by Merrill Creek Reservoir | Jul 30, 2026 | Animals, Birds, Habitat, Merrill Creek Reservoir
The American Woodcock (AKA The Timberdoodle) is a small plump semi-migratory shorebird that unlike its coastal cousins lives in young forests and shrubby old fields across eastern North America. Typically, wildlife enthusiasts and birders equate seeing Woodcock in...
by Merrill Creek Reservoir | Jun 26, 2026 | Birds, Merrill Creek Reservoir
A visit to the MCR I/O Tower Parking Lot provides a birdwatch with a chance to see 5 of the 6 swallow species that regularly breed, migrate, or forage in New Jersey. All 5 breed at MCR, including the Cliff Swallow which is a NJ State Species of Concern. ...
by Merrill Creek Reservoir | May 13, 2026 | Birds, Habitat
A male Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) was spotted and photographed on May 10, 2026 at Merrill Creek Reservoir by visitor Kristin Mylecraine, PhD! Considered one of the rarest and most critically endangered native warblers that breeds in New Jersey, the...
by Merrill Creek Reservoir | May 7, 2026 | Birds, Insects
A Red-tailed Hawk was observed by MCR staff using ants to help preen its feathers! The hawk was filmed sitting on an ant hill and moving around on the hill to allow the ants to crawl over its body. This unique maintenance behavior called “anting” involves the bird...
by Merrill Creek Reservoir | Mar 4, 2026 | Birds, Merrill Creek Reservoir
With the return of the migrating Snow Geese to Merrill Creek Reservoir this past week, three other goose species from the far north were found to be tagging along with the flock. Specifically, a Pink-Footed Goose, a Greater White Fronted Goose, and several Cackling...
by Merrill Creek Reservoir | Feb 9, 2026 | Birds, Blog, Merrill Creek Reservoir
During these cold months of winter, access to unfrozen water is key to the survival of birds. Birds typically need to drink at least twice daily to maintain metabolism, even in winter. When necessary, as a “last-resort, birds can and do eat snow, but it is not ideal...
