Osprey, near Great Swamp NWR, Mar. 20, 2013 (photo by Jim Mulvey).

With the vernal equinox came some local arrivals, some continuing visitors and a wintry blast from the north that puts a chill onto thoughts of spring.

Jim Mulvey captured an image of Morris County’s first Osprey of 2013 (according to eBird data) at Osborne Pond near the Great Swamp NWR.
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All three Morris County Pacific Loons were observed late this afternoon. The Morris Plains juvenile (Day 12) and the Lake Parsippany adult were in their usual places. The Boonton Reservoir adult was missed at the north end but was later viewed, albeit at a distance (everything at the south end is at a distance), from the south end of the reservoir. These loons like to use the entire body of water they are visiting. With the Boonton loon, this means more misses than gets. Here is the Loon Map.

Day 12 of the Pacific Loon in Morris Plains, NJ, Mar. 20, 2013 (digiscoped by Jonathan Klizas).

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From Mike Newlon:
Glenhurst Meadows – One each Rusty Blackbird and Fox Sparrow. A few Pintails and Green-wingedTeal and an adult Red-shouldered hawk. Half-a-dozen Song Sparrows, the most I have seen there since the fall.
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Jeff Ellerbusch found a flock of 35 Rusty Blackbirds in Lord Stirling Park, near White Bridge.
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From Ellen Waldstein:
Hi Jonathan, There were plenty of Woodcock at Glenhurst Meadows this evening, calling and flying overhead. We’ve been observing at this spot for many years, and there may be a record number there this year! – Ellen Waldstein.
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From Zach Batren:
A quick drive through Colonial Park (Franklin Township) this morning resulted in:
7 Ring-necked Ducks
2 Lesser Scaups
1 Hooded Merganser
Canada Geese
1 Belted Kingfisher
and!
1 Bald Eagle soaring to the NE
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From Dave Emma:
Lake Musconetcong had some decent variety today. There were still the same amount of Hooded and Common Mergansers that have been there for the past few weeks, but today I notice far more Buffleheads, about 20 American Wigeons, and 3 Pied Billed Grebes. A juvenile Bald Eagle also flew over when I was there. – Dave