The summer shorebird season is officially underway in the Mocosoco region. A returning Solitary Sandpiper (SOSA) put in a brief appearance this morning at Melanie Pond in Hanover Township. After posing cooperatively for some photographs, the SOSA lifted off, uttered its high-pitched flight call and continued flying south. According to eBird data this is the first SOSA in New Jersey this month. 8 Great Blue Herons, all juveniles, and up to 11 Great Egrets have been at the pond in the past week.

Please note: the bridge connecting Ridgedale Avenue to Melanie Lane is being reconstructed and will be closed for approximately two years. The only access to Melanie Lane is via Algonquin Parkway.

Solitary Sandpiper, 1st of the summer season, at Melanie Pond, July 5, 2012
(Photo by J. Klizas)

Andrew Holloway reports a Black-crowned Night-Heron in the Passaic River at Stanley Park in Chatham on June 27. This hard-to-find species in Morris County has been at this location in years past.

Mike Newlon eBirded the Alder Flycatcher at Glenhurst Meadows again this morning. This is a remarkable record for a species rarely recorded this late in the season anywhere in New Jersey and especially in the Mocosoco region.

On July 4, Jeff Ellerbusch found a Bank Swallow at the garden area of Glenhurst Meadows. This area attracts six swallow species in late July-early August according to Jeff, so this seems a little early. Last year’s first Bank Swallow at Glenhurst was July 21.