Young Birds of 2014

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Great Swamp NWR, NJ, July 9, 2014 (photo by Chuck Hantis)

Wild Turkeys, Lord Stirling Park, NJ, July 10, 2014 (photo by Jason Denesevich)

Dickcissel(s?) in Franklin Township

The Dickcissel(s?) continues at Negri-Nepote Native Grassland Preserve in Franklin Twp. It can be viewed in the trees and adjoining grassland by making the first right out of the parking lot and following the trail along the tree line. It is suspected that more than one Dickcissel is present at Negri-Nepote but no concrete, indisputable proof is currently available.

A word of caution: there are NO Alder Flycatchers currently in Somerset County. A few reports of this species at Negri-Nepote have entered this eBird reviewer’s review queue recently. The reviewer is disappointed to say the least. There is a family of Willow Flycatchers in the same area where the Dickcissel is being viewed. They can make vocalizations that sound vaguely like an Alder Flycatcher if one uses their imagination. This issue was addressed early this spring in a post here.

That is only part of the issue. Habitat must be taken into account. Alders prefers habitat that has some component of wetness not to mention a more northerly aspect. Negri-Nepote is as dry as a place can get – perfect for Willow Flycatchers which are abundant in this area. Also, Alder Flycatchers do not nest anywhere near Franklin Township.

The calendar is another issue regarding southbound migration. Alder Flycatchers are late arrivals to the nesting grounds and do not depart until much later in the summer – certainly not the second week of July!

So, please be careful and use the available research tools to make a learned observation.

Shorebirds are on the move

Solitary Sandpiper, Negri-Nepote Grasslands, NJ, July 10, 2014 (photo by Jonathan Klizas)

2 Solitary Sandpipers were at Hannah’s Pond at Negri-Nepote this morning (Jeff Ellerbusch, J. Klizas). This is the first summer report of this species in the mocosocoBirds region for 2014.

2 Least Sandpipers were with 13 Killdeer at the Fish Tract in Florham Park (J. Klizas).

Morris Parks Deer Management Schedule

Have you an orange cap or jacket? Morris County Parks released their hunting schedule for 2014. Some of these locations are excellent birding spots in the fall so be aware and be smart. The schedule can be viewed here.