View our latest birding reports below. If you’re interested in going on one of these morning walks, e-mail birding@ucnj.org. The newest report is opened below. To find Lenape Park, use the address 130 Kenilworth Blvd, Cranford, NJ 07016 in your GPS or mobile phone.
Location: Lenape Park, Cranford, Union County, NJ
Day/Date Saturday, 11-January-2020
Time: 0830 to 1100
Official Counter: Frank V. Budney
Observers: Ed Z., Tony, Dan
Weather: Clear & Sunny
Temperature: 52º to 65º F
Wind: WSW, 5 mph
Walking Route: Parking Lot to Westfield Pond
It’s almost the middle of January and the temperature feels like Spring. Some interesting bird we saw and some that we were hoping to see. None of the species were in great numbers but we did see 3 Red-tailed Hawks circling over the parking lot at the conclusion of the walk. The Bird of the Day is a regular at the park but hasn’t been see lately. My favorite, Carolina Wren, could be heard in several locations. Spotting two American Robin was unusual.
Fifteen minutes after I left, a Bald Eagle was soaring above the trees in spectacular grandeur. A nice way to end the day. That Bird of the Day was a Pileated Woodpecker, by Tony in the tree line just past the path into the Westfield pond.
Field Notes: Recently receive a few e-mail from fellow birders expressing concern about finding clumps of feathers around their feeders. The is most likely the result of a hawk attack (Sharp-shinned or Cooper’s Hawk) attracted to the area by all the bird activity. This is not an unusual event since hawks have learned feeders attract a potential meal. While this might be of some concern, not every attack ends badly for the feeding birds. There is usually a lookout bird that warns the others of a hawk. In the end, hawks provide a useful service and they have to eat, too.
Area Birds of Interest
Pileated Woodpecker 21
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Carolina Wren 3
Blue Jay 5
American Crow 3
Dark-eyed Junco 2
Northern Cardinal 1
American Robin 2
Tufted Titmouse 2
Northern Mockingbird 1
White-throated Sparrow 5
Song Sparrow 5
Cooper’s Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 3
Turkey Vulture 1
Bald Eagle 1
- Location: Lenape Park, Cranford, Union County, NJ
- Day/Date: Tuesday, 5-February-19
- Time: 0900 to 1000
- Official Counter: Frank V. Budney
- Observer: Dan D.
- Weather: Mostly Cloudy to Partly Cloudy
- Temperature: 44º
- Wind: SW, Light
- Birding Route: Parking Lot West to “Woodpecker Woods” Kiosk # 2
Today was one of those days I just had to get out into the wild. Well not so wild just had to get out. Bird species few in number but the Bird of the Day at “Woodpecker Woods” was somewhat of a surprise. A friendly Mockingbird greeted me at Kiosk # 2 10 feet from me along the path. An approaching jogger frightened it off the path and it flew into the tree line below the raised pathway.
The Bird of the Day turned out to be a pair of male Eastern Bluebird which was quite a surprise after the frigid temperatures of last week. Both were in the trees of “Woodpecker Woods.”
Field Notes: Be aware the deer hunt is still in progress so watch for the posted signs as you enter the main parking lot. Also, coming up in May (I know it’s a little early) the New Jersey Audubon Society will be conducting its 36th annual World Series of Birding on May 11, 2019. Also, check out the web site from Wild Birds Unlimited for their list of free programs at:
(2) Wild Birds Unlimited – Home
- Area Birds of Interest
- Eastern Bluebird 2
- Blue Jay 10
- White-breasted Nuthatch 3
- Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
- Downy Woodpecker 2
- Northern Mockingbird 1
- White-throated Sparrow 5
- Northern Cardinal 1
- Dark-eyed Junco 10
- Location: Lenape Park, Cranford, Union County, New Jersey
- Day/Date: Saturday, 19-January-19
- Time: 0900 to 1100
- Official Counter: Frank V. Budney
- Observers: Ed Z., Dan D.
- Weather: Overcast, 100% Low Cloud Cover
- Temperature: 32 F
- Wind: SE, Calm
- Walking Route: Parking Lot West Along Bike Path to Inside Westfield Pond
Another last minute decision to spot a few birds before the impending snow, rain, sleet and frigid storm that is scheduled to arrive latter this afternoon. Spotting a "few' birds is an understatement. The birds must have known something that we missed; mainly take cover before it really gets cold.
One really bright spot was the unexpected spotting of the Bird of the Day as we began our walk from the parking lot. It is not a usual winter bird at the park but had been seen regularly earlier in the season. While the birds were few and far between, the walk was well spent in conversation. As for that Bird of the Day, it was an adult American Kestrel.
Field Notes: The dear hunt is cancelled for Monday, 21-January-19 to Wednesday, 23-January-19 due to MLK holiday.
Birds of Interest
- American Kestrel 1
- Red-tailed Hawk 1
- Blue Jay 10
- American Crow 1
- Black-capped Chickadee 5
- American Robin 10
Location: Lenape Park, Cranford, Union County, NJ
Day/Date: Saturday, 12-January-19
Time: 1200 to 1330
Official Counter: Frank V. Budney
Observers: Tony G. & Janet T.
Weather: Mostly Blue sky with High Thin Clouds
Temperature: 32º F
Wind: WNW, Light
Walking Route: Main Parking Lot to Westfield Ponds
I was on my way home from a lecture at Wild Birds Unlimited in Scotch Plains and, on the spur of the moment, pulled into the Lenape parking lot to see if any of the usual birds were on site. To my surprise several on the gang had the same thought as I did and showed up to do some birding. Well it turned out to be a pretty good walk and bird count.
Junco, several species or sparrows, woodpeckers and one American Robin were spotted along the path to heading to the ponds.This was an extra long hike for and my new hip but it was quite comfortable. We didn’t find the Bird-of-the Day until we were on the two bridge trail behind the ponds. In fact it was a flock of the in the trees along the edge of Nomahegan Brook. Since the cold weather has settled in, spotting birds is sometimes better if you can get off the trails and into the woods to find birds.
As for that Bird-of-the-Day, it was a flock of Yellow-rumped Warblers.
Field Notes: Be aware that the annual deer hunt is in progress one day per week (Monday) and some areas of the park are closed. Please observe the signs and areas of the park where the hunt is in progress. For more information about the hunt, go to: www.ucnj.org/deer
Also, don’t to forget to check out the Wild Birds Unlimited web site for programs at the store.
(2) Wild Birds Unlimited – Home
Birds of Interest
Yellow-rumped Warbler 25
Song Sparrow 10
White-throated Sparrow 12
Dark-eyed Junco 20
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 1
Downy Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 1
American Crow 1
Blue Jay 10
Northern Cardinal 8
Northern Mockingbird 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 3
Tufted Titmouse 3
American Goldfinch 5
House Finch 5
American Robin 1
Carolina Wren 1
Red-tailed Hawk 21
Turkey Vulture 1
- Location: Lenape Park, Cranford, Union County, NJ
- Day/Date: Saturday, 8-December-18
- Time: 0830 to 1030
- Official Counter: Frank V. Budney
- Observers: Ed Z., Clare M., Dan D.
- Weather: Mostly to Partly Cloudy, Wind NW at 5 mph
- Temperature: 26º F
- Walking Route: Across the Dam Along Bike Path to Sewer Line
Today’s walk took us to the trail less traveled. Hiking across the Rahway River dam and onto the bike path that parallels the river and heading toward the sewer right-of-way. Much better birding than Thursday’s results. Blue Jay, Junco and White-throated Sparrow in good numbers. Another plus was finding the Bird-of-the-Day (thanks to “Ranger Dan) which is not a frequent winter bird.
Most of the White-throated Sparrow and Dark-eyed Junco were found in the leaf litter close to the bike trail. We were within a few feet of the birds and they didn’t seem to mind us observing them. As for that Bird of the Day, Dan spotted a Hermit Thrush just a few feet off the trail. Its not a winter bird we frequently see but they can be found from time to time.
Photo: Illustration © David Allen Sibley. Learn more about these drawings.
Field Notes: Next Saturday (12/15/18) is the Christmas Bird Count. Wish us good birding and fair weather.
Area Birds of Interest
- Hermit Thrush 1
- Blue Jay 15
- American Crow 2
- American Goldfinch 2
- White-breasted Nuthatch 5
- Downy Woodpecker 2
- Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
- Northern Flicker 1
- Hairy Woodpecker 1
- Tufted Titmouse 5
- Eastern Bluebird 1
- American Robin 1
- Dark-eyed Junco 20
- Carolina Wren 1
- Winter Wren 1
- Song Sparrow 10
- White-throated Sparrow 25
- Northern Cardinal 1
- Red-tailed Hawk 2
- Turkey Vulture 2
- Wood Duck 1
- Location: Lenape Park, Cranford, Union County, NJ
- Day/Date: Thursday, 6-December-18
- Time: 0800 to 1030
- Official Counter: Frank V. Budney
- Observers: Ed Z., Simon R., Clare M. & Dan D.
- Weather: Partly Cloudy, Wind NW at 5 mph
- Temperature: 29º
- Walking Route: Parking Lot to Westfield Pond
A cold crisp day with a little too much wind with uncooperative birds. The walk was more about interacting with each other than birding but we did see and hear a few birds of note. The Bird-of-the Day passed over us while still in the parking lot. Not a rare bird but since I am a raptor person it’s my choice.
The two birds in any number were Blue Jay and American Robin. It seems Jays are in large numbers state wide and Lenape is no exception. Park “Ranger”, Dan, spotted two Eastern Bluebird regulars that have been hanging around the nest boxes as of late. Quite possible using them to roost during the night. As for that Bird-of-the-Day it is a Sharp-shinned Hawk.
Field Notes: Next Saturday, 15-Dec-18, is the Christmas Bird Count. A team of birders from the Friends of Lenape Park will be in the field count species withing our circle territory.
Area Birds of Interest
- Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
- Turkey Vulture 2
- Blue Jay 25
- American Crow 6
- American Robin 15
- Eastern Bluebird 2
- Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
- Downy Woodpecker 2
- White-breasted Nuthatch 2
- Northern Mocking Bird 1
- Dark-eyed Junco 5
- Song Sparrow 3
- White-throated Sparrow 4
- Canada Goose 50
- Location: Lenape Park, Cranford, Union County, NJ
- Day/Date: Tuesday, 9-October-18
- Time: 1200 to 1300
- Official Counter: Frank V. Budney
- Weather: Overcast & Humid
- Temperature: 74º F
- Wind: Calm
- Walking Route: West along trail to Kiosk # 2 at “Woodpecker Woods”
Just had to get out into the woods just to see what’s out there. It’s been a long summer and early fall without doing much birding (the hip is getting better but the knees need a little work) so today’s adventure was something special.
I only walked a short distance (half mile total) but there was a lot to see and hear. The Bird-of-the-Day was of special interest since it has been absent from the park for several years but 3 of them have been hanging around for about two weeks now. Species numbers was low but I only spent one hour in the field. American Robin and Blue Jay numbers were quite large as they gather on their migration journey. One of my favorite birds, the Carolina Wren, greeted me as soon as I arrived at “Woodpecker Woods”. I really like hearing that call.
While observing a Pileated Woodpecker at “Woodpecker Woods”, two Cooper’s Hawks flew over the path at tree top level. All bird calls stopped for about 10 minutes.
I almost forgot. The Bird-of-the-Day is the American Kestrel, our smallest falcon. It was perched in a dead tree at the back of the former Trap and Skeet range by the main parking lot. A Blue Jay perched below it and attempted to chase it away. The Kestrel finally had enough of the jays actions and flew off. In past years, visiting kestrels had become a prey target of a local Cooper’s Hawk. Not the case so far this season.
Field Notes: Be award, Union County Parks & Recreation is conducting its annual dear harvest for bow and arrow hunters during weekday hours. Observe the posted signs. Please stay on the paved paths and keep your dogs on a leash.
Area Birds of Interest
- American Kestrel 1
- American Robin 50
- Blue Jay 35
- Gray Catbird 5
- Red-winged Blackbird 15
- Pileated Woodpecker 1
- Northern Flicker 5
- Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
- Downy Woodpecker 1
- Carolina Wren 1
- Great blue Heron 1
- Cooper’s Hawk 2
- Location: Lenape Park, Cranford, Union County, NJ
- Day/Date: Thursday, 12-July-18
- Time: 0700 to 0900
- Official Counter: Frank V. Budney
- Observers: Ed Z., Clare & Jim M., Tony G., Dan D., Karen C.
- Weather: Partly Cloudy
- Temperature: 70º
- Wind: W
- Walking Route: Western Dike Path From Kiosk # 1 to 3
A bright July morning with a mild breeze made for a perfect day. Twenty species were recorded with the most significant listed below. Many of the birds included this year’s fledglings which indicated that the breeding season was a success. The Bird of the Day is a local nesting bird that is often seen but not always seen. Of particular interest was the sighting of 3 Pileated (2 juveniles) Woodpeckers. Our last sighting was two Great Blue Herons flying overhead at the parking lot. A nice way to end the day.
the greatest number on individuals were Barn Swallows with 30 or more perched on the electric wires and swooping above the tree tops gathering flying insects. Now as for the Bird of the Day, it is a common nester with a sweet sounding call: Warbling Vireo.
Field Notes: Of particular interest in the sighting of an Osprey that visits the Westfield pond on a regular daily schedule. It seems this bird arrives around 1100 hrs. to fish in the pond. Not sure where this bird hangs out but it’s to know it considers Lenape Park as one of its hangouts.
A final note. some of you are aware that tomorrow (July 13) I will be going under the knife for a hip ((right hip) replacement in NYC. I will be recuperating for about 4 to 6 weeks and hope to be back on the trail sometime in late August.
Area Birds of Interest
- Warbling Vireo 2
- Bran Swallow 30
- House Finch 2
- Song Sparrow 1
- American Goldfinch 3
- Tufted Titmouse 2
- Pileared Woodpecker 3 (2 Juveniles)
- Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
- Northern Flicker 2
- Downy Woodpecker 1
- Northern Cardinal 1
- Carolina Wren 1
- Great-crested Flycatcher 1
- Gray Catbird 3
- Green Heron 1
- Great Blue Heron 2
- Wood Duck 4
Location: Lenape Park, Cranford, Union County, NJ
Day/Date: Saturday, 23-June-18
Time: 0800 to 0945
Official Counter: Frank V. Budney
Observer: Ed Z.
Weather: Overcast, Wind Calm
Temperature: 65º F
Walking Route: Parking Lot West to Woodpecker Woods
Well, here we are in the middle of June and I haven’t sent out a weekly report since 28-April-18. I hope you didn’t think I was retiring from birding but I have had a few interruptions since then.
Now for today’s activities. While the birds were few in species we did see some of our old favorites. Red-winged Blackbird (even one attacking its reflection in a car mirror), Common Grackle, and American Robin were in good numbers. The Bird of the Day was a common nester in the park but it was worth mentioning. The American Goldfinch is the honored Bird of the Day. A pair of Killdeer flew over the entrance road and headed toward the Rahway River Dam, followed by a Great Blue Heron. Not a bad way to end the day.
Field Notes: Since my last report two big events occurred at the park. The first was the 35the Annual World Series of Birding on 12-May-18. Not a great day weather wise (Cool temperatures, overcast skies and some rain just to make the day interesting). That didn’t stop the Lenape Park Nighthawks team from recording a record 102 species of birds. If you would like a copy of the Check List, send me your mailing address.
The second event, a historic one at that occurred on 15-June-18, was the sighting of a Black-bellied Whistling Duck. Common to the southwest United States and Texas it is the first known sighting in Union County (and Lenape Park) and maybe in NJ in many years. The duck was photographed and confirmed by several expert birders.
Area Birds of Interest
- American Goldfinch 2
- American Crow 4
- Red-winged Blackbird 10
- Common Grackle 10
- American Robin 10
- Tree Swallow 15
- Barn Swallow 10
- Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
- Killdeer 2
- Great Blue Heron 1
Today’s “walk” was more like a Big Sit. First we “sat” by the Westfield Pond and then we “sat” in the main parking lot enjoying one another’s conversation about where all the reported warblers were hiding. While the bird list is short we did see the arrival of the Bird of the Day at the Westfield Pond.
Song sparrows and American Goldfinch seemed to be everywhere, and yes, one Palm Warbler was spotted. As for the Bird of the Day, it was a pair of Green Heron hanging around their usual nesting location at the Westfield Pond.
Field Notes: Upcoming events include the New Jersey Audubon (NJA) World Series of Birding on Saturday, May 12. The Lenape Park Nighthawks team will be at the park at 0500 on the Big Day hoping to record 100 species of birds. If you would like to support out team with a pledge, click on the web site, click on DONATE, then click on SUPPORT A TEAM, then scroll down to LENAPE PARK NIGHTHAWKS. Make your pledge or donation directly to NJA and receive a conformation e-mail.
The second event is the Wild Birds Unlimited Binocular program on Friday, April 20, at 6:PM and birding walk on Saturday, April 21, at 7: AM at the Deserted Village in the Watchung Reservation. call the store at, (908) 233-5004 for details and reservations.
Area Birds of Interest
A perfect day to be out and about in the great out-of-doors looking for birds. Red-winged Blackbird numbers were good and the males are displaying their bright red epaulets that are so impressive to the females. A few American Goldfinch were moving about the scrub brush of the former Trap & Skeet filed as were Song Sparrows. A Red-tailed Hawk also spotted above our heads circling above the parking lot.
Choosing the Bird of the Day presented a problem. It was a choice among my favorite little wren, a large woodpecker and a large black bird that is seen more in passing rather than perching in the park. I choose the latter.
A bird that arrived early but disappeared the past two or three week once again was seen checking out several of the nestboxes. two Tree Swallows were swooping over the wetland area, most likely looking for flying insects that were nowhere to be found.
Now for that Bird of the Day. It goes to a pair of Black Vulture. While not often seen in the park, they do on occasion fly over and are most likely migrating north. About 25 years ago, seeing a Black Vulture was a rarity. they are a southern species but nest with great frequency now in New Jersey.
Field Notes: Get ready for the 35th New Jersey Audubon (NJA) World Series of Birding, coming on SATURDAY, 12-MAY-18. The Lenape Park Nighthawks will once again be in the field count as many species of birds to raise funds for NJA. Check out their web site at:
Also, if you are looking for birding supplies and programs, check out the Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop on Route 22 E, in Scotch Plains. Their web site is:
[www.wbu.com/scotchplains]WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED
They are very knowledgeable and friendly, serving all of your birding needs.
Area Birds of Interest
- Black Vulture 2
- Red-winged Blackbird 25
- Blue Jay 3
- American Crow 1
- American Goldfinch 5
- Tree Swallow 2
- Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
- Pileated Woodpecker 2
- Northern Cardinal 1
- Belted Kingfisher 1
- Carolina Wren 2
- American Robin 5
- Cooper’s Hawk 1
- Red-tailed Hawk 1
- Turkey Vulture 1
- Great Blue Heron 1
- Wood Duck 2
This was one of those last minute decisions to go for a birding walk before the rain started, which it did about 2 hours after the walk ended. Lost of birds singing, mostly Red-winged Blackbird and Common Grackle, and my favorite bird; today’s Bird of the Day.
The distance of the walk was short due to stopping to talk with the many dog walkers, joggers and bikers who stopped to inquire , asking what birds we were seeing. As mentioned above, Grackle, Red-winged were in good numbers along with a few American Robin sightings. As for the Bird of the Day, it was none other than a Carolina Wren, in fact three individuals.
Field Notes:
Birding activity should begin to pick up in the next few week as the early migrants begin to move into the area. In particular, American Woodcock should be in the park soon and I will schedule an evening or two during the the week for group participation. This is always an interesting event to see an hear this unusual bird so check your e-mail for an announcement.
Walking Route: Kenilworth Bike Trail to Sewer Right-of-Way
Bright and sunny but very cold. The birds were few and far between. Even the ducks were in hiding. The high light of of the morning was hearing the distant sound of the Bird of the Day, a Carolina Wren. sa lot of small brown birds in the underbrush but difficult to identify. Most were Song and White-throated Sparrows.
Not a great birding day but we did enjoy each others company and the invigorating morning in the woods.
Field Notes: If you are looking for something to do this coming weekend. Stop by the Wild Birds Unlimited (WBU)store, 2520 Route 22 E, in Scotch Plains for an interesting birding talk be well known birder, Pete Axelrod. He will be at the store from 0830 to 0930 and will be discussing bird seed for birds and answer your question about birding. E-mail WBU at: wbuscotchplains@gmail.com
- Area Birds of Interest
- Carolina Wren 1
- Blue Jay 3
- Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
- Downy Woodpecker 1
- American Robin 2
- White-throated Sparrow 4
- Song Sparrow 5
We finally got to birding the park after some rather rough weather the past few weeks. The birds we expected to see we didn’t and the birds we didn’t expect to see we did. The final bird was a Hairy Woodpecker and that was the only woodpecker we saw. Other that lost of Canada Geese flying overhead, the only bird of more that 10 individuals was the Bird of the Day.
The only raptor was a lone Turkey Vulture (TV) gliding low over the trail by Kiosk # 3. Do you know what you call two Turkey Vultures? Find the answer later in this report. Our first bird was a Carolina Wren and we did hear several White-breasted Nuthatch. The Bird of the Day was a flock of American Robin which was completely unexpected.
Field Notes:
Be reminded that the park is closed most Monday’s until February due to the scheduled deer hunt. Signs are posted at the entrance to the park. Oh, the answer to what do you call two Turkey Vultures? Answer, a TV SET.
Area Birds of Interest
- American Robin 15
- Carolina Wren 1
- Blue Jay 5
- Mourning Dove 10
- Northern Cardinal 5
- White-breasted Nuthatch 4
- Tufted Titmouse 4
- White-throated Sparrow 1
- Belted Kingfisher 1
- Turkey Vulture 1
- Canada Goose 100
Once again surprisingly few species of birds for this time of year. Even with a power packed birding team heard more birds than we saw. The back trail along the Kenilworth border did have more birds than our usual path to the Westfield ponds.
Among the species was my particular favorite that became the Bird of the Day that was calling from deep within the forest. A fleeting glimpse of a Sharp-shinned Hawk was spotted by Janet near the 1 mile marker along the bike path. Goldfinches were seen high in the Sycamore trees feeding on the seed pods. The final bird of the day was a Belted Kingfisher that flew over the parking lot as we were about to end our walk.
I almost forgot. The Bird of the Day is the Carolina Wren.
Field Notes: In two weeks, 16-December-17, the Friends of Lenape Park will be participating in the Christmas Bird Count. This is an annual event sponsored by the National Audubon Society. Wish us well, and I hope we will see more species than we saw today.
Area Birds of Interest
- Carolina Wren 3
- White-throated Sparrow 10
- Song Sparrow 5
- Tufted Titmouse 5
- Downy Woodpecker 3
- Hairy Woodpecker 2
- Blue Jay 5
- American Crow 1
- American Goldfinch 10
- House Finch 1
- White-breasted Nuthatch 2
- Black-capped Chickadee 5
- Belted Kingfisher 1
- Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
- Great Blue Heron 1
- Location: Lenape Park, Cranford, Union County, NJ
- Day/Date: Saturday, 25-November-17
- Time: 0800 to 1100
- Official Counter: Frank V. Budney
- Observers: Ed Z., Danny D., Tony
- Weather: Partly to Mostly Cloudy
- Temperature Range: 33º to 43º F
- Wind: West & Light
Walking Route: Parking Lot, West to Woodpecker Woods
It’s been quite some time since my last “Weekly Report” but that doesn’t mean I have abandoned my birding activities. Today seemed like a good day to strike out into the woods considering the significance of today’s date. More about that a little further down in this report.
While the weather was really inviting the lack of bird species was somewhat of a surprise. Species one would normally see at this time of year were nowhere to be found. We did see lots of Mourning Does but not one sparrow of any kind. One unusual sighting was a lone Common Yellowthroat Warbler (“Wichety, witchetty,) which is a very uncommon sighting for this time of year. My all time favorite, Carolina Wren, could be heard from deep within the “Woodpecker Woods” location which brings me to why today is such a special day, and the Bird of the Day just happens to be the reason why.
Today is the seventieth birthday of one of the most famous woodpeckers in all of America. It was on this day that the famous cartoon woodpecker was created. You guessed it, no other that Woody Woodpecker. As the story goes, the Pileated Woodpecker was the inspiration for Woody, and it just so happened that the last bird spotted today was a Pileated Woodpecker.
Area Birds of Interest
- Pileated Woodpecker 1
- Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
- Northern Flicker 1
- American Crow 2
- Blue Jay 5
- Carolina Wren 1
- American Goldfinch 5
- Common Yellowthroat 1
- Tufted Titmouse 2
- Red-tailed Hawk 1
The park is still covered with 6″ to 8″ of snow and few birds were active along the forest edges. The “First” bird of the day also became the Bird of the Day. More on that later. Moving down the bike path near “Woodpecker Woods”, a Pileated Woodpecker flew across the path and perched in a stand of trees giving us a good look if only for a few minutes.
Another possible sighting (200 ft. into the woods) was of a Red-shouldered Hawk (RS) but its identity was in question. A RS has been spotted in the park this winter so there was a 75% chance that was what we saw. there were a few mixed flocks of Red-winged Blackbirds and Common Grackles, too.
Back to the Bird of the Day. While standing in the parking lot, just as we were about to begin our walk, a Killdeer flew over our heads. Not unusual except it’s a little early to spot one in early February.
Dark, dank and dreary morning with lots of birds calling; mostly Tufted Titmouse and Northern Flicker. Another bird with good numbers was the White-breasted Nuthatch and Rusty Blackbird. Several Carolina Wrens were in the mix and a lone Red-tailed Hawk was perched near the dike path in Woodpecker Woods by Kiosk #2.
The Bird of the Day was a lone Yellow-rumped Warbler that was also spotted in Woodpecker Woods. Several Wood Ducks were swimming in the inside Westfield Pond but not much else on the water at that location.
Field Notes: Check out Kiosk #1 by the beginning of the bike trail along the entrance road to the parking lot. The County recently added a new display box for the Weekly Bird Check List. The weekly results are recorded covering the respective month.
Lenape Park, Cranford
Time: 0830 to 0930
Official Counter: Frank V. Budney
Weather: Clear Blue Cloudless Sky
Temperature: 55º F
Wind: W, Light
Area Birded: Main parking Lot and Surrounding Fields
[/ezcol_2fifth] [ezcol_3fifth_end]
It’s been few weeks since my last report. All the nestboxs have been cleaned and made ready for the nesting season. My visit today was to check for any nesting birds and see if there were any newly arrived migrating birds. Both endeavors successful and a newly arrived bird became the Bird of the Day.
Several of the boxes have Tree Swallow starter nests in them. It’s a little early for any eggs but they should appear within a week or two. Let’s hope a Bluebird finds a suitable box to raise its young. The Bird of the Day is a Chipping Sparrow.
Field Notes: The Union County parks Department is re-building the Wildlife Blind, located at the northeast corner of the former Skeet & Trap Range field. Construction should be completed by the end of the week. From what I saw they are doing an outstanding job.
Also, the World Series of Birding is just a few weeks away and the Leanpe Park Nighthawks will once again be participating. I will be sending our team application in soon and if you would like to support our team just go to the web site a donate on line once out team is registered.
[/ezcol_3fifth_end]The Bird of the Day was a flock of 5 Double-crested Cormorants that flew over the inside pond heading NE.
[ezcol_1quarter]Song Sparrow 4
White-throated Sparrow 2
American Robin 25
Northern Flicker 4
Northern Cardinal 2
Carolina Wren 2
American Crow 2
Blustery winds and high water levels from overnight rain storm kept most birds deep in the woods and out of sight. Except for large mixed flocks of Common Grackle and Brown-headed Cowbird with a few Red-winged Blackbirds, most of the sightings were by ear. That was especially true for the bird of the Day in the area of the ¾ mile marker. This bird is an all time favorite of mine.
Two Red-tailed Hawks and a Turkey Vulture were the first birds of the day circling over the former Trap & Skeet field and parking lot. Large flocks of Canada Geese flying overhead and swimming in the flooded areas around the main parking lot. We did hear White-breasted Nuthatch and Tufted Titmouse at sewer right-of-way and a few House Finch.
As for that Bird of the Day it was a Carolina Wren.
[/ezcol_3fifth_end]Field Notes: One of the regular dog walkers reported seeing American Woodcock along the back trail. They must be early arrivals so keep your eyes open for them especially around dusk. There will be a Woodcoch Trail Walk at the park on March 15 & 22, from 6:30 PM to 8:15 PM. e-mail bkelly@ucnj.org for reservations. See attachment of flooding conditions at the park. The image is looking east toward the Rahway River behind the dam. Also, the memorial Hard Hat that was attached to a tree just past the 1 mile marker has been removed. This memorial was in memory of a construction worker who lost his life while driving a machine at that location during the construction of the bike trail.
[ezcol_1quarter]Common Grackle 200
Brown-headed Cowbird 50
Blue Jay 5
American Crow 1
Tufted Titmouse 3
American Robin 5
Canada Goose 200
Turkey Vulture 1
Red-tailed Hawk 2
It’s been awhile since I hiked the park but today seemed like a fine day to explore the path less taken. birds were few and far between but not without a few surprises. The Bird of the Day, while common but scarce in winter, was a lone individual. It reminded me spring isn’t too far off.
A large flock of Canada Geese were in the river behind the dam and a flock of Common Grackle was feeding in a wooded area near the half mile marker along the bike trail. Lost of Dark-eyed Junco along the trail and several Tufted Titmice were in the trees at the bridge over the Black Brook at the 1¼ mile marker.
On my walk back I met up with Flo and Nick (these are the folks who maintain the white trash bags along the trail) and we spotted an immature Cooper’s Hawk perched on a low branch about 50′ in off the pathway. An unknown bird was on the opposite side of the trail sounding the alarm of the nearby danger.
That Bird of the Day was none other than a lone American Robin moving about the leaf litter at the ½ mile marker.
[/ezcol_3fifth_end]Field Notes: A final word about Flo and Nick. They are one of the many unsung volunteers who help to make Union County parks just a little nicer for us all to enjoy. Please help by not discarding trash in the parks and maybe every now and again pick up any trash you see along the way and properly dispose of in a trash container. believe me, you will feel a little bit better about “Our” county parks.
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The leftover accumulation of last weeks snow storm is still very much gripping the park with 10″ to 15″ of hard packed snow. The pathway to the Westfield ponds was rough under foot, hence the abbreviated short walk.
While specie numbers were few, we did record an un-seen but heard wonderful Bird of the Day at the conclusion of our walk. Song and White-throated Sparrow, and Junco numbers were significant as was a large flock of European Starling. Several Northern Flicker were sen and heard in the area of Woodpecker Woods (Kiosk # 2) as were several White-breasted Nuthatch. A small flock of Eastern Goldfinch were feeding on gumball trees in the same area, too. As for that Bird of the Day that was heard but not seen, a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers were drilling in the woods beyond the path toward the inside pond and the Cranford Swim Club. The sound is so distinctive that identification was not that difficult.
The deer hunt continues at the park for two (2) more weeks. February 1 & 8 are the last two days with Wednesdays being the alternate days. If you are in the park, please stay on the paved pathways to avoid any conflict.for information call (908) 527-4900 or e-mail, deer@ucnj.org. Also, go to www.ucnj.org/deer for additional information. Looking ahead, May 14, 2016 is the World Series of Birding. The Friends of Lenape Park Nighthawk team will once again be afield counting species at the park as part of New Jersey Audubon Society’s annual birding event. Now that’s only four (4) months away.
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The first outing of the New Year, and what a difference a week makes temperature wise. The ground was frozen beneath our feet and crackled with every step. All the ponds had a thin sheen of ice just enough to support a flock of Canada Geese on the Westfield pond. Our first bird became the Bird of the Day perched in a tree in Woodpecker Woods. Hidden in plain view if found a comfortable perch to catch the morning sun. Birds were few and far between but the familiar call of several Carolina Wrens (my all time favorite) could be heard through out the park.
Blue Jay activity was noticeable at every location along the walkway and we even saw a few American Robins. Several American Goldfinch were feeding on the remains of crab apples at the Westfield pond and a lone Great Blue Heron was perched on a low branch at the NW corner of the inside pond. The Bird of the Day was an adult Sharp-shinned Hawk. A common winter bird but one that hasn’t been sen very often so far this season.
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