Free, public birding trips in October with Washington Crossing Audubon Society

Washington Crossing Audubon Society welcomes the public to join us for free birding trips in October 2014:

Negri-Nepote Native Grassland Preserve (Saturday, October 11)

Join Washington Crossing Audubon Society (www.washingtoncrossingaudubon.org) at 8:00 AM on Saturday, October 11 for a free, public birding trip led by Brad Merritt, Charles Brine and Andrew Bobe at Negri-Nepote Native Grassland Preserve in Franklin Township, NJ. Sensitive species found in this 111 acres of grassland and 53 acres of woodland include the Grasshopper Sparrow, Cooper’s Hawk and American Kestrel (NJ state threatened species), and the Eastern Meadowlark (NJ special concern species). Other species of note include Wood Ducks, Bluebirds, and Purple Martins.

Directions: From Rte. 206, take 514 East (Amwell Rd.) at Woods Tavern. Turn right onto 615 South (South Middlebush Rd.). Turn left onto Skillmans Lane. The entrance is off the West side of Skillman Lane, between the two 90 degree curves. Contact Brad Merritt at (609) 921-8964 for more information.

Mercer County Park Central (Saturday, Oct 18)

Join Washington Crossing Audubon Society (www.washingtoncrossingaudubon.org) at 8:00 AM on Saturday, October 18 for a free, public birding trip led by Mark Witmer at Mercer County Park Central. Mercer County Park Central is a 2500 acre park with fields, forests, and a 300 acre freshwater lake. We will walk for 2-3 hours along Lake Mercer. Bring binoculars and a field guide, and dress for the weather.

Directions: Enter the park from Hughes Dr. or Old Trenton Rd. (Rte. 535). Meet at the parking lot for the boathouse. For more information contact Mark Witmer at (609) 730-0826.

Cold Brook Reserve (Saturday, October 25)

Join Washington Crossing Audubon Society (www.washingtoncrossingaudubon.org) at 8:30 AM on Saturday, October 25 for a free, public birding trip led by Charles Brine and Brad Merritt at the Cold Brook Reserve in Hunterdon County, NJ. This 180-acre Reserve is a great place to observe fall migrants, especially sparrows and other grassland birds.

Directions: Take Interstate 78 East to exit 24 (Oldwick/Whitehouse). Proceed North on Rte. 523 towards Oldwick. Continue straight on Rte. 517 when Rte. 523 turns to the right. Beyond the center of Oldwick, the park entrance will be on the left. A gravel parking lot is located on the right side of the driveway. Contact Brad Merritt at (609) 921-8964 for more information.

About us

Washington Crossing Audubon Society has approximately 1600 members, mostly from the five counties of central New Jersey. Its monthly lectures and frequent field trips are free and open to the public. More information about WCAS can be found at the Society’s web site: www.washingtoncrossingaudubon.org.