Higbee Beach Birding - Friday, September 28th, 2012

Rather slow with southerly wins and no new influx of birds. Lots of Northern Flickers perched and flying about as well as numerous Blue Jays. We did manage a couple of Indigo Buntings, a Blue Grosbeak, Magnolia and Black-and-white Warblers, and many Carolina Wrens heard. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Patty Rourke, Roger Horn, and Catherine Busch.
37 species

Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  4
Cooper's Hawk  3
Herring Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  6
Mourning Dove  3
Chimney Swift  1
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  4
Downy Woodpecker  2     heard
Northern Flicker  40
White-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  15
American Crow  5
Tree Swallow  50
Carolina Chickadee  1
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1     seen by a few
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  8     heard
American Robin  5
Gray Catbird  10
Brown Thrasher  3
European Starling  25
Cedar Waxwing  3
Northern Waterthrush  1     heard
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  5
Magnolia Warbler  1
Palm Warbler  2
Field Sparrow  1     heard
Northern Cardinal  6
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  2
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
Baltimore Oriole  1     seen by a few

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

Bird Walk for All People - Thursday, September 27th, 2012

Lots of Blue Jays and Northern Flickers overhead greeted birders on the Bird Walk for All People this morning. Other highlights include perched Merlins, a perched young Red-tailed Hawk, Eastern Phoebes, and a Veery seen by some. We ended with a young Lincoln's Sparrow in the bayberry by Bunker Pond. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Cindy Bamford, and Patty Rourke.
56 species

Canada Goose  30
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  6
American Wigeon  12
Mallard  14
Blue-winged Teal  8
Northern Shoveler  10
Northern Pintail  6
Green-winged Teal  1
Pied-billed Grebe  9     8 on Bunker Pond; 1 in Lighthouse Pond East
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Great Egret  3
Osprey  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  2
Cooper's Hawk  2
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Common Gallinule  1     heard
Laughing Gull  8
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull  10
Great Black-backed Gull  70
Common Tern  12
Forster's Tern  12
Royal Tern  2
Rock Pigeon  6
Mourning Dove  4
Chimney Swift  2
Belted Kingfisher  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  14
American Kestrel  2
Merlin  6
Eastern Phoebe  3
Red-eyed Vireo  4
Blue Jay  50     One large flock and several small flocks flying north; several trees with 5 or more perched birds; 70 is a conservative number
American Crow  3
Fish Crow  6
Tree Swallow  25
Carolina Chickadee  4
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  6
Veery  1     seen by only a few
American Robin  4
Gray Catbird  16
Northern Mockingbird  7
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  15
Common Yellowthroat  3
American Redstart  4
Yellow Warbler  2
Palm Warbler  10
Lincoln's Sparrow  1
Bobolink  7
Red-winged Blackbird  11
Baltimore Oriole  1
American Goldfinch  4     heard

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org/content/nj)

Twilight Watch at the Meadows - Wednesday, September 26th, 2012

Leaders: Patty Rourke and Bill Smythe.
33 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  X
Mute Swan  X
Mallard  X
Blue-winged Teal  X
Northern Shoveler  X
Green-winged Teal  X
Pied-billed Grebe  X
Double-crested Cormorant  X
Great Blue Heron  X
Great Egret  X
Snowy Egret  X
Turkey Vulture  X
Osprey  X
Cooper's Hawk  X
Sora  X
American Oystercatcher  X
Laughing Gull  X
Ring-billed Gull  X
Herring Gull  X
Great Black-backed Gull  X
Forster's Tern  X
Black Skimmer  X
Mourning Dove  X
Northern Flicker  X
Peregrine Falcon  X
American Crow  X
Marsh Wren  X
American Robin  X
Gray Catbird  X
Northern Mockingbird  X
Common Yellowthroat  X
Palm Warbler  X
sparrow sp.  X
House Sparrow  X

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, September 26th, 2012

Very breezy which did not help in finding song birds, although we did manage Red-eyed and Philadelphia Vireo, as well as American Redstart, Common Yellowthroat and the ever present Palm Warbler. Lots of close gulls and terns (3 Parasitic Jeagers were seen after the walk) as well as 2 Northern Gannets. Raptors included 2 Peregrine Falcons and several Merlin. Highlight was at the brush pile where we found the continuing Clay-colored Sparrow and an elusive Lincoln's Sparrow!  Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, Warren Cairo, Patty Rourke, and Chris Marks.
52 species

Canada Goose  50
Mute Swan  10
Gadwall  3
American Wigeon  20
Mallard  15
Blue-winged Teal  6
Northern Shoveler  10
Green-winged Teal  8
Pied-billed Grebe  6
Northern Gannet  2
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Great Egret  2
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  4
Sharp-shinned Hawk  5
Cooper's Hawk  2
Common Gallinule  1     juv.
Killdeer  1
Laughing Gull  20
Ring-billed Gull  5
Herring Gull  10
Great Black-backed Gull  25
Forster's Tern  25
Royal Tern  4
Rock Pigeon  4
Mourning Dove  5
Belted Kingfisher  1
Northern Flicker  12
American Kestrel  1
Merlin  3
Peregrine Falcon  2
Eastern Kingbird  1
Philadelphia Vireo  1
Blue Jay  5
American Crow  5
Tree Swallow  20
Carolina Chickadee  2
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  4
European Starling  15
Common Yellowthroat  2
American Redstart  1
Yellow Warbler  1
Palm Warbler  8
Clay-colored Sparrow  1     /p brushpile
Lincoln's Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  10
House Sparrow  5

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

Clay-colored Sparrow [Photo by Karl Lukens]

EZ Birding - Tuesday, September 25th, 2012

EZ Birding had a great variety of birds this morning. Highlights include: a Wood Duck and Common Gallinule on Lighthouse Pond; Kestrels, Merlins, Sharp-shinned Hawks, Cooper's Hawks, and Osprey overhead; and lots of Palm Warblers along the dune. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Lee Smythe, Janet Crawford, and Warren Cairo.
53 species

Canada Goose  50
Mute Swan  10
Wood Duck  1
Gadwall  4
American Wigeon  10
American Black Duck  1
Mallard  14
Blue-winged Teal  8
Northern Shoveler  6
Northern Pintail  2
Pied-billed Grebe  2
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  2
Turkey Vulture  11
Osprey  5
Sharp-shinned Hawk  6
Cooper's Hawk  2
Common Gallinule  1
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull  10
Great Black-backed Gull  70
Royal Tern  2
Black Skimmer  200     seen throiugh scope at 2nd St. jetty
Rock Pigeon  4
Mourning Dove  3
Northern Flicker  15
American Kestrel  5
Merlin  3
Eastern Phoebe  7     3 perched in same tree along field edge at back of state
park; 2 flying over and 2 more perched in wooded area
White-eyed Vireo  4
Red-eyed Vireo  6
Blue Jay  20
American Crow  7
Fish Crow  3
Tree Swallow  25
Carolina Chickadee  5
Carolina Wren  6
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Gray Catbird  8
Northern Mockingbird  12
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  6
Black-and-white Warbler  2
Common Yellowthroat  4
American Redstart  2
Northern Parula  1
Palm Warbler  15
Yellow-rumped Warbler  2
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  2
Dickcissel  1
Red-winged Blackbird  35
American Goldfinch  2

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org/content/nj)

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, September 24th, 2012

Lots of flyover and perched song birds, including Yellow-rumped, and Palm Warblers, and White- and Red-eyed Vireos. "Thousands" of Tree Swallows were overhead and on the dunes as well as numerous Northern Flickers. Two Lesser Black-backed Gulls were on the beach. Raptors included Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned, Cooper's and Broad-winged Hawks. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Steve Weis, Warren Cairo, Catherine Busch, Janet Crawford.
64 species

Canada Goose  30
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  1
American Wigeon  2
Mallard  25
Blue-winged Teal  10
Northern Shoveler  5
Northern Pintail  1
Green-winged Teal  5
Pied-billed Grebe  2
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  3
Osprey  4
Northern Harrier  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  3
Cooper's Hawk  2
Broad-winged Hawk  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  3
Sanderling  25
Least Sandpiper  4
Pectoral Sandpiper  2
Laughing Gull  20
Ring-billed Gull  8
Herring Gull  10
Lesser Black-backed Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  15
Common Tern  5
Forster's Tern  15
Royal Tern  2
Black Skimmer  200     2nd ave. beach
Rock Pigeon  4
Mourning Dove  5
Chimney Swift  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  4
Northern Flicker  15
American Kestrel  3
Merlin  2
Eastern Phoebe  1
Eastern Kingbird  1
White-eyed Vireo  1
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  5
American Crow  5
Fish Crow  1
Tree Swallow  1200
Barn Swallow  6
Carolina Wren  3     heard
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Swainson's Thrush  1
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  30
Common Yellowthroat  3
Palm Warbler  5
Yellow-rumped Warbler  4
Savannah Sparrow  5
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  2
Indigo Bunting  2
Bobolink  12
Red-winged Blackbird  3
Common Grackle  4
House Sparrow  5

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

Bobolink [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Lesser Yellowlegs [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Cox Hall Creek WMA - Sunday, September 23rd, 2012

Blue Grosbeaks were more numerous than Eastern Bluebirds at Cox Hall Creek today, at least, among birds seen. Two adult and 2 immature Bald Eagles soared in the morning's bright blue sky, as well as Cooper's, Sharp-shinned and Red-tailed Hawks, Merlin and Kestrels. Warblers were sparse with Palm, Black-and-white, Common Yelllowthroat and American Redstarts seen.   Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, Janet Crawford, Cindy & Shaun Bamford, David Lord, Steve Weis, Mark & Lynne Breslow, Mary Jane & Chuck Slugg.
55 species

Canada Goose  2
Mute Swan  2
American Black Duck  2
Mallard  37
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  3
Sharp-shinned Hawk  2
Cooper's Hawk  2
Bald Eagle  4
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Laughing Gull  1
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull (American)  2
Rock Pigeon  7
Mourning Dove  6
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  7
Downy Woodpecker  5
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  9
American Kestrel  1
Merlin  2
Red-eyed Vireo  2
Blue Jay  13
American Crow  12
Carolina Chickadee  6
Tufted Titmouse  6
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
House Wren  2
Carolina Wren  7
Eastern Bluebird  4
American Robin  15
Gray Catbird  4
Northern Mockingbird  1
Brown Thrasher  2
European Starling  10
Cedar Waxwing  15
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  2
American Redstart  2
Palm Warbler (Western)  7
Palm Warbler (Yellow)  1
Chipping Sparrow  7
Field Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  6
Rose-breasted Grosbeak  1
Blue Grosbeak  7
Indigo Bunting  1
Bobolink  3
Red-winged Blackbird  12
Common Grackle  26
Baltimore Oriole  1
House Finch  3
American Goldfinch  2

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

Cedar Waxwing [Photo by Roger Horn]

Rose-breasted Grosbeak [Photo by Roger Horn]

Downy Woodpecker [Photo by Roger Horn]

Hawks, Trails, and Beach - Saturday, September 22nd, 2012

Windy conditions kept many of the small birds hunkered down but the saw an impressive number of Merlins flying, eating dragonflies on the wing, and perched along the ponds. Other highlights include Peregrine Falcons, several young Osprey, and an assortment of terns. Leaders:  Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Lynne Breslow, and Chris Marks.
37 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  60
Mute Swan  10
American Wigeon  12
American Black Duck  2
Mallard  20
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid)  1
Blue-winged Teal  20
Northern Shoveler  8
Green-winged Teal  2
Pied-billed Grebe  2
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Great Egret  2
Osprey  4
Sanderling  1
Laughing Gull  40
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull  15
Great Black-backed Gull  100
Caspian Tern  1
Common Tern  16
Forster's Tern  15
Royal Tern  2
Black Skimmer  X     seen through scope at 2nd St. jetty
Rock Pigeon  11
Mourning Dove  2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
American Kestrel  1
Merlin  8
Peregrine Falcon  2
Blue Jay  5
Tree Swallow  35
Carolina Wren  3
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  6
American Redstart  2
Palm Warbler  2
Northern Cardinal  1     heard

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org/content/nj)

Photo Walks with Mike Hannisian - Saturday, September 22nd, 2012

Late September in Cape May is hard to beat! There was not much of a land bird wave today (the front is due by Sunday), but waterfowl, such as Northern Pintail, are arriving to join our resident Mallards. We also still have a good variety of butterflies and dragonflies, such as American Lady, Eastern Comma, and Blue Dasher. With any luck, it will be even better during the next month or so. Hope to see you at The Point!

American Lady [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Blue Dasher [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Eastern Comma [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Mallard [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Northern Pintail [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Fall Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, September 22nd, 2012

Started and ended the walk with Blue Grosbeaks in the scope. Rather slow for passerines, but a few raptors including a perched Merlin helped fill in the day. Four Black-crowned Night-Herons, 2 adult and 2 immature, provided good scope looks at the Willow Pond. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Kathy & Roger Horn, Warren Cairo, and Catherine Busch.
34 species

Canada Goose  15
Mute Swan  2
Wood Duck  2     fly over
Mallard  8
Great Egret  2
Black-crowned Night-Heron  4
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  8
Osprey  3
Sharp-shinned Hawk  5
Cooper's Hawk  1
Laughing Gull  2
Herring Gull  1
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  10
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1     heard
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  3
American Kestrel  1
Merlin  3
Blue Jay  3
American Crow  30
Tree Swallow  30
Tufted Titmouse  3
Carolina Wren  3
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  10
Connecticut Warbler  1     seen by 1 person
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  4
Bobolink  2
Red-winged Blackbird  2

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

Juvenile Black-crowned Night-Heron [Photo by Roger Horn]

Sunset Birding at the Meadows - Friday, September 21st, 2012

Nice array of ducks, and a few shore birds and waders. A few warblers including Common Yellowthroat, Yellow and Palm. Highlight was the 40 (plus or minus) Common Nighthawks overhead at dusk. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Kathy Horn, Warren Cairo, Elizabeth Errickson, and Alyssia Church.
39 species

Canada Goose  50
Mute Swan  8
Mallard  20
Blue-winged Teal  10
Northern Shoveler  3
Green-winged Teal  6
Pied-billed Grebe  2
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  2
Willet  1     * inornata (Western)
Sanderling  25
Pectoral Sandpiper  3
Dunlin  3
Wilson's Snipe  2
Laughing Gull  50
Ring-billed Gull  3
Herring Gull  10
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  8
Common Tern  20
Forster's Tern  20
Royal Tern  5
Black Skimmer  20
Mourning Dove  4
Common Nighthawk  40
Merlin  3
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  100
Common Yellowthroat  2
American Redstart  2
Yellow Warbler  2
Palm Warbler  10
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  2
House Sparrow  2

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

Higbee Beach Birding - Friday, September 21st, 2012

Group 1:  Higbee Beach was a little quiet by September standards today, but that gave us time to spend a little longer on the birds that we found. A Philadelphia Vireo right next to two Red-eyed Vireos, a very showy White-eyed Vireo and a perched Yellow-billed Cuckoo all made for nice highlights.  Leaders Mike Crewe, Chris Marks, and Catherine Busch.
37 species

Mallard  3
Osprey  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  2
Bald Eagle  2
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Mourning Dove  3
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  1
Chimney Swift  1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  4
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  8
Eastern Wood-Pewee  1
White-eyed Vireo  2
Philadelphia Vireo  1
Red-eyed Vireo  10
Blue Jay  6
American Crow  5
Tree Swallow  30
Carolina Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  3
Red-breasted Nuthatch  9
Carolina Wren  8
Gray Catbird  12
Brown Thrasher  6
Cedar Waxwing  7
Northern Waterthrush  5
Black-and-white Warbler  4
Common Yellowthroat  15
American Redstart  4
Northern Parula  2
Yellow Warbler  1
Palm Warbler  2
Northern Cardinal  12
Rose-breasted Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  6
Red-winged Blackbird  20

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

Group 2:  A fairly quiet morning but with little patches of birds here and there. Warblers included Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Northern Waterthrush, Black-and-white, and Yellow. Large numbers (~18) of Brown Thrashers were visible and vocal. Three adult Bald Eagles and 2 Sharp-shinned Hawks were seen overhead. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Warren Cairo, and Patty Rourke.
37 species

Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  3
Sharp-shinned Hawk  2
Bald Eagle  3
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Laughing Gull  3
Mourning Dove  5
Chimney Swift  2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  5
Alder Flycatcher  1
Least Flycatcher  1
White-eyed Vireo  2     heard
Blue Jay  5
American Crow  1
Tree Swallow  25
Carolina Chickadee  1     heard
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1     heard
Carolina Wren  5
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
Gray Catbird  5
Brown Thrasher  18
Northern Waterthrush  1
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  4
American Redstart  3
Yellow Warbler  2
Field Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  1
Baltimore Oriole  1

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

Yellow Warblers [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Bird Walk for All People - Thursday, September 20th, 2012

The Bird Walk for All People enjoyed a variety of birds this morning. Raptors included American Kestrel, Osprey, Broad-winged Hawk, and Bald Eagles. One Bald Eagle flew past at eye level being chased by American Crows. Other birds included Caspian, Common, and Forster's Terns, Belted Kingfisher, and a variety of ducks on Bunker Pond. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Cindy Bamford, and Patty Rourke.
59 species

Canada Goose  80
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  3
American Wigeon  6
American Black Duck  1
Mallard  26
Blue-winged Teal  7
Northern Shoveler  8
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  2
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  6
Osprey  10
Sharp-shinned Hawk  2
Cooper's Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  3
Broad-winged Hawk  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  1
Sanderling  16
Laughing Gull  12
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull  8
Great Black-backed Gull  15
Caspian Tern  2
Common Tern  12
Forster's Tern  7
Black Skimmer  250     at 2nd St. jetty; scope views only
Rock Pigeon  4
Mourning Dove  6
Chimney Swift  1
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  10
American Kestrel  2
White-eyed Vireo  2     heard
Red-eyed Vireo  5
Blue Jay  8
American Crow  7
Tree Swallow  50
Carolina Chickadee  5
Red-breasted Nuthatch  3
Carolina Wren  6     heard
Gray Catbird  5
Northern Mockingbird  12
European Starling  2
Cedar Waxwing  1
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  1
American Redstart  3
Northern Parula  1
Yellow Warbler  1
Palm Warbler  7
Yellow-rumped Warbler  2
Northern Cardinal  5
Bobolink  10
Red-winged Blackbird  3
American Goldfinch  6

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org/content/nj)

Twilight Walk at the Meadows - Wednesday, September 19th, 2012

Leaders: Patty Rourke and Bill Smythe.
36 species

Canada Goose  X
Mallard  X
Blue-winged Teal  X
Northern Shoveler  X
Green-winged Teal  X
Double-crested Cormorant  X
Great Blue Heron  X
Great Egret  X
Snowy Egret  X
Turkey Vulture  X
Osprey  X
Northern Harrier  X
Bald Eagle  X
American Oystercatcher  X
Lesser Yellowlegs  X
Laughing Gull  X
Ring-billed Gull  X
Herring Gull  X
Lesser Black-backed Gull  X
Great Black-backed Gull  X
Common Tern  X
Forster's Tern  X
Black Skimmer  X
Mourning Dove  X
Common Nighthawk  2
Merlin  X
American Crow  X
Tree Swallow  X
Gray Catbird  X
Northern Mockingbird  X
Common Yellowthroat  X
Palm Warbler  X
Song Sparrow  X
Northern Cardinal  X
American Goldfinch  X
House Sparrow  X

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, September 19th, 2012

Good ducks and gulls but slow on passerines. Numerous Blue- and Green-winged Teal, Northern Shovelers, American Wigeon, and Gadwall, plus 6 Pied-billed Grebes. Some warblers around the "brush pile" including Common Yellowthroat, Yellow, and Palm Warblers. A few raptors overhead as well as lots (44) of Great Blue Herons! Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, Chris Marks, Patty Rourke, and Nancy Watson.
56 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  6
American Wigeon  10
Mallard  25
Blue-winged Teal  10
Northern Shoveler  12
Green-winged Teal  10
Pied-billed Grebe  6
Double-crested Cormorant  1
American Bittern  1     seen by a few
Great Blue Heron  44
Great Egret  1
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  5
Northern Harrier  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  4
Cooper's Hawk  2
Bald Eagle  1
American Oystercatcher  1
Laughing Gull  10
Ring-billed Gull  5
Herring Gull  10
Lesser Black-backed Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  50
Common Tern  5
Forster's Tern  5
Royal Tern  5
Black Skimmer  300     2nd ave beach
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  8
Belted Kingfisher  1     heard
Northern Flicker  12
Merlin  2
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  1
Tree Swallow  50
Barn Swallow  2
Carolina Wren  5
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
American Robin  5
Gray Catbird  4
Northern Mockingbird  5
Brown Thrasher  5
European Starling  15
Common Yellowthroat  5
Yellow Warbler  3
Palm Warbler  8
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  4
Bobolink  10
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Brown-headed Cowbird  6
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  5

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

EZ Birding - Tuesday, September 18th, 2012

Blustery winds made birding difficult for the EZ Birding walk. We enjoyed a variety of ducks on Bunker Pond including Mallards, Northern Shovelers, American Wigeon, Blue-winged Teal, and Gadwall. We also had good looks at Pied-billed Grebes. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg.
39 species

Canada Goose  25
Mute Swan  7
Gadwall  6
American Wigeon  10
Mallard  16
Blue-winged Teal  8
Northern Shoveler  12
Pied-billed Grebe  3
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  1
Turkey Vulture  6
Osprey  5
Northern Harrier  1
American Oystercatcher  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  9
Least Sandpiper  7
Laughing Gull  35
Herring Gull  20
Great Black-backed Gull  100
Common Tern  3
Forster's Tern  1
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  7
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
American Crow  3
Fish Crow  2
Tree Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  5
Carolina Wren  4     heard
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  8
European Starling  8
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  5
Palm Warbler  9
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  10

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org/content/nj)

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, September 17th, 2012

A few nice warblers along the main path and dunes, including Tennessee and Blackburnian, with numerous Palm Warblers. Lesser Black-backed Gull and 1 Piping Plover were on the beach. Blue- and Green-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Northern Pintail were among the ducks. Highlight was a brief look at an adult Sora along the east path. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Steve Weis, Catherine Busch, and Janet Crawford.
70 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  5
American Wigeon  1
American Black Duck  1
Mallard  25
Blue-winged Teal  10
Northern Shoveler  1
Northern Pintail  2
Green-winged Teal  10
scoter sp.  50
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Double-crested Cormorant  6
Brown Pelican  3
Great Blue Heron  11
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  6
Green Heron  1
Osprey  3
Northern Harrier  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Sora  1     adult
Piping Plover  1
Killdeer  2
Sanderling  50
Least Sandpiper  10
Pectoral Sandpiper  1
Laughing Gull  50
Ring-billed Gull  5
Herring Gull  15
Lesser Black-backed Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  25
Common Tern  10
Forster's Tern  30
Royal Tern  6
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  6
Chimney Swift  1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Belted Kingfisher  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  1
American Kestrel  1
Merlin  1
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  3
Fish Crow  1
Tree Swallow  50
Barn Swallow  1
Carolina Chickadee  1
Carolina Wren  3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  10
Northern Waterthrush  1
Tennessee Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  6
American Redstart  3
Blackburnian Warbler  1
Yellow Warbler  6
Palm Warbler  10
Prairie Warbler  1
Savannah Sparrow  3
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  3
Indigo Bunting  2
Bobolink  50
Red-winged Blackbird  5
Common Grackle  1
House Sparrow  5

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

Herring Gull [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Lesser Black-backed Gull [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Ring-billed Gull [Photo by Karl Lukens]
Piping Plover [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Cox Hall Creek WMA - Sunday, September 16th, 2012

It was hard to proceed far down the path at CHC this morning because there were so many birds on all sides. American Kestrels, Merlin, Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks all vied for snag perches while Blue Jays screeched for them to leave. Mixed flocks moved through containing American Redstarts, Northern Parula; Black-and-white, Chestnut-sided, and Yellow-rumped Warblers; Common Yellowthroat, Philadelphia and Red-eyed Vireos, Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Blue Grosbeaks, Indigo Bunting and Eastern Bluebirds. Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, Janet Crawford, Mary Jane & Chuck Slugg, Cindy & Shaun Bamford, Dave Lord, Steve Weiss, and Joe Demko.
61 species

Mute Swan  2
American Black Duck  3
Mallard  18
Osprey  3
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
American Coot  1
Laughing Gull  4
Mourning Dove  8
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  6
Downy Woodpecker  5
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  8
American Kestrel  5
Merlin  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee  1
Eastern Phoebe  2
Great Crested Flycatcher  1
Philadelphia Vireo  1
Red-eyed Vireo  6
Blue Jay  10
American Crow  14
Fish Crow  2
Carolina Chickadee  7
Tufted Titmouse  10
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  8
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Eastern Bluebird  7
Veery  1
American Robin  8
Gray Catbird  4
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  8
Cedar Waxwing  11
Black-and-white Warbler  4
Common Yellowthroat  3
American Redstart  4
Northern Parula  2
Chestnut-sided Warbler  1
Palm Warbler (Western)  2
Palm Warbler (Yellow)  1
Pine Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  1
Black-throated Green Warbler  1
Chipping Sparrow  8
Song Sparrow  3
Summer Tanager  1
Northern Cardinal  5
Blue Grosbeak  5
Indigo Bunting  1
Bobolink  7
Red-winged Blackbird  4
Common Grackle  12
House Finch  1
American Goldfinch  3

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

American Kestrel [Photo by Roger Horn]

Hawks, Trails, and Beach - Saturday, September 15th, 2012

The Hawks, Trails, and Beach Walk enjoyed beautiful weather and a great American Kestrel show as we wound our way through the State Park. In addition to flying and perched Kestrels we watched Merlins eating dragonflies on the wing, and a young Bald Eagle circling overhead. Other highlights include a Pied-billed Grebe and an assortment of ducks, some coming into breeding plumage. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Cindy Bamford, and Lynne Breslow.
47 species

Canada Goose  64
Mute Swan  9
Gadwall  2
American Wigeon  8
Mallard  16
Northern Shoveler  6
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Brown Pelican  6
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  2
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  6
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  1
American Oystercatcher  2
Laughing Gull  50
Ring-billed Gull  3
Herring Gull  10
Great Black-backed Gull  60
Forster's Tern  20
Royal Tern  6
Black Skimmer  100
Rock Pigeon  8
Mourning Dove  10
Belted Kingfisher  1
Northern Flicker  1
American Kestrel  16
Merlin  4
Peregrine Falcon  1
Red-eyed Vireo  2
Blue Jay  2     heard
American Crow  6
Fish Crow  1     heard
Purple Martin  2
Tree Swallow  35
Carolina Chickadee  2
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  3     heard
American Robin  1     heard
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  6
European Starling  8
American Redstart  1     leaders only
Northern Cardinal  3
Blue Grosbeak  1
Red-winged Blackbird  14

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org/content/nj)

Photo Walks with Mike Hannisian - Saturday, September 15th, 2012

As can occur even in Cape May, there are Autumn days without large numbers of birds, and today was one of them. Regardless, it would be a rare Autumn day in Cape May without something good to shoot and today was not an exception. Butterflies and dragonflies were present in good numbers. Likewise, there remain a number of flowers still in bloom, and there is always the old reliable, our lighthouse.

Blue Dasher [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Cape May Point Lighthouse [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Cloudless Sulphur [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Saltmarsh Fleabane [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Fall Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, September 15th, 2012

A little slow on migrants this morning, but we did run into apparently 2 families of Blue Grosbeaks totaling at least 7 birds. A few raptors were overhead including Osprey, Sharp-shinned, and Cooper's Hawks, and at least 3 adult Bald eagles. We also had a brief look at an empidonax flycatcher, and good looks at a pair of Great Crested Flycatchers. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Warren Cairo, Claudia Burns, Roger & Kathy Horn, and Elizabeth Errickson.
41 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  5
Mute Swan  2
Wood Duck  2
Mallard  5
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Great Egret  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  8
Osprey  3
Sharp-shinned Hawk  2
Cooper's Hawk  2
Bald Eagle  3     adults
Herring Gull  2
Mourning Dove  10
Chimney Swift  1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  5
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  2
American Kestrel  2
Empidonax sp.  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  2
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  15
Fish Crow  1
Tree Swallow  50
Carolina Chickadee  1
Red-breasted Nuthatch  5
Carolina Wren  5
American Robin  6
Gray Catbird  1
European Starling  15
Common Yellowthroat  2
Northern Cardinal  2
Blue Grosbeak  7
Bobolink  10
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  3
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  1

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

Great Crested Flycatcher [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Twelve-spotted Skimmer [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Sunset Birding at the Meadows - Friday, September 14th, 2012

A nice array of ducks with a few waders and a couple shorebirds. The highlight was at the end when about a dozen and a half Common Nighthawks flew over and circled the meadows, some rather close. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Kathy & Roger Horn, Dave Lord, and Erin Lehnert.
37 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  3
American Black Duck  1
Mallard  30
Blue-winged Teal  7
Northern Shoveler  6
Green-winged Teal  15
Pied-billed Grebe  2
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  1
Osprey  1
Northern Harrier  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
American Oystercatcher  3
Least Sandpiper  2
Pectoral Sandpiper  1
Laughing Gull  100
Ring-billed Gull  6
Herring Gull  20
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  50
Caspian Tern  1
Common Tern  50
Forster's Tern  5
Royal Tern  4
Black Skimmer  300
Mourning Dove  5
Common Nighthawk  18
Belted Kingfisher  1
American Crow  3
Carolina Wren  1
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  25
Northern Cardinal  4
House Sparrow  5

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

Higbee Beach Birding - Friday, September 14th, 2012

Group 1:  A rather quiet Higbee Beach faced us this morning, but in September, even a quiet day can be good! Red-throated Vireos performed acrobatics in the treetops and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds showed well at times. Red-breasted Nuthatches continue to arrive from the north and we finished with a fly-by Bald Eagle.  Leaders: Mike Crewe and Chris Marks.
40 species

Double-crested Cormorant  1
Osprey  2
Bald Eagle  1
Laughing Gull  1
Rock Pigeon  5
Mourning Dove  2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  2
Hairy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  1
Merlin  1
Alder Flycatcher  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  1
White-eyed Vireo  2
Red-eyed Vireo  20
Blue Jay  4
American Crow  6
Tree Swallow  4
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  4
Red-breasted Nuthatch  3
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  8
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Veery  3
Gray Catbird  5
Brown Thrasher  2
Cedar Waxwing  1
Northern Waterthrush  1
Black-and-white Warbler  3
Common Yellowthroat  12
American Redstart  4
Northern Parula  1
Yellow Warbler  1
Palm Warbler  10
Field Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  10
Red-winged Blackbird  4
Common Grackle  3

Group 2:  Lots of birds but most at the beginning of the first field. Most numerous was Red-eyed Vireo, but others included, Nashville, Yellow, Blackpoll, Black-and-white, Canada, and Prairie Warblers, Common Yellowthroat, Northern Waterthrush, Northern Parula, and Philadephia Vireo. Leaders: Karl Lukens and Patty Rourke.
38 species (+1 other taxa)

Turkey Vulture  1     seen after walk by leader.
Laughing Gull  1
Herring Gull  1
Mourning Dove  5
Chimney Swift  1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  1
Empidonax sp.  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  1
White-eyed Vireo  5     heard
Philadelphia Vireo  1
Red-eyed Vireo  25
Blue Jay  4
American Crow  1
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  1
Carolina Wren  4     heard
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  4
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
Veery  5
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Waterthrush  1
Black-and-white Warbler  4
Nashville Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  5
American Redstart  1
Northern Parula  2
Yellow Warbler  3
Blackpoll Warbler  1
Palm Warbler  4
Prairie Warbler  3
Canada Warbler  1
Northern Cardinal  5
Indigo Bunting  3
Red-winged Blackbird  5
Common Grackle  2
Baltimore Oriole  3

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

Great Crested Flycatcher [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Bird Walk for All People - Thursday, September 13th, 2012

Beautiful weather continues and the Walk for All People appreciated it! In addition to scads of Monarch butterflies we saw Pied-billed Grebes, Osprey, Northern Harrier, and Great Blue Herons. Ducks are beginning to return and we found Mallards, of course, as well as Gadwall, Northern Shovelers, American Wigeon, and both Blue- and Green-winged Teal. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Cindy Bamford, Patty Rourke and Alyssia Church.
44 species

Canada Goose  40
Mute Swan  9
Gadwall  6
American Wigeon  8
American Black Duck  1
Mallard  16
Blue-winged Teal  8
Northern Shoveler  3
Green-winged Teal  2
Pied-billed Grebe  3
Double-crested Cormorant  31
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  2
Turkey Vulture  5
Osprey  2
Northern Harrier  2
Laughing Gull  32
Herring Gull  8
Great Black-backed Gull  20
Common Tern  1
Forster's Tern  2
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  7
Merlin  1
Eastern Phoebe  1
White-eyed Vireo  3
Red-eyed Vireo  2
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  3
Tree Swallow  50
Carolina Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  1     heard
Carolina Wren  4
American Robin  2     heard
Gray Catbird  5
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  3
Cedar Waxwing  27
Common Yellowthroat  1
American Redstart  5
Yellow Warbler  1
Prairie Warbler  3
Northern Cardinal  3
Bobolink  6     heard

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org/content/nj)

Twilight Watch at the Meadows - Wednesday, September 12th, 2012


Leaders: Patty Rourke and Chuck Slugg
36 species

Canada Goose  X
Mute Swan  X
Wood Duck  2
Gadwall  X
American Wigeon  X
Mallard  X
Blue-winged Teal  X
Northern Shoveler  X
Green-winged Teal  X
Pied-billed Grebe  X
Great Blue Heron  X
Great Egret  X
Snowy Egret  X
Osprey  X
Cooper's Hawk  X
American Oystercatcher  X
Spotted Sandpiper  X
Sanderling  X
Semipalmated Sandpiper  X
Stilt Sandpiper  X
Laughing Gull  X
Herring Gull  X
Great Black-backed Gull  X
Caspian Tern  X
Common Tern  X
Forster's Tern  X
Royal Tern  X
Black Skimmer  X
Belted Kingfisher  X
American Crow  X
Northern Mockingbird  X
European Starling  X
Palm Warbler  X
Song Sparrow  X
American Goldfinch  X
House Sparrow  X

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, September 12th, 2012

Good looks at terns including Gull-billed, Caspian, and Royal. Four Brown Pelicans flew in and sat on the water right in front of the group. Palm and Yellow Warblers were along the dune path as well as several Common Yellowthroats. Raptors included Red-tailed, Sharp-shinned, and Cooper's Hawk, American Kestrel and Merlin. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, Chris Marks, Patty Rourke, Erin Lehnert, and Megan Crewe.
61 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  1
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  2
American Wigeon  10
Mallard  25
Blue-winged Teal  6
Northern Shoveler  5
Pied-billed Grebe  3
Double-crested Cormorant  8
Brown Pelican  5
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  1
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  5
Northern Harrier  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  2
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Killdeer  2
Laughing Gull  30
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull  8
Great Black-backed Gull  5
Gull-billed Tern  1
Caspian Tern  2
Common Tern  15
Forster's Tern  15
Royal Tern  3
Black Skimmer  30
Rock Pigeon  10
Mourning Dove  8
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Belted Kingfisher  1
American Kestrel  4
Merlin  1
Empidonax sp.  1
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  1
Tree Swallow  40
Barn Swallow  10
Carolina Chickadee  1
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  15
Northern Waterthrush  2
Common Yellowthroat  3
American Redstart  1
Yellow Warbler  4
Black-throated Blue Warbler  1
Palm Warbler  6
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  2
Bobolink  10
Red-winged Blackbird  30
Common Grackle  5
American Goldfinch  3
House Sparrow  4

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)


Brown Pelicans [Photo by Karl Lukens]

EZ Birding - Tuesday, September 11th, 2012

Cool, sunny weather for EZ Birding brought a nice variety of raptors overhead and many Monarchs as well as other butterfly species nectaring on plants throughout the State Park. Raptor highlights include: many Osprey, Broad-winged Hawks, Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks, Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier, American Kestrels, and Peregrine Falcon. A lone Spotted Sandpiper by Bunker Pond ended the walk. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Janet Crawford, Bill & Lee Smythe.
54 species

Canada Goose  45
Mute Swan  9
Gadwall  1
American Wigeon  4
American Black Duck  1
Mallard  16
Blue-winged Teal  7
Northern Shoveler  4
Green-winged Teal  2
Pied-billed Grebe  2
Double-crested Cormorant  15
Great Egret  3
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  6
Osprey  11
Northern Harrier  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  1
Red-shouldered Hawk  2     circling over Lighthouse Pond
Broad-winged Hawk  3
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Laughing Gull  60
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  25
Forster's Tern  7
Royal Tern  2
Black Skimmer  X     on beach at 2nd St. jetty; too far to count individuals
Rock Pigeon  6
Mourning Dove  5
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  3
Belted Kingfisher  1
American Kestrel  7
Peregrine Falcon  1
American Crow  6
Tree Swallow  40
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  3
White-breasted Nuthatch  3
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
American Robin  3     heard
Gray Catbird  5
Northern Mockingbird  10
European Starling  7
American Redstart  3
Yellow Warbler  3
Palm Warbler  1
Northern Cardinal  2     heard
Red-winged Blackbird  13
American Goldfinch  3
House Sparrow  4

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org/content/nj)

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, September 10th, 2012

Northerly winds seemed to have brought some migrants with a number of warblers and other passerines flying about. Warblers included American Redstarts, Yellow, Common Yellowthroats, and Palm. Lots of Bobolinks overhead. Raptors were good with Northern Harrier, Cooper's Hawk, Broad-wings, Merlin, and numerous American Kestrel. Ducks included both Teal and Northern Shoveler. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Steve Weis, Catherine Busch, Carrie Bell, and Janet Crawford.
57 species

Canada Goose  30
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  2
American Black Duck  1
Mallard  30
Blue-winged Teal  7
Northern Shoveler  3
Green-winged Teal  10
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Double-crested Cormorant  10
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  2
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  5
Osprey  7
Northern Harrier  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
Broad-winged Hawk  4
American Oystercatcher  3
Sanderling  10
Semipalmated Sandpiper  8
Laughing Gull  100
Ring-billed Gull  5
Herring Gull  10
Lesser Black-backed Gull  3
Great Black-backed Gull  30
Forster's Tern  3
Royal Tern  15
Black Skimmer  200     Far at 2nd ave. jetty beach
Rock Pigeon  6
Mourning Dove  10
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  3
Belted Kingfisher  1
American Kestrel  12
Merlin  2
American Crow  3
Tree Swallow  75
Barn Swallow  25
Carolina Wren  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  30
Tennessee Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  3
American Redstart  7
Yellow Warbler  2
Black-throated Blue Warbler  1
Palm Warbler  4
Scarlet Tanager  1
Northern Cardinal  2
Indigo Bunting  1
Bobolink  25
Red-winged Blackbird  50
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
House Finch  1
House Sparrow  5

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

Black Duck [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Blue-winged Teal [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Lesser Black-backed Gull [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Tennessee Warbler [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Cox Hall Creek WMA - Sunday, September 9th, 2012

The Cox Hall Creek WMA Walk enjoyed cooler weather and a variety of birds this morning. Highlights include: many Osprey (most with fish); great looks at a male Blue Grosbeak; Pied-billed Grebe; many sightings of Eastern Bluebirds; a fly-over Yellow-billed Cuckoo; and several Eastern Phoebes. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Janet Crawford, Shaun & Cindy Bamford, Steve Weis, Carrie Bell, Marc & Lynne Breslow, Dave Lord, with Libby Errickson and Alyssia Church, Seasonal Naturalists.
46 species

Mallard  5
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Osprey  6
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Laughing Gull  3
Herring Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  4
Mourning Dove  12
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  3
Belted Kingfisher  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  6
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  5
Eastern Phoebe  5     Two working low brush pile behind large pond; three in one tree along north path; one bird vocalizing; clear lemony chest and no wingbars.
Eastern Kingbird  5
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  15
American Crow  8
Carolina Chickadee  6
Tufted Titmouse  10
Red-breasted Nuthatch  3
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  6
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Eastern Bluebird  10     Part of resident flock of approximately 25 Bluebirds; birds were seen by group and heard vocalizing.
Veery  2
American Robin  17
Gray Catbird  9
Northern Mockingbird  5
Cedar Waxwing  26
Common Yellowthroat  5
American Redstart  3
Northern Parula  2
Yellow Warbler  1
Palm Warbler  4
Chipping Sparrow  16
Northern Cardinal  2
Blue Grosbeak  3
Bobolink  15
Red-winged Blackbird  20
Common Grackle  3
Baltimore Oriole  2
House Finch  7
American Goldfinch  5

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org/content/nj)

Hawks, Trails, and Beach - Saturday, September 8th, 2012

The Hawks, Trails, and Beach Walk had a beautiful, but windy, afternoon in the State Park. We saw a variety of terns on the beach and Bunker Pond including Common, Forster's, Royal, and Black Terns. We had excellent looks at both male and female Blue Grosbeaks. We ended with a family of American Kestrels hunting and perching along Lighthouse Pond. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Cindy Bamford, and Lynne Breslow.
39 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  70
Mute Swan  9
Mallard  20
Northern Shoveler  1
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  1
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  2
American Oystercatcher  4
Sanderling  10
Laughing Gull  70
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  120
Black Tern  3
Common Tern  50
Forster's Tern  15
Royal Tern  20
Black Skimmer  150
Rock Pigeon  4
Mourning Dove  28
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2
American Kestrel  5
White-eyed Vireo  1
Red-eyed Vireo  2
crow sp.  6
Carolina Chickadee  2     heard
Carolina Wren  2     heard
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  10
Black-and-white Warbler  1
American Redstart  3
Yellow Warbler  1
Palm Warbler  1
Prairie Warbler  1
Northern Cardinal  3
Blue Grosbeak  3
Red-winged Blackbird  12
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  1

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org/content/nj)

Fall Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, September 8th, 2012

Birding was slow starting after a light rain which stopped as we started. We did manage to get 7 Red-eyed Vireo, 3 Red-breasted Nuthatches, 5 Northern Waterthrushes, 1 Black-and-white and 4 Yellow Warblers, 5 Common Yellowthroats, and 2 American Redstarts. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Catherine Busch, Chris Marks, Carrie Bell, and Dave Lord.
45 species

Mallard  10
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  1
Green Heron  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  2
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  4
Killdeer  1
Laughing Gull  5
Herring Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  8
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  10
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  5
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Eastern Kingbird  20
Red-eyed Vireo  7
American Crow  20
Tree Swallow  2
Barn Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  1
Red-breasted Nuthatch  3
Carolina Wren  3
American Robin  1
Gray Catbird  2
European Starling  15
Northern Waterthrush  5
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  5
American Redstart  2
Northern Parula  1
Yellow Warbler  4
Palm Warbler  3
Northern Cardinal  3
Indigo Bunting  1
Bobolink  25
Red-winged Blackbird  5
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  8
Baltimore Oriole  3
House Sparrow  2

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

Sunset Birding at the Meadows - Friday, September 7th, 2012

Ducks were interesting with 2 Gadwall, 2 Blue-winged Teal, 18 Green-winged Teal, and numerous Mallards. Shorebirds were scarce but we did manage 1 American Oystercatcher and many Sanderlings on the beach. The beach also held 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 4 Black Terns. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Dave Lord, and Catherine Busch.
33 species

Canada Goose  220
Mute Swan  7
Gadwall  2
Mallard  30
Blue-winged Teal  2
Green-winged Teal  18
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  3
Green Heron  2
Turkey Vulture  1
American Oystercatcher  1
Sanderling  25
Laughing Gull  100
Ring-billed Gull  3
Herring Gull  10
Lesser Black-backed Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  50
Black Tern  4
Common Tern  75
Royal Tern  5
Black Skimmer  250
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  6
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  4
Carolina Wren  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  8
Yellow Warbler  2
Palm Warbler  4
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  2
Baltimore Oriole  1
House Sparrow  10

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

Higbee Beach Birding - Friday, September 7th, 2012

It was an active day at Higbee today. Raptors included 2 Norther Harriers, one interacting with a Cooper's Hawk, plus 6 Osprey. There were numerous Eastern Kingbirds, a Yellow-billed Cuckoo, and 2 Philadelphia Vireos. Fourteen species of warblers were seen including 2 Tennessee, 2 Nashville, and 2 Magnolia. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Warren Cairo, Chris Marks, and Catherine Busch.
59 species

Double-crested Cormorant  6
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  6
Northern Harrier  2
Cooper's Hawk  1
Killdeer  1
Laughing Gull  3
Herring Gull  1
Rock Pigeon  10
Mourning Dove  6
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  5
Downy Woodpecker  1
American Kestrel  1
Merlin  2
Eastern Wood-Pewee  1
Alder Flycatcher  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  2
Eastern Kingbird  35
White-eyed Vireo  4
Philadelphia Vireo  2
Red-eyed Vireo  15
American Crow  1
Purple Martin  1
Barn Swallow  1
Red-breasted Nuthatch  2
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Veery  5
Gray Catbird  3
Brown Thrasher  2
European Starling  10
Cedar Waxwing  15
Ovenbird  1
Northern Waterthrush  5
Blue-winged Warbler  1
Black-and-white Warbler  6
Tennessee Warbler  2
Nashville Warbler  2
Common Yellowthroat  5
American Redstart  15
Northern Parula  6
Magnolia Warbler  2
Yellow Warbler  3
Black-throated Blue Warbler  1
Palm Warbler  1
Yellow-breasted Chat  1
Field Sparrow  2
Scarlet Tanager  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  2
Bobolink  1
Red-winged Blackbird  25
Common Grackle  3
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
Baltimore Oriole  5
American Goldfinch  2

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

Walk for All People - Thursday, September 6th, 2012

The Walk for All People endured some rain and monster mosquitos to find a treasure chest of birds in the State Park. Highlights included: hundreds of Bobolinks overhead, lots of American Redstarts, Northern Parulas, Black-throated Blue Warblers, Yellow, Prairie, and Palm Warblers, and Blue Grosbeaks.  We also had a small movement of raptors including Peregrine Falcon, American Kestrel, Red-shouldered Hawk, and a Bald Eagle. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, and Cindy Bamford.
62 species

Canada Goose  50
Mute Swan  12
Wood Duck  3     flying, seen by leader only
Gadwall  3
Mallard  12
Double-crested Cormorant  40
Great Blue Heron  6
Great Egret  7
Snowy Egret  1
Green Heron  3
Osprey  1
Bald Eagle  1
Red-shouldered Hawk  1     perched in tree by Lighthouse Pond, small buteo, streaky chest, russet on shoulder
American Oystercatcher  5
Sanderling  3
Laughing Gull  50
Herring Gull  12
Great Black-backed Gull  45
Royal Tern  13
Black Skimmer  120     seen through scope at 2nd St. jetty
Rock Pigeon  8
Mourning Dove  26
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  4
Belted Kingfisher  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1     heard
Downy Woodpecker  1
American Kestrel  6
Peregrine Falcon  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  2
Eastern Kingbird  25
White-eyed Vireo  5
Yellow-throated Vireo  2     in mixed flock in wooded area on Red Trail, yellow throat and spectacles, distinct wing-bars, white belly
Red-eyed Vireo  3
American Crow  10
Fish Crow  4
Purple Martin  1
Tree Swallow  50
Barn Swallow  6
Carolina Chickadee  2
Carolina Wren  9
American Robin  3
Gray Catbird  5
Northern Mockingbird  10
Brown Thrasher  1     heard
European Starling  6
Northern Waterthrush  1
Black-and-white Warbler  15
American Redstart  40
Northern Parula  5
Yellow Warbler  10
Black-throated Blue Warbler  4
Palm Warbler  13
Pine Warbler  1
Prairie Warbler  1
Northern Cardinal  5
Blue Grosbeak  5
Bobolink  350
Red-winged Blackbird  30
Baltimore Oriole  1
House Finch  1
American Goldfinch  3
House Sparrow  6

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org/content/nj)

Twilight Watch at the Meadows - Wednesday, September 5th, 2012

The target bird on tonight's Meadows walk was a Lark Sparrow.  It had been reported earlier in the day and we were fortunate enough, with Lesley's help, to locate it.   It was very close and remained on the ground in dense grass making it difficult to see, but everyone did get a good look at the bird.  Leaders: Warren Cairo and Bill Smythe.
32 species

Canada Goose  8
Mute Swan  2
American Wigeon  1
Mallard  20
Blue-winged Teal  8
Northern Shoveler  3
Green-winged Teal  14
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  2
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
American Oystercatcher  2
Lesser Yellowlegs  22
Sanderling  10
Least Sandpiper  1
Pectoral Sandpiper  8
Ring-billed Gull  6
Herring Gull  18
Lesser Black-backed Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  25
Common Tern  7
Forster's Tern  4
Rock Pigeon  4
Mourning Dove  6
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Merlin  1
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  4
Tree Swallow  6
Barn Swallow  2
Lark Sparrow  1

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, September 5th, 2012

We spent most of our time looking at the Gulls, Terns, Ducks, etc., around Bunker Pond and the Plover Ponds. American Wigeon and Northern Shoveler were new ducks for the season for many. Several Lesser Black-backed Gulls were on the beach. Good looks at Forster's and Common Terns on the pond pier railing. Most shorebirds were fly-overs. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Chris Marks, Steve Weis, Warren Cairo and Nancy Watson.
45 species

Canada Goose  75
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  3
American Wigeon  2
Mallard  35
Blue-winged Teal  3
Northern Shoveler  3
Double-crested Cormorant  5
Brown Pelican  1
Great Egret  1
Snowy Egret  2
Osprey  2
Killdeer  2
American Oystercatcher  5
Lesser Yellowlegs  40
Sanderling  15
Semipalmated Sandpiper  3
Least Sandpiper  5
Pectoral Sandpiper  4
Laughing Gull  75
Ring-billed Gull  4
Herring Gull  20
Lesser Black-backed Gull  3
Great Black-backed Gull  50
Caspian Tern  1
Common Tern  10
Forster's Tern  115
Royal Tern  10
Black Skimmer  15
Rock Pigeon  8
Mourning Dove  10
Eastern Kingbird  50
American Crow  1
Tree Swallow  25
Barn Swallow  20
Carolina Wren  1
Northern Mockingbird  4
European Starling  25
Palm Warbler  2
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  1
Blue Grosbeak  1
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  1
House Sparrow  3

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

Sunset Birding at Stone Harbor Point - Tuesday, September 4th, 2012

Tonight's Stone Harbor walk was a beautiful summer evening for 8 enthusiastic birders.  We walked all the way to the point while enjoying great looks at our target birds.  We had close looks at Red Knots, (some still showing there red breast), adult Lesser-backed Gulls, American Oystercatchers, Caspian and Royal Terns. We finished with a beautiful sunset too.  Leaders: Warren Cairo and Chris Marks.
25 species

Double-crested Cormorant  8
Brown Pelican  4
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  2
Osprey  3
Black-bellied Plover  30
Semipalmated Plover  45
Piping Plover  10
American Oystercatcher  100
Ruddy Turnstone  12
Red Knot  36
Sanderling  120
Semipalmated Sandpiper  4
Laughing Gull  70
Ring-billed Gull  35
Herring Gull  40
Lesser Black-backed Gull  8
Great Black-backed Gull  45
Caspian Tern  12
Common Tern  16
Forster's Tern  4
Royal Tern  14
Tree Swallow  30
Song Sparrow  4
House Sparrow  4

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

Red Knots [Photo by Hugh Simmons]

American Oystercatchers [Photo by Hugh Simmons]