Bustling with Activity - Pinelands Interpretation Center - Newport, New Jersey - Flora and Fauna Information Signs on Waymarking.com

Bustling with Activity

Quietyly observe the area where the open field and the forest meet. The "forest edge" is very busy and can have up to three times the diversity of species as most communities.

Forest animals stop hee to look for predators before venturing into the open to graze on succulent grasses or berries that flourish in the sunlight. Species that nest or forage in the open field can find temporary refuge at the forest edge. Several birds and mammals live here exclusively, taking shelter in the shrubs and foraging in the field.

Danger also lurks here for the unwary. From the treetops, birds of prey search for rodents and small birds in the clearing, while snakes pursue their prey from the ground.

The forest edge is an important habitat for wildlife that can be enjoyed by hikers, bird wathers, campers, hunters, and photographers alike.

American gold finchthe official state bird of New Jersey, eats thistles in the field and nests in nearby shrubs.

Ruby-throated hummingbird makes a walnut-sized nest in the brush using strands of spider silk and and gets nectar from flowering plants in the open field.

Red-tailed hawk uses its broad wings and keen eyes to hunt for its prey.

Northern bobwhite a reddish-brown, chicken-like bird, runs along the ground in groups feeding on seeds, vegitation, and insects.

White-tailed deer cautiously browses for vegitation in the open field.

Eastern kingbird perches in trees and flies out to catch insects, which it can see from fifty yards away.

Red fox feeds mostly can vegitation in the summer and on small birds and mammals in the winter.

Northern black racer has dull, satiny, black scales and a brown belly. It hunts for insects, small rodents, birds, and eggs.