Clay-colored Sparrow at Troy Meadows

A Clay-colored Sparrow was found by Rob Fanning this morning at Troy Meadows. The sparrow continued into the afternoon keeping company with a group of Savannah Sparrows. This is the second known record for Troy Meadows.

The location of the Clay-colored Sparrow is from the South Beverwyck Road item mentioned on the hyperlinked map, here. Take Patriots Path from the parking lot. The accommodating sparrow was at the right angle turn at the overgrown gas line. Numerous Savannah, Song and White-throated Sparrows are also in the area.

Rob also found an Eastern Meadowlark further south by the power line.

Surf Scoter in Somerset County – 1st County Record

Jeff Ellerbusch found the first Somerset County record of Surf Scoter this afternoon. This is not a chase-able bird as the location is in a restricted, private area that is best to avoid unless you have permission to be there (the finder of the scoter does). In any case, congratulations to Jeff for finding this species in Somerset County.

Northern Shrike, No. Goshawks, Golden Eagles and Yellow-headed Blackbird at Chimney Rock

A remarkable day at the Chimney Rock Hawk Watch as all of the species mentioned in the title of this section were seen. Equally noteworthy is that two Northern Goshawks were tallied, as well as two Golden Eagles.

mocosocoBirds has little information about the No. Shrike except that it was photographed and positively identified. The shrike was apparently perched in the parking lot but did not stay. The Yellow-headed Blackbird was a flyby at the hawk watch.

Great Cormorant at Lake Musconetcong

Morris County may have one Great Cormorant sighting reported in a calendar year, if at all. One was found at Jefferson Rd. Pond, Parsippany on October 19 but was gone by Oct. 20.

Another Great Cormorant was found at Lake Musconetcong, yesterday Oct. 25 by Ray Duffy. It is not reported today as of the time of this writing.

Along with the Great Cormorant that has been in Somerset County for most of the past month, this is an unusually busy season for this species in the mocosocoBirds area.

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