Sussex County Bird Club, New Jersey, USA

10/14/2026

Join us friday October 16th at 7:15pm at The Sparta Ambulance Building 14 Sparta Ave Sparta NJ for our monthly meeting and program. All are welcome.

"Backyard Bird Boxes”, John Cammerota, Interpretive Ranger, Delaware Water Gap NRA
An introduction to putting up nest boxes on your property to attract and help cavity nesting species, which have been declining. This is a great way to get up close to nature without leaving home, as well as lending a helping hand to species in need. We will discuss box location, species, and predator safeguards.
A native of the Poconos, John has always enjoyed helping others connect with nature. In 2007, a six‑month thru‑hike of the Appalachian Trail led not only to completing the trail, but also set him on a path to becoming an Appalachian Trail Ridgerunner. Eventually, he was fortunate enough to become an Interpretive Park Ranger at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. For the past ten seasons, he have created and hosted programs, roved trails, and worked at their visitor centers.

10/14/2026

We have an upcoming trip!

Wallkill River NWR - Liberty Loop Trail

Saturday, October 17, 2026 – 8:30 am
Leader: Ken Witkowski
Meet at Owens Station Crossing parking lot.
Restrooms available. We will walk the Liberty Loop Trail. Focus will be waterfowl and
sparrows.
Please email leader with questions and to register. [email protected]

10/06/2026

Merrill Creek monthly newsletter.

MCR Monthly Newsletter What’s Hatchn’ing at Merrill Creek Reservoir with Ranger Rich About the Author: Richard Dansen Sr. Rich has a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science with a concentration in zoology and wildlife management. Rich has been with Merrill Creek Reservoir since 1995 where h...

10/06/2026

We have an upcoming trip. All are welcome.

Sparta Mt – Fall Migration Trip – Saturday, October 10, 2026 8:30 am – Leader Matt Skalla
Trip starts where Powerline crosses Angelo Drive (near 45 Angelo Drive) in Sparta.
Walk will be mostly along powerline cuts as well as through adjacent woodland. We will be looking for late migrants and sparrows.
Will cover about 3 miles. The powerline “road” is a bit rough at points with loose stones. We will make a second stop to bird off Edison road.
Please email leader with questions and to register. [email protected]

09/30/2026

We have an upcoming trip. Please email or call leader with questions and to register. Our trips are open to all.

Bill McDaniel Red-headed Woodpecker Memorial Walk – Saturday October 3, 2026, 8:30am – Leader Kathy Wilson

We will meet near the ITC Crossing mall and carpool to a small parking lot on Gold Mine Rd. From here it is a short walk to a wooded swamp known for Red-headed Woodpeckers. This stunning bird has been our mascot since the clubs inception. Past President Bill McDaniel led his first of two trips there to show club officers these special birds. It is only fitting we dedicate this walk in his memory.
Meeting location: ITC Crossing Mall South, Lowe’s parking lot-south of Rt 80, off of Route 206 South, turn onto International Drive.
Make the first left onto Link Rd, then your first right into the Lowe’s parking lot and turn left to park in the first row on the left. You will see the water tower in the distance in front of you.
For questions and to register call or email leader [email protected] 201-400-3993

09/22/2026

Help Migrating Birds on their Journey.
Fall migration turns your backyard into a potential pit stop for birds on the move, and a few smart tweaks can make it irresistible. As nesting season wraps up, birds shift from raising families to finding food and safety for the months ahead.
Many begin traveling in flocks, teaming up with their own species or joining mixed groups that forage together, share alarm calls and learn new ways to find food. Your yard can become part of that daily route.
A slightly messy, more natural landscape is a big win in fall. Leave seed-producing plants standing, add a brush pile or two, and create low-lying feeding areas where ground-feeding birds feel comfortable. Feeders placed closer to the ground, especially those offering millet-rich blends, attract sparrows, juncos and finches that prefer to forage low. These natural elements give birds places to hide, rest and socialize between meals.
Fall is also prime time to refresh your feeding setup. Clean and repair feeders, and make sure they are easy to refill during the winter months. Keep food fresh and consistent, even in small amounts, so passing birds remember your yard as a reliable stop. When colder weather hits, they’ll come back looking for what they know. High-energy foods like quality seed blends and mealworms are especially helpful during migration, when birds need extra fuel.

Finally, don’t underestimate water. A moving water source is one of the strongest bird magnets there is. The sound alone can pull migrating birds down to investigate, giving them a place to drink, bathe and maintain their feathers for flight.

09/21/2026

We have an upcoming trip. Please email leader with questions and to register.

Rosenkrans Farm-Delaware Water Gap NRA Sunday, September 27, 2026 – 8:00 – 11:00 am
Leader: Bradley White
Join birder and naturalist Bradley White to explore his favorite birding hotspot in Sussex County - Rosenkrans Farm.
It is situated adjacent to the Delaware River in an area known as Walpack bend and features a variety of interesting habitats to attract migrant birds. A
diversity of songbirds, sparrows and raptors can be found there and late September is the prime time for rare and uncommon species like Connecticut Warbler and Wilson’s Warbler.
We will meet near the Old Mine Road historical
marker located at (41.09812° N, 74.97618° W)
Bring water, snacks, long pants and sturdy
footwear. Terrain is mostly easy to moderate, but the initial walk down the driveway is a little steep. Nearest bathroom facilities are located at Millbrook Village, a five-minute drive away.
Any questions and to register please email leader
[email protected]

09/20/2026

At our meeting this past friday someone mentioned they heard a Whip-poor-will.

09/16/2026

Reduce Artificial Lights at Night to Help Migrating Birds
Every spring and fall, the night sky becomes a super highway for billions of migrating birds. They navigate by the stars, but lights from our homes and businesses can throw them off course. Artificial lighting can attract and disorient birds, pulling them into dangerous urban areas and increasing the risk of fatal building collisions. It’s an invisible problem with a very visible impact.
The good news is that helping birds can be as easy as flipping a switch. Turning off non-essential lights gives migrating birds a clearer path and helps them stay oriented on their long journey. That simple action is at the heart of the growing global "Lights Out" movement, which protects birds while also saving energy and cutting utility costs.
Small changes like these add up fast:
Turn off lights when you’re not using them
Dim indoor lighting at night or close your blinds Skip decorative landscape lighting after dark. Aim outdoor lights downward or use lighting shields
Use motion sensors to activate lights only when they’re actually needed Protecting migratory birds doesn’t require special gear or big commitments, just a little awareness and a habit change. By choosing darker nights, you’re helping birds travel safely, conserving energy and doing something genuinely good for the birds.