It was an interesting couple of days this past weekend at Woodland Campsite near Lakehurst for sightings.

A pair of Trumpeter Swans can be seen daily in the Sandy Creek Bay area. They are possibly nesting in the wetlands just south of the park. The camp owner managed to take photos last October of the mated pair and their two cygnets. Both adults are tagged (one tag is yellow with black numbers M87). The other one has not been identified yet.

A Red Fox (lean but healthy looking) ran past my trailer. This is the first one we have seen in the area in years.

I suddenly realized I was hearing a sound I love……. Common Ravens!! The nasally grunk of the raven went on for a few minutes. Then the sound was closer. Overhead, a family of four ravens flew over the camp, one raven calling during the flight. I had seen one last year……but now I believe they must be nesting in the area…….exciting!

Barb Evett

Common Raven – Wikimedia


Drew Monkman

I am a retired teacher, naturalist and writer with a love for all aspects of the natural world, especially as they relate to seasonal change.