The Monmouth County Audubon Society (MCAS) will sponsor a field trip, called North Shore Ponds and Puddles, on Saturday, Feb. 23, to several lakes and ponds along the county’s north shore area.
“This area is dotted with dozens of small ponds and lakes,” said Lisa Malandrino, MCAS field trip chairman.
“Many of the ducks that winter here breed in more northerly latitudes, but they migrate to our area for the winter and use our ponds for shelter and food,” said trip leader Linda Mack. “There are quite a number of species of duck that spend the winters on our ponds. We’ll also visit several overlooks for ocean birds such as loons, and there may be a surprise or two waiting for us between the waves.”
Some of the ponds usually included in the group’s itinerary include Wreck Pond in Spring Lake, Shark River in Belmar and Wall and Lake Takanassee in Long Branch, although the exact schedule will depend on recent sightings, hurricane damage and weather conditions.
Participants will meet at 10 a.m. at the Monmouth Beach Cultural Center, Route 36, Monmouth Beach.
The trip is open to both members and nonmembers of the Monmouth County Audubon Society and participation is free. Advance registration is not required. Participants should dress appropriately for cold temperatures and windy conditions which are common along the coast. Binoculars are essential and a field guide is helpful.
The Monmouth County Audubon Society, a chapter of the National Audubon Society, is dedicated to the enjoyment and study of nature, wildlife conservation, habitat protection, and education. Meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month, September through May, at the Church of the Nativity, 180 Ridge Road, Fair Haven. Guest speakers address a wide variety of nature-related topics, and refreshments are provided during the sessions.
In addition, the group sponsors at least one field trip per month, and members receive The Osprey, the club’s bi-monthly newsletter.
Further information can be obtained by visiting the website at www.monmouthaudubon.org, or via e-mail at info@monmouthaudubon.org.
