Matt's Landing at the Heislerville Wildlife Management Area was attractive to me for two reasons 1) It was recommended by Pete Dunne -- Mr. New Jersey Birder and 2) I thought it had a drive around the impoundment. Despite the fact I read it several places, I couldn't find details anywhere -- just somewhat vague references. So I decided to chance it.
It was lovely, but not a drive around the impoundment -- that "drive" was blocked off by mounds of dirt/sand.
The road up to the Landing was very birdy - Thrushes, Warblers, Raven and once you approach the pond -- lots of shorebirds too. I was anxious to see if there was a drive, so I went straight to the end. I was able to drive up on a berm and a spectacular view of the bay. The tide was pretty low and I think the birds would have been much in further closer to high tide. But still 1000s of birds
In the mudflats of the bay
Short-billed Dowitchers
Dunlin
Semipalmated Plover
Black Skimmers
Short-billed Dowitcher/Greater Yellowlegs
Black-bellied Plover
Mostly Short-billed Dowitchers
Laughing Gull
Semipalmated Plover
Black-bellied Plover
Black Skimmers
On the way in there were several ponds and marshes -- had very close encounters with LOTS of Clapper Rails, but couldn't see them the reeds were so thick.
Laughing Gull
Short-billed Dowitcher
Semipalmated Plover
Canada Gosling
Greater Yellowlegs
Least Sandpiper
Great Blue Heron
Short-billed Dowitchers
Plovers
I definitely recommend a visit -- just try to hit it at rising high tide. Enjoy!
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