Around the JerSey Shore

Who’s Been Dining At My Bird Feeder?

Renee A. Thomaier

Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

With so many bird species, it’s often difficult to identify them without a closer look. One thing is for sure, each species has its own habits. For instance, are they living near water, feeding on the ground, are they hunters, do they prefer building structures, are they seen in groups? So today I will speak about a common bird of prey, that can be found stalking the wildlife eating at feeders. While I give you a few minutes to ponder the bird I’m speaking about, I will provide you with a few more clues.

Describing an adult, this bird is a relatively small hawk with a long tail that has broad dark bands across it and has short, rounded wings. Their heads are small. They are colored blue/gray with horizontal reddish/orange bars across the breast. Still thinking?

This bird is a forest dweller who speeds through the dense woods, surprising their prey, usually songbirds. When out in the open, their flight style is described as flapand-glide. That’s a huge hint. While they hunt small birds and mammals along wooded edges, they will commonly visit backyard feeding spots.

The bird I’m describing is the sharp-shinned hawk. If you’ve ever heard high-pitched alarm calls, it is more than likely you were hearing warning alerts of the local wildlife feeding in your neighborhood. Following those calls you would see birds, squirrels, and rabbits, for instance, fleeing to find shelter. The thing about wildlife is no matter what species, they all seem to understand the danger calls among each other.

It does take a trained eye with attention to detail to distinguish among species of birds. Despite some clues, still, it would not be easy to identify. Even referencing a field guide, the best way to become familiar with any bird species is getting plenty of practice in the field. Decide which bird you’d like to study and research it. Knowing where to find them is the next step in getting to know them firsthand. Good luck!

I gathered the information for this article from multiple sources so statistics may vary slightly. To reach me please call 732-244-2768. It’s illegal to possess, relocate, or cause harm to wildlife for any reason. Managing wildlife without the proper state/federal permits is illegal. Violating laws protecting wildlife is punishable by law.

Photo Of The Week

John Coviello spotted this box turtle recently hanging out at the Jersey Shore. Now he’s heading to Six Flags Great Adventure with his family, courtesy of Jersey Shore Online. Wait, John is – not the turtle! Want to share your pix in this space? Email photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you may be heading to Jackson yourself!

Oceancares Foundation Clam Bake For A Cause

BERKELEY – This event is not only a fan favorite, but also a great way to show your support for the OceanCares Foundation and their partner Bright Harbor Healthcare. We invite you to break out your best flip-flops and join us on August 17 for a fun night to benefit a great cause!

2023 Beacon of Light Award Recipient Truetox Laboratories.

OceanCares Foundation Clam Bake for a Cause will be on August 17 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Lobster Shanty, 83 Channel Drive, Point Pleasant Beach.

Tickets are $125 per person (21 and over) and includes clam bake buffet dinner, open bar, silent auction, 50/50 – cash prize, evening program.

For more information or to register visit brightharbor.org/oceancares-clam-bakefor-a-cause.

Corneal Scar

A corneal scar is any abnormality in the naturally transparent lens of the cornea. Such abnormalities can inhibit the cornea’s ability to bend and focus light properly. Though not all scars cause loss of or damage to vision, those that do can bring about considerable vision loss. Fortunately, there are treatment options available today for most corneal scarring. If the scarring is minimal, eyeglasses may be the solution. However, for more severe scars, rigid gas permeable or scleral contact lenses can be used to provide a smooth surface to the cornea. If contacts fail to improve vision, a transplant of healthy, donated corneal tissue may be the only option for healthy eyesight.

If you think you may be suffering from corneal scarring, the ophthalmology team at SIGHTMD NEW JERSEY SUSSKIND & ALMALLAH EYE ASSOCIATES is here to help. Our expert physicians care about keeping your eyes healthy and your vision clear. We are highly skilled and have a wealth of world-renowned knowledge, experience, and innovation to deliver the finest in complete eye care with a caring and compassionate touch. To schedule an exam, please call 732-349-5622. We offer evening hours most nights of the week.

P.S. It may be possible to remove shallow corneal scars with laser surgery.