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>>>>>Ocean
Grove and Neptune NJ's Online News Resource Since 2004 |
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The Ocean Grove Bird |
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Mike Au Natural Here’s a different format for the Nature Grove column. Please send me your opinion of what you would nominate as the Ocean Grove bird. Send your vote to: NatureGrove@gmail.com The United States of America has the bald eagle as its emblem and each of the states has its own state bird, with New Jersey’s being the American goldfinch. So, what would you choose as the one species of bird which best represents Ocean Grove? The turkey is NOT an option – the only turkeys in OG are the ones in freezers. Here are several options: Cardinal: Ocean Grove was founded as a religious town after all, right? In any case, this year-round resident certainly is beautiful in its bright red plumage. They are seed-eaters and do nest within OG. Mockingbird: This year-round resident is perhaps the most talented singer in all of Ocean Grove. Unfortunately, during the breeding season, they are known to express their talent right outside your bedroom window at 4:00 a.m. They’ll eat insects and fruit, and do nest within OG. They may dive-bomb and become very vocal should a cat (or person) intrude on their territory. House Sparrow: The most common bird in Ocean Grove. They are everywhere and anywhere at all times of the year. This year-round resident is not a native species – it was introduced from Europe. They will nest in just about any crevasse or protected surface they can find, including gutters and hanging baskets. Rock Dove: Otherwise known as the common pigeon. Another bird introduced from Europe which has been very successful in the New World. Also not very discriminating in its nesting locations. Great Black-backed Gull / Herring Gull / Ring-billed Gull / Laughing Gull: This is a beach town after all. These four species are quite common. Although most laughing gulls fly south for the winter, the others usually stick around all year, but they don’t nest in OG. Mute Swan: The largest bird within Ocean Grove. They mate for life and can occasionally be seen floating in Fletcher Lake. This is another non-native species, introduced from Europe. They’ve attempted to nest along the banks of Fletcher Lake, but I’m not aware of them ever being successful. Canada Goose: The messiest bird in OG? Sure, they make a mess but their young are adorable. They primarily eat grass and nest along the banks of Fletcher Lake. American Robin: The classic harbinger of Spring. Whether due to global warming or the availability of more food (berries on ornamental plants), they can occasionally even be viewed in Winter in OG. Besides berries, they eat insects, worms, and other small invertebrates and they do nest in OG. Barn Swallow / Cliff Swallow / Chimney Swift: The classic snowbirds. Your won’t catch them sticking around NJ in the winter, since their primary prey consists of small flying insects. These birds nest within OG. Great Blue Heron: A prehistoric-looking wading bird. This tall bird can be seen hunting for fish and small invertebrates in Fletcher and Wesley Lakes. Although they don’t nest in OG, they do nest around Shark River Bay. Cooper’s Hawk: This bird of prey, or raptor, hunts smaller birds and is most frequently seen during Winter in OG. Osprey: Another bird of prey, but this one hunts fish. Watch for them hovering over Fletcher Lake and then diving to catch a meal. Although they don’t nest in OG, they do nest around Shark River Bay. Other
notable Ocean Grove species to consider: Please submit your vote to NatureGrove@gmail.com. Also, if you don’t see an Ocean Grove species listed which you want to vote for, please send its name (remember, the species must live in the wild and be present in OG for at least some portion of the year). |
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