As new birders you realize how much was “going on” around you without you even knowing it was there. When you aren’t “looking for birds” parks and hiking trails are a completely different world. The dog you used to think was “cute” running through the grass becomes a “nuisance” and “shouldn’t be off a leash.” Before you know it, you want them to stop drilling in Alaska, save the tropical rain forest, and preserve the little habitat left in the world for the same birds you barley knew just a year before. Such is the greatness of Birding. One of the great examples of a well “preserved” park is the Negri-Nepote Grasslands (maintained by the New Jersey Audubon). Grasshopper Sparrows (Got this one) and Bobolinks (Not this one yet) are around as well as loads of Indigo Buntings and Cedar Waxwings. Wild Turkeys, Falcons and Hawks walk and fly through the colorful grasslands.
This curious young Red-tailed Hawk was being “carefully” cared for by an attentive mom and dad who let us get a nice look before being “politely” asked to leave. Her distinctive call let us know she appreciated us stopping by but she needed to get back to hawk mothering and stuff. A beautiful day full of birds and color. Who says summer birding can’t be wonderful?!
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