Dickcissels, Little Blue Heron, July 12, 2014

Posted on July 12, 2014 by Jonathan Klizas

Dickcissels at Negri-Nepote Native Grassland Preserve

Enough visual evidence by multiple observers confirms that at least three Dickcissels are in summer residence at Negri-Nepote Native Grassland Preserve in Franklin Township. Chris Thomas managed a few photos of bashful Dickcissels hiding behind leaves. It appears that a female is attending to two juveniles. The photos take some imagination but the birds were seen under better conditions and are verified as Dickcissels.

Click on the photos for a larger image.

Dickcissels at Negri-Nepote Grasslands, NJ, July 12, 2014 (photo by Chris Thomas)

Dickcissels at Negri-Nepote Grasslands, NJ, July 12, 2014 (photo by Chris Thomas)

Dickcissels at Negri-Nepote Grasslands, NJ, July 12, 2014 (photo by Chris Thomas)

Dickcissels at Negri-Nepote Grasslands, NJ, July 12, 2014 (photo by Chris Thomas)

Little Blue Heron at Finderne Wetlands

A Little Blue Heron found yesterday, July 11, at Finderne Wetlands by Jeff Ellerbusch continues today (Chris Thomas).

Little Blue Heron, Finderne Wetlands, July 11, 2014 (photo by Jeff Ellerbusch)
Little Blue Heron

Blue Grosbeaks in Somerset County

A Blue Grosbeak is on Opie Road in Branchburgh Township today (Chris Thomas). A Blue Grosbeak was reported earlier in June in the same area.

Blue Grosbeak, Branchburg, Twp. (photo by Chris Thomas)
Blue Grosbeak

Another Blue Grosbeak was at Finderne Wetlands yesterday, July 11 (Jeff Ellerbusch).

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Thursday Bird Notes; Morris Deer Management Schedule, July 10, 2014

Posted on July 10, 2014 by Jonathan Klizas

Young Birds of 2014

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Great Swamp NWR, NJ, July 9, 2014 (photo by Chuck Hantis)

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Great Swamp NWR, NJ, July 9, 2014 (photo by Chuck Hantis)

Wild Turkeys, Lord Stirling Park, NJ, July 10, 2014 (photo by Jason Denesevich)

Wild Turkeys, Lord Stirling Park, NJ, July 10, 2014 (photo by Jason Denesevich)

Dickcissel(s?) in Franklin Township

The Dickcissel(s?) continues at Negri-Nepote Native Grassland Preserve in Franklin Twp. It can be viewed in the trees and adjoining grassland by making the first right out of the parking lot and following the trail along the tree line. It is suspected that more than one Dickcissel is present at Negri-Nepote but no concrete, indisputable proof is currently available.

A word of caution: there are NO Alder Flycatchers currently in Somerset County. A few reports of this species at Negri-Nepote have entered this eBird reviewer’s review queue recently. The reviewer is disappointed to say the least. There is a family of Willow Flycatchers in the same area where the Dickcissel is being viewed. They can make vocalizations that sound vaguely like an Alder Flycatcher if one uses their imagination. This issue was addressed early this spring in a post here.

That is only part of the issue. Habitat must be taken into account. Alders prefers habitat that has some component of wetness not to mention a more northerly aspect. Negri-Nepote is as dry as a place can get – perfect for Willow Flycatchers which are abundant in this area. Also, Alder Flycatchers do not nest anywhere near Franklin Township.

The calendar is another issue regarding southbound migration. Alder Flycatchers are late arrivals to the nesting grounds and do not depart until much later in the summer – certainly not the second week of July!

So, please be careful and use the available research tools to make a learned observation.

Shorebirds are on the move

Solitary Sandpiper, Negri-Nepote Grasslands, NJ, July 10, 2014 (photo by Jonathan Klizas)

Solitary Sandpiper, Negri-Nepote Grasslands, NJ, July 10, 2014 (photo by Jonathan Klizas)

2 Solitary Sandpipers were at Hannah’s Pond at Negri-Nepote this morning (Jeff Ellerbusch, J. Klizas). This is the first summer report of this species in the mocosocoBirds region for 2014.

2 Least Sandpipers were with 13 Killdeer at the Fish Tract in Florham Park (J. Klizas).

Morris Parks Deer Management Schedule

Have you an orange cap or jacket? Morris County Parks released their hunting schedule for 2014. Some of these locations are excellent birding spots in the fall so be aware and be smart. The schedule can be viewed here.

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Yes, there is a Dickcissel at Negri-Nepote, and other field notes, July 7, 2014

Posted on July 7, 2014 by Jonathan Klizas

In case anyone doubted the accuracy of July 5th’s report of a Dickcissel at Negri-Nepote Native Grassland Preserve, the empirical evidence is forthwith:

Dickcissel, Negri-Nepote Grassland Preserve, NJ, July 7, 2014 (photo by Jeff Ellerbusch)

Dickcissel, Negri-Nepote Grassland Preserve, NJ, July 7, 2014 (photo by Jeff Ellerbusch)

(Click on the photo for a larger image.)

The Dickcissel was seen this afternoon by the original finder, Bobby Skrabal, and Jeff Ellerbusch. It was in the same location as on Saturday: “From the parking lot make the first right, and it was in the patch of trees, where the Woodcocks are usually seen in early spring.”

The usual 6 Grasshopper Sparrows are also at the grasslands (J. Ellerbusch).

Other Field Notes

How flooded is the little known area in Florham Park named the Fish Tract?

Osprey at Fish Tract, Florham Park, NJ, July 7, 2014 (photo by Jonathan Klizas)

Osprey at Fish Tract, Florham Park, NJ, July 7, 2014 (photo by Jonathan Klizas)

Enough to lure an Osprey for a look. This former farm land on the Passaic River is now a lake after the rain of the past weekend. The habitat at this place is changeable. 18 Killdeer were here last week when the water was nearly drained out. Only 2 were noticed today as all the mud is submerged.

The typical birds of Wildcat Ridge in Rockaway Twp. were evident today. Plants and butterflies may be late in their schedules this year but there is an increasing number and diversity of butterflies including the Hoary Edge Skipper (Achalarus lyciades) below.

Hoary Edge Skipper, Wildcat Ridge, NJ, July 7, 2014 (photo by Jonathan Klizas)

Hoary Edge Skipper, Wildcat Ridge, NJ, July 7, 2014 (photo by Jonathan Klizas)

Odonates are currently abundant at Wildcat Ridge. A female Arrowhead Spiketail (Cordulegaster obliqua) posed for the photo below.

Female Arrowhead Spiketail (Cordulegaster obliqua ), Wildcat Ridge, NJ, July 7, 2014 (photo by Jonathan Klizas)

Female Arrowhead Spiketail (Cordulegaster obliqua ), Wildcat Ridge, NJ, July 7, 2014 (photo by Jonathan Klizas)

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Sunday Bird Notes, July 6, 2014

Posted on July 6, 2014 by Jonathan Klizas

Red-headed Woodpecker in Morris County

Red-headed Woodpecker, Long Hill Twp., NJ, July 6, 2014 (photo by Jonathan Klizas)

Red-headed Woodpecker, Long Hill Twp., NJ, July 6, 2014 (photo by Jonathan Klizas)

(Click on the photo for a larger image.)

Two reports this week of Red-headed Woodpeckers at Glenhurst Meadows, Somerset County (see this post), motivated this writer to check on the bi-county roaming of this species. Sure enough, an adult was seen and heard in the flooded woodlands of the Long Hill Wetlands in Morris County between the Passaic River and the power line. In relation to Glenhurst Meadows this sighting is east of the river trail where the Red-headed Woodpeckers were seen at Glenhurst. Long Hill Wetlands is north of the Passaic River across from Glenhurst Meadows and is described here in a mocosocoBirds post from August 2013.

The wetlands are just that. One can walk the length of the gravel roadway next to the power line, but it is a wet and wild journey north, south and beyond that. In other words, mobility is very limited.

A female Great Blue Skimmer (Libellula vibrans) is also a nice find in Morris County. This is an uncommon odonate in northern New Jersey.

Female Great Blue Skimmer, Long Hill Twp., Morris County, NJ, July 6, 2014

Female Great Blue Skimmer (Libellula vibrans), Long Hill Twp., NJ, July 6, 2014 (photo by J. Klizas)

The Members Only Martins of Mendham

Purple Martin, Lewis Morris Park, NJ, July 5, 2014 (photo by J. Klizas)

Purple Martin, Lewis Morris Park, NJ, July 5, 2014 (photo by J. Klizas)

In the recent past, the Mendham Golf and Tennis Club lured Purple Martins to nest on the club’s property. Three years ago, local birders noticed an interesting summer evening pattern at Sunrise Lake at Lewis Morris Park. Barn Swallows will hawk insects over the lake and then occasionally rest on the vacant sandy beach. Except – they weren’t alone. One day Purple Martins showed up and joined the beach party. As many as 13 have been witnessed in attendance over the years although usually the number is 3 to 4. The Martins can be seen flying west towards the Golf and Tennis Club as daylight fades, about 1.4 miles away as the Martin flies.

Purple Martin, Lewis Morris Park, NJ, July 5, 2014 (photo by J. Klizas)

Purple Martin, Lewis Morris Park, NJ, July 5, 2014 (photo by J. Klizas)

Purple Martins, Lewis Morris Park, NJ, July 5, 2014 (photo by J. Klizas)

Purple Martins, Lewis Morris Park, NJ, July 5, 2014 (photo by J. Klizas)

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Dickcissel, Red-headed Woodpecker, July 5, 2014

Posted on July 5, 2014 by Jonathan Klizas

Dickcissel at Negri-Nepoti Native Grasslands

From Bobby Skrabal:
“I saw a female Dickcissel at Negri-Nepote Native Grassland Preserve this afternoon. It was calling from the top of a dead tree by the beginning of the trails. From the parking lot make the first right, and it was in the patch of trees, where the Woodcocks are usually seen in early spring.”

Red-headed Woodpecker at Glenhurst Meadows

Red-Headed Woodpecker, Glenhurst Meadows, NJ, July 5, 2014 (photo by Robert Gallucci)

Red-Headed Woodpecker, Glenhurst Meadows, NJ, July 5, 2014 (photo by Robert Gallucci)

Last winter saw one of the largest localized Red-headed Woodpecker irruptions in recent memory. By spring, all seemed to be gone from Morris and Somerset Counties. One was seen and photographed today at Glenhurst Meadows (Robert Gallucci). 3 were reported to eBird from the same location on July 1 (Marc Chelemer).

Celestial Happenings

Conjunction of the moon with Mars and Saturn, July 2014 (courtesy of skyandtelescope.com)

Conjunction of the moon with Mars and Saturn, July 2014 (courtesy of skyandtelescope.com)

The forecast calls for a few clear nights ahead. Here is another function for that spotting scope you are waiting to use on shorebirds. Point it towards the southwest after sunset and look for the Moon on July 5. Mars will be next it as well as the star, Spica. Saturn is to the east. On July 7, the Moon will be close to Saturn from our earthly viewpoint.

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Birding Week in Review, July 4, 2014

Posted on July 4, 2014 by Jonathan Klizas
Black-crowned Night-Heron, Parsippany, NJ, July 3, 2014 (photo by Jonathan Klizas)

Black-crowned Night-Heron, Parsippany, NJ, July 3, 2014 (photo by Jonathan Klizas)

(Click on the photo for a larger image.)

The Night-Herons of Parsippany are the main attraction in Morris County. Both the Yellow and Black-crowned Night-Herons are near the bridges at Jefferson Road Pond. Finding enough Crayfish and other food to satiate them (two Black-crowned Night-Herons spent the entire spring at the pond), these birds may stay into October as did 2013’s Night-Herons.

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Parsippany, NJ, July 3, 2014 (photo by Jonathan Klizas)

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Parsippany, NJ, July 3, 2014 (photo by Jonathan Klizas)

A Yellow-breasted Chat and Acadian Flycatcher continue in the Great Swamp along White Bridge Road (Simon Lane).

A pair of singing Kentucky Warblers is present in Long Valley (Alison Goesling).

The Summer Tanagers of Lord Stirling Park appear to be officially gone as they have not been positively reported since June 21 despite several attempts at finding them. A nest was built but abandoned.

Swallow numbers are growing. Be careful with identification especially Tree and Bank Swallows. Traditionally, Bank Swallows do not nest anywhere in Somerset County or southern Morris County (based on the NJ Breeding Bird Atlas data of the 1990s and current knowledge). Conversely, Bank Swallows are early fall migrants, “…with a peak from mid-July to Mid-August” (The Birds of New Jersey: Status and Distribution, William J. Boyle, Jr. Princeton Univ. Press, 2011).

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Young birds; Night-Heron photos, July 1, 2014

Posted on July 1, 2014 by Jonathan Klizas

Family Photos from the Great Swamp NWR

July is a month of transition. Bird song will diminish as the month progresses and south bound migration will start heating up. Right now is a great time to get out and view all of the growing avian families. This morning, a drive on Pleasant Plains Road in the Great Swamp NWR from the Fenske Visitor’s center to the overlook displayed a family of 5 Orchard Orioles, 4 Eastern Kingbirds on a wire, 4 Brown Thrashers on the gravel road near the overlook, a parent Yellow Warbler feeding a newly fledged but still downy feathered HY (Hatchling Year) individual by Great Brook and freshly fledged members of every species everywhere one looked.

Brown Thrashers, Great Swamp NWR, July 1 ,2014 (photo by Jonathan Klizas)

Brown Thrashers, Great Swamp NWR, July 1 ,2014 (photo by Jonathan Klizas)

Eastern Kingbirds, Great Swamp NWR, July 1 ,2014 (photo by Jonathan Klizas)

Eastern Kingbirds, Great Swamp NWR, July 1 ,2014 (photo by Jonathan Klizas)

The Night-Herons of Parsippany

Photos by Chuck Hantis.

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron eating a crayfish at Jefferson Road Pond.

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Parsippany, NJ, July 1, 2014 (photo by Chuck Hantis)

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Parsippany, NJ, July 1, 2014 (photo by Chuck Hantis)

One of the Black-crowned Night-Herons present at Jefferson Road Pond all spring and into the summer.

Black-crowned Night-Heron, Parsippany, NJ, July 1, 2014 (photo by Chuck Hantis)

Black-crowned Night-Heron, Parsippany, NJ, July 1, 2014 (photo by Chuck Hantis)

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Prothonotary Warbler and Yellow-breasted Chat at Great Swamp NWR, June 30, 2014

Posted on June 30, 2014 by Jonathan Klizas

From Marc Chelemer:
There was a lone Prothonotary Warbler at Great Swamp NWR in the small pond on the right side of the road after you’ve crossed the bridge if you’ve walked from the Overlook. It was sitting on low branches right over the water, flycatching. Yellow head and breast (not the orangey-yellow of a full adult male), grey wings and back, white belly. The bird did not sing. Very active. In the same area was a White-eyed Vireo dueling with a Warbling Vireo.

Also along Pleasant Plains Road in the woods just east of the Overlook, a very young (unable to fly) American Woodcock hopped across the road.

In the brushy field north and west of the intersection of Pleasant Plains and Whitebridge, way back behind the trees, the singing Yellow-breasted Chat continued.

All these birds and 43 other species were seen or heard between 7:30 and 8:45 AM this morning.

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Winter Wrens and other field notes, June 29, 2014

Posted on June 29, 2014 by Jonathan Klizas

Yesterday, June 28, a Winter Wren was recorded singing along the Timberbrook Trail north of its intersection with the Four Birds Trail in Rockaway Twp. (David Bernstein). A snippet of its song is below:
Winter Wren, Rockaway Twp., NJ, June 28, 2014, recorded by David Bernstein. An Acadian Flycatcher was in the same area, as well.

Today, another Winter Wren was found on Berkshire Valley Road near Taylor Road in Rockaway Twp. (Tim Vogel).

Winter Wren is a traditional nester in northern Morris County as illustrated by breeding bird atlas data from the 1990s where breeding was confirmed in two separate blocks and possible or probable in five other blocks. All of these records are from the Morris Highlands. In 2013, a Winter Wren was heard singing throughout June on Snake Hill Road in Rockaway Twp.

From Tim Vogel:
A 4 wren day

  • Winter Wren – Bershire Valley Rd., Jefferson
  • House Wren – Denville
  • Carolina Wren – Denville
  • Marsh Wren – Troy Meadows boardwalk

Also:

  • Blue-headed Vireo – Berkshire Valley Rd.
  • Blue-winged Warbler – Berkshire Valley Rd.
  • Bald Eagle (1 adult) at Whippany River, very close, calling, as well as 3 Great Egrets, Great Blue Heron and Green Heron.

Tim Vogel – Denville

The Yellow-crowned Night-Heron of Parsippany continues today at Jefferson Road Pond. The photo below is by Chris Thomas.

Yellow-crowned Night-heron

Bobolinks are enjoying a better than usual season in Morris County in 2014. At least 7 Bobolinks are at Margetts Field in Harding Township (J. Klizas).

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Friday Bird Notes, June 27, 2014

Posted on June 27, 2014 by Jonathan Klizas
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Parsippany, NJ, June 26, 2014 (photo by Jonathan Klizas)

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Parsippany, NJ, June 26, 2014 (photo by Jonathan Klizas)

(Click on the photo for a larger image.)

The return of the Yellow-crowned Night-Heron to Jefferson Road Pond caused the biggest stir this week in Morris County. Thought to be a juvenile at first look, it is a 2nd year bird undergoing a molt (thanks to Julie Buechner’s sharp eyes for pointing this out). This means that it is possibly a returnee from last year when it was a juvenile.

Here is one of the two juveniles at Jefferson Road Pond in 2013. This photo is taken at the exact same location as the one above, on the rocks in between the Jefferson Road bridge and the foot bridge:

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Parsippany, NJ, Sep. 14, 2013 (digiscoped by Jonathan Klizas).

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Parsippany, NJ, Sep. 14, 2013 (digiscoped by Jonathan Klizas).

Thanks to all who changed their eBird location to the Jefferson Road hotspot. Please do so if you haven’t yet done so. Here are the instructions on how to accomplish this.

The Summer Tanagers of Lord Stirling Park are last reported on June 21. They were not seen yesterday despite searching. The Yellow-breasted Chats of Lord Stirling Park and the Great Swamp NWR are not reported since June 8 and 14 respectively.

Eastern Wood-Pewee feeding, Lord Stirling Park, June 26, 2014 (photo by J. Klizas)

Eastern Wood-Pewee feeding, Lord Stirling Park, June 26, 2014 (photo by J. Klizas)

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