Kentucky Warbler in Long Valley

Kentucky Warbler, Long Valley, NJ, May 24, 2014 (photo by Jonathan Klizas)

Song: Kentucky Warbler, Long Valley, NJ, May 24, 2014

On May 22, Alison Goessling found a Kentucky Warbler (KEWA) in Long Valley. This morning, the KEWA was seen and heard again. The KEWA is on private property.

mocosocoBirds is leery of people abusing this location and harassing the bird by playing recordings (which is strictly forbidden) and, therefore, will refrain from publishing directions.  Besides, chances of actually seeing the KEWA are next to nil. The purpose of this post is to document the existence of what has become a rare species in both Morris and Somerset Counties.

Alder Flycatchers

Each spring is unique; each spring is weird. The May 13 mocosocoBirds post reports how Alder Flycatchers were over-reported and mis-identified last year. So, what does one make of this year. Alder Flycatchers are apparently as numerous as ever and are being accurately reported by meticulous people with hand-held recorders, otherwise known as iPhones and smart phones. Hopefully, others have honed their ears and learned the differences between Willow and Alder Flycatcher’s vocal repertoire.

3 Alder Flycatchers (ALFL) are at Glenhurst Meadows today (Jeff Ellerbusch). An ALFL is heard pip-calling in the following recording: Alder Flycatchers at Glenhurst Meadows (recorded by Jeff Ellerbusch).

2 Alder Flycatchers are in the Great Swamp NWR (Simon Lane), with the following ALFL recorded at the overlook on Pleasant Plains Road: Alder Flycatcher at Great Swamp NWR (recorded by Simon Lane).

It is hoped that other Alder Flycatcher reports coming in from Morris and Somerset Counties are a result of learned and meticulous attention to nuance and detail.

All of the recording in today’s post were made using iPhones. The .mp4 files were converted to .wav files and their volumes boosted using the freeware Audacity on a Windows 7 laptop. Android smart phones have the same capability. This is technology available to everyone. Please, use it.

As is expected this time of year, there are voluminous reports from the field today, too many to relate in this space. Check eBird.org for details of today’s sightings or use the simple tool, NJBird and use the Counties menu to view rarities and checklists.