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...
by Merrill Creek Reservoir | Jan 28, 2026 | Birds, Merrill Creek Reservoir, Migration
Merrill Creek Reservoir (MCR) has long been known as an important wintering/roosting area for many migratory waterfowl species. If fact, in 2005 MCR was designated as an “Important Bird & Biodiversity Area” (IBBA) primarily for this reason. An IBBA is a globally...
by Merrill Creek Reservoir | Dec 11, 2025 | Animals, Birds
Winter is a great time to see woodpeckers! With the leaves off trees and bird feeders (especially suit feeders) filled, many of NJ’s woodpecker species can be easily seen pretty much everywhere across the state! In fact, in winter, NJ gets some migrant woodpeckers...
by Merrill Creek Reservoir | Jun 25, 2024 | Birds, Eagles, Merrill Creek Reservoir
Both Bald Eagle nests at MCR have produced young this year and they have now fledged the nests within this past week! MCR’s eagle nest at the west side of the property produced 2 eaglets and our nest to the east produced 1 eaglet. According to the National Wildlife...
