Rare visitors to Sandy Hook from years prior to 2006 are shown here. All photographs are by Mike Fahay.
You can also view photos of
rarities from 2007
and 2008.
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Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
 |
This cooperative bird
remained all day November 4, 2005, and
represented the first Sandy Hook record for
fall. All four previous records of this
species at the Hook have been recorded in
May. |
|
American Golden-Plover
 |
This drenched bird was found
at the field by parking lot K on May 20-21, 2005.
An expected southbound (autumn) migrant at the Hook in
small numbers, this species is an exceptionally rare
spring migrant here. |
Roseate Tern
 |
Formerly considered very rare at Sandy Hook,
Roseate Terns have become annual visitors in May,
with counts of up to 10 individuals in some
years. Leg bands on many suggest they may
be part of the colony breeding in Long Island
Sound. |
| Sandy Hook's first accepted record of this long
overdue species came at the end of a strong May
nor'easter that grounded thousands of terns.
Two birds were present May 26, 2005. Note the
extremely short legs, white cheek patch, and the
coloration and pattern of the primaries. |
Arctic Tern
 |
Eurasian Collared-Dove
 |
New Jersey's first record north of Cape May and
fourth for the state, this elusive bird was
present at various locations around the hook
May 12-21, 2005. Caution needs to be exercised
when identifying collared-doves in order to rule
out similar Ringed Turtle-Dove and hybrid strains
of Eurasian Collared-Dove and Ringed
Turtle-Doves. |
| A first record for Sandy Hook, this cooperative
female was present April 28 - May 19, 2005.
Wilson's Plover is a declining breeder along the
southern Atlantic coast and accidental in New
Jersey. Most records are from spring and
early summer. |
Wilson's Plover
 |