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I have recently started writing a birding blog for the Courier Post, a South Jersey newspaper.  The Winged Wonders blog is a manifestation of the Fledging BIrders’ philosophy. My goal is to help the readers start to recognize the wide variety of birds in their own communities.

A coworker visited the blog last night for the purpose of some friendly electronic heckling. As expected, he posted some goofy comments to poke fun at, what he so kindly refers to as, my “birding affliction”.

As we shared a nice laugh over his comments this morning, his conversation pretty quickly turned to several topics of my blog postings. For a few minutes, we were having a nice blog inspired dialogue about birds around his house and our school. He has even been talking about Dark-eyed Juncos to people all day!

I will take his good-natured ribbing in exchange for more people talking about birds anyday!

This has been an exciting birding week in New Jersey. Western Tanagers, Band-tailed Pigeon, and Long-billed Murrelet are just some of the highlights.

With so much around, I was fortunate to get a nice life bird on Sunday. As always, I brought in treats for my students to share the excitement of my new bird.  Many of the kids remembered the term “life bird” from my celebratory snacks and Eared Grebe story a few months ago.

During Monday’s post lifer debriefing, I promised the kids there would be a full blown party when my life list reaches a certain level. The buzz started growing when they heard that I only needed 10 more birds AND would be traveling to Florida over Spring Break.

Now, teachers are being recruited to help build my life list. Kids have told some of their other teachers, “if you find a strange bird in your yard, please call Mr. Mag!”  It’s nice to know the they’re geting into it a little bit.

As the kids were packing at the end of class today, I nonchalantly played some video taken of this weekend’s lifer. I immediately heard exclamations like “it’s his life bird!”, “Aww, he’s so cute!”, and my personal favorite “Wow - the Black-throated Gray Warbler really is awesome!!”

I have many new prospects for this year’s World Series of Birding team!!

There are times when you have the perfect opportunity to spark a birding interest in kids by connecting something they enjoy to our feathered friends. Yesterday’s bald eagle trip with some students was one such occasion.

Given the likelihood that both eagles and falcons would be found, I turned it into a  prediction day for Sunday’s big game between Philadelphia and Atlanta.  The initial idea was that the game’s winner would be determined by our sightings.

The game was off to a quick start with 2 large dark raptors being spotted immediately upon scope set-up at Sunset Bridge. Oliver yells, “Eagles 14 to nothing!”

Then, an American Kestrel flies over the road. All the kids and their parents get on the bird for a few fleeting seconds. Oohs and aahs are punctuated by “oh no, touchdown Falcons - 14 - 7!”

A few minutes later, Mr. Brown spots another eagle flying over the marsh which then flushes a fourth  from behind a pine tree. One lands in the marsh, the other perches atop a tree. Touchdowns 3 & 4 for the birds!

During one final sweep of the scope, I find a 5th eagle feeding on a distant marshy bank. With my eye still in the scope, my question of ”Did either eagle fly from the tree tops?”  was met with a resounding “Nope, they’re still there.”  

35 - 7 Philadelphia - but wait . . .  The officials will review play!

As I train the scope on the tree top eagle, its true identity is revealed - a Red-tailed Hawk! Apparently, the 4th eagle abandoned its perch and was mistaken for a new bird. Touchdown denied.

The game continued with one briefly glimpsed bird in a far tree at 60 miles an hour that strongly resembled an eagle. THe kids called it a field goal! The last touchdown of the game for the Eagles was at Supawna Meadows.

Final score: 38 - 7 - Philadelphia Eagles win their division! **

The kids were totally captivated by the birding exhibition game. It was a catalyst for them to get more actively involved in the searching and identifying of the birds.

Connecting birding to the activities that our kids already enjoy is effective because it acts as a bridge for their enthusiasm and helps them relate to the new concepts related to birding.

** While I am much more of a Philly fan, I must admit that I was concerned at the very poor showing of the falcons- only one kestrel in 3 hours of Salem County birding!

Savannah Sparrows at Supawna Meadows. Tundra Swans on Mannington Marsh. Bald Eagles from Sunset Bridge. Non-stop flocks of Snow Geese passing overhead.

Saturday’s cruise through Salem County did hold some nice, though not surprising, sights.

I was perhaps more pleased to find some authentic educational aids.

We stumbled across an old abandoned pole barn during our journey. Being in one of its geographic strongholds, I eagerly entered the large, doorless barn in hopes of finding a Barn Owl.

My not-quite-a-birder-yet partner was taken aback by the rustic beauty of this simple yet near perfect architectural design. My focus was true to the mission - find owls!

Though whitewash was everywhere, living, breathing, roosting owls were not to be found. 

Our barnstorming adventure did, however, yield an invaluable tool to bird education - several large owl pellets.

My return home was heralded by the announcement, “Daddy has a surprise!” After a brief guessing game, our four year old daughter was begging to open the “owl throw up”.

We have already searched through two of them. My classes will get explore a few pellets. The last of them will be used for a previously scheduled “Owl Moon” read along activity at my school next week for our students’ younger siblings. 

An old barn, several digested rodents, and a satisifed owl help educate dozens of children. 

Birding shirts and ties are a staple in my work wardrobe. This avian based attire usually provokes a few passing comments from a students throughout the day.

For some reason, my loon tie generated many questions and extended conversations today. Even though I have worn this eye-catching blue and green accessory many times this year, it has never captivated so many people. The timing could not have been any better! 

Just this weekend, my son and I shared the pleasure of watching 2 Common Loons floating down the Delaware River at close range . With each of their dives, his toddler toned giggle warmed me up on our chilly stroll around the Red Bank Battlefield in Gloucester County, NJ.

Many kids were saying things like “that tie is cool” or “those ducks are pretty.” Thanks to my recent sighting, I was armed with the perfect comeback, “I saw 2 of these loons this weekend - only a few minutes from here.”  Their amazement that such interesting birds being ofund so close to home resulted in extended conversations about loons (and ducks).  I always enjoy talking birds with my students but it’s even more special when they initiate and prolong the discussion!

On this particular day, not only my own students were talking birds but kids from other classes and grades were inquiring about the loons. By the end of the day, my favorite tie also helped pique a new birding interest for more than 20 students in the hallways and the cafeteria. 

Today’s unexpected surge of bird inquiries illustrates the reason I always make sure to buy bird, and other nature related, clothing.  It can be the perfect conversation starter that leads to a newly inspired birding curiosity.

Now, I need to contact the parents of all these new kids that want to come see the wintering waterfowl.

I am often reminded of non-birders’ deprived lives. For some strange reason, this point has been illustrated at the wings of merlins several times in the past few months.

The first was perched on top of a telephone pole next a very busy thorofare. Hundreds of rush hours vehicles passed right by this beaufitul bird totally oblivious to the majestic little falcon.  

The next was 3 weeks ago in my hometown.  My daughter and I were heading to Mom-mom’s house for dinner. As we passed the local ballfield, a compact silhouette caught my eye in left field. We pulled over and caught a merlin in the bins. Since it was prepping its robin breast feast, I knew there was time to get out the scope. I debated whether or not to share the gruesome sight. My daughter’s excitement must have rivaled the bird’ own satisfaction. While we watched in awe, several cars drove by and a few dog walkers passed without even turning their heads from their routine.

The other day, I was driving to the gym and almost swerved off the road. This time it was 2 merlins showing off both their brazen nature and complete command of flight. These birds were harasasing a few local crows perched on a wire. They looked like air force stunt pilots out for a joy ride.  Once again, this spectacular sight was missed by everyone that drove by, a few pedestrians, and a bike rider.

I really do feel bad for the avian deprived!

Whether it’s highlights from a recent outing, some pishing to get their attention, or an end of class discussion on “why birding?”, birds are brought up in my class quite frequently.

During a recent review, the kids were glad to hear there would be extra credit on their upcoming test. I explained that the extra credit could include ANYTHING and advised them to pay attention to the news and all class discussions. 

Like a boxer, I saw an opening and threw a quick jab. “You may even want to remember that 298 Peregrine Falcons migrated through Cape May on October 5, 2002.”  Of course, such a detailed factoid drew many questions from my young audience. They were tickled by the story of how I opted to clean the garage instead of heading to the hawkwatch that day resulted in my missing the record setting migration. Lots of questions were answered. Lots of eyes were opened.

A few days later, the peregrine fact was included as extra credit for a few classes. For one group, the question was ” A record setting 298 _______________ were observed migrating through Cape May, New Jersey.” Several students did indeed receive bonus points for the question!

Those that attempted the question did entertain me with their responses. Some were in the ballpark - hawks, birds, eagles. Some alluded to previous conversations - butterflies, Monarch Butterflies, geese.

The most amusing guesses were - people, Russians, Mexicans, and Italians! 

Last week, our school had its annual 6th grade camp program in Medford, NJ.  I was in charge of the 45 minute Pine Barrens activity session for the 6th year in a row.  We’re supposed to focus on the plants and history for that time. I always include fire ecology, streams/aquifers, and overall biodiversity as well.

While most of the day was pretty uneventful in the way of bird movement, each group did have some sightings that caught the interest of a few students. The chickadees, vultures, woodpeckers, and nuthatches were the easiest for them to find. In the early afternoon however, one session included a perfect teachable moment that I could not resist. 

A group of foraging birds was quickly passing through our area. Each of the two dozen students were able to catch glimpses of various migrants like Red-eyed Vireos, Black-and-white Warbler, Northern Parula, and Magnolia Warbler.

Knowing our time with these birds was limited, I started describing the plumage highlights of each species. Amidst the flurry of birds and commentary, a chorus of whispers was heard - “looks like a zebra”, “that yellow is bright”, and the funniest of all “red eyes! is it the Jersey Devil?!”

Once the birds were gone, the faces of my captive audience begged for more. Being without Dr. Doolittle’s gift, I turned the discussion to the their migration. The kids were amazed to hear that these tiny birds were flapping all  the way to tropical locales in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean Islands. Though far from my “best” birding lesson, this was an authentic experience for those fortunate students who actively witnessed migration for the first time that day. 

Teachable moments like this are among the most powerful weapons in an educator’s repertoire. The immediate relevance to the students’ lives opens a window of intrinsic motivation and natural curiosity that can allow a gust of new knowledge to reach the core of the students’  understanding. 

Teachable moments can not be planned. You must be ready to run with one of these priceless treasures when you get the chance!

As a father, my birding opportunities are limited. During nap time on weekends, I occasionally run out for a quick fix. One frigid Saturday, I told my wife I was heading out for a few minutes of winter waterfowling.

En route to my birding quickie at the convergence of Big Timber Creek into the Delaware River, my path crossed that of an old friend. He followed me to my routine vantage point. We chatted for a few minutes as I showed him the usual subjects including canvasbacks, common mergansers, and bufflehead.

As our conversation focused on my “goofy obsession” with birding, I turned it back on him by asking if he had ever seen a owl in the wild. From there, he was easily persuaded to undertake his first ever owl prowl. The next 20 minutes involved a short drive then a brief hike through a local nature preserve. It took him a little while to find the owl roosting in the evergreen nearby. His expression was priceless. He repeatedly gasped “he’s so cool.”

 My mission for the day was clear - close the deal, turn him into a birder! I called my wife seeking a birding excursion extension. She readily granted permission before I even explained the whole situation. I turned to my still awed friend and asked, “ever see an eagle before?”

We promptly headed further south to the Manington Marsh in Salem County, a very reliable wintering eagle location in New Jersey. Instant success. We were greeted by more than a half dozen Bald Eagles of various ages along with Red-tailed Hawks and many Turkey Vultures. It was already a great day but then . . .

As we drove past several agricultural fields, we observed several Snow Goose carcasses littering the landscape. It struck me as a bit odd but we continued down the road. In a flash, a large raptor buzzed in front of the car like Tom Cruise’s famous tower fly by in Top Gun. I didn’t spill my coffee but did hit the brakes hard and pulled a quick U-turn.

The silhouette screamed falcon but the bird was much too large for the area’s relatively common American Kestrel. In fact, this bird appeared quite large by any falcon standards. It landed in the middle of a field and joined a Turkey Vulture feast on one of the goose carcasses barely a hundred feet away!

With the help of my scope, I became more intimate with the raptor than I ever dreamed possible. This bird was just not right. A uniformly brown back. Thick brown streaking. A faint moustache. A pale eyebrow. A really chunky bird. A crescendo of excitement started to run through my body. This bird was just too right!

As he lifted off, the lazy wingbeats cinched the identification - GYRFALCON.

Being primarily a Jersey birder, I had resigned my hopes of seeing this largest of falcons any time before retirement. The sequence of unexpected events that led to our being in the right place at the right time for this incredible sighting is the near epitome of serendipity.

I turned to my newly recruited part-time birding partner and gloated, “I can’t believe was just saw a #@&%!^@ gyrfalcon! Wasn’t he amazing?!?!”

His sincere retort went something like, “The brown bird was no big deal but weren’t all those vulture tearing apart the geese REALY cool!” The ride home gave ample time to explain the significance of our brush with our visitor from the arctic.

We have birded together on many occasions since that day. Whenever we’re around other birders, this perpetual neophyte turns to an unsuspecting innocent victim and spits out - “Have you ever seen a gyrfalcon in New Jersey? I have!”

Sometime somewhere someone is going to comeback at his rhetorical question with either a “YES” or a fist to the face. My guess is that he will be more surprised by the yes than the fist!