Brigantine at Forsythe - alas

I recently saw a report about the condition of Brigantine at Forsythe NWR near Atlantic City, NJ. Hurricane Sandy caused significant damage to the refuge road. The report made it sound as though it will be a long time before the road is repaired. Alas - this eight mile loop around the impoundment ponds, and along canals, the ocean and salt marsh is a prime spot for viewing waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors waders, gulls, terns, and marsh birds.

This post is a fond recollection of last June's visit to Brigantine, plus an opportunity to use a few photos which haven't fit anywhere else.

I have been following one Osprey nest, in particular, for several years; I am sure I am not unique in this, since the nesting platform is quite close to the eastern section of the loop road. A couple of images ...

Osprey parents tend the kids

Mom feeds the youngsters ...

... then does some interior decorating.

While Brigantine is a favored spot for wetland and coastal birds, one never knows what else will come to view ...

Fiddler Crabs at low tide

Young Red Fox along the refuge road

Great Crested Flycatchers in its nest hole