May 24, 2026
My New Book Is Here
I am pleased to report that The Peregrine Falcon from Schiffer Books -- the folks who did such a beautiful…
A recent mystery involved a carving on display at NJ Audubon's Lorrimer Sanctuary.
While I was visiting, sanctuary director Alexa Fantacone gave me a look at a large and ancient collection of taxidermied birds. (Yes, we wore COVID masks and gloves in case any of the birds were preserved with arsenic.)
Some proved to be of value, including several labeled bird skins from the Smithsonian.
Other proved to be mysteries, like this unlabeled young taxidermied shorebird.
What is it?
Assuming this is a species that breeds in New Jersey, favor American Oystercatcher (given the sturdy, dark-appearing bill, although the legs look rather spindly…) over, say, Least Tern or other tern spp.
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Diane
Assuming this is a species that breeds in New Jersey, favor American Oystercatcher (given the sturdy, dark-appearing bill, although the legs look rather spindly…) over, say, Least Tern or other tern spp.