**Please note date and time change (due to inclement weather)

Winter tends to be a quiet season, a time for animals – and people – to hide away until warmer days return. If you’re willing to brave the cold and exercise a little patience, however, winter bird-watching can be a rewarding experience.

Please join the Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership and Rahway River Watershed Association on Saturday February 20, 11-noon for our first outing of the New Year, Winter Shorebirds at Middlesex County’s Raritan Waterfront Park!

WHEN: 11-noon, Saturday February 20

WHERE: 201 John T O’Leary Blvd, South Amboy, NJ 08879

BRING: Appropriate waterproof footwear and clothing for the weather, binoculars recommended, your own water/hot beverage

WHAT:  Birders of all skill levels are welcome! The walk will be guided by RRWA intern and bird enthusiast Jordan Parham (more about Jordan below)

Birds don’t hibernate, and they remain active even in the coldest parts of the year. They have a pretty high metabolism, and they have to eat. Although we see birds here year-round, what we see varies throughout the year. The Raritan River and Lower Raritan Watershed are home to several bird species that spend the entire year here rather than migrating south for winter, but many species, particularly those that eat insects, migrate south for the winter. Our area is also home to several bird species that breed and nest further north and migrate here for the coldest part of the year.

Waterfowl is an especially popular attraction for winter birders. During this time of year, our area is home to an abundance of water bird species beyond the always-present Canada geese. Among the waterfowl to keep an eye out for are a variety of ducks and mergansers (see photo below), common goldeneyes, buffleheads and wigeons. An added bonus is that winter is courting time for some kinds of waterfowl, which means their colors are brighter and more eye-catching.

To our experienced birder friends: we will start by covering birding basics, however we welcome you to join us to share your expertise and help guide discovery and understanding!

*COVID NOTE:  Masks required, social distancing rules and guidelines must be followed

RRWA birding guide and intern Jordan Parham. Jordan is majoring in Conservation and Wildlife
Management at Delaware Valley University. He writes: “I love all forms of wildlife and try to
learn and gain as much experience with them as possible, but aquatic and wading
birds, reptiles and amphibians are my favorites. I plan on pursuing a career as a
Wildlife Biologist, Zookeeper or Park Ranger who aids in the conservation and
preservation of land and imperiled species.”

Photo credit: Joe Mish