Date: 12/29/25 5:01 am From: Tom Brown <tshrike19...> Subject: [JERSEYBI] Long Branch CBC
Greeting all,
Just a brief note on the Long Branch CBC, I'll provide a more thorough breakdown once all the numbers are finalized.
The 91st Long Branch CBC was held on 12/28, postponed a day due to the ice storm that hit most of central NJ. Conditions were cold in the early morning, a low of 14 F recorded by one team, but warming as the day progressed, with overcast and calm conditions.
As of now we stand at 120 total species for the day, pretty good considering the conditions of the past several days. The 120 species is higher than the 115 of 2024; the highest species count for the circle was 128 in 1997. Many of the smaller bodies of water were frozen, but larger areas, such as coastal tidal creeks, shark river estuary and the glendola reservoir remained open.
Highlights include: a count first SWAINSON'S THRUSH, found by Patrick Becker's group in Allaire State Park (a photo was sent, clearly a Swainson's thrush, and not enjoying the conditions), Black-crowned Night Heron for the second year in a row, after a lengthy absence by Chris Williams and team, Harlequin Duck, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Baltimore Oriole, Lark Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Pileated Woodpecker, Wilson's Snipe, Iceland Gull (quite a few), Cackling Goose (we will likely hit a high on Cackling Goose),, Pine Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler, and Canvasback (another species with a long absence on the count). Half-hardies, such as Gray Catbird, Hermit Thrush, and Eastern Towhee, were well represented during the count.
A big Thank You to Monmouth County Audubon for the continued support for the LBCBC!!
