December 1 - Sandy Hook western vagrants

This morning was spent at Sandy Hook looking for the western rarities that have shown up here recently. I had come here this past Tuesday afternoon, and was only able to see the Ash-Throated Flycatcher at that time. The return trip today again produced this bird:

However today I was able to get amazing views of the Townsend's Solitaire as well. This was a life-bird for me too!. A big thanks goes out to Lloyd Shaw for getting the bird in his scope, and for the others, like John Workman, that initially located the bird.

Afterwards we made a stop looking for the Western Kingbird, and another group alerted us to it's presence. This is the first time I have seen the Western Kingbird within New Jersey.


all photos credited to Dan Murray. More images can be seen at his website here.