Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2000
From: Shawneen Finnegan/Paul Lehman
To: NJ Birds Mailing list
Subject: Varied Thrush in w. Atlantic County
A male Varied Thrush has been coming to feeders at the home of Gene Murtha at 4040 Oak Road in Buena, in far western Atlantic County (north of Vineland) since at least Saturday. The bird was still present this morning (Monday). So far, it comes in fairly regularly all day. Assumably the cold weather and snow cover is "good" for keeping it at the feeders. The bird is typical of Varied Thrushes and appears fairly skittish/shy. Therefore birders need to keep some distance away from the feeders. The owners are happy with people coming to see the bird. Pull in the driveway (number is on the mailbox) and drive to the driveway's end next to the house. The feeders and sunflower seed thrown on the ground will be straight in front of you (also scan the trees at the far end of the yard in front of you). Birders should STAY in their car so as not to flush the bird and/or keep it from coming in. If there is another car blocking your view then of course get out, but please use the cars as partial blinds and don't move around too much. If the bird is scared off too much it might leave the area altogether.
General directions: 4040 Oak Road is located between routes 557 and 40 just a half mile or so east of the village of Buena. So, from the Rtes. 40/557/54 intersection on the east side of town, take either Route 40 or Route 557 east/southeast for just a quarter mile or so, and turn right on to Oak if one is on 40, or left on to Oak if one is on 557.
TO REPEAT: if birders do not remain in their cars or stay still behind their cars the bird will not readily come in and may be scared off permanently. Also, it has already been videotaped, so please do not pursue it with cameras.
Please let Laurie Larson or I know if the bird continues to be seen over the next days so we can post updates as needed.
--Paul Lehman