March 28 - Garret Mountain

On a cool day that got more raw as the morning progressed, today I birded a few hours with friends Jennifer & Bill.

We saw numerous Brown Creepers, with 4-5 in sight at once on a few occasions. Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers were also seen regularly, and joined the other woodpeckers of Hariy, Downy, Red-Bellied, and Northern Shafted Flicker. A few Phoebes were about, and we got to see a handful of Tree Swallows flying overhead. Other first-of-spring birds included Chipping Sparrows, Golden-Crowned Kinglets, and a lone Rusty Blackbird that gave us extended views.
We heard & then later spotted a male Eastern Towhee.

Lastly we waited out a singing Pine Warbler and got close looks at him, along with a trio of Red-Breasted Nuthatches.

March 27 - Sandy Hook

or for today Breezy Hook, at least on the oceanfront. Once I got on the Bay side it was ok. Got some good views today, despite leaving my spotting scope at home this morning ( doh !) I certainly did a lot more walking today without it.

Highlights were White-Winged Scoters, a Common Loon in near-breeding plumage, Iceland Gull, and a pair of Osprey.

March 21 - Garret Mountain

Phoebe, Creeper, Sapsuckers, Fox Sparrow, Red-Breasted Nuthathes etc

March 7 - Monmouth Birding

Out this morning with friend Bill E, we had some Wood Ducks on a pond in Bayhead, then headed to Manasquan Inlet. There we met up with friend Bill R, and he took us over to the spot in Wall township where we all could enjoy seeing the Sandhill Cranes.


Next we hit some more lakes on our way north. On these lakes we saw the typical species for this time of year.
We stopped in Allenhurst, and Bill E. immediately located a Western Grebe:

Later, just before leaving I was able to get some quick, but definitive, views of a Pacific Loon:
credit: Nick Taylor