Unexpected Wildlife Refuge

Great egret amidst the fall leaves. Winter preparations are being made. The weather is perfect for a hike! Please help us continue to mission of the Unexpected with a donation of any amount. 🦇

Crown-tipped Coral mushroom. The Refuge is home to many different fungi in all shapes and colors signifying a healthy ecosystem. The body of this fungus resembles coral found in the ocean and blooms in the spring through the fall.

Celebrating International Beaver Day! They are the super heroes of the wildlife world given their enormous role as ecosystem engineers.

Captured on one of our trail cams, this American mink was making her way around the Refuge most likely in search of a meal. Mink are nocturnal and solitary, preferring not to encounter humans. Like skunks, minks can defend themselves by spraying a foul smelling substance!

"Who cooks for you?" The Barred owl's call is distinctive and you are more likely to hear them rather than see them. Barred owls do not migrate and stay within close range of their home territory. During March, nesting begins and the female will lay 2-3 eggs. #birds #owls

UWR tabled at Lines on the Pines on March 10th at Stockton University. Trustees Janet Romano and David Sauder staffed the table providing educational materials about the Refuge and its mission to preserve and protect NJ's woodlands and wetlands.

American bullfrog along Bluebird Trail making her way out of the winter slumber. This large true frog is native to eastern North America. Their vocalizations are loud and deep. Frogs are considered to be intelligent and critical thinkers!

Adult male Eastern Bluebird surveying the ground for a meal. These vibrantly colored thrushes have a round head, large eyes and rust colored chest. In February and March, the bonded pair produce their eggs which are - blue!

When the bridge washed out on Unexpected Road many years ago, the township did not wish to rebuild it. If the water level is low, it is possible to hike over the stream. Usually, the water level looks like this and the residents use the access for their own purposes.

Bald eagle perched on a stump in the main pond. Eagles usually build large stick nests close to water and above the forest canopy . They begin courtship and refurbishing of their nest in early January.

Carolina Wren along the boundary trail of UWR by photographer Marc Silver. As the sun emerged yesterday, the birds did, as well, enjoying the warmth after the snow. #unexpectedwildliferefuge #njbirds #carolinawren #njwildlife #wildliferefuge #MarcSilver

Hermit thrush eating a holly berry at UWR. Photo by Marc Silver used with his permission. Marc's photographs are always stunning! Look for him on Facebook and Instagram. More of his photos will be presented here, as well.

The beautiful artwork of Refuge co-founder, Hope Sawyer Buyukmihci, is an example of her connection with the wildlife that shared her living space.

During the winter, beavers collect and store food items near the entrance to their home lodge. This is called a food raft or feedpile. This feedpile is imperative for their survival when the temperatures go below freezing and there may not be access to fresh food.

Another example of the diversity of wildlife thriving on the Refuge - crayfish. New Jersey is home to four species of native crayfish and two introduced species. #unexpectedwildliferefuge #njwildlife #njnature #pinebarrensnj

Ruby-throated hummingbird photographed this summer by Bill Cahill. Bill visits UWR weekly to observe and listen for birds. He has made many 'unexpected' discoveries! Bill will be available for bird walks and talks in the new year. #rubythroatedhummingbird #hummingbird #njbirds

One of the larger beaver lodges this year. Inside, the beavers will have created rooms for their winter living quarters.

A vibrantly colored Autumn meadowhawk spotted at the Refuge today. Photo credit: Bill Cahill. #autumnmeadowhawk #dragonflies #unexpectedwildliferefuge #insects #njinsects

The White Spring moth promises spring will be here in no time. This delicate insect is completely white with a soft fringe along the bottom of translucent wings. They will pupate overwinter and emerge as adults starting in March and April.

Bald eagle at UWR calling out to others in the area.