Hey Everyone,

It was about one year ago today that I first became interested in birds and bird photography. And I’m SO happy I did, because I have seen some incredible places and things, and have met some awesome people. 

It was during a similar snowstorm to the one NJ is experiencing right now, that I saw a bluebird and a Cedar Waxing feeding on a red berry bush.  I was hooked.  Now I had added birds to my interests that already included reptiles/amphibians, and scuba diving.

I thought this would be a good time to post some of my favorite bird photos and finds from my first bird year.

This next shot isn’t the aforementioned cedar waxwing, but it is my best waxwing shot.  This was taken in the NJ Pinelands National Reserve.  A group of 7 or 8 waxwings was feeding off whatever this metal thing is. Im not sure if they were eating insects or berries/seeds, but they let me get really close. It was incredible. And the colors on waxwings in evening light is just spectacular

Cedar Waxing- Pinelands National Reserve, NJ

 One of the places that has been a second home to me over this past year was Edwin B Forsythe NWR.  I LOVE it there. There is so much to see and such a variety of wildlife, no one could EVER get bored there.  Here are some of my favorite shots from Forsythe in my first year.

First is the famous New Jersey Roseate Spoonbill that hung around “Brig” for several months

Roseate Spoonbill- Edwin B Forsythe NWR, NJ

Eastern Goldfinch- Edwin B Forsythe NWR, NJ

Barn Swallows- Edwin B Forsythe NWR, NJ

Barn Swallows Feeding- Edwin B Forsythe NWR, NJ

This last Brigantine bird for this post needs no introduction.  It was photographed hundreds of times by tons of different photographers.  This American Bittern was the star of the Refuge for months following the spoonbill. Im so happy I got to see and photograph it, as it has become one of my favorite birds.

American Bittern w/ Lunch- Edwin B Forsythe NWR, NJ

 The other place along with Brigantine that I have spent many long hours at is Barnegat Light State Park.  The jetty at Barnegat is a haven for ocean going ducks, gulls, shorebirds and more.  I got to see my first harlequin ducks and oldsquaws off Barnegat. This is definitely a place I will be going in ALL my bird years to come.

Sanderling Sandwich- Barnegat Light State Park, NJ

Ruddy Turnstone- Barnegat Light State Park, NJ

Purple Sandpiper- Barnegat Light State Park, NJ

Harlequin Ducks- Barnegat Light State Park, NJ

Harlequin Duck- Barnegat Light State Park, NJ

Oldsquaws- Barnegat Light State Park, NJ

Oldsquaw- Barnegat LIgt State Park, NJ

Lastly are some photos from other places around New Jersey that I particularly like.  That is something that I love about birding, is that you can do it all year round, and no matter where you go, you have the chance to see something incredible.

Sharp Shinned Hawk- My Backyard, NJ

Dunlin Balancing Act- Somers Point, NJ

Snow Geese- Merril Creek Resevoir, NJ

Canvasback- Richard W. Dekorte Park, NJ

Horned Lark- Oberly Road, NJ

Bluebird on Berries- Ken Lockwood Gorge WMA, NJ

Hope everyone enoyed. 

This year was awesome, and I can only hope that the years to come spent outside in nature will be even better

Matt