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Wood Thrush Nest On The Trail

While on my walkabout I spotted a wood thrush just off trail. Over the past several weeks I watched as she built a nest in a small maple tree that over hangs the trail. I have watched as the nest went from a single layer of leaves to a robust intricate weaved leaf and twig structure. This is a short video of one of my observations.

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Musconetcong River Paddle 051526

It was an amazing afternoon on the Musconetcong River. As soon as I left the launch a bald eagle flew over and I spotted a great blue heron in the tangles of a fallen tree in the river just upstream. Making my way downstream to the dam an immature eagle flew by heading upstream. I watched as it circled back around and flew over again disappearing downstream. I encountered another great blue heron on an another dead tree just above the dam.

I made the turn back upstream at the dam where I encountered my first yellow iris of the season, yes they re invasive but I find them very pretty and can’t help myself but snap a few shots of it. On my way back upstream I watched as another great blue heron took off from the river in front of me. I noticed it had a mouth full of carp as it flew across the opposite shore where it swallowed the huge fish.

Made my way up to Saxton Lake where I saw the male resident mute swan patrolling in front of their nest as the female sat on the her eggs.

Paddled up the flats I encountered another great blue heron standing on another downed tree which it soon took to the air flying up stream. Approaching Otter Island I spotted a sandpiper working the shallow channel on the downstream side of the island. As I made the turn around the back side of the island the heron had landed on a limb then took off landing across the river to the entrance to Schittz Creek- a tributary to the Musky.

I made the turn back downstream and to the flats where I saw what I thought was just another vulture soaring over the river but as I watched I soon realized it was one of the resident eagles. I watched from my boat as it circled high over head and slowly descended to tree level where it glided to the trees near their nest. I sat for quite a while watching it preen its chest feathers and look around. I watched these eagles build their nest here int he fall of 2024. I have not seen any signs of young in the time they have been here. Great to have them on the river.

I was able to find some amazing spring blooms along the way as well. I love to photograph flowers and am always on the hunt for the perfect shot. The yellow iris’ have started blooming-yes I know they are invasive but the iris is one of my favorite flowers. Soon the Blue Iris will begin blooming-they are native.

Such an amazing afternoon on the water.

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Walkabouts From A Few Weeks Ago

Highlights from my walkabouts a few weeks ago at Alumni Field Park along the Musconetcong River. These are the highlights from a few days worth of walks. 051326, 051426, and 051526

Spring has been a bounty of amazing encounters. The nesting boxes along the trails has provided me with some fantastic opportunities to observe some of my favorite birds along the trails. I have even been able to see a wood thrush and observe the nest building process which has been fascinating.
We live in an amazing world with fantastic things happening all around us on a daily basis we just need to slow down and see them.

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Walkabout 050826

Collection from my walkabout a few weeks ago at Alumni Field Park in Hackettstown. The morning started out covered in a mist leaving the landscape in a mysterious shroud only revealing hints of the landscape. It lifted just as quickly as it seemed to hang overhead and the sun came out revealing the clarity and magic of the nature around me.

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Observing Canada Goose Behavior

One of the benefits of walking the same grounds almost every day I get to know the resident wildlife pretty closely. I know the deer that make the park home, I know the different red squirrels that call home to separate locations within the park. I also get to know the fathered residents of the park as well. That includes the resident lone goose. Every year there seems to be a lone goose that takes up residence at the ponds. On this particular morning I found the lone goose on the backside of one of the ponds facing the woods that lead to the Musconetcong River. It was letting out calls and getting responses back from the river. I watched as the lone goose changed position paced back and forth straining its neck while calling. As I continued on my walk the geese continued their conversation. In the end the lone goose remained the lone goose.

Who knows what was being said…I can only imagine.

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First Bear Sighting Of The Season 051626

While out on the trails this morning I came upon this big buy snoozing behind a fallen tree amongst the ferns and new flora. The morning sun was hitting the right spots as he lazily lounged in the warm glow. He was about 10 yards away. I wouldn’t have seen him but the big black dark spot of his head and then the flash of his golden muzzle alerted me to his presence. I watched for a bit. At one point he lifted his head and our gaze met. After a bit I retreated backtracking the way I came just to give him his peace and comfort. While leaving the area I caught a quick glimpse of the resident fox before it disappeared into the brush. It was an amazing morning with more photos and video to come. First bear encounter on the books.

Walkabout- Wading Birds In Hatchery Pond 051026
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Walkabout- Wading Birds In Hatchery Pond 051026

While out for my morning walkabout I came upon several wading birds working one of the drained hatchery ponds. The usual suspects were there the sandpipers and killdeer. I was pleasantly surprised to see a pair of lesser yellow legs and my first green heron of the season also working the pond.

The lesser yellow legs usually come through the area this time of year for a brief period. I have also seen them later in the year as well but they are not permanent residents like the kill deer. The green heron will summer here and leave to go south when the cold weather sets in.