It may not seem like much, but ever so slowly, migrating species of birds are trickling into the Morris and Somerset County region. There are new arrivals of species each day. Yellow Warblers, House Wrens and Gray Catbirds are gaining in individuals and Tringa numbers have risen in local patches in the last week. Species diversity may not be what is expected at this time of April but with the right weather conditions and May around the corner it is a good idea to study your bird song recordings and clean the grunge from your binoculars.
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The White-eyed Vireo reported on April 21 was vigorously singing this morning at Scherman Hoffman sanctuary in Bernardsville. Two Wood Thrushes were singing in the woods. Black-and-white and Yellow Warblers, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, House Wrens, and Gray Catbirds were present in healthy numbers.
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At Glenhurst Meadow in Warren Township, Jeff Ellerbusch had Northern Waterthrush, Yellow-throated Vireo, Baltimore Oriole and a surprising Horned Lark as well as 11 flyover Common Loons.
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From Alan Boyd at Black River WMA in Chester Township:

Hi Jonathan,
This morning along Patriot’s Path I had wood thrush, veery, northern waterthrush, ovenbird, yellow warbler, scarlet tanager and catbird. The great blue heron rookery along Patriot’s Path had 12-15 occupied nests.

Alan Boyd – Flanders
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Yesterday, the grassy pool on River Road in Hillsborough Township topped out with 21 Greater Yellowlegs and 5 Lesser Yellowlegs. Most of these Tringas were still present this afternoon.
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This afternoon at Melanie Lane Pond in Hanover Township there were:
8 Greater Yellowlegs
4 Lesser Yellowlegs
3 Solitary Sandpipers
2 Killdeer
20+ Wilson’s Snipe
6 Great Egrets
100 Tree Swallows
20 N. Rough-winged Swallows
5 Barn Swallows
15+ Savannah Sparrows

Submitted by Jonathan Klizas