DID YOU KNOW!!!??? According to the New Jersey Birding & Wildlife Trails website (emphasis added by Charlie), “New Jersey enjoys a wide variety of distinct habitats, many of which are the subject of INTENSIVE CONSERVATION EFFORTS. From HIGHLAND MOUNTAINS, to pineland forests, to sandy beaches, to SCENIC RIVERS and windswept bay-shore marshlands, it is the assortment of natural resources that results in tremendous diversity in the state’s wildlife!! In fact, due to its location on the Atlantic Flyway, its relatively small size and undeniable abundance of wildlife, it is New Jersey that boasts the highest density of wildlife per square mile of any state in the nation!! New Jersey, the fourth smallest state, hosts over 325 bird species, 90 mammal species, 79 reptile and amphibian species and over 400 species of fish in its 8,722 square miles.”
I capitalized two of the major habitats, which are a major part of Warren County’s beautiful natural resources and lets add one more, many wetland sites, due to the karst and limestone rock formations found throughout Warren County!! I also capitalized, the mention of intensive conservation efforts, to remind you, of the many wonderful projects and efforts which have been completed and those still being worked on, throughout Warren County, by all levels of Government, Conservancies, Organizations and Individuals!! JOB WELL DONE & THANK YOU!!!!
While I try not to repeat myself with my photos, in presenting the Photo of the Week articles, certain yearly events really require a yearly reminder or mention! Especially when those very sites/sights showcase such a various and diverse number of subjects and topics, all within one look!!! The following description of our Photo of the Week will be my example of same.
PHOTO OF THE WEEK: Birders at Raccoon Ridge. Raccoon Ridge sits atop the Kittatinny Ridge in Worthington State Forest, which is amid the vast Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, or DWGNRA. The Appalachian Trail passes through this famous birding site located between Sunfish Pond to its south and Catfish Pond to its north. The ridge is relatively small, but offers an unsurpassed view west. This ridge is one of the premier spots for watching the annual fall hawk migration. No matter when you visit, you’ll get a spectacular 360-degree view. You’ll be able to see the Delaware Water Gap south, the Delaware river and eastern Pennsylvania west, Rattlesnake Mountain to the north and New Jersey to the east. AND in line with this time of year a great place to witness Nature’s Art Work – Fall Foliage!!
FYI: the following info was copied and pasted from and earlier insidewarren.com about Raccoon Ridge, photos have been changed for this presentation. Photos are from my archive.
NOTE: although this message emphasizes the Fall Hawk Migration these are all great places to view a grand size panorama of fall colors!
FYI: There is no easy way to Raccoon Ridge! If you are not a hiker enjoy the views along the Appalachian Trail on my Flickr Site:
Appalachian Trail – Warren County Panoramas – DWGNRA & Worthington State Forest
The other sites ARE VERY EASILY ACCESSIBLE. You don’t even have to get out of your car at some!! When you visit my Flickr sites please read the write up for each album:
And here are some great organizations that offer many resources, helping you find, understand and enjoy our beautiful open spaces and see some migrating raptors:
Enjoy Your Open Space
Charlie Fineran
Charlie Fineran is Allamuchy’s Director of Open Space, Allamuchy Township Environmental Commission Chairman and Allamuchy Historical Society President.
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