Bridgewater Township in Somerset County and especially two county parks in the vicinity of the Raritan River can rightly be labeled as the current Cackling Capital of New Jersey. Friday, Jeff Ellerbusch tallied a total of 17 Branta hutcinsii in North Branch Park (9) and Duke Island Park (8). Cackling Geese of up to 4 individuals have been frequenting these areas for the past month but Friday’s totals smash any local records we are aware of.

Pictures taken by Jeff at North Branch Park digiscoped with a smartphone camera.

Pictures from Duke Island Park: