MAURICE RIVER TWP. — One of New Jersey’s, and nature’s, most remarkable phenomenons is nearing. Hundreds of thousands of Purple Martins and other swallows will nest in the Bayshore region and other parts of southern New Jersey in the tall reeds near the Maurice River Bridge. In celebration of this occurrence the township and Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River and its Tributaries, Inc., along with other partners, are holding the 13th Annual Purple Martin Spectacular on Fridays and Saturdays, Aug. 1, 2, 8 & 9. The Martins are following their instincts by “staging” in large numbers before beginning their mass migration to South America. The birds disperse to forage for insects during the day, building up fat and energy for their long trip. Then, at dusk, they gather to roost in the reeds along the river.  Whether compelled by “safety in numbers” or some other urge, it is an impressive sight as a few early birds then multiply into clouds of thousands before settling for the evening. Observers have a variety of options for viewing the Martins. Purple Martin Festival goers and bird observers can board the Bodacious, which departs at 6:15 p.m. Friday and Saturday from the Longreach Marina, 2806 High St. The three-hour round trip up the river and under the bridge features interpretive naturalists, including local Purple Martin expert Allen Jackson, who will provide commentary and answer questions. The trip includes beverages and desserts and costs $35 per person. To make a reservation and obtain payment information call Doreen Homan at 300-5331 or e-mail doreen.homan@cumauriceriver.org The Cumberland County Improvement Authority provides a viewing platform in the parking lot at the foot of the Maurice River Bridge on the eastern side. Beginning at 7 p.m., participants will be joined by interpretive naturalists from CU Maurice River and NJ Audubon. Onlookers should bring binoculars and wear long sleeves, pants and insect repellent. In addition, paddlers come out in numbers and observe at the Maurice River Bridge and elsewhere. Life jackets and light sticks should be used. Al and Sam’s Canoe and Kayak Rentals is taking reservations for departures from the Bridge except Aug. 8. Call 692-8440 to see if reservation spots remain. Suggested launch time is 6:45 p.m.

MAURICE RIVER TWP. — One of New Jersey’s, and nature’s, most remarkable phenomenons is nearing. Hundreds of thousands of Purple Martins and other swallows will nest in the Bayshore region and other parts of southern New Jersey in the tall reeds near the Maurice River Bridge. In celebration of this occurrence the township and Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River and its Tributaries, Inc., along with other partners, are holding the 13th Annual Purple Martin Spectacular on Fridays and Saturdays, Aug. 1, 2, 8 & 9. The Martins are following their instincts by “staging” in large numbers before beginning their mass migration to South America. The birds disperse to forage for insects during the day, building up fat and energy for their long trip. Then, at dusk, they gather to roost in the reeds along the river.  Whether compelled by “safety in numbers” or some other urge, it is an impressive sight as a few early birds then multiply into clouds of thousands before settling for the evening. Observers have a variety of options for viewing the Martins. Purple Martin Festival goers and bird observers can board the Bodacious, which departs at 6:15 p.m. Friday and Saturday from the Longreach Marina, 2806 High St. The three-hour round trip up the river and under the bridge features interpretive naturalists, including local Purple Martin expert Allen Jackson, who will provide commentary and answer questions. The trip includes beverages and desserts and costs $35 per person. To make a reservation and obtain payment information call Doreen Homan at 300-5331 or e-mail doreen.homan@cumauriceriver.org The Cumberland County Improvement Authority provides a viewing platform in the parking lot at the foot of the Maurice River Bridge on the eastern side. Beginning at 7 p.m., participants will be joined by interpretive naturalists from CU Maurice River and NJ Audubon. Onlookers should bring binoculars and wear long sleeves, pants and insect repellent. In addition, paddlers come out in numbers and observe at the Maurice River Bridge and elsewhere. Life jackets and light sticks should be used. Al and Sam’s Canoe and Kayak Rentals is taking reservations for departures from the Bridge except Aug. 8. Call 692-8440 to see if reservation spots remain. Suggested launch time is 6:45 p.m.

MAURICE RIVER TWP. — One of New Jersey’s, and nature’s, most remarkable phenomenons is nearing. Hundreds of thousands of Purple Martins and other swallows will nest in the Bayshore region and other parts of southern New Jersey in the tall reeds near the Maurice River Bridge. In celebration of this occurrence the township and Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River and its Tributaries, Inc., along with other partners, are holding the 13th Annual Purple Martin Spectacular on Fridays and Saturdays, Aug. 1, 2, 8 & 9. The Martins are following their instincts by “staging” in large numbers before beginning their mass migration to South America. The birds disperse to forage for insects during the day, building up fat and energy for their long trip. Then, at dusk, they gather to roost in the reeds along the river.  Whether compelled by “safety in numbers” or some other urge, it is an impressive sight as a few early birds then multiply into clouds of thousands before settling for the evening. Observers have a variety of options for viewing the Martins. Purple Martin Festival goers and bird observers can board the Bodacious, which departs at 6:15 p.m. Friday and Saturday from the Longreach Marina, 2806 High St. The three-hour round trip up the river and under the bridge features interpretive naturalists, including local Purple Martin expert Allen Jackson, who will provide commentary and answer questions. The trip includes beverages and desserts and costs $35 per person. To make a reservation and obtain payment information call Doreen Homan at 300-5331 or e-mail doreen.homan@cumauriceriver.org The Cumberland County Improvement Authority provides a viewing platform in the parking lot at the foot of the Maurice River Bridge on the eastern side. Beginning at 7 p.m., participants will be joined by interpretive naturalists from CU Maurice River and NJ Audubon. Onlookers should bring binoculars and wear long sleeves, pants and insect repellent. In addition, paddlers come out in numbers and observe at the Maurice River Bridge and elsewhere. Life jackets and light sticks should be used. Al and Sam’s Canoe and Kayak Rentals is taking reservations for departures from the Bridge except Aug. 8. Call 692-8440 to see if reservation spots remain. Suggested launch time is 6:45 p.m.

MAURICE RIVER TWP. — One of New Jersey’s, and nature’s, most remarkable phenomenons is nearing. Hundreds of thousands of Purple Martins and other swallows will nest in the Bayshore region and other parts of southern New Jersey in the tall reeds near the Maurice River Bridge. In celebration of this occurrence the township and Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River and its Tributaries, Inc., along with other partners, are holding the 13th Annual Purple Martin Spectacular on Fridays and Saturdays, Aug. 1, 2, 8 & 9. The Martins are following their instincts by “staging” in large numbers before beginning their mass migration to South America. The birds disperse to forage for insects during the day, building up fat and energy for their long trip. Then, at dusk, they gather to roost in the reeds along the river.  Whether compelled by “safety in numbers” or some other urge, it is an impressive sight as a few early birds then multiply into clouds of thousands before settling for the evening. Observers have a variety of options for viewing the Martins. Purple Martin Festival goers and bird observers can board the Bodacious, which departs at 6:15 p.m. Friday and Saturday from the Longreach Marina, 2806 High St. The three-hour round trip up the river and under the bridge features interpretive naturalists, including local Purple Martin expert Allen Jackson, who will provide commentary and answer questions. The trip includes beverages and desserts and costs $35 per person. To make a reservation and obtain payment information call Doreen Homan at 300-5331 or e-mail doreen.homan@cumauriceriver.org The Cumberland County Improvement Authority provides a viewing platform in the parking lot at the foot of the Maurice River Bridge on the eastern side. Beginning at 7 p.m., participants will be joined by interpretive naturalists from CU Maurice River and NJ Audubon. Onlookers should bring binoculars and wear long sleeves, pants and insect repellent. In addition, paddlers come out in numbers and observe at the Maurice River Bridge and elsewhere. Life jackets and light sticks should be used. Al and Sam’s Canoe and Kayak Rentals is taking reservations for departures from the Bridge except Aug. 8. Call 692-8440 to see if reservation spots remain. Suggested launch time is 6:45 p.m.

MAURICE RIVER TWP. — One of New Jersey’s, and nature’s, most remarkable phenomenons is nearing. Hundreds of thousands of Purple Martins and other swallows will nest in the Bayshore region and other parts of southern New Jersey in the tall reeds near the Maurice River Bridge. In celebration of this occurrence the township and Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River and its Tributaries, Inc., along with other partners, are holding the 13th Annual Purple Martin Spectacular on Fridays and Saturdays, Aug. 1, 2, 8 & 9. The Martins are following their instincts by “staging” in large numbers before beginning their mass migration to South America. The birds disperse to forage for insects during the day, building up fat and energy for their long trip. Then, at dusk, they gather to roost in the reeds along the river.  Whether compelled by “safety in numbers” or some other urge, it is an impressive sight as a few early birds then multiply into clouds of thousands before settling for the evening. Observers have a variety of options for viewing the Martins. Purple Martin Festival goers and bird observers can board the Bodacious, which departs at 6:15 p.m. Friday and Saturday from the Longreach Marina, 2806 High St. The three-hour round trip up the river and under the bridge features interpretive naturalists, including local Purple Martin expert Allen Jackson, who will provide commentary and answer questions. The trip includes beverages and desserts and costs $35 per person. To make a reservation and obtain payment information call Doreen Homan at 300-5331 or e-mail doreen.homan@cumauriceriver.org The Cumberland County Improvement Authority provides a viewing platform in the parking lot at the foot of the Maurice River Bridge on the eastern side. Beginning at 7 p.m., participants will be joined by interpretive naturalists from CU Maurice River and NJ Audubon. Onlookers should bring binoculars and wear long sleeves, pants and insect repellent. In addition, paddlers come out in numbers and observe at the Maurice River Bridge and elsewhere. Life jackets and light sticks should be used. Al and Sam’s Canoe and Kayak Rentals is taking reservations for departures from the Bridge except Aug. 8. Call 692-8440 to see if reservation spots remain. Suggested launch time is 6:45 p.m.

MAURICE RIVER TWP. — One of New Jersey’s, and nature’s, most remarkable phenomenons is nearing. Hundreds of thousands of Purple Martins and other swallows will nest in the Bayshore region and other parts of southern New Jersey in the tall reeds near the Maurice River Bridge. In celebration of this occurrence the township and Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River and its Tributaries, Inc., along with other partners, are holding the 13th Annual Purple Martin Spectacular on Fridays and Saturdays, Aug. 1, 2, 8 & 9. The Martins are following their instincts by “staging” in large numbers before beginning their mass migration to South America. The birds disperse to forage for insects during the day, building up fat and energy for their long trip. Then, at dusk, they gather to roost in the reeds along the river.  Whether compelled by “safety in numbers” or some other urge, it is an impressive sight as a few early birds then multiply into clouds of thousands before settling for the evening. Observers have a variety of options for viewing the Martins. Purple Martin Festival goers and bird observers can board the Bodacious, which departs at 6:15 p.m. Friday and Saturday from the Longreach Marina, 2806 High St. The three-hour round trip up the river and under the bridge features interpretive naturalists, including local Purple Martin expert Allen Jackson, who will provide commentary and answer questions. The trip includes beverages and desserts and costs $35 per person. To make a reservation and obtain payment information call Doreen Homan at 300-5331 or e-mail doreen.homan@cumauriceriver.org The Cumberland County Improvement Authority provides a viewing platform in the parking lot at the foot of the Maurice River Bridge on the eastern side. Beginning at 7 p.m., participants will be joined by interpretive naturalists from CU Maurice River and NJ Audubon. Onlookers should bring binoculars and wear long sleeves, pants and insect repellent. In addition, paddlers come out in numbers and observe at the Maurice River Bridge and elsewhere. Life jackets and light sticks should be used. Al and Sam’s Canoe and Kayak Rentals is taking reservations for departures from the Bridge except Aug. 8. Call 692-8440 to see if reservation spots remain. Suggested launch time is 6:45 p.m.