Following up on Tom Halliwell’s post to the Sussex County Bird list earlier in the day, I went to the Washington St., Port Morris section of Lake Musconetcong this afternoon. A pair of alternate plumaged Long-tailed Ducks and four stunning Horned Grebes that were mentioned in his post were present. As a bonus four White-winged Scoters were found as well (2 males; 2 females) – an excellent record for Morris County especially at this date. When first seen, the Scoters, Grebes and Long-tailed Ducks were together as a group towards the northeast central part of the lake but would eventually drift apart slightly according to species. Approximately ten Buffleheads were also on the lake. Two adult Bald Eagles and an Osprey were also present. A few Cliff Swallows were amongst the many Tree, Barn and Northern Rough-winged Swallows and Purple Martins coursing the lake.

Earlier, Tom reported Lesser Scaup, a female Red-breasted Merganser and Bank Swallow on the lake.

Submitted by Jonathan Klizas