Maurice River Staging Area for Purple Martins - Members Become Landlords - by Allen Jackson
The Maurice National Scenic and Recreational River hosts a very unusual event each year during mid-July into early September. An area of Phragmites-dominated wetlands north of the Mauricetown Causeway (County Route 670) and east of the river provide a premigratory roosting site for thousands of Purple Martins. After the young have fledged, Purple Martins often congregate in distinctive nocturnal roosts. These communal assemblages may reach enormous concentrations and are considered a prelude to the martins' fall migration to South America.
Southern New Jersey has long played an important role for migratory birds during both spring and fall migrations. The Maurice River site is unique because it attracts Purple Martins from throughout New Jersey and probable adjacent states. An estimated 60,000 martins congregate at this site to feed upon the abundant supply of flying insects associated with the wetland corridor. Studies have shown that a similar roosting site on Lake Erie in Pennsylvania attracts approximately 75,000 martins from 150 to 200 miles away. Dense stands of Phragmites often provide safe places for the birds to roost.
Increasing numbers of birding enthusiasts visit the site in the early morning and evening to view this spectacular occurrence. However, there is no good place to view the bird's activities. The narrow shoulders of County Route 670 do not afford a safe place to park a vehicle. A boat ramp at the base of the Causeway bridge in Maurice River Township has sufficient parking, but limited view because of the height of the Phragmites. CU has initiated and taken the lead to organize an effort to build a viewing platform at the boat ramp site, providing a safe place for people to observe the martins and enjoy the other natural attributes associated with the river. Representatives from PSE&G, Maurice River Township, the New Jersey Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife, The Nature Conservancy, New Jersey Audubon Society, Cumberland County, National Park Service, New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail, and CU, are now working cooperatively together on the project.
The Maurice River and three major tributaries (Muskee and Menantico Creeks and the Manumuskin River) were designated into the National Wild and Scenic Rivers system in 1993. This unique river corridor was recognized as being home to 50 percent of all the rare, threatened, and endangered species in New Jersey and its location along the Atlantic flyway make it an excellent destination point for birders. While the original idea was to build a platform to view the martins, the opportunities the platform can offer
CU Trustee Leslie Ficcaglia, proud martin landlord |
visitors to observe the other natural attributes of the Maurice National Scenic and Recreational River corridor are endless. At present, there are very few public access points to view the scenic and natural qualities in the river corridor. The picturesque views and abundant fish and wildlife resources of the Maurice River afford a great opportunity for visitors to enjoy the environmental setting. Plans include applying for inclusion into the National Park Service's New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail.
The New Jersey Audubon Society has suggested that the historic village of Mauricetown could provide a perfect setting to host an annual Purple Martin Festival during the peak of the martin's roosting period. Purple Martins are in a long term population decline in most states north of the Delmarva peninsula, including New Jersey. Research by the Purple Martin Conservation Association (PMCA) has identified management practices that can significantly increase the number of martins fledged per nesting attempt. Educating the public to these management practices can be a key factor in increasing breeding success. An annual Purple Martin Festival would provide a perfect opportunity to bring birding enthusiasts together to view the premigratory roosting site and learn about the PMCA's recommended management practices.
The interest generated in this cooperative effort is likely to mushroom into new ventures that will benefit adjacent communities and users alike.
Radio Shorts To learn more about purple martins and the Maurice River, check out CU's podcasts.
Purple Martin Technical Assistance Available
CU member Allen Jackson is also an active member of the PMCA, managing four martin colonies, volunteering as a Purple Martin mentor, and bander of martins at more than 20 sites in Atlantic, Cape May and Cumberland Counties. Allen subscribes to the PMCA's management guidelines and works with approximately 50 martin landlords in southern New Jersey. He is available to provide technical assistance regarding managing Purple Martins and can be contacted at (856) 327-4861 or by emailing him at: aljaxn@aol.com. Citizens United encourages interested people to also log onto the PMCA's website (www.purplemartin.org) which provides a multitude of services relating to Purple Martins.
2009 Purple Martin Report by Allen Jackson
