Dickcissel at Negri-Nepoti Native Grasslands

From Bobby Skrabal:
“I saw a female Dickcissel at Negri-Nepote Native Grassland Preserve this afternoon. It was calling from the top of a dead tree by the beginning of the trails. From the parking lot make the first right, and it was in the patch of trees, where the Woodcocks are usually seen in early spring.”

Red-headed Woodpecker at Glenhurst Meadows

Red-Headed Woodpecker, Glenhurst Meadows, NJ, July 5, 2014 (photo by Robert Gallucci)

Last winter saw one of the largest localized Red-headed Woodpecker irruptions in recent memory. By spring, all seemed to be gone from Morris and Somerset Counties. One was seen and photographed today at Glenhurst Meadows (Robert Gallucci). 3 were reported to eBird from the same location on July 1 (Marc Chelemer).

Celestial Happenings

Conjunction of the moon with Mars and Saturn, July 2014 (courtesy of skyandtelescope.com)

The forecast calls for a few clear nights ahead. Here is another function for that spotting scope you are waiting to use on shorebirds. Point it towards the southwest after sunset and look for the Moon on July 5. Mars will be next it as well as the star, Spica. Saturn is to the east. On July 7, the Moon will be close to Saturn from our earthly viewpoint.