Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, April 27th, 2015

The variety of ducks was limited but there were two female Buffleheads on the Plover Pond. From the beach we had American Oystercatchers, two Common Loons, and a number of Northern Gannets. We also had several Eastern Willets flying about and calling with one perched on a post. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Chuck Slugg, Karl Lukens, Janet Crawford, and Deb Payson.
42 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  4
Mallard  10
Northern Shoveler  3
scoter sp.  20
Bufflehead  2
Common Loon  1
Northern Gannet  10
Double-crested Cormorant  300
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  2
Glossy Ibis  1
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  2
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Oystercatcher  4
Willet  3
Laughing Gull  10
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull  10
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Forster's Tern  8
Mourning Dove  5
Chimney Swift  3
Northern Flicker  1
Blue Jay  1
Fish Crow  3
Purple Martin  5
Tree Swallow  10
Barn Swallow  10
Cliff Swallow  2
American Robin  2
European Starling  2
Savannah Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
American Goldfinch  6
House Sparrow  1

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

Forster's Tern [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Birds of Peaslee WMA - Sunday, April 26th, 2015

We had a ten Warbler day, including great looks at Prothonotary Warbler, Black and White Warbler, Northern Parula, Yellow-throated Warbler, Pine Warbler, Worm-eating Warbler and American Redstart. We saw lots of Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, including one building a nest. We also saw a Great Crested Flycatcher, White-eyed Vireos, Chipping Sparrows and Eastern Towhees. Leaders: Janet Crawford, Mary Watkins, and Michael McCabe.
14 species

Broad-winged Hawk  1
Laughing Gull  5
White-eyed Vireo  2
American Crow  2
Barn Swallow  1
Tufted Titmouse  2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  3
Ovenbird  1
Blue-winged Warbler  1
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Prothonotary Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  3
Northern Parula  3
Yellow-throated Warbler  2

Tarkiln Pond/ Peaslee WMA
22 species

Canada Goose  5
Wild Turkey  1
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  3
Laughing Gull  5
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  1
White-eyed Vireo  2
Purple Martin  2
Tree Swallow  20
Barn Swallow  1
Tufted Titmouse  1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Ovenbird  5
Worm-eating Warbler  1
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Northern Parula  1
Pine Warbler  1
Yellow-throated Warbler  2
Chipping Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  3

Peaslee WMA--First Ave., Atlantic
15 species

Mourning Dove  1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
White-eyed Vireo  4
Carolina Chickadee  2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  4
Brown Thrasher  2
Ovenbird  3
Blue-winged Warbler  1
Black-and-white Warbler  2
American Redstart  4
Pine Warbler  3
Yellow-throated Warbler  1
Eastern Towhee  5
Chipping Sparrow  6

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

Cox Hall Creek WMA - Sunday, April 26th, 2015

Yellow-rumped Warblers in breeding finery and White-throated Sparrows were singing as they prepare to move northward while Fish Crow and Red-bellied Woodpeckers busied themselves with nest building. The Osprey and Double-crested Cormorants were enjoying freshly stocked trout in the lake. Recently returned Blue-gray Gnatcatchers and Eastern Kingbirds were finding insects and an Orchard Oriole, a bright male, serenaded us with his bright sing-song phrasing. Leaders:  Shaun Bamford, Chris Marks, Joe Demko, Cindy Bamford, Deb Payson, Carrie Bell, Tom Baxter, and Tom Gleason.
42 species

Canada Goose  2
Wood Duck  2
Mallard  5
Double-crested Cormorant  45
Green Heron  1
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  3
Laughing Gull  25
Forster's Tern  2
Belted Kingfisher  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  4
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  3
Eastern Kingbird  4
White-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  3
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  5
Bank Swallow  1
Barn Swallow  4
Carolina Chickadee  6
Tufted Titmouse  12
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  4
Hermit Thrush  2
American Robin  10
Brown Thrasher  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  6
Eastern Towhee  3
Chipping Sparrow  12
Field Sparrow  2
White-throated Sparrow  24
Northern Cardinal  6
Blue Grosbeak  1
Red-winged Blackbird  8
Common Grackle  6
Brown-headed Cowbird  12
Orchard Oriole  1
American Goldfinch  14

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

Bird Walk for All People - Saturday, April 25th, 2015

The first Saturday afternoon walk was so birdy that we didn't get past the Plover Ponds. We were first dazzled by the five species of swallows sitting on the rope fence along the first Plover Pond. Other highlights include: great looks at an American Kestrel; waterfowl such as American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, Gadwall, and Mallards; a Great Egret slurping down an eel, a Snowy Egret; a line of Glossy Ibis which landed in grass along Bunker Pond; and a number of Forster's Terns with one Common Tern in the mix. Leaders: Chuck Slugg, Deb Payson, and Barb Bassett.
56 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  12
Gadwall  10
Mallard  8
Green-winged Teal  2
Long-tailed Duck  6
Red-throated Loon  6
Common Loon  1
Northern Gannet  25
Double-crested Cormorant  35
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  1
Glossy Ibis  8
Black Vulture  7
Turkey Vulture  14
Osprey  5
Bald Eagle  1
Red-tailed Hawk  4
American Oystercatcher  1
Greater Yellowlegs  1
American Woodcock  1     heard peenting
Bonaparte's Gull  1
Laughing Gull  7
Herring Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Common Tern  1     flying with Forster's Terns, same size, pearly gray underneath, showed dark wedge on primaries
Forster's Tern  8
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  2
Mourning Dove  4
Chimney Swift  14
American Kestrel  1
American Crow  6
Fish Crow  2  heard only
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  5
Purple Martin  40
Tree Swallow  25
Bank Swallow  1
Barn Swallow  25
Cliff Swallow  1
Carolina Chickadee  2
Carolina Wren  1     heard only
American Robin  10
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  6
Common Yellowthroat  2     heard only
Palm Warbler  5
Yellow-rumped Warbler  6
Eastern Towhee  2     heard only
Field Sparrow  2
Savannah Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  2
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird 15
Common Grackle  3
Brown-headed Cowbird  3     heard only
House Sparrow  4

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (/content/nj)

Birds of Belleplain - Saturday, April 25th, 2015

The recent warmer weather abandoned us this morning with a start temperature of 30 degrees. The "Pee" fields on Sumner Avenue gave us wonderful views of an American Kestrel, a perched Bald Eagle and two Red-tailed Hawks and a fleeting glimpse of the Upland Sandpiper. We did have two Louisiana Waterthrush appearing to argue over territory and the Ovenbirds and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers kept us company almost everywhere we stopped. The group was lucky to get great views of a freshly constructed Gnatcatcher nest. Leaders: Shaun Bamford, Bert Hixon, Chris Marks, BJ Pinnock, and Carrie Bell.
44 species

Wood Duck  4
Wild Turkey  1
Turkey Vulture  3
Bald Eagle  3
Red-tailed Hawk  2
Upland Sandpiper  1     Flying toward woodbine airport from 'pee' field on Sumner ave
Laughing Gull  8
Herring Gull  14
Mourning Dove  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Downy Woodpecker  1
American Kestrel  1
Eastern Phoebe  2
Great Crested Flycatcher  1
White-eyed Vireo  3
Blue Jay  4
American Crow  2
Barn Swallow  4
Carolina Chickadee  5
Tufted Titmouse  6
Carolina Wren  1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  8
American Robin  10
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  14
Ovenbird  10
Worm-eating Warbler  1
Louisiana Waterthrush  2
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Pine Warbler  2
Yellow-throated Warbler  2
Prairie Warbler  1
Eastern Towhee  2
Chipping Sparrow  14
Field Sparrow  1
Savannah Sparrow  3
White-throated Sparrow  12
Northern Cardinal  1
Indigo Bunting  1
Eastern Meadowlark  2
Common Grackle  4
Brown-headed Cowbird  12
American Goldfinch  8
House Sparrow  2

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

Spring Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, April 25th, 2015

Lots of Yellow-rumped Warblers, a couple Yellow Warblers, and nice views of a pair of Prothonotary Warblers. Raptors included Red-tailed hawk, Northern Harrier, and Bald eagle. A Rusty Blackbird and White-eyed Vireo were nice finds.  Leaders: Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, and Deb Payson.
42 species

Canada Goose  12
Wood Duck  1     fly over
Mallard  6
Common Loon  1
Double-crested Cormorant  10
Snowy Egret  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  2
Glossy Ibis  1
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  1
Northern Harrier  1
Bald Eagle  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Killdeer  2
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  1
Laughing Gull  2
Herring Gull  2
Mourning Dove  5
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  2
White-eyed Vireo  2
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  1
Tree Swallow  1
Barn Swallow  10
Carolina Chickadee  6
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  3
European Starling  5
Prothonotary Warbler  2     pair, back side of Willow Pond near RR Tracks
Common Yellowthroat  4
Yellow Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler  10
Savannah Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Rusty Blackbird  1
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  4
House Sparrow  1

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

White-eyed Vireo [Photo by Karl Lukens]

A Meadows Afternoon - Friday, April 24th, 2015

The second installment of "A Meadows Afternoon" featured bright, sunny skies and a gusty northwest wind. Participants were treated to an excellent showing of swallows and Chimney Swifts over the ponds, along with an assortment of waterbirds, highlighted by a pair of Blue-winged Teal along the east spur. Raptors also featured prominently, and included multiple Bald Eagles, Harriers, Kestrels, and Merlins. Seawatching from the east dune crossover yielded some Northern Gannets, most of which were immatures--a sign of the progressing season (even if today's weather begged to differ!). Leaders: Gail Dwyer, Tom Reed, and Barb Bassett.
56 species

Canada Goose  15
Mute Swan  4
Gadwall  8
Mallard  10
Blue-winged Teal  2     *a pair along east path spur
Northern Shoveler  8
Green-winged Teal  20
Ring-necked Duck  3
Black Scoter  10
Red-throated Loon  1
Northern Gannet  20
Double-crested Cormorant  10
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  6
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  6
Osprey  5
Northern Harrier  3
Cooper's Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  2
American Coot  4
American Oystercatcher  2
Laughing Gull  115
Herring Gull  15
Great Black-backed Gull  6
Forster's Tern  10
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  2
Mourning Dove  10
Chimney Swift  90     *conservative estimate
American Kestrel  2
Merlin  3
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  5
Purple Martin  50
Tree Swallow  425     *conservative estimate
Barn Swallow  150     *conservative estimate
Cliff Swallow  10     *conservative estimate
Carolina Chickadee  1
Carolina Wren  1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
American Robin  5
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  10
Common Yellowthroat  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  10
Field Sparrow  1
Savannah Sparrow  3
Song Sparrow  4
White-throated Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  25
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  2
House Finch  2
House Sparrow  2

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

Shorebirds at Heislerville with Pete Dunne - Thursday, April 23rd, 2015

There were some surprises in the impoundments today. We saw a Caspian Tern, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Red-throated Loon and a lingering Ruddy Duck. We had great looks at Tree, Barn and one Rough-winged Swallow, who were close and swooping low over the impoundment due to the wind. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Janet Crawford, and Shaun Bamford.
35 species

Canada Goose  8
Mute Swan  7
Gadwall  20
American Black Duck  5
Mallard  2
Blue-winged Teal  4
Northern Shoveler  12
Green-winged Teal  14
Ruddy Duck  1
Red-throated Loon  1
Double-crested Cormorant  140
Great Egret  23
Snowy Egret  5
Glossy Ibis  14
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  6
Bald Eagle  2
Clapper Rail  4
Semipalmated Plover  2
Killdeer  1
Greater Yellowlegs  10
Dunlin  10
Ring-billed Gull  32
Herring Gull  11
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  3
Caspian Tern  1
Forster's Tern  16
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  1
Purple Martin  7
Tree Swallow  40
Barn Swallow  1
Marsh Wren  1
Red-winged Blackbird  4
Boat-tailed Grackle  3

Thompson's Beach, Cumberland
11 species

Great Egret  6
Snowy Egret  1
Glossy Ibis  1
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  14
Bald Eagle  1
Greater Yellowlegs  12
Dunlin  6
Short-billed Dowitcher  3
Ring-billed Gull  22
Northern Flicker  1

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

Higbee Beach Bird Walk - Friday, April 24th, 2015

It was cold and windy this morning which had the birds hunkered down and fairly quiet. It was a good exercise in walking the different Higbee habitats and listening carefully for birds. The Blue-gray Gnatcatchers were delightful with their "spee-spee" calls and the "Chick-per-a-weeo-chick" of the White-eyed Vireo. We walked many of the less explored sections of the Higbee WMA discussing the plants that host both migrant and resident birds. Leaders: David LaPuma, Chris Marks, and Catherine Busch.
28 species

Canada Goose  8

Double-crested Cormorant  26

Turkey Vulture  6

Bald Eagle  2

Lesser Yellowlegs  1

Herring Gull  4

Great Black-backed Gull  8

Forster's Tern  1

Downy Woodpecker  2

White-eyed Vireo  3

Blue Jay  3

American Crow  6

Fish Crow  3

Northern Rough-winged Swallow  2

Tree Swallow  85

Barn Swallow  8

Carolina Chickadee  2

House Wren  1

Carolina Wren  3

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2

Hermit Thrush  1     heard

Prairie Warbler  2

Eastern Towhee  2

Field Sparrow  5

White-throated Sparrow  8

Northern Cardinal  4

Red-winged Blackbird  X

Brown-headed Cowbird  14

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

Nummy's Island - Wednesday, April 22nd, 2015

"It was a dark and stormy night....." Would aptly describe the beginning of tonight's Nummy's Island walk. Black skies, howling winds and driving rain but luckily it blew through quickly and we were able to enjoy a rather pleasant evening. We had good looks at many Ospreys, a pair of Tricolored Herons and a Clapper Rail (a life bird for one of us). Leaders: Warren Cairo, Gail Dwyer, Shaun Bamford, and Bill & Lee Smythe.
34 species

Brant  30
Canada Goose  10
American Black Duck  4
Mallard  2
Black Scoter  2
Red-breasted Merganser  8
Common Loon  8
Double-crested Cormorant  20
Great Egret  4
Little Blue Heron  1
Tricolored Heron  2
Osprey  14
Clapper Rail  1
American Oystercatcher  6
Black-bellied Plover  4
Greater Yellowlegs  6
Willet (Eastern)  8
Lesser Yellowlegs  1
Whimbrel  1
Dunlin  6
Short-billed Dowitcher  8
Laughing Gull  50
Herring Gull  6
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Mourning Dove  4
Belted Kingfisher  1
Merlin  1
American Crow  6
Fish Crow  10
American Robin  4
European Starling  2
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  5
Boat-tailed Grackle  14

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

Midweek at The Meadows - Wednesday, April 22nd, 2015

The bayberry scrub at the start of our walk occupied us for a good time, as we enjoyed close-up and singing Common Yellowthroats and Yellow-rumped Warblers, as well as a fine Prairie Warbler. Here too we had Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, White-eyed Vireo and a hovering American Kestrel. A fly-by Green Heron, Wood Duck and a group of Glossy Ibises were all nice bonuses before we passed through the main marsh and checked out the Plover Ponds. A young Tundra Swan was still present, along with Buffleheads, while a Killdeer displayed overhead.

Offshore, Northern Gannets put on a good show and both Common and Red-throated Loons showed well. Bottle-nosed Dolphins were cruising by and American Oystercatchers were on the beach. On the homeward leg, six Ring-necked Ducks and several Green-winged Teal were out on the marsh and an Eastern Kingbird was perched in the bushes. A bonus was an impromptu talk from Scott Whittle on his new approach to learning bird song – all aided by a very obliging Eastern Towhee. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Megan Crewe, Chris Marks, Steve Weiss, Mary Watkins, Catherine Busch, and Pat Perkins.
57 species

Canada Goose  16
Mute Swan  8
Wood Duck  1
Gadwall  4
Mallard  10
Northern Shoveler  4
Green-winged Teal  8
Ring-necked Duck  6
Bufflehead  4
Red-throated Loon  1
Common Loon  4
Northern Gannet  12
Double-crested Cormorant  175
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  3
Cattle Egret  1
Green Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  3
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  4
American Oystercatcher  6
Killdeer  2
Greater Yellowlegs  3
Laughing Gull  30
Herring Gull (American)  8
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Forster's Tern  6
Mourning Dove  6
Chimney Swift  4
American Kestrel  1
Eastern Kingbird  1
White-eyed Vireo  2
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  8
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  6
Tree Swallow  12
Barn Swallow  4
Carolina Chickadee  1
Tufted Titmouse  3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
American Robin  8
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  8
Common Yellowthroat  14
Palm Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  24
Eastern Towhee  2
Field Sparrow  1
Savannah Sparrow  5
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  28
Common Grackle  6
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
American Goldfinch  8
House Sparrow  4

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

E-Z Birding - Tuesday, April 21st, 2015

It was a beautiful spring day for our first E-Z Birding walk of the season. Our group enjoyed multiple views of breeding-plumage Yellow-rumped Warblers along with a single Northern Parula, elusive Pine Warblers, two Palm Warblers and we heard (but did not see) many singing Common Yellowthroats throughout our walk. Other highlights included a few remaining pairs of Blue-winged and Green-winged Teal, a close look at a Snowy Egret, and close encounters with a Box Turtle, a Common Water Snake, and an Eastern Rat Snake sunning themselves. Leaders: Catherine Busch, Chris Marks, and Lynne & Marc Breslow.
47 species

Canada Goose  22
Mute Swan  10
Gadwall  4
American Black Duck  2
Mallard  4
Blue-winged Teal  2
Green-winged Teal  8
Double-crested Cormorant  44
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  2
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  4
Cooper's Hawk  1
Killdeer  2
Laughing Gull  25
Herring Gull  8
Forster's Tern  8
Mourning Dove  2
Chimney Swift  6
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Blue Jay  1
Fish Crow  4
Purple Martin  36
Tree Swallow  14
Barn Swallow  4
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  2
House Wren  2
Carolina Wren  2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  3
Hermit Thrush  2
American Robin  12
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  X
Common Yellowthroat  10
Northern Parula  1
Palm Warbler  2
Pine Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  22
Eastern Towhee  2
Chipping Sparrow  1
Savannah Sparrow  10
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  X
Common Grackle  X
Brown-headed Cowbird  X

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S22983203

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, April 20th, 2015

Due to rain we birded undercover at Sunset Beach and had good views of Northern Gannets, Red-throated Loons, a close breeding-plumage Common Loon, Forster's Terns and one (first-of-year for many) Common Tern. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Chuck Slugg, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, and Janet Crawford.
28 species

Brant  12
Mallard  2
Surf Scoter  35
Black Scoter  100
Long-tailed Duck  1
Red-breasted Merganser  2
Red-throated Loon  25
Common Loon  5     1 on water close, 4 flyover. Breeding Plumage
Northern Gannet  250
Double-crested Cormorant  90
Turkey Vulture  1
Northern Harrier  1
Black-bellied Plover  1
Willet  13
Dunlin  1
Bonaparte's Gull  1
Laughing Gull  8
Herring Gull  15
Great Black-backed Gull  15
Common Tern  1
Forster's Tern  10
Fish Crow  3
Purple Martin  1
Tree Swallow  1
Barn Swallow  2
Field Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  1
Red-winged Blackbird  2

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

Maurice River Cruise for Bald Eagles on The Osprey - Sunday, April 19th, 2015

This trip on the "Wild and Scenic" Maurice River is a not-to-be-missed experience if you want to see Ospreys and Bald Eagles up close.  Captain Bob does a great job of angling the boat for photographic opportunities. The oohs and ahs from the group at seeing an eagle feed its young or Ospreys fishing and interacting with the eagles were just part of this amazing journey. Seeing historic landmarks from times past and the largest stand of wild rice in the state added to the excitement of the day.
24 species

Canada Goose  38
American Black Duck  2
Mallard  4
Green-winged Teal  6
Double-crested Cormorant  28
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  1
Snowy Egret  14
Turkey Vulture  8
Osprey  42     Not unusual for this location
Bald Eagle  5     at least two pair feeding young
Red-tailed Hawk  2
Greater Yellowlegs  12
Laughing Gull  50
Herring Gull  15
Forster's Tern  20
Merlin  1
Fish Crow  4
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  12
Tree Swallow  6
American Robin  8
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  12
Common Grackle  2

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

Birds of Belleplain - Saturday, April 18th, 2015

A gorgeous spring morning with many recent arrivals of birds. We were greeted by a singing Yellow-throated Vireo before we ever left the parking lot. Black-and-white Warblers and Ovenbirds were everywhere. The group got wonderful looks at a Yellow-throated Warbler and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers were plentiful. We rounded out our exploration with Prairie Warblers. Leaders:  Shaun Bamford, Bert Hixon, Chris Marks, and BJ Pinnock.
45 species

Canada Goose  15
Wild Turkey  7
Black Vulture  4
Turkey Vulture  3
Red-tailed Hawk  2
Herring Gull  6
Mourning Dove  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  1
American Kestrel  1
Eastern Phoebe  4
White-eyed Vireo  3
Yellow-throated Vireo  1
Blue Jay  12
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  4
Tree Swallow  4
Carolina Chickadee  6
Tufted Titmouse  2
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  22
Gray Catbird  1
Brown Thrasher  2
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  6
Ovenbird  10
Worm-eating Warbler  1
Black-and-white Warbler  6
Northern Parula  2
Palm Warbler (Yellow)  2
Pine Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  2
Yellow-throated Warbler  3
Prairie Warbler  2
Eastern Towhee  2
Chipping Sparrow  12
Field Sparrow  1
Savannah Sparrow  2
White-throated Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  7
Eastern Meadowlark  2
Common Grackle  4
Brown-headed Cowbird  8
American Goldfinch  8

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

Spring Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, April 18th, 2015

A nice spring day and a few migrants were about. We had numerous Yellow-rumped Warblers (some in breeding plumage), a couple of Palm Warblers, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, and the highlight was two Prothonotary Warblers chasing each other and sometimes singing and perching for good looks. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, and Deb Payson.
38 species

Canada Goose  17
Mallard  6
Common Loon  2
Double-crested Cormorant  4
Great Egret  21
Glossy Ibis  3
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  2
Killdeer  2
Laughing Gull  1
Herring Gull  3
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  2
Mourning Dove  10
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  1
Blue Jay  1     heard
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  2
Barn Swallow  4
Carolina Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  3
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
American Robin  3
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  6
Prothonotary Warbler  2
Common Yellowthroat  1
Palm Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  8
White-throated Sparrow  5
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  8
Common Grackle  1
Brown-headed Cowbird  8
House Finch  1
House Sparrow  1

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

Prothonotary Warbler [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Higbee Beach Bird Walk - Friday, April 17th, 2015

The rain held off for the duration of the walk and we were rewarded by lots of singing birds. A walk to the beach gave us close looks at Northern Gannets and Red-throated Loons as well as scoters loafing in the surf.  The fields were alive with bird song including recently returned White-eyed Vireos and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers. Prairie Warblers and Field Sparrows gave great comparisons in ascending vocalizations. The Brown Thrashers were the hit of the walk with their rich, melodious song. Leaders: David LaPuma, Kathy and Roger Horn, Chris Marks, and Mary Watkins.
45 species (+1 other taxa)

Brant  7
Canada Goose  X     heard only
Mallard  6
Surf Scoter  4
Black Scoter  2
Surf/Black Scoter  12
Red-throated Loon  6
Common Loon  1
Northern Gannet  14
Double-crested Cormorant  24
Osprey  1
Bald Eagle  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Oystercatcher  2
Ruddy Turnstone  1
Sanderling  35
Laughing Gull  24
Herring Gull  8
Forster's Tern  6
Mourning Dove  8
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  3
White-eyed Vireo  4
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  4
Tree Swallow  2
Barn Swallow  4
Carolina Chickadee  3
Carolina Wren  10
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  6
Golden-crowned Kinglet  1
Hermit Thrush  2
American Robin  8
Brown Thrasher  5
Common Yellowthroat  4
Prairie Warbler  3
Eastern Towhee  3
Field Sparrow  5
Savannah Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  20
Northern Cardinal  8
Red-winged Blackbird  X     heard only
Common Grackle  2
Brown-headed Cowbird  14

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

Birds of Belleplain - Thursday, April 16th, 2015

Leaders: Bert Hixon, Shaun Bamford, and Karl Lukens.
37 species

Canada Goose  3
American Black Duck  3
Mallard  2
Ring-necked Duck  2
Wild Turkey  17
Common Loon  3
Black Vulture  5
Turkey Vulture  3
Red-tailed Hawk  2
Greater Yellowlegs  5
Laughing Gull  2
Herring Gull  25
Mourning Dove  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  2
Blue Jay  6
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  2
Tree Swallow  10
Barn Swallow  2
Tufted Titmouse  1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  7
American Robin  3
Brown Thrasher  1
Northern Mockingbird  5
European Starling  2
Ovenbird  1     heard
Louisiana Waterthrush  1     heard
Pine Warbler  3
Yellow-throated Warbler  6
Chipping Sparrow  5
Savannah Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  5
Common Grackle  8
Brown-headed Cowbird  8
American Goldfinch  5

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

Wild Turkey [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Nummy's Island - Wednesday, April 15th, 2015

Tonight's Nummy Island walk was very interesting. First, we had eight Tricolored Herons in beautiful breeding plumage along with a dozen Horned Grebes, most in breeding plumage, and a lone Red-necked Grebe providing a great comparison. Down near the 'pay' bridge we had great looks at a Grey Seal, a rather unusual sighting. While watching the seal, we had a flight of 25 Whimbrel fly in and a pair of Royal Terns fly over.  All in all, another great evening at Nummy Island.  Leaders: Warren Cairo, Gail Dwyer, Shaun Bamford, Michael McCabe, and Bill & Lee Smyth.
32 species

Brant  50
American Black Duck  2
Black Scoter  2
Red-breasted Merganser  16
Red-throated Loon  2
Common Loon  12
Horned Grebe  12  
Red-necked Grebe  1
Northern Gannet  3
Double-crested Cormorant  70
Great Egret  5
Snowy Egret  4
Little Blue Heron  2
Tricolored Heron  8     Showing white plume
Osprey  10
American Oystercatcher  10
Black-bellied Plover  5
Greater Yellowlegs  3
Willet (Eastern)  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  2
Whimbrel  25
Short-billed Dowitcher  3
Laughing Gull  200
Herring Gull  6
Great Black-backed Gull  4
Royal Tern  2     Pair fly over
Mourning Dove  4
Peregrine Falcon  1
American Crow  30     Landed on pay bridge
American Robin  1
Red-winged Blackbird  16
Boat-tailed Grackle  20

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

Midweek at The Meadows - Wednesday, April 15th, 2015

After a day of rain yesterday, it was refreshing to be greeted by a sunny morning at The Meadows and a perfectly comfortable temperature for a walk. Early migrants kept us very busy today, as Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Palm and Yellow-rumped Warblers and a singing Common Yellowthroat were in the bushes and a nice collection of swallows and martins fed throughout the reserve. Great and Snowy Egrets were in fine breeding plumage and the scopes came in handy to provide good views of Wilson’s Snipe. Offshore, incoming Northern Gannets and Forster’s Terns mingled with outgoing Surf Scoters and Red-throated Loons and American Oystercatchers were on the beach. At the turning point of our walk we actually find some interesting, non-bird, wildlife to study. An Eastern Mud Turtle on the trail gave a great opportunity for us to study this common but not often seen species, while nearby, we found footprints and diggings from a River Otter that had clearly been having fun rolling around in the sand. The tell-tale, fish-scale-filled scat was also located.   Osprey, Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier and a first-of-season Broad-winged Hawk were all seen in the skies above and skeins of Double-crested Cormorants seemed to be ever-present, snaking their way north overhead. Leaders:  Mike Crewe, Chris Marks, Steve Weiss, Mary Watkins, and Catherine Busch.
57 species

Canada Goose  22
Mute Swan  12
Gadwall  8
Mallard  18
Blue-winged Teal  4
Northern Shoveler  8
Green-winged Teal  10
Ring-necked Duck  14
Surf Scoter  8
Black Scoter  4
Bufflehead  6
Red-throated Loon  1
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Northern Gannet  16
Double-crested Cormorant  650     active migrants crossing the bay
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  4
Glossy Ibis  1
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  6
Osprey  2
Northern Harrier  1
Bald Eagle  1
Broad-winged Hawk  1
American Coot  6
American Oystercatcher  4
Killdeer  1
Wilson's Snipe  2
Laughing Gull  12
Herring Gull  10
Great Black-backed Gull  1
Forster's Tern  4
Mourning Dove  6
Chimney Swift  2
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  1
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  6
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  12
Purple Martin  24
Tree Swallow  32
Barn Swallow  12
Carolina Chickadee  4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  4
Northern Mockingbird  2
Common Yellowthroat  4
Palm Warbler  3
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  6
Field Sparrow  2
Savannah Sparrow  3
Song Sparrow  3
White-throated Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  34
Common Grackle  8
Boat-tailed Grackle  1
Brown-headed Cowbird  14

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, April 13th 2015

We had a good variety of water fowl including Black and Surf Scoters, Red-throated and Common Loons, Blue-winged and Green-winged Teal, and a lingering Tundra Swan. Over head, there were Tree and a few Barn Swallows, and several Martins. The Northern Gannet show was really good; they were close and numerous! Leaders: Pete Dunne, Chuck Slugg, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, Janet Crawford, Carrie Bell, and Hugh Simmons.
55 species

Canada Goose  15
Mute Swan  6
Tundra Swan  1
Gadwall  8
Mallard  18
Blue-winged Teal  2
Northern Shoveler  12
Green-winged Teal  15
Ring-necked Duck  6
Surf Scoter  10
Black Scoter  20
Long-tailed Duck  2
Bufflehead  10
Red-throated Loon  8
Common Loon  3
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Horned Grebe  1
Northern Gannet  250
Double-crested Cormorant  200
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  15
Glossy Ibis  30
Osprey  1
Northern Harrier  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
American Oystercatcher  2
Willet  1     seen by a few
Wilson's Snipe  2
Laughing Gull  30
Ring-billed Gull  3
Herring Gull  15
Great Black-backed Gull  6
Forster's Tern  5
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  2
Mourning Dove  10
Chimney Swift  1
Northern Flicker  2
American Crow  3
Fish Crow  1
Purple Martin  4
Tree Swallow  12
Barn Swallow  2
Carolina Chickadee  2
Carolina Wren  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler  1
Field Sparrow  2
Savannah Sparrow  2
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  20
Common Grackle  4
Brown-headed Cowbird  8
House Finch  1
House Sparrow  5

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

Great Egret [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Red-throated Loon [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Cox Hall Creek WMA - Sunday, April 12th, 2015

Cox Hall Creek WMA was ringing with the sound of Chipping Sparrows this morning. Though present year- round at CHC, they're now decked out in bright rusty caps. Recent spring arrivals included several Pine Warblers and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, and a single Palm Warbler. Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, Cindy & Shaun Bamford, Janet Crawford, Hugh Simmons, Deb Payson, and Carrie Bell.
42 species

Canada Goose  2
Wood Duck  4
Mallard  3
Common Loon  1
Great Egret  1
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Killdeer  2
Laughing Gull  3
Mourning Dove  4
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  4
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  7
Blue Jay  3
American Crow  6
Fish Crow  4
Tree Swallow  2
Carolina Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  4
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  6
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
Hermit Thrush  1
American Robin  14
Brown Thrasher  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
Palm Warbler  1
Pine Warbler  7
Eastern Towhee  2
Chipping Sparrow  13
Field Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  7
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)  2
Northern Cardinal  6
Red-winged Blackbird  5
Common Grackle  2
American Goldfinch  2

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

Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, April 11th, 2015

The varied habitat at the State Park really makes for interesting birding, perhaps especially during migration. Thirteen species of ducks are present now, along with both Common and Red-throated Loons; if you're lucky, as we were, you can see all three scoter species flying by - Surf, Black and White-winged. Purple Martins are active in the parking lot and at the martin houses there. It's the time of year to carefully look through the darting swallows, today with many Tree Swallows and a few Northern Rough-winged Swallows. We had eight Blue-gray Gnatcatchers and though their so-called "song" was inaudible to some, the Pine Warbler songs were ringing out through the pine forest at the back of the Park.  Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, Carrie Bell, Tom Gleason, Deb Payson, Hugh Simmons, and Steve Weis.
60 species

Canada Goose  12
Mute Swan  12
Gadwall  10
American Wigeon  1
American Black Duck  4
Mallard  6
Blue-winged Teal  2
Northern Shoveler  4
Green-winged Teal (American)  18
Ring-necked Duck  2
Surf Scoter  60
White-winged Scoter  2
Black Scoter  18
Bufflehead  5
Ruddy Duck  1
Red-throated Loon  4
Common Loon  1
Northern Gannet  45
Double-crested Cormorant  12
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  4
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Oystercatcher  1
Killdeer  1
Wilson's Snipe  1
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull (American)  5
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  1
Mourning Dove  3
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  5
American Kestrel  1
Eastern Phoebe  1
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  3
Fish Crow  2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  2
Purple Martin  10
Tree Swallow  18
Carolina Chickadee  2
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  7
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  8
American Robin  6
Brown Thrasher  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  3
Pine Warbler  2
Field Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  3
Swamp Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  3
Red-winged Blackbird  8
Common Grackle  5
Boat-tailed Grackle  1
Brown-headed Cowbird  7
American Goldfinch  1

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (/content/nj)

Higbee Beach Bird Walk - Friday, April 10th, 2015

A damp, foggy spring morning did not dampen our spirits or the birds that surrounded us with songs and chip notes as we explored the fields and woods of Higbee Beach. A foray to the canal gave us close looks at Purple Sandpipers, Red-throated Loons, Horned Grebes and two Bonaparte's Gulls at the water's edge. Leaders: David LaPuma, Chris Marks, Roger and Kathy Horn, Mary Watkins, and Catherine Busch.
44 species

Canada Goose  12
Mallard  4
Surf Scoter  8
Black Scoter  6
Bufflehead  4
Red-throated Loon  5
Horned Grebe  2
Northern Gannet  5
Double-crested Cormorant  8
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  2
Osprey  2
Cooper's Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  2
Sanderling  26
Purple Sandpiper  5
Bonaparte's Gull  2
Laughing Gull  8
Herring Gull (American)  14
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  2
Blue Jay  4
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  6
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  2
Tree Swallow  12
Barn Swallow  4
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  3
Hermit Thrush  3
Brown Thrasher  4
Northern Mockingbird  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  6
Field Sparrow  2
Song Sparrow  3
White-throated Sparrow  6
Dark-eyed Junco  3
Northern Cardinal  6
Red-winged Blackbird  12
Common Grackle  4
Brown-headed Cowbird  14

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

Midweek at the Meadows - Wednesday, April 8th, 2015

Spring continues to frustrate us, but the rewards are there for those who brave the weather. Today’s walk was breezy and looked like being wet, but the rain stopped just before we started out and it stayed dry throughout. Heading out from the parking lot, we started nicely with a hunting Northern Harrier, before bumping into a Snowy Egret, then working our way through a nice selection of ducks, including incoming Green-winged and Blue-winged Teal, and outgoing Buffleheads and Ring-necked Ducks. At least seven American Coots were still present before all chaos broke out when the first of two Bald Eagles that we were to see passed through. Ospreys paid their respects and a good flight line of Tree and Barn Swallows was flowing along the back side of the dunes. The tracks of River Otters and the delights of sniffing Sweetfern followed before we checked out the bay and watched a good passage of Northern Gannets – the gleaming white adults looking particularly sharp against the gray skies. Three Lesser Yellowlegs and a Wilson’s Snipe livened up the final leg of the walk before we all headed for a well-earned coffee! Leaders: Mike Crewe, Chris Marks, Steve Weiss and Mary Watkins.
45 species

Brant  2
Canada Goose  63
Mute Swan  7
Gadwall  14
American Black Duck  4
Mallard  22
Blue-winged Teal  2
Northern Shoveler  18
Green-winged Teal  48
Ring-necked Duck  6
Surf Scoter  24
Black Scoter  6
Bufflehead  12
Red-throated Loon  2
Common Loon  1
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Northern Gannet  12
Snowy Egret  1
Glossy Ibis  6
Black Vulture  4
Turkey Vulture  6
Osprey  2
Northern Harrier  2
Bald Eagle  2
American Coot  6
American Oystercatcher  2
Lesser Yellowlegs  3
Wilson's Snipe  1
Laughing Gull  6
Ring-billed Gull  8
Herring Gull  12
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Forster's Tern  4
Mourning Dove  4
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  6
Tree Swallow  18
Barn Swallow  24
European Starling  4
Savannah Sparrow  3
Red-winged Blackbird  32
Common Grackle  12
Brown-headed Cowbird  8
House Finch  4
House Sparrow  6

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, April 6th, 2015

A beautiful, sunny spring morning yielded a good variety of birds for our walk. Highlights include: lingering and breeding ducks such as Gadwall, Mallards, Green-winged Teal, Northern Shovelers, Bufflehead, and Ring-necked Ducks; both Surf and Black Scoters were seen offshore; many Northern Gannets flying over ocean; raptors such as Bald Eagles, numerous Osprey, and Northern Harriers; and a Wilson's Snipe to end our walk. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Chuck Slugg, Steve Weis, and Shaun Bamford.
51 species

Canada Goose  25
Mute Swan  5
Tundra Swan  1     Cape May Meadows, vernal scrape toward beach on western trail
Gadwall  10
Mallard  12
Northern Shoveler  16
Green-winged Teal  24
Ring-necked Duck  8
Surf Scoter  15
Black Scoter  3
Bufflehead  2
Common Loon  1
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Horned Grebe  3
Northern Gannet  30
Double-crested Cormorant  28
Snowy
Egret  5
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  8
Northern Harrier  2
Bald Eagle 2
American Coot  8
American Oystercatcher  4
Killdeer  2     heard only
Wilson's Snipe  1
Bonaparte's Gull  4
Laughing Gull  6
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  7
Forster's Tern  5
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  3
Mourning Dove  4
Northern Flicker  4
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  7
Tree Swallow  7
Barn Swallow  1
Carolina Chickadee  2
Carolina Wren  1     heard only
American Robin  3
European Starling  5
Pine Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  2
Field Sparrow  2
Savannah Sparrow  2
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  16
Common Grackle  7
House Finch  2    heard only
House Sparrow  3

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (/content/nj)

Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, April 4th, 2015

It's a great time of year for new arrivals and 'haven't-left-yets'. There are a lot of ducks left, as well as loons, Brant, Horned Grebes, Hermit Thrush and at least one lingering Tundra Swan. In the new arrivals category, Purple Martins were waiting for their houses to go up at the beginning of the walk and sitting on their 'front porches' at the end. Northern Rough-winged and Barn Swallows have returned in small numbers and we had our First-of-Season Blue-gray Gnatcatcher at the west end of Lighthouse Pond.  Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, Steve Weis, and Tom Gleason.
51 species

Brant (Atlantic)  1
Canada Goose  16
Mute Swan  7
Tundra Swan  1
Gadwall  22
American Wigeon  6
Mallard  14
Northern Shoveler  10
Green-winged Teal (American)  18
Bufflehead  5
Ruddy Duck  1
Red-throated Loon  2
Horned Grebe  2
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  1
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  3
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Oystercatcher  4
Killdeer  2
Wilson's Snipe  8
Forster's Tern  4
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  4
Eastern Phoebe  9
American Crow  4
Fish Crow  2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  1
Purple Martin  3
Tree Swallow  11
Barn Swallow  2
Carolina Chickadee  6
Carolina Wren  6
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Golden-crowned Kinglet  1
Hermit Thrush  1
American Robin  9
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  3
Pine Warbler  9
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  1
Field Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  10
Swamp Sparrow  3
White-throated Sparrow  2
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)  4
Northern Cardinal  3
Red-winged Blackbird  11
Common Grackle  13
House Sparrow  1

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

Midweek at the Meadows - Wednesday, April 1st, 2015

Although a bit cold and windy, our inaugural Wednesday walk through the South Cape May Meadows Preserve gave us good looks at lingering wintering birds and new spring arrivals. Highlights included as many as five Osprey fishing at a time, a skirmish between an adult Bald Eagle and a fishless Osprey, multiple, and close Horned Grebe along the beach. We were pleased to see early spring migrants including Blue-winged Teal, Eastern Phoebe, Barn Swallow, and many singing Red-winged Blackbirds staking out their territories. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Chris Marks, Steve Weis, Catherine Busch, and Mary Watkins.

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, March 30th, 2015

Due to rain, we birded the parking lot only at the Meadows, then moved to the Concrete Ship at Sunset beach where we could bird under cover. There, we observed a nice movement of scoters and Northern Gannets. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Chuck Slugg, Karl Lukens, and Steve Weis.
13 species

Snow Goose  8     fly over
Canada Goose  3
Mallard  2
Great Blue Heron  2
Osprey  2
Herring Gull  2
Mourning Dove  4
Northern Flicker  3
American Kestrel  1
Fish Crow  1
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  5
House Sparrow  1

Cape Island--Sunset Beach/Concrete Ship
22 species

Snow Goose  15
Brant  6
Mallard  3
Surf Scoter  75
White-winged Scoter  2
Black Scoter  75
Red-breasted Merganser  5
Red-throated Loon  25
Northern Gannet  50
Double-crested Cormorant  15
Black Vulture  4
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  1
Bald Eagle  1
American Oystercatcher  4
Bonaparte's Gull  12
Ring-billed Gull  6
Herring Gull  10
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Forster's Tern  8
Mourning Dove  2
Fish Crow  1

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

Herring Gull in the rain [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Sunday Morning at Turkey Point - Sunday, March 29th, 2015

Highlights included eight Bald Eagles and a nice assortment of ducks including Gadwall, Bufflehead and Northern Shoveler. The Bonaparte Gull show is still going on with about 150 gulls feeding in the outgoing tide at the Maple Avenue Impoundments. There were two Black-headed Gulls feeding with the Bonaparte's Gulls. Leaders: Janet Crawford, Chris Marks, and Mary Watkins.
25 species

Canada Goose  6
Mute Swan  2
Gadwall  20
American Black Duck  12
Mallard  8
Northern Shoveler  3
Green-winged Teal  50
Bufflehead  200
Turkey Vulture  5
Northern Harrier  1
Bald Eagle  8
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Dunlin  50
Bonaparte's Gull  150
Black-headed Gull  2     Continuing birds
Herring Gull  8
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Blue Jay  4
American Crow  4
American Robin  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
Chipping Sparrow  2
Song Sparrow  1
Swamp Sparrow  2
Red-winged Blackbird  30

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

Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, March 28th, 2015

Pine Warblers and Eastern Phoebes were the birds of the day on this morning's CMPSP walk, with 20 and 22 of each respectively. The Pine Warblers were feeding on the ground and it was easy to see the variability in yellow from very bright to very dull, typical of Pine Warblers. The Pine Warbler is one of the earliest spring migrants and the only warbler that eats large quantities of seeds, mainly pine seeds. Like the early-arriving Eastern Phoebe, the Pine Warbler is a short-distance migrant, wintering mainly in the southeastern US; neither have long distances to travel to get to their breeding grounds. Other recent arrivals included a flock of 140 Laughing Gulls flying south, perhaps wondering if they'd journeyed north too soon, based on the morning's cold and blustery weather.  Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, and Barb Bassett.
52 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  20
Mute Swan  10
Tundra Swan  2
Gadwall  28
American Wigeon  8
American Black Duck  6
Mallard  12
Northern Shoveler  20
Green-winged Teal (American)  42
Ring-necked Duck  13
Lesser Scaup  2
Surf Scoter  20
Black Scoter  4
Surf/Black Scoter  24
Bufflehead  11
Hooded Merganser  4
Red-throated Loon  4
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  3
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  1
Northern Harrier  2
Red-tailed Hawk  2
American Oystercatcher  2
Killdeer  2
Wilson's Snipe  4
Laughing Gull  140
Ring-billed Gull  4
Herring Gull (American)  6
Mourning Dove  5
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  3
Eastern Phoebe  22
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  6
Tree Swallow  1
Carolina Chickadee  1
Red-breasted Nuthatch  2
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  5
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
Eastern Bluebird  1
American Robin  18
Northern Mockingbird  2
Pine Warbler  20
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  1
Song Sparrow  12
Swamp Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  25
Common Grackle  4
American Goldfinch  1

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