Grasshopper Sparrow, Negri-Nepote Grassland Preserve, NJ, May 31, 2013 (digiscoped by Jonathan Klizas).

(Click on the photo for a larger image).

A Yellow-breasted Chat continues today on Pleasant Plains Road, Great Swamp NWR. As stated in the comment section of yesterday’s post, this is the third Yellow-breasted Chat in Morris County in the past two weeks.

The Blue Grosbeaks of the Tourne have not been reported since Tuesday.

Up to three Dickcissels are being seen at Negri-Nepote Native Grassland Preserve. Two were observed copulating this morning in the field near the intersection of the yellow and purple trails. A fearless Grasshopper Sparrow spent at least 20 minutes holding on to what looks like a cricket as it flew from one perch to the next (see photo above). It came within 15 feet of the people on the path.

Dickcissel, Negri-Nepote Grassland Preserve, NJ, May 31, 2013 (digiscoped by Jonathan Klizas).

From Leslie Webster, May 30:
News from Loantaka Brook Reservation: I was delighted to hear two, possibly three (did one relocate?) Louisiana Waterthrushes singing between Loantaka Way and Kitchell Pond. It seems they are staying. A Yellow-billed Cuckoo “sang”, as well. There were two Great Egrets at Kitchell Pond and one at a farm pond east of Loantaka Way. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird continues to use a small dead tree as a perch, on the west side of Kitchell Pond, joined sometimes by a Willow Flycatcher.