Fall Bird Walk Takes Wing Near Bedminster Next Sunday

BEDMINSTER, NJ — Some seasonal travelers are already passing through the Bedminster area, and residents can grab their binoculars for a closer look next Sunday.

New Jersey Audubon will lead an afternoon bird walk from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, 11 Hardscrabble Road in neighboring Bernardsville.

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An associate naturalist will guide visitors through the sanctuary to "look for the fall birds" and those beginning their seasonal journeys. Loaner binoculars will be available, making the program accessible for curious beginners without their own equipment.

September marks a busy period for birds heading south through New Jersey. According to NJ Audubon's fall birding guide, migrants that may appear around inland parks, preserves and backyards this time of year include broad-winged hawks, ospreys, American kestrels, Cape May warblers and ruby-throated hummingbirds.

More bird sightings may include migratory chimney swifts and barn swallows beginning their journeys south, along with year-round birds such as northern cardinals, American goldfinches and cedar waxwings.

Sightings are never guaranteed, of course, as the birds apparently did not consult the event calendar.

Registration is required by 4 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free for NJ Audubon members and $10 for nonmembers. The organization notes that the program requires a minimum number of participants and may be canceled because of severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

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