birdsoup

As I write this two elements of Hurricane Sandy are competing for attention outside my window. The relentless pounding of rain is attempting to drown out the howling wind. Neither is winning.

Instead my thoughts are focused on the fact that just three weeks ago I was in the exact spot where Sandy is making landfall – the lower tip of NJ and upper Delaware – on a birding trip.

The land is extremely flat, low and near the waters of Delaware Bay and the Atlantic. I recall one side road near Prime Hook NWR that ran right along the water edge. At one point beach sand drifted over the road making driving impossible without 4-wheel drive. That was on a nice day. Can’t imagine what the tidal surge of hurricane would do. The water will rush inland for at least a mile.

Really serious birders love a big storm. Strong winds blow birds far from their usual neighborhoods. Birders rush to the seashore after the storm to look for rarities.
I am happy just to be safe at home, praying that the power won’t go out. I also feel sorry for the poor birds who aren’t as safe and have to survive as best as they can.