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ecotourist traveling through New Jersey and along the Jersey Shore will find
many interesting species of animals, birds and fish. Of these, the Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
may be the most interesting because of the continuing interaction with humans
via banding and satellite tracking in an effort to preserve the species. Also included in these efforts is the
construction of simple artificial nests on the tops of utility poles throughout the coastal regions. Although the
Jersey Shore population had been declining in the 80's and 90's the NJ Division
of Fish, Game and Wildlife reports
that 1999 saw an increase to 331 nesting pairs, which compares favorably with
previous levels approaching 500 pairs. Those
man-made nests provide another beneficial side benefit: the ecotourist is
spared a possibly fruitless trek through the wilderness in search of nesting
areas to get a good view of this member of the raptor family.
ith a length of up to two feet and wingspans reaching six feet, the Osprey
is easy to spot once you're in the area and is differentiated from the Bald
Eagle by a black stripe behind the eyes. While similar in size and appearance,
the Bald Eagle and Osprey don't get along too well, their primary argument being
who keeps the fish the Osprey just plucked from the water. Interestingly, The
International Osprey Foundation (TIOF)
mentions that the quality of that fish and the level of contaminates in the air,
not only determine the health and numbers of birds in a given area, but
effectively make the Osprey a barometer for potential health problems in humans
as well. Is it merely a coincidence that, like people, the
Osprey mates for life?
n excellent starting point in your Osprey quest is Mount
Mitchell, high above the Sandy Hook peninsula in Monmouth County. Here
you'll have panoramic views of the entire Sandy Hook region as well as the NYC
skyline to give you a feel for the character of the area. Proceeding on to Sandy
Hook and the visitor center just beyond parking area "D" you'll see
your first artificial nest on the bay side of the road to your left. A boardwalk
over the salt marsh below that first nest will allow you to safely get up close
and observe the Osprey in their daily routines. You'll probably find out how
noisy they can be when you get that close, or in the meantime listen to the sound
file of their call that the Monmouth County branch of the Audubon Society
has on their opening page.
fter
observing (and adopting?) the Osprey, be sure to explore the remainder of Sandy
Hook and consider the many other areas along the Jersey Shore also
encompassed by the Coastal Heritage Trail. Toward the
southern end of that trail, situated on 6,000 acres of coastal wetlands near
Stone Harbor is another organization involved in helping the
Osprey flourish in New Jersey, the Wetlands
Institute. You'll want to view the interesting photo
essay on their site depicting the process of banding the young birds to help
track their travel habits throughout their lives.
Though
September brings the end of the Osprey season in New Jersey, if you're in the
area or planning a fall trip, the annual NJ
Coast Day sponsored by the New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium (NJMSC)
is an event that will also be of interest.
Enjoy your Osprey search and other activities at the Jersey Shore and remember
too, the shore is only the beginning of the comprehensive resources in the state
that will appeal to the ecotourist - see this list of State
Parks for more attractions.
