Birds are present in the best numbers and diversity seen in 2012 in the MoCoSoCo region. This day begged birders to get out and enjoy the spectacle of May.

A Sora was heard at 6:37 this morning from the closed bridge on Pleasant Plains Road.

This morning at Bee Meadow Park, Hanover Township, Jamie Glydon had Common Yellowthroat, Black-throated Green, Black-throated Blue, Chestnut-sided, Prairie, Black-and-white, Magnolia, Yellow, and Yellow-rumped Warblers. As far as is known, the Chestnut-sided and Magnolia Warblers are firsts in 2012 for Morris County.

Sourland Mountain Preserve in Hillsborough Township hosted 12 species of warbler detected in a 30-minute romp this morning. The species count would be higher if time allowed: Ovenbird, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Northern Parula, Blue-winged, Black-and-white, Nashville, Magnolia, Yellow, Black-throated Blue, Yellow-rumped and Black-throated Green Warblers. Warbling and Yellow-throated Vireos were also present.

A Hooded Warbler was reported on Montgomery Rd. in Hillsborough this afternoon.

Jeff Ellerbusch happened upon a group of 9 warbler species on Milltown Rd. in Bridgewater, which included similar species to those mentioned earlier with the addition of Blackpoll Warbler, the first for the MoCoSoCo area in 2012.

Melanie Lane Pond continues to be loaded with swallows. Today, Simon Lane picked up the same 5 species seen yesterday: Northern Rough-winged, Tree, Bank, Cliff and Barn.

Jockey Hollow in Harding Township was quieter than other places but a quick late afternoon drive around the auto loop produced the first Swainson’s Thrush for Morris/Somerset in 2012 as well as Veery, Wood Thrush, Blue-headed Vireo, American Redstart, and Baltimore Orioles.

In summary, approximately 17 species of warblers were in the MoCoSoCo area today. Baltimore Orioles are seemingly everywhere. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and Great Crested Flycatchers are more numerous every day. Eastern Kingbirds and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are making their mark and on it goes.

We await the Empids.