Little Blue Heron, Hanover Twp., NJ, Aug. 20, 2013 (digiscoped by Jonathan Klizas).

(Click on the photo for a larger image).

A juvenile Little Blue Heron spent the afternoon at Melanie Lane Wetlands stalking and hunting on the north side of the pond. At approximately 6:30 p.m., the Little Blue flew up, up and away and out of the area. It did not return. This is the second Little Blue Heron for Morris County in 2013. The first was in Millington (Long Hill Twp.) on April 28. This is a rare species for Morris County with only one report in 2012 and scattered few before that. Somerset County has them slightly more frequently. As this is being written, news has reached me that this individual may have been present yesterday. Otherwise, today in Melanie there were 2 Great Egrets, a Great Blue Heron, Solitary Sandpiper and Killdeer.

Little Blue Heron, Hanover Twp., NJ, Aug. 20, 2013 (digiscoped by Jonathan Klizas).

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As of last evening, Aug. 19, an Olive-sided Flycatcher was still in the vicinity of the north gate and overlook on Pleasant Plains Rd., Great Swamp. This represents the third straight day for whats is alleged to be the same individual. There are no reports today.