Jamie Glydon saw Cliff Swallows flying near the Rt. 202 overpass at the Boonton Reservoir this morning. Later, he and I were able to visually confirm two nests under the bridge with the potential for at least another three or more that are out of view. At least eight Cliff Swallows are in the area. Two Cliff Swallows seen on the Greenbank Rd. side of the reservoir are probably part of the same group. Cliff Swallow is not a common nester in Morris County. The New Jersey breeding bird atlas from the 1990’s (Birds of New Jersey by J. Walsh, V. Elia, R. Kane and T. Halliwell (N.J. Audubon Society, 1999)) has confirmed nesting in the southwest part of Morris County, probable in the southern part and possible in the northern section. Unless someone knows otherwise, the Boonton Cliff Swallows represent the only currently active nest of this species in Morris County. Five active nests on the I-287 Bridge in Franklin Township account for the only known nesting colony in Somerset County. The Boonton Cliffs are easily viewed from the footbridge next to the overpass. However, creativity or the skills of Spiderman are necessary to view the nests.

Rt. 202 overpass, Boonton Reservoir – home of the Cliff Swallows (click on the picture for a larger image)

Nest with an adult.

Another occupied nest

(Photos by Jonathan Klizas)

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Elsewhere, Jamie reports that the adult Red-headed Woodpecker continues for a second consecutive summer in the Beaver Swamp of the Tourne in Boonton Township.
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The Taylor Road area of the Rockaway River WMA in Jefferson Township that Tim Vogel reported on yesterday can add Hooded Warbler to its list. This is an interesting area worth exploring further. The Eastern Hemlock section is, unfortunately, under attack from the Wooly Adelgid as shown by the picture below.

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Vickie Schwartz eBirded (listed) three male Dickcissels from Negri-Nepote Grasslands in Franklin Township. This represents a high count for males at this location this year.