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