Sandy Hook rarities seen in 2006-2007
are shown below. Click on the photo for a
larger view of the bird, or in some cases, a
different view.
You can also view photos of rarities from
2005 and
2008.
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An excellent flight of
Bohemian Waxwings during the winter of
2007-2008 has brought multiple individuals to
Sandy Hook, mostly seen among large flocks of
American Robins, Cedar Waxwings, and European
Starlings. Note the Bohemian Waxwing's gray
belly and rusty undertail coverts in this photo,
which distinguishes the species from its cogener,
Cedar Waxwing. Photo by SHBO Associate
Naturalist Tom Boyle. |
Bohemian Waxwing
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Townsend's Solitaire
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Sandy Hook's first Townsend’s
Solitaire was initially found on Nov. 25,
2007, and was still posing for birders in March
2008. This species has been documented in
NJ six times previously; the earliest records
come from the Kittatinny Ridge and Highlands
region of the state. The last three records hail
from coastal plain locations with an abundance of
red cedar trees. The coastal birds have all
remained for weeks. Mike Fahay contributed
this photo. |
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Ash-throated Flycatcher is
a “regular rarity” to New Jersey during late fall
and early winter. Most records are coastal,
though the bird has appeared a number of times
inland. This well-documented individual, which
appeared at the Hook on Nov. 25, 2007, marks
Sandy Hook’s fourth record. This photo is
by Linda Mack. |
Ash-throated Flycatcher
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Western Kingbird
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While not a major rarity,
this cooperative Western Kingbird was
present for more than a week and
beautifully photographed by Mike Fahay on
Nov. 25, 2007. |
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Quite rare anywhere in America,
this basic-plumaged Long-billed Murrelet (pending
acceptance by the New Jersey Birds
Committee) thrilled birders at Sandy Hook in
January 2007. Note the lack of a white
collar and whitish patches on the back of the
nape. Both field marks eliminate the
similar Marbled Murrelet. The photo is by
Jim Gilbert. |
Long-billed Murrelet
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Gray Kingbird
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This Gray Kingbird spent a few
hours hawking insects around the salt pond on
September 23, 2006. Like almost every other
sighting of this species in New Jersey, this
individual was a "one-day wonder." This is
New Jersey's 10th record. Most accepted
reports of Gray Kingbirds come from Sept./Oct.,
with two records from Cape May in May.
Sandy Hook's first Gray Kingbird was photographed
around north pond on October 7, 1997, by Linda
Mack. |
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At least one (possibly two)
female Barrow's Goldeneyes have wintered at
Sandy Hook every year this decade. Most
frequently found among the Common Goldeneye
flock in Horseshoe Cove, the birds arrive in
December and depart in March. Important
features to note are the entirely yellow bill,
steep
forehead profile, long puffy rear portion of the
crown (the "lion's mane"
look), and the darker coloration of the head in
comparison to female Common Goldeneyes.
Mike Fahay provided this shot. |
Barrow's Goldeneye
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