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!