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Date: Tue, 18 Sep 2001 09:47:40 -0400
From: Laurie Larson
Subject: Wheatear and plover updates
Njbirds,
Two parties reported the N. Wheatear Monday 9/17, the second as late as 7 PM. Both reported that the bird was frequenting a ditch and keeping company with Pipits. Jeff Hopkins described the location as follows:
>There are two ditches which parallel the dirt road into the field. One is full of water, the other has only a few puddles. It was in the drier ditch, in the vicinity of the puddles, which are about halfway along the length of the ditch. It was best seen from the bend in the road described in previous posts. It was very active, running back and forth between the sides of the ditch. There were many pipits along with it.
Directions from Boyle's Guide to Bird Finding In New Jersey (Jenny Jump chapter): To reach the sod farm from Interstate 80, take exit 19 (Rt. 519) and go south about 5 miles, into Hackettstown. At US Rt. 46, turn right and go about 5 miles to Rt. 611. Turn right again and go about 1.5 miles to Shades Road. Turn right once more and go about one-half mile to the Liberty Sod Farm office where you get permission to enter the sod farm.
The Pacific Golden Plover was most recently reported 10 AM Sunday morning, 9/16 by Ed Hastings, who saw it with a dozen or more American Golden Plovers on the plowed area on Olivet Road. Also present were ten Buff-breasted Sandpipers on the sod areas on Olivet.
Thanks to all for your reports.
Laurie Larson
llarson@Princeton.edu