All my life I have been going to the New Jersey beaches and not once have I ever explored the coast line of the Delaware Bay. I did just that over the past Memorial Day weekend as a continuation of my study of the impact on shorebird migration due to over harvesting of Horsehoe Crabs

I explored the coastal bay areas along routes 47 and 553 near the Maurice River. Reeds Beach, Thompsons Beach, Heislerville, Delmont, and the East Point Lighthouse area. There are numerous places with elevated observation areas. The muddy flats and tidal pools are teaming with shorebirds such as Sandpipers, Dunlins, Plovers, Redknots, Ruddy Turnstones, and Gulls all feeding on Horseshoe Crab eggs.

Shore Bird Migration

N. J. Fish & Wildlife

Horseshoe Crabs of the Delaware Bay