Some of the usual locations in the Great Swamp N.W.R. held Virginia Rails 10-14 days ago. As of this weekend, none were heard in the Great Swamp and Lord Stirling areas. Only a visual of an American Bittern at Lord Stirling kept the weekend from being a complete Rail/Bittern shutout. Is it too dry? At least Marsh Wrens are in at the Great Swamp. Perhaps a change in Rallidae fortune will occur with the rain forecast for Sunday and the anticipated migration push afterward.

Lord Stirling Park was host to the first 2 Ovenbirds of 2012 for Somerset County and the first Great Crested Flycatcher of 2012 in the MoCoSoCo region thanks to Jeff Ellerbusch. A flyover Solitary Sandpiper was also witnessed.

Pleasant Plains Road in the Great Swamp had continuing Warbling Vireo by the bridge, Yellow-throated Vireos by the overlook and lots of Yellow Warblers and Common Yellowthroats along White Bridge Road and Pleasant Plains Road. Barred Owls were calling at dawn and after dawn from both the Wildlife Observation center on Long Hill Road and Pleasant Plains Road.

Jeff Ellerbusch had 12 Purple Martins at the Robert J. Stahl Natural Area on River Road, Bedminster.

John Beetham eBirded Lesser Yellowlegs, Least Sandpiper, Northern Parula and Grasshopper Sparrow from the Negri-Nepote Grasslands in Franklin Township today. The last three species are firsts in 2012 for the entire MoCoSoCo region.

The adult Little Blue Heron found today at Ledell Pond in Mendham Township has a post of its own here.