How Do You Identify A New Jersey Shore Bird?
The New Jersey shoreline is the home of a multitude of bird species, with no better place to see them than the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge. Birdwatchers have the opportunity, especially during the spring and the autumn, to view shore birds that live in New Jersey or are in the process of migrating north or south. You can go to this 40,000-acre expanse and identify a number of these bird species if you are aware of some of their features and habits. Listen for the telltale call of the laughing gull. This seagull species has an unmistakable cry that echoes human laughter, sounding like “ha-ha-ha.” The bird has a gray back, a white belly and neck and a black head that makes it appear as if it wears a hood. Recognize the snowy egret from its white plumage. An egret can be as tall as 32 inches and will walk along the shore and inland ponds looking for fish, crustaceans and other edible creatures. The snowy egret is all white except for its yellow bill, long black legs and yel