Sunday, March 6, 2011 – 7:00-9:00 -50 degrees Fahrenheit – relentless rain from 8:00 on.

Friends Blind – Great Swamp N.W.R. Wildlife Observation Center, Long Hill Road, Harding Township, NJ.

Spring Peepers were in fine voice this mild, wet morning.

Three Tundra Swans were present, apparently since yesterday. Other waterfowl species were:

• Wood Duck – 10
• Green-winged Teal – 10
• Mallard – 100
• American Black Duck – 15
• Northern Pintail – 4
• Ring-necked Duck – 4
• Lesser Scaup – 2 drakes
• Bufflehead – 4
• Ruddy Duck – 2

The Scaup were seen briefly as they were usually hidden and were actively diving when they were in view. Both Greater and Lesser Scaup have been reported from this location in the past week. This observer based his identification solely on head shape. One drake showed the classic oval, or even squarish, head shape with the slight peak, or bump, at the corner of the back of the head and a steep forehead of Lesser and not the forward peak of the head and more sloped and rounded appearance that is typical of Greater. Overall this is subjective and a longer look would be preferred to remove any doubt.

It was pouring rain on Pleasant Plains Road at 8:30. The pond near the gated bridge is finally thawed and 12 Ring-necked Ducks were present. Osborne Pond on Lee’s Hill Road at the terminus of Pleasant Plains Road is also thawed at last. 20 Ring-necked Ducks were present there.

Prepared by Jonathan Klizas