By: Anna Bergen, Outreach & Engagement Intern
New Jersey is known for its beaches and summer activities, however, in the winter, there are other outdoor activities. Although it may be cold this brings with it many migratory bird species that you can only see here during the winter months. New Jersey opens its shores to birds trying to escape the harsh winters of the north. We are located on the Atlantic Flyway, which is a north-south migration route for birds in North America. Observing these birds tends to become a little easier in the winter, with trees bearing no leaves. New Jersey’s seasoned bird watchers, along with the backyard enthusiasts, have a once-a-year opportunity for winter bird watching.
The Atlantic Flyway is critical to the survival of millions of birds and over five hundred species, stretching from the Arctic to South America. Birds stop along the route to rest and refuel for their journey. During the fall and spring, Cape May is a prime spot for coastal bird watching. However, it doesn’t end in the fall! Winter provides a unique opportunity to observe some avian species. There are a couple of raptors that only appear in New Jersey during the winter months, like the rough-legged hawk and the snowy owl. The winter season provides us with longer nights and less foliage, making it easier to observe certain owl species. The long-eared owl, northern saw-whet owl, and the short-eared owl all migrate south during the winter months. Our coastal habitat also invites many shore birds and waterfowl. New Jersey hosts one of the largest populations of wintering Atlantic Brant on the East Coast. Some other birds you may observe include; red breasted mergansers, common/red-throated loons, snow geese, and possibly some seabirds like razor bills.
There are also ways to bring some winter migratory birds into your own backyard! Through the use of bird feeders and providing shelter, they will visit your wild backyard. Dark-eyed juncos are migratory songbirds that visit us, along with some wintering sparrows.
Backyard bird watching can make winter a little more bearable, plus these migrating species are only here for a short period of time, so get outside and make the most of it.
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