Successful Nesting Season for “Jersey Girl”

Successful Nesting Season for “Jersey Girl”
New Jersey Banded Bird and Mate Raise Three Chicks in Pennsylvania

By: Larissa Smith, Wildlife Biologist

We have been following the story of “Jersey Girl,” a New Jersey banded bird, who nests in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. This was her fourth season at this nesting location. In 2014, the pair lost two chicks due to a severe winter storm, so it was good news when nest observer Linda Oughton reported that the pair raised and fledged three chicks during the 2015 season. Two weeks after the chicks fledged, the nest collapsed due to wind and rain. So, we will have to wait and see if they rebuild in the same nest tree or move to a new location next season.

Linda sent some photos from the 2015 nesting season.
@L. Oughton
Notice the small intruder in front of the nest Photo: L. Oughton
Linda reports that she has seen fish, squirrels, Canada geese, rabbits, turtle, chickens, and a ground hog brought to the nest.@L. Oughton
Linda reports that she has seen fish, squirrels, Canada geese, rabbits, turtle, chickens, and a ground hog brought to the nest. Photo: L. Oughton
@L. Oughton
Photo: L. Oughton

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Larissa Smith is the Wildlife Biologist/Volunteer Manager for Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey.