Kitchell Pond at Loantaka Brook Reservation in Morris Township has a history of hosting interesting species: Greater White-fronted Goose, Cackling Goose, shorebirds such as 2012’s Long-billed Dowitcher, seasonal species such as Solitary, Spotted, and Least Sandpipers and Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs. Today’s findings by Julie Buechner add to the pond’s legacy. In late afternoon’s fading light, a Pectoral Sandpiper, Dunlin, Sora and a Killdeer were all in the same field of view at the same time. Any one of the first three species of the quartet would be noteworthy enough in Morris County, but all three at the same time is extra-extraordinary for little Kitchell Pond. Incidentally, the pond is in Morris Township but the entire reservation spans the townships of Harding, Morris and Chatham. Those who frequent the place know it for the gem that it is.

The photos below are for ID purposes only. Marginal photo equipment and 6 p.m. light were the best that could be done.

Dunlin, Pectoral Sandpiper, Sora in Morris Co., Nov. 1, 2013 (digiscoped by Jonathan Klizas).

Pectoral Sandpiper in Morris Co., Nov. 1, 2013 (digiscoped by Jonathan Klizas).

Dunlin in Morris Co., Nov. 1, 2013 (digiscoped by Jonathan Klizas).