Western Kingbird, Lord Stirling Park, NJ, Oct. 25, 2014 (photo by Michael Zielinski)

A Western Kingbird was viewed and photographed by Michael Zielinski on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014 at Lord Stirling Park, Bernards Twp., Somerset County. Although other historical sightings are rumored, this is the first documented record of Western Kingbird in Somerset County.

Michael’s account follows: “I found the Western Kingbird at the beginning of the main trail running along the eastern side of Branta Pond. Initially, I encountered the bird in a tree adjacent to Branta Pond just beyond the interpretative kiosk. It then flew near the large tree in the field about 100-125′ to the east of the kiosk.”

[The images are cropped from the original photographs – Editor]

Western Kingbird, Lord Stirling Park, NJ, Oct. 25, 2014 (photo by Michael Zielinski)

Western Kingbird, Lord Stirling Park, NJ, Oct. 25, 2014 (photo by Michael Zielinski)