A slew of rarities were reported on View from the Cape over the autumn season. Now images of these birds, along with past rarities, can be found in the BirdCapeMay.org Photo Gallery. I just added 7 new species today so be sure to check out the 2006 - Present Rarities album!
Special thanks to those who sent in their images including Bob Fogg, Karl Lukens, and Michael O'Brien!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Ash-throated Fly, Dickcissel images
Above: Photos of the previously-mentioned Dickcissel at the South Cape May Meadows, and the Ash-throated Flycatcher at Cape May Point State Park. Click to enlarge.Many thanks to Karl Lukens for sending these along.
Ash-throated Flycatcher, Dickcissel, other notes
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Here's a few brief notes before I head off to eat:
The ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER was re-found this morning at Cape May Point State Park, close to where it was yesterday- in the vicinity of the pines at the very back end of the park (the area where there appears to be two paths, with numerous plants that are being covered in protective cages). The bird was generally staying low to the ground, perching on sun-exposed low snags and small brush piles. I left it at 12:00pm.
The State Park also played host to an ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER and as many as 7 PALM WARBLERS this morning, in addition to at least 1 CAVE SWALLOW and several fly-over flocks of PINE SISKINS. There have been 50-60 TREE SWALLOWS between The Meadows and the State Park throughout the day.
In other news, the DICKCISSEL continues at The Meadows, along the hedgerow bordering Sunset Boulevard. Look for the House Sparrow flock, and you'll likely soon find the bird. The CACKLING GOOSE was hanging out on Lily Lake during the mid-afternoon.
At least one observer searched unsuccessfully for the previously-seen "BLACK" BRANT in Cape May Harbor, and a half-hour spent searching this afternoon failed to reveal the SEDGE WREN at Higbee Beach WMA. Here instead were at least two dozen HERMIT THRUSHES, numerous BROWN THRASHERS and a few PURPLE FINCHES.
That's all for now. Hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER @ Cape May Point State Park
CMBO Volunteer and keeper of the Cape May Coast Guard Base birds, Chris Hajduk, just called to say that he had found an ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER at the back of the Cape May Point State Park. This bird is being viewed near the stand of mature pines (where the Cooper's hawk nest was) on the beach side.
Birds about Cape May, "Black" Brant, Selasphorus Hummingbird, Sedge Wren, Long-eared and Saw-whet Owls and others
The last few days have produced a good number of birds in the Cape May area. Below are my lists for a walk around Cape May Point this morning and also from various locations on Monday 11/24.
There were a good numbers of birds moving about Cape May Point this morning with the most numerous species being blackbirds, cowbirds and grackles. American Goldfinches were also very well represented along with American Robins. There was a couple folks of Easter Bluebirds one totaling about 32 birds and the odd hawk or two hunting the dunes. Not much seemed to be moving over the bay.
Michael O'Brien pointed out a late Black-throated Green Warbler which we refound feeding on the ground in the grass with a Yellow-rumped Warbler, near the intersection of Yale Ave and Coral Ave.
One should note that my counts below are all estimations and probably well on the low side of the true numbers of birds that were seen this morning.
Other interesting bird sightings from the last couple of days are as follows. The SEDGE WREN continues to be seen as of yesterday at Higbee Beach in the same area that the bird had relocated to after the first field had been mow. For a map of the location and images of the bird you might visit Bob Fogg's web site.
The Selasphorus Hummingbird, which with the excellent images (see image below) that Bob Fogg was able to obtain seem to indicate that this bird may actually be a Rufous Hummingbird, is still coming to the feeders on New England Ave. Again, if you go to look for this bird please be respectful of the home owners property and privacy. Ms. Young has been wonderfully generous in opening up her yard to birders.
(Photo courtesy of Bob Fogg, www.keekeekerr.com)
Michael O'Brien found a "Black" Brant at Cape May Harbor on Monday but the bird has yet to resurface. Below are a couple images which he shared with me. The CACKLING GOOSE is still hanging around with Lilly Lake being the most reliable place to locate this bird.
(Photos courtesy fo Michael O'Brien)
Yesterday, CMBO swing counter Dan Berard, had a Saw-whet Owl in the vicinity of the Hawkwatch. The bird flew a couple of times to unfortunately never be seen again. Though, in the process of looking for the Saw-whet a Long-eared Owl was found off the Red trail at the Cape May Point State Park.
The Harlequin Duck, which was hanging around the pilings at the Coast Guard Base (seen from Poverty Beach) has not been reported again. Also in the line of birds gone missing are the flocks of Snow Buntings and the Lapland Longspur that had been frequenting the Cape May Point State Park beaches. The last I have heard of these species being observed was on Sunday 11/23.
In the sightings sheets here at the Northwood Center, a Northern Parula was reported from the "lighthouse" which I am guessing means the Cape May point State Park. While there have been a few fly-bys noted as of late there was one immature male Common Eider at Poverty Beach. And something I've neglected to mention are the numbers of Baltimore Orioles that have been seen at various locations around Cape Island lately. Upwards of 20+ were seen over the past weekend.
Lastly, again on 11/23 were a Lincoln's Sparrow at Higbee, a Grasshopper Sparrow at the Magnesite Plant and a Black-throated Green Warbler at the Cape May Point State Park.
Good luck and have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving from BirdCapeMay.org
Location: Cape May Point
Observation date: 11/26/08
Notes: 2715 steps = approx. 1.8 miles
Number of species: 46
Canada Goose 35
Mute Swan X
Gadwall 45
American Wigeon 40
Mallard X
Surf Scoter 10
Black Scoter 15
dark-winged scoter sp. 35
Long-tailed Duck 1
Bufflehead 1
Ruddy Duck 15
Red-throated Loon 1
Northern Gannet 20
Double-crested Cormorant X
Great Blue Heron X
Sharp-shinned Hawk 2
Merlin 1
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull X
Mourning Dove X
Blue Jay X
American Crow X
Carolina Chickadee X
Carolina Wren X
Golden-crowned Kinglet X
Eastern Bluebird 47
American Robin 1000
Northern Mockingbird X
European Starling 450
American Pipit 45
Cedar Waxwing 50
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) X
Black-throated Green Warbler 1
Song Sparrow X
White-throated Sparrow X
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 12
Northern Cardinal X
Red-winged Blackbird 3000
Common Grackle 600
Brown-headed Cowbird 1200
Purple Finch 10
House Finch 15
Pine Siskin 30
American Goldfinch 2500
House Sparrow X
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2
Location: Cape Island
Observation date: 11/24/08
Notes: 10748 steps = approx. 7 miles
Number of species: 77
Snow Goose 1
Canada Goose X
Mute Swan X
Wood Duck 2
Gadwall 135
American Wigeon 120
American Black Duck 130
Mallard 250
Northern Shoveler 3
Northern Pintail 35
Green-winged Teal 630
Ring-necked Duck 35
Lesser Scaup 1
Surf Scoter 25
Black Scoter 75
dark-winged scoter sp. 400
Long-tailed Duck 3
Hooded Merganser 20
Red-breasted Merganser 3
Ruddy Duck 35
Red-throated Loon 175
Common Loon 1
Northern Gannet 2500
Double-crested Cormorant 10
Great Blue Heron 4
Black Vulture 4
Turkey Vulture X
Northern Harrier 4
Sharp-shinned Hawk 4
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Merlin 1
American Coot 25
Greater Yellowlegs 2
Sanderling 12
Purple Sandpiper 6
Bonaparte's Gull 1
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull X
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Rufous/Allen's Hummingbird 1
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 5
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) X
Blue Jay X
American Crow 12
Fish Crow 1
Tree Swallow 25
Carolina Chickadee X
Tufted Titmouse X
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren X
Marsh Wren 1
Eastern Bluebird X
American Robin X
Northern Mockingbird X
European Starling X
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) X
Yellow-breasted Chat 1
Eastern Towhee 1
Vesper Sparrow 1
Savannah Sparrow 20
Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow 1
Fox Sparrow 3
Song Sparrow 35
Swamp Sparrow 12
White-throated Sparrow 150
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) X
Northern Cardinal X
Red-winged Blackbird X
Eastern Meadowlark 5
Purple Finch 10
House Finch 65
Pine Siskin 1
American Goldfinch X
House Sparrow X
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2
There were a good numbers of birds moving about Cape May Point this morning with the most numerous species being blackbirds, cowbirds and grackles. American Goldfinches were also very well represented along with American Robins. There was a couple folks of Easter Bluebirds one totaling about 32 birds and the odd hawk or two hunting the dunes. Not much seemed to be moving over the bay.
Michael O'Brien pointed out a late Black-throated Green Warbler which we refound feeding on the ground in the grass with a Yellow-rumped Warbler, near the intersection of Yale Ave and Coral Ave.
One should note that my counts below are all estimations and probably well on the low side of the true numbers of birds that were seen this morning.
Other interesting bird sightings from the last couple of days are as follows. The SEDGE WREN continues to be seen as of yesterday at Higbee Beach in the same area that the bird had relocated to after the first field had been mow. For a map of the location and images of the bird you might visit Bob Fogg's web site.
The Selasphorus Hummingbird, which with the excellent images (see image below) that Bob Fogg was able to obtain seem to indicate that this bird may actually be a Rufous Hummingbird, is still coming to the feeders on New England Ave. Again, if you go to look for this bird please be respectful of the home owners property and privacy. Ms. Young has been wonderfully generous in opening up her yard to birders.
(Photo courtesy of Bob Fogg, www.keekeekerr.com)Michael O'Brien found a "Black" Brant at Cape May Harbor on Monday but the bird has yet to resurface. Below are a couple images which he shared with me. The CACKLING GOOSE is still hanging around with Lilly Lake being the most reliable place to locate this bird.
(Photos courtesy fo Michael O'Brien)Yesterday, CMBO swing counter Dan Berard, had a Saw-whet Owl in the vicinity of the Hawkwatch. The bird flew a couple of times to unfortunately never be seen again. Though, in the process of looking for the Saw-whet a Long-eared Owl was found off the Red trail at the Cape May Point State Park.
The Harlequin Duck, which was hanging around the pilings at the Coast Guard Base (seen from Poverty Beach) has not been reported again. Also in the line of birds gone missing are the flocks of Snow Buntings and the Lapland Longspur that had been frequenting the Cape May Point State Park beaches. The last I have heard of these species being observed was on Sunday 11/23.
In the sightings sheets here at the Northwood Center, a Northern Parula was reported from the "lighthouse" which I am guessing means the Cape May point State Park. While there have been a few fly-bys noted as of late there was one immature male Common Eider at Poverty Beach. And something I've neglected to mention are the numbers of Baltimore Orioles that have been seen at various locations around Cape Island lately. Upwards of 20+ were seen over the past weekend.
Lastly, again on 11/23 were a Lincoln's Sparrow at Higbee, a Grasshopper Sparrow at the Magnesite Plant and a Black-throated Green Warbler at the Cape May Point State Park.
Good luck and have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving from BirdCapeMay.org
Location: Cape May Point
Observation date: 11/26/08
Notes: 2715 steps = approx. 1.8 miles
Number of species: 46
Canada Goose 35
Mute Swan X
Gadwall 45
American Wigeon 40
Mallard X
Surf Scoter 10
Black Scoter 15
dark-winged scoter sp. 35
Long-tailed Duck 1
Bufflehead 1
Ruddy Duck 15
Red-throated Loon 1
Northern Gannet 20
Double-crested Cormorant X
Great Blue Heron X
Sharp-shinned Hawk 2
Merlin 1
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull X
Mourning Dove X
Blue Jay X
American Crow X
Carolina Chickadee X
Carolina Wren X
Golden-crowned Kinglet X
Eastern Bluebird 47
American Robin 1000
Northern Mockingbird X
European Starling 450
American Pipit 45
Cedar Waxwing 50
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) X
Black-throated Green Warbler 1
Song Sparrow X
White-throated Sparrow X
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 12
Northern Cardinal X
Red-winged Blackbird 3000
Common Grackle 600
Brown-headed Cowbird 1200
Purple Finch 10
House Finch 15
Pine Siskin 30
American Goldfinch 2500
House Sparrow X
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2
Location: Cape Island
Observation date: 11/24/08
Notes: 10748 steps = approx. 7 miles
Number of species: 77
Snow Goose 1
Canada Goose X
Mute Swan X
Wood Duck 2
Gadwall 135
American Wigeon 120
American Black Duck 130
Mallard 250
Northern Shoveler 3
Northern Pintail 35
Green-winged Teal 630
Ring-necked Duck 35
Lesser Scaup 1
Surf Scoter 25
Black Scoter 75
dark-winged scoter sp. 400
Long-tailed Duck 3
Hooded Merganser 20
Red-breasted Merganser 3
Ruddy Duck 35
Red-throated Loon 175
Common Loon 1
Northern Gannet 2500
Double-crested Cormorant 10
Great Blue Heron 4
Black Vulture 4
Turkey Vulture X
Northern Harrier 4
Sharp-shinned Hawk 4
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Merlin 1
American Coot 25
Greater Yellowlegs 2
Sanderling 12
Purple Sandpiper 6
Bonaparte's Gull 1
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull X
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Rufous/Allen's Hummingbird 1
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 5
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) X
Blue Jay X
American Crow 12
Fish Crow 1
Tree Swallow 25
Carolina Chickadee X
Tufted Titmouse X
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren X
Marsh Wren 1
Eastern Bluebird X
American Robin X
Northern Mockingbird X
European Starling X
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) X
Yellow-breasted Chat 1
Eastern Towhee 1
Vesper Sparrow 1
Savannah Sparrow 20
Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow 1
Fox Sparrow 3
Song Sparrow 35
Swamp Sparrow 12
White-throated Sparrow 150
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) X
Northern Cardinal X
Red-winged Blackbird X
Eastern Meadowlark 5
Purple Finch 10
House Finch 65
Pine Siskin 1
American Goldfinch X
House Sparrow X
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2
Friday, November 21, 2008
Hummers continue in Cape May
According to the eBird records review I work on, I see that Karl Lukens still has a Ruby-throated Hummingbird visiting his home feeder as of 11/18 &19. This feeder can be viewed at 627 Sea Grove Ave.
Also a hummer, probably the Selasphorus that was visiting CMBO volunteer Bev Linn's home on Foster Ave., has been visiting a feeder at 711 New England Rd. which is virtually just around the corner.
The homeowner, Patricia Young, has been gracious enough to invite birders to look for this hummingbird at her feeders. Below is a portion of an email from Ms. Young. Note: There is a dog present in the back yard at this location and you must keep the back gate latched.
As always, if you venture to look for these birds, please be respectful of the home owners property.
From Patricia;
Also a hummer, probably the Selasphorus that was visiting CMBO volunteer Bev Linn's home on Foster Ave., has been visiting a feeder at 711 New England Rd. which is virtually just around the corner.
The homeowner, Patricia Young, has been gracious enough to invite birders to look for this hummingbird at her feeders. Below is a portion of an email from Ms. Young. Note: There is a dog present in the back yard at this location and you must keep the back gate latched.
As always, if you venture to look for these birds, please be respectful of the home owners property.
From Patricia;
"As of today, 11/21/08, I am still feeding at least one Hummingbird. My experience in identifying birds is limited... but I would say this is not a Rubythroat.
The address is 711 New England Rd., I actually had three out of state birders here last Saturday, simply because they couldn't find Foster Ave.
There is a feeder in the front yard and one in the back, visits are frequent throughout the day.
Feel free to post the address, I only ask that the backyard gate be latched, and warn anyone interested that I have a dog and there will be evidence of that underfoot.
Preferred roosting spots are the Forsythia hedge in front and the Plum tree out back."
Snow, Birds and Freezing Temps
Lapland Longspur (left) with Snow Buntings on 11/20/08 at the CM State Park.
Photo courtesy of Bob Fogg.
On the bird front, owls have been a topic of discussion lately and sightings of Barn Owl, Short-eared Owl and numerous Long-Eared Owls have occurred since Thursday on Cape Island. For the hearty (and warmly dressed) I recommend choosing a spot near the dunes at dusk to sit and wait for owls that are lifting off and heading across the open water. Patience is the key here as it is usually when the light has faded and it is almost too dark to see that their shadowy silhouettes grace the skies.
A Cackling Goose and Tundra Swan have been seen on Lily Lake over the past few days and this morning the Tundra Swan could still be found but I was unable to re-locate the goose. Large groups of Snow Geese are on the move and a smaller, possible Ross', was seen flying over the point.
Last evening after work, in the last few minutes of daylight, I met Bob and Karl in the State Park just in time to see a Lapland Longspur (pictured above) who was hanging out with a group of 8 Snow Buntings. A report came in that this bird was again seen this morning between the first and second dune crossings.
CAPE MAY BIRDING HOTLINE NOVEMBER 20, 2008
Hotline: Cape May Birding Hotline
To Report: call (609) 884-2736, or email sightings@birdcapemay.org
Coverage: Cape May, Cumberland and Atlantic Counties ,
NJ Compiler: David Lord, Cape May Bird Observatory, with additions by Don Freiday
URL: http://www.njaudubon.org ; http://www.birdcapemay.org
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, November 20, 2008. Highlights this week include sightings of SEDGE WREN, CAVE SWALLOWS, NORTHERN GOSHAWK, MARBLED GODWIT, BLACK-HEADED GULL, CACKLING GOOSE, RED-THROATED LOON, SNOW BUNTING, LAPLAND LONGSPUR, VESPER SPARROW, BROAD WINGED HAWK, ALDER FLYCATCHER, BALTIMORE ORIOLES, BLACKPOLL WARBLER, BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER, CATTLE EGRET, BLUE-WINGED TEAL, TUNDRA SWAN, BARN OWL, NORTHEN SHRIKE.
The SEDGE WREN could still be found at Higbee’s Beach as of Monday November 11, 2008. Check the west path of the first field. CAVE SWALLOWS continue at multiple locales around the Cape.
A NORTHERN GOSHAWK was over the Cape May Hawk Watch November 20. Other birds from the hawk watch included over 10 species of waterfowl at Bunker Pond.
Townsend's Inlet had MARBLED GODWITS (8), and BLACK-HEADED GULL (1) on November 18.
The Avalon Seawatch had 7,882 RED-THROATED LOONS November 20. Other Sea Watch highlights this week include SNOW BUNTING (5), LAPLAND LONGSPUR (1), and RAZORBILL (1), all on the 18th.
Another LAPLAND LONGSPUR was at Cape May Point State Park on November 20. A TENNESSEE WARBLER was at the Beanery Thursday, November 20. A CACKLING GOOSE was on Lily Lake Wednesday, November 19.
BALTIMORE ORIOLES, BLACKPOLL WARBLER, BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER, and a VESPER SPARROW were reported from Cape Island as of Monday 11-17-08.A CATTLE EGRET was seen at the intersections of Stevens St. and Bayshore Rd. on Monday November 17, 2008.
A BLUE WINGED TEAL can still be seen lingering around Cape Island, and so can a BROAD-WINGED HAWK, both seen Monday November 17, 2008.Cape Island Preserve held an ALDER FLYCATCHER through November 20, 2008.
A BARN OWL was seen flying over the meadows on Monday November 17, 2008.
On Sunday November 16 2008, a NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen near Dix WMA in Cumberland County.
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 FALL HOURS are as follows: Northwood Center on East Lake Drive in Cape May Point is open 7 days a week, 9:30am to 4:30pm The Center for Research and Education on Rt. 47 in Goshen is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9:30am to 4:30pm; closed Mondays. [Both centers are CLOSED Thanksgiving Day]. ******
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!
To Report: call (609) 884-2736, or email sightings@birdcapemay.org
Coverage: Cape May, Cumberland and Atlantic Counties ,
NJ Compiler: David Lord, Cape May Bird Observatory, with additions by Don Freiday
URL: http://www.njaudubon.org ; http://www.birdcapemay.org
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, November 20, 2008. Highlights this week include sightings of SEDGE WREN, CAVE SWALLOWS, NORTHERN GOSHAWK, MARBLED GODWIT, BLACK-HEADED GULL, CACKLING GOOSE, RED-THROATED LOON, SNOW BUNTING, LAPLAND LONGSPUR, VESPER SPARROW, BROAD WINGED HAWK, ALDER FLYCATCHER, BALTIMORE ORIOLES, BLACKPOLL WARBLER, BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER, CATTLE EGRET, BLUE-WINGED TEAL, TUNDRA SWAN, BARN OWL, NORTHEN SHRIKE.
The SEDGE WREN could still be found at Higbee’s Beach as of Monday November 11, 2008. Check the west path of the first field. CAVE SWALLOWS continue at multiple locales around the Cape.
A NORTHERN GOSHAWK was over the Cape May Hawk Watch November 20. Other birds from the hawk watch included over 10 species of waterfowl at Bunker Pond.
Townsend's Inlet had MARBLED GODWITS (8), and BLACK-HEADED GULL (1) on November 18.
The Avalon Seawatch had 7,882 RED-THROATED LOONS November 20. Other Sea Watch highlights this week include SNOW BUNTING (5), LAPLAND LONGSPUR (1), and RAZORBILL (1), all on the 18th.
Another LAPLAND LONGSPUR was at Cape May Point State Park on November 20. A TENNESSEE WARBLER was at the Beanery Thursday, November 20. A CACKLING GOOSE was on Lily Lake Wednesday, November 19.
BALTIMORE ORIOLES, BLACKPOLL WARBLER, BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER, and a VESPER SPARROW were reported from Cape Island as of Monday 11-17-08.A CATTLE EGRET was seen at the intersections of Stevens St. and Bayshore Rd. on Monday November 17, 2008.
A BLUE WINGED TEAL can still be seen lingering around Cape Island, and so can a BROAD-WINGED HAWK, both seen Monday November 17, 2008.Cape Island Preserve held an ALDER FLYCATCHER through November 20, 2008.
A BARN OWL was seen flying over the meadows on Monday November 17, 2008.
On Sunday November 16 2008, a NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen near Dix WMA in Cumberland County.
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 FALL HOURS are as follows: Northwood Center on East Lake Drive in Cape May Point is open 7 days a week, 9:30am to 4:30pm The Center for Research and Education on Rt. 47 in Goshen is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9:30am to 4:30pm; closed Mondays. [Both centers are CLOSED Thanksgiving Day]. ******
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!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Cape May Birding Hotline November 13, 2008
Hotline: Cape May Birding Hotline
To Report: call (609) 884-2736, or email sightings@birdcapemay.org
Coverage: Cape May, Cumberland and Atlantic Counties , NJ
Compiler: David Lord, Cape May Bird Observatory with additions by Don Freiday
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, November 13, 2008. Highlights this week include sightings of THICK-BILLED MURRE, GOLDEN EAGLE, NORTHERN GANNET, SEDGE WREN, RUSTY BLACKBIRDS, RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS, CAVE SWALLOW, ROSS’S GOOSE, CLAY-COLORED SPARROW AND GRASSHOPPER SPARROW, PINE SISKIN, PURPLE FINCH and BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO.
An injured THICK-BILLED MURRE was seen off St. Mary's jetty in Cape May point on Friday, November 7.
14 GOLDEN EAGLES were counted on Monday November 10, 2008, from the Cape May Hawkwatch, a new record. 16,946 NORTHERN GANNETS were seen at the Avalon Seawatch on Tuesday, November 11, also a new single day record, which was then shattered again with 21,627 on Wednesday, November 12. A RAZORBILL was also recorded at the Seawatch on Tuesday.
A SEDGE WREN was still present at Higbee's Beach as of November 12, along the west path of the first field.
RUSTY BLACKBIRDS and RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS were seen at the Villas Wildlife Management Area on Sunday November 9.
An immature ROSS’S GOOSE was observed on Monday November 10, at Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge.
CAVE SWALLOWS continue to be seen at Cape May State Point Park and around Cape May, with up to 100 at the Cape May City beach front on the 11th.
A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was seen near the Cape May Hawkwatch on Monday, November 10.
On Tuesday, November 11, a GRASSHOPPER SPARROW was at the beginning of the second field at Higbee's Beach WMA.
Small groups of PINE SISKINS and PURPLE FINCHES continue to be heard overhead daily around Cape May. A late BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO was found at Cape Island Preserve Thursday, November 13.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Room remains on CMBO's “Delaware Waterfowl Special” workshop December 22-23. Contact CMBO 609.861.0700 for details or visit http://www.birdcapemay.org/.
A Pelagic Trip has been scheduled for December 7, 2008 from 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM, call 215.234.6085 or see http://www.blogger.com/www.paulagics.com for details.
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 FALL HOURS (starting September 1) are as follows: Northwood Center on East Lake Drive in Cape May Point is open 7 days a week, 9:30am to 4:30pm. The Center for Research and Education on Rt. 47 in Goshen is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9:30am to 4:30pm; closed Mondays.******
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!
To Report: call (609) 884-2736, or email sightings@birdcapemay.org
Coverage: Cape May, Cumberland and Atlantic Counties , NJ
Compiler: David Lord, Cape May Bird Observatory with additions by Don Freiday
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, November 13, 2008. Highlights this week include sightings of THICK-BILLED MURRE, GOLDEN EAGLE, NORTHERN GANNET, SEDGE WREN, RUSTY BLACKBIRDS, RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS, CAVE SWALLOW, ROSS’S GOOSE, CLAY-COLORED SPARROW AND GRASSHOPPER SPARROW, PINE SISKIN, PURPLE FINCH and BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO.
An injured THICK-BILLED MURRE was seen off St. Mary's jetty in Cape May point on Friday, November 7.
14 GOLDEN EAGLES were counted on Monday November 10, 2008, from the Cape May Hawkwatch, a new record. 16,946 NORTHERN GANNETS were seen at the Avalon Seawatch on Tuesday, November 11, also a new single day record, which was then shattered again with 21,627 on Wednesday, November 12. A RAZORBILL was also recorded at the Seawatch on Tuesday.
A SEDGE WREN was still present at Higbee's Beach as of November 12, along the west path of the first field.
RUSTY BLACKBIRDS and RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS were seen at the Villas Wildlife Management Area on Sunday November 9.
An immature ROSS’S GOOSE was observed on Monday November 10, at Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge.
CAVE SWALLOWS continue to be seen at Cape May State Point Park and around Cape May, with up to 100 at the Cape May City beach front on the 11th.
A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was seen near the Cape May Hawkwatch on Monday, November 10.
On Tuesday, November 11, a GRASSHOPPER SPARROW was at the beginning of the second field at Higbee's Beach WMA.
Small groups of PINE SISKINS and PURPLE FINCHES continue to be heard overhead daily around Cape May. A late BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO was found at Cape Island Preserve Thursday, November 13.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Room remains on CMBO's “Delaware Waterfowl Special” workshop December 22-23. Contact CMBO 609.861.0700 for details or visit http://www.birdcapemay.org/.
A Pelagic Trip has been scheduled for December 7, 2008 from 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM, call 215.234.6085 or see http://www.blogger.com/www.paulagics.com for details.
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 FALL HOURS (starting September 1) are as follows: Northwood Center on East Lake Drive in Cape May Point is open 7 days a week, 9:30am to 4:30pm. The Center for Research and Education on Rt. 47 in Goshen is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9:30am to 4:30pm; closed Mondays.******
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!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Birding Cape May and sharing your eBird checklists
For those wondering, the "test" message that was affixed to this section, well,was of course a test. But, it also represents an effort to integrate features into the site to make for a more user friendly informational section. Please pardon any further "tests" that may show up from time to time in our efforts to work the bugs out.
Below I have included our eBird list from this past Tuesday. While not the main focus of my post I figured that I'd include the list for reference more than anything. But just one note on the day's birding. We started off a little later but we well rewarded when we walked the north edge of the second tower field at Higbee. Laura, another observer and I were walking along when I saw what I thought was a Snow Bunting in the grass along with the numerous Swamp and Song Sparrows at the edge of the trail. I was thinking the same thing that you are right now. A Snow Bunting!?! In the grass, in a field at Higbee!?! We walked a little closer and the bird popped up to reveal that it was actually a leucistic sparrow. After tracking the bird down a few times we, along with Richard Crossley, decided that this bird was a Swamp Sparrow. It's interesting trying to identify a bird like this as you have to go almost purely on the over size and shape alone. Along with behavior. This bird was pretty much all white with only some rufous in the crown, in the wings and an eyeline. Having multiple Song, White-throated, Field and Swamp Sparrows was great affording you to virtually see which "peg fits the hole" if you will in terms of identification. Definitely a very interesting bird to find.
In terms of recent sightings, a Ruby-throated Hummingbird was noted on the Northwood
Center sightings sheets to have made a visit to volunteer Bev Linn's feeder. Cave Swallows continue to be seen all around Cape May. The more sizable concentrations being seen at the hawkwatch and from the Cape May city beach front where about 100 were observed on evening of the eleventh. Though, Cave Swallows are being seen from most of the typical birding locations on the Island.
The Sedge Wren which has been seen in most every section of the back of the first field at Higbee, continues to be seen as of yesterday at least. I had not heard of any sightings today but given the weather this is not much of a surprise.
Bob Fogg had an interesting find at TNC's Cape Island Preserve on Wednesday. In the late afternoon he called to let me know that he had found a flycatcher which did not look quite right. The problem was that the bird was, at the time, on the move. Since pretty much any flycatcher other than Eastern Phoebe is interesting at this date and in lee of the flycatcher found in Rhode Island extra care was taken in relocation and documentation for this bird. Currently I believe the debate surrounding this bird is that it is an Empidonax sp. possibly Willow/Alder or Acadian. I won't expound on my thoughts at this point but rather let you take a look and come to your own conclusions. To view photos you can visit Bob's web site.
Other interesting bird notes are a second record breaking Northern Gannet flight. On Wednesday, swing counter Dan Berard counted an amazing 21,627 gannets in addition to 24,637 Double-crested Cormorants. Talk about being busy.
Finches continue to fly over Cape May in good numbers, a very late Black-billed Cuckoo was fond today at TNC's Cape Island Preserve and a Cattle Egret continues along Bayshore just south of Stimpson Lane, on the west side of the road.
Lastly, a note about a very excellent new eBird feature. Just released a few days ago, you can can now share your eBird checklist/s with any other eBird user. I foresee trip leaders getting the most use out of this new feature, but anyone who birds with more than one person on a trip can make use of the feature. Think of what an additional time saving feature this adds to leading or participating in guided walks. I would encourage any leader to offer and participants to request sharing a walks eBird list. I know that this will make using eBird a lot easier for Laura and I. This would also be a great way for an eBird user to show an non-user the merits of the program. If you like to read more you can view the checklist sharing info and instructions here.
Location: Cape Island
Observation date: 11/11/08
Notes: 8999 steps = approx. 5.9 miles
Number of species: 78
Canada Goose X
Mute Swan X
Gadwall 15
American Wigeon 130
American Black Duck 36
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler 8
Northern Pintail 6
Green-winged Teal 35
Hooded Merganser 3
Ruddy Duck 20
Common Loon 2
Pied-billed Grebe 2
Double-crested Cormorant X
Great Blue Heron 2
Great Egret 1
Black Vulture 12
Turkey Vulture 115
Osprey 1
Bald Eagle 2
Northern Harrier 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk 30
Cooper's Hawk 8
Red-shouldered Hawk 15
Red-tailed Hawk 40
American Kestrel 2
American Coot 15
Killdeer 2
Greater Yellowlegs 1
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull X
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove 25
Red-bellied Woodpecker 12
Downy Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 25
Eastern Phoebe 1
Blue Jay X
American Crow X
Tree Swallow 30
Cave Swallow 12
Barn Swallow 2
Carolina Chickadee X
Tufted Titmouse X
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren X
Sedge Wren 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet 25
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 5
Eastern Bluebird 35
Hermit Thrush 8
American Robin 1000
Northern Mockingbird X
Brown Thrasher 4
European Starling X
American Pipit 4
Cedar Waxwing X
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 200
Chipping Sparrow 45
Clay-colored Sparrow 1
Field Sparrow 35
Savannah Sparrow 10
Grasshopper Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 250
Swamp Sparrow 350
White-throated Sparrow 1500
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 20
Northern Cardinal X
Red-winged Blackbird X
Eastern Meadowlark 12
Common Grackle X
Purple Finch 50
House Finch 85
Pine Siskin 25
American Goldfinch 250
House Sparrow X
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2
Below I have included our eBird list from this past Tuesday. While not the main focus of my post I figured that I'd include the list for reference more than anything. But just one note on the day's birding. We started off a little later but we well rewarded when we walked the north edge of the second tower field at Higbee. Laura, another observer and I were walking along when I saw what I thought was a Snow Bunting in the grass along with the numerous Swamp and Song Sparrows at the edge of the trail. I was thinking the same thing that you are right now. A Snow Bunting!?! In the grass, in a field at Higbee!?! We walked a little closer and the bird popped up to reveal that it was actually a leucistic sparrow. After tracking the bird down a few times we, along with Richard Crossley, decided that this bird was a Swamp Sparrow. It's interesting trying to identify a bird like this as you have to go almost purely on the over size and shape alone. Along with behavior. This bird was pretty much all white with only some rufous in the crown, in the wings and an eyeline. Having multiple Song, White-throated, Field and Swamp Sparrows was great affording you to virtually see which "peg fits the hole" if you will in terms of identification. Definitely a very interesting bird to find.
In terms of recent sightings, a Ruby-throated Hummingbird was noted on the Northwood
Center sightings sheets to have made a visit to volunteer Bev Linn's feeder. Cave Swallows continue to be seen all around Cape May. The more sizable concentrations being seen at the hawkwatch and from the Cape May city beach front where about 100 were observed on evening of the eleventh. Though, Cave Swallows are being seen from most of the typical birding locations on the Island.
The Sedge Wren which has been seen in most every section of the back of the first field at Higbee, continues to be seen as of yesterday at least. I had not heard of any sightings today but given the weather this is not much of a surprise.
Bob Fogg had an interesting find at TNC's Cape Island Preserve on Wednesday. In the late afternoon he called to let me know that he had found a flycatcher which did not look quite right. The problem was that the bird was, at the time, on the move. Since pretty much any flycatcher other than Eastern Phoebe is interesting at this date and in lee of the flycatcher found in Rhode Island extra care was taken in relocation and documentation for this bird. Currently I believe the debate surrounding this bird is that it is an Empidonax sp. possibly Willow/Alder or Acadian. I won't expound on my thoughts at this point but rather let you take a look and come to your own conclusions. To view photos you can visit Bob's web site.
Other interesting bird notes are a second record breaking Northern Gannet flight. On Wednesday, swing counter Dan Berard counted an amazing 21,627 gannets in addition to 24,637 Double-crested Cormorants. Talk about being busy.
Finches continue to fly over Cape May in good numbers, a very late Black-billed Cuckoo was fond today at TNC's Cape Island Preserve and a Cattle Egret continues along Bayshore just south of Stimpson Lane, on the west side of the road.
Lastly, a note about a very excellent new eBird feature. Just released a few days ago, you can can now share your eBird checklist/s with any other eBird user. I foresee trip leaders getting the most use out of this new feature, but anyone who birds with more than one person on a trip can make use of the feature. Think of what an additional time saving feature this adds to leading or participating in guided walks. I would encourage any leader to offer and participants to request sharing a walks eBird list. I know that this will make using eBird a lot easier for Laura and I. This would also be a great way for an eBird user to show an non-user the merits of the program. If you like to read more you can view the checklist sharing info and instructions here.
Location: Cape Island
Observation date: 11/11/08
Notes: 8999 steps = approx. 5.9 miles
Number of species: 78
Canada Goose X
Mute Swan X
Gadwall 15
American Wigeon 130
American Black Duck 36
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler 8
Northern Pintail 6
Green-winged Teal 35
Hooded Merganser 3
Ruddy Duck 20
Common Loon 2
Pied-billed Grebe 2
Double-crested Cormorant X
Great Blue Heron 2
Great Egret 1
Black Vulture 12
Turkey Vulture 115
Osprey 1
Bald Eagle 2
Northern Harrier 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk 30
Cooper's Hawk 8
Red-shouldered Hawk 15
Red-tailed Hawk 40
American Kestrel 2
American Coot 15
Killdeer 2
Greater Yellowlegs 1
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull X
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove 25
Red-bellied Woodpecker 12
Downy Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 25
Eastern Phoebe 1
Blue Jay X
American Crow X
Tree Swallow 30
Cave Swallow 12
Barn Swallow 2
Carolina Chickadee X
Tufted Titmouse X
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren X
Sedge Wren 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet 25
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 5
Eastern Bluebird 35
Hermit Thrush 8
American Robin 1000
Northern Mockingbird X
Brown Thrasher 4
European Starling X
American Pipit 4
Cedar Waxwing X
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 200
Chipping Sparrow 45
Clay-colored Sparrow 1
Field Sparrow 35
Savannah Sparrow 10
Grasshopper Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 250
Swamp Sparrow 350
White-throated Sparrow 1500
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 20
Northern Cardinal X
Red-winged Blackbird X
Eastern Meadowlark 12
Common Grackle X
Purple Finch 50
House Finch 85
Pine Siskin 25
American Goldfinch 250
House Sparrow X
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Gannet Record Shattered; First Razorbill; Clay-colored and Grasshopper Sparrow
Who says all bird news is bad? Not to be outdone by the high Golden Eagle count Monday, the Avalon Seawatch shattered the single day Northern Gannet record yesterday, when Sean Fitzgerald tabulated 16,946 of these spectacular migrants from the Atlantic provinces of Canada. Sean notes, "The peak hour of movement occurred between 11:38am and 12:38pm when 5,992 were counted moving south. To put this in perspective, the previous single day record of Gannet was set last year when 7,685 were tallied in a full day! " Fantastic!
Big single day flights are part of the magic of Cape May, but, as we always say, not even a full year's data, let alone a single day, makes a statement about the population of any species. Only by looking at long term trends over many years can we understand what is happening with bird populations - which is why long term studies like the Cape May Seawatch and Hawkwatch are so important.
The season's first Razorbill also passed the seawatch yesterday morning.
Cape May Point today featured ". . . A nice mix of ducks, sparrows and raptors this morning and an unexpected Eastern Phoebe along Lighthouse Ave. Nice Gannets from the 1st dune cross-over.- Karl, (Judy, Tom, Steve, Bill Smythe)." Noteworthy also were the 3 Cave Swallows and 10 Red-throated Loons recorded by Karl and company on this, CMBO's regular Wednesday walk.
[Below are more photos from Karl Lukens. The top is of the Clay-colored Sparrow at the Hawk watch on Monday's big Golden Eagle day. Note the bird's strong face pattern, that the eyeline is about the same strength as the rest of the face markings, and that it has a pale lore, all of which separate the bird from a Chipping Sparrow. The bottom bird is a Grasshopper Sparrow that was at the start of the second field at Higbee today.]
Big single day flights are part of the magic of Cape May, but, as we always say, not even a full year's data, let alone a single day, makes a statement about the population of any species. Only by looking at long term trends over many years can we understand what is happening with bird populations - which is why long term studies like the Cape May Seawatch and Hawkwatch are so important.
The season's first Razorbill also passed the seawatch yesterday morning.
Cape May Point today featured ". . . A nice mix of ducks, sparrows and raptors this morning and an unexpected Eastern Phoebe along Lighthouse Ave. Nice Gannets from the 1st dune cross-over.- Karl, (Judy, Tom, Steve, Bill Smythe)." Noteworthy also were the 3 Cave Swallows and 10 Red-throated Loons recorded by Karl and company on this, CMBO's regular Wednesday walk.
[Below are more photos from Karl Lukens. The top is of the Clay-colored Sparrow at the Hawk watch on Monday's big Golden Eagle day. Note the bird's strong face pattern, that the eyeline is about the same strength as the rest of the face markings, and that it has a pale lore, all of which separate the bird from a Chipping Sparrow. The bottom bird is a Grasshopper Sparrow that was at the start of the second field at Higbee today.]
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
More on Golden Eagles
It's fitting that on the day after Cape May's record Golden Eagle flight, we get to learn a little bit more about a golden that passed through earlier in the year. Linda LaPan and Brian McAllister of Lake Placid, NY spotted a golden with a radio transmitter in Cape May on October 18, tracked down the source of the bird, and forwarded us the information. It was one that Libby Mojica of the College of William and Mary had tagged in Maryland last March. Libby wrote to Linda:
"The Golden Eagle you saw at Cape May was one of our tagged birds. We trapped her in March 2008 at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Harford Co, MD in second-year plumage. She spent this summer in northern Quebec and is now back on the Delmarva Peninsula where she wintered last year. The map on our web page tracks her movements. The transmitter number is 74417. . .
The eagle arrived at Cape May on Oct 17 and roosted on Sluice Creek east of Goshen. She left the roost between 9 and 10 am (EST) on Oct 18 and crossed Delaware Bay between 10 and 11 am (EST). . ."
"The Golden Eagle you saw at Cape May was one of our tagged birds. We trapped her in March 2008 at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Harford Co, MD in second-year plumage. She spent this summer in northern Quebec and is now back on the Delmarva Peninsula where she wintered last year. The map on our web page tracks her movements. The transmitter number is 74417. . .
The eagle arrived at Cape May on Oct 17 and roosted on Sluice Creek east of Goshen. She left the roost between 9 and 10 am (EST) on Oct 18 and crossed Delaware Bay between 10 and 11 am (EST). . ."
Record Golden Day!
Check out Seth Cuttright's post under View from the Field to read more about yesterday's terrific day on the platform, which included 14 Golden Eagles. Dan Berard was the counter, and. . .well, I'll just let Seth tell it!
Highlights from the weekend included the continuing Sedge Wren at Higbee along the west side of the first field, and Rusty Blackbirds and Red-headed Woodpeckers at Villas WMA during CMBO's Sunday walk. Several Cave Swallows were also reported from around Cape Island.
Also, this just in from Mike Newlon: "At Brigantine today (Mon 11/10) observed an imm Ross's goose in with ca 300 Snow geese on the S dike."
[Photos of the Sedge Wren and a Rusty Blackbird are below, courtesy of Karl Lukens and Roger Horn, respectively.]
Highlights from the weekend included the continuing Sedge Wren at Higbee along the west side of the first field, and Rusty Blackbirds and Red-headed Woodpeckers at Villas WMA during CMBO's Sunday walk. Several Cave Swallows were also reported from around Cape Island.
Also, this just in from Mike Newlon: "At Brigantine today (Mon 11/10) observed an imm Ross's goose in with ca 300 Snow geese on the S dike."
[Photos of the Sedge Wren and a Rusty Blackbird are below, courtesy of Karl Lukens and Roger Horn, respectively.]
Friday, November 7, 2008
THICK-BILLED MURRE off St. Mary's Jetty
(Photo courtesy of Bob Fogg, www.keekeekerr.com)
A call came in to CMBO about a possible Dovekie off Cape May Point around 1:30 pm. Low and behold the bird was actually a Thick-billed Murre! First seen from St. Mary's Jetty the bird was paddling towards the Delaware Bay and at around 3:00 pm was probably best seen from St. Pete's Jetty. The bird appears to have one injured leg and was circled by Herring Gulls at one point.
A few Royal Terns and a Parasitic Jaeger are also of note along with a solitary Surf Scoter - all seen from the beach at St. Mary's.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
South Easterly winds = GREAT birding in Cape May?
(Cave Swallow photo courtesy of Bob Fogg, www.kee.kee.kerr.com)Yesterday Laura and I set out at about 3:20 a.m. on our November Cape Island Big Day attempt. But first, to my knowledge the Western Tanager was not seen again since the day of its discovery. Also, the Sedge Wren which was around it seems both in the morning and evening yesterday, was not found this evening. Nor have I heard word on the Common Eider, Cave Swallow or any new rarities that we'd expect at this time of year.
Back to yesterday...I was a bit concerned with the weather/wind having turned to coming from a south easterly direction. Of course the one bonus was that we'd have pretty nice weather to bird all day as long as the possible showers that The Weather Channel decided might hit the area during the day did not materialize....I brought the rain coats a a precautionary measure anyway. In the end we had a most beautiful day with overall more sun than clouds I'd say.
But, one of the things that of course worried me the most was the possibility of finding those surprise birds that are institutional in making a big day run a whole lot less work in the end. With the good migration that had happened over the previous few nights we certainly have good numbers of birds around and hopefully the southerly flow has discouraged many of these migrants to stick around. But if there is no chance at much influx into the area the search for species could be a good bit more difficult.
So, as I said, we set off in the middle of the night to see what nocturnal bird we might be able to encounter. A highlight minimum number of 3 Eastern Screech-Owls in various locations started the day of in the right direction. While not the most productive nocturnal search on record we had two of the three local owls but of course we're wishing we would happen upon an owl or two more.
As the sun rose over the Atlantic and with the good seabird numbers as of late we figured that doing a bit of first thing sea watching would probably help our attempt. One, this is a good time as the sun angle is not too harsh and I find that often birds can be close. Plus I was operating on the assumption that letting the sun get high enough on its transit that its warmth heats up the woods edge a bit and would hopefully drawn out birds to feed.
Higbee started off quite well I'd say. For one, Laura got to start off her day with a life bird. She had been unable to look for the Sedge Wren the day before but low and behold in the opposite corner in the southern portion of the first field I heard its grunty like call while it skulked low in the grasses. Not only that, we were treated to excellent views as the bird would come up and sit in the sumac on occasion.
Other great finds for the morning were; a Yellow-breasted Chat, great looks at a Lincoln's Sparrow near the parking lot and a clucking Wild Turkey heard while on our way to the Sedge Wren spot. In fact the two locations were probably less than 20 yards apart. Also, the numbers of sparrows (not only at Higbee but everywhere on the island) should be noted.
In fact I suppose that there were over all a good number of "surprise" birds which made the day great. Especially since I always take the negative approach and figured that 100 species might be a stretch if things played out a slight bit differently. Though the numbers of the more common species must again be noted. I really find a lot of satisfaction in sorting through flocks of sparrows no matter how maddening it may be. This short distant migrant time is especially fascinating in my opinion.
Other good sightings would include a very cooperative Orange-crowned Warbler at the beginning if the dune road at the State Park feeding in some goldenrod. I don't think I've ever had such great looks at this species before. Also, a Common Eider in the pilings at the Coast Guard Base, seen from Poverty Beach, was slightly expected as I knew at least one had been around. A couple of Blackpoll Warblers at the Beanery and a yellowthroat and Black-throated Blue to round out the warblers.
To make a long story short, we had over 100 species tallied somewhere around 10:45 to 11:00 a.m. Something that I completely did not expect. I was really thinking we'd have to struggle a bit more. As it turns out out total tally was 120 species (the list below says 121 as we counted one Mallard X Black Duck hybrid) which is only two less than our October attempt. Also only five less than the September total and I think the fourth highest total for the year. Not that I am trying to implicate that November should be thought of as a poor month to bird Cape May. In fact I'd say that over all the month is probably well under birded.
As you'll see with the list below we had quite the day out observing birds and all in all the day was quite birdy. And with easterly winds. I mean we are all taught that easterly winds are the kiss of death for Cape May. But, when the weather cooperates just right, even what could possibly turn out to be a poor day can end up being great. And I'd say we very much enjoyed ourselves. In fact, I'd say I really couldn't have scripted the day much better.
Location: Cape Island
Observation date: 11/3/08
Notes: November Cape Island Big Day-24022 steps = approx. 15.66 miles
Number of species: 121
Snow Goose 4
Brant (Atlantic) 6
Canada Goose X
Mute Swan X
Wood Duck 12
Gadwall 55
American Wigeon 125
American Black Duck 25
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 1
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler 16
Northern Pintail 25
Green-winged Teal 145
Ring-necked Duck 12
Common Eider 1
Surf Scoter X
White-winged Scoter 1
Black Scoter X
Bufflehead 22
Hooded Merganser 4
Ruddy Duck 15
Wild Turkey X
Red-throated Loon 35
Common Loon 12
Pied-billed Grebe 12
Northern Gannet X
Double-crested Cormorant X
Great Cormorant 2
Great Blue Heron 4
Great Egret 3
Snowy Egret 1
Black-crowned Night-Heron 4
Black Vulture 8
Turkey Vulture X
Osprey 1
Northern Harrier 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk 35
Cooper's Hawk 10
Red-shouldered Hawk 2
Red-tailed Hawk 12
American Kestrel 4
Merlin 1
Peregrine Falcon 2
Sora 1
American Coot 30
Black-bellied Plover 1
Killdeer 6
Greater Yellowlegs 1
Ruddy Turnstone 8
Sanderling X
Dunlin 1
Wilson's Snipe 1
Bonaparte's Gull 1
Laughing Gull 20
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Lesser Black-backed Gull 1
Great Black-backed Gull X
Forster's Tern 25
Royal Tern 12
Black Skimmer 45
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Eastern Screech-Owl 3
Great Horned Owl 3
Belted Kingfisher 4
Red-bellied Woodpecker 25
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 3
Downy Woodpecker 4
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 40
Eastern Phoebe 1
Blue Jay X
American Crow X
Fish Crow X
Tree Swallow X
Carolina Chickadee X
Tufted Titmouse X
Red-breasted Nuthatch 5
Carolina Wren X
Winter Wren 3
Sedge Wren 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet X
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 8
Eastern Bluebird 20
Hermit Thrush X
American Robin 3500
Gray Catbird 4
Northern Mockingbird X
Brown Thrasher 15
European Starling X
American Pipit 25
Cedar Waxwing 65
Orange-crowned Warbler 1
Black-throated Blue Warbler 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 750Blue Jay X
American Crow X
Fish Crow X
Tree Swallow X
Carolina Chickadee X
Tufted Titmouse X
Red-breasted Nuthatch 5
Carolina Wren X
Winter Wren 3
Sedge Wren 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet X
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 8
Eastern Bluebird 20
Hermit Thrush X
American Robin 3500
Gray Catbird 4
Northern Mockingbird X
Brown Thrasher 15
European Starling X
American Pipit 25
Cedar Waxwing 65
Orange-crowned Warbler 1
Black-throated Blue Warbler 1
Palm Warbler 2
Blackpoll Warbler 2
Common Yellowthroat 1
Yellow-breasted Chat 1
Eastern Towhee X
Field Sparrow 20
Savannah Sparrow 75
Song Sparrow 100Blackpoll Warbler 2
Common Yellowthroat 1
Yellow-breasted Chat 1
Eastern Towhee X
Field Sparrow 20
Savannah Sparrow 75
Lincoln's Sparrow 1
Swamp Sparrow 175
White-throated Sparrow 1500
White-crowned Sparrow 4
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 10
Northern Cardinal X
Red-winged Blackbird X
Eastern Meadowlark 20
Rusty Blackbird 12
Common Grackle X
Boat-tailed Grackle 1
Brown-headed Cowbird X
Purple Finch 25
House Finch 75
Pine Siskin 4
American Goldfinch X
House Sparrow X
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2
Bird News Lately: Sedge Wren, Cave Swallow, Snow Buntings
Bob Fogg and others report that a Sedge Wren has been hanging out at the far (south) end of the first field at Higbee, as of Monday. Also Monday, Michael O'Brien and Bob had Cave Swallow and Snow Bunting at the Convention Center.
Four Snow Buntings and a Horned Lark were on the beach off the Cape May Meadows on Monday, enjoyed by participants on CMBO's Monday Meadows walk. A number of American Pipits were heard flying overhead, as were Purple Finches and a few Pine Siskins.
I understand that a Broad-winged Hawk was recorded by the Hawk Watch yesterday, certainly one of the last and something that would be considered bizarrely late anywhere in NJ but Cape May. I had a Blackpoll Warbler fly over at the Meadows yesterday, another species that is about done, just a very few will continue to trickle through as November winds down.
Jason Guerard found a Common Eider at Poverty Beach Monday.
A number of Rufous/Allen's type hummingbirds are being reported around the state, including several that are on private property. A hummingbird sp. was seen at the State Park yesterday by Laura Guerard.
Seems like about half the birders in Cape May are migrating south to the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival this week, myself included. I always get a kick out of imagining that some of the circum-gulf migrants or wintering birds we'll see down there could have passed through Cape May just a few weeks ago.
Four Snow Buntings and a Horned Lark were on the beach off the Cape May Meadows on Monday, enjoyed by participants on CMBO's Monday Meadows walk. A number of American Pipits were heard flying overhead, as were Purple Finches and a few Pine Siskins.
I understand that a Broad-winged Hawk was recorded by the Hawk Watch yesterday, certainly one of the last and something that would be considered bizarrely late anywhere in NJ but Cape May. I had a Blackpoll Warbler fly over at the Meadows yesterday, another species that is about done, just a very few will continue to trickle through as November winds down.
Jason Guerard found a Common Eider at Poverty Beach Monday.
A number of Rufous/Allen's type hummingbirds are being reported around the state, including several that are on private property. A hummingbird sp. was seen at the State Park yesterday by Laura Guerard.
Seems like about half the birders in Cape May are migrating south to the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival this week, myself included. I always get a kick out of imagining that some of the circum-gulf migrants or wintering birds we'll see down there could have passed through Cape May just a few weeks ago.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
WESTERN TANAGER @ Higbee Beach WMA
(Map of Higbee Beach WMA, X marks the spot that this bird was seen)The tanager was hanging out in the thick area of porcelain berry which is very prevalent in this corner. While the bird was easily seen earlier in the morning, by the time Laura and I arrived it had begun to play hide and seek making quick flights out of the tangles only to return and not be seen again for upwards of 10-15 min. Begin your search in the back corner and look for the growth of porcelain berry that has grown up in the conical shape of a Christmas tree.
You might also try looking from the trail along that same hedgerow (the back side) at the southern end on the first field (see yellow "X" on the map above.) After a handful of quick flights a few of us decided to try this area to look at the "Christmas trees" shaped porcelain berry from the back side. While you do not have as open a view of the corner area we were all able to get excellent looks at this bird as it foraged in the tangles. It was moving about slowly as if foraged except for its erratic flight out and back again. From the second field location we all saw the bird for a matter of seconds over the course of 45+ min. We all looked at the bird for a number of minutes while looking for the first field train on the backside.
Below are a couple of photos from Michael O'Brien and Kathy & Roger Horn.
For those of you keeping score this is the 11th Western Tanager for Cape May County since the first one discovered on 12/4/1954. This is according to the New Jersey Bird Records Committee List of Accepted Records of Rare Birds in New Jersey Through 2006 published by the New Jersey Bird Records Committee. Interestingly of the 11 records for Cape May County only two have been found outside of "Cape May."
(photo courtesy of Michael O'Brien)
(photo coputesy of Kathy & Roger Horn)CMBO Fall Migrants at the rea Farm (Beanery) walk- 11/1/08
Karl Lukens sends word of the findings from this mornings CMBO Fall Migrants at the Rea Farm walk. Not too bad a way to start out the month of November if you ask me!
"The CMBO "Beanery" walk at the Rea Farm was interesting this morning. A
little slow on sparrows,and raptors and warblers in general until the end of
the walk when we found 3 Nashville warblers and 2 Orange-crowned warblers in
one spot and got good looks at all!!"
Location: The Beanery
Observation date: 11/1/08
Notes: CMBO Trip-K,J,CS,B&LS,K&RH,+10.Clr,50,W5.
Number of species: 44
Canada Goose 20
Wood Duck 1
Mallard 2
Double-crested Cormorant 3
Great Blue Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 3
Sharp-shinned Hawk 5
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
American Kestrel 4
Herring Gull (American) 2
Rock Pigeon 2
Mourning Dove 5
Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
Downy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 5
Blue Jay 5
American Crow 15
Fish Crow 1
Carolina Chickadee 1
Tufted Titmouse 1
Carolina Wren 3
Golden-crowned Kinglet 4
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 5
American Robin 700
Northern Mockingbird 2
Brown Thrasher 1
European Starling 10
Orange-crowned Warbler 2
Nashville Warbler 3
Yellow-rumped Warbler 20
Eastern Towhee 3
Chipping Sparrow 3
Savannah Sparrow 5
Song Sparrow 3
Swamp Sparrow 5
White-throated Sparrow 3
Dark-eyed Junco 3
Northern Cardinal 5
Dickcissel 1
Red-winged Blackbird 30
Eastern Meadowlark 13
Common Grackle 50
House Finch 5
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2
"The CMBO "Beanery" walk at the Rea Farm was interesting this morning. A
little slow on sparrows,and raptors and warblers in general until the end of
the walk when we found 3 Nashville warblers and 2 Orange-crowned warblers in
one spot and got good looks at all!!"
Location: The Beanery
Observation date: 11/1/08
Notes: CMBO Trip-K,J,CS,B&LS,K&RH,+10.Clr,50,W5.
Number of species: 44
Canada Goose 20
Wood Duck 1
Mallard 2
Double-crested Cormorant 3
Great Blue Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 3
Sharp-shinned Hawk 5
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
American Kestrel 4
Herring Gull (American) 2
Rock Pigeon 2
Mourning Dove 5
Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
Downy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 5
Blue Jay 5
American Crow 15
Fish Crow 1
Carolina Chickadee 1
Tufted Titmouse 1
Carolina Wren 3
Golden-crowned Kinglet 4
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 5
American Robin 700
Northern Mockingbird 2
Brown Thrasher 1
European Starling 10
Orange-crowned Warbler 2
Nashville Warbler 3
Yellow-rumped Warbler 20
Eastern Towhee 3
Chipping Sparrow 3
Savannah Sparrow 5
Song Sparrow 3
Swamp Sparrow 5
White-throated Sparrow 3
Dark-eyed Junco 3
Northern Cardinal 5
Dickcissel 1
Red-winged Blackbird 30
Eastern Meadowlark 13
Common Grackle 50
House Finch 5
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2