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 flap-and-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 sharpshinned hawk. If you’ve ever heard highpitched 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 fi nd 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 fi rsthand. Good luck!

I gathered the information for this article from multiple sources so statistics may vary slightly. To reach me please call 732244-2768.

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.

Fake Medical Practitioner Arrested In Ocean County

By Alyssa Riccardi

TOMS RIVER – A Toms River woman has been arrested for allegedly prescribing medications while being a fraudulent medical practitioner, officials said.

Maria F. Macburnie, a/k/a/ Marife L. Macburnie, 62, of Toms River, was charged with Practicing Medicine by an Unlicensed Person, Forgery, Health Care Claims Fraud, and three counts of Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance.

Between March 2022 and June 2023, Macburnie was seeing and treating patients out of Shore Medical Associates, located at 601 Route 37 West, Suite 101, in Toms River. During that time, she as posing as a licensed medical practitioner, and presented herself as Dr. Fe Almazon-Condit - a relative of Macburnie’s with an active license to practice medicine.

Meanwhile, Macburnie was prescribing medications, including controlled dangerous substances, to patients.

Authorities said that Macburnie issued multiple prescriptions written under the name of Dr. Almazon-Condit, and submitted multiple insurance claims and bills for services rendered during time periods when Dr. Almazon-Condit was unable to see and treat patients.

Macburnie was arrested without incident on July 26 and is presently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz urge anyone who believes they were seen and/or treated by Macburnie to contact Detective Joseph Mitchell of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad at 732-929-2027, ext. 3532.

Prosecutor Billhimer and Special Agent in Charge Ortiz acknowledge the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad, DEA New Jersey Division-Camden Resident Office, and Toms River Township Police Department, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation.

The charges referenced are merely accusations and the public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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