February 2016

“It’s a long way down to Cape May,” said Mr. C. “I’d better call ahead.” The Trackers watched Mr. C’s face turn into a serious frown as he spoke to Mrs. Birdsong from the Cape May Bird Observatory. “Yes, I see…oh, my…okay…right, Mrs. Birdsong. Don’t worry. We’re on our way!” “Trackers, that was Mrs. Birdsong from the Cape May Bird read more

Yet, when they passed through Exit 0, everyone grew quiet. They met Mrs. Birdsong in front of the Observatory Visitors Center. She pointed to a map showing the southern point of New Jersey. “We’re a vital part of the North Atlantic Flyway,” she said. “Migrating birds and butterflies stop here to rest and feed before they cross Delaware Bay. They read more

Jamal and Chelsea took the path that led into the overgrown center of the Observatory as dark clouds thickened overhead. “This seems like the most likely place where the Jersey Devil would leave a clue,” surmised Jamal. “The marsh grass is so tall no one would see him.” Chelsea agreed as they walked deeper and deeper into the Observatory. “Jamal, read more

Chelsea scanned the horizon and nodded. “I think you’re on to something, Jamal.” “And look, Chels,” observed Jamal as they walked further along the trail. “The pinecones are arranged in a row, pointing straight ahead. Someone must have placed them here on purpose.” “Or some thing,” whispered Chelsea as she suspiciously peeked at the rustling sea grass. “Do you think read more

Well, Jersey Trackers, I think we’d better head for the Pine Barrens,” declared Mr. C. “We don’t have much time left!” Maya looked doubtful. “Oh, I don’t know, Mr. C, “ she stammered. “Come on, guys! We’re really close now! We can do this!” cried Simon as he raced down the lighthouse‘s circular stairs. “I’m right behind you, Simon! It’s read more

The Trackers and Mr. C know that time is ticking away, and they must move quickly. They have to get from the Cape May Bird Observatory to the Pine Barrens, and after that to Rutgers University in time for the Grand Ceremony. “There’s a lot at stake,” Mr. C said to the kids as he stepped on the gas to read more

A moment later the bookmobile was back on the road. The Trackers ate quietly for a few minutes, and then Maya said, “Um, we’re going to be on the Jersey Devil’s turf. If he sees us there, do you think he’ll attack?” She stopped eating her apple and began to chew nervously on her thumb nail. “Nah,” Simon answered. “He’s read more

A few moments later the sky above the car suddenly darkened. “Uh-oh,” Simon said. But then as quickly as the sky had darkened, it lightened. “Man oh man, did you all see that?” “See what?” Jamal said, looking up from his bird book. “The sky right over our heads, doofus. Didn’t you see it get darker all of a sudden read more

Chelsea joined Simon to search the area. Cooper and Jamal followed. Standing by Mr. C and the bookmobile, Gabby and Maya shared the binoculars and scanned the area. Chelsea and Simon looked along the ground to see if there was another arrow made out of pine cones like the one they’d seen at the Cape May Bird Observatory. “Drat,” Chelsea read more

They drove past the remains of old mills, mines and abandoned towns. As soon as the bookmobile reached the wildlife refuge, the trackers scrambled out and ran toward the building, followed by Mr. C. “We’ll split up in three teams of two Trackers each. Okay, Mr. C?” Simon asked. Off they raced, hoping that if the seeds were there, they read more