CAPE MAY BIRDING HOTLINE August 31, 2007

CAPE MAY BIRDING HOTLINE August 31, 2007

You have reached the Cape May Birding Hotline, a service of New Jersey Audubon Societys Cape May Bird Observatory. This weeks message was prepared on Friday August 31, 2007. Highlights this week include sightings of ROSEATE SPOONBILL, AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN, BAIRD’S SANPIPER, WILSONS PHALAROPE, RED-NECKED PHALAROPE, BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER, RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER, LARK SPARROW and YELLOW-HEADED BALCKBIRD.

The long staying ROSEATE SPOONBILL continues at the Brigantine NWR as of 8/27. This bird is still being seen in the gull pond area.

Along with various other species of shorebirds at Brigantine NWR, both WILSONS PHALAROPE and RED-NECKED PHAROPE were observed in the southwest pool on 8/29.

Also, in the southwest pool on 8/27, was one BAIRDS SANDPIPER and an AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER. On 8/26 an amazing 40 HUDSONIAN GODWITS were observed at Brigantine NWR.

Continuing at Brigantine, the AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN was seen on 8/27 thru 8/29.

Also, on the north dike at Brigantine, a YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD was observed in a flock of Red-winged blackbirds on 8/25 thru 8/27. The bird was reported to be an immature male or female.

Here in Cape May, the minor invasion of RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES continues. Reports are from various locations in Cape May County. As many as eight individuals were observed at Higbee Beach WMA on 8/28.

A GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER made a brief appearance at Higbee Beach WMA on 8/28.

The BAIRDS SANDPIPER that had been frequently seen on Bunker pond was last reported on 8/26.

Also at the Cape May Point State Park, on 8/22, a BUFF-BREASTED SANPIPER made a brief appearance. Another of this species was observed briefly at Stone Harbor, yesterday, 8/30.

Lastly, a LARK SPARROW was observed on the CMBO Villas WMA walk on 8/26. This is just one of a hand full of Lark Sparrow reports that have come in the last few weeks.

ANNOUNCEMENT:

CMBO is offering a special to new and upgraded membership renewals. Join CMBO for the first time or upgrade from Individual or Family to The Hundred and receive Charley Harpers Migration Mainline- Cape May lithograph poster, valued at $50. Call either CMBO center to ask an associate about joining today!

CMBO Bookstore hours are as follows; Northwood Center on East Lake Drive in Cape May Point has returned to a seven day a week schedule. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Center for Research and Education on Rt. 47 in Goshen is open Tuesday- Sunday 9:30- 4:30.

The Cape May Birding Hotline is a service of the New Jersey Audubon Societys Cape May Bird Observatory and details sightings from Cape May, Cumberland, and Atlantic Counties. Updates are made weekly. Please report sightings of rare or unusual birds to CMBO at 609-884-2736. Sponsorship for this hotline comes from the support of CMBO members and business members, and should you not be a member, we cordially invite you to join. Individual membership is $35 per year; $45 for families. You can call either center to become a member or visit. Become a member in person and you’ll receive a FREE gift (in addition to member discount in the stores).

Good Luck and Good Birding!