The most recent eBird rare-bird alert mention of the Carillon Lark Sparrow was for Tuesday. Dennis Cheeseman took the shot above on Monday.

Has anyone seen the bird yesterday or today?  We looked a couple of times yesterday to no avail.

Jim Wright, who keeps this blog, also writes a regular column for the South Bergenite, His latest is about a new pamphlet planned by the Meadowlands Commission —  “Common Birds of the Meadowlands”:

Can you tell a Great Egret from a Snowy Egret, or a Canvasback from a Bufflehead?

The New Jersey Meadowlands Commission wants you — to be able to identify more of the beautiful birds that make their homes in this region.

With that goal in mind, the NJMC is working on a new free color brochure called “Common Birds of the Meadowlands,” with an emphasis on our avian friends that can be seen frequently in DeKorte Park and along the Hackensack River.

The idea is produce a pamphlet designed for young people, new birders and the folks on our popular summertime pontoon-boat cruises. The Meadowlands is one of the best places to watch birds in New Jersey. The goal of the brochure is to whet people’s appetite. Continue reading →