Press Release

Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River and Its Tributaries, Inc.
May 6, 2008
For more information call Jane Morton Galetto at 609-774-5853

 

Event Date: Saturday, May 10, 2008

Team Name: CU Birding Cumberland - The Fish Hawks

This year some of our birding members led by the enthusiasm of Captain Diane Jones are once again raising dollars for CU by putting together a great team for the World Series of Birding. Our team's name is CU Birding Cumberland County and our mascot is the osprey, thus the team members' moniker is the "Fish Hawks." The team's name is the same as the County's birding guide that was updated and improved by the CU membership. We look at this occasion as an opportunity to share with others some of our local wildlife that one might see if they visit or live in Cumberland County. This is our opportunity to stress that our wild areas not only provide clean water and air, but a host of wonders for the public to enjoy, be it wildlife watching, hiking, canoeing, kayaking or simply a nice view.

Last year we saw an astonishing 151 different species of birds and lost fist place in the Limited Geographic Area category by a beak, one bird that is! So we are back and hoping to take the coveted first place in our category. Essex County won with 115 different species of birds (totals are on a % basis of available species in a region).

We keep track of non-bird species we see along the way, simply for fun and last year's most interesting find was glowworms on Turkey Point Rd.

This year our job will be harder because we have fewer eyes. One of our members is recovering from breast cancer and another has an ornithological consulting assignment and has to work. So four CU members are sharpening their eyes, ears and polishing their binoculars. A number of members have been scouting Cumberland County and reporting interesting finds to us. We are hoping to find a couple of lingering ducks that have not yet migrated; blue winged teal, bufflehead, mergansers and coots. If you have recently seen any of the following in Cumberland County the team is interested; nesting hairy woodpecker, or red or white-breasted nuthatch nests. Also of particular interest to the team is a Cumberland County tricolor or little blue heron. Up until Friday, May 9, 2008 the team can take all the clues the public wants to offer. Call 856-327-1161 before Friday midnight with any information.

Last year we started out at midnight on Friday and by Saturday morning at 8 a.m. we had identified 100 different species of birds.

Birders come from all over the world to New Jersey to compete in this 24 hour competition raising thousands of dollars for their favorite charity. New Jersey Audubon is the coordinator of the event. Citizens United's proceeds will go toward feeding the Shorebird Scientists and our programming. If any one would like to help sponsor the team they can make a pledge of so much money per bird or a fixed pledged amount. Folks can call Jane Morton Galetto at 856-327-1161 to pledge.

This year's team is an interesting collection of individuals.

Diane Jones from Maryland and her world-traveling birding sidekick Pam Higginbotham from Atlanta GA often go birding while Pam's husband is off golfing (or is that the other way around). If any wayward exotics should venture to the coast of Delaware Bay this Saturday, they will likely be tallied by this expert twosome. Yet these two globe- trotters continue to return to Southern NJ for some of their favorite birding anywhere. Pam recently retired as VP of Network Services at Bank of America and Diane is a computer programmer with the US Social Security Administration.

CU Officer/Corresponding Secretary Karen Johnson leads many local field trips throughout our region. Her superior birding identification skills and local knowledge will get the team many additional birds. Karen is the Adult Programming Coordinator at the Cape May County Library where she orchestrates natural history talks.

This year Jane Morton Galetto, President of Citizens United joins the team. Last year Jane was the official driver and provision coordinator. Jane and her husband Peter coordinate the management of an Osprey colony on the Maurice River. Her birding identification skills are dwarfed by her teammates but she hopes to make a gallant contribution to the effort.