© Brett M. Ewald
Many Eastern birders think of Dickcissel
as a bird of the Midwest, and for good reason; their breeding range encompasses
much of the United States west of the Appalachians and east of the Rockies. For
that reason, recording one along the Atlantic Coast is always exciting. The
problem is getting a decent look at one!
In New Jersey, Dickcissels are
most likely to be encountered in the fall, when they are considered a scarce
migrant. As with many species, however, Cape May exceeds the norm. With an
average count of about 50/fall, you would think your chances of getting a good
look at one, with an acceptable amount of effort, would be high. You would most
likely be wrong. Most of these records are flyovers, detected because of their
distinctive ‘raspberry’ call, with a fleeting glance the only visual reward.
A perusal of reports from Cape
May during fall 2016 turns up the expected pattern of sightings. The earliest
was in late August, the peak was in the first part of October, and the latest
was in early November. Although a total count is hard to determine, due to the
possibility of repeat encounters, it is over 50, with at least 6 recorded on 4
October. The majority of these sightings were flyovers, with only a couple seen
perched or allowing for a photo. I personally heard at least 8, but only caught
a glimpse of 3, as they winged their way past.
So where or how do you get a good
look? That will require some effort and
luck. While the rate of detection is highest at well-known birding sites, such
as the hawkwatch platform at Cape May Point State Park, the Morning Flight
count at the Higbee dike, or the Coral Ave. dune crossover, they may not be
your best bet. Dickcissels are a bird of the grasses and weeds, such as those in
the front portion of the Nature Conservancy’s South Cape May Meadows, the
fields of the Higbee Beach WMA (including Hidden Valley), or at almost any
point along the dunes west of Cape May and surrounding Cape May Point. Patience
and a lot of scanning will go a long way to achieving your goal; if not, you
can always enjoy the myriad of other birds around you, after all, it is Cape
May!
