Brigantine NWR, New Jersey: 5-11-16

Brigantine National Wildlife Refuge (aka Edwin Forsyth NWR), New Jersey       5-11-16

Unfortunately only one mile of the 8.5 mile wildlife drive is now open.  The other 7.5 miles were devastated in Hurricane Sandy and are under reconstruction with federal monies that must be used by June 1st or it will be lost.  We hope you will enjoy a few pictures from that lone mile.

Black Skimmers are always interesting to watch

Bathing

Flock taking off over the heads of two Caspian Terns

These birds are one of only two species whose lower bill is longer than its upper and the only species in the US with this distinction.  They will skim along the surface for 20-30 yards and then turn around and retrace their initial line hunting for any unsuspecting fish that has come to the surface to investigate the disturbance made by the initial skim.

Love reflections:  Snowy Egret fishing

Song Sparrow

 Camouflaged

Tower: "TWA 2341, for noise abatement turn right 45 Degrees."
TWA 2341: "Center, we are at 35,000 feet. How much noise can we make up here?"
Tower: "Sir, have you ever heard the noise a 747 makes when it hits a 727?"