About RRBO

Raccoon Ridge Bird Observatory is probably one of the newest (and is definitely one of the oldest) bird observatories in the United States. The "new" RRBO officially opened on June 24, 2006 - just a little less than one year ago, but our predecessor was the original RRBO formed in 1973. It was the first observatory in New Jersey, and one of only five observatories in the country at that time. Read a brief history of the original RRBO here.

Who We Are

RRBO is an independent, not-for-profit organization. Our goals are to promote the appreciation and conservation of birds and their habitats through research and education. We are staffed by volunteers and welcome visitors.

Where We Are

RRBO is located just across the road from our original location in 1977, on the grounds of the LinWood MacDonald YMCA Retreat Center in Sussex County, NJ.

Our new observatory building houses the library, banding lab, and developing nature center.

Directions to RRBO:

We are located at One Flatbrook Road, just off Rt. 206 north of Culver's Lake, NJ.

From points south: find your way to Rt. 206 north (Rt. 80 to Rt. 15 to Rt. 206). Getting close, you will pass Culver's Lake, and the entrance to Stokes State Forest. Continue on Rt. 206. About a mile after the Fratelli's Restaurant and the RV dealer on your left, turn right on Flatbrook Road. There is a sign at the turn for Linwood MacDonald. We are about half a mile down Flatbrook on the left - you will see the RRBO building from the road.

From points North/West: from PA, find your way to the Milford Bridge, which will put you on Rt. 206 south. Stay on Rt. 206 South through Hainesville. You will come down a long hill - turn left onto Flatbrook Road and follow above directions. From Port Jervis, NY: take Rt. 23 south to Clove Road (1st right after Dairy Queen, before going the mountain to High Point). Clove Rd. will bring you to Rt. 206. Turn left on Rt. 206 south and follow above directions.

If you are coming from PA and prefer Dingman's Bridge, continue through Layton to Rt. 206. Turn left on Rt. 206 north ( Fratelli's Restaurant is on the corner) and follow above directions to Flatbrook Rd.

Visitors:

RRBO welcomes visitors but we suggest you call ahead to be sure we will be available on the day of your visit.

908-442-0976

Clearly, Some Things Have Changed!

Some things have certainly changed over the years. During the 1970s and 80s, when the original RRBO was in operation in this area, bears just weren't an issue. At that time there were less than 100 bears in the state. If they were in the area, they were off and running before we ever saw them - which was never. Not once.

That scenario is probably the most dramatic change that we have observed. Bears are most definitely here - this area has one of the highest population concentrations in the state. For the most part, the bears are timid and stay away from people. However, there are those that have become accustomed to raiding garbage piles and bird feeders, and regularly wander close to buildings, cars, people, and even some dogs.

For this reason, we shamelessly wait to open nets until there is sufficient daylight to see what may be lurking in the shadows.

Another change: TICKS!

There were few ticks in the area in the 70s and 80s. Unfortunately, ticks are rampant and are a bigger problem than bears, though the bears receive more press. Visitors are encouraged to follow suggested guidelines for being outdoors in tick country.