This evening's CMBO walk/tour of Nummy Island began with a rarity, in the form of an exceptional spring Orange-crowned Warbler. This bird, a very nice, bright male, was in the thickets on the west side of the road, at the north end of the island, just south of the free bridge into Stone Harbor. The bird was still present when we left at 4:45pm, but I couldn't re-find it after the walk ended at 6:30. Sibley in his 1997 edition of The Birds of Cape May lists five spring records of Orange-crowned Warbler in Cape May County between 1983 and 1994, spanning the dates of April 14 to May 9. Thanks and congrats to Gail Dwyer for finding this gem!
Otherwise, we still felt the effects from yesterday's cold front passage, as temperatures were trapped in the 50s and a stiff breeze continued to blow out of the west. However, this wasn't stopping birds from migrating. We watched several flocks of Double-crested Cormorants and Glossy Ibis arrive from the southeast. 125+ Red Knots flew in off the ocean into Hereford Inlet, arriving non-stop from...?
There were still some lingering diving birds around, in the form of 5 Common Loons and 3 Red-breasted Mergansers. I had a brief look at a Great Cormorant, as well as a distant Tricolored Heron. An equally distant Little Blue Heron stayed in view for a bit longer.
It was high tide this evening, and as a result, shorebirds were easily visible, and in numbers. The majority consisted of Short-billed Dowitchers and Black-bellied Plovers, but we also enjoyed some superb looks at Red Knots. 2 Clapper Rails put on a great show on the south side of the island.
Perhaps one of the most interesting sights of the evening was that of 3 Bald Eagles which were hanging around the Nummy Island area, consisting of one adult and two immatures. The adult bird was chowing down on a fish along the back side of Stone Harbor Point, and an immature sitting on Champagne Island looked to be doing the same. Just where these birds came from is anyone's guess; however, the adult bird this evening was pretty ratty looking, rather like one of the adult birds from Beaver Swamp. And there have been two immature eagles bumming around that area recently, as well...
All in all, it was quite an evening of birding- hopefully we'll see you out there next week!
Location: Nummy Island
Observation date: 4/30/08
Number of species: 45
Brant 150
American Black Duck 6
Mallard 2
Red-breasted Merganser 3
Common Loon 5
Double-crested Cormorant 225
Great Cormorant 1
Great Egret 3
Snowy Egret 5
Little Blue Heron 2
Tricolored Heron 1
Black-crowned Night-Heron 1
Glossy Ibis 17
Osprey 6
Bald Eagle 3
Clapper Rail 9
Black-bellied Plover 70
Semipalmated Plover 1
Greater Yellowlegs 8
Willet 18
Whimbrel 80
Ruddy Turnstone 2
Red Knot 150
Semipalmated Sandpiper 2
Least Sandpiper 20
Dunlin 60
Short-billed Dowitcher 85
Laughing Gull 175
Herring Gull 120
Great Black-backed Gull 30
Forster's Tern 8
Rock Pigeon 1
Mourning Dove 1
Fish Crow 6
Barn Swallow 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
American Robin 1
Gray Catbird 1
European Starling 6
Orange-crowned Warbler 1
Common Yellowthroat 1
Song Sparrow 3
White-throated Sparrow 7
Red-winged Blackbird 16
Boat-tailed Grackle 20
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
CMBO Cape May Point walk- 4/30/08
Word from Karl and Judy Lukens about today's CMBO Cape May Point walk.
Location: Cape May Point
Observation date: 4/30/08
Number of species: 56
Canada Goose 10
Mute Swan 8
Mallard 6
Surf Scoter 2
Black Scoter 20
Red-throated Loon 1
Northern Gannet 5
Double-crested Cormorant 200
Snowy Egret 1
Turkey Vulture 5
Osprey 2
Northern Harrier 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Merlin 1
Killdeer 1
Ruddy Turnstone 5
Purple Sandpiper 5
Laughing Gull 15
Herring Gull 10
Great Black-backed Gull 5
Forster's Tern 50
Rock Pigeon 5
Mourning Dove 10
Chimney Swift 5
Belted Kingfisher 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1
Eastern Kingbird 2
Blue Jay 6
American Crow 5
Fish Crow 5
Purple Martin 20
Tree Swallow 10
Barn Swallow 10
Carolina Chickadee 6
Tufted Titmouse 4
Carolina Wren 4
House Wren 3
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2
American Robin 10
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 15
Cedar Waxwing 5
Yellow Warbler 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 1
Common Yellowthroat 2
Eastern Towhee 1
White-throated Sparrow 10
Northern Cardinal 5
Red-winged Blackbird 10
Common Grackle 50
Brown-headed Cowbird 2
House Finch 4
American Goldfinch 1
House Sparrow 10
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2
"The CMBO Cape May Point Walk was enjoyable both for birds and weather with a chilly start and warm ending. Close views of Surf and Black Scoters on the water, Purple Sandpipers, Ruddy Turnstones, and N. Gannets from the dune crossover. Around Lily Lake we found Kingfisher, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and Yellow-rumped and Yellow Warblers. Ended at the State Park with 2 Eastern Kingbirds."
Observation date: 4/30/08
Number of species: 56
Canada Goose 10
Mute Swan 8
Mallard 6
Surf Scoter 2
Black Scoter 20
Red-throated Loon 1
Northern Gannet 5
Double-crested Cormorant 200
Snowy Egret 1
Turkey Vulture 5
Osprey 2
Northern Harrier 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Merlin 1
Killdeer 1
Ruddy Turnstone 5
Purple Sandpiper 5
Laughing Gull 15
Herring Gull 10
Great Black-backed Gull 5
Forster's Tern 50
Rock Pigeon 5
Mourning Dove 10
Chimney Swift 5
Belted Kingfisher 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1
Eastern Kingbird 2
Blue Jay 6
American Crow 5
Fish Crow 5
Purple Martin 20
Tree Swallow 10
Barn Swallow 10
Carolina Chickadee 6
Tufted Titmouse 4
Carolina Wren 4
House Wren 3
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2
American Robin 10
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 15
Cedar Waxwing 5
Yellow Warbler 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 1
Common Yellowthroat 2
Eastern Towhee 1
White-throated Sparrow 10
Northern Cardinal 5
Red-winged Blackbird 10
Common Grackle 50
Brown-headed Cowbird 2
House Finch 4
American Goldfinch 1
House Sparrow 10
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Weather poor, Birding good at Two Mile Beach
It's a little wet, a little windy, and just a tad chilly here on the Cape today, but that didn't stop Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg and company from enjoying a fine morning of birding at Two Mile Beach. The Sluggs report that they also saw the Marbled Godwit near Two Mile Landing (across the street from Two Mile Beach), off to the right of the restaurant. Godwits typically appear in this area along Ocean Drive every spring, but have developed quite a reputation of being extremely hard to see. Perhaps that trend will change this year... wishful thinking? Probably.
Location: Two Mile Beach
Observation date: 4/29/08
Notes: The Marbled Godwit was on the Two Mile Landing side of Ocean Dr. along water's edge to the right of the restaurant buildings.
Number of species: 53
Brant 15
Canada Goose 20
Gadwall 2
American Black Duck 4
Mallard 10
Red-throated Loon 8
Common Loon 3
Northern Gannet 50
Double-crested Cormorant 150
Snowy Egret 2
Turkey Vulture 4
Osprey 12
Northern Harrier 1
American Kestrel 1
Merlin 2
Semipalmated Plover 6
Piping Plover 3
Killdeer 1
American Oystercatcher 4
Greater Yellowlegs 1
Willet 1
Marbled Godwit 1
Ruddy Turnstone 5
Sanderling 75
Dunlin 5
Laughing Gull 200
Ring-billed Gull 1
Herring Gull 35
Great Black-backed Gull 25
Forster's Tern 30
Rock Pigeon 2
Mourning Dove 5
American Crow 2
Fish Crow 15
Barn Swallow 6
Carolina Wren 1
American Robin 40
Gray Catbird 4
Brown Thrasher 2
European Starling 20
Common Yellowthroat 15
Eastern Towhee 8
Field Sparrow 3
Savannah Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 3
White-throated Sparrow 1
Northern Cardinal 12
Red-winged Blackbird 30
Common Grackle 6
Boat-tailed Grackle 12
Brown-headed Cowbird 25
House Finch 1
American Goldfinch 12
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)
Location: Two Mile Beach
Observation date: 4/29/08
Notes: The Marbled Godwit was on the Two Mile Landing side of Ocean Dr. along water's edge to the right of the restaurant buildings.
Number of species: 53
Brant 15
Canada Goose 20
Gadwall 2
American Black Duck 4
Mallard 10
Red-throated Loon 8
Common Loon 3
Northern Gannet 50
Double-crested Cormorant 150
Snowy Egret 2
Turkey Vulture 4
Osprey 12
Northern Harrier 1
American Kestrel 1
Merlin 2
Semipalmated Plover 6
Piping Plover 3
Killdeer 1
American Oystercatcher 4
Greater Yellowlegs 1
Willet 1
Marbled Godwit 1
Ruddy Turnstone 5
Sanderling 75
Dunlin 5
Laughing Gull 200
Ring-billed Gull 1
Herring Gull 35
Great Black-backed Gull 25
Forster's Tern 30
Rock Pigeon 2
Mourning Dove 5
American Crow 2
Fish Crow 15
Barn Swallow 6
Carolina Wren 1
American Robin 40
Gray Catbird 4
Brown Thrasher 2
European Starling 20
Common Yellowthroat 15
Eastern Towhee 8
Field Sparrow 3
Savannah Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 3
White-throated Sparrow 1
Northern Cardinal 12
Red-winged Blackbird 30
Common Grackle 6
Boat-tailed Grackle 12
Brown-headed Cowbird 25
House Finch 1
American Goldfinch 12
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)
Monday, April 28, 2008
Three for the price of one...
Below is a listing of three CMBO walks/trips. The first list is from Chuck and Mary Jane Slugg from the Saturday afternoon Bird Walk for All People held at the Cape May point State Park. The second is the list from the Cruising for Loons boat trip, also held on Saturday 4/26. Lastly, Karl Lukens sends word of the findings from this soggy mornings Meadows walk.
Location: Cape May Point SP
Observation date: 4/26/08
Number of species: 39
Canada Goose 10
Mute Swan 12
Mallard 8
Red-throated Loon 1
Northern Gannet 8
Double-crested Cormorant 50
Great Egret 4
Black Vulture 2
Turkey Vulture 10
Osprey 15
Northern Harrier 2
Broad-winged Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Killdeer 4
American Oystercatcher 2
Wilson's Snipe 1
Herring Gull 6
Great Black-backed Gull 12
Forster's Tern 35
Rock Pigeon 16
Mourning Dove 6
Chimney Swift 4
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 1
Fish Crow 5
Purple Martin 25
Tree Swallow 6
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 20
Barn Swallow 10
Tufted Titmouse 4
American Robin 50
European Starling 20
Yellow-rumped Warbler 1
Palm Warbler 1
Northern Cardinal 2
Red-winged Blackbird 25
Common Grackle 4
Brown-headed Cowbird 1
House Sparrow 2
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2
Location: Cape May Harbor
Observation date: 4/26/08
Notes: List is for the Cruisin' for Loons boat trip with Dave Githens on Cape May Whale Watcher. A Marbled Godwit was sighted on Thorofare Island; Dave said it has been seen there yearly.
Number of species: 39
Brant X
American Black Duck X
Mallard X
Common Eider X
Surf Scoter X
Black Scoter X
Bufflehead X
Red-breasted Merganser X
Red-throated Loon X
Common Loon X
Northern Gannet X
Double-crested Cormorant X
Great Egret X
Snowy Egret X
Little Blue Heron X
Glossy Ibis X
Turkey Vulture X
Osprey X
Black-bellied Plover X
American Oystercatcher X
Greater Yellowlegs X
Willet X
Whimbrel X
Sanderling X
Laughing Gull X
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull X
Forster's Tern X
Rock Pigeon X
Fish Crow X
Purple Martin X
Barn Swallow X
American Robin X
Northern Mockingbird X
European Starling X
Red-winged Blackbird X
Common Grackle X
Boat-tailed Grackle X
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2
"Rain and fog at the start of the CMBO Morning Meadows walk did not prevent us from having a productive birding experience. We even had several groups of very close N. Gannets that were close enough to see very well despite the fog. Raptors were also well represented with 2 Merlin. 1 Kestrel, a Coopers Hawk and an immature Bald Eagle. Shorebirds were not numerous but we did see fly over Least Sandpipers, both Yellowlegs, 2 Piping Plovers, and a Killdeer on nest with 3 eggs on the side of the path ( a very busy spot for nesting birds)."
Location: South Cape May Meadows
Observation date: 4/28/08
Number of species: 58
Canada Goose 20
Mute Swan 15
Gadwall 5
American Black Duck 2
Mallard 5
Blue-winged Teal 2
Green-winged Teal 5
Surf Scoter 7
Northern Gannet 20
Double-crested Cormorant 3
Great Blue Heron 1
Great Egret 3
Snowy Egret 1
Osprey 2
Bald Eagle 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
American Kestrel 1
Merlin 2
American Coot 1
Black-bellied Plover 3
Piping Plover 2
Killdeer 2
American Oystercatcher 4
Greater Yellowlegs 15
Willet 1
Lesser Yellowlegs 4
Least Sandpiper 5
Wilson's Snipe 5
Laughing Gull 15
Ring-billed Gull 5
Herring Gull 20
Great Black-backed Gull 5
Forster's Tern 15
Rock Pigeon 2
Mourning Dove 5
Chimney Swift 1
American Crow 2
Fish Crow 8
Tree Swallow 2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 5
Barn Swallow 5
Carolina Wren 3
Marsh Wren 1
American Robin 1
European Starling 10
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 5
Palm Warbler 3
Common Yellowthroat 6
Savannah Sparrow 10
Song Sparrow 3
White-throated Sparrow 1
Northern Cardinal 3
Red-winged Blackbird 10
Common Grackle 20
Brown-headed Cowbird 2
House Finch 1
American Goldfinch 1
House Sparrow 2
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2
Location: Cape May Point SP
Observation date: 4/26/08
Number of species: 39
Canada Goose 10
Mute Swan 12
Mallard 8
Red-throated Loon 1
Northern Gannet 8
Double-crested Cormorant 50
Great Egret 4
Black Vulture 2
Turkey Vulture 10
Osprey 15
Northern Harrier 2
Broad-winged Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Killdeer 4
American Oystercatcher 2
Wilson's Snipe 1
Herring Gull 6
Great Black-backed Gull 12
Forster's Tern 35
Rock Pigeon 16
Mourning Dove 6
Chimney Swift 4
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 1
Fish Crow 5
Purple Martin 25
Tree Swallow 6
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 20
Barn Swallow 10
Tufted Titmouse 4
American Robin 50
European Starling 20
Yellow-rumped Warbler 1
Palm Warbler 1
Northern Cardinal 2
Red-winged Blackbird 25
Common Grackle 4
Brown-headed Cowbird 1
House Sparrow 2
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2
Location: Cape May Harbor
Observation date: 4/26/08
Notes: List is for the Cruisin' for Loons boat trip with Dave Githens on Cape May Whale Watcher. A Marbled Godwit was sighted on Thorofare Island; Dave said it has been seen there yearly.
Number of species: 39
Brant X
American Black Duck X
Mallard X
Common Eider X
Surf Scoter X
Black Scoter X
Bufflehead X
Red-breasted Merganser X
Red-throated Loon X
Common Loon X
Northern Gannet X
Double-crested Cormorant X
Great Egret X
Snowy Egret X
Little Blue Heron X
Glossy Ibis X
Turkey Vulture X
Osprey X
Black-bellied Plover X
American Oystercatcher X
Greater Yellowlegs X
Willet X
Whimbrel X
Sanderling X
Laughing Gull X
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull X
Forster's Tern X
Rock Pigeon X
Fish Crow X
Purple Martin X
Barn Swallow X
American Robin X
Northern Mockingbird X
European Starling X
Red-winged Blackbird X
Common Grackle X
Boat-tailed Grackle X
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2
"Rain and fog at the start of the CMBO Morning Meadows walk did not prevent us from having a productive birding experience. We even had several groups of very close N. Gannets that were close enough to see very well despite the fog. Raptors were also well represented with 2 Merlin. 1 Kestrel, a Coopers Hawk and an immature Bald Eagle. Shorebirds were not numerous but we did see fly over Least Sandpipers, both Yellowlegs, 2 Piping Plovers, and a Killdeer on nest with 3 eggs on the side of the path ( a very busy spot for nesting birds)."
Location: South Cape May Meadows
Observation date: 4/28/08
Number of species: 58
Canada Goose 20
Mute Swan 15
Gadwall 5
American Black Duck 2
Mallard 5
Blue-winged Teal 2
Green-winged Teal 5
Surf Scoter 7
Northern Gannet 20
Double-crested Cormorant 3
Great Blue Heron 1
Great Egret 3
Snowy Egret 1
Osprey 2
Bald Eagle 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
American Kestrel 1
Merlin 2
American Coot 1
Black-bellied Plover 3
Piping Plover 2
Killdeer 2
American Oystercatcher 4
Greater Yellowlegs 15
Willet 1
Lesser Yellowlegs 4
Least Sandpiper 5
Wilson's Snipe 5
Laughing Gull 15
Ring-billed Gull 5
Herring Gull 20
Great Black-backed Gull 5
Forster's Tern 15
Rock Pigeon 2
Mourning Dove 5
Chimney Swift 1
American Crow 2
Fish Crow 8
Tree Swallow 2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 5
Barn Swallow 5
Carolina Wren 3
Marsh Wren 1
American Robin 1
European Starling 10
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 5
Palm Warbler 3
Common Yellowthroat 6
Savannah Sparrow 10
Song Sparrow 3
White-throated Sparrow 1
Northern Cardinal 3
Red-winged Blackbird 10
Common Grackle 20
Brown-headed Cowbird 2
House Finch 1
American Goldfinch 1
House Sparrow 2
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2
Sunday, April 27, 2008
CMBO Villas WMA walk- 4/27/08
Despite the poor weather the CMBO Villas WMA walk went off without a hitch. See below for the report for Karl and Judy Lukens.
"A spattering of rain on this morning's CMBO Walk at the Villas WMA did not
deter the 8 participants nor the Red-headed Woodpecker. Good views of 1
Red-head, with possibly another. Maybe a breeding pair?? Also a Hairy
Woodpecker, making for a 5 woodpecker day. Nice views of a Great Crested
Flycatcher, and still a breeding Plumage Common Loon on the big pond."
Location: Villas WMA
Observation date: 4/27/08
Notes: CMBO Walk
Number of species: 39
Canada Goose 6
Mallard 1
Common Loon 1
Great Egret 3
Turkey Vulture 2
Osprey 1
Merlin 1
Laughing Gull 10
Herring Gull 2
Rock Pigeon 2
Mourning Dove 5
Red-headed Woodpecker 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 5
Downy Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 3
Great Crested Flycatcher 2
Blue Jay 1
American Crow 5
Fish Crow 5
Barn Swallow 10
Carolina Chickadee 5
Tufted Titmouse 5
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 1
American Robin 10
European Starling 20
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 8
Pine Warbler 1
Palm Warbler 1
Chipping Sparrow 10
White-throated Sparrow 5
Northern Cardinal 2
Red-winged Blackbird 10
Common Grackle 20
Brown-headed Cowbird 5
Baltimore Oriole 1
American Goldfinch 10
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2
"A spattering of rain on this morning's CMBO Walk at the Villas WMA did not
deter the 8 participants nor the Red-headed Woodpecker. Good views of 1
Red-head, with possibly another. Maybe a breeding pair?? Also a Hairy
Woodpecker, making for a 5 woodpecker day. Nice views of a Great Crested
Flycatcher, and still a breeding Plumage Common Loon on the big pond."
Location: Villas WMA
Observation date: 4/27/08
Notes: CMBO Walk
Number of species: 39
Canada Goose 6
Mallard 1
Common Loon 1
Great Egret 3
Turkey Vulture 2
Osprey 1
Merlin 1
Laughing Gull 10
Herring Gull 2
Rock Pigeon 2
Mourning Dove 5
Red-headed Woodpecker 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 5
Downy Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 3
Great Crested Flycatcher 2
Blue Jay 1
American Crow 5
Fish Crow 5
Barn Swallow 10
Carolina Chickadee 5
Tufted Titmouse 5
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 1
American Robin 10
European Starling 20
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 8
Pine Warbler 1
Palm Warbler 1
Chipping Sparrow 10
White-throated Sparrow 5
Northern Cardinal 2
Red-winged Blackbird 10
Common Grackle 20
Brown-headed Cowbird 5
Baltimore Oriole 1
American Goldfinch 10
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2
Saturday, April 26, 2008
CMBO Beanery walk- 4/26/08
Word came in from Karl and Judy Lukens about this mornings CMBO Beanery walk. Remember, as spring progresses the Cape May Bird Observatory has walks just about every day (sometimes multiple walks is one day) at various locations in Cape May County. Of course, all are welcome no matter the skill level. For a complete schedule CMBO walks you can check the Programs and Daily Walks section of this site. Or, the very handy Naturalist Calendar which has walk information by day on the calendar as well as very useful Historical Sightings and Natural History information.
"The CMBO "Beanery" walk at the Rea Farm was enjoyed by 18 people this
morning. Several new birds for the season for many in the group were Great
Crested Flycatcher, and nice looks at a male Blue Grosbeak."
Location: The Beanery
Observation date: 4/26/08
Number of species: 46
Canada Goose 5
Mute Swan 2
Mallard 10
Common Loon 3
Double-crested Cormorant 250
Great Egret 2
Turkey Vulture 4
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Merlin 1
Killdeer 5
Laughing Gull 10
Herring Gull 2
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Rock Pigeon 5
Mourning Dove 10
Red-bellied Woodpecker 5
Downy Woodpecker 2
Great Crested Flycatcher 1
Blue Jay 5
American Crow 5
Fish Crow 1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1
Barn Swallow 3
Carolina Chickadee 3
Tufted Titmouse 2
Carolina Wren 5
House Wren 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 3
American Robin 5
Gray Catbird 1
Northern Mockingbird 2
Brown Thrasher 1
European Starling 15
Northern Parula 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 10
Common Yellowthroat 5
Swamp Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 5
Northern Cardinal 5
Blue Grosbeak 1
Red-winged Blackbird 10
Common Grackle 15
Brown-headed Cowbird 10
American Goldfinch 1
House Sparrow 1
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2
"The CMBO "Beanery" walk at the Rea Farm was enjoyed by 18 people this
morning. Several new birds for the season for many in the group were Great
Crested Flycatcher, and nice looks at a male Blue Grosbeak."
Location: The Beanery
Observation date: 4/26/08
Number of species: 46
Canada Goose 5
Mute Swan 2
Mallard 10
Common Loon 3
Double-crested Cormorant 250
Great Egret 2
Turkey Vulture 4
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Merlin 1
Killdeer 5
Laughing Gull 10
Herring Gull 2
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Rock Pigeon 5
Mourning Dove 10
Red-bellied Woodpecker 5
Downy Woodpecker 2
Great Crested Flycatcher 1
Blue Jay 5
American Crow 5
Fish Crow 1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1
Barn Swallow 3
Carolina Chickadee 3
Tufted Titmouse 2
Carolina Wren 5
House Wren 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 3
American Robin 5
Gray Catbird 1
Northern Mockingbird 2
Brown Thrasher 1
European Starling 15
Northern Parula 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 10
Common Yellowthroat 5
Swamp Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 5
Northern Cardinal 5
Blue Grosbeak 1
Red-winged Blackbird 10
Common Grackle 15
Brown-headed Cowbird 10
American Goldfinch 1
House Sparrow 1
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2
Friday, April 25, 2008
Friday Morning at Higbee - Baltimore Oriole and a fine collection of raptors
This morning's CMBO walk at Higbee Beach WMA was greeted with some nice weather and some even nicer birds. Some of the highlights included 4 Scarlet Tanagers seen migrating over the parking lot before the walk began, a showy Baltimore Oriole that gave us a close fly-by, and a nice collection of raptors, including one each of Harrier, Sharp-shin, Coop, and Broad-winged Hawk.
It wasn't a super morning for passerine migrants, even though there were a fair number on the move last night. Conditions have been favorable for migration during most of the week, but there haven't been any significant weather events to serve as roadblocks, so many birds have been sailing over the Cape without pausing- and rightly so...after all, there is business to be taken care of for these little gems, the likes of which probably don't include posing at Higbee Beach for birders.
But there were of course some migrants, including a Red-breasted Nuthatch and a small flock of Swamp Sparrows in the second field, several groups of Savannah Sparrows, and a couple pockets of "Yellow" Palm Warblers. We received a second-hand report of a Chestnut-sided Warbler, and I heard an American Redstart sing just once along the 1st field.
List includes all birds seen/heard-
Location: Higbee Beach
Observation date: 4/25/08
Number of species: 61
Canada Goose 2
Mallard 2
Common Loon 1
Double-crested Cormorant 69
Black Vulture 2
Turkey Vulture 3
Osprey 2
Northern Harrier 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
Broad-winged Hawk 1
Willet 10
Laughing Gull 17
Ring-billed Gull 1
Herring Gull 4
Forster's Tern 3
Mourning Dove 9
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 4
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1
White-eyed Vireo 6
Blue Jay 1
American Crow 7
Fish Crow 9
Tree Swallow 6
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2
Barn Swallow 1
Carolina Chickadee 10
Tufted Titmouse 6
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 12
House Wren 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 4
American Robin 9
Gray Catbird 8
Northern Mockingbird 1
Brown Thrasher 1
European Starling 15
Cedar Waxwing 29
Yellow Warbler 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 4
Palm Warbler (Yellow) 7
American Redstart 1
Common Yellowthroat 5
Scarlet Tanager 4
Eastern Towhee 3
Chipping Sparrow 1
Field Sparrow 6
Savannah Sparrow 12
Swamp Sparrow 8
White-throated Sparrow 9
Northern Cardinal 16
Indigo Bunting 1
Red-winged Blackbird 15
Common Grackle 2
Brown-headed Cowbird 4
Baltimore Oriole 1
House Finch 1
American Goldfinch 2
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
It wasn't a super morning for passerine migrants, even though there were a fair number on the move last night. Conditions have been favorable for migration during most of the week, but there haven't been any significant weather events to serve as roadblocks, so many birds have been sailing over the Cape without pausing- and rightly so...after all, there is business to be taken care of for these little gems, the likes of which probably don't include posing at Higbee Beach for birders.
But there were of course some migrants, including a Red-breasted Nuthatch and a small flock of Swamp Sparrows in the second field, several groups of Savannah Sparrows, and a couple pockets of "Yellow" Palm Warblers. We received a second-hand report of a Chestnut-sided Warbler, and I heard an American Redstart sing just once along the 1st field.
List includes all birds seen/heard-
Location: Higbee Beach
Observation date: 4/25/08
Number of species: 61
Canada Goose 2
Mallard 2
Common Loon 1
Double-crested Cormorant 69
Black Vulture 2
Turkey Vulture 3
Osprey 2
Northern Harrier 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
Broad-winged Hawk 1
Willet 10
Laughing Gull 17
Ring-billed Gull 1
Herring Gull 4
Forster's Tern 3
Mourning Dove 9
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 4
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1
White-eyed Vireo 6
Blue Jay 1
American Crow 7
Fish Crow 9
Tree Swallow 6
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2
Barn Swallow 1
Carolina Chickadee 10
Tufted Titmouse 6
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 12
House Wren 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 4
American Robin 9
Gray Catbird 8
Northern Mockingbird 1
Brown Thrasher 1
European Starling 15
Cedar Waxwing 29
Yellow Warbler 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 4
Palm Warbler (Yellow) 7
American Redstart 1
Common Yellowthroat 5
Scarlet Tanager 4
Eastern Towhee 3
Chipping Sparrow 1
Field Sparrow 6
Savannah Sparrow 12
Swamp Sparrow 8
White-throated Sparrow 9
Northern Cardinal 16
Indigo Bunting 1
Red-winged Blackbird 15
Common Grackle 2
Brown-headed Cowbird 4
Baltimore Oriole 1
House Finch 1
American Goldfinch 2
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Yellow Rail continues at Jake's Landing
Just a quick note to mention that the Yellow Rail found by Michael O'Brien at Jake's Landing last night is still present as of 11:00pm tonight, in the marsh off to the west of the road between the forest edge and the parking lot. Also in evidence were plenty of singing Seaside Sparrows and Marsh Wrens, a near-constant chorus of Clapper Rails, several pairs of noisy Willets, and a distant Whip-poor-will.
Thursday Morning at Belleplain - Hooded Warblers
Karl & Judy Lukens note the following from this morning's tour through Belleplain State Forest:
"Good views of 2 Hooded Warblers, 1 Louisiana Waterthrush, and 1 Yellow-throated warbler as well as hearing others." The breeding bird show and symphony at Belleplain will continue to flourish through the next few weeks...make sure you get there to enjoy it.
Location: Belleplain State Forest
Observation date: 4/24/08
Number of species: 46
Canada Goose 2
American Black Duck 1
Mallard 2
Wild Turkey 1
Double-crested Cormorant 50
Great Egret 1
Turkey Vulture 5
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Killdeer 1
Laughing Gull 1
Herring Gull 5
Mourning Dove 5
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 2
Eastern Phoebe 3
White-eyed Vireo 3
Blue-headed Vireo 1
Red-eyed Vireo 1
Blue Jay 4
American Crow 3
Fish Crow 1
Tree Swallow 2
Bank Swallow 1
Carolina Chickadee 2
Tufted Titmouse 3
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
American Robin 5
European Starling 5
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 5
Yellow-throated Warbler 5
Pine Warbler 5
Black-and-white Warbler 4
Prothonotary Warbler 2
Ovenbird 15
Louisiana Waterthrush 1
Common Yellowthroat 2
Hooded Warbler 3
Eastern Towhee 2
Chipping Sparrow 10
Northern Cardinal 1
Red-winged Blackbird 2
Common Grackle 10
Brown-headed Cowbird 10
American Goldfinch 2
House Sparrow 1
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
"Good views of 2 Hooded Warblers, 1 Louisiana Waterthrush, and 1 Yellow-throated warbler as well as hearing others." The breeding bird show and symphony at Belleplain will continue to flourish through the next few weeks...make sure you get there to enjoy it.
Location: Belleplain State Forest
Observation date: 4/24/08
Number of species: 46
Canada Goose 2
American Black Duck 1
Mallard 2
Wild Turkey 1
Double-crested Cormorant 50
Great Egret 1
Turkey Vulture 5
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Killdeer 1
Laughing Gull 1
Herring Gull 5
Mourning Dove 5
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 2
Eastern Phoebe 3
White-eyed Vireo 3
Blue-headed Vireo 1
Red-eyed Vireo 1
Blue Jay 4
American Crow 3
Fish Crow 1
Tree Swallow 2
Bank Swallow 1
Carolina Chickadee 2
Tufted Titmouse 3
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
American Robin 5
European Starling 5
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 5
Yellow-throated Warbler 5
Pine Warbler 5
Black-and-white Warbler 4
Prothonotary Warbler 2
Ovenbird 15
Louisiana Waterthrush 1
Common Yellowthroat 2
Hooded Warbler 3
Eastern Towhee 2
Chipping Sparrow 10
Northern Cardinal 1
Red-winged Blackbird 2
Common Grackle 10
Brown-headed Cowbird 10
American Goldfinch 2
House Sparrow 1
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
CAPE MAY BIRDING HOTLINE - April 24, 2008
This is the Cape May Birding Hotline, a service of New Jersey Audubon Society's Cape May Bird Observatory. This week's message was prepared on Thursday, April 24, 2008. Highlights this week include sightings of WHITE-FACED IBIS, YELLOW RAIL, "EURASIAN" WHIMBREL, EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE, SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER, COMMON MERGANSER, DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT, LEAST TERN, CASPIAN TERN, ROYAL TERN, BLACK SKIMMER, PARASITIC JAEGER, CHUCK-WILL'S-WIDOW, EASTERN KINGBIRD, YELLOW-THROATED VIREO, RED-HEADED WOODPECKER, WORM-EATING WARBLER, and BLUE GROSBEAK.
A SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER was seen at Brig/Forsythe NWR on 4/23, toward the end of the driving loop in the first field after leaving the impoundments.
Multiple YELLOW RAILS have been heard this week along Turkey Point Road in Cumberland County. Another YELLOW RAIL was heard at Jake's Landing around midnight on 4/24.
A EURASIAN-COLLARED DOVE was found in Cape May Point, in the vicinity of Lincoln and Lehigh Avenues, on 4/23.
An adult WHITE-FACED IBIS was found at Heislerville WMA in Cumberland County on 4/22 and continued through 4/24.
A "EURASIAN" WHIMBREL was reported near the Wetlands Institute along Stone Harbor Boulevard on 4/21.
2 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS continued at Villas WMA/Ponderlodge through 4/20.
A large flight of DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS occurred over the area from 4/18-4/19, likely including 10,000+ birds.
A lingering COMMON MERGANSER and 2 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Brig/Forsythe NWR on 4/21.
New arrivals this week included: YELLOW-THROATED VIREO at Higbee Beach WMA and CHUCK-WILL'S-WIDOW in Green Creek on 4/18; ROYAL TERN, BLACK SKIMMER and PARASITIC JAEGER off Cape May Pt. State Park and WORM-EATING WARBLER in Belleplain SF on 4/19; LEAST TERN off The Meadows/CMMBR on 4/23. EASTERN KINGBIRD and BLUE GROSBEAK were reported from multiple locations this week.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
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 Harper's Migration Mainline- Cape May lithograph poster, valued at $50. Call either CMBO center to ask an associate about joining today!
******CMBO Bookstore SPRING HOURS are as follows: Northwood Center on East Lake Drive in Cape May Point will be open 7 days a week, APRIL 1 - MAY 31, 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 Society's 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 you'll receive a FREE gift (in addition to member discount in the stores). Good Luck and Good Birding!
A SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER was seen at Brig/Forsythe NWR on 4/23, toward the end of the driving loop in the first field after leaving the impoundments.
Multiple YELLOW RAILS have been heard this week along Turkey Point Road in Cumberland County. Another YELLOW RAIL was heard at Jake's Landing around midnight on 4/24.
A EURASIAN-COLLARED DOVE was found in Cape May Point, in the vicinity of Lincoln and Lehigh Avenues, on 4/23.
An adult WHITE-FACED IBIS was found at Heislerville WMA in Cumberland County on 4/22 and continued through 4/24.
A "EURASIAN" WHIMBREL was reported near the Wetlands Institute along Stone Harbor Boulevard on 4/21.
2 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS continued at Villas WMA/Ponderlodge through 4/20.
A large flight of DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS occurred over the area from 4/18-4/19, likely including 10,000+ birds.
A lingering COMMON MERGANSER and 2 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Brig/Forsythe NWR on 4/21.
New arrivals this week included: YELLOW-THROATED VIREO at Higbee Beach WMA and CHUCK-WILL'S-WIDOW in Green Creek on 4/18; ROYAL TERN, BLACK SKIMMER and PARASITIC JAEGER off Cape May Pt. State Park and WORM-EATING WARBLER in Belleplain SF on 4/19; LEAST TERN off The Meadows/CMMBR on 4/23. EASTERN KINGBIRD and BLUE GROSBEAK were reported from multiple locations this week.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
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 Harper's Migration Mainline- Cape May lithograph poster, valued at $50. Call either CMBO center to ask an associate about joining today!
******CMBO Bookstore SPRING HOURS are as follows: Northwood Center on East Lake Drive in Cape May Point will be open 7 days a week, APRIL 1 - MAY 31, 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 Society's 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 you'll receive a FREE gift (in addition to member discount in the stores). Good Luck and Good Birding!
It seemed like a Blue Grosbeak kind of day....
Well we decided to bird Higbee Beach WMA this morning given that the winds had been south-westerly over night switching to west maybe even a bit north-west in the early hours. We were hoping for a good influx of new arrivals and figured Higbee would be the place. I supposed I should say that the "we" was Laura, Bob Fogg (NJAS Research Associate) and myself.
Interestingly, to me at least was the lack of any other birders at Higbee this morning. I figured that there would at least have been one other car in the lot. It's early yet and the real chances for any good migratory event were somewhat low, so everyone was right to have slept in a bit.
Over all the birding this morning was a little slow. But, good sightings were had by all. Bob picked up on a couple of singing vireos throughout our time in the field. Pretty much as soon as we headed out the car doors he heard a Red-eyed Vireo singing near the parking lot. A first of the season for all of us. Later, a Blue-headed Vireo was singing at the back of the second tower field and gave fleeting glances.
We also had a singing Hooded Warbler in the wet woods (the woods along the eastern boarder of the property) and a Prairie Warbler about mid way back in the second field. A couple of Black and white Warblers and a few Yellow- rumped Warblers rounded on the group for us.
The highlight for the day for all of us I think was the five Blue Grosbeaks in the first field right at the beginning of the trail. We walked in an opposite direction from which we all usually walk and I was becoming somewhat disappointed because I just had a feeling that we'd see a grosbeak today. I was pleasantly surprised to finally hear the call note as we were about to leave. Sure hearing (or I should say recognizing again after a long winter) the first Blue Grosbeak of the spring is nice, but as we watched the initial female fly away to the hedge row we kept hearing a grosbeak call note. Then another female popped up out of thin air, from the grasses. Blue-grosbeak are very fond of hanging in the grasses as I found out from my time working on a grassland project. In fact they will even build their nests in the grass. So while many think of Blue Grosbeak as an early successional specialists (which they are) I personally like to think of them as somewhat of a hybrid with a little grassland bird mixed in. After the second female we were treated to good views of a couple of males and then one last female. I have to say, I just love Blue Grosbeaks! But then again, I was saying that about most species we saw this morning.
All in all we had a nice jaunt around Higbee. Who knows, if we had stuck around five or so minutes longer what interesting sighting we might have had.
On a side note, turtles are definitely on the move these days. As we were on our way in to the center from Higbee we stopped (along New England Road) to pick up a little Box turtle on the road. So please keep an eye out as you drive around, who knows what wildlife other than birds you may be able to observe.
Location: Higbee Beach
Observation date: 4/24/08
Notes: 3340 steps = approx. 2.15 miles
Number of species: 46
Canada Goose 6
Mallard 2
Common Loon 6
Double-crested Cormorant 105
Turkey Vulture 1
Killdeer 2
Laughing Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull X
Mourning Dove 10
Red-bellied Woodpecker 6
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 2
White-eyed Vireo 8
Blue-headed Vireo 2
Red-eyed Vireo 1
Blue Jay X
American Crow X
Fish Crow X
Tree Swallow 1
Carolina Chickadee X
Tufted Titmouse X
Carolina Wren 16
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 8
American Robin X
Gray Catbird 1
Northern Mockingbird 2
Brown Thrasher 6
European Starling X
Cedar Waxwing X
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 4
Prairie Warbler 1
Black-and-white Warbler 2
Common Yellowthroat 10
Hooded Warbler 1
Eastern Towhee 8
Chipping Sparrow 4
Field Sparrow 12
Savannah Sparrow 6
White-throated Sparrow X
Northern Cardinal X
Blue Grosbeak 5
Red-winged Blackbird X
Common Grackle X
Brown-headed Cowbird X
American Goldfinch 4
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2
Interestingly, to me at least was the lack of any other birders at Higbee this morning. I figured that there would at least have been one other car in the lot. It's early yet and the real chances for any good migratory event were somewhat low, so everyone was right to have slept in a bit.
Over all the birding this morning was a little slow. But, good sightings were had by all. Bob picked up on a couple of singing vireos throughout our time in the field. Pretty much as soon as we headed out the car doors he heard a Red-eyed Vireo singing near the parking lot. A first of the season for all of us. Later, a Blue-headed Vireo was singing at the back of the second tower field and gave fleeting glances.
We also had a singing Hooded Warbler in the wet woods (the woods along the eastern boarder of the property) and a Prairie Warbler about mid way back in the second field. A couple of Black and white Warblers and a few Yellow- rumped Warblers rounded on the group for us.
The highlight for the day for all of us I think was the five Blue Grosbeaks in the first field right at the beginning of the trail. We walked in an opposite direction from which we all usually walk and I was becoming somewhat disappointed because I just had a feeling that we'd see a grosbeak today. I was pleasantly surprised to finally hear the call note as we were about to leave. Sure hearing (or I should say recognizing again after a long winter) the first Blue Grosbeak of the spring is nice, but as we watched the initial female fly away to the hedge row we kept hearing a grosbeak call note. Then another female popped up out of thin air, from the grasses. Blue-grosbeak are very fond of hanging in the grasses as I found out from my time working on a grassland project. In fact they will even build their nests in the grass. So while many think of Blue Grosbeak as an early successional specialists (which they are) I personally like to think of them as somewhat of a hybrid with a little grassland bird mixed in. After the second female we were treated to good views of a couple of males and then one last female. I have to say, I just love Blue Grosbeaks! But then again, I was saying that about most species we saw this morning.
All in all we had a nice jaunt around Higbee. Who knows, if we had stuck around five or so minutes longer what interesting sighting we might have had.
On a side note, turtles are definitely on the move these days. As we were on our way in to the center from Higbee we stopped (along New England Road) to pick up a little Box turtle on the road. So please keep an eye out as you drive around, who knows what wildlife other than birds you may be able to observe.
Location: Higbee Beach
Observation date: 4/24/08
Notes: 3340 steps = approx. 2.15 miles
Number of species: 46
Canada Goose 6
Mallard 2
Common Loon 6
Double-crested Cormorant 105
Turkey Vulture 1
Killdeer 2
Laughing Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull X
Mourning Dove 10
Red-bellied Woodpecker 6
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 2
White-eyed Vireo 8
Blue-headed Vireo 2
Red-eyed Vireo 1
Blue Jay X
American Crow X
Fish Crow X
Tree Swallow 1
Carolina Chickadee X
Tufted Titmouse X
Carolina Wren 16
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 8
American Robin X
Gray Catbird 1
Northern Mockingbird 2
Brown Thrasher 6
European Starling X
Cedar Waxwing X
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 4
Prairie Warbler 1
Black-and-white Warbler 2
Common Yellowthroat 10
Hooded Warbler 1
Eastern Towhee 8
Chipping Sparrow 4
Field Sparrow 12
Savannah Sparrow 6
White-throated Sparrow X
Northern Cardinal X
Blue Grosbeak 5
Red-winged Blackbird X
Common Grackle X
Brown-headed Cowbird X
American Goldfinch 4
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Parasitic Jaegers and Least Tern off the Meadows
Bob Fogg and I birded the South Cape May Meadows a.k.a. TNC's Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge this very pleasant evening. The definite highlight came in the form of three spectacular Parasitic Jaegers pursuing Forster's Terns off the Meadow's beach, not exactly an expected sighting the day after Earth Day. One bird was a light adult, one was extremely dark based on the quite good views we had and sported an adult's tail streamers, and one bird appeared to be a light subadult. The ocean really layed down this evening, and with that plus the lack of heat waves the viewing from the Meadow's dune crossover was extraordinary.
We also saw a Least Tern foraging off the meadows, my first of the year and early at that. The Piping Plovers were very much in evidence vocally, issuing frequent "peep-lo"'s and occasionally their long display song, "fweeep - - fweeeep - -fweeep. . . " Six Gadwall flew from the Meadows out over the ocean and landed there a while, seeming somehow out of place as dabbling ducks in such a setting always do. Gannets, Surf Scoters, and Red-throated Loons passed, and the coots continue in the meadows, too - with World Series of Birding approaching, I hope they stick and are perhaps joined by a moorhen or two.
We also saw a Least Tern foraging off the meadows, my first of the year and early at that. The Piping Plovers were very much in evidence vocally, issuing frequent "peep-lo"'s and occasionally their long display song, "fweeep - - fweeeep - -fweeep. . . " Six Gadwall flew from the Meadows out over the ocean and landed there a while, seeming somehow out of place as dabbling ducks in such a setting always do. Gannets, Surf Scoters, and Red-throated Loons passed, and the coots continue in the meadows, too - with World Series of Birding approaching, I hope they stick and are perhaps joined by a moorhen or two.
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, White-faced Ibis, and a call for shorebird survey help
In the bird news department, a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher was found today at Brigantine a.k.a. Forsythe NWR in the field where the loop road leaves the marsh, on the left.
A White-faced Ibis turned up at Heislerville amidst the piles of glossies there. It's been seen in both impoundments. Pete Dunne just called me (5:20 p.m.) to report he found it on his way home in the "second" impoundment - not the one that had the Curlew Sandpipers last year, but the one further around the route. The tide is down at the moment, in case that impacts where the bird goes. Pete says it doesn't have white on the face but has bright pink facial skin, red knees, and there is golden sheen evident on the folded wing.
NJAS's Citizen Science program is still in need of volunteers to conduct spring shorebird surveys in many of the best sites in Cape May County The survey requires once-a-week visits from May 1st until June 4th, 2008. The purposes of the surveys are to:
Monitor trends in population size.
Monitor shorebird use at stopover sites.
Determine distribution, abundance and habitat use.
All shorebird species are counted. This work is important. This won't be news to most readers, but populations of many species of shorebirds have declined over the past three decades. Of 35 species of North American shorebirds for which analyses are available, 28 (80%) show negative trend values, and 19 show statistically significant or persistent declines.
If you can help, please contact: Nellie Tsipoura
email: nellie.tsipoura AT njaudubon.org
11 Hardscrabble RoadPO Box 693, Bernardsville NJ 07924tel.(908) 766-5787 / fax (908) 766-7775
Folks looking to sharpen their skills on spring shorebirds (perhaps in preparation for volunteering for future surveys!) should check out our Northbound Shorebirds workshop May 20-21.
A White-faced Ibis turned up at Heislerville amidst the piles of glossies there. It's been seen in both impoundments. Pete Dunne just called me (5:20 p.m.) to report he found it on his way home in the "second" impoundment - not the one that had the Curlew Sandpipers last year, but the one further around the route. The tide is down at the moment, in case that impacts where the bird goes. Pete says it doesn't have white on the face but has bright pink facial skin, red knees, and there is golden sheen evident on the folded wing.
NJAS's Citizen Science program is still in need of volunteers to conduct spring shorebird surveys in many of the best sites in Cape May County The survey requires once-a-week visits from May 1st until June 4th, 2008. The purposes of the surveys are to:
Monitor trends in population size.
Monitor shorebird use at stopover sites.
Determine distribution, abundance and habitat use.
All shorebird species are counted. This work is important. This won't be news to most readers, but populations of many species of shorebirds have declined over the past three decades. Of 35 species of North American shorebirds for which analyses are available, 28 (80%) show negative trend values, and 19 show statistically significant or persistent declines.
If you can help, please contact: Nellie Tsipoura
email: nellie.tsipoura AT njaudubon.org
11 Hardscrabble RoadPO Box 693, Bernardsville NJ 07924tel.(908) 766-5787 / fax (908) 766-7775
Folks looking to sharpen their skills on spring shorebirds (perhaps in preparation for volunteering for future surveys!) should check out our Northbound Shorebirds workshop May 20-21.
EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE
EDIT: Apologies to Tony for mis-spelling his last name. And thanks to Michael O'Brien for supplying me with a beautiful photo of the bird. Now only if it will stay until I am off work.....
Original message:
Ok, so it's not a mega but still a nice find here in South Jersey.
Tony Leukering just walked into my office to let me know he had found himself a new state bird (I should get out as this would be a state bird for me as well) in the vicinity of Lincoln and Lehigh in Cape May Point. Basically drive straight out of the Cape May Point State Park, go a block and you are at the intersection of Lincoln and Lehigh. See map (map made using map quest) provided below.
(click on map to enlarge)CMBO Cape May Point walk- 4/23/08
This just in from Karl and Judy Lukens re: the CMBO Cape May Point walk held this morning.
"This morning's CMBO Cape May Point Walk was well attended and produced many
of the expected birds including good numbers of Northern Gannets. Unexpected
was an adult Bald Eagle that flew over Bunker Pond and landed on the beach
for a good scope look."
Location: Cape May Point
Observation date: 4/23/08
Number of species: 43
Canada Goose 10
Mallard 5
Surf Scoter 20
Red-throated Loon 10
Northern Gannet 75
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Great Egret 1
Snowy Egret 1
Turkey Vulture 2
Osprey 1
Bald Eagle 1
Killdeer 2
Laughing Gull 5
Bonaparte's Gull 1
Herring Gull 10
Great Black-backed Gull 10
Forster's Tern 25
Rock Pigeon 5
Mourning Dove 10
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 2
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 1
Fish Crow 10
Purple Martin 30
Tree Swallow 5
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2
Barn Swallow 10
Carolina Chickadee 2
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 5
American Robin 20
Northern Mockingbird 3
European Starling 10
Cedar Waxwing 5
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 1
White-throated Sparrow 10
Northern Cardinal 5
Red-winged Blackbird 5
Common Grackle 20
Brown-headed Cowbird 2
House Finch 5
House Sparrow 10
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2
"This morning's CMBO Cape May Point Walk was well attended and produced many
of the expected birds including good numbers of Northern Gannets. Unexpected
was an adult Bald Eagle that flew over Bunker Pond and landed on the beach
for a good scope look."
Location: Cape May Point
Observation date: 4/23/08
Number of species: 43
Canada Goose 10
Mallard 5
Surf Scoter 20
Red-throated Loon 10
Northern Gannet 75
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Great Egret 1
Snowy Egret 1
Turkey Vulture 2
Osprey 1
Bald Eagle 1
Killdeer 2
Laughing Gull 5
Bonaparte's Gull 1
Herring Gull 10
Great Black-backed Gull 10
Forster's Tern 25
Rock Pigeon 5
Mourning Dove 10
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 2
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 1
Fish Crow 10
Purple Martin 30
Tree Swallow 5
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2
Barn Swallow 10
Carolina Chickadee 2
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 5
American Robin 20
Northern Mockingbird 3
European Starling 10
Cedar Waxwing 5
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 1
White-throated Sparrow 10
Northern Cardinal 5
Red-winged Blackbird 5
Common Grackle 20
Brown-headed Cowbird 2
House Finch 5
House Sparrow 10
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Belleplain, Reed's Beach, Meadows, and Miscellaneous Arrivals
First a general announcement: if you are planning to visit Cape May in the coming weeks, remember to bring warm clothes. The penninsula is obviously surrounded by water, but what isn't so obvious is that the water temperatures remain in the 50's (f) for much of spring, and can hold the air temperature down, especially if there is an onshore wind. We got a big dose of this on Sunday and Monday. The current water temperature is 55 degrees at Cape May and only in the high 40's a few miles offshore.
CMBO's Building Basic Birding Skills workshop spent some time at Belleplain State Forest Sunday morning, where we enjoyed crushing views of Prothonotary Warblers (about 6 were present along Weatherby Road near Tarkiln Lake), Yellow-throated Warblers, and Black-and-white Warbler, among many others. We watched one Yellow-throated Warbler collecting spider's silk and tent caterpillar webbing for nesting material from under the guardrail fence at Sunset Bridge. Interestingly, on Monday afternoon's Butterflies, Botany and Birds walk at Belleplain walk we watched another yellow-throated near the Belleplain picnic area as it also collected nesting material. The latter bird surprised me by walking about on the ground, which I've seen before but I'd never noticed how agile the bird was on the ground, for warblers generally and for an arboreal warbler specifically.
Reed's Beach Monday afternoon held no Red Knots - the first migrants will arrive any day now, or could already be here, but numbers will not peak until late May. Willets were in in droves, a dozen or more, as were American Oystercatchers. We found a live male horseshoe crab eagerly clasping the empty shell of a female - male horseshoe crabs have specially adapted hook-shaped front claws for clasping, which females lack. Crab spawning is a ways off yet - normally they do not spawn until the water temperatures reaches 60 degrees, with peak spawning occuring during full and new moons from mid-May through June.
The South Cape May Meadows were cold, windy, and foggy for our Monday morning walk, but a pair of newly arrived Indigo Buntings brightened the day. Common Yellowthroats increased from a solitary individual last week to at least 9 males singing vigorously despite the weather. Given that places like Heislerville are filling up with shorebirds, you would hope the meadows would do the same, but that doesn't seem to be happening. Looking at the moist soil areas at the meadows, in a lot of areas it seems to be relatively sterile mineral soil (due to all the disturbance from TNC's restoration project) rather than rich organic muck, and may need time before the rich invertebrate life that will attract shorebirds develops. The good news is that the beach nesters did very well last year, and seem poised for a repeat. We saw several Piping Plovers and 5 American Oystercatchers there Monday. Least Terns will appear any day.
I had my first Whimbrels Sunday night in the form of 4 flying over Cape May City, and Kathy Horn reports that 17 were at Nummy's Island along with one Tri-colored and one Little Blue Heron. Janet Crawford reports that a Wood Thrush was in at her house in Leesburg this morning. There will be new arrivals most every day for a while now!
Checklists from several recent expeditions follow.
Location: Belleplain State Forest
Observation date: 4/20/08
Notes: CMBO Building Basic Birding Skills Workshop. List includes a few birds not seen by all participants.
Number of species: 42
Canada Goose 15
Mallard 5
Wild Turkey 1
Great Blue Heron 2
Turkey Vulture 5
Broad-winged Hawk 2
American Kestrel 1
Laughing Gull 20
Herring Gull X
Mourning Dove 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
Downy Woodpecker 5
Eastern Phoebe 2
White-eyed Vireo 3
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 5
Tree Swallow 5
Carolina Chickadee 5
Tufted Titmouse 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 5
Eastern Bluebird 1
American Robin 5
Northern Parula 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 10
Yellow-throated Warbler 5
Pine Warbler 10
Palm Warbler 2
Black-and-white Warbler 1
Prothonotary Warbler 6
Ovenbird 10
Louisiana Waterthrush 1
Common Yellowthroat 1
Eastern Towhee 1
Chipping Sparrow 15
Northern Cardinal 10
Red-winged Blackbird 5
Common Grackle 5
Brown-headed Cowbird 10
House Finch 2
American Goldfinch 1
Location: Reed's Beach
Observation date: 4/20/08
Number of species: 20
American Black Duck 2
Double-crested Cormorant 35
Great Egret 2
Snowy Egret 5
Clapper Rail 2
American Oystercatcher 6
Willet 12
Dunlin 20
Short-billed Dowitcher 5
Laughing Gull X
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull X
Forster's Tern 40
Mourning Dove X
Tree Swallow X
Northern Cardinal X
Red-winged Blackbird X
Boat-tailed Grackle 25
House Sparrow X
Location: South Cape May Meadows
Observation date: 4/21/08
Notes: V. windy & foggy
Number of species: 52
Canada Goose 25
Mute Swan 9
Gadwall 2
Mallard 25
Green-winged Teal 10
Surf Scoter 2
Long-tailed Duck 1
Red-throated Loon 25
Common Loon 10
Northern Gannet 20
Double-crested Cormorant 25
Great Egret 5
Snowy Egret 8
Glossy Ibis 50
Black Vulture 5
Turkey Vulture 5
Osprey 1
American Coot 3
Piping Plover 4
Killdeer 2
American Oystercatcher 5
Greater Yellowlegs 1
Willet 1
Sanderling 1
Laughing Gull 50
Ring-billed Gull 10
Herring Gull 50
Great Black-backed Gull 50
Forster's Tern 75
Rock Pigeon 2
Mourning Dove 5
Chimney Swift 2
American Crow 15
Fish Crow 30
Tree Swallow 20
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 10
Barn Swallow 40
Carolina Chickadee 5
Carolina Wren 1
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 5
Yellow-rumped Warbler 5
Common Yellowthroat 9
Savannah Sparrow 5
Song Sparrow 1
Northern Cardinal 2
Indigo Bunting 2
Red-winged Blackbird 20
Common Grackle 15
Brown-headed Cowbird 10
American Goldfinch 2
House Sparrow 10
CMBO's Building Basic Birding Skills workshop spent some time at Belleplain State Forest Sunday morning, where we enjoyed crushing views of Prothonotary Warblers (about 6 were present along Weatherby Road near Tarkiln Lake), Yellow-throated Warblers, and Black-and-white Warbler, among many others. We watched one Yellow-throated Warbler collecting spider's silk and tent caterpillar webbing for nesting material from under the guardrail fence at Sunset Bridge. Interestingly, on Monday afternoon's Butterflies, Botany and Birds walk at Belleplain walk we watched another yellow-throated near the Belleplain picnic area as it also collected nesting material. The latter bird surprised me by walking about on the ground, which I've seen before but I'd never noticed how agile the bird was on the ground, for warblers generally and for an arboreal warbler specifically.
Reed's Beach Monday afternoon held no Red Knots - the first migrants will arrive any day now, or could already be here, but numbers will not peak until late May. Willets were in in droves, a dozen or more, as were American Oystercatchers. We found a live male horseshoe crab eagerly clasping the empty shell of a female - male horseshoe crabs have specially adapted hook-shaped front claws for clasping, which females lack. Crab spawning is a ways off yet - normally they do not spawn until the water temperatures reaches 60 degrees, with peak spawning occuring during full and new moons from mid-May through June.
The South Cape May Meadows were cold, windy, and foggy for our Monday morning walk, but a pair of newly arrived Indigo Buntings brightened the day. Common Yellowthroats increased from a solitary individual last week to at least 9 males singing vigorously despite the weather. Given that places like Heislerville are filling up with shorebirds, you would hope the meadows would do the same, but that doesn't seem to be happening. Looking at the moist soil areas at the meadows, in a lot of areas it seems to be relatively sterile mineral soil (due to all the disturbance from TNC's restoration project) rather than rich organic muck, and may need time before the rich invertebrate life that will attract shorebirds develops. The good news is that the beach nesters did very well last year, and seem poised for a repeat. We saw several Piping Plovers and 5 American Oystercatchers there Monday. Least Terns will appear any day.
I had my first Whimbrels Sunday night in the form of 4 flying over Cape May City, and Kathy Horn reports that 17 were at Nummy's Island along with one Tri-colored and one Little Blue Heron. Janet Crawford reports that a Wood Thrush was in at her house in Leesburg this morning. There will be new arrivals most every day for a while now!
Checklists from several recent expeditions follow.
Location: Belleplain State Forest
Observation date: 4/20/08
Notes: CMBO Building Basic Birding Skills Workshop. List includes a few birds not seen by all participants.
Number of species: 42
Canada Goose 15
Mallard 5
Wild Turkey 1
Great Blue Heron 2
Turkey Vulture 5
Broad-winged Hawk 2
American Kestrel 1
Laughing Gull 20
Herring Gull X
Mourning Dove 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
Downy Woodpecker 5
Eastern Phoebe 2
White-eyed Vireo 3
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 5
Tree Swallow 5
Carolina Chickadee 5
Tufted Titmouse 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 5
Eastern Bluebird 1
American Robin 5
Northern Parula 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 10
Yellow-throated Warbler 5
Pine Warbler 10
Palm Warbler 2
Black-and-white Warbler 1
Prothonotary Warbler 6
Ovenbird 10
Louisiana Waterthrush 1
Common Yellowthroat 1
Eastern Towhee 1
Chipping Sparrow 15
Northern Cardinal 10
Red-winged Blackbird 5
Common Grackle 5
Brown-headed Cowbird 10
House Finch 2
American Goldfinch 1
Location: Reed's Beach
Observation date: 4/20/08
Number of species: 20
American Black Duck 2
Double-crested Cormorant 35
Great Egret 2
Snowy Egret 5
Clapper Rail 2
American Oystercatcher 6
Willet 12
Dunlin 20
Short-billed Dowitcher 5
Laughing Gull X
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull X
Forster's Tern 40
Mourning Dove X
Tree Swallow X
Northern Cardinal X
Red-winged Blackbird X
Boat-tailed Grackle 25
House Sparrow X
Location: South Cape May Meadows
Observation date: 4/21/08
Notes: V. windy & foggy
Number of species: 52
Canada Goose 25
Mute Swan 9
Gadwall 2
Mallard 25
Green-winged Teal 10
Surf Scoter 2
Long-tailed Duck 1
Red-throated Loon 25
Common Loon 10
Northern Gannet 20
Double-crested Cormorant 25
Great Egret 5
Snowy Egret 8
Glossy Ibis 50
Black Vulture 5
Turkey Vulture 5
Osprey 1
American Coot 3
Piping Plover 4
Killdeer 2
American Oystercatcher 5
Greater Yellowlegs 1
Willet 1
Sanderling 1
Laughing Gull 50
Ring-billed Gull 10
Herring Gull 50
Great Black-backed Gull 50
Forster's Tern 75
Rock Pigeon 2
Mourning Dove 5
Chimney Swift 2
American Crow 15
Fish Crow 30
Tree Swallow 20
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 10
Barn Swallow 40
Carolina Chickadee 5
Carolina Wren 1
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 5
Yellow-rumped Warbler 5
Common Yellowthroat 9
Savannah Sparrow 5
Song Sparrow 1
Northern Cardinal 2
Indigo Bunting 2
Red-winged Blackbird 20
Common Grackle 15
Brown-headed Cowbird 10
American Goldfinch 2
House Sparrow 10
Sunday, April 20, 2008
CMBO Villas WMA walk- 4/20/08
Karl and Judy Lukens report the following of todays CMBO Villas WMA walk.
The CMBO Villas WMA Walk this morning produced the usual suspects including
a variety of woodpeckers with good looks at 2 Red-headed Woodpeckers, and an
elusive Sapsucker. Another surprise was a breeding plumage Common Loon on
the big pond.
Location: Villas WMA
Observation date: 4/20/08
Number of species: 39
Canada Goose 2
Mallard 2
Ring-necked Duck 2
Common Loon 6
Turkey Vulture 5
Osprey 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Killdeer 1
Laughing Gull 5
Herring Gull 2
Rock Pigeon 2
Mourning Dove 5
Red-headed Woodpecker 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 5
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 3
American Crow 10
Fish Crow 10
Tree Swallow 2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 3
Barn Swallow 2
Carolina Chickadee 3
Tufted Titmouse 6
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 1
American Robin 15
European Starling 15
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 5
Pine Warbler 2
Chipping Sparrow 5
White-throated Sparrow 3
Northern Cardinal 5
Red-winged Blackbird 5
Common Grackle 10
Brown-headed Cowbird 5
House Finch 2
American Goldfinch 1
House Sparrow 2
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2
The CMBO Villas WMA Walk this morning produced the usual suspects including
a variety of woodpeckers with good looks at 2 Red-headed Woodpeckers, and an
elusive Sapsucker. Another surprise was a breeding plumage Common Loon on
the big pond.
Location: Villas WMA
Observation date: 4/20/08
Number of species: 39
Canada Goose 2
Mallard 2
Ring-necked Duck 2
Common Loon 6
Turkey Vulture 5
Osprey 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Killdeer 1
Laughing Gull 5
Herring Gull 2
Rock Pigeon 2
Mourning Dove 5
Red-headed Woodpecker 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 5
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 3
American Crow 10
Fish Crow 10
Tree Swallow 2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 3
Barn Swallow 2
Carolina Chickadee 3
Tufted Titmouse 6
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 1
American Robin 15
European Starling 15
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 5
Pine Warbler 2
Chipping Sparrow 5
White-throated Sparrow 3
Northern Cardinal 5
Red-winged Blackbird 5
Common Grackle 10
Brown-headed Cowbird 5
House Finch 2
American Goldfinch 1
House Sparrow 2
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Shorebirds and Waders at Heislerville
CMBO's Building Basic Birding Skills workshop spent the afternoon at Heislerville WMA, where the impoundment has been drawn down significantly, and significant numbers of shorebirds are already present. I counted roughly 800 sandpipers and plovers in the impoundments, and this was at low tide when many were out on the mudflats.
Just as impressive were the Glossy Ibis, with at least 350 present in the impoundments and marsh. The Green Heron we saw was my first of the year, and there was a nice mix of ducks including a flock of Bufflehead - wouldn't it be nice if they lingered until the World Series of Birding! And the obligate Bald Eagle flew over - we see eagles everywhere and all the time anymore, which makes it tempting to take them for granted. That's something I will never do, nor will anyone who's birded for more than two decades, because two decades ago, you had to work to see eagles, and when you saw one, you watched it until you couldn't see it anymore, since you didn't know when another would appear.
This is a fun workshop we offer once a year- we deal with mostly how to bird, rather than any particular bird natural history or identification challenges, though like on all our workshops we spend over half our time in the field. Starting with a check of everyone's binocular performance - using eye charts - we go through how to set the diopter, how to get on birds fast, how and where to bird in various habitats and seasons, the effects of weather and tides, birding in a group, birding by ear, useful gear, the nuts and bolts of i.d., and so on.
Today's list for Heislerville is below. We may have overlooked a species or two, and the counts are probably on the low side, since we were focused on learning all aspects of birding rather than racking up a big list.
I hear Worm-eating Warbler, among others, was in at Belleplain today, which is where the workshop will be tomorrow morning. It looks like the winds will be south through midnight at least, so perhaps a few other new migrants will appear. I also hear that a pretty significant northbound flight of cormorants occurred today, with at least a couple thousand seen along the Delaware Bayshore, including some kettling to gain height for their trip north.
Location: Heislerville WMA
Observation date: 4/19/08
Number of species: 44
Canada Goose 10
Mute Swan 10
Gadwall 6
American Black Duck 10
Blue-winged Teal 10
Northern Shoveler 10
Green-winged Teal 40
Bufflehead 15
Red-breasted Merganser 4
Double-crested Cormorant 4
Great Blue Heron 1
Great Egret 5
Snowy Egret 10
Green Heron 1
Black-crowned Night-Heron 5
Glossy Ibis 350
Turkey Vulture 10
Osprey 2
Bald Eagle 1
Black-bellied Plover 20
Greater Yellowlegs 300
Lesser Yellowlegs 75
Dunlin 250
Short-billed Dowitcher 100
Laughing Gull 20
Ring-billed Gull 20
Herring Gull 50
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Forster's Tern 15
Black Skimmer 1
Rock Pigeon 5
Mourning Dove 5
Belted Kingfisher 1
Fish Crow 5
Tree Swallow 10
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 5
Barn Swallow 5
Carolina Wren 1
American Robin 1
Pine Warbler 1
Northern Cardinal 1
Red-winged Blackbird 10
Common Grackle 15
Boat-tailed Grackle 20
Just as impressive were the Glossy Ibis, with at least 350 present in the impoundments and marsh. The Green Heron we saw was my first of the year, and there was a nice mix of ducks including a flock of Bufflehead - wouldn't it be nice if they lingered until the World Series of Birding! And the obligate Bald Eagle flew over - we see eagles everywhere and all the time anymore, which makes it tempting to take them for granted. That's something I will never do, nor will anyone who's birded for more than two decades, because two decades ago, you had to work to see eagles, and when you saw one, you watched it until you couldn't see it anymore, since you didn't know when another would appear.
This is a fun workshop we offer once a year- we deal with mostly how to bird, rather than any particular bird natural history or identification challenges, though like on all our workshops we spend over half our time in the field. Starting with a check of everyone's binocular performance - using eye charts - we go through how to set the diopter, how to get on birds fast, how and where to bird in various habitats and seasons, the effects of weather and tides, birding in a group, birding by ear, useful gear, the nuts and bolts of i.d., and so on.
Today's list for Heislerville is below. We may have overlooked a species or two, and the counts are probably on the low side, since we were focused on learning all aspects of birding rather than racking up a big list.
I hear Worm-eating Warbler, among others, was in at Belleplain today, which is where the workshop will be tomorrow morning. It looks like the winds will be south through midnight at least, so perhaps a few other new migrants will appear. I also hear that a pretty significant northbound flight of cormorants occurred today, with at least a couple thousand seen along the Delaware Bayshore, including some kettling to gain height for their trip north.
Location: Heislerville WMA
Observation date: 4/19/08
Number of species: 44
Canada Goose 10
Mute Swan 10
Gadwall 6
American Black Duck 10
Blue-winged Teal 10
Northern Shoveler 10
Green-winged Teal 40
Bufflehead 15
Red-breasted Merganser 4
Double-crested Cormorant 4
Great Blue Heron 1
Great Egret 5
Snowy Egret 10
Green Heron 1
Black-crowned Night-Heron 5
Glossy Ibis 350
Turkey Vulture 10
Osprey 2
Bald Eagle 1
Black-bellied Plover 20
Greater Yellowlegs 300
Lesser Yellowlegs 75
Dunlin 250
Short-billed Dowitcher 100
Laughing Gull 20
Ring-billed Gull 20
Herring Gull 50
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Forster's Tern 15
Black Skimmer 1
Rock Pigeon 5
Mourning Dove 5
Belted Kingfisher 1
Fish Crow 5
Tree Swallow 10
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 5
Barn Swallow 5
Carolina Wren 1
American Robin 1
Pine Warbler 1
Northern Cardinal 1
Red-winged Blackbird 10
Common Grackle 15
Boat-tailed Grackle 20
Beanery walk, 4/19
Karl & Judy Lukens report the following from this morning's walk at the Beanery/Rea Farm in West Cape May:
"...Still rather quiet, but we did find 3 Rusty Blackbirds, several Yellow-rumped Warblers, and 1 Northern Parula as well as a couple of Woodcock, Common Yellowthroats, 2 Kestrels, and a Merlin. Weather-wise, a very nice day to be outdoors."
Location: The Beanery
Observation date: 4/19/08
Number of species: 44
Canada Goose 10
Mallard 5
Common Loon 1
Double-crested Cormorant 275
Great Blue Heron 2
Great Egret 2
Snowy Egret 1
Black Vulture 3
Turkey Vulture 5
American Kestrel 2
Merlin 1
American Woodcock 2
Laughing Gull 5
Herring Gull 1
Rock Pigeon 5
Mourning Dove 10
Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1
American Crow 10
Fish Crow 10
Tree Swallow 1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1
Barn Swallow 1
Carolina Chickadee 5
Tufted Titmouse 2
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 3
American Robin 5
Gray Catbird 1
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 15
Northern Parula 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 8
Common Yellowthroat 3
Swamp Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 3
Northern Cardinal 6
Red-winged Blackbird 10
Rusty Blackbird 3
Common Grackle 10
Brown-headed Cowbird 5
American Goldfinch 5
House Sparrow 5
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
"...Still rather quiet, but we did find 3 Rusty Blackbirds, several Yellow-rumped Warblers, and 1 Northern Parula as well as a couple of Woodcock, Common Yellowthroats, 2 Kestrels, and a Merlin. Weather-wise, a very nice day to be outdoors."
Location: The Beanery
Observation date: 4/19/08
Number of species: 44
Canada Goose 10
Mallard 5
Common Loon 1
Double-crested Cormorant 275
Great Blue Heron 2
Great Egret 2
Snowy Egret 1
Black Vulture 3
Turkey Vulture 5
American Kestrel 2
Merlin 1
American Woodcock 2
Laughing Gull 5
Herring Gull 1
Rock Pigeon 5
Mourning Dove 10
Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1
American Crow 10
Fish Crow 10
Tree Swallow 1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1
Barn Swallow 1
Carolina Chickadee 5
Tufted Titmouse 2
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 3
American Robin 5
Gray Catbird 1
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 15
Northern Parula 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 8
Common Yellowthroat 3
Swamp Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 3
Northern Cardinal 6
Red-winged Blackbird 10
Rusty Blackbird 3
Common Grackle 10
Brown-headed Cowbird 5
American Goldfinch 5
House Sparrow 5
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
Friday, April 18, 2008
Friday Morning at Higbee - short-distance migrants on the move
This morning's CMBO walk at Higbee Beach WMA was well-attended and featured both great weather and great birds, although some birds were more cooperative than others. There was evidence of a flight of "short-distance" migrants (passerines that don't migrate to the tropics) last night, including at least 9 Hermit Thrushes, a couple dozen White-throated Sparrows, a handful of Ruby-crowned Kinglets and 5 getting-to-be late Dark-eyed Juncos.
We enjoyed superb looks at a perched Merlin, as well as a rather cooperative male Common Yellowthroat. Overhead migrants included several groups of Double-crested Cormorants and Surf Scoters, as well as the occasional Common Loon and Great Blue Heron. 2 Willets were calling as they flew over, heading northeast, possibly back to their breeding grounds along Ocean Drive. I briefly heard a Yellow-throated Vireo sing, but unfortunately no one else locked on to it.
Location: Higbee Beach
Observation date: 4/18/08
Number of species: 63
Canada Goose 2
Mallard 2
Surf Scoter 66
Common Loon 3
Double-crested Cormorant 84
Great Blue Heron 3
Snowy Egret 1
Osprey 1
Merlin 3
Willet 2
Laughing Gull 31
Ring-billed Gull 1
Herring Gull 7
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Forster's Tern 4
Mourning Dove 13
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1
White-eyed Vireo 4
Yellow-throated Vireo 1
Blue-headed Vireo 1
Blue Jay 6
American Crow 1
Fish Crow 3
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2
Carolina Chickadee 12
Tufted Titmouse 4
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 14
House Wren 2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 9
Hermit Thrush 9
American Robin 4
Gray Catbird 2
Northern Mockingbird 1
Brown Thrasher 4
European Starling 2
Cedar Waxwing 9
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 8
Pine Warbler 2
Prairie Warbler 3
Palm Warbler (Western) 3
Palm Warbler (Yellow) 11
Common Yellowthroat 4
Eastern Towhee 14
Chipping Sparrow 11
Field Sparrow 6
Savannah Sparrow 8
Song Sparrow 1
Swamp Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 24
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 5
Northern Cardinal 22
Red-winged Blackbird 11
Rusty Blackbird 1
Common Grackle 21
Brown-headed Cowbird 24
House Finch 2
American Goldfinch 9
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
We enjoyed superb looks at a perched Merlin, as well as a rather cooperative male Common Yellowthroat. Overhead migrants included several groups of Double-crested Cormorants and Surf Scoters, as well as the occasional Common Loon and Great Blue Heron. 2 Willets were calling as they flew over, heading northeast, possibly back to their breeding grounds along Ocean Drive. I briefly heard a Yellow-throated Vireo sing, but unfortunately no one else locked on to it.
Location: Higbee Beach
Observation date: 4/18/08
Number of species: 63
Canada Goose 2
Mallard 2
Surf Scoter 66
Common Loon 3
Double-crested Cormorant 84
Great Blue Heron 3
Snowy Egret 1
Osprey 1
Merlin 3
Willet 2
Laughing Gull 31
Ring-billed Gull 1
Herring Gull 7
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Forster's Tern 4
Mourning Dove 13
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1
White-eyed Vireo 4
Yellow-throated Vireo 1
Blue-headed Vireo 1
Blue Jay 6
American Crow 1
Fish Crow 3
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2
Carolina Chickadee 12
Tufted Titmouse 4
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 14
House Wren 2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 9
Hermit Thrush 9
American Robin 4
Gray Catbird 2
Northern Mockingbird 1
Brown Thrasher 4
European Starling 2
Cedar Waxwing 9
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 8
Pine Warbler 2
Prairie Warbler 3
Palm Warbler (Western) 3
Palm Warbler (Yellow) 11
Common Yellowthroat 4
Eastern Towhee 14
Chipping Sparrow 11
Field Sparrow 6
Savannah Sparrow 8
Song Sparrow 1
Swamp Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 24
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 5
Northern Cardinal 22
Red-winged Blackbird 11
Rusty Blackbird 1
Common Grackle 21
Brown-headed Cowbird 24
House Finch 2
American Goldfinch 9
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
Birds of Peaslee WMA - Goshawk, 8 warbler species
Janet Crawford sent in the following note regarding Wednesday morning's walk at Peaslee WMA:
"We had a nice variety of birds today, with 8 species of warblers. Highlights include great looks at a Northern Parula, an Immature Bald Eagle perched at the edge of Tarkiln Pond, a Northern Goshawk, a Great Horned Owl calling, lots of Chipping Sparrows and good looks at a singing Brown Thrasher. We saw 4 species of butterflies: Henry's Elfin, Juvenal's Duskywing, Spring Azure, and Orange Sulphur."
This walk will meet on Wednesdays through the rest of the month, at 7:30am in the parking lot of the Belleplain State Forest Field Office, located off of Route 550 in Woodbine. The group will then car caravan to the WMA from Belleplain.
Location: Tarkiln Pond/ Peaslee WMA
Observation date: 4/16/08
Number of species: 39
Canada Goose 6
American Black Duck 7
Ring-necked Duck 2
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Turkey Vulture 2
Bald Eagle 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
Northern Goshawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Mourning Dove 2
Great Horned Owl 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 2
White-eyed Vireo 1
Blue Jay 3
Tree Swallow 2
Carolina Chickadee 5
Tufted Titmouse 7
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 4
Eastern Bluebird 2
American Robin 2
Brown Thrasher 1
European Starling 3
Yellow-rumped Warbler 7
Yellow-throated Warbler 2
Pine Warbler 8
Palm Warbler 2
Black-and-white Warbler 2
Common Yellowthroat 6
Eastern Towhee 4
Chipping Sparrow 18
Field Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow 3
Dark-eyed Junco 2
Northern Cardinal 3
Common Grackle 1
Brown-headed Cowbird 3
Location: Rt.49 and Dam Road, Peaslee
Number of species: 7
Double-crested Cormorant 2
Downy Woodpecker 1
Eastern Phoebe 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1
Northern Parula 1
Common Yellowthroat 2
Brown-headed Cowbird 1
Location: Belleplain SF - Headquarters
Number of species: 13
Mourning Dove 2
Downy Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 1
Tufted Titmouse 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2
American Robin 3
Yellow-throated Warbler 3
Pine Warbler 3
Ovenbird 1
Chipping Sparrow 2
Northern Cardinal 3
Brown-headed Cowbird 2
American Goldfinch 1
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
"We had a nice variety of birds today, with 8 species of warblers. Highlights include great looks at a Northern Parula, an Immature Bald Eagle perched at the edge of Tarkiln Pond, a Northern Goshawk, a Great Horned Owl calling, lots of Chipping Sparrows and good looks at a singing Brown Thrasher. We saw 4 species of butterflies: Henry's Elfin, Juvenal's Duskywing, Spring Azure, and Orange Sulphur."
This walk will meet on Wednesdays through the rest of the month, at 7:30am in the parking lot of the Belleplain State Forest Field Office, located off of Route 550 in Woodbine. The group will then car caravan to the WMA from Belleplain.
Location: Tarkiln Pond/ Peaslee WMA
Observation date: 4/16/08
Number of species: 39
Canada Goose 6
American Black Duck 7
Ring-necked Duck 2
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Turkey Vulture 2
Bald Eagle 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
Northern Goshawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Mourning Dove 2
Great Horned Owl 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 2
White-eyed Vireo 1
Blue Jay 3
Tree Swallow 2
Carolina Chickadee 5
Tufted Titmouse 7
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 4
Eastern Bluebird 2
American Robin 2
Brown Thrasher 1
European Starling 3
Yellow-rumped Warbler 7
Yellow-throated Warbler 2
Pine Warbler 8
Palm Warbler 2
Black-and-white Warbler 2
Common Yellowthroat 6
Eastern Towhee 4
Chipping Sparrow 18
Field Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow 3
Dark-eyed Junco 2
Northern Cardinal 3
Common Grackle 1
Brown-headed Cowbird 3
Location: Rt.49 and Dam Road, Peaslee
Number of species: 7
Double-crested Cormorant 2
Downy Woodpecker 1
Eastern Phoebe 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1
Northern Parula 1
Common Yellowthroat 2
Brown-headed Cowbird 1
Location: Belleplain SF - Headquarters
Number of species: 13
Mourning Dove 2
Downy Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 1
Tufted Titmouse 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2
American Robin 3
Yellow-throated Warbler 3
Pine Warbler 3
Ovenbird 1
Chipping Sparrow 2
Northern Cardinal 3
Brown-headed Cowbird 2
American Goldfinch 1
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Scouting the North for WSB: Bears and Raptors
[Black Bear, second year cub, up a tree in the Pequannock Watershed, NJ, April 17, 2008. Photo digiscoped by Don Freiday, click to enlarge all photos.]
One of the greatest delights of exploring the natural world for me has been scouring New Jersey for birds in preparation for the World Series of Birding, which raises about $500,000 a year for conservation. [More info on this year's May 10 event here, or learn about CMBO's "century run" team here (check May events for details).] I've done the WSB for 18 years as part of CMBO's team, normally scouting the northern part of NJ, and this year is no exception. Today Pete Dunne and I took a rare day off to explore the Pequannock Watershed in Sussex County, where we tied down Red-shouldered Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, and Sharp-shinned Hawk for our team's effort in some of the most amazing habitat anywhere. We also bumped into some bears. . .
In spring, there is no better place on earth to look for birds and other wildlife than northern New Jersey - I do not say that lightly (and yes, Cape May is equally good). It's a delight to experience this richness of life in NJ, and a reward for the hard work of NJAS/CMBO's staff, volunteers, and members, who have helped protect many of the state's most important natural resources.
CMBO will this year offer a Birding By Ear North - School of Birding Course, which I'll lead with Cape May's Mark Garland, to cultivate our senses to the voices of Cerulean Warblers, Hermit Thrushes, Golden-winged Warblers, and other gems of the northern NJ's forests.
[Two cubs and their mother were up a tree in north Jersey, thanks to a nearby male bear intimidating them. CMBO's Carl Zeiss Optical WSB team's scouting efforts today found raptors and 6 Black Bears. Photo by Don Freiday.]
[Pete Dunne points to the bears we spotted today. Photo by Don Freiday.]
Thursday Morning Belleplain Walk - Results
Steve Weis just sent along the following list from this morning's Belleplain walk, which enjoyed some nice birds, including Blue-headed Vireo, 10 Yellow-throated Warblers and 15 Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, As I'm typing this out, "our" first returning House Wren is singing up a storm just outside the kitchen window here in Reed's Beach.
I wholeheartedly encourage you to get out in the field during the next few days. The current conditions should bring in quite a few new arrivals between now and Sunday- not to mention that this kind of weather, at this time of year, can easily produce a Swallow-tailed Kite...
Location: Belleplain SF - Headquarters
Observation date: 4/17/08
Notes: This is the list for the Thursday CMBO
Birds of Belleplain State Forest walk/drive on 4/17/08.
Number of species: 36
Canada Goose X
Wood Duck 4
American Black Duck 2
Mallard X
Pied-billed Grebe 1
Turkey Vulture 2
Greater Yellowlegs 2
Laughing Gull X
Herring Gull X
Mourning Dove X
Red-bellied Woodpecker X
Downy Woodpecker 5
Hairy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 1
Eastern Phoebe 6
Blue-headed Vireo 1
American Crow X
Carolina Chickadee 10
Tufted Titmouse 10
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 15
American Robin 20
Gray Catbird 1
Brown Thrasher 2
European Starling X
Yellow-rumped Warbler 15
Yellow-throated Warbler 10
Pine Warbler 8
Palm Warbler 1
Black-and-white Warbler 4
Ovenbird X
Common Yellowthroat 1
Eastern Towhee X
Chipping Sparrow 10
Northern Cardinal 5
Common Grackle X
Brown-headed Cowbird X
This report was generated automatically by eBird> v2(http://ebird.org)
I wholeheartedly encourage you to get out in the field during the next few days. The current conditions should bring in quite a few new arrivals between now and Sunday- not to mention that this kind of weather, at this time of year, can easily produce a Swallow-tailed Kite...
Location: Belleplain SF - Headquarters
Observation date: 4/17/08
Notes: This is the list for the Thursday CMBO
Birds of Belleplain State Forest walk/drive on 4/17/08.
Number of species: 36
Canada Goose X
Wood Duck 4
American Black Duck 2
Mallard X
Pied-billed Grebe 1
Turkey Vulture 2
Greater Yellowlegs 2
Laughing Gull X
Herring Gull X
Mourning Dove X
Red-bellied Woodpecker X
Downy Woodpecker 5
Hairy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 1
Eastern Phoebe 6
Blue-headed Vireo 1
American Crow X
Carolina Chickadee 10
Tufted Titmouse 10
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 15
American Robin 20
Gray Catbird 1
Brown Thrasher 2
European Starling X
Yellow-rumped Warbler 15
Yellow-throated Warbler 10
Pine Warbler 8
Palm Warbler 1
Black-and-white Warbler 4
Ovenbird X
Common Yellowthroat 1
Eastern Towhee X
Chipping Sparrow 10
Northern Cardinal 5
Common Grackle X
Brown-headed Cowbird X
This report was generated automatically by eBird> v2(http://ebird.org)
CAPE MAY BIRDING HOTLINE - April 17, 2008
This is the Cape May Birding Hotline, a service of New Jersey Audubon Society's Cape May Bird Observatory. This week's message was prepared on Thursday, April 17, 2008. Highlights this week include sightings of FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER, COMMON EIDER, SOOTY SHEARWATER, CATTLE EGRET, YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON, SOLITARY SANDPIPER, WILLET, WHIMBREL, WESTERN SANDPIPER, PECTORAL SANDPIPER, RUFF, LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL, CASPIAN TERN, WHIP-POOR-WILL, CHIMNEY SWIFT, RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD, WHITE-EYED VIREO, BANK SWALLOW, WOOD THRUSH, NORTHERN PARULA, PRAIRIE WARBLER, BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER, PROTHONOTARY WARBLER, OVENBIRD, HOODED WARBLER, and RUSTY BLACKBIRD.
A fly-over FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER was reported by multiple observers at Cape May Pt. State Park on 4/12. There have been no reports since.
The 2 RUFFS at Heislerville WMA in Cumberland County were last seen on 4/11. Also at Heislerville this week were YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON, returning 'EASTERN' WILLETS, and 3 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS.
A pelagic trip out of Cape May on 4/13 recorded about 15 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS and a SOOTY SHEARWATER.
As many as 4 CATTLE EGRETS were seen this week along Bayshore Road, in and around the Beanery/Rea Farm. 50 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS were seen at the Beanery/Rea Farm on 4/12.
2 COMMON EIDERS were seen from Sunset Beach on 4/16. 3 WESTERN SANDPIPERS were observed along Stone Harbor Boulevard on 4/13. 2 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Brig/Forsythe NWR throughout the week.
New arrivals at Higbee Beach WMA this week included CHIMNEY SWIFT, NORTHERN PARULA and PRAIRIE WARBLER on 4/11; WOOD THRUSH on 4/13.
Breeding birds returning to Belleplain SF and Peaslee WMA this week included WHITE-EYED VIREO, BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER, PROTHONOTARY WARBLER and OVENBIRD.
Other new arrivals included SOLITARY SANDPIPER at The Meadows/CMMBR on 4/14, WHIMBREL at Nummy Island on 4/14, WHIP-POOR-WILL at Jake's Landing on 4/11, RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD in Cape May Beach on 4/13, BANK SWALLOW at Cape May Pt. State Park on 4/12, and HOODED WARBLER at CMBO's Northwood Center on 4/14.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The deadline for registering a team in the 25th annual World Series of Birding is this SUNDAY, APRIL 20. For more information about the WSB, go to http://www.worldseriesofbirding.org. This year's WSB will be held on SATURDAY, MAY 10.
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 Harper's Migration Mainline- Cape May lithograph poster, valued at $50. Call either CMBO center to ask an associate about joining today!
******CMBO Bookstore SPRING HOURS are as follows: Northwood Center on East Lake Drive in Cape May Point will be open 7 days a week, APRIL 1 - MAY 31, 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 Society's 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 you'll receive a FREE gift (in addition to member discount in the stores).
A fly-over FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER was reported by multiple observers at Cape May Pt. State Park on 4/12. There have been no reports since.
The 2 RUFFS at Heislerville WMA in Cumberland County were last seen on 4/11. Also at Heislerville this week were YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON, returning 'EASTERN' WILLETS, and 3 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS.
A pelagic trip out of Cape May on 4/13 recorded about 15 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS and a SOOTY SHEARWATER.
As many as 4 CATTLE EGRETS were seen this week along Bayshore Road, in and around the Beanery/Rea Farm. 50 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS were seen at the Beanery/Rea Farm on 4/12.
2 COMMON EIDERS were seen from Sunset Beach on 4/16. 3 WESTERN SANDPIPERS were observed along Stone Harbor Boulevard on 4/13. 2 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Brig/Forsythe NWR throughout the week.
New arrivals at Higbee Beach WMA this week included CHIMNEY SWIFT, NORTHERN PARULA and PRAIRIE WARBLER on 4/11; WOOD THRUSH on 4/13.
Breeding birds returning to Belleplain SF and Peaslee WMA this week included WHITE-EYED VIREO, BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER, PROTHONOTARY WARBLER and OVENBIRD.
Other new arrivals included SOLITARY SANDPIPER at The Meadows/CMMBR on 4/14, WHIMBREL at Nummy Island on 4/14, WHIP-POOR-WILL at Jake's Landing on 4/11, RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD in Cape May Beach on 4/13, BANK SWALLOW at Cape May Pt. State Park on 4/12, and HOODED WARBLER at CMBO's Northwood Center on 4/14.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The deadline for registering a team in the 25th annual World Series of Birding is this SUNDAY, APRIL 20. For more information about the WSB, go to http://www.worldseriesofbirding.org. This year's WSB will be held on SATURDAY, MAY 10.
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 Harper's Migration Mainline- Cape May lithograph poster, valued at $50. Call either CMBO center to ask an associate about joining today!
******CMBO Bookstore SPRING HOURS are as follows: Northwood Center on East Lake Drive in Cape May Point will be open 7 days a week, APRIL 1 - MAY 31, 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 Society's 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 you'll receive a FREE gift (in addition to member discount in the stores).
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
What's New: RSS feeds
RSS feeds are an easy way for you to stay current with your favorite columns and blogs on BirdCapeMay.org. RSS stands for "real simple syndication" and is a free service that allows you to subscribe to the RSS feeds of your choice.
The following BirdCapeMay.org columns/blogs have RSS feeds:
View from the Cape: Recent Sightings
Birding Forecast: Mid Atlantic
Tigrina Times Magazine
Photographer of the Month archives
Birding Q & A for young birders
Subscribing is easy and there are a few choices available when you click on the
RSS icon or "subscribe to this feed" displayed on the page. (For Tigrina Times Magazine and Photographer of the Month archives you will see the RSS icon in the address bar of your browser. See Figure 1: red arrow.)
(Figure 1)
Click on the RSS icon and you will be prompted to subscribe to the feed using:
1. "Live Bookmarks"—which puts the RSS icon and a drop down listing of the current posts right in your toolbar (see Figure 1: purple arrow.) This way you do not need to browse to View from the Cape to see what's new; all you have to do is check your feed listing and when a new post is listed, simply click the title and the View from the Cape page will open in your browser.
2. "Choose Application"—if you have or wish to install a feed reader program on your computer.
3. Bloglines, My Yahoo or iGoogle for those of you with an account.
Have questions or need help? Feel free to send me an email, laura@birdcapemay.org
Enjoy,
Laura
The following BirdCapeMay.org columns/blogs have RSS feeds:
View from the Cape: Recent Sightings
Birding Forecast: Mid Atlantic
Tigrina Times Magazine
Photographer of the Month archives
Birding Q & A for young birders
Subscribing is easy and there are a few choices available when you click on the
RSS icon or "subscribe to this feed" displayed on the page. (For Tigrina Times Magazine and Photographer of the Month archives you will see the RSS icon in the address bar of your browser. See Figure 1: red arrow.)
(Figure 1)Click on the RSS icon and you will be prompted to subscribe to the feed using:
1. "Live Bookmarks"—which puts the RSS icon and a drop down listing of the current posts right in your toolbar (see Figure 1: purple arrow.) This way you do not need to browse to View from the Cape to see what's new; all you have to do is check your feed listing and when a new post is listed, simply click the title and the View from the Cape page will open in your browser.
2. "Choose Application"—if you have or wish to install a feed reader program on your computer.
3. Bloglines, My Yahoo or iGoogle for those of you with an account.
Have questions or need help? Feel free to send me an email, laura@birdcapemay.org
Enjoy,
Laura
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Woodcock Rescue
Janet Crawford sent along the following note about a special encounter that Karen Johnson and her had near Peaslee WMA this morning:
"Karen Johnson and I were on our way to Peaslee WMA this morning and spotted something in the middle of the road. When we realized it was an American Woodcock and 4 babies, we stopped. Karen guided them off the road and back into the woods. Too cute."
"Karen Johnson and I were on our way to Peaslee WMA this morning and spotted something in the middle of the road. When we realized it was an American Woodcock and 4 babies, we stopped. Karen guided them off the road and back into the woods. Too cute."
[Photos by Janet Crawford]
Fork-tailed Flycatcher Report (belated)
I just received a report of a Fork-tailed Flycatcher seen briefly but well, and well-described, by Tom and Kristen Virzi on Saturday 4/12/08 as it flew over the hawk watch platform at Cape May Point State Park around 5:00 p.m.
Tom (who teaches ornithology at Rutgers) sends the following:
"My wife and I both saw it very well, it flew directly over our heads (fairly low) while we walked on the boardwalk by the hawk watch.....at around 5:00pm(?) after it cleared a little on Saturday. . .
" There was one other person who identified it as a fork-tailed as well, a 6 or 7-year old girl. Its a funny story, she was a really good birder....we had run into her and her grandparents earlier and were amazed at what she was able to identify. After we saw the flycatcher, we passed them again and she was trying to convince her grandparents that she saw a fork-tailed flycatcher. We let them know we had just seen one and they were shocked. I asked how she knew what it was and she replied, 'I memorized all the birds in my book.' Funny, huh."
Interestingly, I also learned second hand that another couple (names not known) reported seeing a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher (not Fork-tailed) the same day and place.
No reports since.
Tom (who teaches ornithology at Rutgers) sends the following:
"My wife and I both saw it very well, it flew directly over our heads (fairly low) while we walked on the boardwalk by the hawk watch.....at around 5:00pm(?) after it cleared a little on Saturday. . .
" There was one other person who identified it as a fork-tailed as well, a 6 or 7-year old girl. Its a funny story, she was a really good birder....we had run into her and her grandparents earlier and were amazed at what she was able to identify. After we saw the flycatcher, we passed them again and she was trying to convince her grandparents that she saw a fork-tailed flycatcher. We let them know we had just seen one and they were shocked. I asked how she knew what it was and she replied, 'I memorized all the birds in my book.' Funny, huh."
Interestingly, I also learned second hand that another couple (names not known) reported seeing a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher (not Fork-tailed) the same day and place.
No reports since.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Mon. 4/14: Brig/Forsythe NWR- Caspian Terns, Chimney Swift, etc.
I made a brief spin around Brig/Forsythe NWR this morning before class, with some of the following highlights:
- 2 Caspian Terns sitting together at Gull Pond. As an immature Bald Eagle passed overhead, both birds circled up to well over 100ft and proceeded to chase the eagle away! I can't say I know much about Caspian Tern behavior on their breeding grounds, as they are an extremely rare breeding bird here, but unless these were just two rather ill-tempered Caspian Terns, I think the possibility of a "pair" being here can't be overlooked, especially when one considers that the Brigantine area has been home to breeding Caspians in the recent past.
- I saw my first Chimney Swift of the year, flying over Gull Pond.
- There was a nice mix of lingering waterfowl, highlighted by 250-300 Ruddy Ducks in the NW Pool.
- Eastern Bluebirds are staking claim to a nestbox (or at least trying to) near the Experimental Pool.
Full list included-
Location: E B Forsythe NWR--Autoloop
Observation date: 4/14/08
Number of species: 73
Snow Goose 2
Brant 600
Canada Goose 20
Mute Swan 6
American Black Duck 350
Mallard 40
Northern Shoveler 30
Northern Pintail 75
Green-winged Teal 175
Hooded Merganser 1
Ruddy Duck 275
Double-crested Cormorant 45
Great Blue Heron 1
Great Egret 35
Snowy Egret 40
Black-crowned Night-Heron 1
Glossy Ibis 15
Turkey Vulture 2
Osprey 5
Bald Eagle 1
Northern Harrier 2
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
American Kestrel 1
Peregrine Falcon 1
Greater Yellowlegs 40
Lesser Yellowlegs 9
Dunlin 12
Short-billed Dowitcher 2
Laughing Gull 6
Ring-billed Gull 20
Herring Gull 45
Great Black-backed Gull 25
Caspian Tern 2
Forster's Tern 20
Mourning Dove 4
Chimney Swift 1
Belted Kingfisher 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1
Eastern Phoebe 1
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 4
Fish Crow 9
Purple Martin 6
Tree Swallow 35
Barn Swallow 12
Carolina Chickadee 4
Tufted Titmouse 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 2
Golden-crowned Kinglet 4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1
Eastern Bluebird 2
American Robin 20
Gray Catbird 1
Northern Mockingbird 2
European Starling 15
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 3
Palm Warbler 1
Eastern Towhee 4
Chipping Sparrow 2
Field Sparrow 5
Savannah Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 3
White-throated Sparrow 6
Dark-eyed Junco 4
Northern Cardinal 2
Red-winged Blackbird 25
Common Grackle 9
Brown-headed Cowbird 6
House Finch 2
American Goldfinch 6
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)