Boonton Reservoir, NJ, Dec. 17, 2014 (photo by Jonathan Klizas)

(Click on the photo for a larger image).

Good luck to all of the participants in the Great Swamp/Watchung Ridges Christmas Bird Count (CBC), Saturday, Dec. 20 and the Boonton CBC on Sunday, Dec. 21. No precipitation is forecast for either day. Temperatures will range from a high of 35 degrees F on Saturday to 42 degrees F on Sunday.

From Roger Johnson today at the Lincoln Park Gravel Pits:
1 female Northern Shoveler, 15 Gadwall, 5 Am. Black Ducks, 24 Hooded Mergansers, 85 Common Mergansers, 2 adult Bald Eagles, 1 Great Black-backed Gull, 1 Winter Wren. Water levels are high.

8 Sandhill Cranes at Randolph Road, Franklin Township continue as reported by many observers today.

On Thursday, Dec. 18, Jeff Ellerbusch found 3 Snow Geese, 9 Cackling Geese and over 5,000 Canada Geese between North Branch Park, Duke Island Park, Studdiford Lane, the South Branch of the Raritan River and Opie Road.

Jim Zamos

The New Jersey birding community was saddened to hear of the passing of Jim Zamos this morning. Jim brought a vitality and passion for birding and butterflies well into his 80’s that many people one-third his age marveled at. Jim was a good soul, a wonderful birding colleague and a great friend to all the many people whose lives he touched. He will be greatly missed.

The next time you are in the field, raise your binoculars as a toast in celebration of Jim’s life.

Good birding, Jim.

Finis