Scouting, 4/18-19

Back up north again. Spring has seemed slow to start in New Jersey, but this past weekend was much more seasonal. Warm weather and calm conditions made for a couple great days to be out in the woods! I took full advantage, and was rewarded with some good "intelligence".

There was still an abundance of early migrants to be found. Ruby-crowned Kinglets were everywhere; I heard their short "chi-ditt!" calls almost everywhere I went. Juncoes were singing in several locations, as were Palm Warblers. A striking number of Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers have been present on Crigger road in Stokes, and the Spruce grove near Ocquitunk campground were thick with Golden-crowned Kinglets. While most of these will be long gone come May 9th, its always good to know where such migrants are hanging out...it might just be the spot you find that lingering bird on the big day.

New breeding birds were in as well. The pair of Yellow-throated Warblers that have nested in the Blewett Tract (just outside of Bevans) has returned again. This species is common in southern New Jersey, but it doesn't hurt to get it out of the way. Red-breasted Nuthatches were also there, and I observed a pair of Common Mergansers loafing on the Flatbrook. The perrenial Cliff Swallows were down the valley a bit at the DOT Barn. They had already refurbished their nest and one of them was sitting inside with its head poking out. Heading up Struble rd I heard several Blue-headed Vireos and numerous Brown Creepers.

Our northern route seems to be working itself out nicely, but we need to see how the next few weeks go. There are a few holes in our plan, and I'll be trying to patch them up. Of course everyone is wondering what the status on Golden-winged Warblers in Sussex County will turn out to be. Last year they seemed to have disappeared entirely from traditional WSB spots, but I have a few new locations we're going to check out. This is a disturbing development in the ongoing plight of an endangered species.

I'll probably be taking a weekend off from scouting to actually do some school work. Stay tuned though, more to come!

Brian