As I thumbed through the Guide to Birdfinding in NJ last night, looking for some mid-summer inspiration, I came across the chapter on the Black River Wildlife Management Area. It's only about a half hour away, and I've never been there! Oh, what a creature of habit I can be.

So, that was this morning's destination - and yes, there was at least one trail that was suggested for Kentucky Warbler. However, that was not the goal. A wide diversity of breeding birds and the opportunity to explore a new location were the primary goals.

I was impressed by the size of the place, and the diversity of habitats. One trail provided a chorus of serenading Veeries. Another trail produced spot-on, crippling views (for you, Mike F.) of a family of Blue-winged Warblers. We don’t see many Blue-gray Gnatcatchers in Maine, either, so seeing a handful of those was a treat. I heard one Yellow-throated Vireo – another uncommon bird in Maine, and also enjoyed more crippling, spot-on, AND point-blank views of gaudy Scarlet Tanagers and Indigo Buntings.

Interestingly, my good friend Scott was telling me that this park used to be more heavily birded. Now, he rarely hears about sightings from there. Either it’s not longer a “trendy” place to go, or it is no longer as “good” as it used to be. Or both. Speaking things not being as good as they used to be, Scott also mentioned that he doesn’t think that Kentucky Warblers are being seen at the Cross Estate in Jockey Hollow (where I was looking for them yesterday), likely due to the fact that deer have completely devastated the native understory (all that is left if dirt or Japanese Barberry tangles). Guess I’ll need to head to the wooded swamps in South Jersey to add this tick to the state list.