Appalachian Trail and Route 94

Singing Grasshopper Sparrow on the AT near Route 94, in Vernon NJ, 6/ 27/14.
Singing Grasshopper Sparrow on the AT near Route 94, in Vernon NJ, 6/ 27/14.

I was off work today, but I am in the middle of painting my house so I only got out very briefly this morning. I headed over to the Appalachian Trail where it intersects Route 94 in Vernon NJ. I was shown this spot last year by Judy Cinquina and the “New Jersey Crew” and I can’t thank them enough. It is a really great spot to bird this time of year, with GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS being the highlight. There were at least 2 present and likely a third. It is also an amazing place for Prairie Warblers, last year I only got distant looks, but this year I got much closer looks and some photos too. Finally, it is also a great place for Field Sparrows, with nice close looks.

GRSP at AT in Vernon, NJ, 6/27/14.
GRSP at AT in Vernon, NJ, 6/27/14.
Field Sparrow on the Appalachian Trail in Vernon, NJ, 6/27/14.
Field Sparrow on the Appalachian Trail in Vernon, NJ, 6/27/14.
I've been trying for a good Prairie Warbler shot all spring, I sort of like this one. AT at Route 94, 6/27/14.
I’ve been trying for a good Prairie Warbler shot all spring, I sort of like this one. AT at Route 94, 6/27/14.
One more of the Grasshopper Sparrow. I love this bird. AT in Vernon NJ, 6/27/14.
One more of the Grasshopper Sparrow. I love this bird. AT in Vernon NJ, 6/27/14.
IMG_1513
One of three Black-capped Chickadees. I haven’t gotten a good shot of one of these in a while. Appalachian Trail in Vernon NJ, 6/27/14.

Here’s my list for the day:

Great Blue Heron 1
Yellow-billed Cuckoo 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Willow Flycatcher 1
American Crow 2
Barn Swallow 5
Black-capped Chickadee 3
Wood Thrush 2
American Robin 4
Gray Catbird 4
Northern Mockingbird 2
European Starling 3
Prairie Warbler 6
Field Sparrow 6
Grasshopper Sparrow 2
Northern Cardinal 2
Indigo Bunting 2
Common Grackle 3

4 thoughts on “Appalachian Trail and Route 94”

  1. Great shots, Matt,

    I like the top grasshopper sparrow shot it really looks like a painting and I love the prairie warbler it is very pretty. Both are nice compositions.

    Wilma

    1. Thanks Wilma, I got lucky with the Grasshopper Sparrow background, which I really like. Welcome home! Matt

  2. Gorgeous day to be out birding, but I had too many commitments today. Like your singing Grasshopper Sparrow.

    1. Yes, it was a perfect day for it, I wish I could have spent more time looking for birds and less time painting the house! Matt

Comments are closed.