mocosocoBirds

From Jeff Ellerbusch:

There was a Cackling Goose on the western most section of the property this afternoon, easily viewed from the Torpey Athletic Complex. The entire group picked up off the field and put down into the river shortly after I arrived. Wind was absolutely ridiculous, could hardly keep the scope still…the feeding shot below is the only not completely blurred photo.

Also of note was an incredibly small Canada, which has been seen a few times previous. On that note, keep in mind that with the surprising number of Cackling Geese lately, there have also been quite a few very small Canadas. A handfull of these have been startlingly small…and fewer still have not only been startlingly small, but far more importantly, proportionally “odd”.

Would be interesting if some of these were hybrids…

Jeff

One month ago The List of the Birds of Morris County was published on the mocosocoBirds.com web site. It’s companion, The List of the Birds of Somerset County, is posted today. As the Preface for each list states, these are dynamically evolving works and will be added to and enhanced as more records and information become known. A primary supporting argument for doing these on the Internet is that they are infinitely update-able.

Here are the links:
Birds of Somerset County – is the link for the Preface, which gives a brief background.

Here is the List of the Birds of Somerset County.

Birds of Morris County – Preface.

List of the Birds of Morris County.

In the near future, a Year In Review article with highlights of the 2011 birding year in each county will be posted.

Good birding.
—
Jonathan Klizas
http://www.mocosocobirds.com
Morris Township, New Jersey

From John J. Collins:

Greater White-fronted Goose continues at Duke Island Park (seen at 2:45 PM from Old York Rd.) and 9 Rusty Blackbirds just seen (3:16 PM) on ground amid picnic tables at west end of parking lot in front of visitor’s center at same park.

Joe Pescatore found an immature Snow Goose today amongst the many Canada Geese today at Ravine Lake in Far Hills, Somerset County. As with Morris County, Snow Goose is not a common sighting in Somerset as this is only the third record this Autumn and Winter in the county. Joe’s picture of the bird is below.

From John J. Collins:

The Greater White-fronted Goose continues at Duke Island Park. I’m watching it right now (2:52 PM) in the Raritan River. From parking lot C walk to the river to see it.