Mega Morning

Word leaked out two nights ago that a Common Chaffinch had been frequenting a feeder in Hunterdon County, NJ near Pennsylvania. The bird is listed on the ABA checklist as a '4' and does not appear on the most recent (Oct 2010) edition of accepted records from the New Jersey records committee. The bird is common in western Europe and has only a few records in North America. In other words, this is what the birders across the pond call a MEGA RARITY!

I knew I would need to chase this bird at all costs. I made the arrangements and headed down the next morning. Rob too decided to make the journey op from medical school. He arrived about fifteen minutes before me. When I arrived to meet him on the back porch of the home at about 7:15AM there were easily a dozen others already there. A Ruby-crowned Kinglet kept us occupied for a while. After a wait of twenty minutes or so, the bird made a brief appearance. We all got a good look at the bird, only about twenty-five feet away, but only for about twenty-five seconds!

Many of the onlookers, satisfied with a great Jersey bird, headed off on their way. New people were arriving all the time and soon after Larry and Jim showed up as well. I had decided to surprise Larry and not tell him I was chasing. I greeted him by asking, "How does it feel to be the last one to see a bird for once?" and explained that Rob and I had already had views. Larry ask, "Wait, Rob who?"

After a little while to bird returned for more prolonged views and I got a better look. I began packing up. There was a gentleman there who had been very courteous to me as he maneuvered and set up his camera. I decided I wanted to ask him to be the one to co-sign for chaffinch on my Big Year List. He obliged and he turned out to be a Howard whose photos most Jersey birders are very familiar with. I was glad to finally meet this individual in person--this is both a purpose and a benefit of the signatures I am collecting.

I left the house by 8:15AM and decided that with the time I had remaining I should make a stop at Randolph Road and try for the Sandhill Cranes, my continuing nemesis. I arrived at the preferred cornfield and began to scan. I had barely focused my eyes when I saw five birds flying over the field. Knowing there are five cranes I hastily pulled over and through my binoculars up to my eyes--SANDHILL CRANES!!! Nemesis Neutralized! I drove to the best vantage point and got my camcorder on the cranes, now walking on the top of the hill and recorded some great, though distant footage.

If only I could keep this rate up all year...

NJ - 38
ABA - 38
World - 38