I love living in Cliffwood Beach, New Jersey.
The birds are attracted to my yard as much by the fish in Treasure Lake off of my backyard, as by the many and varied deciduous trees and shrubs that attract land and water fowl, the red fox, and yes, even the mosquitos.
In Summer months the Barn Swallows take a pretty big hit when the Monmouth County Mosquito Commission orders wetlands kill sprays, but hopefully the flying insects that don't dwell in the marsh will make up for the loss of diet.
When Mission Matawan volunteers came into the the heart of Cliffwood Beach to help a neighbor in need, they were impressed by the white picket fences, the flowing rose shrubs and the rabbits peering out through the dense garden foliage, like Peter Cottontail and family. Some of the streets truly appear as settings for Beatrix Potters stories.
I'll try to put up some photos from around the neighborhood to show you what I mean.
Til then, take care.
