New Jersey’s birdwatching community has spotted a number of rare and exciting species today. Here’s a roundup of the sightings, with links to eBird checklists and maps for those interested in exploring these rare birds further:
- Cackling Goose (1)
- Location: Lenape Park–Pond, Union, NJ
- Reported by: Sam Capone
- Time: 3:30 PM
- Description: A small, frosted brown-backed goose contrasting sharply with others in the flock.
- eBird Checklist
- Map
- Snow x Canada Goose (hybrid) (1)
- Location: 58-60 NJ-173, Hunterdon, NJ
- Reported by: Jordan Parham
- Time: 9:38 AM
- Description: A hybrid goose, showing brownish body feathers, a white belly, and an extensively white neck.
- eBird Checklist
- Map
- Long-tailed Duck (1)
- Location: Hackensack River Point 1, Hudson, NJ
- Reported by: Christopher Takacs
- Time: 10:14 AM
- Description: A female long-tailed duck spotted in Hudson.
- eBird Checklist
- Map
- Sandhill Crane (6)
- Location: Sandman/Shunpike fields, Cape May, NJ
- Reported by: Vince Elia & Barb Bassett
- Time: 9:36 AM
- Description: A continuing sighting of six Sandhill Cranes in Cape May.
- eBird Checklist
- Map
- Dovekie (1)
- Location: Manasquan Inlet, Ocean Co., NJ
- Reported by: Alex Tongas
- Time: 8:30 AM
- Description: A small, black and white alcid with a stubby bill.
- eBird Checklist
- Map
- Black-headed Gull (4)
- Location: Various locations in Ocean, NJ
- Reported by: Chelsea Hockenbury, Bob Leifeste, Jason Kelsey, Robert Dodelson
- Time: 9:00 AM to 12:33 PM
- Description: Continuing sightings of a Black-headed Gull, distinguishable by its pale mantle and black “ear” spot.
- eBird Checklist 1
- Map
- Tricolored Heron (1)
- Location: Island Beach SP, Ocean, NJ
- Reported by: Robert Dodelson
- Time: 10:00 AM
- Description: A tricolored heron that appears to be spending the winter in New Jersey.
- eBird Checklist
- Map
- Black-capped Chickadee (7)
- Location: Sandy Hook, Monmouth, NJ
- Reported by: Multiple observers
- Time: 8:47 AM to 9:27 AM
- Description: Several sightings of this small, inquisitive songbird.
- eBird Checklist 1
- Map
- Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1)
- Location: Black Run Preserve, Burlington, NJ
- Reported by: Scott Errickson
- Time: 4:00 PM
- Description: A tiny, active bird, observed with a Titmouse in the upper stories of hardwood trees.
- eBird Checklist
- Map
- Veery (1)
- Location: Wood Dale County Park, Bergen, NJ
- Reported by: Michael Strother
- Time: 10:13 AM
- Description: A Veery spotted briefly at a close distance.
- eBird Checklist
- Map
- Orange-crowned Warbler (1)
- Location: Home, Camden, NJ
- Reported by: Walt Nadolny
- Time: 7:38 AM
- Description: A very plain, drab warbler observed in Camden.
- eBird Checklist
- Map
These birds are all notable for their rarity, and birders are encouraged to explore these locations while keeping in mind the importance of responsible birdwatching. For further information and to contribute to sightings, visit eBird and use their resources for responsible birding.
