FIELD GUIDE

to the

BEACH HABITATS

of the

National Guard Training Center

Sea Girt, New Jersey

Gene Nieminen / USFWS

Thank you for visiting the Sea Girt National Guard Training Center!

For additional information regarding New Jersey Army National Guard (NJARNG) Environmental Programs at the Sea Girt National Guard Training Center or other NJARNG facilities, please contact the NJARNG Environmental Management Bureau at:

101 Eggerts Crossing Road, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 or (609) 530-7133, 7134, 7135, or 7136

This publication is provided by:

PHOTO CREDITS

Amy S. Greene Environmental Consultants, Inc. (ASGECI): Harry Strano Jennifer LaStella Kerri Quaglia

Welcome to the Sea Girt Kerri Quaglia

National Park Service: National Guard Training Center! Will Elder

NOAA Fish Illustrations: (http://www.sefsc.noaa.gov/fishimages/fish_img/fish_img.htm)

Scott Angus

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Gene Nieminen Donna Dewhurst

Wikimedia Commons: License Information Key: 1 GNU Free Documentation License 2 Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License 3 Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 Generic License 4 Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic License 5 Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 1.0 Generic License

Alan D. Wilson - License: 3 Amanda - License: 4 Andreas Trepte - License: 3 Bob Jagendorf - License: 4 Britta - License: 4 Carl Mueller - License: 4 Dan Pancamo - License: 4 Dick Daniels - Licenses: 1, 2 Dominic Sherony - License: 4 Dori - License: 2 Erik Veldhuis - Licenses: 1, 2 Hart_curt - License: 4 Jcwf - Licenses: 1, 2 Ken Thomas - Public Domain Revised 2011 Martin Mecnarowski - Licenses: 1, 2 Mdf - Licenses: 1, 2 Mike Baird - License: 4 NASA - Photographs are Public Domain National Park Service - Photographs are Public Domain Paul Morris - License: 4 T. Müller - Licenses: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Walter Siegmund - Licenses: 1, 2, 3 Clockwise from left: NGTC Beach; Seabeach amaranth; Common buck- Wojsyl - Licenses: 1, 2 eye on seaside goldenrod; Tree swallows feeding on bayberry and Woody Thrower - Public Domain poison ivy berries 32

REFERENCES TABLE OF CONTENTS

Boschung, Herbert T., James D Williams, Daniel W. Gotshall, David K. Caldwell, Melba C. Caldwell. The Audubon Society Field Guide to Fishes Whales and Dolphins. National Audubon Society. Chanti- cleer Press Edition. Second Printing. Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. New York. Introduction 1

Cornel Lab of Ornithology. 2011. All About Birds. Website: www.birds.cornell.edu NGTC Habitats 2

Gosner, Kenneth L. 1978. A Field Guide to the Atlantic Seashore. Peter- Other NGTC Habitats 3 son Field Guide Series –24. Houghton Mifflin Co. New York.

NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife. 2001. A Field Guide to the Reptiles and Threatened and Endangered 4 Amphibians of New Jersey. 1st. Edition. Prepared by Jackie Gessner and Eric Stiles. NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife and NJ Common Dune Plants 9 Conserve Wildlife Foundation.

Peterson, Roger Tory and Virginia Marie Peterson. 2002. Peterson Mammals 11 Field Guide to Birds of Eastern and Central North America, 5th ed. Houghton Mifflin Co. New York . Amphibians 12

Robins, C. Richard and G. Carleton Ray. 1986. A Field Guide to the At- lantic Coast Fishes of North America. Peterson field Guide Series Shorebirds and Associates 13 –32. Houghton Mifflin Company, New York. Warblers 19 Sibley, David Allen. 2000. National Audubon Society; The Sibley Guide to Birds. Chanticleer Press Edition. Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. New Other Songbirds 20 York.

Stokes , Donald and Lillian Q. 1996. Stokes Field Guide to Birds: Eastern Swallows 21 Region 1st ed. Little, Brown and Company, New York. Fish 22 Swearingen, J. B. Slattery, K. Reshetiloff, and S. Zwicker. 2010. Plant Invaders of Mid Atlantic Natural Areas, 4th ed. National Park Ser- vice and US Fish and Wildlife Service. Washington, D.C. Invertebrates 24

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resource Con- Invasive/Nuisance Species 27 servation Service. PLANTS Database. Website: http//: usda.plants.gov/. NGTC Beach Area Map 29 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Dendrology at Virgin- ia Tech: VTree ID. April 2010. 1 December 2011 http:// References 31 dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/factsheets.cfm.

Whitaker, John. O. Jr. 1980. The Audubon Society Field Guide to Mam- Photo Credits 32 mals. Chanticleer Press Edition. Second Printing. Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. New York.

31

INTRODUCTION

As part of its military mission, the National Guard Training Center (NGTC) is responsible for protecting the Threatened and Endan- gered species that occur on the facility grounds. It is important that visitors respect the wildlife of the NGTC by staying out of the designated protection areas, keep pets off of the NGTC Site, and follow all other posted rules. NGTC Piping plover and chick Nancy Hayduk As part of our mission to provide protection to NGTC wildlife, we have created this Field Guide to the Beach Habitats to help beach visitors identify and enjoy the flora and fauna regularly occur- ring at the NGTC. This field guide highlights some of the most common NGTC birds, fish, plants, and invertebrates and provides information about some of the State and Federal Threatened and Endangered Spe- cies that occur here.

The NGTC beaches, dune communities, wetlands and grasslands serve as important habitat for resident, migratory and wintering bird species. Over 120 species of birds have been identified at the facility. In addition to a large variety of shorebirds, many other bird species including war- blers, flycatchers, herons, rails, raptors and swallows may be observed at the NGTC.

By working closely with the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Borough of Sea Girt and the Wreck Pond Watershed Association, the NGTC maintains the quality and quanti- ty of NGTC beach wildlife habitat in the face of coastal habitat loss along the Jersey Shore. Endangered and Threatened Species of the NGTC

The NGTC has responded to the presence of threatened and endangered species onsite with protection efforts to help ensure the survival of these species. The Federally- threatened piping plover and seabeach ama- ranth are among the species that are pro- Osprey on the cell tower at the tected as part of the Integrated Natural Re- NGTC source Management Plan for the NGTC.

Federal and State-listed Threatened and Endangered plants andNGTC animals BEACH AREA are included in the Threatened and Endangered section of the booklet and are followed by more common species, which are organized asAND gen- HABITATS eralized groups.

1

NGTC HABITATS

WILDLIFE AREAS AT THE NGTC BEACH The following four wildlife areas are represented at the NGTC beach. Some species utilize these different areas for different purposes while other species may remain within one community or zone. A map illustrat- ing the general locations of NGTC beach habitat can be found on pages 29 - 30 of this booklet.

Secondary Dune Community This community extends from the east- ernmost end of the fields to the prima- ry dune community. It is dominated by a number of hardy salt and wind toler- ant shrubs including poison ivy, bay- berry and the introduced rugosa rose.

Primary Dune Community The dominant keystone species of this community is American beach grass. Other species that occur within this community include seaside goldenrod and sea rocket. Portions of these hab- itats at the NGTC are managed for en- dangered species and comprise much of the Northern and Southern Protec- tion Areas.

Intertidal / Littoral Zone This sparsely vegetated area is the location between the high and low tide zones. Plant species may include the federally-threatened seabeach ama- ranth and sea rocket. Intertidal areas at the NGTC beach are extremely im- portant foraging habitat for many shorebird species, including the Fed- erally - threatened piping plover.

Shallow Coastal Zone All waters below the low tide mark are included here. This zone contains nu- merous fish, mollusks, crustaceans and other invertebrates. Numerous NGTC BEACH AREAforaging birds including the State — endangered least tern and black skim- AND HABITATSmer may be observed feeding in the waters off of the NGTC.

2

OTHER NGTC HABITATS INVASIVE / NUISANCE SPECIES

In spite of its relatively small size, the NGTC has a great diversity of wild- RUGOSA ROSE life habitats. This diversity, combined with its unique coastal location, (Rosa rugosa) lends to the great diversity of bird species that can be observed at the Non-native / Invasive facility. In addition to the beach habitats identified on page 2, there are Species three other distinct habitat areas utilized by wildlife. Each of these habi- tats are discussed below. Description: Shrub native to eastern Asia. Approximate- Maintained Field ly 3 - 5’ tall. Stems densely Although often utilized by the covered with thorns. Alter- facility for various activities, the nate compound leaves 3 - 6” NGTC open fields provide a long with 5 - 9 dark green unique open grassland habitat leaflets. Leaflets approxi- for a variety species including mately 1 - 3” long with wrin- wintering horned lark, Atlantic kled upper surface. Flowers brant (geese) and nesting kill- are approximately 2” across and pink. Forms shiny red S. Angus deer, a plover whose unmistaka- rose hips (fruit) that mature in late summer. ble cries are frequently heard throughout the facility. Notes: Rugosa rose forms dense thickets where it grows. This shrub is found primarily in the secondary dune at the NGTC, but can also be Freshwater Emergent and found scattered throughout the primary dune. Scrub / Shrub Wetland Community Located to the north and west of the beach parking lot, this area is very important wetland habi- COMMON REED tat for a variety of bids and other (Phragmites australis) wildlife. The NGTC’s freshwater Non-native / Invasive Spe- wetland contains a variety of cies grasses, sedges and shrubs, such as high tide bush. The wet- Description: A tall, perennial land seasonally floods and pro- grass that can grow more vide crucial habitat for shore- than 15’ in height. Thick, birds and wading birds. vertical stalks. Flowers form purple or golden colored, Tidal Pond, Tidal Marsh, bushy panicles in late July Mudflats and August. Elongated The NGTC’s southern boundary leaves are typically 1 - 1½” at contains areas of tidal marsh widest point. Forms a dense ASGECI and mudflats associated with network of roots and rhizomes underground. Stockton Lake. The exposed mudflats can be observed at Notes: Inhabits a variety of brackish and freshwater marsh habitats, as low tides. These habitats sup- well as riverbanks, ditches, and dredge spoil areas. Often creates mon- port a wide variety of resident ocultures that reduce native plant species diversity and wildlife use. and migratory shorebirds, wad- Reproduces through wind-dispersed seeds and rhizome “runners.” ing birds and wintering ducks.

3 28

INVASIVE / NUISANCE SPECIES THREATENED AND ENDANGERED

ASIATIC SAND SEDGE PIPING PLOVER MALE (Carex kobomugi) (Charadrius melodus) Non-native / Invasive Spe- Federally Threatened, cies State Endangered

Description: Perennial sedge Description: Length to found primarily in primary 7.25” with sand colored and secondary dune commu- mantles and wings, and nities along the shoreline. whitish undersides. Grows up to 12” tall. Leaves Distinguishing features are curled and yellow-green include a black tipped in color with small ridges orange bill, orange legs, along the edges. This sedge a black neckband and black eyebrow markings. spreads through the produc- ASGECI tion of rhizomes and/or seed heads. Notes: Plovers nest in Gene Nieminen / USFWS Notes: The root systems of this sedge can grow to several feet below the sand within primary the ground. This sedge is highly invasive and has been found within the dunes where vegetation primary dune community at the NGTC. cover is less dense. Plovers forage within the FEMALE primary dunes and inter- tidal areas. Piping plov- ers have nested at the ORIENTAL (ASIATIC) NGTC in previous years. BITTERSWEET Fenced protection areas (Celastrus orbiculata) have been created onsite to protect their nesting Non-native / Invasive Species habitat. Nesting plovers are highly sensitive to Description: Perennial, decidu- disturbance from human ous plant that can grow up to 60’ activity and pets. Gene Nieminen / USFWS as a climbing vine or trailing shrub. Dark brown to brown stri- ated bark. Alternate, glossy, round leaves. Female plants pro- EGGS CHICK duce clusters of small, greenish flowers in the leaf axils and a large number or fruits and seeds. ASGECI At maturity, globular, green to yellow fruits split open to reveal three red-orange, fleshy arils that contain the seeds.

Notes: An aggressive vine that inhabits forest edges, open woodlands, fields, hedgerows and other disturbed lands. It grows over native vegeta- tion and often kills trees by shading, girdling and uprooting them. This spe- cies may be distinguished from the native American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens) by the location of its fruit. C. orbiculatus has small clusters of K. Quaglia K. Quaglia fruit in the leaf axils while C. scandens has clusters only at its branch tips.

27 4

THREATENED AND ENDANGERED INVERTEBRATES

LEAST TERN GHOST CRAB (Sterna antillarum) (Ocypode quadrata) State Endangered Description: Carapace to 2”. Square Description: Length to 9”. -like shell with pronounced eyes on Least terns are our small- stalks. Pale yellowish in color. Fairly est tern. Characteristics long walking legs with stout pincers. of least terns include long, narrow wings and a short Notes: Mostly active at night, the evi- tail. Adults have light gray dence of ghost crabs, including bur- wings and backs with a rows and tracks may be seen whitish underside. Least throughout NGTC beach during the ASGECI terns have a black head day. The crabs live within the lower primary dune and inter- cap with a white forehead, tidal zone, scavenging on bits of debris and occasionally preying on yellow legs and yellow bill small animals. They are extremely quick and typically run in a sideways when breeding. Juveniles Gene Nieminen / USFWS direction. Ghost crabs have powerful pincers. may have a faint barring pattern on the back and a less pronounced black cap. LADY CRAB Notes: Least terns nest throughout the primary dunes and forage for (Ovalipes ocellatus) small fish in coastal waters. Least terns have nested in the NGTC prima- ry dunes and may be regularly seen from May until November foraging in Description: Carapace to 3”. Four the shallow coastal zone. Least terns tend to be noisy and will aggres- sets of long thin walking legs with sively protect their nests by diving at predators. paddles on the last pair and long powerful pincers. Pinkish purple specks cover the entire carapace BLACK SKIMMER with purple patches and spots on (Rynchops niger) the legs. Whitish underneath. State Endangered (Breeding) Notes: Typically observed in the intertidal zone and shallow coastal wa- ters (often partially buried). Pincers may produce a powerful pinch. Description: Length to 18” with long, elegant wings. Breeding MOLE CRAB adults have a black (Emerita talpoida) back and neck, and white underside. Juve- Description: 1/2 - 1” in length”. niles have flecked Oval shaped. Paddle-like limbs brown coloration on and feathery antennae. Eyes are the back and wings. located on thin narrow stalks. Skimmers possess a distinctive orange Gene Nieminen / USFWS Grayish - brown carapace. and black bill with a lower mandible that protrudes past the upper. Notes: Mole (or sand) crabs are Woody Thrower typically observed in the intertidal zone, Notes: As the name implies, skimmers forage by skimming the water being uprooted and swimming with the surface with the lower mandible as they fly. When the bill comes in con- tide and wave motion. They feed on debris trapped within their anten- tact with a small fish, it snaps shut. These birds nest in primary dune nae. Mole crabs lack pincers and are harmless. habitats, but have not nested at the NGTC.

5 26

INVERTEBRATES THREATENED AND ENDANGERED

LOBED MOON SHELL OSPREY (Polinices duplicatus) (Pandion haliaetus) State Threatened Description: Reaches 3” and gray to tan (Breeding) in color with rings of orange and purple. The live snails have a large rubbery Description: Length to “foot” which may be retracted into the 23” long with a 63” wing- shell and sealed by a rigid brown cover- span. Ospreys are large ing called an operculum. raptors with narrow wings. The underside and Notes: Moon shells feed on clams and covert feathers are white similar mollusks by drilling a beveled ASGECI with brownish wrist areas hole near the beak of the prey’s shell and injecting digestive and secondary feathers. enzymes. Their backs are dark brown. Ospreys have a SURF CLAM dark eye stripe with a whitish crown and large talons. NASA (Spisula solidissima) Notes: Ospreys may be regularly seen hovering and diving for fish in the Description: This large clam NGTC’s shallow coastal waters. Ospreys construct large nests of sticks reaches a length of 8”. The heavy atop tall manmade structures typically near water bodies. They have built shell is triangular. The hinge nested on the cell tower at the NGTC site and their large nests may be of the clam has a cup like depres- easily observed from the ground. sion called a chondrophore. Surf clams are whitish in color and dis- carded shells bleach in the sun.

ASGECI Notes: Washed up surf clam COOPER’S HAWK shells are extremely common at NGTC and other beaches JUVENILE (Accipiter cooperii) south of Cape Cod. State Threatened

ATLANTIC HORSESHOE Description: Length to 16.5” with a 31” CRAB wingspan. Cooper’s hawks have long, (Limulus polyphemus) rounded tails with thick, dark bands and a broad white tip. Adult Cooper’s hawks Description: Females reach 2’ in have blue-gray backs with reddish col- length. Characteristics include a ored bars on their undersides. Juveniles long tail spike, “book” gills, 5 sets have brown backs and dark brown of non-pinching legs, and a set of streaks on their upper breasts. claspers called chelicerae. Uni- S. Angus formly brownish in color. Amanda Notes: Cooper’s hawks are most often seen in the NGTC fields and dune habitats during migratory Notes: A horseshoe crabs tail spike is not a stinger. It functions as a periods and in winter when they take to the open space for foraging. rudder and stabilizer in rough surf. The eggs are an important food source for some migrating shorebirds. The horseshoe crab is more closely related to spiders than it is to other crabs.

25 6

THREATENED AND ENDANGERED INVERTEBRATES

NORTHERN HARRIER COMMON SEA STAR (Circus cyaneus) (Asterias forbesi) State Endangered Description: Reaches 5.5’ in length (Breeding), State Special Concern with radial symmetry and typically (Non-breeding) five “arms”. Color is pinkish, brown or orange on the upper side. The Description: Length to 18". Slender bright orange “eye” on the top of hawk. Long wings and tail. Flies low with the sea star is actually a sieve wings held in a "V". White rump is a through which water enters. The distinguishing characteristic. Male is gray underside contains hundreds of above with white underparts and black tiny pale yellow tubular feet. Its wingtips. Females are dark brown above mouth is centrally located on the and streaked brown and white on under- underside. Paul Morris parts. Juveniles are similar in coloration Dan Pancamo to females but have a rusty orange underside Notes: Sea Stars feed on clams by slowly prying them apart and inject- with streaking only on chest. ing digestive enzymes.

Notes: Harriers are occasionally seen gliding low over secondary dune BAY SCALLOP and wetland habitats at the NGTC. (Aequipecten irradians)

Description: Coarsely ribbed scallop to 3” in size. The shell has either 17 - 18 or 19 - 21 ribs, depending on the subspecies (both of which occur in PEREGRINE FALCON NJ). Coloration is extremely variable (Falco peregrinus) including reddish, pink, or cream. State Endangered Notes: The scallop’s shell is typically found on NJ beaches. When alive, the Description: Length to 16". Long pointed ASGECI wings and long tail. Smooth, powerful wing scallop moves through the water column by abruptly beats. Dark "mustache" or sideburn that opening and closing its shell in a clapping motion. extends below the eye is a distinguishing characteristic. Adults have a blue-gray BLUE MUSSEL back, dark heads, white breasts and (Mytilus edulis) barred or spotted undersides. Females are larger than males. Juveniles have brown Description: The blue mussel is backs and vertical streaks on the chest, as smooth shelled and reaches a opposed to the horizontal bars on the length of 4”. The shell has pointed adults. beaks. Coloration may be glossy black, bluish or brownish with Carl Mueller faint rays. Notes: Migratory and wintering peregrine Erik Veldhuis falcons are fairly common at the NGTC. They may be observed chasing their bird prey at noticeably high speeds over Stock- Notes: These mussels attach themselves to ton Lake, the NGTC fields or dunes, or even the ocean. structures such as the NGTC jetties (shallow coastal zone) with fibrous threads. Large clusters may be found detached in the surf.

7 24

FISH THREATENED AND ENDANGERED

ATLANTIC MENHADEN SEABEACH AMARANTH (Brevoortia tyrannus) (Amaranthus pumulis)

Description: Up to 18” in Federally Threatened, length. Dorsally blue, green, State Endangered or bluish-brown. Sides and belly are silver with yellowish Description: A low pros- fins. Distinct humeral spot trate annual plant with usually follows by several fleshy red stems and green rows of smaller spots. Head is very large, maxilla reaches to posterior leaves. Leaves are spinach edge of eye. - like and typically 1 to 2 cm in length. Seedlings are 1 Notes: This surface dwelling member of the herring family is a signifi- cm across and bright red. cant food source for bluefish, striped bass and predators, such as North- Plants are typically 20 - 40 ern gannetts. Large schools may be seen at the NGTC in the spring and cm in diameter. Miniscule ASGECI fall. yellow flowers form within the leaf axils.

CLEARNOSE SKATE Notes: This rare plant typically occurs in sandy, sparsely vegetated (Raja eglanteria) beach between the high-tide line (intertidal zone) and the edge of the primary dune. Description: Up to 3’1” in length. Sides of the snout translucent with no spots. Light to dark brown above with darker brown or black roundish spots and irregular bars, white below. Spines present on the shoulder SEABEACH region, spiracle, along midline of back, and KNOTWEED entire tail. (Polygonum glaucum)

State Endangered Notes: Habitat includes the shallow shore bottom. More common inshore during warm- Description: Small annual er months. Unlike rays, skates lack venom- or perennial herb with pros- ous stingers. trate or erect branching up to 1’ long. Leaves are alter- NORTHERN SEAROBIN nate, elliptical, small and (Prionotus carolinus) whitish in color. Produces small clusters of white or Description: Up to 17” in pink flowers up to 4mm length. Elongate, robust long. Fruits are small (4mm) anteriorly and tapering pos- and shiny blackish or teriorly. Grayish or reddish K. Quaglia brown. above, pale below. Head is large with many ridges and Notes: Seaside knotweed grows on sea beaches, edges of coastal spines. Pectoral fins wing-like, reddish-brown to black above and gray- ponds, saline marsh edges and primary dune pockets. It has been identi- ish or white below. Black spot between fourth and sixth dorsal spines, fied in the primary dune at NGTC. surrounded by a light halo.

Notes: This odd shaped fish is found on the bottom of shallow to deep coastal waters, but migrate offshore and south during winter. It feeds on a variety of invertebrates and fish in the shallow coastal zone. 23 8

COMMON DUNE PLANTS FISH

AMERICAN BEACH GRASS BLUEFISH (Ammophila breviligulata) (Pomatomus saltatrix)

Description: A tall, erect perenni- Description: To 3.5’ and 30 lbs. al grass originating from subsur- Typically to 14 lbs. This elon- face rhizomes (underground gate compressed fish has 7 - 8 stems). Unlike other beach grass- spines on the first dorsal fin, a es, leaf cluster surrounds an elon- deep notched caudal fin and a gated flowering spike. Plants are large head. Bluefish have small 2 - 3’ in height. scales, and prominent, sharp singly arranged teeth. Despite the name, bluefish tend to be more gray or whitish in color. Notes: This most common beach plant at the NGTC provides excel- Notes: This aggressive predator may be observed “blitzing” baitfish in ASGECI lent sand stabilization in the primary dunes. the NGTC shallow coastal zone from the Spring through the Fall.

SUMMER FLOUNDER (Paralichthys dentatus) SEASIDE GOLDENROD (Solidago sempervirens) Description: Females to 37” and 29lbs. Typically much Description: Plants can range 1 - 8’ in smaller, particularly in the surf. height. Leaves thick and fleshy, oblong Highly dorso-ventrally com- or lance-shaped, and smooth. Stem pressed. Long dorsal and anal leaves decreasing rapidly in size up- fins surround the body. Canine wards. Showy yellow flowers consist- teeth are prominent. Color var- ing of 8 - 10 rays forming a large termi- ies from gray, tan or brown with nal cluster. dark spots on the upper side, and whitish on the underside.

Notes: Plant of salt marshes and sandy Notes: Also known as fluke, these aggressive bottom dwellers are an important food and recreational fish. soil near the sea. It is very common and occurs in the primary dune com- STRIPED BASS munity at the NGTC. S. Angus (Morone saxatilis)

Description: Length to 6’ and SEA ROCKET 100+ lbs. Typically much small- (Cakile edentula) er. Heavily built fish with a large mouth and moderately Description: This plant is noted for its compressed body. First dorsal fleshy, branching stems and unusually fin has 8 - 10 stiff spines. Teeth pointed seed pods. Leaves are wavy and are small and the scales are toothed. Flowers are pale lavender and fairly large. The color is bluish 1/4” wide. Plants are typically 6 - 12” in to olive greenish on the back, silvery on the sides, with a whitish belly. height. The sides of the fish have 6 - 9 distinct dark uninterrupted stripes.

Notes: An edible and highly nutritious Notes: Striped bass feed on crabs, fish, worms and mollusks in the plant belonging to the mustard family. NGTC coastal zone. Sea rocket is among the most common species within the primary dune commu- ASGECI nity at the NGTC.

9 22

SWALLOWS COMMON DUNE PLANTS

TREE SWALLOW SOUTHERN BAYBERRY (Tachycineta bicolor) (Morella cerifera )

Description: Length to 6". Long, broad Description: Tall shrub or wings. Shiny blue-green above with small tree that grows approx- whitish throat and underparts. Juveniles imately 10’ tall. Leaves are have grayish-brown upperside with a toothed and alternate. pale grayish breast band. Leaves measure approxi- mately 3” long and are dark Notes: In the early fall, tree swallows green and waxy above and can be found in flocks of hundreds during mi- Ken Thomas pale green below. Fruits are gration within the primary and secondary round, waxy and blue-gray in dune communities at the NGTC. color. They form in clusters on short stalks. Bark on this shrub is gray-brown and BARN SWALLOW smooth. S. Angus (Hirundo rustica) Notes: This shrub provides an important food source for migratory Description: Length to 7". Long, forked tail birds, including yellow - rumped warblers and tree swallows, and can be with white tail spots and long pointed wings. found primarily in the secondary dune community at the NGTC as well as Dark blue-black upperside with whitish to scattered throughout the primary dune community. orange underside. Chin and throat reddish brown. Females are generally not as boldly colored as males and have slightly whiter undersides and shorter tails. Juveniles are similary colored to adults. Martin Mecnarowski POISON IVY Notes: Barn swallows can be observed flying quickly in the primary and (Toxicodendron radicans) secondary dune communities at the NGTC. Native / Nuisance Species

Description: Vine and shrub forms. Shrub form grows up NORTHERN ROUGH - WINGED SWALLOW to 4’ tall. This plant is com- (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) monly identified by its three leaflets. Leaflets are up to 4” long and are dark, shiny Description: Length to 7". Long, forked tail with green above and lighter white tail spots and long pointed wings. Dark green and fuzzy beneath. blue-black upperside with whitish to orange un- Forms grayish-white colored derside. Chin and throat reddish brown. Fe- berries that mature between males are generally not as boldly colored as August and November. ASGECI males and have slightly whiter undersides and These berries are an important food source for wildlife. shorter tails. Juveniles are similarly colored to adults. Notes: The shrub form of this plant is common in the secondary dune communities along the Atlantic Coast. When touched, humans often ex- Notes: Barn swallows can be observed flying hibit an allergic reaction to this plant. Allergic reactions can vary in se- quickly in the primary and secondary dune com- verity and are the reason that this plant is considered a nuisance spe- Dori munities at the NGTC. cies.

21 10

MAMMALS WARBLERS / OTHER SONGBIRDS

RED FOX COMMON YELLOWTHROAT MALE (Vulpes vulpes) (Geothlypis trichas)

Description: Similar in size and ap- Description: Length to 5”. Dull drab pearance to a small dog (35 - 40” in yellow on back and upper wings. length). Generally has reddish fur and Typically bright yellow around the a long bushy tail with a white tip. Un- throat and rump underside. The fe- derparts and chin are white. The male has an olive-brown breastband. backs of ears, lower legs and feet are Males have a distinct black “robber black. mask” band across the eyes, cheeks and above the bill. This band is bor- Notes: This species is a very active dered on its upper edge by a narrow- scavenger and predator at NGTC and NPS er white band. Dan Pancamo presents a significant threat to nest- ing shorebirds at NGTC and else- Notes: This small warbler is a common nesting bird in the dune shrubs of where along the Jersey shore. In ad- the NGTC. Though secretive, its distinct “wichety, wichety, wichety” call dition to small birds and mammals, is a common summer sound in the NGTC secondary dune. foxes at the NGTC eat a variety of fruits and plant material.

Although secretive and typically seen at dawn or dusk, foxes are quite com- mon at the NGTC. Their tracks, scat RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD and dig marks are regularly visible MALE along the beach. The picture to the (Agelaius phoeniceus) Den site at NGTC right shows a fox den in the secondary dune community at the NGTC. Description: Approximately 8.5" in length. Stocky bird with sharp pointed bill. Males are glossy black with a EASTERN COTTONTAIL bright red and yellow shoulder patch. (Sylvilagus floridanus) Females are streaked brown with a buff to whitish eyebrow and are often mis- Description: 15 - 18” in length. taken as sparrows. Juvenile males are Light brown to darker gray in color. similar in color to females but often Relatively long, erect ears; large darker and contain an orangish-colored Bob Jagendorf hind feet; and a white, fluffy shoulder patch. “cotton” tail. FEMALE Notes: An extremely common bird. Notes: Abundant in habitats con- Red-winged blackbirds can be found taining edges of open, grassy fields nesting in the wetland complex or rest- and thorny or shrubby cover. This ing and foraging in the secondary dune Walter Siegmund species may be observed within the pri- community at the NGTC. Very territori- mary and secondary dune areas. Diet consists of grasses and other her- al towards each other and other spe- baceous species in the summer, and woody plant parts, including bark, cies. twigs and buds, in the winter. Evidence including scat and grass clip- pings can be seen throughout the primary dune community.

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WARBLERS MAMMALS / AMPHIBIANS

YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER ATLANTIC BOTTLE NOSED DOLPHIN (Dendroica coronata) (Tursiops truncatus )

Description: Length is approximately Description: Length to 12’. 5.5". Large, long-tailed warbler with a Back is dark gray, sides are stout bill. Yellow rump distinguishes this lighter gray. Dorsal fin near warbler from others. All plumages have center of back. Facial a yellow patch below their wings on the groove between forehead side. Males have a yellow patch on their and snout is distinctive. crown, a white throat, and heavily streaked chest. Females are similarly FEMALE Notes: Backs are typically colored, but duller and may show more Mdf seen arching out of the wa- brown. Juvenile and wintering birds are ter. May be occasionally brownish above and white below, with the yel- seen in the summer and fall low rump and yellow side patches below the in the shallow coastal zone wings. off the NGTC beach. Typical- NASA ly seen traveling in small pods or larger groups. Occasional- Notes: In fall, this warbler may be seen in the ly can be observed feeding on small fish, such as menhaden. secondary dune community among the bayber- ry shrubs. This species is one of a few that is capable of digesting the waxy surfaces of bay- berries. Its ability to eat these berries allows it FOWLER’S TOAD to winter farther north than other warbler spe- (Bufo fowlerii) cies. State Special Concern

Description: Length 2 - 3”. Tannish brown, gray or red- Alan D. Wilson dish in color with a light mid- dorsal stripe. Dark brownish spots cover the upper side of YELLOW WARBLER MALE the toad. Three or more (Dendroica petechia) small warts occur inside each of the large spots. The Description: 5” in length. Plump, underside is light and unspot- short-tailed, thin pointed bill. ted. Tadpoles are dark and S. Angus Dark eye prominent in uniformly 1/4 - 1/2” in length (see lower yellow face. Reddish streaks photo). below the throat in the male, which are absent or faint in fe- Notes: Fowler’s toads are male. Back, wings, and tail yel- common in the sandy soils of lowish-green to olive, with yellow Dominic Sherony central and southern New wing markings and tail spots. Jersey and less common in northern New Jersey. They Notes: Often bobs its tail. Song is rapid, variable and may be interpreted as are typically found in the “sweet-sweet-sweet-I’m-so-sweet.” Favors wet habitats, open woodlands, dune communities at the gardens and orchards. This species nests in the secondary dune community NGTC. The Fowler’s toad during the summer. can also be found breeding in temporary pools at the NGTC. S. Angus 19 12

SHOREBIRDS and ASSOCIATES SHOREBIRDS and ASSOCIATES

GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL NORTHERN GANNET (Larus marinus) (Morus bassanus)

Description: Length to 30” with Description: Length to 32” with blackish backs and white spots on a 72” wingspan. Long pointed the wing tips. Undersides are white. head and tail. Adults are white Legs are pink in color. The eye is with distinctive black wing tips. surrounded by bright red orbital The adult’s yellowish head is ring. Like herring gulls, the adult not easily seen from a distance. has a yellow bill with a red spot. Ju- Juveniles are generally brown veniles are brownish flecked with on both the back and most of more white on the undersides and the underside. Most easily T. Müller back than herring gulls. identified from a distance by their flight behavior. Andreas Trepte Notes: Their deep hoarse call is much lower than that of the herring Notes: Northern gannets are typically seen during the spring and fall gull’s. over the ocean several hundred yards or more from the NGTC beach. HERRING GULL They are easily identified by their distinctive gliding flight and dramatic head first dives when foraging for fish. (Larus argentatus)

Description: Length to 25”. Light gray backs and wings. Undersides are white. Wing tips are darkish in color with white spots. Non-breeding adults have brown streaking on the back of the neck. Juveniles are a DOUBLE-CRESTED fairly uniform brown through their CORMORANT second winter. Wojsyl (Phalacrocorax auritus)

Notes: The herring gull is the most widespread gull at NGTC. Description: Length to 33”. Cor- morant bills are long and hooked at LAUGHING GULL the tip. Adults are primarily black (Larus atricilla) with orange skin near the base of the bill. Their long neck projects Description: Length to 16.5”. Adult while flying and appears as long as breeders have black heads and the tail in flight. First year juveniles deep gray backs. Undersides are are brownish in color. whitish. Legs and bills are deep red on breeding adults. Juvenile colors Notes: Cormorant flocks are often range from brown in their first winter observed at the NGTC silently flying to grayish in the second winter. in a goose–like “V” formation. They Mdf Juveniles and non-breeding adults may also be seen bobbing in the NGTC shallow coastal have a gray-streaked whitish head. zone and diving from the water’s surface for fish. Jcwf

Notes: This species has a distinctive laughing call that starts rapidly and decreases in speed.

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SHOREBIRDS and ASSOCIATES SHOREBIRDS and ASSOCIATES

AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER RING-BILLED GULL (Haematopus palliatus) (Larus delawarensis) State Special Concern Description: Length to 17.5”. Description: Length to 7.5”. Dark brown Adult plumage consists of a pale back and wings with a whitish under- gray back and (upper) wings, side. Its distinctive black neck and black wing tips with a small white head, and long broad orange bill make it spot and a white underside. The easily recognizable. yellow bill is encircled with a broad black ring. Juveniles Notes: The long bill is used to probe for range from mostly brown blotchy mollusks and other invertebrates. This gray and brown. Mdf species has not been reported breeding at the NGTC. Its repetitious whistling K. Quaglia Notes: This gull is typically observed in the intertidal zone of the beach call is quite distinctive and may be heard or in the large maintained fields at the NGTC. at NGTC in the spring and summer. This species is typically seen within the intertidal zone. COMMON TERN SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER (Sterna hirundo) State Special Concern State Special Concern (Non-breeding) Description: Length to 12”. (Larus argentatus) Streamlined body. Adult breed- ers have a deep orange-red bill Description: Length is 6.25”. Pale with a black tip and red legs. The gray brown occasionally with some whitish underside contains more rust coloration. Black bill and legs. gray than Forster’s terns. The Whitish underside with brown tail is usually shorter than the streaking around the neck and wing tips. breast. Gene Nieminen / USFWS Dick Daniels Notes: This bird may be observed foraging for Notes: A bird observed in the NGTC intertidal areas. Its primary food small fish in the shallow coastal zone at the NGTC. source in New Jersey is horseshoe crab eggs. FORSTER’S TERN WILLET (Sterna forsteri) (Catoptrophorus semipalmatus) Description: Length to 13”. Gray- Description: Length to 15”. The back ish back and whitish undersides. and breast ranges from buff gray in non Forster’s terns are less gray than -breeders to flecked brown in breeding common terns. Adult breeders adults. The willet’s dark wings and have a black cap with a orange bill broad white wing stripe are its most and black tip. The tail typically striking features. Willets are stocky projects beyond wingtips. Legs with a long dark, broad probing bill and Mike Baird tend to be bright orange. gray legs.

Notes: This species nests in brackish marshes as op- Will Elder / NPS Notes: Foraging willets are occasionally seen at the NGTC beaches and posed to the sandy beaches typically used by breeding wetlands. common terns. These terns can be observed within the intertidal zone of the beach or flying over the shallow coastal zone. 17 14

SHOREBIRDS and ASSOCIATES SHOREBIRDS and ASSOCIATES

BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER KILLDEER (Pluvialis squatarola) Non-breeding (Charadrius vociferus)

Description: Length to 11.5”. Plover Description: Length is 10.5”. The with a large head and heavy bill. back is brownish or reddish with Non-breeding adults and juveniles a distinct orange rump. Under- are brownish flecked with a whitish parts are pale white. Adults and underside. Breeding adults have a juveniles have two distinct distinctive black underside extend- breast/neckbands. The wings ing to the rump and a white patch on and tail are long and slender. the head cap and back of the neck. Adults may have a dark brow- The back and wings are grayish band and a distinct red iris. flecked. Dick Daniels Downy chicks have a single breastband, a dark brow and eye Notes: Although observed in breeding plumage at NGTC in the spring, band, and very long legs. this species actually breeds in the Arctic tundra. This plover can often Hart_curt be seen in the fields at the NGTC or within the intertidal zone. Notes: The distinctive high pip- ing “killdeer” call of this large SEMIPALMATED PLOVER plover is a common sound in the (Charadrius semipalmatus) fields at NGTC. This species can be seen running or flying low in Description: Length to 7.5”. Brownish back the NGTC beach parking lot dur- and secondary feathers, and a whitish under- ing the summer, often with its side. This plover has a brownish or black eye chicks nearby. This bird nests on band that does not occur in piping plovers. the ground in the NGTC fields The breeding adult’s black forehead and neck- (see above) and will conduct a band are thicker than that of the piping plover. “broken wing” display in which the bird feigns injury to lure ap- Notes: Semipalmated plovers are Arctic tun- proaching predators away from dra breeders. This species is typically found in nests or chicks. the fields at the NGTC or within the inter- S. Angus Donna Dewhurst / USFWS tidal zone. LEAST SANDPIPER SANDERLING (Calidris minutilla) (Calidris alba) State Special Concern Description: Very small – (Non-breeding) length is 6”. Back is rufous or brown with black feather Description: Length is 8”. Non- tips. Breast is brownish. breeding adults have pale gray backs The bill is thin and pointed, and whitish undersides. Breeding slightly drooped and nearly adults have a rust colored neck and the same length as the head. The leading edges of sanderling head. The green-yellow Mdf wings are black followed by a broad white wing stripe. legs are distinct among small sandpipers. Britta Notes: Sanderlings are common in the intertidal zone at the NGTC, par- ticularly during the fall and winter. This species may be seen in groups Notes: This bird is migratory and often seen flying and feeding rapidly running back and forth in the surf following the wave action. in small flocks around the NGTC freshwater wetland. It is most common- ly seen when standing water is present in the spring and fall. 15 16