5111rld@houxm.UUCP (R.DITCH) (05/25/84)
I must apologize for the delay in responding to Sharon Badian's posting of May 15; whenever I'm not working, I spend most of my time out looking at birds. In response to Sharon's question about the "Audubon" society, I'd like to clarify matters, at least for those in New Jersey. First, there are MANY Audubon Societies; the best known, and largest in the USA, is National Audubon. They publish the excellent, high gloss Audubon magazine, plus the lesser known "American Birds" on a bimonthly basis. They are active on a national basis, trying to preserve habitat, air and water quality, etc. To join them, visit a newstand that carries their magazine (I have seen it at Dalton and/or Walden book stores in New Jersey shopping centers). Membership forms are included in every issue. Membership runs in the $25-35/year range, and brings you the glossy magazine, but not American Birds. You also get a membership in the nearest Regional chapter, such as Monmouth County Audubon Society or Jersey Shore Audubon. Field trips and local programming are usually handled by the local chapter, and are often free to members and nonmembers. Of interest to NJ residents is the New Jersey Audubon Society (NJAS), an independent organization with membership of 5000+. NJAS operates five nature centers statewide. Headquarters is at the Lorrimer Sanctuary, 790 Ewing Ave, Franklin Lakes (201) 891-1211. Other centers are: Scherman-Hoffman on Hardscrabble Road, Bernardsville (201) 766-5787, about 3 miles from AT&T HQ; Owl Haven on Englishtown-Freehold Road, Tennent (201) 780-7007; Rancocas in Mt. Holly (609) 261-2495; and Cape May Bird Observatory (CMBO) (609) 884-2736, in Cape May Point. Each center offers a full range of programs and field trips; some free, most for a fee. Call or visit the nearest center for details, membership forms, newsletters, etc. NJAS operates two "Birding Hotlines" that are changed weekly and report on unusual and seasonal sightings. "The Voice of New Jersey Audubon" is reached on (201) 766-2661, and is changed on Wednesdays at 6:00 pm; it covers the entire state. CMBO operates the "Cape May Birding Hotline" on (609) 884-2626; it is changed (usually) on Thursday evenings or Friday mornings. It stresses southern and coastal parts of NJ. Membership in NJAS brings the quarterly "NJ Audubon" magazine, the quarterly "Records of NJ Birds," the newsletter of the nearest center, assorted flyers, discounts on programs and bookstore purchases, etc. Concerning the Osprey in Highlands: they have been there since at least 1978, and nest on the boundary of Harshorn Park, accessible from Hartshorn Road. However, the nest is actually on private property, but can be viewed from the maintenance entrance to the park. PLEASE stay in your car if you visit. Better yet, why not go to Sandy Hook; one of the nests there is easily visible from the Visitor Center parking lot. If you want to keep up with the rare and unusual birds in NJ, join NJAS, go on their field trips, read Records of NJ Birds, and call the hotlines each week. If you desire further details on NJAS, please get in touch with me on (201) 758-2284; I'd be happy to discuss things with you. Rich Ditch houxm!5111rld BELLCORE NVC-1C-425 (201) 758-2284