End of the Season, Bullock's continues

[Jessie Barry, CMBO's hawk counter, enjoys the last day of the Hawk Watch. Photo by Karl Lukens.]

The Hawk Watch ended today, with about 31,500 raptors tallied by primary counter Jessie Barry and swing counter Chris Brown. A "good" season in Cape May historically has been about 40,000; however, how can you call this year bad with Swainson's Hawk, Rough-legged Hawks (including a light morph juvenile today), Golden Eagles, and goshawks included in the mix? And with a goshawk catching a Cooper's Hawk? And with a Lesser Nighthawk that made the platform list? And with such great counters and interpreters?

[Jessie's cake, provided by Steve Bauer. Photo by Karl Lukens.]

A bunch of folks gathered on the platform to wish Jessie well today. Steve Bauer brought a cake, and the Sluggs and Breslows provided coffee and hot chocolate. Cave Swallows passed regularly, most not even mentioned, and I joked that now we needed to check the cAve's for Cliff's, not the other way around. A Baltimore Oriole fed in the cedars over the pavilion. During the festivities, Arthur, one of the banders, brought over a recently caught Northern Goshawk. I missed that show, I had left and was just pulling up again as it was released. As a consolation, from the parking lot I heard and saw an Evening Grosbeak flying over, north of the platform.

The Bullock's Oriole was seen again today by Lloyd Shaw (his 317th NJ year bird, I believe) and others.

Origin of the annually occurring Cave Swallow (Petrochelidon fulva) in South Jersey

Recently a couple of Cave swallows were found deceased at a popular roost site in Cape May City. Having these specimens now allows us to help to put to rest some of the debate as to whether or not the Cave swallows which show up in Cape May every autumn are from the southwest or the Caribbean.

Michael O'Brien was kind enough to share this short write up in hopes that it will help to clarify why we have always thought that these these birds were from the southwest. Thanks to Michael for providing the text and photos.


Cave Swallow (Petrochelidon fulva) in South Jersey


It has long been debated where the Cave Swallows that appear each November in New Jersey are coming from. A growing body of evidence supports the idea that most of these birds are coming from Southwestern/Mexican populations rather than from Florida/West Indian populations. Plumage characters support this idea: Mexican birds (and birds seen in New Jersey) have tawny-buff rump patches that are just slightly darker than those of Cliff Swallow (Fig. 1), and have primarily grayish-brown breast-sides, flanks, and undertail coverts (Fig. 2); West Indian birds typically show a darker rufous rump and throat and a distinct rufous wash to the breast-sides, flanks, and undertail coverts. However, uncertainty about variation in these plumage characters leaves questions.


Fig. 1 Note the tawny coloration on the throat, rump and forehead as well as the distinctly capped appearance. Cliff Swallow would show a blackish throat, darker chestnut cheeks, and less of a capped appearance. Most Cliff Swallows would also show white foreheads though Southwestern birds (which have occurred in New Jersey in late fall) show chestnut foreheads.


Fig. 2 Note the relatively clean looking belly with grayish-brown breast-sides, flanks, and undertail coverts. A bird of Caribbean origin should exhibit some rufous to the breast-sides, flanks, and undertail coverts and have a darker rufous throat.


A more solid criterion is wing measurement. At least one previous Cave Swallow record involves a specimen that was determined to be of the Mexican subspecies, P. f.pelodoma. On November 27, Richard Crossley retrieved two dead Cave Swallows from the roost site at Congress Hall in Cape May. Both are first year birds (determined by a mix of old and new flight feathers). The wings of these two specimens measured at 107 mm and 111 mm (Fig. 3), right in line with the Mexican subspecies but too long for the West Indian subspecies (P. f.fulva). Another subspecies in Cuba barely overlaps the shorter-winged specimen but Cuban birds show the richest, darkest rufous colors of the species so should appear distinctly different from these specimens.


Fig. 3 Note the "wrist" of the bird is securely held at 0 mm so that an accurate measurement can be taken. This is called a "flattened wing" measurement which is a typical measurement taken on birds. On this Cave Swallow, the wing length is about 111 mm, indicating the Mexican subspecies P. f. pelodoma.

Bullock's Oriole still kicking.... as of 9:15 a.m. at least

On my way into the Northwood Center this morning I drove past the oriole spot on Baysore Rd. (Hidden Valley Extension) and there were three people braving the cold temps. for a look at the Bullock's oriole. And as it turns out a great look is what they got. I missed it by just a few minutes. Evidently about 9:15 am the bird popped up in a leafless deciduous tree, back to the southwest of the tangles in which the bird has been see relatively frequently, and gave quite the show. They even were able to get the bird in the scope for close views. Also at least two female Baltimore orioles are still present

While it is a bit windy now, forecast to get stronger and switch to the SW, it may be the sun which brings the bird out. Maybe this bird is like Superman and draws it's strength from the sun? Or, would that make it a reptile........... Anyway, it seems that today may be a good day to look for this bird. Given the approaching weather, like Paul said in the Birding Forecast, today and Saturday may be your best bet to look for some of these out of place birds.

Good luck to all who decide to take the chase.

CAPE MAY BIRDING HOTLINE November 29, 2007

CAPE MAY BIRDING HOTLINE November 29, 2007

The Cape May Birding Hotline is a service of New Jersey Audubon Societys Cape May Bird Observatory. This weeks message was prepared on Thursday November 29, 2007. Highlights this week include sightings of BULLOCKS ORIOLE, BALTIMORE ORIOLE, WHITE-WINGED DOVE, BARNACLE GOOSE, BARROWS GOLDENEYE, EVENING GROSBEAK, LEAST FLYCATCHER and ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER.

For more up to the minute Cape May sightings information check the "View from the Cape" section of www.BirdCapeMay.org.

The ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER continues at the Cape Island Preserve area at the end of Wilson Street in West Cape May, as of Tuesday 11/27, in the afternoon. The bird was last seen to the north of Wilson St.

In the same area, to the south of Wilson Street, the LEAST FLYCATCHER continues to be seen as of 11/28. This bird is very hit or miss so make sure to give ample time for your search.

Found on Tuesday, 11/27 at the Hidden Valley Extension, a male BULLOCKS ORIOLE continues as of today, 11/29. To reach the Hidden Valley Extension, heading north on Bayshore Rd., from Sunset Blvd., go past the Reas Farm and look for Stimpson Lane on your right. A few hundred feet north of Stimpson Lane, but before Socs Lane (on the right), look for a green milepost marker "1" on the right side of the road. Directly across from the mile marker, on the west side of Bayshore Rd. you will see a mowed path. Stand along the side of the road and watch the porcelain berry tangles which is where the bird is seen most frequently. Particularly in the morning the bird seems to like the little corner of dense tangles near the junction Rt. 645 sign. The bird continues to skulk in the tangles in relative close association with up to three female BALTIMORE ORIOLES.

Yesterday, 11/28, a WHITE-WINGED DOVE was located at the Villas WMA in the vicinity of" the courtyard and smaller swimming pool near the old main building of the former golf course." As of the time of compilation there have been no further reports of this species.

The BARNACLE GOOSE continues to be seen in various locations in Cape May. For the past two mornings the goose has been seen by Bullocks Oriole hopefuls, flying in an easterly direction over Bayshore Rd. with a flock of Canada Geese. Possibly the best chanced to see this bird is first thing in the morning or around sunset at TNCs Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge when the bird is leaving or coming to roost. All farm fields withCanada Geese in the area should be examined.

While waiting for the Bullocks Oriole to show, observers had a male EVENING GROSBEAK fly over theHidden Valley Extension on the morning of 11/28.

Lastly, and most difficult to chase, a drake BARROWS GOLDENEYE (first Cape May County record if accepted) flew out of Townsends Inlet past the Avalon Seawatch on the morning of 11/28. The bird was in the company of a female Bufflehead, both headed out in to the ocean. If wishing to try for this bird it is suggested to check as many beach access points between Avalon and Cape May as possible. Special attention should bepaid to the bays on the back side of the barrier island such as Sunset Lake in Wild Wood Crest.


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 Call either CMBO center to ask an associate about joining today! lithograph poster, valued at $50.

******CMBO Bookstore hours are as follows; Northwood Center on East Lake Drive in Cape May Point, starting December 1, will be closed on Tuesdays. The center will be open Wednesday-Monday for the winter. 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 $39 per year; $49 for families. You can call either center to become a member or visit. Become a member in person and youll receive a FREE gift (in addition to member discount in the stores).

Good Luck and Good Birding!

Oh Bullocks........White-winged dove and Barnacle goose too.

Well, the BULLOCKS ORIOLE is still giving brief glimpses to those willing to be at the Hidden Valley Extension at about sunrise. This morning we arrived at about 7:30 to find that the bird had been seen briefly in the corner of tangles (near the 645 junction sign) and actually flew across the road to a lone holly tree at the corner of a private drive way. The few there were teased with small glimpses of the bullocks while it slowly moved about on the back side of the tree. After a few minutes of hide and seek, the bird flew back to it's tangle corner and has not been seen as I understand, as of the time I write this (8:45 a.m.) NOTE: IF you try for this bird and it flies across Bayshore Rd. to a private residence, PLEASE respect private property lines!!!!

In other rarity news, a WHITE-WINGED DOVE was found yesterday (11/29) at the Villas WMA. The bird was seen in the vicinity of the dilapidated buildings "by the courtyard and smaller swimming pool near the old main building" on the western side of the property. The bird was evidently alone. Also of note at Villas WMA were the continuing Red-headed woodpeckers and about 125 Rusty blackbirds

Also, the Barnacle goose was seen flying in a westerly direction over Bayshore Rd. while folks were waiting for the oriole to show up. It would seem that the best bet (or at least most reported time in which the bird is seen) is still the evenings at TNC's CMMBR. Though, I've heard that the goose has been located a time or two in the fields between Shunpike and
Seashore.

Below are a few pictures of the Bullocks oriole from yesterday, which Michael O'Brien was nice enough to share. Enjoy.

This was a brief look it gave to some of us waiting yesterday morning.  It took a short break from
skulking around the porcelain berry tangles very much associating with the three female
Baltimore orioles present.



How much better can it get?!?!  This lucky shot shows pretty much every field mark you might
want to see in identifying a Bullocks oriole in flight.  Note especially the tail pattern which is a
reversal of the pattern found on a Baltimore oriole.  This one is by far a favorite of mine.


This last photo is just a bit of eye candy.  Believe it or not, this bright bird is easily lost in the 
leafless tangles of porcelain berry.  Or, even the dense foliage of a holly tree like this morning.

BULLOCKS ORIOLE success! Ash-throated still accounted for.

Bullocks oriole photo provided by Karl Lukens.

The BULLOCKS ORIOLE was seen numerous times by a hand full of individuals at the Hidden Valley Extension this morning. (For directions see previous post by Don Freiday.) The bird was quite skittish and preferred to be in the tangles of porcelain berry rather than sitting out like it's female companions. A number of photos were taken today to be submitted to the NJ records committee. The photo above was taken when the oriole, following the three female Baltimore orioles toward Bayshore Rd., decided to perch momentarily to the delight of the party still present. Other photos may come.

So what do you need to do to see the bird? First, follow the directions to the locations! (By the way, if there is any mention of looking for a "cow" painted mailbox, the mailbox is on the ground and not on the post.) Then, your best bet is to hang by the road side looking in a westerly direction between the road sign, either for 607 or the intersection of 645 and the trail which cuts back through a stand of cedar. The porcelain berry covered vegetation is evident. Then, keep an eye out for either, 2-3 female Baltimore orioles or, a very bright orange bird with a conspicuous amount of white in the wing. Don't be fooled by leaves caught in the tangles. Some are a similar color to the birds and flickering in the wind........you get the point. If you are so inclined to see this bird I'd suggest going first thing in the morning and try to plan to stay as long as you can. Try looking up toward the 607 or 645 sign. The bird was first encountered in the general location this morning. You might be rewarded with excellent views. I have no word at this point that the bird is being seen, or anyone looking for that matter, in the afternoon.

As for other birds of note. This is a message shared with me about the Ash-throated flycatcher being seen on Tuesday 11/27; "I did see the Ash-throated flycatcher yesterday afternoon, about 4pm.
It was across the tracks from Wilson Rd on the north side about 30 yds.
It flew in from across the field while I was searching and landed fairly
close to me, so I had very nice looks as it seemed to be picking buds or bugs
off one of the small trees.

I did not find the western."

Thanks to Warren Cairo for keeping us in the loop about this rarity, evidently still around.

Bullock's Oriole + Barrow's Goldeneye

At 8:35 am the Bullock's Oriole was seen flying away from Bayshore Road into the Hidden Valley Extension.

Ken Behrens, 2007 Sea Watch Counter, reported a drake Barrow's Goldeneye flying out of Townsend's Inlet into the ocean. Seawatchers should keep an eye out for this bird over the next few days. For directions to the Avalon Sea Watch please go to Maps & Checklists. For more information on the Sea Watch visit Research or, View from the Field for daily counts.
Have fun,
Laura

Bullock's Oriole seen + a few!

I just got a call that the Bullock's Oriole was seen this morning by a few observers, between 7:20 - 7:30 am. It has not been seen again by the time of this post. Two female Baltimore Orioles are still also being seen off and on. Additionally, watchers reported a fly-over Barnacle Goose and Evening Grosbeaks.
For directions to the oriole location please see Don's post from yesterday, below.
Have fun,
Laura

Bullock's Oriole - yes

I just learned the Bullock's Oriole reported below was briefly re-seen by George Myers and Karl Lukens a short time ago, in the original location. Orange slices have been placed in the area.

A list from today's CMBO Two Mile Beach walk is below, courtesy of Chuck and Mary Jane Slugg.

Location: Two Mile Beach
Observation date: 11/27/07
Number of species: 41
Brant 55
Canada Goose 25
American Black Duck 40
Mallard 20
Black Scoter 50
Bufflehead 30
Red-throated Loon 2
Common Loon 2
Northern Gannet 200
Double-crested Cormorant 50
Great Egret 10
Snowy Egret 1
Turkey Vulture 10
Northern Harrier 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk 3
Killdeer 5
Ruddy Turnstone 5
Sanderling 100
Dunlin 50
Laughing Gull 1
Ring-billed Gull 15
Herring Gull 25
Great Black-backed Gull 75
Forster's Tern 1
Rock Pigeon 5
Mourning Dove 5
American Crow 5
Tree Swallow 15
Eastern Bluebird 15
American Robin 300
Gray Catbird 1
Brown Thrasher 1
European Starling 50
American Pipit 5
Yellow-rumped Warbler 10
Swamp Sparrow 5
White-throated Sparrow 5
Red-winged Blackbird 50
Common Grackle 15
Boat-tailed Grackle 10
American Goldfinch 200

Bullock's Oriole - Not

As of 10:45 a.m. the male Bullock's Oriole has not been refound, despite searching. It would seem, therefore, that a chase for the bird might not be worthwhile. Or it might - if you don't find the Oriole, maybe an Ash-throated Flycatcher will put in an appearance for example (there is one in Cape May, as has been posted earlier.)

Speaking of which, I was talking to poor Scott Barnes (of Sandy Hook Bird Observatory) on the phone yesterday. I had called him about the Lesser Nighthawk. It turns out Scott's in Nevada, which doesn't sound so bad except when there's a Lesser Nighthawk here, or worse, for Scott, a gaggle of rarities up at Sandy Hook including, he told me, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Townsend's Solitaire and Great Crested Flycatcher . . .to which latter I said, "Hmmmmm." And Scott replied, "Hmmmmm, indeed."

I didn't know any details about Sandy Hook Great Crested at the time (I've recently heard it was well-photographed) but boy oh boy if anyone sees a late November Myiarchus that's not an Ash-throated, please be open to all possibilities, i.e. Brown-crested Flycatcher. Especially if it looks kind of like our familiar Great-crested but seems washed out and big billed. There is a December 16 record in Cape May of Great-crested, but any Great-crested in NJ after mid-October is very unusual.

BULLOCK'S ORIOLE

AN ADULT MALE BULLOCK'S ORIOLE was found by Paul Lehman at 9:30 this morning along Bayshore Road north of the Beanery/Rea Farm. From the Beanery, go north to mile marker 1. Opposite mile marker one there is a grassy path that goes into the Hidden Valley extension. The bird was seen right next to Bayshore Road in a thicket that has lots of berries, in the company of a female Baltimore Oriole. Both birds have disappeared, but people are actively looking. Anywhere in this area with similar habitat should be searched. Please stay off private property; the grassy path mentioned above is public as part of Hidden Valley.

CAPE MAY BIRDING HOTLINE November 26, 2007

CAPE MAY BIRDING HOTLINE November 26, 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 Monday November 26, 2007. Highlights this week include sightings of WESTERN KINGBIRD, CAVE SWALLOW, LESSER NIGHTHAWK, BARNACLE GOOSE, ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, LONG-EARED OWL, SHORT-EARED OWL, SAW-WHET OWL, PINE SISKIN, EVENING GROSBEAK, PURPLE FINCH, BALTIMORE ORIOLE, COMMON EIDER, SANDHILL CRANE, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, RED-HEADED WOODPECKER, ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK, WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL, COMMON REDPOLL AND RED CROSSBILL

For more up to the minute Cape May sightings information check the “View from the Cape” section of www.BirdCapeMay.org.

We apologize for the unavoidable lapse of hotline coverage in the previous weeks and we hope that this has not caused anyone any inconvenience.

A WESTERN KINGBIRD was reported from the end of Wilson St. in West Cape May, yesterday, 11/25. This is the same area that the ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER has been seen. The ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER was also reported to have been seen, yesterday, 11/25. Wilson Street can be accessed on the left side of Seashore Ave. (heading south) from the West Cape May canal bridge. Park at the end of the street and walk over the railroad tracks. This area is TNCs Cape Island Preserve. The Ash-throated had been seen frequently along the tracks south of Wilson St., but the bird has been observed to the north of Wilson St. as well.

There still are plenty of CAVE SWALLOWS around to be seen. The best chance for spying this species is to plant yourself on the hawkwatch platform at the Cape May Point State Park and wait for one to fly by. Roosting groups as big as 90+ individuals have been seen in Cape May City.

A LESSER NIGHTHAWK (first NJ state record if accepted) was found yesterday, 11/25, roosting on a branch near the hawk watch platform at the Cape May Point State Park. There have been no further sightings of this bird as of the time of the compilation of this hotline.

The lone BARNACLE GOOSE continues to be found in the Cape May area the week. The last sighting of this species was this morning, 11/26 at TNCs Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge- CMMBR (a.k.a. the Meadows.) It seems the best chance for spotting this species is first thing in the morning or in the evening at roost at either the CMMBR or on Lake Lilly.

On Saturday, 11/24, numerous reports of LONG-EARED OWLS came in from various locations in Cape May. There was one obliging owl which many observers were fortunate enough to see, most other reports were of accidental flushes that occurred while birding. The same night banding efforts produced no less than 8 SAW-WHET OWLS.

Reports continue to trickle in of PINE SISKIN and other winter finches in the Cape May vicinity, mostly as flyovers. PURPLE FINCH is virtually a daily occurrence here in Cape May and can often be seen at the feeder at CMBOs Northwood Center in Cape May Point. A COMMON REDPOLL was observed flying over the hawkwatch platform on 11/24 and 11/25. A WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL flew past the hawkwacth platform on 11/23. On 11/16, nine RED CROSSBILLS flew past the Avalon seawatch.

EVENING GROSBEAK is being reported as flyovers in spits and spats. One was observed at TNCs CMMBR this morning, 11/26. Also, one was reported as a fly over at the Cape Island Preserve off Wilson St. in West Cape May, yesterday 11/25.

A BALTIMORE ORIOLE was seen at the Beanery on 11/24.

Four COMMON EIDER were seen off Cape May Point on 11/20.

Two SANDHILL CRANES have been frequenting the Cape May Point area in the last week. These birds have been frequently seen in either Bunker pond in front of the hawkwatch platform or on Lighthouse pond at the Cape May Point State Park.

Last reported on 11/24, there had been a very cooperative ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER at the back part of the loop trail at Hidden Valley (the west side) While one bird had been reported previously there were two individuals at Hidden Valley on 11/24. Additionally ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER has been seen at Higbee Beach near the port-o-john, in the last week.

Up to four imm. RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS have been spotted caching acorns at the Villa WMA. The last report of these birds at this location was on 11/18.

Moving up the Bay Shore, SHORT-EARED OWLS are being seen in the evenings at the end of Jakes Landing Road.

Lastly, a ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK visited a private feeder in Leesburg, Cumberland County 0n 11/16 and 17.

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, starting December 1, will be closed on Tuesdays. The center will be open Wednesday-Monday for the winter. 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 $39 per year; $49 for families. You can call either center to become a member or visit. Become a member in person and youll receive a FREE gift (in addition to member discount in the stores).

Good Luck and Good Birding!

Barnacle Goose, Evening Grosbeak....CMMBR

In checking on some e-Bird reports I noticed that the Barnacle goose was reported from the TNC Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge (aka the Meadows), today, somewhere between 8:30 a.m and 10:30 a.m. Also reported of note were a lone Evening grosbeak and 82 Snow buntings.

Still no word on the nighthawk.

Lessr Nighthawk Ruminations, Barnacle Goose Photo, and report from Two Mile Beach

[Looking at the Lesser Nighthawk (whereabouts currently unknown), yesterday, Cape May Point State Park. Photo by Karl Lukens. Jessie Barry and others were able to add the bird to the Hawk Watch Platform list by backing their way to the platform and reaching up to touch the platform with the nighthawk in their bins.]

New news of the nighthawk will be posted here immediately.

We were very lucky the nighthawk was perched, and very lucky that nighthawk i.d. has come so far - as the story below will show. Jason has given an excellent summation of the field marks of the Lesser Nighthawk in an earlier post, along with photos.

I drove hastily to Cape May Point when I heard about the tentative i.d., approaching the matter with a healthy dose of caution, but feeling better upon learning it was Michael O'Brien who identified the bird initially.

The caution comes from a nighthawk discovered in Washington, D.C. October 29, 1985, not positively identified until excellent photos were obtained on November 10, and which remained until November 15, 1985. Up to November 10, the obsevers leaned very strongly towards Lesser Nighthawk. . .until the photos showed it was in fact a Common Nighthawk.

I didn't see that bird, only read about it in Birding (June,, 1986, vol. 26:3, pp. 169-173), but when, after looking at the Cape May nighthawk yesterday, I mentioned the D.C. story to Michael, he replied "I saw that bird. It shows how far we've come."

Quoting from the Birding article (written by David Czaplak and Claudia Wilds), "Optimists on the East Coast have always hypothesized (on no particular evidence) that a winter nighthawk is likely to be a Lesser. . .Inspired by hundreds of quick glimpses under lamentable conditions of visibility, by memories of flight patterns of birds seen thousands of miles away months or even years before. . .and by two or three dubious behavioral distinctions described in a half-dozen field guides, honest and competent observers found it almost irresistable to turn an out-of-season bird into one that was wildly out of range - especially when the group will was totally focused on the possibility of establishing a first regional record.

". . .Luckily, in the end conclusive evidence was provided - evidence that only a photographer or bander [or a sketched and carefully described perched bird - DF] could have supplied. . .The shortness of the wings and the "way out there" location of the primary bars vanished in the illumination of the camera

". . .In this case at least, relying on jizz alone would have given the region its first record - and it would have been completely erroneous. But should jizz ever be used to identify a vagrant for the public record when plumage and (where necessary) soft parts and voice are not unequivocally documented? If so, under what circumstances? And why?"

This article is worth tracking down and reading in its entirety, as is a nighthawk photo quiz Michael penned in the October, 1994 issue of Birding.

Armed by the latter article, read over 13 years ago, I arrived in Cape May knowing at least that I had to establish EXACTLY where the white primary bar was on the bird, and how extensive, and the first thing I did was crudely sketch the 5 exposed primaries, the position of the rearmost tertial, and the location of the white bar. I'd forgotten a number of other subtle hints, but Michael filled me and many other birders in with all the marks Jason lists below.

Good stuff. Speaking of which, here is a photo of the somewhat elusive Cape May Barnacle Goose:

[Barnacle Goose, Lily Lake, Friday 11/23/07. Photo by Karl Lukens.]

Finally, before the chase for the nighthawk Sunday afternoon, I birded Two Mile Beach and vicinity, where 19 Great Egrets, 3 Little Blue Herons, and an American Bittern foraged in the marshes along Ocean drive. Two adult Great Cormorants were perched on the pilings at Poverty Beach, and a flock of Purple Sandpipers fed on the jetty at Cold Spring Inlet. There's still at least one Cave Swallow around, and two Fox Sparrows were in full song. The full list is below.

Location: Two Mile Beach
Observation date: 11/25/07
Notes: Birded Two Mile Landing, the ponds along Ocean Drive, and walked to the jetty.
Number of species: 66
Brant 300
American Wigeon 10
American Black Duck 100
Mallard 25
Northern Pintail 25
Surf Scoter 200
White-winged Scoter 10
Black Scoter 25
Bufflehead 50
Hooded Merganser 60
Red-breasted Merganser 2
Red-throated Loon 40
Common Loon 2
Northern Gannet 50
Double-crested Cormorant 20
Great Cormorant 2 Both adults on pilings at Poverty Beach
American Bittern 1 Seen behind the restaurant flying & landing in marsh
Great Blue Heron 2
Great Egret 19
Little Blue Heron 3 2 imm, 1 adult
Black-crowned Night-Heron 1 Found freshly dead, not emaciated
Northern Harrier 1
Cooper's Hawk 1 Calling
Killdeer 6
American Oystercatcher 20 on beach near jetty
Greater Yellowlegs 5
Ruddy Turnstone 6
Sanderling 200
Purple Sandpiper 20
Dunlin 100
Laughing Gull 1
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull X
Forster's Tern 6
Royal Tern 1
Rock Pigeon 20
Mourning Dove 5
Belted Kingfisher 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 2
Blue Jay 5
American Crow 5
Fish Crow 10
Tree Swallow 200
Cave Swallow 1
Carolina Chickadee 5
Carolina Wren 5
Hermit Thrush 5
Gray Catbird 5
Northern Mockingbird 2
Brown Thrasher 1
European Starling 75
Yellow-rumped Warbler 50
Fox Sparrow 2 Singing vigorously and beautifully!
Song Sparrow 5
Swamp Sparrow 5
White-throated Sparrow 25
Dark-eyed Junco 5
Northern Cardinal 2
Red-winged Blackbird 5
Boat-tailed Grackle 5
Purple Finch 5
House Finch 10
American Goldfinch 5
House Sparrow 10

The nigthawk has flown the coop!

A group of folks stayed out on the hawk watch platform this evening at the Cape May Point State Park, in hopes of seeing the Lesser nighthawk in flight. Those out early enough were evidently rewarded with a nice flight of this bird circling the state park parking lot area and even close enough that some thought they were going to be hit by the bird.

One observer stated that the shorter tenth primary was evident on the bird in flight and that the flight style did not seem to match that of a Common nighthawk.

While I was not fortunate enough(that's what I get for trying to get one more quick thing done at work) to catch more then a two second view of the bird (two different seconds) in flight, I'd say if pressed that the flight style seemed to be to be different. Just remember that I only saw a fleeting glimpse and the brain can make you see what you want to see.

I did over hear Paul Lehman say that he liked the positioning of the white patch in the primaries.

Ultimately the bird flew toward it's roost area and disappeared. It was not seen flying again. By the way, this all happened around 4:45-5:00 or so this evening. We will most definitely get the word out if this bird should be relocated tomorrow. Other than that, it's a trip to the south west, hopefully with NJAS Eco-travel!

LESSER NIGHTHAWK found at the Cape May Point State Park- 11/25/07

Earlier this morning a nighthawk was found at the Cape may Point State Park. While the bird was first thought to be a Common nighthawk, it turns out that this is actually a LESSER NIGHTHAWK. Thanks to Steve Bauer for this find.


Look closely and you can see a bit of the buffy spotting on the primaries. Also note that the white patch in the wing is positioned past the tertials where this patch would be positioned underneath the tertials in a Common nighthawk. One way to separate from and Antillean nighthawk is the lack of contrastingly pale tertials. Also look for the primaries to be close to equal to the length to the tail. Not particularly noticeable in the photo above. From a different angle this was a bit more obvious.


Note (looking at the wingtip just above the broken branch, the lower wig tip in the photo) that primary #10 is actually shorter than primary #9. This as I understand is pretty diagnostic for a Lesser nighthawk.


Just a pretty close-up photo for your viewing pleasure.

Final CMBO Beanery (Rea's Farm) walk-11//24/07

First, a photo from Karl Lukens of one cooperative Long-eared owl which was roosting at the Cape May Point State Park yesterday. More on the owl situation later.

Also, Karl sent the list for the final CMBO Beanery walk (Fall Migrants at the Rea Farm, officially) from yesterday 11/24. Evidence that there is still plenty of great birding to be had down here in Cape May, even at this time of year. Heck, I'd bet that some locals would argue that the late fall early winter holds some of the most exciting birding of the season. If for nothing more than rarities. But the numbers of short distance migrants don't disappoint as well.

"Some nice birds on the last, and chilly, Beanery walk of the season. Good looks at Red-tails and Red-shouldered Hawks, plus a Kestrel and a couple of "sharpies". Still lots of robins and many Savannah Sparrows in the front weed fields. A few Purple Finches, Meadowlarks, and a Cave Swallow made for a fine day."

Location: The Beanery
Observation date: 11/24/07
Notes: CMBO Walk
Number of species: 49

American Black Duck 2
Mallard 5
Black Vulture 1
Turkey Vulture 20
Sharp-shinned Hawk 2
Red-shouldered Hawk 2
Red-tailed Hawk 3
American Kestrel 1
Ring-billed Gull 2
Herring Gull 3
Rock Pigeon 1
Mourning Dove 30
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 3
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 2
Eastern Phoebe 2
Blue Jay 5
American Crow 15
Tree Swallow 5
Cave Swallow 1
Carolina Chickadee 3
Carolina Wren 5
Winter Wren 3
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2
Eastern Bluebird 5
American Robin 100
Gray Catbird 1
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 20
Cedar Waxwing 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 15
Chipping Sparrow 1
Field Sparrow 1
Savannah Sparrow 15
Fox Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 5
Swamp Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow 10
Dark-eyed Junco 10
Northern Cardinal 5
Red-winged Blackbird 25
Eastern Meadowlark 10
Common Grackle 25
Brown-headed Cowbird 25
Purple Finch 3
House Finch 5
American Goldfinch 10
House Sparrow 10

Two Mile Beach report

I just received a report from CMBO's Two Mile Beach walk last Tuesday, which hosted a nice selection of birds, including 8 kinds of ducks, 7 shorebirds, and both loons. The list below is courtesty of Chuck and Mary Jane Slugg:

Location: Two Mile Beach
Observation date: 11/20/07
Number of species: 43
Brant 30
Canada Goose 15
American Black Duck 20
Lesser Scaup 15
Surf Scoter 5
Black Scoter 50
Bufflehead 30
Hooded Merganser 10
Red-breasted Merganser 5
Ruddy Duck 10
Red-throated Loon 15
Common Loon 5
Horned Grebe 2
Northern Gannet 50
Double-crested Cormorant 10
Great Blue Heron 3
Great Egret 35
Snowy Egret 1
Cooper's Hawk 2
Black-bellied Plover 10
Semipalmated Plover 5
Killdeer 1
Ruddy Turnstone 10
Sanderling 50
Western Sandpiper 2
Dunlin 150
Ring-billed Gull 10
Herring Gull 15
Great Black-backed Gull 35
Rock Pigeon 20
Mourning Dove 2
Northern Flicker 2
American Crow 10
Tree Swallow 10
American Robin 75
European Starling 50
Yellow-rumped Warbler 35
Chipping Sparrow 1
Savannah Sparrow 2
Song Sparrow 4
Northern Cardinal 1
Red-winged Blackbird 25
Common Grackle 10

Hidden Valley: Barnacle Goose, Orange-crowned Warbler

I'd just stepped from the truck thanksgiving morning and was wiping the sleep from my eyes when a gray ghost harrier slid by the Hidden Valley parking lot, an auspicious start to the morning.

The hedgerow along the east path was rich with birds: Eastern Meadowlarks, robins, Cedar Waxwings, White-throated Sparrows, etc., but the pearl was a fairly bright and cooperative Orange-crowned Warbler, which I decided to stick with for a while. You don't see Orange-crowneds every day, after all.

Because it called periodically - a distinctive hard "stik" reminiscent, to me, of a scaled-down cardinal chip - it was fairly easy to follow, and I watched it off and on for about 20 minutes. This bird wing-flicked fairly often, perhaps every 2-3 seconds, as it foraged low in the goldenrod and brambles. I was trying to study every detail on the bird, but re-learned that some of the groovier field marks like primary projection past the tertials require ideal views, and though I was within 10 yards of this bird at one point I never got a fix on that particular mark, for example. I did notice that the upper eye-arc on this bird seemed to blend with the supercilium. This individual was yellowish below from chin to undertail coverts, dullest on the rear flanks and brightest on the undertail coverts, not as gray as many Orange-crowneds we see in the east.

The Orange-crowned finally disappeared, and about that time a distant group of Canada Geese settled into a field far to the west, beyond the border of Hidden Valley. Knowing the Barnacle Goose is around, I checked each bird, and the Barnacle was with them! As I told Karl Lukens later, it was just a fit of luck. The Barnacle Goose does really stand out against the Canadas, actually, more I would say than a White-fronted does. It's smaller and with a much paler body and wings, and of course has the white face and dark chest. I wandered over to the west boundary of Hidden Valley and found a spot where I could get through the hedgerow and look across the private property beyond. Sure enough, there in the field fed the Barnacle Goose with the Canadas, unfortunately not in a spot that could be viewed from New England Road. If anyone looks for this bird here, PLEASE be sure not to trespass. Stay on the Hidden Valley property.

Plenty of other birds were at Hidden Valley. A Hairy Woodpecker took it in its head to fly high overhead all the way from the distant woods at Higbee, past Hidden Valley, and over towards the Seashore Road Bridge. Fox Sparrows, Thrashers and Hermit Thrushes spiced the masses of whitethroats, and this was the first day I've seen large numbers of waxwings, 150 or more. Feeling lucky, I checked each for Bohemian, no luck but something to think about considering the numbers of this species being reported to our north. Many Purple Finches and a few siskins flew over, as did some bluebirds and a pipit. A Red-shouldered Hawk called almost continuously from the woods at the back side of Hidden Valley.

It was another strangely warm morning, and the wind didn't come up until I left. A Clouded Sulphur and 3 Common Buckeyes were active, but I suspect they're in for trouble tomorrow based on the weather forecast.

This mornings full list for Hidden Valley is below.

Location: Cape May - Hidden Valley Ranch
Observation date: 11/22/07
Notes: Also saw clouded sulphur and several Buckeyes. Orange-crowned was fairly bright - male?
Number of species: 62
Barnacle Goose 1
Canada Goose 200
Gadwall 4
American Wigeon 4
American Black Duck 2
Mallard 25
Green-winged Teal 10
Great Blue Heron 1
Black Vulture 5
Turkey Vulture 5
Northern Harrier 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 1
Black-bellied Plover 6
American Woodcock 1
Herring Gull 5
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Rock Pigeon 5
Mourning Dove 10
Red-headed Woodpecker 5
Downy Woodpecker 1
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 5
Blue Jay 5
American Crow 25
Cave Swallow 2
Carolina Chickadee 15
Tufted Titmouse 10
Red-breasted Nuthatch 10
Brown Creeper 1
Carolina Wren 15
House Wren 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet 5
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 10
Eastern Bluebird 10
Hermit Thrush 10
American Robin X
Gray Catbird 1
Northern Mockingbird 5
Brown Thrasher 5
European Starling 10
American Pipit 1
Cedar Waxwing 150
Orange-crowned Warbler 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 25
Eastern Towhee 5
Field Sparrow 15
Savannah Sparrow 2
Fox Sparrow 2
Song Sparrow 5
Swamp Sparrow 10
White-throated Sparrow 500
Dark-eyed Junco 10
Northern Cardinal 15
Red-winged Blackbird 25
Eastern Meadowlark 20
Common Grackle 100
Purple Finch 30
House Finch 10
Pine Siskin 5
American Goldfinch 10

Ash-throated Flycatcher photo

[Ash-throated Flycatcher, photo by Karl Lukens, today.]

Well, the last time I saw an Ash-throated Flycatcher was during the Great Texas Birding Classic in 2006, forget where, but since Thanksgiving dinner will be late tomorrow, I'm aiming to bird Cape May Point hard in the morning. Not sure that I'll chase this bird, though - might instead check other areas for new things.

Ash-throated Flycatcher and Butterfly Weather

Paul Lehman reports: "This morning (Weds) I found an Ash-throated Flycatcher in Cape May. It was hanging around and was seen by others as well. It is just north of West Cape May. As one heads north out of West Cape May village on Broadway, which then turns to Seashore Road, look on the right (east) for Wilson Ave., which is just a block long and dead-ends. Park there and continue just a few feet farther east, where the end of Wilson crosses a dirt road, then there's a pedestrian gate, a railroad track, and then Nature Conservancy property ("Cape Island Creek"). The bird was mostly along the dirt road, just south of Wilson, but it also went over to along the railroad track a couple times as well.

"The two Sandhill Cranes were seen again today flying around various spots on Cape Island, but the birds are very difficult to pin down for long. A few (ca. 4) Cave Swallows were seen in the early morning along the Cape May city waterfront and flying over the South Cape May Meadows (could be the same birds). Also a fly-over Common Redpoll."

Meanwhile, I heard of a Cloudless Sulphur in Bill and Edie Schul's yard in Cape May Point today, and here at CMBO in Goshen this afternoon were a Monarch and a Cabbage White. These were seen during a bizarrely warm walk prompted by Dale Rosselet, who urged us outside but told the Monarch to "get it's butterfly butt to Mexico."

I briefly saw an anglewing in Belleplain earlier today, which one I know not, as well as a Green Darner. Colors are still peak; Route 347 has got to be one of the prettiest roads in the state when it comes to leaf-watching. All this on the day before Thanksgiving!

Barnacle Goose, Cave and Barn Swallows

Michael O'Brien sent me a note last evening that a/"the" Barnacle Goose was sitting in the South Cape May Meadows, a.k.a. the Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge. Michael hypothesized that the bird might spend the night.

He was right, because Glen Davis just walked into the Center for Research and Education and reported that the Barnacle Goose was found in the meadows early this morning (Paul Lehman apparently had it from 6:15 or so on), and flew out around 7:00 a.m.

In other news, Cave Swallows continue around the point and a Barn Swallow was seen from the hawk watch yesterday.

Christmas Bird Count Announcements, & yesterday at the hawk and sea watches

It's that time of year again, time to begin thinking about CBC's. Three counts occur in the Cape May area:

Cape May CBC - Sunday December 16. Contact compiler Louise Zemaitis by email at swallowtailstudio@comcast.net.

Belleplain CBC - Sunday, December 23. Contact compiler Paul Kosten at (609) 861-5827 .

Cumberland CBC - Sunday, December 30. Contact compiler Mike Fritz at king-fisher@comcast.net or
(609)703-4726.

In the rain yesterday, only 29 raptors were recorded at the hawk watch, but one of them was a goshawk. The Sea Watch, however, had over 27,000 birds! Included in that total were 8 Black-legged Kittewakes and 2 Red-necked Grebes.

Herons, egrets, and cranes, oh my

[Amy Gaberlein digiscoped the two Sandhill Cranes at Bunker Pond, here, in the top photo, with Great Egret and Great Blue Heron.]

Sandhill Cranes and Red-headed Woodpeckers

Two Sandhill Cranes spent most of the day yesterday at Bunker Pond, and a Cave Swallow and two more goshawks were recorded from the platform. Despite the "questionable origin" crane flock up Cumberland/Salem way, Sandhill Crane is still quite a rarity in NJ. I remember chasing my lifer in the South Cape May Meadows 20 years ago.

George Myers' report from CMBO's Sunday walk (below) indicates that Villas WMA is the place to go to tick your year Red-headed Woodpecker, if you haven't already. Villas WMA's habitat seems appropriate for RHWP nesting, here's hoping!

Another Villas bird of note is George's Yellow-billed Cuckoo, since the record late date in Sibley's The Birds of Cape May is November 8 - this bird was 10 days later than that! Global warming at work, perhaps. Although it is raining steadily in Cape May right now and that may finally put an end to this protracted fall color, Cumberland County yesterday was a stunning palette of red (maples, red oaks and scarlet oaks), yellow (hickories and tulips), and maroon (white oaks).

George's notes follow:

"Highlights from the Villas Walk Sunday 11/18/07: Lots of American Robins, as usual. There are now 4 immature Red-headed Woodpeckers in the area. It would be nice if they decide to winter here.

Also 35+ Rusty Blackbirds
2 Hairy Woodpeckers
1 Virginia Rail (heard calling from the marsh)
1 imm. Yellow-billed Cuckoo
1 Brown Creeper.
2 White-breasted Nuthatch
1 very cooperative, imm Red-shouldered Hawk
A Merlin feasting on an unidentified songbird
Several Eastern Bluebirds and American Goldfinches

In the 'Gazebo' pond were 10 Ring-necked Ducks and a female Lesser Scaup."

Cumberland County Birding

I spent the day birding Cumberland on a CMBO trip co-led by Associate Naturalists Karen Johnson (a.k.a. the Queen of Cumberland County) and Janet Crawford. Rain threatened all day, but never materialized, and the birding proved to be excellent. We found roughly 75 species, including some quality stuff: Bald Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Fox Sparrow, American Pipit, all amidst glorious scenery. Cumberland seems to still be lingering at peak fall foliage.

We started at East Point on Delaware Bay. The Bay was almost devoid of birds, other than gulls and a smattering of Black Ducks, but raptors quickly made their presence known, always the case in Cumberland: a Sharp-shinned dogged a redtail, and two Cooper's Hawks appeared. There's a good reason why CMBO offers a 3-day Raptor Workshop in winter - Cape May and Cumberland County host plenty! This year, the "Winter Hawks, Eagles and Owls" workshop will happen from Friday February 8 through Sunday, Feb 10, 2008. Pete Dunne and I will be leading it; thirteen diurnal raptors and all eight New Jersey owls are possible on this workshop, thanks to southern New Jersey’s mosaic of prey-rich habitats. Check http://www.birdcapemay.org/school.php for more info.

Heislerville WMA held many birds (a full day list is below), including the expected duck mix for this time of year, featuring many Bufflehead, Ruddy Ducks, Lesser Scaup (punctuated by one female Greater), Green-winged Teal, Northern Pintail, and Hooded and Red-breasted Mergansers. The raptor list grew, thanks to an adult Peregrine settled on an Osprey platform feeding on a recent kill, and a 3rd year Bald Eagle, the first of roughly 7 Bald Eagles on the day.

I so well remember the days when, if you saw a Bald Eagle, you watched it from the first glimpse until it finally sailed out of view - you didn't know when you might see another one. In the late 70's, NJ was down to a last lingering Bald Eagle nest in Bear Swamp, Cumberland County. Now, rebounded thanks to the ban of DDT and an intensive re-introduction effort by the state, more than 60 pairs breed here, and well over 100 are recorded on CMBO's mid-winter eagle census.

Egrets continue to linger, and Heislerville held two Snowy Egrets (one with a bad leg that, sadly, most likely won't live to see the new year) and 3 Greats, along with at least 6 Great Blue Herons, some of which likely will weather the entire winter here, switching to mice for food if all water freezes over. 6 Forster's Terns foraged at the Heislerville Impoundments, as did 20 Lesser and 25 Greater Yellowlegs.

We visited the Natural Lands Trust's Peek Preserve at lunchtime (this preserve is off Route 47 north of it's intersection with Route 55), where we saw adult Bald Eagle,Wood Ducks, and a flock of goldfinches feeding on the wild rice growing along the Maurice River. Later we crossed the river and explored The Nature Conservancy's Maurice River Bluffs preserve, where two adult Bald Eagles (one of which likely was the same bird as the one we saw at Peek) and one first year thrilled the group, and where my first Fox Sparrow of the fall "seeep'd", higher pitched and more rising than the seep note of white-throats and song sparrows. A pish or two and the Fox Sparrow posed for us, this species being particularly susceptible to pishing. The Purple Finches, Red-breasted Nuthatches, and Cedar Waxwings set me to listening hard (and negatively) for Evening Grosbeaks - but the grosbeaks have been detected at Cape May, so keep the sunflower feeders full and your ears alert. We all enjoyed a magnificent, open-grown Chestnut Oak, limbs spreading in all directions and trunk 4' plus across.

Our final stop was Bay Point Road near Cedarville, where 10 American Pipits joined 50+ Horned larks in the fields. Karen says the Horned Lark flock lately has included as many as 300 birds. I heard a Snow Bunting, but we never located it. The day finished with the Bald Eagle pair that nests along Bay Point Road.

The list for Heislerville WMA is below.

Location: Heislerville WMA
Observation date: 11/18/07
Notes: CMBO Birding Cumberland Field Trip
Number of species: 49
Mute Swan 4
American Black Duck 75
Northern Pintail 2
Green-winged Teal 5
Greater Scaup 1
Lesser Scaup 25
Bufflehead 75
Hooded Merganser 3
Red-breasted Merganser 3
Ruddy Duck 35
Double-crested Cormorant 10
Great Blue Heron 6
Great Egret 3
Snowy Egret 2
Turkey Vulture 25
Bald Eagle 1
Northern Harrier 7
Cooper's Hawk 2
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Peregrine Falcon 1
Black-bellied Plover 1
Greater Yellowlegs 25
Lesser Yellowlegs 20
Dunlin 30
Laughing Gull 1
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull X
Forster's Tern 6
Rock Pigeon 5
Mourning Dove 5
Belted Kingfisher 2
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 2
American Crow 5
Carolina Chickadee 2
Tufted Titmouse 1
Red-breasted Nuthatch 2
Carolina Wren 2
American Robin X
Brown Thrasher 1
European Starling 75
Yellow-rumped Warbler 5
Song Sparrow 1
Northern Cardinal 1
Red-winged Blackbird 20
Boat-tailed Grackle 5
House Finch 10
American Goldfinch 5

Rare bird news, plus Beanery, Cape May Point and Island Beach today

Pete Bacinski called us today while we were at Island Beach to tell of an Ash-throated Flycatcher at Brigantine, found by Jack and Jessie Connor near the bridge on Great Creek Road at the entrance to the refuge. Pete's trip also found 24 Marbled Godwits in the East Pool and several Bald Eagles.

It turns out a number of rarities are around; first this from Laurie Larson, posted to NJBIRDS:

"An Ash-throated Flycatcher was present about 12:15 to 12:30 at Brigantine (Forsythe) NWR today. Found by Jack and Jessie Connor, it was seen by a NJAS field trip and heard calling as well. The bird was located on the entrance road between the bridge with ponds on both sides, and the main entrance sign/HQ parking lot.

Also, at the Cape May Point in the past hour Sandhill Cranes as well as a Barnacle Goose (in a flock of Canadas) have been seen circling over the hawk watch; neither crossed the bay, and may still be in the area."

Jessie Barry fills out Laurie's report with the following "Non-raptor Observations:BARNACLE GOOSE (1), Sandhill Crane (2), Red Crossbill (10), Cave Swallow(30+), Tundra Swan (9)." Among other things, Jessie clicked 190 Red-tailed Hawks today.

Paul Lehman, also on NJBIRDS, adds: "No surprise given the weather the past number of days (i.e., 2+ days of mild weather with S/SW winds, followed by a sharp cold front), but yesterday (Friday) before dark there were 24+ Cave Swallows along the Cape May city waterfront hotels, and this morning (Saturday), in a more thorough check, there were 44 Cave Swallows. These birds roost on these hotels in colder weather and then disperse locally and/or totally depart the area during the day. Smaller number of Caves have been seen recently at the Cape May hawkwatch and at the Avalon seawatch. Also yesterday and today, three separate small flocks of Red Crossbills were seen flying by, one at the Avalon seawatch and two around Cape May Point. There has been a recent surge of Red Crossbills (but no White-wingeds) in Massachusetts and elsewhere the past few days. Another one or two fly-by Evening Grosbeaks.

Otherwise, the number of western passerines and late-lingering landbirds (other than Baltimore Orioles) the past couple weeks has seemingly been mediocre to poor this year. Sparrow numbers also seem sub-par."

Karl and Judy Lukens send this report from the CMBO Beanery walk today: "A brisk and partly sunny morning walk at the "Beanery" produced some interesting birds. Raptors included Harrier (Gray Ghost), Kestrel, Red-shoulder, Red-tail, Sharpies and Bald Eagle. Robins were present in the hundreds, with 40 Pipits, 25 Bluebirds, 4 Downy and 4 Hairy Woodpeckers, a Brown Creeper, and a Cave Swallow. And we almost stepped on 2 Woodcock before they startled us as they flushed. A Baltimore Oriole was also a nice sighting. Alas no other rarities." A full list is below.

Chuck and Mary Jane Slugg sent a report from the afternoon Cape May Point State Park walk, which "yawn" detected 5 Cave Swallows and, very much not a yawn, ever, a Northern Goshawk which was also counted at the hawk watch.

Our second day in a row at Island Beach ("our" means me, Scott Barnes, Karla Risdon, Tom Gilmore, and a number of NJAS supporters on a special donor field trip) was thankfully much less windy, so we managed to scrape up some interesting landbirds. Scott Barnes detected a very elusive chat on the road to the Winter Anchorage, and a much more cooperative thrasher was also along that road. On Barnegat Bay, Bufflehead were abundant, and we observed 12 Horned Grebes there as well. My favorite, and perhaps everyone else's, was the Rusty Blackbird that flew into a holly at the parking lot for the Fisherman's Walkway, proceeding to feed on Virginia Creeper and other berries. Pretty much every woody plant at Island Beach produces some sort of bird-friendly berry - the thrasher was involved with Eastern Redcedar berries as we watched it. Interestingly, the blackbird seemed to have come in off the ocean, even though it was about 2:00 p.m., and was clearly very hungry. The day list for this trip is also below.

SPECIES SEEN ~ CMBO TRIP
11/17/2007 ~ in Beanery ~ New Jersey Checklist ~ 57 seen

Common Loon 2
Double-crested Cormorant 2
Great Blue Heron 1
Canada Goose 20
Gadwall 4
Mallard 6
Black Vulture 3
Turkey Vulture 5
Bald Eagle 1
Northern Harrier 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk 4
Red-shouldered Hawk 2
Red-tailed Hawk 2
American Kestrel 1
American Woodcock 2
Ring-billed Gull 5
American Herring Gull 3
Rock Pigeon 15
Mourning Dove 40
Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
Downy Woodpecker 4
Hairy Woodpecker 4
Northern Flicker 5
Tree Swallow 5
Cave Swallow 1
American Pipit 40
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
Cedar Waxwing 10
Carolina Wren 2
Gray Catbird 1
Northern Mockingbird 1
Brown Thrasher 1
Eastern Bluebird 25
American Robin 500
Carolina Chickadee 5
Tufted Titmouse 1
Brown Creeper 1
Blue Jay 3
American Crow 15
European Starling 25
House Sparrow 5
Purple Finch 5
House Finch 3
American Goldfinch 20
Yellow-rumped Warbler 8
Chipping Sparrow 1
Savannah Sparrow 5
Fox Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 3
White-throated Sparrow 1
Northern Cardinal 2
Red-winged Blackbird 20
Eastern Meadowlark 3
Rusty Blackbird 2
Common Grackle 10
Brown-headed Cowbird 10
Baltimore Oriole 1

Location: Cape May Point SP
Observation date: 11/17/07
Number of species: 41
Canada Goose 30
Mute Swan 8
Tundra Swan 3
Wood Duck 6
Gadwall 20
American Wigeon 50
American Black Duck 6
Mallard 30
Northern Pintail 20
Green-winged Teal 200
Black Scoter 20
Hooded Merganser 25
Ruddy Duck 25
Northern Gannet 15
Double-crested Cormorant 25
Great Blue Heron 10
Great Egret 12
Northern Harrier 8
Sharp-shinned Hawk 2
Northern Goshawk 1
American Coot 2
Herring Gull 3
Great Black-backed Gull 30
Black Skimmer 20
Rock Pigeon 30
Mourning Dove 3
Northern Flicker 1
American Crow 5
Tree Swallow 5
Cave Swallow 6
Carolina Wren 6
Golden-crowned Kinglet 4
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
American Robin 125
European Starling 10
Yellow-rumped Warbler 50
Song Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow 5
Snow Bunting 27
Red-winged Blackbird 15
Common Grackle 4


Location: Island Beach State Park
Observation date: 11/17/07
Number of species: 54
Brant 15
American Black Duck 50
Mallard 10
Green-winged Teal 10
White-winged Scoter 4
Black Scoter 20
Long-tailed Duck 30
Bufflehead 400
Hooded Merganser 4
Red-breasted Merganser 10
Red-throated Loon 5
Common Loon 2
Horned Grebe 12
Northern Gannet 100
Double-crested Cormorant 10
Great Blue Heron 3
Northern Harrier 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Peregrine Falcon 1
Black-bellied Plover 30
Ruddy Turnstone 5
Sanderling 20
Dunlin 50
Laughing Gull 25
Ring-billed Gull 50
Herring Gull 200
Great Black-backed Gull 100
Royal Tern 2
Rock Pigeon 10
Mourning Dove 10
Blue Jay 5
American Crow 5
Carolina Chickadee 5
Tufted Titmouse 1
House Wren 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet 5
Hermit Thrush 2
American Robin 10
Northern Mockingbird 1
Brown Thrasher 1
European Starling 5
Yellow-rumped Warbler 15
Yellow-breasted Chat 1
Song Sparrow 5
White-throated Sparrow 10
Dark-eyed Junco 5
Snow Bunting 5
Northern Cardinal 2
Rusty Blackbird 1
Brown-headed Cowbird 1
Purple Finch 2
House Finch 10
American Goldfinch 10

This just in from the hawk watch

Well, the guesstimation from below is born out, Jessie counted 330 raptors today, and notes: "Windy, cold, Red-tails and Cave Swallows sum up the day at the hawkwatch. An adult goshawk was also a highlight, and the first, long-awaited Tundra Swans. Cave Swallows around throughout the day, usually at least 3 could be seen at any given time. How many, who knows, but the two flying under the platform were my favorites." Her totals will be up on "View from the Field" soon.

Island Beach, Avalon seabird count, and hawks yesterday

I'm guessing today's Cape May hawk count, with the passing of the front, was better than yesterday's, a safe bet given that Chris Brown tallied a whopping 6 raptors yesterday (Thursday). However, there was some quality among Thursday's birds - a lot of quality, actually: Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier, sharpie, goshawk, and red-shouldered. That's okay for any day list, no?

I was up at Island Beach leading a trip today with Pete Bacinski, Scott Barnes, Karla Risdon, Tom Gilmore, and a hardy crew of NJAS supporters. If you've never been to Island Beach, please go - it's a display of what the whole mid-Atlantic coast used to look like, and should today, a matrix of dune forest and thicket, plus salt marsh and beach. NJAS members had a significant hand in protecting this site for perpetuity.

I've decided that the morning flight we count each year in Cape May is in part derived from birds that get south of Island Beach in the early morning hours only to discover that there's almost zero habitat between there and Delaware Bay. So the birds reach Cape May Point, still looking for habitat, and can only turn northward along the bay shore, where thankfully they can find resting places in the varied parcels of the Cape May NWR.

Scoters were surprisingly sparse at Island Beach today, except it's not such a surprise given that the Avalon Sea Watch has topped 700,000 birds with a month yet to go. This could be the year the official watch, conducted September 22 to December 22, tops one million birds. But the "barrel" of birds to come certainly has drained down. Gannets, however, were omnipresently and abundantly present, a few loons spiced the surf, and a late Osprey passed. The full list for Island Beach today is below. Bird numbers were light, frankly, and that had everything to do with the 20-30 mph northwest winds from which my face still burns, and from which passerines hid, while migrating seabirds were pushed out to sea.

We watched a Merlin munching on its prey, happily perched on a bayside Osprey platform, probably the favorite bird of this windy day. We'll be back at Island Beach tomorrow, alert in particular for migrant owls, because if the wind lays down tonight Saw-whets and Long-eareds will move.

Location: Island Beach State Park
Observation date: 11/16/07
Notes: NJAS trip, 20-30 mph nw winds.
Number of species: 48
Brant 75
American Black Duck 150
Northern Pintail 2
Green-winged Teal 25
Black Scoter 5
Long-tailed Duck 15
Bufflehead 25
Hooded Merganser 1
Red-breasted Merganser 50
Red-throated Loon 10
Common Loon 1
Northern Gannet 500
Double-crested Cormorant 50
Great Egret 1
Osprey 1
Northern Harrier 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk 2
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Merlin 2
Sanderling 20
Dunlin 10
Laughing Gull 10
Bonaparte's Gull 5
Ring-billed Gull 50
Herring Gull 20
Great Black-backed Gull 75
Forster's Tern 10
Royal Tern 5
Mourning Dove 20
Northern Flicker 2
American Crow 20
Carolina Chickadee 1
Tufted Titmouse 1
Carolina Wren 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet 5
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
Hermit Thrush 1
American Robin 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 5
Song Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 1
Dark-eyed Junco 5
Red-winged Blackbird 5
House Finch 5
Pine Siskin 1
American Goldfinch 75
House Sparrow 5

Birds around Goshen, news from the point, and Delaware Atlas

Pete Dunne and I had to run an errand this afternoon, and walking out the door of the Center for Research and Education in Goshen, Pete remarked, "There sure are a lot more birds around here than there used to be." He meant, when the center first opened, before the wildlife gardens became established and the habitat had a chance to otherwise grow up.

I actually haven't had time to go looking for birds, though I did go on an owl chase a couple days ago when some jays began mobbing something so vocally I could hear them through my office window. Hermit Thrushes and Red-breasted Nuthatches were also upset, but though I checked the cedars carefully, I came up owl-less. I noticed several Field Sparrows during the search, and heard Purple Finches and one Pine Siskin overhead.

Just up the road on this afternoon that speaks "November" with its spitting rain and strong winds (guess this could be the end of the leaves, finally), a flock of Wild Turkeys foraged in a yard, a more and more common sight every year.

Last night I was up Delaware way, to speak at the Delaware Ornithological Society's meeting at the Ashland Nature Center, where this year an inaugural and very successful hawk watch has been conducted. A very fun and focused group of people. I learned that Delaware will begin its second Breeding Bird Atlas next year - when details become available I will post them here. I know I hope to take a block or too, atlassing is some of the most fun birding you can do. It adds a dimension - behavior watching to determine nesting status, and takes you to places that are often never birded otherwise, so discoveries are frequent.

This weekend it will finally be back to birding for me with Island Beach on both Friday and Saturday and CMBO's field trip, "Birding Cumberland," which Karen Johnson will co-lead with me on Sunday. Migrant waterfowl, raptors and passerines will be on the menu for that trip, which runs from 9 to 4. There are still a couple spaces available, call CMBO at 609.861.0700 to learn more or sign up.

Karl & Judy Lukens sent this report from Cape May Point from Wednesday's CMBO walk: "Nice show of sea birds at the start of this morning's walk; 77-100 close Gannets, Royal, and Forster's Terns, as well as flocks of off shore scoters and cormorants. Five snow buntings with a flock of Am. Pipits on the beach. A good variety of ducks in Bunker & Lighthouse Ponds, and Lily Lake. The Eurasian Wigeon is still hanging out with the American Wigeons on Lily Lake." Karl et. al.'s full list is below.

SPECIES SEEN ~ CMBO TRIP
11/14/2007 ~ in Cape May Point ~ New Jersey Checklist ~ 59 seen

Red-throated Loon 5
Common Loon 1
Pied-billed Grebe 3
Northern Gannet 75
Double-crested Cormorant 50
Great Blue Heron 3
Great Egret 1
Mute Swan 10
Canada Goose 10
Eurasian Wigeon 1
American Wigeon 50
Gadwall 10
Green-winged Teal 100
Mallard 20
Northern Shoveler 10
Black Scoter 20
Hooded Merganser 1
Ruddy Duck 15
Turkey Vulture 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk 3
Cooper's Hawk 1
Sanderling 30
Ring-billed Gull 5
Great Black-backed Gull 100
American Herring Gull 20
Laughing Gull 2
Forster's Tern 15
Royal Tern 10
Rock Pigeon 30
Mourning Dove 10
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 1
Tree Swallow 10
American Pipit 25
Golden-crowned Kinglet 5
Carolina Wren 2
Winter Wren 1
Gray Catbird 1
Northern Mockingbird 3
Eastern Bluebird 1
American Robin 30
Carolina Chickadee 5
Red-breasted Nuthatch 5
Blue Jay 5
American Crow x
European Starling 50
House Sparrow 20
House Finch 10
American Goldfinch 15
Yellow-rumped Warbler 10
Field Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 4
Swamp Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 5
Dark-eyed Junco 2
Snow Bunting 5
Northern Cardinal 5
Red-winged Blackbird 5

Saw-whet Flight, Reports from Two Mile Landing and the Beanery

I just learned that since October 15 this year, banders have captured about 175 Saw-whet Owls in Cape May at a station only run part-time, and in a different location than the place used in previous years. I always find it amazing that this many owls can pass through the point essentially unnoticed otherwise. Check the archives of Birding Fieldcraft http://www.birdcapemay.org/tigrina/tips_11107.shtml
for an article on finding migrant owls.

Results from this morning's Two Mile Beach walk are below, courtesy of Chuck and Mary Jane Slugg. Single lingering Snowy Egrets and Little Blue Herons were found by the Sluggs et. al. Both are scarce in winter in south coastal NJ, the Little Blue actually rare, though it is regularly found on the Cape May Christmas Bird Count.

Also below are results from Saturday's Beanery walk. Karl Lukens notes, "Cold, windy, threatening showers, with 3 hardy participants, but a nice walk after all. We even had a pinch of sun at the end. Loads of robins going in all directions, Bluebirds overhead and sitting in trees and farm machinery. A Kestrel at the start and a 1st year Bald Eagle near the end of the walk also made for nice viewing."

Location: Two Mile Beach
Observation date: 11/13/07
Number of species: 42
Brant 20
Canada Goose 15
American Black Duck 50
Black Scoter 75
Long-tailed Duck 2
Red-throated Loon 8
Common Loon 3
Northern Gannet 150
Double-crested Cormorant 60
Great Blue Heron 1
Great Egret 25
Snowy Egret 1
Little Blue Heron 1
Northern Harrier 1
Black-bellied Plover 1
Killdeer 3
Greater Yellowlegs 10
Willet 3
Ruddy Turnstone 10
Sanderling 15
Dunlin 8
Ring-billed Gull 3
Herring Gull 15
Great Black-backed Gull 50
Mourning Dove 5
Belted Kingfisher 1
Northern Flicker 1
American Crow 10
Carolina Wren 2
American Robin 25
Gray Catbird 5
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 50
American Pipit 8
Yellow-rumped Warbler 50
Savannah Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 5
Northern Cardinal 1
Boat-tailed Grackle 1
House Finch 7
American Goldfinch 5
House Sparrow 10

SPECIES SEEN ~ CMBO TRIP
11/10/2007 ~ in Beanery ~ New Jersey Checklist ~ 42 seen

Double-crested Cormorant 2
Great Blue Heron 2
Canada Goose 5
Mallard 8
Bald Eagle 1 - 1st yr.
Northern Harrier 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk 3
Red-tailed Hawk 1
American Kestrel 1
American Herring Gull 1
Rock Pigeon 10
Mourning Dove 40
Northern Flicker 3
American Pipit 3
Carolina Wren 5
Winter Wren 2
Gray Catbird 1
Northern Mockingbird 1
Eastern Bluebird 70
American Robin 500
Carolina Chickadee 3
Tufted Titmouse 1
Blue Jay 3
American Crow 50
European Starling 10
House Sparrow 5
Purple Finch 2
House Finch 5
American Goldfinch 25
Yellow-rumped Warbler 10
Eastern Towhee 1
Savannah Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 5
Swamp Sparrow 5
White-throated Sparrow 3
Dark-eyed Junco 2
Northern Cardinal 2
Red-winged Blackbird 25
Eastern Meadowlark 40
Rusty Blackbird 2
Common Grackle 25
Brown-headed Cowbird 25

The Turn of the Season at the Meadows

[Eurasian Wigeon, 3rd bird from right, on Lily Lake this morning. Photo by Don Freiday, click to enlarge.]

You know fall is slipping away when . . . Red-throated Loons accumulate under Northern Gannets (many and close) off Cape May. Or when the only shorebirds you see are Sanderlings and 10 Greater Yellowlegs searching for a place to land. Or a Horned Grebe floats just off the beach, 4 Cave Swallows mix with Tree Swallows, and you let your glasses linger on the one late Osprey, wondering if it will be the last. And, sealing the deal, a Bonaparte's Gull which daintily floated into the pond near the tower at the meadows, a.k.a. the Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge.

This chilly, cloudy morning was the last CMBO walk of fall at the meadows. Although certainly much good birding, seawatching, and probably more rarities, await before the start of CBC (Christmas Bird Count) season, the birds we saw seemed to remind all present that fall migration is winding down.

And the birds we didn't see. For the first time, we walked down the west path nearly all the way without flushing a sparrow, a contrast to recent weeks when many, especially Swamps and Songs, caused to take a step and stop, take a step and stop, as one or 10 flushed from the weeds near the path. Nary a Palm Warbler was detected. No Blue-winged Teal could be found, reminding everyone that "neotropical migrant" does not just apply to songbirds, as many Blue-winged Teal winter in South America, south of, say, Blue-winged Warblers.

Morning flight today consisted of robins and yellow-rumps, spiced by a few Purple Finches, more goldfinches, and at least 100 American Pipits, 25 of of which landed on the island in the east pool of the meadows. They've done this for us before, so if you're in need of a pipit, check the island as well as the beach. George Myers reports he had 150 pipits at the Beanery today.

A diverse mix of ducks has formed on Lily Lake, including the show-starring drake Eurasian Wigeon. The Eurasian Wigeon does just as good a job as the 50+ American Wigeon at stealing food brought up from the bottom by the coots and Ring-necked Ducks, by the way. At least four Pied-billed Grebes, two dozen Ruddy Ducks, Gadwalls, and shoveler are on Lily Lake, too. Best viewing is from West Lake Drive just south of Holly; you can only park on the side of the road opposite the lake, so drive around the lake counter-clockwise. A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker flew over while I was looking at the wigeon - I imagine a walk about town could be a could way to find this and other short-distance migrants.

If you go looking for the Red-headed Woodpeckers at the Villas WMA, they are hanging out at the back left (SE) portion of the area. Follow the path to left and look for a red post when you near the south edge of the property; look in this vicinity.

CMBO Villas WMA walk- 11/11/07

Below is a list, sent to me by George Meyers, of species seen on the CMBO Villas WMA walk, yesterday, 11/11.

EDIT: Just noticed that George provided some photos of the imm. Red-headed woodpecker and the flock of rusty blackbirds observed on the Villas WMA walk. Enjoy!





"Highlights from the Villas WMA Walk this morning 11/11.

Good numbers of American Goldfinches and American Robins but the big highlight was at least 60 Rusty Blackbirds!

Also:
One of the immature Red-headed Woodpeckers taking acorns from a Willow Oak and storing them in a particular dead snag.
Several Red-breasted Nuthatches
5 Purple Finch
1 Pine Siskin
1 White-breasted Nuthatch
1 Brown Creeper
15 Ring-necked Ducks
1 Lesser Scaup
3 Ruddy Ducks
1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
1 Merlin
3 Sharp-shinned Hawks (one that had what looked like a Tufted Titmouse in it's talons)"

Goshawk v. Cooper's Hawk!

This just in from Jessie Barrie, from yesterday at the hawk watch: "Cool flight today, but it only lasted from ~930-1130. Cave Swallows congregated along dunes at dusk. At least 6 individuals, also seen throughout day. Biting NE wind throughout the day.If you plan on coming out to the hawkwatch, its time to bring lots of layers. Flyby Cattle Egret, also a highlight. Gannet numbers were spectacular in the rips. Gannets were very close to shore in general, and a kettle of 40 formed next to the Bunker at one point. But, one of the most incredible sightings of the season was an adult Northern Goshawk chasing a Cooper's Hawk. They locked talons twice, and ultimately the two birds spun to the ground out of sight. I wouldn't be surprised it that was that Cooper's Hawk's last flight."

Truly unbelievable! Although I once saw a Great-horned Owl carrying a still-flopping Cooper's Hawk, and Pete Dunne told me about a gos taking a sharpie up on Racoon Ridge. Raptors do eat each other when they can.

I hear that the Avalon Seawatch had another strong gannet and scoter flight yesterday. Finally, following is a report from CMBO's afternoon walk at Cape May Point State Park, courtesy of Chuck and Mary Jane Slugg, also from yesterday:

Location: Cape May Point SP
Observation date: 11/10/07
Number of species: 53
Canada Goose 40
Mute Swan 8
Gadwall 10
American Wigeon 40
American Black Duck 2
Mallard 30
Northern Shoveler 15
Northern Pintail 30
Green-winged Teal 50
Black Scoter 40
Hooded Merganser 10
Ruddy Duck 10
Common Loon 5
Northern Gannet 50
Double-crested Cormorant 60
Great Blue Heron 8
Great Egret 3
Black Vulture 2
Turkey Vulture 10
Northern Harrier 10
Sharp-shinned Hawk 5
Cooper's Hawk 2
Red-tailed Hawk 1
American Coot 10
Herring Gull 15
Great Black-backed Gull 75
Royal Tern 5
Rock Pigeon 20
Mourning Dove 10
Belted Kingfisher 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 5
Eastern Phoebe 1
Blue Jay 8
American Crow 10
Tree Swallow 200
Cave Swallow 2
Carolina Chickadee 5
Red-breasted Nuthatch 5
Carolina Wren 7
Golden-crowned Kinglet 1
American Robin 300
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 75
Yellow-rumped Warbler 25
Eastern Towhee 1
Savannah Sparrow 4
Song Sparrow 2
Swamp Sparrow 6
Northern Cardinal 2
Red-winged Blackbird 20
House Finch 20
American Goldfinch 12

If you're looking for a Western Kingbird. . .

. . . there's one being seen right now (3:00 p.m.) by Karen Johnson et. al. Check out the NJ DeLorme Atlas page 68, M-5. Take Fortescue Road out of Newport, turn right on County Road 643, and look for the bird on the left in 1 to 1.5 miles. See below for a photo of this bird, taken earlier by George Myers.