West winds blow many flying creatures out to the beach, including this praying mantis. There are also many insects that make their homes at the beach like this sand colored grass hopper. Monarch butterflies that are blown out to sea concentrate in great numbers at Sandy Hook during September and October. This one is feeding on an aster. Notice the proboscis.
Halophytes are plants that tolerate salty environments.
On the bay side you can find sea lavender which is used in dried flower arrangements. It is also known as marsh rosemary and was used by colonists as a moth repellent in their closets. Pickleweed stores salt in special cells and extracts the fresh water for its own use. It is a tasty morsel of the marsh.