The Beanery - Saturday April 30th 2011

Location: The Beanery
Observation date: 4/30/11
Notes: CMBO Spring Migrants at Rea Farm - The
Beanery-KL,C&MJS,PR,+12.Cldy,53°,NW15. Cloudy, cool and breezy morning. Good variety of raptors, Nice looks at adult male, two first-year males and female Orchard Orioles, and a first year and adult male Blue Grosbeaks. Good look at a bright Prothonotary Warbler at the willow pond.
Number of species: 44

Canada Goose 15
Mute Swan 1
Mallard 4
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Great Blue Heron 1
Great Egret 1
Snowy Egret 1
Black-crowned Night-Heron 1
Black Vulture 8
Turkey Vulture 10
Osprey 2
Bald Eagle 1 imm
Cooper's Hawk 1
Broad-winged Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Laughing Gull 15
Herring Gull 1
Forster's Tern 3
Rock Pigeon 2
Mourning Dove 2
Chimney Swift 4
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 1
Great Crested Flycatcher 2
Eastern Kingbird 2
American Crow 10
Fish Crow 3
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1
Barn Swallow 10
Carolina Chickadee 2
Carolina Wren 4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2
American Robin 5
European Starling 5
Prairie Warbler 3
Prothonotary Warbler 1
Common Yellowthroat 3 heard
Northern Cardinal 5
Blue Grosbeak 2 /p
Red-winged Blackbird 10
Common Grackle 15
Brown-headed Cowbird 6
Orchard Oriole 4 ad male, 21st yrM,fem.
House Sparrow 1

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Male Blue Grosbeaks at The Beanery today - smart adult above, scruffy first-time breeder below.

South Cape May Meadows - Friday April 29th 2011

Location:     Cape Island--CMMBS (Cape May Migratory Bird Sanctuary (Meadows))
Observation date:     4/29/11
Notes:     C&MJS, CH - Lovely afternoon for a stroll through The Meadows. Highlights of the walk were nesting Piping Plover and American Oystercatchers;
an Osprey chasing a Bald Eagle; and an Oystercatcher chasing first a Piping Plover and then a crow!
Number of species:     49

Canada Goose     30
Mute Swan     12
Gadwall     16
Mallard     14
Blue-winged Teal     3
Green-winged Teal     20
Red-throated Loon     3
Northern Gannet     15
Double-crested Cormorant     31
Great Egret     3
Snowy Egret     1
Black Vulture     2
Turkey Vulture     5
Osprey     7
Bald Eagle     2
American Kestrel     1
American Coot     2
Piping Plover     4     2 in exclosures
Killdeer     3
American Oystercatcher     3
Greater Yellowlegs     5
Willet     1
Lesser Yellowlegs     2
Least Sandpiper     14
Wilson's Snipe     3
Laughing Gull     40
Herring Gull     4
Great Black-backed Gull     34
Forster's Tern     30
Rock Pigeon     3
Mourning Dove     1
Chimney Swift     1
Eastern Kingbird     1
American Crow     5
Fish Crow     24
Purple Martin     6
Tree Swallow     10
Barn Swallow     4
Marsh Wren     1     heard only
American Robin     2
Northern Mockingbird     2
European Starling     3
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)     1
Common Yellowthroat     6     heard only
Northern Cardinal     2
Red-winged Blackbird     20
Common Grackle     10
Brown-headed Cowbird     2
House Sparrow     1     in bluebird box

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Higbee's Beach WMA - Friday April 29th 2011

Higbee's Beach WMA was a great place to be this morning; not a mass of birds, but a nice mix. Two notably early Black-billed Cuckoos, two singing Yellow-breasted Chats and a Red-headed Woodpecker were the stars and there was some XXX rated behavior from the Field Sparrows!

Location: Cape Island--Higbees Beach SWA
Observation date: 4/29/11

Number of species: 52
Canada Goose 2
Gadwall 2
Northern Gannet 120
Double-crested Cormorant 95
Little Blue Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 2
Bald Eagle 1
Semipalmated Plover 6
Ruddy Turnstone 5
Sanderling 8
Purple Sandpiper 3
Short-billed Dowitcher 8
Laughing Gull 50
Herring Gull (American) 10
Great Black-backed Gull 6
Forster's Tern 150
Mourning Dove 2
Black-billed Cuckoo 2
Red-headed Woodpecker 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 2
Great Crested Flycatcher 1
Eastern Kingbird 1
White-eyed Vireo 5
Blue Jay 5
American Crow 6
Fish Crow 4
Barn Swallow 2
Carolina Chickadee 6
Tufted Titmouse 2
Carolina Wren 5
House Wren 3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 10
American Robin 4
Gray Catbird 4
Northern Parula 1
Prairie Warbler 6
Black-and-white Warbler 1
Common Yellowthroat 2
Yellow-breasted Chat 2
Eastern Towhee 4
Field Sparrow 3
Song Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 4
Northern Cardinal 5
Indigo Bunting 5
Red-winged Blackbird 10
Common Grackle 4
Brown-headed Cowbird 8
Orchard Oriole 1
House Finch 2
American Goldfinch 4

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Heislerville - Thursday April 28th 2011

Location:     Heislerville WMA
Observation date:     4/28/11
Notes:     CMBO walk at Heislerville. Leaders Pete Dunne, Janet Crawford. Highlights were a Stilt Sandpiper, courting Eastern Kingbirds, Black Skimmers skimming, a close Green Heron, still a good number of Green-winged Teal and the continuing display of Great Egrets and Snowy Egrets on the island.
Number of species:     47

Canada Goose     6
Mute Swan     4
American Black Duck     8
Green-winged Teal     25
Lesser Scaup     2
Red-breasted Merganser     9
Ruddy Duck     4
Double-crested Cormorant     32
Great Blue Heron     1
Great Egret     52
Snowy Egret     75
Green Heron     1
Black-crowned Night-Heron     33
Glossy Ibis     2
Turkey Vulture     3
Osprey     2
Bald Eagle     3
Black-bellied Plover     12
Semipalmated Plover     4
Killdeer     2
Greater Yellowlegs     96
Willet     1
Lesser Yellowlegs     42
Semipalmated Sandpiper     1
Least Sandpiper     2
Dunlin     48
Stilt Sandpiper     1
Short-billed Dowitcher     136
Laughing Gull     2
Ring-billed Gull     3
Herring Gull     15
Great Black-backed Gull     18
Forster's Tern     22
Black Skimmer     12
Rock Pigeon     1
White-eyed Vireo     2
Barn Swallow     6
Carolina Chickadee     2
Tufted Titmouse     3
Marsh Wren     1
American Robin     1
Gray Catbird     1
European Starling     5
Eastern Towhee     1
Red-winged Blackbird     24
Common Grackle     8
House Sparrow     3
Location:     Thompson's Beach
Observation date:     4/28/11
Number of species:     17

Canada Goose     3
American Black Duck     2
Green-winged Teal     35
Snowy Egret     2
Glossy Ibis     13
Osprey     8
Clapper Rail     6
Greater Yellowlegs     8
Lesser Yellowlegs     2
Laughing Gull     5
Herring Gull     6
Fish Crow     1
Tree Swallow     3
Barn Swallow     4
Marsh Wren     1
Brown Thrasher     1
Red-winged Blackbird     12

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Belleplain State Forest - Thursday April 28th 2011

Location: Belleplain State Forest
Observation date: 4/28/11
Notes: CMBO Birds of Belleplain State Forest
Walk-JA,KL,BH,PR,+Dale,Lillian,Glen.PtlySun,68°,S16. Despite fairly strong winds and the threat of afternoon storms the birding was still good. Nice looks at Yellow-throated Warbler and Worm-eating Warbler. Wood Ducks and Pied-billed Grebe on Hands Mill Pond. Good look at Acadian Flycatcher and Great Crested Flycatcher. Also heard Orchard Oriole and saw Baltimore Orioles.
Number of species: 53

Wood Duck 5
Mallard 2
Pied-billed Grebe 1
Double-crested Cormorant 50
Black Vulture 8
Turkey Vulture 4
Osprey 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
American Kestrel 1
Laughing Gull 15
Herring Gull 10
Forster's Tern 1
Mourning Dove 8
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 1 heard by a few
Acadian Flycatcher 3
Eastern Phoebe 3
Great Crested Flycatcher 2
White-eyed Vireo 4
Red-eyed Vireo 1 heard
Blue Jay 2 heard
Fish Crow 1
Tree Swallow 3
Barn Swallow 5
Carolina Chickadee 1
Tufted Titmouse 5
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2
Wood Thrush 8 seen & heard
Gray Catbird 1
Northern Mockingbird 1
Brown Thrasher 1
European Starling 3
Yellow-throated Warbler 5
Pine Warbler 8
Prairie Warbler 5
Black-and-white Warbler 1
Worm-eating Warbler 2 seen & heard
Ovenbird 15 heard
Louisiana Waterthrush 1 heard
Eastern Towhee 1
Chipping Sparrow 5
Summer Tanager 1 heard
Scarlet Tanager 1 heard
Northern Cardinal 2
Indigo Bunting 1
Red-winged Blackbird 4
Common Grackle 10
Brown-headed Cowbird 10
Orchard Oriole 1 heard
Baltimore Oriole 1
House Finch 4
American Goldfinch 1

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Butterflies, Botany & Birds at Belleplain - Sunday April 24th 2011


Thanks to Tony Leukering for putting together the bird list so I could concentrate on other things! Butterflies were not a major feature of this walk as we were mostly in woodland lots - and those that we did see tended to be azures and duskywings which refused to stay still to be identified to species! Birds were good though and spring botany gave us much to look at, from the sneaky little lawn aliens around the parking lot to a range of early flowering oaks, blueberries and other trees and shrubs.
 
Location:     Belleplain State Forest
Observation date:     4/24/11
Notes:     CMBO field trip; leaders Mike Crewe, Kathy and Roger Horn, Shaun & Cindy Bamford.
Number of species:     33

Double-crested Cormorant     16     one flock N-bound
Black Vulture     4
Turkey Vulture     3
Osprey     3
Northern Harrier     1     brown; high and N-bound
Broad-winged Hawk     2
Red-tailed Hawk     3
Laughing Gull     12
Herring Gull     39
Mourning Dove     1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird     1
Red-bellied Woodpecker     1
Hairy Woodpecker     1
Eastern Kingbird     2
White-eyed Vireo     7     7 singing
Northern Rough-winged Swallow     1
Barn Swallow     1
Carolina Chickadee     4
Tufted Titmouse     5
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher     2     building nest
American Robin     2
Gray Catbird     1
Blue-winged Warbler     1     singing
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)     2
Yellow-throated Warbler (Yellow-lored)     2
Pine Warbler     2     2 singing
Palm Warbler (Yellow)     2
Worm-eating Warbler     1     singing
Ovenbird     6     6 singing
Eastern Towhee     2
Chipping Sparrow     3
Brown-headed Cowbird     1
American Goldfinch     2

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(
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Final Peaslee's WMA Walk 4-27-2011

"The Peaslee's WMA walks for 2011 ended with a bang! Two Prothonotary Warblers were seen, and one was even at a nest hole. American Redstarts have moved in in a big way at First Avenue, and a good number of Pine Siskins were hanging around the Dam Road area. Yellow-throated Vireos and Blue Grosbeaks were observed as well."
Karen Johnson, Janet Crawford, Glen Davis, Dave Lord

Location: Lake Nummy Area
Observation date: 4/27/11
Number of species: 35

Canada Goose 1
Laughing Gull 2
Herring Gull 1
Mourning Dove 1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Acadian Flycatcher 1 singing
Eastern Phoebe 3 two singing
Great Crested Flycatcher 1
Eastern Kingbird 2
White-eyed Vireo 1 singing
Red-eyed Vireo 2 both singing
Blue Jay 2
Fish Crow 2
Carolina Chickadee 1 singing
Tufted Titmouse 2 singing
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2 singing
Wood Thrush 3 all singing
American Robin 5 singing
Gray Catbird 5 singing
European Starling 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 1 flyover
Yellow-throated Warbler 2 one singing
Pine Warbler 4 all singing
Prairie Warbler 1
Black-and-white Warbler 2 both singing
Ovenbird 5 all singing
Eastern Towhee 2 singing
Chipping Sparrow 3 singing
White-throated Sparrow 2 singing
Scarlet Tanager 1 singing
Northern Cardinal 2 singing
Common Grackle 5
Baltimore Oriole 1
American Goldfinch 6 singing

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

Location: Peaslee WMA-Head of River
Observation date: 4/27/11
THERE WAS A BIG, DEAD BEAVER AT THE INTERSECTION WITH RTE 49. It was covered with beetles and maggots. Also there was a snapping turtle and a Common musk turtle (stinkpot) --photos--...
Number of species: 55

Wood Duck 2
American Black Duck 1
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 1
Mallard 1
Wild Turkey 2 gobbling
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Black Vulture 2
Turkey Vulture 6
Osprey 4
Herring Gull 5
Rock Pigeon 2
Mourning Dove 2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 2
Acadian Flycatcher 1 singing
Eastern Phoebe 1
Great Crested Flycatcher 2
Eastern Kingbird 2
White-eyed Vireo 4 singing
Red-eyed Vireo 2 singing
Blue Jay 4
American Crow 2
Tree Swallow 1
Barn Swallow 3 singing
Carolina Chickadee 2
Tufted Titmouse 3 singing
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 5 singing
Wood Thrush 1 singing
American Robin 4 singing
Gray Catbird 6 singing
Northern Mockingbird 1 singing
European Starling 2
Blue-winged Warbler 2 singing
Northern Parula 1 singing
Yellow-throated Warbler 1 singing
Prairie Warbler 2 singing
Black-and-white Warbler 3 singing
American Redstart 2 singing
Prothonotary Warbler 2 one singing
Ovenbird 4 singing
Common Yellowthroat 1 singing
Eastern Towhee 1
Chipping Sparrow 3 singing
White-throated Sparrow 1
Northern Cardinal 2 singing
Blue Grosbeak 1 singing
Red-winged Blackbird 1
Common Grackle 3
Brown-headed Cowbird 9
Orchard Oriole 1
Baltimore Oriole 1
House Finch 1
Pine Siskin 10 in sweetgums at head of river triangle, feeders nearby?
American Goldfinch 5

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

Location: Peaslee WMA -- First Ave
Observation date: 4/27/11
Number of species: 41

Wild Turkey 1
Black Vulture 1
Turkey Vulture 2
Broad-winged Hawk 1
Herring Gull 1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 1
Acadian Flycatcher 1 singing
Great Crested Flycatcher 1
White-eyed Vireo 3 singing
Yellow-throated Vireo 3 two singing
Red-eyed Vireo 3 singing
Blue Jay 3
American Crow 1
Barn Swallow 1
Carolina Chickadee 2
Tufted Titmouse 3
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 6 2 nests
Wood Thrush 2 singing
American Robin 3 singing
Gray Catbird 4 singing
Northern Parula 1 singing
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 1 flyover
Yellow-throated Warbler 2 singing
Prairie Warbler 2 singing
Black-and-white Warbler 6 singing
American Redstart 8 7+ singing
Prothonotary Warbler 1 singing
Worm-eating Warbler 2 both singing
Ovenbird 9 all singing
Common Yellowthroat 1 singing
Eastern Towhee 4 singing
Chipping Sparrow 2 singing
Northern Cardinal 1 singing
Common Grackle 2
Brown-headed Cowbird 7 singing
American Goldfinch 4 singing

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Location: Bellelplain -- Upper Champion Rd and Vine St
Observation date: 4/27/11
Number of species: 36

Common Loon 2
Turkey Vulture 5
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Laughing Gull 2
Herring Gull 2
Mourning Dove 3
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Great Crested Flycatcher 2
White-eyed Vireo 3
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 1
Tufted Titmouse 2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 3
American Robin 2
Gray Catbird 4
Northern Mockingbird 1
Blue-winged Warbler 1
Pine Warbler 2
Prairie Warbler 6
Black-and-white Warbler 4
American Redstart 1
Worm-eating Warbler 3
Ovenbird 6
Common Yellowthroat 1
Eastern Towhee 4
Chipping Sparrow 1
Scarlet Tanager 2
Northern Cardinal 1
Red-winged Blackbird 2
Common Grackle 1
Brown-headed Cowbird 4
Orchard Oriole 3
Baltimore Oriole 1
American Goldfinch 8
House Sparrow 1

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org

Cape May Point - Wednesday April 27th 2011

Someone left a door open in Delaware this morning as the wind rattled in across the bay and seemed to keep migrants off our doorstep. However, a good show of Northern Gannets and Forster's Terns made up for a lack of songbirds and Tom Parsons got lucky with Yellow-breasted Chat and Red-headed Woodpecker whilst waiting for the rest of us to come round to him from the opposite direction!

Location: Cape Island--CMP (Cape May Point)
Observation date: 4/27/11
Notes: Windy weather and a lull between waves of migrants produced a poor show of songbirds
Number of species: 47

Canada Goose 6
Mute Swan 6
Gadwall 5
Mallard 8
Green-winged Teal 2
Surf Scoter 7
Common Loon 3
Northern Gannet 150
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Green Heron 2
Turkey Vulture 3
Osprey 3
Bald Eagle 1
Piping Plover 1
American Oystercatcher 1
Solitary Sandpiper 1
Greater Yellowlegs 1
Willet 1
Laughing Gull 15
Herring Gull (American) 4
Great Black-backed Gull 10
Forster's Tern 120
Rock Pigeon 8
Red-headed Woodpecker 1
Eastern Kingbird 2
American Crow 1
Fish Crow 12
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 5
Purple Martin 30
Tree Swallow 6
Barn Swallow 8
Carolina Chickadee 2
Carolina Wren 5
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2
American Robin 4
Northern Mockingbird 2
European Starling 2
Common Yellowthroat 4
Yellow-breasted Chat 1
Song Sparrow 4
Northern Cardinal 2
Red-winged Blackbird 25
Common Grackle 15
Brown-headed Cowbird 6
House Finch 6
American Goldfinch 3
House Sparrow 2

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

E-Z Birding - Tuesday April 26th 2011

Location:     Cape May Point SP
Observation date:     4/26/11
Notes:     Beautiful spring day! Leaders C&MJ Slugg, T Parsons.  Highlights of the walk included a pair of Orchard Orioles, Piping Plover and American
Oystercatchers.
Number of species:     49

Canada Goose     20
Mute Swan     7     5 cygnets in nest with adult
Mallard     8
Red-throated Loon     1
Northern Gannet     20
Double-crested Cormorant     430
Great Egret     4
Snowy Egret     2
Turkey Vulture     2
Osprey     6
Sharp-shinned Hawk     1
Cooper's Hawk     1
Piping Plover     2
Killdeer     1
American Oystercatcher     6
Laughing Gull     25
American Herring Gull     8
Great Black-backed Gull     4
Forster's Tern     40
Rock Pigeon     5
Mourning Dove     2
Downy Woodpecker     1
Great Crested Flycatcher     1
Eastern Kingbird     1
White-eyed Vireo     1     heard only
American Crow     6
Fish Crow     20
Purple Martin     100
Tree Swallow     12
Barn Swallow     2
Carolina Chickadee     7     heard only
Carolina Wren     8
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher     5
American Robin     8
Northern Mockingbird     1
European Starling     6
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)     8
Prairie Warbler     3
Common Yellowthroat     10     heard only
Eastern Towhee     4     heard only
Song Sparrow     5
Northern Cardinal     2
Red-winged Blackbird     20
Common Grackle     12
Brown-headed Cowbird     6
Orchard Oriole     3
House Finch     1
American Goldfinch     5     heard only
House Sparrow     4

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(
http://ebird.org)

Hidden Corners of Belleplain 4-26-2011

Ideal. That's the best word to sum up this Tuesday Morning's Hidden Corners of Belleplain walk. Excellent views of all the hot item birds were had: Louisana Waterthrush, Worm-eating, Hooded Warbler, you name it, it was probably seen. Interesting behavior was on display as well, as we witnessed two Chipping Sparrows fight and then one partner perform a really bizarre display. Butterflies were a dime a dozen; Azures and Duskywings and Swallowtails. But best of all was the Yellow-throated Warbler with nesting material in its mouth that was clinging to the exit sign as we left the park.

Janet Crawford, Glen Davis, Dave Lord

Location: Belleplain State Forest
Observation date: 4/26/11
Notes: CMBO'S Hidden Corners of Belleplain
Number of species: 48

Canada Goose 6
Wild Turkey 4
Common Loon 1
Double-crested Cormorant 2
Black Vulture 8
Turkey Vulture 6
Bald Eagle 1
Ring-billed Gull 24
Mourning Dove 4
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 8
Downy Woodpecker 1
Hairy Woodpecker 2
Acadian Flycatcher 1
Eastern Phoebe 4
Great Crested Flycatcher 6
Eastern Kingbird 3
White-eyed Vireo 8
Red-eyed Vireo 2
Blue Jay 4
American Crow 5
Carolina Chickadee 8
Tufted Titmouse 5
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 3
Wood Thrush 4
American Robin 16
Gray Catbird 15
Northern Mockingbird 2
Blue-winged Warbler 4
Yellow-throated Warbler 5
Pine Warbler 4
Prairie Warbler 10
Black-and-white Warbler 14
Worm-eating Warbler 10
Ovenbird 32
Louisiana Waterthrush 1
Hooded Warbler 3
Eastern Towhee 9
Chipping Sparrow 5
White-throated Sparrow 1
Scarlet Tanager 2
Northern Cardinal 6
Brown-headed Cowbird X
Orchard Oriole 1
Baltimore Oriole 2
Pine Siskin 1
American Goldfinch 14

South Cape May Meadows - Monday April 25th 2011

Location: South Cape May Meadows
Observation date: 4/25/11
Notes: CMBO Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne-PD,KL,C&MJS,SB,+12.Clr,60°,Var.4. Beautiful day and good birds. Still ducks remaining including both Blue-winged and Green-winged Teal. American ystercatchers and Piping Plover on the beach, Egrets in the air and in the ponds, a few shorebirds including eight Willets and Least Sandpipers. The Highlight of the walk had to be the stunning scope views of an adult male Scissor-tailed Flycatcher!!!!
Number of species: 55

Canada Goose 5
Mute Swan 8
Wood Duck 1
Gadwall 6
American Wigeon 1
Mallard 10
Blue-winged Teal 1
Green-winged Teal 10
Red-breasted Merganser 1
Common Loon 5
Northern Gannet 25
Double-crested Cormorant 300
Great Blue Heron 1
Great Egret 4
Snowy Egret 6
Green Heron 1
Glossy Ibis 12
Osprey 8
American Kestrel 1
American Coot 2
Piping Plover 6
Killdeer 2
American Oystercatcher 2
Greater Yellowlegs 3
Willet 8
Lesser Yellowlegs 5
Least Sandpiper 8
Short-billed Dowitcher 1
Wilson's Snipe 2
Laughing Gull 25
Ring-billed Gull 1
American Herring Gull 3
Great Black-backed Gull 2
Forster's Tern 10
Mourning Dove 4
Eastern Kingbird 1
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher 1
American Crow 1
Fish Crow 1
Tree Swallow 10
Barn Swallow 8
Carolina Wren 2
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 2
Yellow-rumped Warbler 2
Common Yellowthroat 6
Savannah Sparrow 2
Song Sparrow 1
Northern Cardinal 4
Red-winged Blackbird 15
Common Grackle 10
Boat-tailed Grackle 3
House Finch 2
American Goldfinch 3
House Sparrow 3

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)

As soon as they return in the spring, Eastern Willets take up breeding territory [photo by Karl Lukens].

This stunning Scissor-tailed Flycatcher has been gracing South Cape May for several days now [photo by Karl Lukens].

Male Common Yellowthroat on today's walk[photo by Karl Lukens].

Heislerville - Monday April 25th 2011

Location:     Heislerville WMA - 2 Main Impoundments
Observation date:     4/25/11
Notes:     CMBO walk at Heislerville. Leaders Pete Dunne, Janet Crawford, Chuck and Mary Jane Slugg, Nancy Watson. Best bird of the walk was a flying Whimbrel. Also had a Ruddy Turnstone, Dunlin coming in low overhead, two breeding-plumaged Horned Grebes, a Green Heron and several Black-bellied Plovers in breeding plumage.
Number of species:     38

Canada Goose     16
Mute Swan     5
American Black Duck     6
Lesser Scaup     6
Red-breasted Merganser     4
Horned Grebe     2
Double-crested Cormorant     32
Great Blue Heron     2
Great Egret     60
Snowy Egret     60
Green Heron     1
Black-crowned Night-Heron     51
Black Vulture     2
Turkey Vulture     4
Osprey     6
Bald Eagle     5
Black-bellied Plover     22
Semipalmated Plover     15
Killdeer     1
Greater Yellowlegs     36
Lesser Yellowlegs     1
Whimbrel     1
Ruddy Turnstone     1
Least Sandpiper     3
Dunlin     2000
Short-billed Dowitcher     250
Laughing Gull     11
Ring-billed Gull     7
American Herring Gull     12
Great Black-backed Gull     8
Forster's Tern     32
Barn Swallow     12
Marsh Wren     1
European Starling     9
Eastern Towhee     1
Red-winged Blackbird     14
Common Grackle     4
House Sparrow     2

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)

Higbee's Beach WMA - Sunday April 24th 2011

Location: Cape Island--Higbees Beach SWA
Observation date: 4/24/11
Notes: What a beautiful morning to bird Higbee WMA! Prairie Warblers are now singing frequently out on the dunes and White-eyed Vireos & Blue-gray Gnatcatchers call constantly. A Red-headed Woodpecker perched in the sun to preen long enough for scope views but two adult male Blue Grosbeaks were less than co-operative as they flitted low in the grass before disappearing. It was a good morning to study bird song as individuals could be heard clearly and repeatedly.
Leaders: K & R Horn, MJ & C Slugg, C & S Bamford

Number of species: 55
Canada Goose 1
Mallard 4
Surf Scoter 7
Wild Turkey 3 New England Rd field
Northern Gannet 35
Double-crested Cormorant 96
Turkey Vulture 2
Bald Eagle 1
American Kestrel 1
peep sp. 15
Laughing Gull 12
American Herring Gull 5
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Forster's Tern 4
Mourning Dove 6
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2
Red-headed Woodpecker 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2 heard
Downy Woodpecker 5
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 2
White-eyed Vireo 6
Yellow-throated Vireo 2
Blue-headed Vireo 1 heard
Blue Jay 3
American Crow 9
Fish Crow 2
Tree Swallow 1
Carolina Chickadee 7
Tufted Titmouse 6
Carolina Wren 6
House Wren 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 14
Golden-crowned Kinglet 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
American Robin 12
Gray Catbird 4
Northern Mockingbird 1
Brown Thrasher 2
European Starling 6
Northern Parula 1 heard
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 5
Prairie Warbler 6
Black-and-white Warbler 2
Common Yellowthroat 3 heard
Eastern Towhee 4
Chipping Sparrow 3
Field Sparrow 6
White-throated Sparrow 9
Dark-eyed Junco 2
Northern Cardinal 14
Blue Grosbeak 2
Red-winged Blackbird 13
Brown-headed Cowbird 8
Baltimore Oriole 1
House Finch 2
American Goldfinch 6

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)


Male Prairie Warbler at Higbee's Beach [photo by Roger Horn].

Bird Walk for All People - Saturday April 23rd 2011

Location:     Cape May Point SP
Observation date:     4/23/11
Notes:     Late afternoon sunshine brought out some birds for the Bird Walk for All People.  Highlights of the walk were good looks at Yellow-rumped Warblers in
good plumage, close Northern Gannets and a pair of American Oystercatchers on the beach.
Number of species:     45

Canada Goose     10
Mute Swan     6
Mallard     16
Northern Gannet     20
Double-crested Cormorant     2
Great Egret     4
Snowy Egret     3
Turkey Vulture     6
Osprey     8
American Coot     1
Killdeer     1
American Oystercatcher     2
Laughing Gull     10
Herring Gull     8
Great Black-backed Gull     12
Forster's Tern     30
Rock Pigeon     4
Mourning Dove     2
White-eyed Vireo     1
American Crow     16
Fish Crow     30
Purple Martin     40
Tree Swallow     10
Barn Swallow     3
Carolina Chickadee     7
Red-breasted Nuthatch     1
Carolina Wren     5
Marsh Wren     1     heard
Ruby-crowned Kinglet     1
American Robin     15
Northern Mockingbird     8
European Starling     5
Yellow-rumped Warbler     18
Prairie Warbler     1
Palm Warbler     1
Common Yellowthroat     8
Eastern Towhee     3
Song Sparrow     6
White-throated Sparrow     4
Northern Cardinal     6
Red-winged Blackbird     20
Common Grackle     10
Brown-headed Cowbird     8
American Goldfinch     10
House Sparrow     6

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(
http://ebird.org)

Rea Farm - The Beanery - Saturday April 23rd 2011

Location: The Beanery Observation date: 4/23/11
Notes: CMBO Spring Migrants at the Rea Farm
Walk-KL,K&RH,C&MJS,WC. Some rain,52°,E12. Breezy and occasional rain. Birds were rather quiet but we managed to find a few including Yellow-rumped Warblers, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Prairie Warbler and Northern Parula. Great Egrets and Black-crowned Night Herons were at the willow pond as was a Wilson's Snipe. One American Kestrel in the vineyards and a Bald Eagle over the second field.
Number of species: 42

Canada Goose 5
Mute Swan 2
Mallard 4
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Great Egret 3
Snowy Egret 1
Little Blue Heron 2
Black-crowned Night-Heron 5
Black Vulture 2
Turkey Vulture 6
Osprey 2
Bald Eagle 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
American Kestrel 1
Killdeer 2
Whimbrel 1
Wilson's Snipe 1
Laughing Gull 15
American Herring Gull 3
Forster's Tern 1
Mourning Dove 5
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
American Crow 5
Fish Crow 5
Carolina Chickadee 3
Tufted Titmouse 1
Carolina Wren 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1
American Robin 2
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 2
Northern Parula 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 5
Prairie Warbler 1
Palm Warbler 1
Black-and-white Warbler 1
Common Yellowthroat 3
Song Sparrow 1
Northern Cardinal 4
Red-winged Blackbird 10
Common Grackle 5
Brown-headed Cowbird 8

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)

South Cape May Meadows - Friday April 22nd 2011

Location:     Cape Island--CMMBS (Cape May Migratory Bird Sanctuary (Meadows))
Observation date:     4/22/11
Notes:  Friday afternoon at The Meadows was cool and drizzling; C&MJS, WC, & CH. A Glaucous Gull on 2nd Avenue jetty was a treat and a life bird for several
walkers; a Piping Plover and Wilson's Snipe were also enjoyed.
Number of species:     44

Canada Goose     8
Mute Swan     10
Gadwall     30
American Wigeon     2
Mallard     10
Blue-winged Teal     2
Green-winged Teal     30
Common Loon     1
Northern Gannet     25
Double-crested Cormorant     1
Great Blue Heron     2
Great Egret     5
Snowy Egret     8
Turkey Vulture     6
Osprey     12
American Kestrel     1
American Coot     2
Piping Plover     1
Killdeer     3
American Oystercatcher     2
Greater Yellowlegs     6
Lesser Yellowlegs     4
Wilson's Snipe     4
Laughing Gull     12
American Herring Gull     20
Glaucous Gull     1
Great Black-backed Gull     20
Forster's Tern     7
Rock Pigeon     8
Mourning Dove     4
Chimney Swift     2
American Crow     10
Fish Crow     8
Northern Rough-winged Swallow     2
Tree Swallow     10
Bank Swallow     2
Barn Swallow     35
American Robin     3
European Starling     5
Savannah Sparrow     4
Northern Cardinal     4
Red-winged Blackbird     20
Common Grackle     2
Brown-headed Cowbird     2

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(
http://ebird.org)

Higbee's Beach WMA - Friday April 22nd 2011

It was a pretty chilly walk at Higbee's with winds far from ideal for good migration; nevertheless, we had a nice walk and the five Eastern Kingbirds provided a first-of-year for some.

Location: Cape Island--Higbees Beach SWA
Observation date: 4/22/11
Notes: Cold!

Number of species: 40
Canada Goose 2
Common Loon 1
Double-crested Cormorant 2
Great Egret 1
Little Blue Heron 2
Turkey Vulture 3
Osprey 1
Bald Eagle 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Greater Yellowlegs 1
Laughing Gull 12
Herring Gull (American) 1
Mourning Dove 5
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 3
Eastern Kingbird 5
White-eyed Vireo 2
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 4
Fish Crow 1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2
Carolina Chickadee 3
Tufted Titmouse 4
Carolina Wren 6
House Wren 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2
American Robin 2
Gray Catbird 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 4
Common Yellowthroat 2
Eastern Towhee 1
Field Sparrow 2
Savannah Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow 6
Northern Cardinal 6
Red-winged Blackbird 8
Common Grackle 7
Brown-headed Cowbird 15
American Goldfinch 11

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

Heislerville - Thursday April 21st 2011

Location: Belleplain State Forest
Observation date: 4/21/11
Notes: CMBO Birds of Belleplain Walk-JA,KL,BH,+7.PtlySun,55°,NNW15. Cool and windy, birds rather quiet! We did manage to see a Yellow-throated warbler very well as well as a first-of-year (for some) Hooded Warbler. Missed on the walk, but leader-only afterwards was a nice Louisiana Waterthrush at New
Bridge. American Kestrel and Prairie Warbler at the Boy Scout Camp.
Number of species: 48

Canada Goose 1
Mallard 4
Wild Turkey 4
Double-crested Cormorant 2
Black Vulture 3
Turkey Vulture 5
Osprey 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 seen by a few
Cooper's Hawk 1 seen by a few
Broad-winged Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 3
American Kestrel 1
Greater Yellowlegs 1
Laughing Gull 15
Ring-billed Gull 1
Herring Gull 50
Mourning Dove 5
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 heard
Downy Woodpecker 2
Eastern Phoebe 3
White-eyed Vireo 3
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 2
Fish Crow 2
Tree Swallow 10
Barn Swallow 10
Carolina Chickadee 4
Tufted Titmouse 3
Carolina Wren 1 before walk
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2
American Robin 5
Northern Mockingbird 3
Northern Parula 1 seen by some
Yellow-rumped Warbler 6
Yellow-throated Warbler 5 seen & heard
Pine Warbler 5 heard
Prairie Warbler 2
Black-and-white Warbler 3
Ovenbird 10 heard
Louisiana Waterthrush 1 after walk-New Bridge
Hooded Warbler 1
Eastern Towhee 1 heard
Chipping Sparrow 4
Northern Cardinal 2
Red-winged Blackbird 2
Common Grackle 8
Brown-headed Cowbird 10
American Goldfinch 1

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

Heislerville - Thursday April 21st 2011

Location:     Heislerville WMA
Observation date:     4/21/11
Notes:     CMBO walk at Heislerville. Leaders Pete Dunne, Warren Cairo, Shaun Bamford, Cindy Bamford. More new arrivals, including Black Skimmer, Semipalmated Plover and Semipalmated Sandpiper. Good looks at the Black-crowned Night Herons and nesting egrets. Ducks are starting to move out, but we still got good looks at Blue-winged Teal, Red-breasted Merganser and Lesser Scaup.
Number of species:     39

Canada Goose     8
Mute Swan     6
American Black Duck     9
Blue-winged Teal     5
Green-winged Teal     90
Lesser Scaup     8
Red-breasted Merganser     19
Double-crested Cormorant     32
Great Blue Heron     1
Great Egret     16
Snowy Egret     8
Black-crowned Night-Heron     32
Black Vulture     1
Turkey Vulture     14
Osprey     6
Bald Eagle     1
Red-tailed Hawk     1
Black-bellied Plover     1
Semipalmated Plover     1
Killdeer     1
Greater Yellowlegs     52
Lesser Yellowlegs     47
Semipalmated Sandpiper     2
Least Sandpiper     10
Dunlin     25
Short-billed Dowitcher     22
Bonaparte's Gull     2
Laughing Gull     8
Ring-billed Gull     42
American Herring Gull     10
Forster's Tern     26
Black Skimmer     2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow     1
Tree Swallow     7
Barn Swallow     6
Northern Mockingbird     1
European Starling     10
Red-winged Blackbird     12
Common Grackle     15

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)

Peaslee WMA - Wednesday April 20th 2011

Location:     Peaslee WMA
Observation date:     4/20/11
Notes:     CMBO walk at Peaslee WMA. Leaders Karen Johnson and Janet Crawford. Great looks at two male Prothonotary Warblers disputing territory, heard both Wood Thrush and Hermit Thrush singing, saw an Ovenbird and a first of season American Redstart and Orchard Oriole. A lot of bugs and butterflies were out, including Six-spotted Tiger Beetle, Tiger Swallowtail, Red-spotted Purple, Juvenal's Duskywing, Mourning Cloak and Orange Sulphur.
Number of species:     39

Canada Goose     12
American Black Duck     3
Mallard     2
Wild Turkey     1
Double-crested Cormorant     2
Osprey     1
Red-tailed Hawk     1
Mourning Dove     10
Red-bellied Woodpecker     3
Downy Woodpecker     4
Eastern Phoebe     2
White-eyed Vireo     11
Blue-headed Vireo     1
Blue Jay     6
Tree Swallow     3
Bank Swallow     1
Carolina Chickadee     4
Tufted Titmouse     4
Carolina Wren     3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher     15
Hermit Thrush     1
Wood Thrush     1
Gray Catbird     1
Brown Thrasher     2
European Starling     3
Yellow-rumped Warbler     3
Yellow-throated Warbler     9
Pine Warbler     6
Prairie Warbler     1
Black-and-white Warbler     14
Prothonotary Warbler     2
Ovenbird     15
Common Yellowthroat     6
Eastern Towhee     7
Chipping Sparrow     15
Field Sparrow     5
White-throated Sparrow     3
Dark-eyed Junco     1
American Goldfinch     7



Location:     First Ave. Peaslee
Observation date:     4/20/11
Number of species:     5

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher     4
Pine Warbler     1
Black-and-white Warbler     1
American Redstart     1
Ovenbird     4

Location:     Upper Champion Road (off Vine Street)
Observation date:     4/20/11
Number of species:     7

Black Vulture     2
White-eyed Vireo     2
American Robin     2
Prairie Warbler     6
Chipping Sparrow     3
Field Sparrow     4
Orchard Oriole     2


This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

Nummy's Island - Wednesday April 20th 2011

Location:     Nummy Island
Observation date:     4/20/11
Number of species:     40

Brant     175
Canada Goose     35
American Black Duck     4
Mallard     8
Red-breasted Merganser     2
Red-throated Loon     1
Common Loon     10
Double-crested Cormorant     12
Great Egret     10
Snowy Egret     6
Tricolored Heron     2
Black-crowned Night-Heron     27
Glossy Ibis     6
Osprey     12
Peregrine Falcon     1
Clapper Rail     17
Black-bellied Plover     35
American Oystercatcher     46
Greater Yellowlegs     24
Willet (Eastern)     18
Lesser Yellowlegs     8
Whimbrel     45
Ruddy Turnstone     15
Red Knot     4
Sanderling     20
Dunlin     75
Short-billed Dowitcher     6
Laughing Gull     1500
Herring Gull     122
Great Black-backed Gull     35
Forster's Tern     30
Mourning Dove     2
Fish Crow     24
American Robin     2
Northern Mockingbird     2
European Starling     6
Saltmarsh Sparrow     2
Song Sparrow     2
Red-winged Blackbird     12
Boat-tailed Grackle     22

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)

Cape May Point - Wednesday April 20th 2011

Location: Cape May Point SP
Observation date: 4/20/11
Number of species: 52

Canada Goose 4
Mute Swan 6
Gadwall 3
Mallard 8
Ring-necked Duck 5
Red-breasted Merganser 1
Red-throated Loon 1
Northern Gannet 15
Double-crested Cormorant 120
Great Egret 2
Snowy Egret 4
Turkey Vulture 5
Osprey 2
American Kestrel 1
Piping Plover 2
Killdeer 2
American Oystercatcher 4
Willet 2
Laughing Gull 12
Herring Gull (American) 4
Great Black-backed Gull 5
Forster's Tern 6
Rock Pigeon 3
Mourning Dove 2
Downy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 2
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 2
Fish Crow 8
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 4
Purple Martin 25
Tree Swallow 10
Barn Swallow 6
Carolina Chickadee 2
Carolina Wren 3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1
American Robin 5
Northern Mockingbird 3
Brown Thrasher 3
European Starling 10
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 12
Common Yellowthroat 4
Song Sparrow 3
Swamp Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 8
Northern Cardinal 2
Red-winged Blackbird 25
Common Grackle 20
Brown-headed Cowbird 6
House Finch 1
American Goldfinch 3
House Sparrow 2

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

E-Z Birding Walk - Tuesday April 19th 2011

Location:     Cape May Point SP
Observation date:     4/19/11
Notes:     EZ Birding highlights include Audubon's Warbler and Myrtle Warbler together in tree for good comparison and a very visible, vocalizing Prairie Warbler. CS, WC, SW, TP, KL; mild and overcast, no wind.
Number of species:     50

Canada Goose     20
Mute Swan     12
Mallard     6
Surf Scoter     1
scoter sp.     26
Red-throated Loon     5
Northern Gannet     12
Double-crested Cormorant     210
Great Egret     2
Snowy Egret     2
Turkey Vulture     2
Osprey     15
Bald Eagle     1
Piping Plover     2
Killdeer     6
American Oystercatcher     4
Willet (Eastern)     2
Laughing Gull     8
Herring Gull     6
Great Black-backed Gull     8
Forster's Tern     14
Rock Pigeon     6
Mourning Dove     5
Red-bellied Woodpecker     1     heard
Downy Woodpecker     1
American Crow     4
Fish Crow     10
Northern Rough-winged Swallow     2
Purple Martin     30
Tree Swallow     3
Carolina Chickadee     8
White-breasted Nuthatch     1
Carolina Wren     4
American Robin     8
Gray Catbird     1
Northern Mockingbird     4
European Starling     6
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)     6
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's)     1
Prairie Warbler     1
Common Yellowthroat     2     heard
Eastern Towhee     2
Savannah Sparrow     2
Song Sparrow     2
White-throated Sparrow     1     heard
Northern Cardinal     6
Red-winged Blackbird     18
Common Grackle     8
Brown-headed Cowbird     6
Purple Finch     1
House Sparrow     2

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(
http://ebird.org)

Maurice River Bald Eagle Cruise 4-17-2011

"The final Bald Eagle Cruise produced the usual plethora of Ospreys and Eagles, along with some cool surprise visitors. Two American Kestrels hunted the fields at the Bertram Sister's farm, while a couple of Belted Kingfishers put in an appearance. The bird of the day would have to be the Caspian Tern that flew north over the river."

Location: Maurice River Eagle Survey
Observation date: 4/17/11
Notes: Final CMBO Bald Eagle Cruise on Maurice River
Number of species: 30

Canada Goose 17
American Black Duck 9
Northern Pintail 2
Green-winged Teal 21
Wild Turkey 2
Double-crested Cormorant 64
Snowy Egret 5
Glossy Ibis 18
Turkey Vulture 7
Osprey 43
Bald Eagle 8
American Kestrel 2
Greater Yellowlegs 7
Laughing Gull 23
Ring-billed Gull 17
Herring Gull 46
Great Black-backed Gull 2
Caspian Tern 1
Forster's Tern 16
Belted Kingfisher 2
Eastern Phoebe 1
Blue Jay 8
Fish Crow 14
Purple Martin 26
Tree Swallow 35
Barn Swallow 12
Carolina Chickadee 4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1
Song Sparrow 4
Red-winged Blackbird 35

South Cape May Meadows - Monday April 18th 2011

Location: South Cape May Meadows
Observation date: 4/18/11
Notes: CMBO Pete Dunne Walk at the Meadows.-PD,KL,C&MJS,WC,S&KW,+10.
Still some good ducks around and a few Passerines, i.e., Yellow-rumps and Prairie Warblers, Common Yellow-throats, and a bright Yellow-throated Vireo. A Cliff Swallow and Northern Rough-winged Swallow were among the Barn and Tree Swallows. Northern Gannets and scoters still offshore.
Number of species: 57

Canada Goose 15
Mute Swan 6
Wood Duck 1
Gadwall 8
Mallard 10
Blue-winged Teal 1
Green-winged Teal 15
Surf Scoter 15
Red-breasted Merganser 1
Red-throated Loon 3
Common Loon 3
Northern Gannet 15
Double-crested Cormorant 400
Great Blue Heron 4
Great Egret 3
Snowy Egret 12
Osprey 8
Bald Eagle 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
American Coot 2
Piping Plover 10
Killdeer 1
American Oystercatcher 2
Greater Yellowlegs 2
Wilson's Snipe 2
Laughing Gull 15
American Herring Gull 5
Great Black-backed Gull 5
Forster's Tern 10
Rock Pigeon 2
Mourning Dove 5
Yellow-throated Vireo 1
Blue Jay 1
American Crow 3
Fish Crow 5
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2
Purple Martin 8
Tree Swallow 10
Barn Swallow 10
Cliff Swallow 1
Horned Lark 1
Carolina Wren 1
American Robin 5
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 3
Yellow-rumped Warbler 6
Prairie Warbler 2
Common Yellowthroat 8
Savannah Sparrow 3
Song Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 1
Northern Cardinal 3
Red-winged Blackbird 10
Common Grackle 20
Boat-tailed Grackle 1
Brown-headed Cowbird 5
House Finch 1
House Sparrow 1

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)

Teed up and singing this morning - Common Yellowthroat...

... and Brown Thrasher [photos by Karl Lukens].

Heislerville - Monday April 18th 2011

Location:     Heislerville WMA
Observation date:     4/18/11
Notes:     CMBO walk at Heislerville - Leaders: Pete Dunne, Chuck and Mary Jane Slugg, Warren Cairo, Janet Crawford. Highlights included nesting and displaying Great Egrets, a lone Cattle Egret, a Peregrine Falcon chasing the Shorebirds in the cove, and still a nice assortment of ducks. At Thompson's Beach lots of nesting Osprey, calling Clapper Rails, and Willets.
Number of species:     44

Canada Goose     15
Mute Swan     4
Gadwall     8
American Wigeon     1
American Black Duck     40
Blue-winged Teal     6
Northern Shoveler     1
Green-winged Teal     125
Lesser Scaup     8
Red-breasted Merganser     7
Double-crested Cormorant     26
Great Egret     32
Snowy Egret     36
Cattle Egret     1
Black-crowned Night-Heron     45
Glossy Ibis     3
Turkey Vulture     1
Osprey     6
Bald Eagle     1
Red-tailed Hawk     1
American Kestrel     1
Peregrine Falcon     1
Black-bellied Plover     20
Killdeer     2
Greater Yellowlegs     56
Willet     1
Lesser Yellowlegs     60
Dunlin     9000
Short-billed Dowitcher     20
Wilson's Snipe     1
Laughing Gull     15
Ring-billed Gull     25
Herring Gull     20
Great Black-backed Gull     3
Forster's Tern     18
Rock Pigeon     1
Mourning Dove     1
Fish Crow     2
Barn Swallow     3
European Starling     10
Red-winged Blackbird     12
Common Grackle     10
Boat-tailed Grackle     2
House Sparrow     2

Location:     Thompsons Beach
Observation date:     4/18/11
Number of species:     16

Canada Goose     2
Green-winged Teal     62
Great Egret     6
Snowy Egret     8
Osprey     16
Bald Eagle     2
Clapper Rail     6
Black-bellied Plover     4
Greater Yellowlegs     10
Willet     6
Lesser Yellowlegs     10
Laughing Gull     6
Herring Gull     7
Forster's Tern     2
Red-winged Blackbird     20
Common Grackle     10

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)

Higbee's Beach WMA - Sunday April 17th 2011

Sunday's walk at Higbee's Beach WMA produced singing Prairie Warblers and soaring Northern Gannets from the dune overlook, along with Surf and Black Scoters, lots of migrating Double-crested Cormorants, a brief look at Whimbrels overhead and a teasing Prothonotary Warbler back in the wetwoods, heard but never seen.

Location:     Cape Island--Higbees Beach SWA
Leaders: K&R Horn, C&S Bamford, W Cairo, MJ&C Slugg
Observation date:     4/17/11
Number of species:     57

Brant     9
Canada Goose     8
Mallard     8
Surf Scoter     22
Black Scoter     32
Red-breasted Merganser     1
Wild Turkey     3
Common Loon     2
Northern Gannet     68
Double-crested Cormorant     147
Great Egret     9
Black Vulture     1
Turkey Vulture     1
Osprey     2
Bald Eagle     1
Red-tailed Hawk     1
American Kestrel     1
Whimbrel     9
Laughing Gull     20
Herring Gull (American)     30
Great Black-backed Gull     4
Rock Pigeon     2
Mourning Dove     4
Red-bellied Woodpecker     2
Downy Woodpecker     2
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)     3
White-eyed Vireo     2     Heard
Blue Jay     3
American Crow     5
Fish Crow     6
Tree Swallow     4
Carolina Chickadee     4
Tufted Titmouse     5
Carolina Wren     5
House Wren     1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher     5
Golden-crowned Kinglet     1     Heard
Ruby-crowned Kinglet     1     Heard
American Robin     12
Northern Mockingbird     1
Brown Thrasher     4
European Starling     7
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)     1
Prairie Warbler     2
Prothonotary Warbler     1     Heard
Common Yellowthroat     1     Heard
Eastern Towhee     1
Chipping Sparrow     7
Field Sparrow     7
Song Sparrow     1
White-throated Sparrow     5
Northern Cardinal     8
Red-winged Blackbird     25
Common Grackle     2
Brown-headed Cowbird     12
House Finch     2
American Goldfinch     3

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)

Photo Walk - Saturday April 16th 2011

Mike Hannisian reports: The very heavy wind this Saturday caused virtually all of the land birds to lay low. As a result, we went to the west end of Sunset Boulevard where a near constant stream of Northern Gannets was flying by rather close to shore. Also present were a number of Red-throated Loons and Double-crested Cormorants which seemed wholly oblivious to the weather. 
 
Northern Gannets gave plenty of opportunity to be photo-creative on Saturday morning..

...as did this line of Double-crested Cormorants, pausing for a break in the windy conditions.
 

The Beanery - Saturday April 16th 2011

Location: The Beanery
Observation date: 4/16/11
Notes: CMBO Spring Migrants at the Rea Farm
Walk-KL,CS,WC,K&RH,+5.Cldy,50°,E20! Cloudy and very breezy. Good start with
a Kestrel and a Sandhill Crane at the parking lot before getting started.
Other birds of interest were a Black-throated Green Warbler, Yellow-rumps in
near breeding plumage, 2 Wilson's Snipe, and some well hidden Black-crowned
Night-Herons.
Number of species: 41
Canada Goose 15
Mute Swan 1
Wood Duck 2
Mallard 5
Double-crested Cormorant 2
Great Egret 1
Green Heron 1
Black-crowned Night-Heron 2
Black Vulture 3
Turkey Vulture 15
Osprey 3
Red-tailed Hawk 3
American Kestrel 3
Sandhill Crane 1
Killdeer 1
Lesser Yellowlegs 1
Wilson's Snipe 2
Laughing Gull 1
Herring Gull 10
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Rock Pigeon 2
Mourning Dove 5
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 heard
Downy Woodpecker 1
American Crow 10
Fish Crow 1
Carolina Chickadee 3
Carolina Wren 3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 3
American Robin 5
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 7
Yellow-rumped Warbler 8
Black-throated Green Warbler 1
Savannah Sparrow 7
Song Sparrow 1
Northern Cardinal 5
Red-winged Blackbird 10
Common Grackle 10
Brown-headed Cowbird 10
House Finch 2

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)

Sandhill Crane on Bayshore Road near The Beanery today [photo by Karl Lukens]

The Meadows - Friday April 15th 2011

Location:     Cape Island--CMMBS (Cape May Migratory Bird Sanctuary (Meadows))
Observation date:     4/15/11
Notes:     Very windy conditions made it difficult to focus binoculars and
scopes; however, many ospreys overhead with piping plover and American
oystercatchers on the beach made the walk enjoyable.
Number of species:     46

Canada Goose     10
Mute Swan     12
Gadwall     14
American Wigeon     1
Mallard     8
Blue-winged Teal     4
Northern Shoveler     28
Green-winged Teal     40
Red-throated Loon     9
Northern Gannet     12
Double-crested Cormorant     10
Great Egret     2
Snowy Egret     3
Black Vulture     1
Turkey Vulture     12
Osprey     8
Northern Harrier     1
American Kestrel     1
American Coot     3
Black-bellied Plover     1
Piping Plover     2
Killdeer     3
American Oystercatcher     2
Spotted Sandpiper     1
Greater Yellowlegs     3
Lesser Yellowlegs     2
Wilson's Snipe     1
Laughing Gull     8
Ring-billed Gull     1
Herring Gull     6
Great Black-backed Gull     6
Forster's Tern     14
Mourning Dove     2
Chimney Swift     3
Belted Kingfisher     1
American Crow     4
Fish Crow     6
Northern Rough-winged Swallow     1
Purple Martin     4
Tree Swallow     2
Barn Swallow     20
American Robin     3
Yellow-rumped Warbler     1
Savannah Sparrow     1
Red-winged Blackbird     20
Common Grackle     2

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(
http://ebird.org)

Higbee's Beach WMA - Friday April 15th 2011

Location: Cape Island--Higbees Beach SWA Observation date: 4/15/11
Notes: Windy from the east so few migrants noted
Number of species: 42

Canada Goose X
Wild Turkey 4
Double-crested Cormorant 35
Black-crowned Night-Heron 1
Black Vulture 8
Turkey Vulture 18
Osprey 2
Red-tailed Hawk 3
American Kestrel 1
Laughing Gull 50
Herring Gull (American) 1
Forster's Tern 3
Mourning Dove 3
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 5
White-eyed Vireo 3
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 2
Fish Crow 4
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1
Carolina Chickadee 8
Tufted Titmouse 4
Carolina Wren 3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 10
American Robin 3
Northern Mockingbird 1
Brown Thrasher 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 15
Prairie Warbler 1
Palm Warbler (Yellow) 8
Common Yellowthroat 1
Eastern Towhee 6
Field Sparrow 6
Savannah Sparrow 2
Song Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow 8
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 3
Northern Cardinal 10
Red-winged Blackbird 10
Common Grackle 4
Brown-headed Cowbird 20
House Finch 1
American Goldfinch 1

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

Cape May Point - Wednesday April 13th 2011

It was a foggy morninig at Cape May Point so we missed out on any offshore movement of birds, but we notched up one or two other surprises, including a Yellow-throated Warbler (scarce south of the canal) and a season-first Green Heron. Three Whimbrel flew over and a Boat-tailed Grackle was present just before the walk started.

Location: Cape Island--CMP (Cape May Point)
Observation date: 4/13/11
Notes: Foggy, so no offshore birds!
Number of species: 56
Canada Goose 10
Mute Swan 7
Gadwall 4
American Wigeon 2
Mallard 12
Northern Shoveler 2
Green-winged Teal 2
Double-crested Cormorant 260
Great Blue Heron 1
Great Egret 2
Snowy Egret 3
Green Heron 1
Osprey 1
Killdeer 1
Spotted Sandpiper 1
Greater Yellowlegs 1
Whimbrel 3
Wilson's Snipe 2
Laughing Gull 4
Herring Gull (American) 2
Great Black-backed Gull 4
Forster's Tern 12
Rock Pigeon 4
Mourning Dove 3
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 5
American Crow 1
Fish Crow 6
Purple Martin 20
Tree Swallow 10
Barn Swallow 15
Carolina Chickadee 5
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
Brown Creeper 2
Carolina Wren 4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 3
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2
American Robin 40
Northern Mockingbird 2
Brown Thrasher 4
European Starling 2
Yellow-rumped Warbler 5
Yellow-throated Warbler 1
Palm Warbler 3
Common Yellowthroat 2
Chipping Sparrow 3
Field Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 4
Swamp Sparrow 3
White-throated Sparrow 25
Northern Cardinal 6
Red-winged Blackbird 20
Boat-tailed Grackle 1
Common Grackle 15
Brown-headed Cowbird 8
House Finch 1
House Sparrow 4

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

Belleplain State Forest - Tuesday April 12th 2011

Location:     Belleplain State Forest
Observation date:     4/12/11
Notes:     CMBO Hidden Corners of Belleplain walk - Leaders: Karen Johnson and Janet Crawford. Good looks at two Ovenbirds, singing Brown Thrashers posing in the treetops, Yellow-rumped and Palm Warblers in breeding plumage and lots of Black-and-white Warblers.
Number of species:     40

Canada Goose     3
Wild Turkey     8
Double-crested Cormorant     1
Black Vulture     1
Turkey Vulture     13
Laughing Gull     6
Herring Gull     10
Mourning Dove     2
Red-bellied Woodpecker     3
Downy Woodpecker     4
Northern Flicker     1
Eastern Phoebe     5
Blue-headed Vireo     1
Blue Jay     20
Fish Crow     8
Carolina Chickadee     10
Tufted Titmouse     11
White-breasted Nuthatch     1
Carolina Wren     1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher     22
Ruby-crowned Kinglet     3
American Robin     30
Brown Thrasher     2
Yellow-rumped Warbler     5
Yellow-throated Warbler     13
Pine Warbler     25
Palm Warbler     2
Black-and-white Warbler     17
Ovenbird     3
Louisiana Waterthrush     5
Common Yellowthroat     1
Eastern Towhee     17
Chipping Sparrow     15
White-throated Sparrow     12
Dark-eyed Junco     33
Northern Cardinal     2
Boat-tailed Grackle     5
Brown-headed Cowbird     15
House Finch     1
American Goldfinch     22

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)

E-Z Birding - Tuesday April 12th 2011

Location:     Cape May Point SP
Observation date:     4/12/11
Notes:  Although we were not overwhelmed with numbers we had a nice variety of species. A flock of flying Glossy Ibis, perched raptors and a pair of Bald Eagles were highlights of the walk.  The sky remained overcast but the rain held off and temperatures were in the high 60s.
Number of species:     56

Canada Goose     20
Mute Swan     12
American Wigeon     2
Mallard     10
Green-winged Teal     8
Northern Gannet     6
Double-crested Cormorant     120
Great Egret     2
Glossy Ibis     37
Black Vulture     2
Turkey Vulture     25
Osprey     6
Bald Eagle     2
Northern Harrier     1
Cooper's Hawk     1
Red-tailed Hawk     1
American Kestrel     1
Merlin     1
Killdeer     2
American Oystercatcher     2
Greater Yellowlegs     1
Laughing Gull     15
Herring Gull     5
Great Black-backed Gull     2
Forster's Tern     8
Rock Pigeon     20
Mourning Dove     6
Belted Kingfisher     1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)     5
Eastern Phoebe     1     heard only
American Crow     10
Fish Crow     20
Purple Martin     30
Tree Swallow     2
Barn Swallow     5
Carolina Chickadee     6     heard only
Tufted Titmouse     1
Carolina Wren     6
Winter Wren     2     heard only
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher     8
American Robin     20
Northern Mockingbird     1
Brown Thrasher     1
European Starling     10
Yellow-rumped Warbler     2
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)     2
Common Yellowthroat     8     heard only
Savannah Sparrow     1
Song Sparrow     6
Swamp Sparrow     1
Northern Cardinal     2
Red-winged Blackbird     30
Common Grackle     2
Brown-headed Cowbird     6
House Finch     4
House Sparrow     4

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(
http://ebird.org)

South Cape May Meadows - Monday April 11th 2011

Location: South Cape May Meadows Observation date: 4/11/11
Notes: CMBO Pete Dunne Meadow
Walk-PD,KL,C&MJ,SW,M&LB,WC,+7.Cldy,52°,SW15. Some ducks still remain and a few coots. Two American Oystercatchers, and eight Piping Plover on the beach. Both Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs in the east pond and two fly-over Black-bellied Plovers. First-of-year Common Yellowthroat noted.

Number of species: 53
Canada Goose 25
Mute Swan 7
Gadwall 8
Mallard 10
Blue-winged Teal 2
Northern Shoveler 2
Green-winged Teal 15
Black Scoter 15
Red-breasted Merganser 1
Red-throated Loon 8
Common Loon 1
Northern Gannet 35
Double-crested Cormorant 15
Great Egret 2
Snowy Egret 3
Osprey 3
Northern Harrier 1
American Coot 4
Black-bellied Plover 2
Piping Plover 8
Killdeer 2
American Oystercatcher 2
Greater Yellowlegs 4
Willet 1
Lesser Yellowlegs 1
Sanderling 1
Wilson's Snipe 2
Laughing Gull 15
Ring-billed Gull 1
Herring Gull 8
Great Black-backed Gull 2
Forster's Tern 8
Rock Pigeon 2
Mourning Dove 5
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 5
Fish Crow 2
Purple Martin 1
Tree Swallow 1
Barn Swallow 5
Carolina Wren 1
American Robin 7
Northern Mockingbird 2
European Starling 5
Common Yellowthroat 1
Savannah Sparrow 3
Song Sparrow 1
Northern Cardinal 4
Red-winged Blackbird 15
Common Grackle 15
Brown-headed Cowbird 2
House Finch 1
House Sparrow 1

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

Photo Walk - Saturday April 9th 2011

After consecutive weeks of mostly sun, this Saturday's walk began in sun which quickly was subsumed by a solid overcast. To state the obvious, photography is all about light and, unfortunately, many think that this means that nature photography needs sun. As today's images show, sun can produce good images, but when the sun disappears good photos can still be created. The trick is to change your approach. For example, try to shoot subjects against a background without the sky. The result, as we found during this walk, is often richer tonalities, especially with very dark subjects.

Mike Hannisian
 
Killdeer at the state park...

...and Red-winged Blackbird, shot against backgrounds without sky for begtter use of light on overcast days.
 

Higbee's Beach - Sunday April 10th 2011

The Sunday morning Higbee walk featured singing Palm Warblers, Field Sparrows, Brown Thrashers and Eastern Towhees, plus a handsome male American Kestrel perched atop a bare branch. A Spring Peeper thought he was safely camouflaged in a puddle but the scopes  gave us all a great view, a first for several in the group.
 
Location:     Cape Island--Higbees Beach SWA
Observation date:     4/10/11 Temperature 48F Overcast
Notes:     winter wren heard only
Number of species:     40
Leaders: K&R Horn, KLukens, MJ&C Slugg, C&S Bamford

Canada Goose     2
Wood Duck     2
Mallard     6
Wild Turkey     1
Common Loon     1
Double-crested Cormorant     1
Great Blue Heron     1
Little Blue Heron     1
American Kestrel     1
Killdeer     1
Laughing Gull     3
Herring Gull (American)     6
Rock Pigeon     2
Mourning Dove     6
Red-bellied Woodpecker     3
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker     1
Downy Woodpecker     4
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)     2
Eastern Phoebe     1
Blue Jay     11
American Crow     8
Fish Crow     2
Carolina Chickadee     4
Carolina Wren     6
Winter Wren     1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher     10
American Robin     10
Brown Thrasher     2
European Starling     9
Palm Warbler (Yellow)     3
Eastern Towhee     4
Field Sparrow     6
Song Sparrow     1
White-throated Sparrow     12
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)     1
Northern Cardinal     16
Red-winged Blackbird     24
Common Grackle     2
Brown-headed Cowbird     12
House Finch     2

Bird Walk for All People - Saturday April 9th 2011

Location:     Cape May Point SP
Observation date:     4/9/11
Notes:     Beautiful weather brought birders out including a man who brought seven people along for his birthday. Piping Plover, Belted Kingfisher and Red-breasted Nuthatch were highlights of the walk.
Number of species:     42

Canada Goose     20
Mute Swan     8
Gadwall     8
Mallard     10
Northern Shoveler     2
Green-winged Teal     4
Ring-necked Duck     1
Common Loon     1
Northern Gannet     12
Double-crested Cormorant     6
Great Egret     2
Turkey Vulture     8
Osprey     4
Bald Eagle     1
Piping Plover     2
American Oystercatcher     2
Laughing Gull     8
Herring Gull     6
Great Black-backed Gull     8
Forster's Tern     5
Rock Pigeon     12
Mourning Dove     4
Belted Kingfisher     1
Eastern Phoebe     3
American Crow     8
Fish Crow     4
Purple Martin     20
Tree Swallow     15
Barn Swallow     6
Carolina Chickadee     4
Red-breasted Nuthatch     2
Carolina Wren     4
American Robin     20
Northern Mockingbird     2
European Starling     30
Palm Warbler     2
Chipping Sparrow     2
Northern Cardinal     4
Red-winged Blackbird     20
Common Grackle     10
Brown-headed Cowbird     6
House Sparrow     4

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(
http://ebird.org)

Bald Eagle Cruise 4-10-2011

"Highlights from the Maurice River Cruise include Purple Martins newly arrived on the river, two American Kestrels migrating through, and a Caspian Tern flyby."

Location: Maurice River Eagle Survey
Observation date: 4/10/11
Notes: CMBO's Bald Eagle Cruises on the Maurice River
Number of species: 22

Canada Goose 16
Mute Swan 3
Green-winged Teal 24
Double-crested Cormorant 36
Great Egret 2
Snowy Egret 19
Turkey Vulture 17
Osprey 43
Bald Eagle 9
American Kestrel 2
Greater Yellowlegs 3
Dunlin 45
Laughing Gull 16
Caspian Tern 1
Forster's Tern 28
Belted Kingfisher 4
Northern Flicker 1
Eastern Phoebe 1
Purple Martin 14
Tree Swallow 13
Bank Swallow 2
Red-winged Blackbird