Sandhill Cranes, Franklin Twp., NJ, Nov. 18, 2014 (photo by Jonathan Klizas)

Two Sandhill Cranes were first reported approximately November 6, earlier in the month than most, if not all, of the previous 7 years they have wintered in the Franklin Twp. area. In today’s blustery, bitter cold (17 degrees F wind chill at 3:30 p.m.) the crane count doubled, as reported this morning by David Bernstein, getting the total closer to the numbers of recent years. The cranes are faithful to the corn stubble field on Randolph Road as they are seen daily at this location for the past two weeks.

From Pete Bacinski, Saturday Nov. 15:
“We had a nice day at the Great Swamp NWR for my All Things Birds field trip. Mike Mandracchia and I hit the Lord Stirling field on Lord Stirling Road and tallied four Cackling Geese. We came back with the group later only to find one still present. Other highlights were a Pied-billed Grebe in the pond by the bridge on Pleasant Plains Road as well as great looks at a male American Kestrel near the Bluebird lot. Scherman-Hoffman provided a bunch of Purple Finches and a Fox Sparrow.”

The Cackling Goose continues at the Lord Stirling equestrian field today (Jim Mulvey via eBird).