the temperature warmed enough enabling us to sit on the picnic bench at Richman’s restaurant for lunch. Eight of us enjoyed the day of birding. Thanks to everyone in the group who helped spot and id all the birds.

Jean Gutsmuth and Chris Herz

Complete sightings:

Mute swan, tundra swan, snow goose, canada goose, wood duck, Am. wigeon, gadwall, green winged teal, mallard, black, pintail, shoveler, hooded merg, common merg, great blue, great egret, black vulture, tv, bald eagle, harrier, red tail, kestrell, pheasant, coot, snipe, killdeer, ring billed gull, great black back, herring, rock dove, mourning, great horned owl, red bellied wp, flicker, blue jay, Am. crow, fish crow, bluebird, robin, mockingbird, starling, Carolina wren, tree swallow, carolina chickadee, titmouse, horned lark, house sparrow, house finch, song sparrow, white throat, junco, cardinal, red winged blackbird, common grackle, cowbird