New Jersey Scuba Diving

Birds

Daffy Duck

Here is an assortment of birds that might be observed in and around the water. Many of these are just as likely to be found around saltwater, just as many seabirds live happily around freshwater, and even no water.

Mallard Duck

Mallard

Anas platyrhinchos

Size: 20-28"

Habitat: in and around water

Notes:
There are many types of wild ducks, found worldwide in all freshwater and marine environments. The Mallard ( male shown ) is typical. Females are much drabber. Only domestic ducks are white.

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Canada Goose

Canada Goose

Branta canadensis

Size: 25-43"

Habitat: in and around water

Notes:
The cows of the avian world, geese are one of the only types of bird that eat grass. Their large size is necessary to carry all of the required digestive apparatus. Geese are supposed to migrate through our area, leaving only very small resident populations, but they have taken to our grassy parks and campuses so well that now huge populations live here year-round.

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Great Blue Heron

Great Blue Heron

Ardea herodius

Size: 42-52"

Habitat: in and around water

Notes:
These large and majestic birds may be seen wading in the shallows, hunting fish and frogs. They are not as uncommon as you might think but watch from a distance as they do not like to be approached.

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Chimney Swift

Chimney Swift

Chaetura pelagica

Size: 5"-6"

Habitat: anywhere

Notes:
These small songbirds get mentioned here only because they are so common around Dutch Springs. Look for their tail-less dark profiles and irregular, bat-like flight as they catch insects over the water. They probably nest in the abandoned factory nearby. Fork-tailed Barn Swallows are also common.

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Tanks & Hardware

beer can doubles
beer can doubles

Surprisingly, of all the devices that make up an underwater diving kit, the last to be developed was a suitable air reservoir. Demand air valves ( regulators to you and me, ) masks, fins, snorkels, weights, even drysuits may be found in the historical record up to several hundred years ago, but because of material and manufacturing requirements, the high-capacity high-pressure portable air cylinder is a relatively recent development. ( Jacques Cousteau often gets credit for something he did not invent - the demand-valve regulator predates him considerably, although he did much to perfect its application to diving. )

2016 Update

Litigation has caused manufacturers to leave the market, and be replaced by others, who then left, and then others come back. From year to year, there's no telling what brand of tanks may be available, but the specs and recommendations below should apply to any.

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Disclaimer:

I make no claim as to the accuracy, validity, or appropriateness of any information found in this website. I will not be responsible for the consequences of any action that is based upon information found here. Scuba diving is an adventure sport, and as always, you alone are responsible for your own safety and well being.

Copyright © 1996-2026 Rich Galiano
unless otherwise noted

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