CAPE MAY BIRDING HOTLINE December 14, 2007

CAPE MAY BIRDING HOTLINE December 14, 2007

The Cape May Birding Hotline is a service of New Jersey Audubon Societys Cape May Bird Observatory. This weeks message was prepared on Friday December 14, 2007. Highlights this week include sightings of ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, BARNACLE GOOSE, CAVE SWALLOW, TUNDRA SWAN, CANVASBACK, LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL, SNOW BUNTING, LAPLAND LONGSPUR, ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK and RED CROSSBILL.

EDIT: WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL, COMMON REDPOLL COMMON EIDER, ORANGE CROWNED WARBLER and ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK.

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 which had been in TNCs Cape Island Preserve, along the railroad tracks at the end of Wilson St.; was refound on 12/8. The bird was observed at the back side of the Cape Island Preserve property well to the east and slightly north of where the bird had been originally found. There have been no further reports of this bird since 12/8.

Yesterday, 12/13, 2 CAVE SWALLOWS were seen flying over the Cape May Point State Park, toward the end of the blue trail.

On 12/8 the BARNACLE GOOSE was seen for a few hours on Lake Lily in Cape May Point. There have been no further reports of this species since 12/8.

Originally reported on 12/8 and continuing through 12/13, a TUNDRA SWAN has been on Lake Lily along with a variety of other waterfowl species.

A female CANVASBACK was found on Lake Lily, yesterday, 12/13.

A first winter LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was found yesterday, 12/13, on the beach at TNCs Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge (CMMBR).

Continuing to grow in size, the flock of SNOW BUNTINGS which are being found between TNCs CMMBR and the Cape May Point State Park, now totals approximately 100 individuals. The group was seen yesterday, 12/13 in the vicinity of the border between the Cape May Point State Park and TNCs CMMBR. Additionally, a single LAPLAND LONGSPUR , originally found on 12/8, continues to be associating with this group.

On 12/13, a ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was spotted soaring over TNCs CMMBR.

Lastly, a RED CROSSBILL was found on the Cape May Coast Guard Base on 12/7. While the Coast Guard Base is in accessible to the general public, this species could be found in any part of the county.

EDIT: Seen this morning, 12/14, at the Cape May Point State Park as flyovers, were; 7 RED CROSSBILLS, one WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL and one COMMON REDPOLL. Also seen at the state park were two ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS, 3 TREE SWALLOWS and one COMMON EIDER.

Also, a ROSE-BREASETED GROSBEAK was seen at a private feeder in West Cape May in the last couple of days.

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!