April 6 - Sussex County birding

Today I took a trip to the northern parts of the state, namely Sussex County. First up was Creek Road in Green Township where I saw an impressive count of approximately 100 Wilson's Snipe. There were a few Greater Yellowlegs also present here. Also seen was a male Northern Harrier, a male & female pair of American Kestrel, Black Vultures, some early Tree Swallows, and a pair of Savannah Sparrows. the ducks were represented by GW Teal, Northern Shovelers, Ring-Necked Ducks, Gadwall and American Wigeon. A lone Snow Goose was a nice surprise.

Up next was a ride thought the Kittitanny State Park whereI saw some nicely plumaged Wood Ducks . A highlight was the beautiful male Red-Shouldered Hawk.
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Lastly I drove around the Wallkill NWR, particularly the Oil City Road area near the New York State line. Bluebirds and Tree Swallows were present, along with Juncos and Tree Sparrows. On the impoundments were Coot, Green Heron, Common & Hooded Mergansers, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Green-Winged and Blue-Winged Teal, and Ring-Necked Ducks.

On the drive home I spotted a Ring-Necked Pheasant.