Orange-crowned Warbler and Red-headed Woodpeckers
An Orange-crowned Warbler found Nov. 10 at Troy Meadows by Roger Johnson put in a brief five second appearance again this morning (Rob Fanning). Anyone wishing to try for this western wanderer should park at the lot marked South Beverwyck Road on the map.
From the parking lot, continue on the wide, mowed Patriots Path to the gas line, turn right on Patriots Path crossing the gas line and eventually going underneath the power line staying on the wide, mowed Patriots Path the entire time (there are many narrower, overgrown secondary paths in the area).
After traveling under the power line you will walk through small trees, bushes and scrub. At one point you will come to the peak of the hill where Patriots Path enters a wooded area. Just before the woods, another path intersects with Patriots Path. Turn left on this other path and continue until you see – yes, here it is: The Blue Pipe.
The Blue Pipe, Troy Meadows, NJ, Nov. 10, 2016 (iPhone photo by Jonathan Klizas))
The Orange Crowned Warbler has been seen at this location for two successive mornings, albeit briefly.
Red-headed Woodpecker, Troy Meadows, NJ, Nov. 11, 2016 (photo by jonathan Klizas)
Also at Troy Meadows are Red-headed Woodpeckers – lots of Red-headed Woodpeckers. In the section of the woods accessed via Alan Drive are approximately 12 Red-headed Woodpeckers (RHWO). This does not account for any other RHWOs that are elsewhere at Troy Meadows.
Red-headed Woodpecker, Troy Meadows, NJ, Nov. 11, 2016 (photo by jonathan Klizas)
Boonton Reservoir
Boonton Reservoir, NJ, Nov. 10, 2016 (iPhone photo by Jonathan Klizas)
The above photo is a view from the footbridge at the north end of Boonton Reservoir looking west towards the Rt. 202 bridge where the Cliff Swallows nest in spring and summer. The dark water mark on the bridge piling is where the typical level is for the reservoir when it is filled to capacity. As one can see, the water level is quite low. In the background is where the Rockaway River feeds into the reservoir. This area is usually filled with water. Increasingly large areas of exposed edge and rocky shoals throughout the reservoir are becoming visible.
Even with the low and diminishing water level, a Common Loon and Horned Grebe were found at the reservoir yesterday, Nov. 10.
Great Cormorant at Lake Parsippany
Great Cormorant, Lake Parsippany, NJ, Nov. 11, 2016 (photo by Jonathan Klizas)
Yet another Great Cormorant was found in Morris County today by Julie (Buechner) Stroffolino, this time at Lake Parsippany. This is the third record this season of this relatively rare species for Morris County.
Is it the same individual that was found at Jefferson Road Pond on October 19 and stayed for one more day? Or the cormorant that spent nearly two weeks at Lake Musconetcong from Oct. 25 through November 6 (photo here)?
All three sightings are of a juvenile and the dates never overlap, so…
Great Cormorant, Lake Parsippany, NJ, Nov. 11, 2016 (photo by Jonathan Klizas)
Incidentally, to anyone looking for the Great Cormorant, do not confuse it with the smaller, immature Double-crested Cormorant which is also at Lake Parsippany.
Double-crested Cormorant, Lake Parsippany, NJ, Nov. 11, 2016 photo by Jonathan Klizas)
Red-headed Woodpeckers at Glenhurst Meadows
Not to be forgotten, Somerset County’s Red-headed Woodpecker hotspot has an update provided by Mike Hiotis from Nov. 7:
“I “saw” 6 Red-headed Woodpeckers (3 ad., 3 imm.) at Glenhurst Meadows 11/7/16. At least one more bird was heard while viewing an adult. Also had 3 Deer Ticks tag along with me so check oneself when walking here.”
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Finis
Thanks for your great reporting. I work full time so I only get to see these birds vicariously through your posts