Spotlight on… Broad-headed Sharpshooter

North America has a tremendous number and variety of leafhoppers; more than 2500 of them hop (and munch) their way across the continent’s plants. One of the most widespread in our area – and one of the first to make an appearance in the spring – is the Broad-headed Sharpshooter. For a leafhopper, this one’s a monster, measuring nearly a half-inch in length. It’s so big that when it was first described, back in the late 1700s, the entomologist who named it thought it was a cicada!

The sharpshooters (more than a dozen of them in total, found mostly in the American west) get their name from the way they expel their watery waste: with such force that it makes an audible pop and spurts some distance.

Broad-headed Leafhopper, photographed by Will Kerling

Female sharpshooters sometimes show large white oval patches on their forewings. These marks are piles of brochosomes – large protein molecules made by their excretory systems. When they’ve laid their eggs (in a slit made in a plant stem, or some other plant tissue), the females use their back legs to scrape some of the brochosomes off their wings and onto the egg slit. The waxy white powder helps to keep the eggs from drying out, and may help to protect them parasites.

Like all leafhoppers, Broad-headed Sharpshooters suck sap from the plants they feed on. They eat herbaceous plants in fields and meadows during the spring and summer, then move to more sheltered areas in fall, changing their diet to include trees and shrubs. Their plant-sucking habits can cause problems, as they are the primary vectors of the bacteria species that causes phony peach disease, which severely stunts and impairs fruit production in peach trees.

Although they’re most common in our region in June and July, some adult Broad-headed Sharpshooters emerge early in the year and can be seen on some of the first warm days of spring. Keep your eyes open while you’re out and about, and see if you can find one!

Week in review: 22 – 28 March, 2014

CMBO is pleased to provide weekly summaries of the Cape's birding highlights. Coverage is limited to sightings in Cape May County. Readers should keep in mind that some reports may not be confirmed. The vast majority of information utilized in these reports comes from eBird data and "Keekeekerr" text alerts. Observers are encouraged to send reports and photos to compiler Tom Reed (coturnicops at gmail dot com).

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Weather: It was another roller coaster of a week in the weather department. The period opened with mild conditions, as a strong southerly flow took hold over the region and daytime temperatures surpassed 60ºF. A cold front followed for 23 Mar and suppressed temperatures into the lower 40s, as overcast skies gave way to a mix of rain and snow showers during the evening hours. Skies cleared 24 Mar, but more cold air arrived on brisk northerly winds that held temperatures under the freezing mark for much of the day. Conditions became calm for a brief time 25 Mar, but a strengthening coastal storm approached the region during the PM hours, dumping yet another 4–7" of late-season snow before moving out to sea. Sunny skies followed on the heels of this system 26 Mar, along with strong northwest winds that included gusts in excess of 40mph at times. The northwest blast gradually weakened through much of 27 Mar, as winds eventually shifted to the south and increased to 15-20mph during the overnight hours. The period concluded 28 Mar with mild yet overcast conditions, as moderate southerly winds mixed with scattered rain showers during the PM hours.

Birding Summary: Observers submitted sightings of 149 species to eBird during the period 22–28 Mar. The best diversity day occurred on 23 Mar, when 123 species were reported. This week's arrivals included Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Barn Swallow, Cliff Swallow, and Palm Warbler. Notable rarities included "Eurasian" Green-winged Teal, Black-headed Gull, Snowy Owl, Black-capped Chickadee, "Gambel's" White-crowned Sparrow, Painted Bunting, and Eurasian Tree Sparrow.

Location Abbreviations: CMP (Cape May Point), CMPSP (Cape May Pt. State Park), SCMM (South Cape May Meadows), SHPt (Stone Harbor Point). 

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WATERFOWL THROUGH HERONS
       At least one Tundra Swan lingered at CMPSP/SCMM through 24 Mar (CH), a rather late date for the species at Cape Island. At least one Eurasian Wigeon remained near the Bree-Zee-Lee Yacht Basin along Ocean Drive (between Cape May and Wildwood Crest) through 22 Mar (LW, LG). Two male Eurasian Wigeon were noted at CMPSP 22 Mar (MP et al.). Blue-winged Teal have been slow to arrive, but there were a handful of reports around CMP this week (m. ob.). The "Eurasian" Green-winged Teal was last reported from Lighthouse Pond at CMPSP 22 Mar (m. ob.). At least 2 Canvasbacks remained at SCMM through 28 Mar (m. ob.). Other notably late lingerers included Redheads at Cox Hall Creek WMA (KH, RH) and SCMM 28 Mar (m. ob.), along with a female Common Merganser at Cresse Lane, Erma 22 Mar (TB). Over 1,800 Surf Scoters were noted during a three-hour count from Coral Avenue, CMP 28 Mar (MC et al.). Wild Turkey continues to increase overall, but is still rare at CMP, where one was again noted near Coral Avenue 23 Mar (m. ob.). Two Turkeys occupied the canal parking area at Higbee Beach the same day (EH). Red-necked Grebe reports continued to decline this week, though at least 2 could still be found in Cape May Harbor 28 Mar (SWh, SWi) and several continued at other previously known locations (see earlier reports for more details). There was an obvious increase in Northern Gannet numbers this week, demonstrated by a total of 307 from Coral Avenue, CMP 28 Mar (MC, GD et al.). Numbers of wading birds have yet to increase significantly. A congregation of egrets at Reed's Beach 28 Mar included 13 Greats and 1 Snowy (TR). A Tricolored Heron along Avalon Boulevard 28 Mar may have been a successful wintering bird or a recent arrival (JAC).

[Black and Surf Scoters migrating past CMP, 28 Mar. Photo by Tom Reed.]

 OSPREY THROUGH OWL        
       Osprey kept trickling in this week-- at least 8 could be seen from CMPSP 24 Mar (TR). Shorebird migration continues to move at a snail's pace, with very few reports of expected early-season migrants such as yellowlegs and Killdeer. A Piping Plover from one of the interior populations was studied at SHPt 28 Mar (TR). There are very few, if any, NJ spring records of "inland" Piping Plovers. At least one Black-headed Gull continued to put in occasional appearances at the Miami Ave sand spit in Villas through 28 Mar (CV). A little farther north along the bay, 3 Black-headed Gulls were noted at High's Beach 22–23 Mar (WK). A single Eurasian Collared-Dove survived at CMP this week (m. ob.). The neighborhoods bordered by Coral, Harvard, Lehigh, and Lincoln Avenues are typically the best places to search for the dove. After a bit of a lull, 2 Snowy Owls appeared at SHPt 22 Mar, and at least one remained there 23 Mar (m. ob.).

 ["Interior" Piping Plover at SHPt, 28 Mar. Note the complete black collar, dark flecking in lores, darker gray (than Atlantic birds) cheek and upperparts, and thick black "headband." 
Photo by Tom Reed.]

 [Snowy Owl at SHPt, 22 Mar. Photo by Tom Reed.]

SWALLOWS THROUGH SPARROWS

       A solid arrival of swallows occurred at Cape Island during the AM hours 23 Mar. A Barn Swallow was seen at SCMM (m. ob.), a Northern Rough-winged Swallow graced the skies over West Cape May (CV), and a slightly early Cliff Swallow breezed past Coral Avenue, CMP (m. ob.). Cape May County's 4th Black-capped Chickadee was last observed at CMP 28 Mar (m. ob.). It is frequently seen along the south end of Yale and Lincoln Avenues. The spring's first Palm Warbler flew into the dunes at CMPSP 22 Mar (TR). Orange-crowned Warbler went unreported at CMPSP once again this week-- additional reports are appreciated to keep track of final dates for wintering individuals. The adult "Gambel's" White-crowned Sparrow continued along the west end of Sunset Boulevard through 28 Mar (m. ob.). It is often seen in the vicinity of the Sunset Beach gift shop. The Painted Bunting stayed put at CMP through at least 27 Mar (m. ob.). The most recent sightings have come from feeders at 101 Lincoln and 204 Lehigh Avenues. Purple Finch continued to be almost invisible-- the week's only report entailed 2 birds at CMP 22 Mar (m. ob.). A Eurasian Tree Sparrow made for an outrageous discovery at CMP 23 Mar (RF, LAF), and continued through 27 Mar (m. ob.). The bird was first seen along Harvard Avenue, and has most often been reported around feeders at 101 Lincoln and 113 Harvard. Questions will undoubtedly arise regarding this individual's provenance, but it is worth noting that another out-of-range Eurasian Tree Sparrow appeared in Ontario this week (fide TJ). 

[Eurasian Tree Sparrow at Lincoln Ave, CMP on 23 Mar. Photo by Tom Reed.]

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Contributors: 

Jim Austin-Cole (JAC), Tom Baxter (TB), Mike Crewe (MC), Glen Davis (GD), Lisa Ann Fanning (LAF), Rob Fanning (RF), Sam Galick, Lori Gladulich (LG), Chris Hajduk (CH), Ed Hastings (EH), Kathy Horn (KH), Roger Horn (RH), Tom Johnson (TJ), Will Kerling (WK), Mike Pasquarello (MP), Tom Reed (TR), Christopher Vogel (CV), Scott Whittle (SWh), Linda Widdop (LW), Sam Wilson (SWi). 

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References:

eBird. 2012. eBird: An online database of bird distribution and abundance [web application]. eBird, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, New York. Accessed 28 Mar 2014. Available: http://www.ebird.org. 

Fogg, B. 2013. Keekeekerr: Recent Text Alerts. Accessed 28 Mar 2014. Available: http://www.keekeekerr.com

Welcome to, um, Spring?

Well, it hit us again and, I have to say, the novelty is starting to wear off. Tuesday afternoon and into the night, snow descended once again upon South Jersey's coastal plain and CMBO's Cape May SpringWatch ground to an agonising halt. The trickle of Pine Warblers, Ospreys, Eastern Phoebes and various swallows fizzled out and everything turned white once again. Despite all this, hope springs eternal and it only takes the smallest of changes in the regular routine to realise that, despite it all, spring really is on the way. And the tiny change for me today? Well, as I drove home from work past the Rea Farm, a Great Egret was spiralling down against a peach-pink sky to settle into the willows for the night. A small sign indeed, but it's the first one I've seen down at the point this year and a clear sign that change is on its way.

Wet conditions look forecast for the weekend, but there will still be good birding at Cape May. Indeed, check out our activities calendar and you will see that the program is starting to wind up now, leading into a much fuller set of programs throughout April. Come down this weekend and enjoy an early season walk or maybe a boat trip - now there's a good way to stay in out of the weather and yet still see some good birds. Don't forget too, that feeder watching continues to provide great birding here at present, with the Eurasian Tree Sparrow still present at Cape May Point today, as well as the wintering Painted Bunting and Black-capped Chickadee.

There's always something for everyone down here!

Welcome to Spring!!!! This was the view at Sunset Beach on Wednesday morning - a snow-covered beach and wave-soaked concrete ship is not what you usually expect at Cape May in late March [photo by Mike Crewe].

Cape May SpringWatch has been producing some good birding and useful data gathering as we try to work out which species are heading across the bay, which are heading up the bay, and which are heading out of bay - it really isn't straight forward when it comes to spring movements at Cape May Point. Though I nearly missed it, this adult Great Cormorant with silver streaks in its hair was a nice addition to the day's list last Saturday morning [photo by Mike Crewe].

 

Signs of a hard winter continue to hang on in the area; Canvasbacks are surprisingly scarce in Cape May County, given how common they are at several sites less than 100 miles away - both north and south of us. This female was one of two at the South Cape May Meadows and Plover Ponds recently. Note the elongated, all black bill of this species [photo by Mike Crewe].

Along with the Canvasbacks, two Tundra Swans have been wintering on the Plover Ponds and can usually be found on the easternmost pond, best viewed from the South Cape May Meadows in the mornings [photo by Mike Crewe].

 

Our Black-capped Chickadee continues to fluff up against the cold and work its way around the Cape May Point feeders. It still sports a peculiar bare patch on its right flank but otherwise seems fit and healthy [photo by Mike Crewe]

I heard today that another Eurasian Tree Sparrow has recently been reported in Ontario, so perhaps  a small movement of this species into southern Canada really did provide us with this gem of an addition to the Cape May avifauna, courtesy of a north-west airflow to bring it to the coast. Here's one of Lisa Fanning's photos of the bird when she and husband Rob first found the bird on Harvard Avenue on Sunday morning [photo by Lisa Fanning].

But spring really is on the way, as this Osprey winging over The Meadows testifies. Soon these birds will be gracing almost every wooden platform in the back bays from here to Barnegat Light and beyond, the Laughing Gulls will be yelping in the saltmarsh and we will all be complaining about the greenheads - can't wait!! [Photo by Mike Crewe].

Eurasian Tree Sparrow!

As each new bird for Cape May turns up, is observed, photographed, considered by learned committees and added to the ever-growing list, it becomes ever harder and harder to predict what the next 'big one' will be. An element of predictability exists around some species perhaps, but today's new bird came right out of the blind spot; just three quarters of the way back behind your left shoulder, right where the door post prevents you seeing that little spot that isn't covered by either your wing mirror or your rear view!!

Today's new bird was discovered by Rob and Lisa Fanning as they birded the front and backyard feeders at Cape May Point. Feeders that this year have already produced White-winged Dove, Painted Bunting and Black-capped Chickadee. As Rob and Lisa checked out the House Sparrow flock on Harvard Avenue, there, right on the pile of sunflower husks underneath the feeder was a wonderfully spotty-cheeked Eurasian Tree Sparrow! Although the bird disappeared after a few minutes, Glen Davis soon relocated it on nearby Lincoln Avenue and, before long, the masses were once again descending on the little borough of Cape May Point. As I write, the bird is still commuting back and forth between Harvard, Lincoln and Lehigh Avenues.

Eurasian Tree Sparrow on Lincoln Avenue today. This species is a little smaller than House Sparrow with a chestnut crown and a prominent black spot on the ear coverts. Upperparts are paler, tawny-colored compared with House Sparrow, the rump is brownish rather than gray and the wing bars are more prominent on average [photo by Mike Crewe]. 

Eurasian Tree Sparrow was introduced to the USA in Lafayette Park, St Louis, Missouri in 1870. From this original handful of 10-20 birds (accounts vary), the population has expanded to perhaps 50,000 birds (again reports vary, from 15,000 to 150,000!), spilling out from Missouri into neighboring parts of Illinois and Iowa with a general northward trend to the spread of the population. A look at eBird data reveals very few reports outside of this core area but, over the years, there has been a scattering of well-documented occurrences as far north as southern Canada in the Great Lakes region, with two records from the north coast of Lake Erie. Vagrancy to the west of birds from the species' native range in Eastern Asia is as yet unrecorded - though the species is abundant in eastern Asia, where it replaces House Sparrow as a commensal of man. Similarly, there has been no evidence of vagrancy to the east coast of North America from Europe (where the species has suffered massive population declines over the last 25 years or so).

Current eBird records of Eurasian Tree Sparrow in North America. Red points show the most recent reports (last 30 days) and all fall within the current known breeding range of the species.

So what chance of this being a wild bird? Well, though Eurasian Tree Sparrows are known to be kept in captivity, they are not brightly colored nor are they accomplished singers, so it is unlikely that the captive population consists of more than a handful of birds. Turning to the range of the introduced population, proven vagrancy (albeit only involving a few records) to the Great Lakes is certainly interesting; given the winter we have just been through (and seem likely to see more of yet!), a bird turning up right now is very interesting. It is clear that large numbers of waterbirds fled the Great Lakes area as the lakes themselves froze over and remained frozen for long periods. Coupling this with above average numbers in South Jersey of species known to winter in the Great Lakes area in good numbers (e.g. Red-necked Grebe, Redhead, Canvasback), it seems apparent that there was a drift of birds southward and eastward, away from the big freeze. It is not beyond the bounds of possibility that this Eurasian Tree Sparrow could have pushed eastward and southward to escape the worst of the weather. It may then have wintered somewhere on the east coast and now be pushing back north - the same scenario is also possible for last week's Le Conte's Sparrow at Stone Harbor Point.

If this circular route to Cape May via the Great Lakes is indeed the case - what might we speculate on for the next new bird here?!!

Eurasian Tree Sparrow, Cape May Point. Up to nine races of this species are recognized in its native range, with a general trend for birds to become subtly darker and more heavily marked towards the east. However, the trend is clinal and not all races are widely accepted. There is much individual variation within populations, making the identification of individuals of unknown origin rather difficult; however, this bird certainly conforms with the appearance of birds in the North American population [photos by Mike Crewe].

Week in review: 15 – 21 March, 2014

  CMBO is pleased to provide weekly summaries of the Cape's birding highlights. Coverage is limited to sightings in Cape May County. Readers should keep in mind that some reports may not be confirmed. The vast majority of information utilized in these reports comes from eBird data and "Keekeekerr" text alerts. Observers are encouraged to send reports and photos to compiler Tom Reed (coturnicops at gmail dot com).

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Weather: The period opened with mild temperatures and southerly winds 15 Mar. Cooler conditions prevailed on 16 Mar, as winds gradually shifted from northwest to northeast ahead of an approaching coastal storm. This storm dumped 7–11" of snow across the county through the first half of 17 Mar-- significant accumulations for late winter. Winds remained strong out of the northeast under cloudy skies 18–19 Mar, as temperatures remained 20–25 degrees below average. The northeast fetch slowly gave way to a light southerly breeze during the evening hours 19 Mar, shortly before a batch of thunderstorms produced almost half an inch of rainfall. Conditions finally improved 20 Mar, as high pressure took hold and winds shifted to the west and southwest. Temperatures moderated into the mid 50s to close out the period 21 Mar.

Birding Summary: Observers submitted sightings of 160 species to eBird during the period 15–21 Mar. The best diversity day occurred on 15 Mar, when 128 species were reported. This week's arrivals included Snowy Egret, Broad-winged Hawk, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and Yellow-throated Warbler. Notable birds included "Eurasian" Green-winged Teal, Black-headed Gull, Little Gull, Snowy Owl, Black-capped Chickadee, Smith's Longspur, Le Conte's Sparrow, "Gambel's" White-crowned Sparrow, and Painted Bunting.

Location Abbreviations: CMP (Cape May Point), CMPSP (Cape May Pt. State Park), SCMM (South Cape May Meadows), SHPt (Stone Harbor Point). 

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WATERFOWL THROUGH EGRET
       Two Tundra Swans lingered at CMPSP/SCMM through 21 Mar (m. ob.), while two male Eurasian Wigeon also remained near the Bree-Zee-Lee Yacht Basin along Ocean Drive (between Cape May and Wildwood Crest) through 21 Mar (SWh). Another male Eurasian Wigeon stayed at CMPSP through at least 17 Mar (m. ob.). The "Eurasian" Green-winged Teal continued at CMP through 21 Mar (m. ob.). Most recent reports have come from Bunker Pond or Lighthouse Pond at CMPSP. A small flock of Canvasbacks showed nicely at CMPSP/SCMM through much of the week, with at least 2 still present at SCMM 21 Mar (m. ob.). Two Redheads also remained at SCMM through 21 Mar (KL). A flock of 18 White-winged Scoters exited Delaware Bay at CMP 21 Mar, a locally notable total (MC, GD, KH). A female Common Merganser was noted at Cresse Lane, Erma 20 Mar (BB). Wild Turkey continues to increase overall, but is still rare at CMP, where two individuals took up residence this week (m. ob.). The most recent encounter occurred at the corner of South Lake & Lincoln Avenues 21 Mar (TR). Red-necked Grebe reports declined slightly this week, though at least 5 could still be found in Cape May Harbor 21 Mar (SWh, SWi) and many continued at other previously known locations (see last week's report for more details). SHPt continued to host at least one American Bittern through 20 Mar (m. ob.). The year's first Snowy Egret appeared at Jake's Landing 15 Mar, a typical arrival date (m. ob.).

[American Oystercatcher at Two Mile Beach, 20 Mar. Photo by Jesse Amesbury.]

HAWKS THROUGH OWLS         
       Two record-early Broad-winged Hawks arrived from the south at CMP 16 Mar (GD et al.). A Golden Eagle was described flying over CMP 20 Mar (KM). The species is a rare spring migrant in the county. The elusive Goshawk of CMP was reported again 15 Mar (JSn). Over 30 American Oystercatchers migrated past CMP during the morning of 21 Mar (TR, GD, BB, KH). Piping Plovers appeared at several sites this week, including Cape Island's first at CMPSP 15 Mar (JSi). At least 4 Black-headed Gulls remained at the Miami Ave sand spit in Villas through 21 Mar; an adult Little Gull was there the same day (KH). An adult Iceland Gull delighted observers as it winged north past CMP 21 Mar (TR, GD, BB, KH). Eurasian Collared-Dove apparently went missing at CMP this week-- please report any sightings of the species. The neighborhoods bordered by Coral, Harvard, Lehigh, and Lincoln Avenues are typically the best places to search for the dove(s). A Snowy Owl continued along Stone Harbor Boulevard through at least 15 Mar (BW), while the same or another was photographed at SHPt the same day (HD). Multiple Short-eared Owls were still evident at Jake's Landing during nicer evenings (m. ob.). 

[Piping Plovers at SHPt, 16 Mar. Photo by Tom Reed.]

CHICKADEE THROUGH BUNTING

       Cape May County's 4th Black-capped Chickadee was last observed at CMP 21 Mar (GD). It is frequently seen along the southern end of Yale Avenue. A Blue-gray Gnatcatcher appeared in a CMP backyard 15 Mar (MP). This sighting possibly represents a new early arrival date for the species here. The Smith's Longspur was still showing sporadically at SHPt through at least 20 Mar (m. ob.)*. At least two Lapland Longspurs, including a singing male, also remained at SHPt through 20 Mar (m. ob.), and a single Snow Bunting was last reported there 16 Mar (JB). The first Yellow-throated Warbler of 2014 was singing at Villas 20 Mar (JN). Orange-crowned Warbler went unreported at CMPSP this week-- additional reports are appreciated to keep track of final dates for wintering individuals. A minimum of 27 "Ipswich" Savannah Sparrows were found at SHPt immediately after the snowstorm 17 Mar (GD, TJ, SG). "Bird Of The Week" honors go to the Le Conte's Sparrow discovered at SHPt 17 Mar (GD, TJ, SG). It continued there through at least 19 Mar (m. ob.)*. The secretive sparrow possibly spent the entire winter at this site, but was only found when snow cover forced it into open dune habitat.  There are very few March records of the species in New Jersey. The adult "Gambel's" White-crowned Sparrow continued along the west end of Sunset Boulevard through 21 Mar (m. ob.). It is often seen in the vicinity of the Sunset Beach gift shop. Finally, the Painted Bunting stayed put at CMP through at least 18 Mar (m. ob.). The most recent sightings have come from 101 Lincoln Avenue. 

*  – Much of SHPt, including the dune habitat favored by longspurs and sparrows, is now closed to the public. The New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife ropes this area off every year in late-Mar to protect beach nesting birds.

[Smith's Longspur continuing at SHPt, 19 Mar. Photo by Jesse Amesbury.]

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Contributors: 

Jesse Amesbury, Jeff Bouton (JB), Bill Boyle (BB), Mike Crewe (MC), Glen Davis (GD), Harold Davis (HD), Sam Galick (SG), Kathy Horn (KH), Tom Johnson (TJ), Karl Lukens (KL), Karmela Moneta (KM), Josh Nemeth (JN), Mike Pasquarello (MP), Tom Reed (TR), Joe Siekierski (JSi), June Snelling (JSn), Bradley White (BW), Scott Whittle (SWh), Sam Wilson (SWi). 

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References:

eBird. 2012. eBird: An online database of bird distribution and abundance [web application]. eBird, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, New York. Accessed 21 Mar 2014. Available: http://www.ebird.org. 

Fogg, B. 2013. Keekeekerr: Recent Text Alerts. Accessed 21 Mar 2014. Available: http://www.keekeekerr.com

Piping Plover call from the bayshore...

Bleary-eyed and sick of the snow I found myself driving north on 47 yesterday morning when Will Kerling called me. "You wouldn't believe what I found this morning at Pierce's Point... a Piping Plover!" He was as excited as I was; finding a Piping Plover on the Delaware bayshore north of Higbee Beach is fairly rare with only a handful of records in a decade of past springs. With excitement, Will started another sentence but then trailed off, "...Oh wait... there's two! They must have flown in with a flock of Killdeer I had!" After being completely exhausted looking for them the day before walking all the way down Stone Harbor Point and back with nothing to show for it except rosy cheeks and stiff ice on the beard, I quickly turned around!

Disappointed at first, Will told me that the Piping Plovers flew south, but we should try High's Beach to see if they landed. There we found an odd scene- a Piping Plover and fresh snow from yesterday. The only thing keeping it from actually being in the snow was the high tide line that melted the snow! [photo by Sam Galick]


Further down the beach we came upon an even weirder scene, a Piping Plover among dock posts and weathered wooden bulkheads! Both plovers ended up down here and it took them a couple of minutes of confusion running back and forth sizing up the wall in front of them before jumping it and moving further north [photo by Sam Galick].


What a gorgeous bird: Will and I were standing at the high tide line when this bird decided to turn around and slide past us, coming so close that I had to put my camera down and watch the bird zip past like a glorified wind-up toy. It paused a couple times right in front of us and foraged along a weak wrack line, seemingly oblivious to our presence and gaping mouths. It was certainly a very memorable experience! [Photo by Sam Galick]

Le Conte's Sparrow in the snow

Having got everyone all fired up and ready for Cape May SpringWatch, the sight of nearly eight inches of snow piled up on the roof of my car this morning was a heart-sinking start to the day. Clearly this was not going to be a day of exciting spring arrivals at the point, this being further borne out by a phone call from Mike Hannisian, telling me that Wilson's Snipe were poking around on the road edges - no doubt desperately seaking places to feed now that the marshes are yet again covered in snow.

Under such conditions, it seems best to get on with indoor chores; put on some music, kick back and see what comes to the feeders (a nice Brown Thrasher and at least three Fox Sparrows as it happens!). So today's award for sticking it out through good times and bad goes to Tom Johnson, Glen Davis and Sam Galick who - for some extraordinary reason best known to themselves - chose to make the trudge down Stone Harbor Point today. Sam was way down at the end when Tom and Glen discovered a Le Conte's Sparrow, lurking not far from the very spot that had been home to the Smith's Longspur that has been wintering with us. Today was not a day to be hurrying on the roads, but some of us did make it to Stone Harbor to get a look at this bird before it lost itself in the labyrinth of grass stems again.

Le Conte's Sparrow is one of the Ammodramus sparrows, a genus of birds that seem to behave more like two-legged mice than birds much of the time. They can and do have a habit of running on the ground in thick cover and popping up well away from the point that you saw them dive in, so refinding one once it has been lost can be tricky; getting a good enough look to identify one to species can be tricky too. Typically, one of these small sparrows in Cape May's coastal dunes and marshes is far more likely to be a Nelson's or a Saltmarsh Sparrow, so those two species need to be ruled out. Le Conte's Sparrow breeds in the prairie grasslands of Canada and in the north-central USA (eastern North Dakota to Michigan) and winters mostly in the Gulf states, from Texas to South Carolina, so is never to be expected in winter in New Jersey, but there have been other recent records at this time of year and it seems likely that such birds will have arrived here the previous autumn and have spent the winter in our region.

Settling briefly on a snow-covered piece of driftwood, today's Le Conte's Sparrow gave us just a few seconds to snatch some hurried shots in difficult conditions. The overall appearance is very much like a Nelson's Sparrow, but here notice the lack of a gray wash on the nape and much stronger, darker and more sharply defined flank streaks. The whitish edges to the tertials are much harder to see at this time of year, when the edges will have worn down over the winter period [photo by Mike Crewe].

If you get lucky and the bird turns to look at you, you should catch a glimpse of the pale central crown stripe - Nelson's is gray in this area. Seeing a Le Conte's Sparrow in the snow is certainly not an everyday experience! [Photo by Mike Crewe]

A close up of today's snow; interesting climatic conditions must have been in play to produce the splinters of ice that made up today's snow and made it look like a thick coating of glass fiber had descended on us [photo by Mike Crewe].

Time to watch the feeders

If you're a regular backyard bird feeder, now's the time to keep a sharp eye on what is going on outside the window, for the first Pine Warblers are now just arriving in our area. Like most American wood-warblers, Pine Warblers are largely insectivorous; however, they arrive back on the breeding grounds so early that surviving entirely on insects is often not feasible, so they have learned to adapt. Pine Warblers will feed on a variety of seeds and fruits early in the year and can often be seen feeding in leaf litter on the ground during March. Indeed, looking for them on the ground is probably the best way to find one this early in the season as they spend a lot of time there and they will often take to feeding among flocks of White-throated and Song Sparrows, searching for seeds underneath backyard feeders.

Male Pine Warbler rummaging through the sunflower seeds at the Northwood Center today. As with many wood-warblers, the facial pattern can be important for identifying the species. With this Pine Warbler, note the short supercilium, not extending behind the eye, the dark lores and the broken eye ring [photo by Mike Crewe].

Pat Sutton contacted me to say she had seen a Pine Warbler feeding at her feeder last Wednesday (12th) and one turned up at the Northwood Center feeders today, often feeding from the same perch that had been occupied by the Painted Bunting recently. The first Pine Warblers to arrive are usually adult males, forging ahead to set up breeding territories before the females get here. As such, your first Pine Warbler will probably be quite a snazzy one with a green back, double wing bar and plenty of yellow from head to belly below.

Feeder watching has been a popular passtime in Somer's Point, Atlantic County for Nancy Stein as she has had both this Red-headed Woodpecker and Baltimore Oriole spending the winter with her [photo by Nancy Stein].

Keep those feeders well stocked while the cold weather lasts at least, but remember to get out and enjoy what's around at the moment. Two Purple Martins were reported from Cape May Point State Park today, a Piping Plover was in North Cape May on the beach there and multiple Black-headed Gulls continue to be reported from beaches in Villas and North Cape May.

Don't forget, the CMBO annual Optics Sale takes place this very weekend, 9AM-5PM, Saturday and Sunday. Hurry on down to see what's on offer (don't forget your membership card if you already have one, or you can sign up on the day!) and treat yourself to a great deal!

Week in review: 8 – 14 March, 2014

  CMBO is pleased to provide weekly summaries of the Cape's birding highlights. Coverage is limited to sightings in Cape May County. Readers should keep in mind that some reports may not be confirmed. The vast majority of information utilized in these reports comes from eBird data and "Keekeekerr" text alerts. Observers are encouraged to send reports and photos to compiler Tom Reed (coturnicops at gmail dot com).

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Weather: The period opened with seasonable conditions under sunny skies and a moderate westerly breeze 8–9 Mar. A southwesterly flow developed for the middle portion of the week, allowing high temperatures to reach nearly 70ºF on 11 Mar. Clouds increased 12 Mar ahead of a potent cold front that crossed the Cape during the late-evening. Strong W/NW winds followed, with peak wind gusts over 60mph recorded at Cape May during the early-AM hours 13 Mar. Gusty conditions, coupled with below-freezing temperatures, continued through the rest of 13 Mar. Calmer weather made a brief stay during the AM hours on 14 Mar, before winds shifted to the south and gusted to 30mph during the PM hours.

Birding Summary: Observers submitted sightings of 169 species to eBird during the period 8–14 Mar. The best diversity day occurred on 8 Mar, when 131 species were reported. The 2014 cumulative county list currently stands at 192 species. New arrivals this week included Osprey, Piping Plover, Purple Martin, and Pine Warbler. Notable birds included Ross's Goose, "Eurasian" Green-winged Teal, Swallow-tailed Kite, Black-headed Gull, Little Gull, Snowy Owl, Black-capped Chickadee, Smith's Longspur, "Gambel's" White-crowned Sparrow, and Painted Bunting.

Location Abbreviations: CMP (Cape May Point), CMPSP (Cape May Pt. State Park), SHPt (Stone Harbor Point). 

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WATERFOWL THROUGH IBIS 
       A Ross's Goose remained on Cape Island through at least 13 Mar (m. ob.). Sightings in recent days have come from the Shunpike Road area in West Cape May. There are only a handful of confirmed records for this species in Cape May County. Two male Eurasian Wigeon remained near the Bree-Zee-Lee Yacht Basin along Ocean Drive (between Cape May and Wildwood Crest) through at least 8 Mar (MH, RHi). Another male Eurasian Wigeon lingered at CMPSP through 14 Mar (m. ob.). The "Eurasian" Green-winged Teal remained at CMP through 14 Mar (m. ob.). Most recent reports have come from Bunker Pond or Lighthouse Pond at CMPSP. A flock of 7 Canvasbacks was notable at Coral Ave, CMP 13 Mar (GD, SG, TJ), while additional birds were noted at Sunset Beach (GD, SG, TJ), Cape May Harbor (SWi), and Ludlam's Pond in Dennisville (MB) the same day. Red-throated Loon numbers are increasing in the mouth of Delaware Bay. Approximately 200 were estimated offshore CMP 14 Mar (GD, BB, TR). Red-necked Grebe reports surged again, with a minimum of 42 seen throughout the county this week. Locations hosting the species included: 80th Street Municipal Dock in Stone Harbor, SHPt, Cape May Harbor, South Cape May Meadows, CMPSP, Lily Lake, Sunset Beach, Davey's Lake at Higbee Beach WMA, Cape May Ferry Terminal, Cox Hall Creek WMA, Champlain Drive pond in the Villas, Miami Ave in the Villas, Jake's Landing, Ludlam's Pond in Dennisville, and Lake Nummy in Belleplain State Forest. Northern Gannet continued to be slow to arrive in nearshore waters. Small numbers of adults appeared this week, with most sightings from CMP and SHPt (m. ob.).  At least one American Bittern lingered at SHPt through 10 Mar (m. ob.), while others were noted at CMPSP 8 Mar (JF) and at Davey's Lake 12 Mar (SWh). Three Plegadis ibis, presumably Glossy Ibis, flew over CMP 14 Mar (GD, BB, TR). 

OSPREY THROUGH OWLS

       The year's first Osprey was noted at CMPSP 8 Mar (RF). A Swallow-tailed Kite made a convincing case for "bird of the week" honors as it flew over Tabernacle Road in Erma during southerly winds 12 Mar (MiC, MeC, WC). An additional report of a Kite flying over mile 1.6 of the Garden State Parkway 13 Mar presumably referred to the same individual (CR). This record apparently represents a new early date for the species in New Jersey. A Northern Goshawk was once again reported at CMP 9 Mar (CH). Another was reported at Tuckahoe WMA 12 Mar (MF). The wintering Rough-legged Hawk at Tuckahoe WMA was seen again 10 Mar (TB, JA). American Oystercatcher numbers increased this week, as migrants and returning breeding birds appeared from points south. A total of 79 could be found at SHPt 14 Mar (TR). A Piping Plover arrived at Strathmere 9 Mar (AB), and another appeared along the North Cape May beachfront 14 Mar (MP). Razorbill remained scarce, though one zipped past SHPt 10 Mar (TR). A surprising encounter involved a single Red Knot flying north past Sunset Beach on the heels of the strong cold front 13 Mar (GD). Mid-March is a great time to search for Little Gull in Cape May-- an adult was discovered at the north end of Villas 12 Mar (SGl, m. ob.). A minimum of six Black-headed Gulls were studied at the Miami Ave sandspit in the Villas this week (m. ob.). This total apparently establishes a record high count for the species in Cape May County. Another Black-headed Gull flew past CMP with a flock of Bonaparte's Gulls 14 Mar (TR). Lesser Black-backed Gulls are currently on the move. Reports this week came in from Ocean Drive near Cape May Harbor 10 Mar (KH, RHo), South Cape May Meadows 10 Mar (CV), Miami Ave in the Villas 11 Mar (WC et al.), and Sunset Beach 13 Mar (GD). At least one Eurasian Collared-Dove remained loyal to its patch in CMP, where it was last reported 8 Mar (m. ob.). The neighborhoods bordered by Coral, Harvard, Lehigh, and Lincoln Avenues are typically the best places to search for the dove(s). At least one Snowy Owl was viewed several times along Stone Harbor Boulevard through 12 Mar, most often at dawn and dusk (m. ob.). Another was near 42nd Street in Avalon 9 Mar (fide TJ). Multiple Short-eared Owls continued to put on a nice show at Jake's Landing during nicer evenings (m. ob.). 

[Black-headed Gull at Miami Ave, Villas. Photo by Jesse Amesbury.]

[Little Gull at Miami Ave, Villas. Photo by Tom Johnson.]

PHOEBE THROUGH BUNTING

       A wintering Eastern Phoebe continued at West Cape May, last seen along Stevens Street 8 Mar (MO'B). Another was tallied at CMPSP 14 Mar (MP). An obvious arrival of Fish Crows occurred 8–11 Mar, and the species is now widespread again throughout the county. The season's first Purple Martins were photographed at CMPSP 14 Mar (BE). Approximately 400 Tree Swallows at Cape May Point 13 Mar followed the strong cold front and were likely weather-related (TJ, SGa). The Black-capped Chickadee was last observed along Yale Avenue, CMP 12 Mar (GD). The Smith's Longspur was still showing sporadically at SHPt through at least 10 Mar (m. ob.). Sightings this week continued to occur in the extensive dune/marsh vegetation along the western edge of the Point. At least two Lapland Longspurs also remained at SHPt through 11 Mar (m. ob.), and Snow Bunting was last reported there 9 Mar (JE, SL). An Orange-crowned Warbler lingered at CMPSP through at least 9 Mar (m. ob.), while the year's first Pine Warbler was noted in the pines at St. Mary's, CMP 11 Mar (TR). At least 8 "Ipswich" Savannah Sparrows lingered at SHPt 14 Mar (TR). The adult "Gambel's" White-crowned Sparrow continued along the west end of Sunset Boulevard through 14 Mar (m. ob.). An American Tree Sparrow was also there the same day (MP). Finally, the Painted Bunting stayed put at CMP through at least 11 Mar (m. ob.). The most recent sightings have come from Lincoln Avenue. 

[Lapland Longspur at Stone Harbor Point. Photo by Jacob Cuomo.]

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Contributors: 

Jesse Amesbury (JA), Tom Baxter (TB), Mike Bisignano (MB), Bill Boyle (BB), Alf Breed (AB), Warren Cairo (WC), Megan Crewe (MeC), Mike Crewe (MiC), Jacob Cuomo, Glen Davis (GD), Jeff Ellerbusch (JE), Barb Elliot (BE), Robert Ferguson (RF), John Finch (JF), Mike Fritz (MF), Sam Galick (SGa), Steve Glynn (SGl), Chris Hajduk (CH), Margaret Higbee (MH), Roger Higbee (RHi), Kathy Horn (KH), Roger Horn (RHo), Tom Johnson (TJ), Simon Lane (SL), Michael O'Brien (MO'B), Mike Pasquarello (MP), Tom Reed (TR), Carolyn Roache (CR), Christopher Vogel (CV), Scott Whittle (SWh), Sam Wilson (SWi). 

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References:

eBird. 2012. eBird: An online database of bird distribution and abundance [web application]. eBird, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, New York. Available: http://www.ebird.org. 

Fogg, B. 2013. Keekeekerr: Recent Text Alerts. Available: http://www.keekeekerr.com

...and so it begins

I'd like to announce officially - spring began at Cape May yesterday, March 11th. Why do I say this? Well, yesterday was the first day that Tom Reed set himself up at a dune crossover at Cape May Point and started staring out over the water. And as soon as he started logging what he saw, the Cape May Springwatch was under way. While Cape May is justly famous for its often spectacular fall migration, the geography that helps to create this spectacle has completely the opposite effect in spring. To reach Cape May Point in spring, birds either have to come straight across the wide opening of the Delaware Bay, or drift down southward from further north; while neither scenario might sound inviting to the birds, if you think more laterally, you realise that there is plenty to speculate on here.

In fall, Cape May's migration largely consists of songbirds and raptors through September and October, then seaducks from October into early December. But in spring it's a different package with herons and egrets, shorebirds, gulls, gannets and others coming into the picture. March might seem early to be thinking of spring migration, given that many sites have to wait until May before things really take off, but spring migration really does start this early in Cape May - and today certainly proved that, as you will see!

The first count made on 11th was typically quiet (though such days make for good comparison with the busy ones), yet produced some nice finds, including two Red-necked Grebes, three Great Egrets, four Laughing Gulls (yes, the early birds are heading into town now!), two Common Mergansers, two Wood Ducks and a Pine Warbler. The latter is always nice to report - watching songbird migrants coming in low over the waves and heading for cover behind the dunes is always exciting. On the 12th, Megan and I joined Tom and we logged a reasonable Canada Goose movement, a flurry of Northern Gannets coming out of the bay and a continuing pre-migration build up of Red-throated Loons in The Rips. Two Pine Warblers were noted and some interesting movements of songbirds saw parties of American Robins, Common Grackles and Red-winged Blackbirds making circuits around the point but seemingly not really heading anywhere.

Work beckoned after a time but, as the day progressed, it was becoming clear that spring was beginning to produce some interesting birds. An adult Little Gull gave many people the run-around as it toyed with us along the bayshore, seemingly showing up at random locations without a care for the fevered, would-be observer who had to negotiate the busy streets of Villas and Del Haven several times to keep pace with the sightings (and still it eluded many). A scattering of Laughing Gulls showed up from the ferry terminal northward, while Miami Beach in Villas attracted nearly 200 Bonaparte's Gulls, up to five Black-headed Gulls and - eventually - the Little Gull.

So birds are moving, spring is definitely making it's presence felt, though we now have another 36 hours or so of horribly cold weather again as I can hear the wind howling outside and areas north and west of us get yet more snow dumped on them. Take a rain check on birding tomorrow, then head this way to be part of Cape May Springwatch - let the counting commence!!

Though I titled this post '..and so it begins', this short series of photos from today will readily demonstrate to you that I could have subtitled it 'not the best photo I've ever taken' or 'what a gray day' (one for the Brits there!)....

For me, Springwatch started with this party of Red-breasted Mergansers, heading out of Delaware Bay this morning and beginning their long, northward journey. Cape May Point offers some great migration watching right through the spring period with birds often passing close along the shoreline [photo by Mike Crewe].

He the usurper waits in the wings... or summer parking lot gull meets winter parking lot gull. My first Laughing Gull of the year prepares to move in while a Ring-billed Gull contemplates heading out of town at the Cape May Ferry Terminal today [photo by Mike Crewe].

 

Lunchtime visits to Miami Beach are a must during March; this site has a sandbar, pushed up by the outflow of water from Fishing Creek, which is one of the last places to be covered by high tide. Check tide tables and visit on a rising tide to get the best from this place - here, a second calendar year and adult Black-headed Gull (check for red on the bills) mix in with Bonaparte's and Ring-billed Gulls [photo by Mike Crewe].

Today's prize for gull fans - a dapper, adult Little Gull. Note the completely black underwing with white trim and the rounded wingtips. Though most of the North American population of this species winters not far off our coastline, this is a surprisingly scarce species at Cape May with, typically, just one or two birds a year [photo by Mike Crewe].

 

Saving the best until last - and not wishing to blow my own trumpet, but... while shooting up to Miami Beach lunchtime today with Warren and Megan, I spotted this distinctive shape heading northward over Fishing Creek Road toward Cape May Airport. Checking the record books, this seems to constitute the earliest ever record of Swallow-tailed Kite for New Jersey and continues a recent trend of March records for the Cape May area [photo by Mike Crewe].

Waxing Poetical...

What better bird to wax poetical over than the waxwing. Though we might be tempted to think that a waxwing is a waxwing is a waxwing, there are, in fact, three species of waxwing in the world - Cedar, Bohemian and Japanese. While Bohemian is by far the most widespread (occurring throughout the northern temperate zones of Eurasia and North America), the most familiar species for the vast majority of North Americans is the Cedar Waxwing. Bucking the trend set by other waxwing species, Cedar Waxwings wander far to the south in winter, venturing well down into southern Mexico at times - I once saw one sharing a tree in a hotel garden on Oaxaca with a stunning male Vermilion Flycatcher! So this is the 'standard' waxwing by which others are judged.

Cedar Waxwings are probably at their lowest ebb with us in Eastern North America at the moment, but there are a few small groups around town and, just last week, I chanced across a group of 17 hanging out in the parking lot at the Lobster House, right next to Cape May Harbor. So do look out for these birds and enjoy them all the more armed with the little factoids I give you below:

Cedar Waxwings are an extraordinary combination of colors; soft dove gray, vinaceous pink and old gold, with finishing touches of black, white, flaming scarlet and brilliant yellow. Since there are no true cedars in North America, they should really be called Juniper Waxwings! [Photo by Mike Crewe]

Birds can be aged and sexed by the sealing wax-red tips to the secondary flight feathers (these give the birds their English name), which develop over time. The bird top left in this picture has no red so will almost certainly be a young, first-winter bird [photo by Mike Crewe]. 

Cedar and Bohemian Waxwings share the same tail pattern, with a bright yellow tip. Japanese Waxwings have a scarlet tip to the tail. Occasionally you find a bird with an orange tail tip (there was one in the Lobster House group) and this aberration has been traced to birds feeding on particular, non-native berries during the time at which these feathers are being grown [photo by Mike Crewe].

 

All waxwings are prodigious berry eaters, though they will eat a lot of insects when they are available and can often be seen flycatching from treetops in spring. Like geese, they seem to have a poorly developed digestive system which requires a high intake of food (and a high outlet at, well, the other end!) and the dryness of late-season berries means much drinking goes on. If you find a group of feeding waxwings, chances are that, sooner or later, you will have a great opportunity to see them drinking from any available water. In mid-winter, they regularly eat snow if water isn't available [photo by Mike Crewe].

Even when seen up close, the feathers of waxwings are unusual amongst birds in that they seem to form a much closer, tighter fit than the feathers of other birds. This gives them an unusually sleek look that is shared by other closely-related birds - the silky-flycatchers of tropical America and the amazing Hypocolius of the Middle East [photo by Mike Crewe].

Cedar Waxwings can be unpredictable in their appearance in your area, but they are predictable in another way - it's a safe bet that when you see them, they will be having a bad hair day! [Photo by Mike Crewe]

Week in review: 1 – 7 March, 2014

  CMBO is pleased to provide weekly summaries of the Cape's birding highlights. Coverage is limited to sightings in Cape May County. Readers should keep in mind that some reports may not be confirmed. The vast majority of information utilized in these reports comes from eBird data and "Keekeekerr" text alerts. Observers are encouraged to send reports and photos to compiler Tom Reed (coturnicops at gmail dot com).

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Weather: The period opened with seasonably cool and calm conditions 1 Mar, followed by a brief bout of southerlies that allowed temperatures to surpass 50ºF on 2 Mar. A rare March snowstorm affected the Cape during the first half of 3 Mar, with snowfall totals ranging from 4–7" throughout the county. Bitter cold followed the storm, with temperatures failing to surpass the freezing mark again until mid-morning 5 Mar. Chilly conditions lingered 6 Mar, as an onshore flow developed ahead of a coastal storm that brushed past the area 7 Mar.

Birding Summary: Observers submitted sightings of 143 species to eBird during the period 1–7 Mar. The best diversity days occurred on 1 Mar and 2 Mar, when 107 species were reported. The 2014 cumulative county list currently stands at 184 species. There were no additions to the annual list this week. Notable birds included Ross's Goose, "Eurasian" Green-winged Teal, Snowy Owl, Black-capped Chickadee, Smith's Longspur, "Gambel's" White-crowned Sparrow, and Painted Bunting.

Location Abbreviations: CMP (Cape May Point), CMPSP (Cape May Pt. State Park), SHPt (Stone Harbor Point).

 

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WATERFOWL THROUGH BITTERN

       A Ross's Goose was a surprise find at Lily Lake, CMP 4 Mar (BM, KM, m. ob.). It lingered in the area through 5 Mar, but has not been reported since. There are only a handful of confirmed records for this species in Cape May County.  Two male Eurasian Wigeon remained near the Bree-Zee-Lee Yacht Basin along Ocean Drive (between Cape May and Wildwood Crest) through 7 Mar (GD, DG, SW). A rare bird, particularly on Cape Island, was the "Eurasian" Green-winged Teal that appeared on Lily Lake 1 Mar (MiC, MeC) and continued through at least 5 Mar (m. ob.). Reports of Red-necked Grebes continued to trickle in. "New" sightings included one at Lily Lake 5–7 Mar (CV, m. ob.), another offshore North Cape May 1 Mar (BP), and 3 at the Davies Sports Complex in Cape May Court House 7 Mar (GD, DG, SW). Northern Gannet has been slow to arrive in nearshore waters. This week's only land-based report consisted of a single bird seen from CMP 2 Mar (BB, PG, DW). At least one American Bittern lingered at SHPt through 7 Mar (m. ob.). 

[Ross's Goose at Lily Lake, CMP on 4 Mar. Photo by Michael O'Brien.] 

SHOREBIRDS THROUGH OWL

       Hereford Inlet's winter flock of American Oystercatchers still contained at least 25 birds this week (m. ob.). Like various other early-season migrants, northbound Oystercatchers have not yet been noted. A wintering Semipalmated Plover continued at the north end of Avalon 2 Mar (m. ob.). Two Lesser Yellowlegs were either hardy lingerers or early migrants at Jake's Landing the same day (MO'B). Razorbill has been much less numerous this winter, but a single bird was found close to shore at Avalon's 8th Street Jetty 1 Mar (DF). An Iceland Gull put in an appearance at the Bree-Zee-Lee Yacht Basin 7 Mar (MO'B). At least one Eurasian Collared-Dove remained loyal to its patch in CMP, where it was last reported 5 Mar (VK). The neighborhoods bordered by Coral, Harvard, Lehigh, and Lincoln Avenues are typically the best places to search for the dove(s). Snowy Owl fans will be happy to know that a couple of the big white owls were still present in and around Cape May. At least one individual remained along the Cape May City beachfront through at least 4 Mar (m. ob.), and another was observed on a rooftop at 91st Street, Stone Harbor 1 Mar (AF). 

 [Snowy Owl at Poverty Beach, Cape May on 3 Mar. Photo by Michael O'Brien.]

PHOEBE THROUGH BUNTING

       An Eastern Phoebe continued to survive the harsh winter at West Cape May, last photographed along Sunset Boulevard 5 Mar (MO'B). An obvious movement of Horned Larks occurred on the trailing edge of the snowstorm 3 Mar. An impressive 123 were tallied at Sunset Beach, including multiple flocks that continued north along Delaware Bay (CV). Cape May County's fourth Black-capped Chickadee continued to delight observers at CMP. It was last observed along Yale Avenue 7 Mar (GD). After an absence of 31 days, the Smith's Longspur resurfaced at SHPt 4 Mar (TR). It continued through 7 Mar (m. ob.), frequenting the extensive dune/marsh vegetation along the western edge of the Point. At least four Lapland Longspurs and two Snow Buntings were also seen again at SHPt 5–7 Mar (m. ob.). An Orange-crowned Warbler held on at CMPSP through at least 5 Mar (m. ob.), while a Saltmarsh Sparrow was noted at SHPt 6 Mar (MF). A minimum of 29 "Ipswich" Savannah Sparrows occupied the snow-covered dunes at SHPt 4 Mar (TR). Another surprise came by way of an adult "Gambel's" White-crowned Sparrow at the Magnesite portion of Higbee Beach WMA 6 Mar (MiC). Finally, the long-staying Painted Bunting remained at CMP through 7 Mar (m. ob.). The most recent sightings have come from feeders at 113 Harvard Avenue and 101 Lincoln Avenue.

 [Smith's Longspur at SHPt, 4 Mar. Photo by Tom Reed.]

["Gambel's" White-crowned Sparrow at the Magnesite portion of 

Higbee Beach WMA, 6 Mar. Photo by Mike Crewe.]

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Contributors: 

Barb Bassett (BB), Megan Crewe (MeC), Mike Crewe (MiC), Glen Davis (GD), Alison Fetterman (AF), Don Freiday (DF), Mike Fritz (MF), Sam Galick, Doug Gochfeld (DG), Pete Grannis (PG), Vincent Koczurik (VK), Bob McLennan (BM), Karen McLennan (KM), Michael O'Brien (MO'B), Beth Polvino (BP), Tom Reed (TR), Christopher Vogel (CV), Dianna Wentink (DW), Scott Whittle (SW).

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References:

eBird. 2012. eBird: An online database of bird distribution and abundance [web application]. eBird, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, New York. Available: http://www.ebird.org. 

Fogg, B. 2013. Keekeekerr: Recent Text Alerts. Available: http://www.keekeekerr.com