#charles-h-rogers-wildlife-refuge — Public Fediverse posts

Tree Swallow

A quiet pause with a Tree Swallow in the Institute Woods.

https://islandinthenet.com/tree-swallow-2/

Looking Up for Wood Ducks

A spring morning search for Wood Ducks in Princeton’s Institute Woods turns into a lesson about looking up—and knowing your lens limits.

https://islandinthenet.com/wood-duck/

On July 20, 2024, I visited the Charles H. Rogers Wildlife Refuge. The weather was perfect for an early morning walk—cool and crisp, with a light breeze and clear skies. The vibrant greenery of the refuge was all around me. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a golden glow across the marsh. I felt a sense of calm.

I wandered along the trails toward the southern end of the marsh, stopping frequently to take in the details of the plants. The first plant that caught my attention was a cluster of Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum), its purple buds just starting to open. The delicate structure of the flowers contrasted with the lush green background. Joe-Pye Weed is a tall, perennial plant known for its mauve-pink flower clusters that attract butterflies and other pollinators.

Further along, I came across a large patch of ferns edging both sides of the trail. Their leaves formed a dense carpet of green, creating a contrast with the tall grass reeds in the marsh. Ferns are ancient plants, known for their ability to thrive in shaded, moist environments. I love their feathery fronds.

The scene was tranquil and soothing. I took a moment to simply breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the natural beauty around me.

I finished my walk and returned to the observation tower at the eastern end of the marsh. The morning light created a play of shadows and highlights. Marsh grasses play a crucial role in the ecosystem, providing habitat for wildlife and helping to prevent soil erosion. The sight of the tall grass growing thick in the marsh was soothing.

I discovered a mushroom growing in the grass. Its thin, white stem supported a beautifully textured cap, creating a perfect subject for a macro photograph with the MCEX-16 and Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR lens. Mushrooms are fascinating organisms that sometimes seem a bit alien to me. They serve as decomposers in the ecosystem by breaking down organic matter.

It was much quieter than on my previous visits, with fewer interactions with wildlife. While I had hoped to find dragonflies to photograph, I was happy just walking around and enjoying the fresh air. Maybe next time, I'll bring a cup of coffee and an egg sandwich.

https://islandinthenet.com/morning-at-rogers-refuge/

#CharlesHRogersWildlifeRefuge #EutrochiumMaculatum #fern #Mushroom #OnocleaSensibilis #ParasolaPlicatilis #PleatedInkcap #SensitiveFern #SpottedJoePyeWeed

I wrapped up my early morning adventure in Charles H. Rogers Wildlife Refuge. It was almost 10 AM so it was no longer early. I started walking back toward the trail entrance that would take me back to IInstitute Woods but didn’t get very excited when I saw the Eastern Cottontail hopping in the grass at the side of the gravel road. I love the way the light flowed across the body. He must have noticed me because he stood still and his ears perked up. I wanted several seconds for the rabbit to calm down. He went back to eating.

https://islandinthenet.com/eastern-cottontail-sylvilagus-floridanus/

#CharlesHRogersWildlifeRefuge #EasternCottontail #InstituteWoods #Rabbit #SylvilagusFloridanus #WorldSeriesOfBirding

When I was ready to leave I turned around to see a small group of birders talking excitedly and staring at the ground. I asked if they were looking for the bullfrog I had heard earlier. They answered yes and pointed at the large pool of water. I had walked by, heard the bullfrog, but I was so focused on birds that I did not notice him in the puddle.

The Charles H. Rogers Wildlife Refuge provides an excellent habitat for American bullfrogs with its open marsh, diversity of food sources, and proximity to Stony Brook. The refuge's wetlands, ponds, and natural water drainage system create suitable aquatic environments for bullfrogs to thrive and reproduce.

https://islandinthenet.com/american-bullfrog-lithobates-catesbeianus/

#AmericanBullfrog #CharlesHRogersWildlifeRefuge #LensArtistPhotoChallenge #LensArtists #LithobatesCatesbeianus #WorldSeriesOfBirding

Purple Martins were not the only birds I found at the southwestern edge of the swamp marsh at Charles H. Rogers Wildlife Refuge on World Series of Birding Day. I saw a few doves sunning in the trees. I got some up-close shots of the birds, but when I turned around I saw this one bird sitting on a branch of a tree much farther away. I like that composition more.

The Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) seems gentle and friendly. I often see them foraging in pairs or small groups, primarily eating seeds from the ground. Their soft, mournful cooing is calming. Their call sounds resemble human mourning sounds. During courtship, males perform display flights and gentle cooing. They build simple nests in trees or shrubs, sharing parental duties equally.

The Charles H. Rogers Wildlife Refuge is a great spot for observing Mourning Doves. The diverse habitats, including open areas with bare ground and scattered seeds, provide perfect feeding spots. The nearby water sources and wooded areas offer drinking and nesting sites.

These two doves were sitting on a branch doing absolutely nothing. I think the darker one is a male dove. I think they were resting. Both doves occasionally closed their eyes.

https://islandinthenet.com/mourning-dove-zenaida-macroura/

#BirdPhotography #BirdWatching #Birding #CharlesHRogersWildlifeRefuge #MourningDove #WildlifePhotography #WorldSeriesOfBirding #ZenaidaMacroura

After the overcast days of the past few weeks, I was happy to see some sunshine. It was early morning, and Institute Woods and Charles H. Rogers Wildlife Refuge were full of sun, bird watchers, and photographers for the World Series of Birding Day. I walked around the outer edge of the swamp marsh at Charles H. Rogers Wildlife Refuge to the southwestern edge. I saw the Purple Martin before I heard it. I don’t think it made any sounds.

I identified this bird as a female Purple Martin by uploading it to iNaturalist. While Merlin ID can identify birds by sound and visuals, what makes iNaturalist appealing is that other app users can confirm the identification. This gives me confidence that the identification is correct.

The female Purple Martin (Progne subis) has a greyish-brown upper body, a lighter, pale belly, and faintly streaked underparts. This muted colouring provides camouflage, helping her protect the nest and young from predators. Female Purple Martins collect twigs and other materials to construct sturdy nests. Twigs and softer materials like grass and leaves ensure the nest is well-insulated and comfortable, maintaining a stable temperature for egg incubation and chick development. A sunny morning is perfect for starting a twig collection. Dry materials help control moisture, preventing mould and bacteria growth.

Charles H. Rogers Wildlife Refuge offers Purple Martins an ideal habitat with open wetlands, dedicated nesting structures, and abundant insects. The diverse ecosystem, proximity to water, and managed environment provide excellent conditions for these aerial insectivores. Ongoing conservation efforts ensure the refuge remains a suitable home for Purple Martins.

https://islandinthenet.com/female-purple-martin-progne-subis/

#BirdPhotography #BirdWatching #Birding #CharlesHRogersWildlifeRefuge #LensArtistPhotoChallenge #LensArtists #ProgneSubis #PurpleMartin #WildlifePhotography #WorldSeriesOfBirding

I moved away from the groups of bird watchers and photographers who were also in the Charles H. Rogers Wildlife Refuge on this sunny World Series of Birding day and walked around the edge of the swamp marsh.

I was enjoying the sun, the scenery, and the sounds of birds when I heard what sounded like excited chittering near the trail entrance at the southern end of the swamp marsh. Just a few seconds later, I saw them—a group of House Finches in the leafy branches of a tree.

Some of the finches flew away as I approached, but a male and female stayed together. I took a few photographs before putting the camera aside to observe their behaviour. The male, with his bright red plumage, stood out against the green leaves, while the female, in her more subdued brown tones, remained close by. They seemed to be foraging and communicating with each other.

I spent the next four hours walking around, photographing various birds. The refuge was teeming with life, each bird species presenting its unique challenges and rewards for photography.

https://islandinthenet.com/house-finch-haemorhous-mexicanus-2/

#BirdPhotography #BirdWatching #Birding #CharlesHRogersWildlifeRefuge #Finch #HaemorhousMexicanus #HouseFinch #WildlifePhotography #WorldSeriesOfBirding

A few weeks after the miserable overcast weather started ruining my bird photography experience, I woke up to mostly clear skies. Excitedly, I rushed to the Institute Woods trailhead at Olden Lane. On an earlier visit, I had heard some warblers at a specific spot at Charles H. Rogers Wildlife Refuge. I had marked it on Google Maps. It is near the western edge of the swamp, just a few hundred metres from the south-facing observation platform. My patience was rewarded when I heard two types of warbler: the Common Yellowthroat and the Magnolia Warbler.

While I waited, a female Common Yellowthroat dropped in briefly.

Photographing warblers can be a frustrating experience. I waited and waited, eventually rewarded with the appearance of a male Magnolia Warbler (Setophaga magnolia). This was my first time photographing this warbler, and I was excited. The bird stayed in the thicket of leaves for quite some time. I had hoped to get a better photograph of the body, but this was the best opportunity that this outing provided.

https://islandinthenet.com/magnolia-warbler-setophaga-magnolia/

#CharlesHRogersWildlifeRefuge #MagnoliaWarbler #SetophagaMagnolia #Warbler

Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia)

After weeks without a proper sighting, I finally saw a Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia) foraging in the top branches of the trees near the observation deck at Charles H. Rogers Wildlife Refuge. I stood on the platform for nearly 45 minutes but did not get any clear photos. The sky was overcast, and the lighting was poor. I returned the next day and this time I had more luck.

The refuge is a known hotspot for Yellow Warblers (Setophaga petechia) and many other warbler species.The refuge [...]

https://islandinthenet.com/?p=114214

Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia)

After weeks without a proper sighting, I finally saw a Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia) foraging in the top branches of the trees near the observation deck at Charles H. Rogers Wildlife Refuge. I stood on the platform for nearly 45 minutes but did not get any clear photos. The sky was overcast, and the lighting…

https://islandinthenet.com/yellow-warbler-setophaga-petechia/

#BirdPhotography #BirdWatching #Birding #Birds #CharlesHRogersWildlifeRefuge #Nature #SetophagaPetechia #Warbler #Wildlife #WildlifePhotography #YellowWarbler

Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus)

The weather in the mornings and evenings, overcast with a ray of sunshine in the sky, has made finding and photographing birds in this area challenging. The light in Institute Woods is so dim, that the auto-focus struggles. It is challenging to operate and use manual focusing with a 1.65 kg (3.54 lb) lens strapped to a 539 g (1.19lb) camera body.

[caption id="attachment_113562" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) · 14 May 2024 · FujiFilm X-T3 · [...]

https://islandinthenet.com/?p=113561

Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)

Small birds tend to move erratically, often hopping from branch to branch. They rarely sit still long enough for the photographer to focus and get the shot and birds rarely pose in a way that exposes their bodies without a leaf or twig obscuring a part of the bird's body. And even when the bird’s body is unobscured, the background is either too distracting or backlit. This plays tricks on the camera's autofocus and autoexposure settings. I have tried using fully manual controls but it’s [...]

https://islandinthenet.com/?p=112924

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea)

I think this is the first time I have photographed a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea). I was standing on the southern side of the marsh at Charles H. Rogers Wildlife Refuge when I saw movement in the trees. It took some patience but eventually, the bird landed a bit lower.

The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea) is a small, active songbird. It has a striking appearance with predominantly blue-grey plumage, a white underbelly, and a long, thin tail. The wings often show [...]

https://islandinthenet.com/?p=112966

The World Series of Birding on 19 of May was a magical day for birth photography. The annual competitive birding event challenges birders to identify species. By the end of the day, I had identified 11 different bird species. That’s not a lot for many birders, but it was a lot for me. After weeks of challenging weather, I finally had a day that provided ample opportunity for bird photography. It was a sunny day and it seemed like all the wildlife had decided to show up.

On the trail to Charles H. Rogers Wildlife Refuge, Merlin ID heard an Eastern Wood-Pewee in the trees. I waited - waiting is something I do a lot when I go out for bird photography - and after several minutes, I saw the Eastern Wood-Pewee (Contopus virens) in the branches. This individual was cooperative, posing on the branch just where I wanted it.

After arriving at the Charles H. Rogers Wildlife Refuge I realised that I was not the only one out in Charles H. Rogers Wildlife Refuge. There were groups of birders and bird photographers walking about. It felt good to be surrounded by people who shared my interest in bird photography. For about four hours I walked around Institute Woods toward Charles H. Rogers Wildlife Refuge.

I walked around slowly from one area to the next. I found male and female House Finches in a tree, a female Purple Martin foraging for sticks for her nest, a Mourning Dove sunning on a branch, and an American bullfrog entertaining a small group of birders.

https://islandinthenet.com/eastern-wood-pewee-contopus-virens-2/

#BirdPhotography #BirdWatching #Birding #CharlesHRogersWildlifeRefuge #ContopusVirens #EasternWoodPewee #InstituteWoods #WildlifePhotography #WorldSeriesOfBirding

Carolina Chickadee (Poecile carolinensis)

I was standing at the blind just off the main trail at Charles H. Rogers Wildlife Refuge. The vocalisations of the Carolina Chickadee (Poecile carolinensis) are varied and include a distinctive "chick-a-dee-dee-dee" call, which serves as a contact call, and a sweet, whistled "fee-bee-fee-bay" song, which is more common in the spring. I heard the…

https://islandinthenet.com/carolina-chickadee-poecile-carolinensis/

#BirdPhotography #BirdWatching #Birding #Birds #CarolinaChickadee #CharlesHRogersWildlifeRefuge #Nature #PoecileCarolinensis #PrincetonTownship #Wildlife #WildlifePhotography

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea)

Their quick movements and high-pitched calls make Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea) challenging yet rewarding subjects for photography.

https://islandinthenet.com/blue-gray-gnatcatcher-polioptila-caerulea/

#BirdPhotography #BirdWatching #Birding #Birds #BlueGrayGnatcatcher #CharlesHRogersWildlifeRefuge #InstituteWoods #Nature #PolioptilaCaerulea #Wildlife #WildlifePhotography

Northern Red-bellied Cooter (Deirochelys reticularia)

Turtle identification is challenging. I had thought, based on photographs I saw online after searching "turtles New Jersey", that this individual was a Painted Turtle. I uploaded the photo to iNaturalist where amateur naturalists, John Keisers, suggested that this was a Northern Red-bellied Cooter. I agree with John. [...]

https://islandinthenet.com/?p=112480

Female Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)

Until now, all of my sightings have been of the male.

https://islandinthenet.com/female-red-winged-blackbird-agelaius-phoeniceus/

#AgelaiusPhoeniceus #BirdPhotography #BirdWatching #Birding #Birds #CharlesHRogersWildlifeRefuge #LensArtists #Nature #PrincetonTownship #RedWingedBlackbird #Wildlife #WildlifePhotography

Swinging Bridge over Stony Brook via Founders' Walk

[caption id="attachment_112474" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] 14 April 2024 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF150-600mmF5.6-8 R LM OIS WR[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_112472" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] 14 April 2024 · Apple iPhone 11 Pro · iPhone 11 Pro back camera 6mm f/2[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_112471" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] 14 April 2024 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF150-600mmF5.6-8 R LM OIS WR[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_112470" align="aligncenter" [...]

https://islandinthenet.com/?p=112475

Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)

[...]

https://islandinthenet.com/?p=112488

Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)

While walking back to the car from my daily adventure in Institute Woods, I heard the distinctive "conk-la-ree" songs male Red-winged Blackbirds produce and looked up. The males use this call to establish territories and communicate with other birds. It took a few seconds to find the bird in the tree. Maybe it’s just my…

https://islandinthenet.com/red-winged-blackbird-agelaius-phoeniceus/

#AgelaiusPhoeniceus #BirdPhotography #BirdWatching #Birding #Birds #CharlesHRogersWildlifeRefuge #InstituteWoods #Nature #RedWingedBlackbird #Spring #Wildlife #WildlifePhotography

While walking on the blue trail in Institute Wood, Bhavna spotted the Red-eared Slider sunning on a dead tree branch. She was so excited to see three turtles in a row. The Red-eared Slider was identified on iNaturalist with the help of amateur naturalist John Keisers and The Wandering Piney.

The Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta ssp. elegans) is a freshwater turtle species native to the southern United States and northern Mexico. It is known for its distinctive red patch behind each eye, which gives it its name. These turtles have a smooth, olive to brownish-green carapace with yellow stripes or markings. Their plastron (underside) is typically yellow with dark spots.

Red-eared Sliders are omnivorous, consuming a variety of aquatic plants, algae, small fish, insects, and crustaceans. They are excellent swimmers and spend much of their time basking on logs or rocks near water bodies. As ectothermic reptiles, they rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature.

These turtles are commonly kept as pets but can become invasive species when released into non-native habitats. In the wild, they inhabit slow-moving rivers, ponds, lakes, and marshes, where they play a role in the ecosystem as both predators and prey.

https://islandinthenet.com/red-eared-slider-trachemys-scripta-ssp-elegans/

#CharlesHRogersWildlifeRefuge #InstituteWoods #RedEaredSlider #TrachemysScripta #Turtle #WildlifePhotography

Turtle identification is challenging. I had thought, based on photographs I saw online after searching "turtles New Jersey", that this individual was a Painted Turtle. I uploaded the photo to iNaturalist where amateur naturalists, John Keisers, suggested that this was a Northern Red-bellied Cooter.

The Northern Red-bellied Cooter (Deirochelys reticularia) is a freshwater turtle species native to North America. It belongs to the Emydidae family and is characterised by its medium to large size, domed carapace, and distinctive red markings on its plastron. This species typically inhabits slow-moving or still bodies of water such as ponds, lakes, marshes, and rivers with soft bottoms and abundant aquatic vegetation.

Northern Red-bellied Cooters are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of plant matter, aquatic vegetation, insects, crustaceans, and occasionally small fish. They are known to bask on logs or rocks near the water's edge to regulate their body temperature. Breeding season for this species occurs in late spring and early summer, with females laying eggs in sandy or soft soil near the water. Northern Red-bellied Cooters play a role in aquatic ecosystems as both consumers and prey for other predators in their habitat.

https://islandinthenet.com/northern-red-bellied-cooter-deirochelys-reticularia/

#CharlesHRogersWildlifeRefuge #InstituteWoods #NorthernRedBelliedCooter #PrincetonTownship #PseudemysRubriventris #RiverSEdgeTrail #Spring #StonyBrook #WalkingTrail

Bhavna and I have not visited the swinging bridge over the Stony Brook since November 2017.

The swinging bridge in Institute Woods, Princeton, spans the Stony Brook, allowing visitors walking the trails around Institute Woods to cross over to access the wooded areas that are sandwiched between Stony Brook and the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail. It is constructed using sturdy materials to ensure safety during crossings. The bridge adds convenience for visitors exploring the wooded trails and natural surroundings of Institute Woods. Its design blends with the environment, providing a seamless transition across the water.

Overall, the swinging bridge serves as a functional and practical element within Institute Woods, enhancing accessibility and facilitating movement for those enjoying the outdoor experiences the area has to offer, but it is a destination in itself. We were not the only ones seeking the Swinging Bridge.

Despite what others have stated on social media, the Swinging Bridge very easy to find. Take the Trolley Track Trail from either the western trail head near Clarke House Museum or eastern trail head near Crossroads Nursery School. When you get to Founders' Walk walk south until you arrive at the Swinging Bridge. The swinging bridge is clearly marked on Google Maps and Apple Maps, so you can just use those apps to help you walk the trails.

The swinging motion of the bridge is minimal, offering stability while crossing but some walkers (like the person above) are not confident.

https://islandinthenet.com/swinging-bridge-over-stony-brook-via-founders-walk/

#Bhavna #CharlesHRogersWildlifeRefuge #FoundersWalkTrail #InstituteWoods #Spring #StonyBrook #SwingingBridge #WalkingTrail

Female Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)

The female Northern Cardinal often sings while sitting on the nest.

https://islandinthenet.com/female-northern-cardinal-cardinalis-cardinalis/

#BirdPhotography #BirdWatching #Birding #Birds #CardinalisCardinalis #CharlesHRogersWildlifeRefuge #Female #InstituteWoods #Nature #NorthernCardinal #Spring #TrolleyTrackTrail #Wildlife #WildlifePhotography

I am always on a hunt for Warblers. I just love their song and their festive colours. I expect that soon Institute Woods will be filled with them. If I can find them.

The Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata), commonly known as the Myrtle Warbler, is a small songbird found across North America. It belongs to the family Parulidae and is known for its distinctive yellow patches on the rump and sides. The Myrtle Warbler has two main subspecies: the eastern "Myrtle" and the western "Audubon's."

The Myrtle Warbler primarily inhabits coniferous or mixed forests during the breeding season, nesting in trees and foraging for insects and berries. During migration and winter, it can be found in various habitats, including woodlands, shrubby areas, fields, parks, and residential areas. Its diet consists of insects, spiders, fruits, and berries. The species exhibits typical warbler behaviours such as flitting between branches, sallying out to catch insects, and making distinctive calls. Its breeding range extends from Alaska to Newfoundland in the north and from Canada to the Gulf Coast in the south.

https://islandinthenet.com/myrtle-yellow-rumped-warbler-setophaga-coronata/

#CharlesHRogersWildlifeRefuge #InstituteWoods #Myrtle #PrincetonTownship #SetophagaCoronata #Spring #TrolleyTrackTrail #Warbler #YellowRumpedWarbler

White-throated Sparrow at Institute Woods

https://islandinthenet.com/white-throated-sparrow-zonotrichia-albicollis-3/