New Jersey’s birding community has been abuzz this April with a remarkable array of rare and noteworthy species spotted across the state. From the marshes of Hudson County to the coastal wetlands of Cape May, birdwatchers have been treated to exceptional sightings. Here’s a comprehensive roundup of the most significant observations:
🦢 Waterfowl & Waterbirds
- Snow Goose (Anser caerulescens)
Two individuals were reported in Hunterdon County: one at Hamden Pumping Station, observed by Narasimhan Sundaram on April 29, and another at Spruce Run Recreation Area, noted by Frank Sencher Jr. on the same day. eBird - Redhead (Aythya americana)
A single Redhead was spotted in Cape May County on Conswell Road, Middle Township, by Carol Mardeusz on April 29. eBird - White-winged Scoter (Melanitta deglandi)
Confirmed sightings of this species were reported at Liberty State Park in Hudson County on April 25 and 26 by Milly Alfano. eBird - Common Merganser (Mergus merganser)
Multiple reports came from Liberty State Park in Hudson County and Lake Shenandoah County Park in Ocean County, with sightings on April 25, 26, and 29. eBird - King Rail (Rallus elegans)
A confirmed call of this elusive species was recorded at Lincoln Park West in Hudson County on April 29 by Cliff Miller. eBird - Sandhill Crane (Antigone canadensis)
Three Sandhill Cranes were observed circling Cape May Point State Park in Cape May County on April 28 by the Cape May Bird Observatory. eBird - Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus)
Multiple sightings were reported at Manahawkin Wildlife Management Area in Ocean County on April 29, with several observers documenting this striking shorebird. eBird - American Golden-Plover (Pluvialis dominica)
Confirmed sightings were made at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge in Atlantic County on April 29, with observers Michael Delesantro and Terryl Tindall. eBird
🐦 Songbirds & Migrants
- Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus)
A well-documented sighting occurred at Sparta Mountain in Sussex County on April 29, with photos provided by Matthew Skalla. eBird - Western Kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis)
This western species was reported at a private location in Burlington County on April 29. eBird - White-eyed Vireo (Vireo griseus)
A single individual was observed in Essex County on April 29. eBird - Purple Martin (Progne subis)
A solitary Purple Martin was spotted in Passaic County on April 29. eBird - Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa)
Two individuals were reported in Atlantic County on April 29. eBird - Veery (Catharus fuscescens)
Multiple sightings were reported across Essex, Ocean, and Union counties, with a total of nine individuals observed on April 29. eBird - Swainson’s Thrush (Catharus ustulatus)
A single Swainson’s Thrush was reported in Middlesex County on April 29. eBird - House Sparrow (Gray-cheeked) (Passer domesticus)
Two individuals with distinctive plumage were observed in Passaic County on April 29. eBird - Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus)
A solitary Purple Finch was reported in Essex County on April 29. eBird - Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra)
An individual of the Northeastern or Type 12 subspecies was observed in Ocean County on April 29. eBird - Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum)
A single Grasshopper Sparrow was reported in Warren County on April 29. eBird - Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida)
A solitary Clay-colored Sparrow was observed in Passaic County on April 29. eBird - Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)
Multiple sightings were reported in Atlantic, Mercer, and Somerset counties, with a total of four individuals observed on April 29. eBird - Lincoln’s Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii)
A single Lincoln’s Sparrow was reported in Bergen County on April 29. eBird - Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus)
An individual of the Red-eyed subspecies was observed in Ocean County on April 29.
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