I have really bad luck when it comes to traveling for spring break (or when it comes to finding pink churches in Spanish-speaking countries). When I went to the Great Smoky Mountains, it snowed. When I went to the Grand Canyon, it snowed. So if you want snow, invite me to visit during spring break.
Then, I gave up traveling for spring break. It stopped snowing. This year, I hope to get in a few day trips during my furlough. But it snowed this year, suggesting maybe it’s my outdoor/birding attempts that bring out spring snows. Which means, I have been cooped up with no birding for a week now due to prepping for midterms and presentations! Wanted break my birding fast with an afternoon outing either Thursday or Friday afternoon, but snow has postponed those plans. Was also supposed to go with Dad to Wild Birds Unlimited so we can do some grandiose landscape to attract more birds each season. Snow has also postponed those plans. Mind you, I was going stir crazy last weekend without an outing. Prognosis is not so good!
So hopefully birding next week, fit in around my work-schedule. No sunrise birding unless it’s Wednesday. But I might have time to checkout Sandy Hook or the Meadowlands. I’ve heard lots of good things about birding in the Meadowlands, particularly Disposal Road. But visiting the Meadowlands is more convenient as I drive through there frequently, so perhaps I should head out to Sandy Hook on the ocean. I birded there once, three years ago.
Immature Red-winged Blackbird investigates the feeder in hopes of food.
Field season in Warren county for American Kestrels kicks off Tuesday, Sussex date hasn’t yet been finalized. It should be before the month is out.
Haven’t seen the Wood Duck again, but I did have a Red-winged Blackbird checking out the feeder the other day. I’m assuming it’s immature because it has the epaulets, but it’s back isn’t fully black. (You can see a hint of red.) When I found him, he was actually up on the feeder.
birdworthy 
Kathleen, that sounds terrible.
I’m being whiney down here because this weekend looks like it’s getting rained out mostly, but you’ve had two in a row so I shouldn’t complain. Then again, You got Winter Finches and Lapwings this winter…so maybe I should.
Never been to Sandy Hook, though I hear it’s premier, that and Cape May for New Jersey. I’ll have to visit there sometime soon.
Have a good weekend.
Don’t forget Brigatine, Great Swamp, and Hawk Mountain. (Technically Hawk Mountain is in PA, but it’s close enough it counts as Jersey birding). Telling you, teleportation. We could swap birding experiences for a weekend. I keep telling myself to take advantage of the poor weather to get all the long term projects done now so I can bird later when it’s nicer out and there are more birds around. Sometimes it works.
oooh. I dunno if the PA people will like that Hawk Mountain approximation…
I bet that as soon as you start some big at-home project, a rarity will turn up just within chasing distance.
Isn’t that just the way it goes? At least I’d have a rarity to chase when I’m ready to procrastinate!
Kathleen, that does look like a first spring male.
Weather has not been cooperative here either but a change is in the making, this next week looks like it could be delightful!
Awesome. I’m pretty happy with myself that I figured it out. The weather has cleared up remarkably the last two days. Finally feels like spring!