Snow Birds Around Cape May

["Ipswich" Savannah Sparrow, one of four photographed
by Sam Galick at Cape May Pt. State Park today.]

Yesterday's nor'easter pulled away from the area shortly after midnight last night, and left cold and breezy conditions in its wake today. Snow totals generally ranged from 3-6" through the southern half of the peninsula to 10-15" between Tuckahoe and Belleplain in the north.

There seemed to be a decent number of birders out today, likely suffering from cabin fever, and they came up with some nice finds. Sam Galick and Karl Lukens reported two Long-billed Dowitchers and a Glossy Ibis on Lily Lake, and I also heard that a Common Merganser, a scarce bird south of the canal, was seen there several times through the day.

Mike Crewe reported a Short-eared Owl in the dunes at St. Mary's at 11am, as well as 10 Horned Larks on the beach at the State Park. Also at the State Park today were a dozen Tundra Swans on Bunker Pond.

I also heard several reports today of American Woodcock feeding along roadsides in Cape May. Congregations of these birds along sunny roadsides are a common occurrence after a snowfall or heavy freeze, and Sunset Boulevard is often the best place to find the critters. Be careful when pulling over!