Bird Walk Sunday Sept. 18 with Monmouth Audubon

Marlboro Township, NJ - Visit Big Brook Park with Monmouth County Audubon Society on September 18!

Join the Monmouth County Audubon Society for a late summer bird walk at Big Brook Park in Marlboro. The event will take place on Sunday, September 18, starting at 8:00 am.

The original 432-acre parcel of land that established Big Brook Park was formerly used as farmland for patients at the Marlboro Psychiatric Hospital, located across the street (Route 520). The Monmouth County Park System purchased this property — which once contained a piggery, dairy farm and other agricultural operations — from the state in 1997, around the time it closed the hospital.

Named for Big Brook, which drains into the Swimming River Reservoir, the park contains forest made up of young wetland and maturing American beech, white oak, tulip poplar and hickory trees. Perhaps the park is better known for its rolling fields; made up of grasses, goldenrod and other perennials that provide a contiguous field habitat for butterflies, birds and other wildlife. Grassland birds in particular find the park's fields attractive, and birds such as Eastern Meadowlark, American Woodcock and Blue Grosbeak have been found here.

Sparrows are also fond of the grasslands of Big Brook, says trip leader Rob Fanning. "There are a number of sparrow species that we hope to see, including common birds like Song Sparrows, and less common birds such as Savannah Sparrows. Grasshopper Sparrows have also been spotted here in the past - these birds are less and less common in Monmouth County as grassland areas diminish. Finding one would be a real treat."

Anyone interested in participating in the event can meet at 8:00 am in the parking lot off Route 520.

The trip is open to both members and non-members of the Monmouth County Audubon Society, and participation is free. Advance registration is not required. Participants should bring binoculars and field guides and should dress appropriately for the weather, including clothing suitable for rain if the forecast is questionable. The walk will take place light rain or shine. Pets are not permitted.

The Monmouth County Audubon Society, a chapter of the National Audubon Society, is dedicated to the enjoyment and study of nature, wildlife conservation, habitat protection, and education. Meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month September through May at the Knights of Columbus hall, 200 River Road, Fair Haven; guest speakers address a wide variety of nature-related topics, and refreshments are provided. In addition, the group sponsors at least one field trip per month, and members receive The Osprey, the club’s bi-monthly newsletter. Further information can be obtained by visiting the organization’s Website at http://www.monmouthaudubon.org, or via e-mail atinfo@monmouthaudubon.org.

An Eastern Meadowlark in Mexico/Source: originally posted to Flickr as Eastern Meadowlark Author Alastair Rae