E-Z Birding - Tuesday, May 26th, 2015

Our walk started off with a Green Heron perched high on a cedar by the parking lot. Other highlights of today's walk were good looks at several "cooperative" birds including Common Yellowthroat, one of the park's elusive Yellow-breasted Chats, Tree Swallow, and American Oystercatcher on nest. A mystery singing bird was briefly seen by one participant, but identified after the walk by reviewing recorded bird songs as a Nashville Warbler. Leaders: Catherine Busch, Chris Marks, and Marc & Lynne Breslow.
50 species

Canada Goose  24
Mute Swan  14
Gadwall  2
Mallard  4
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Great Egret  2
Green Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  1
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  3
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Oystercatcher  4
Killdeer  1
Least Sandpiper  1
Laughing Gull  X
Herring Gull  X
Great Black-backed Gull  X
Least Tern  16
Forster's Tern  8
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  3
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  2     Heard
Downy Woodpecker  1
Eastern Kingbird  4
American Crow  6
Fish Crow  4
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  1
Purple Martin  100
Tree Swallow  14
Carolina Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  2
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  3
American Robin  8
Gray Catbird  6
Northern Mockingbird  2
Cedar Waxwing  6
Nashville Warbler  1     heard only
Common Yellowthroat  10
Blackpoll Warbler  2     Heard
Yellow-breasted Chat  3
Field Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  4
Indigo Bunting  2
Red-winged Blackbird  X
Common Grackle  X
Brown-headed Cowbird  8
Orchard Oriole  3
American Goldfinch  2
House Sparrow  1

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, May 25th, 2015

The parking lot continues to offer good birding with views of Green Herons, Glossy Ibis, Mallards, and Black Ducks flying overhead along with Purple Martins, Tree Swallows, Common Grackles, Mockingbirds, and an Osprey carrying a fish. A Yellow-breasted Chat called continuously. The ponds and mudflats yielded a variety of shorebirds. The highlight of the walk was a Roseate Tern. Leaders: Chuck Slugg, Steve Weis, and Deb Payson.
60 species

Canada Goose  23
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  7
American Wigeon  1     West trail at Meadows; drake in breeding plumage
American Black Duck  2
Mallard  10
Black Scoter  8
Bufflehead  1    Vernal pond next to dune at Meadows; hen
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  2
Green Heron  5
Glossy Ibis  6
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  9
American Oystercatcher  7
Semipalmated Plover  1
Killdeer  3
Greater Yellowlegs  1     heard only
Willet  2
Lesser Yellowlegs  1     heard only
Dunlin  2
Least Sandpiper 10
Semipalmated Sandpiper  25
Short-billed Dowitcher  14
Laughing Gull 18
Herring Gull  10
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull 15
Least Tern  18
Roseate Tern  1
Common Tern  1
Forster's Tern  12
Black Skimmer  5
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  2
Mourning Dove  8
Chimney Swift  7
Eastern Kingbird  1
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  3
Fish Crow  6
Purple Martin  10
Tree Swallow  12
Barn Swallow  4
American Robin  5
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  4
Cedar Waxwing  1
Common Yellowthroat  3
Yellow-breasted Chat  1     heard only
Eastern Towhee  1    heard only
Field Sparrow  1     heard only
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  3
Blue Grosbeak  1
Red-winged Blackbird  14
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  3     heard only
American Goldfinch  4     heard only
House Sparrow 5

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

Cox Hall Creek WMA - Sunday, May 24th, 2015

We had two candidate species for "Bird of the Day" at CHC WMA this morning. The Great Crested Flycatchers were begging to be scoped, repeatedly sitting out in the open for us, and scoped they were. The Great Crested Flycatcher is a cavity nester and there are a lot of trees available to them at CHC; but not once did we see a flycatcher at a nest hole. A pair of Orchard Orioles, however, did seem to be working on a nest, repeatedly entering a patch of leaves where they were hidden from view. Orchard Orioles build a pouch of grasses for their nest, typically attaching it to a fork in a tree or shrub. We'll check on their progress next Sunday! Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, Shaun Bamford, and Deb Payson.
51 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  4
Mallard  4
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid)  1
Double-crested Cormorant  76
Great Blue Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  1
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  2
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Laughing Gull  5
Herring Gull (American)  3
Forster's Tern  2
Mourning Dove  3
Chimney Swift  2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  1
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  2
Eastern Wood-Pewee  4
Great Crested Flycatcher  8
Eastern Kingbird  5
White-eyed Vireo  3
Red-eyed Vireo  2
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  3
Purple Martin  3
Tree Swallow  2
Barn Swallow  1
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  5
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  3
American Robin  8
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  2
Cedar Waxwing  9
Pine Warbler  1
Eastern Towhee  1
Chipping Sparrow  9
Northern Cardinal  4
Indigo Bunting  6
Red-winged Blackbird  8
Common Grackle  4
Brown-headed Cowbird  8
Orchard Oriole  3
Baltimore Oriole  1
House Finch  2
House Sparrow  3

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

Bird Walk for All People - Saturday, May 23rd, 2015

The weather was cool and sunny with a moderate breeze. The walk began with a Glossy Ibis flying over the parking lot and a lot of Purple Martins going in and out of the martin houses. Bunker Pond yielded a pair of Gadwalls, one Great Egret, one Snowy Egret, and several Mute Swans. As we continued, a sub-adult Bald Eagle flew over. The wooded area was quiet but we saw Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Blue Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Carolina Wren, Carolina Chickadee, and heard a Yellow-breasted Chat calling loudly. Leaders: Chuck Slugg, and Marc & Lynn Breslow.
52 species

Canada Goose  18
Mute Swan  16
Gadwall  4
Mallard  3
Double-crested Cormorant  4
Great Egret  1
Snowy Egret  2
Glossy Ibis 10
Black Vulture  6
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  10
Bald Eagle  1
Red-tailed Hawk  2
American Oystercatcher  4
Semipalmated Plover  1
Least Sandpiper  1
Laughing Gull  5
Herring Gull  6
Great Black-backed Gull  7
Least Tern 7
Forster's Tern  10
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  3
Mourning Dove  4
Chimney Swift  5
Great Crested Flycatcher  1  heard only
Eastern Kingbird  2
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  5
Fish Crow  1
Purple Martin  30
Tree Swallow 15
Barn Swallow  2
Carolina Chickadee  2
House Wren  2
Carolina Wren  3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
American Robin  3
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  2
Common Yellowthroat  3     heard only
Yellow Warbler  1     heard only
Yellow-breasted Chat  1     heard only
Eastern Towhee  1    heard only
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  3
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  12
Common Grackle  6
Brown-headed Cowbird  2 heard only
American Goldfinch  3
House Sparrow  4

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

Birds of Belleplain - Saturday, May 23rd, 2015

A fantastic ten-warbler day for our final Belleplain walk of the season. Great looks were had of Ovenbird, Acadian Flycatcher and Yellow-throated Warblers to name a few. We were able to see the nests of Wood Thrush, Summer Tanager, and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers. The group was fascinated by a Great Blue Heron at Sunset Bridge hunting frogs. A Yellow-breasted Chat and Blue-winged Warbler sat up to sing. What a fabulous way to end the season! Leaders: Shaun Bamford, Bert Hixon, Chris Marks, and BJ Pinnock.
48 species

Wild Turkey  4
Double-crested Cormorant  6
Great Blue Heron  1
Black Vulture  4
Turkey Vulture  2
Laughing Gull  15
Mourning Dove  2
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee  12
Acadian Flycatcher  8
Great Crested Flycatcher  4
Eastern Kingbird  6
White-eyed Vireo  3
Red-eyed Vireo  2
Blue Jay  4
American Crow  2
Tree Swallow  2
Barn Swallow  3
Carolina Chickadee  1
Tufted Titmouse  2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  5
Wood Thrush  4
Brown Thrasher  3
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  4
Cedar Waxwing  32
Ovenbird  14
Worm-eating Warbler  2
Louisiana Waterthrush  1
Blue-winged Warbler  2
Black-and-white Warbler  2
Hooded Warbler  3
American Redstart  1
Yellow-throated Warbler  3
Prairie Warbler  4
Yellow-breasted Chat  1
Chipping Sparrow  4
Field Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  2
Indigo Bunting  1
Eastern Meadowlark  1
Common Grackle  4
Brown-headed Cowbird  8
American Goldfinch  3

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

Spring Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, May 23rd, 2015

This week, we found that a lot of the breeding birds are all settled in. Blue Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Prothonotary Warbler, Great-crested Flycatcher and Yellow-breasted Chat are on territories, providing a nice mix of sight and sound. Flycatchers were well represented also with a singing Eastern Phoebe, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Eastern Kingbird and the already-mentioned Great Crested Flycatcher. Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, Karl Lukens, Deb Payson, and Carrie Bell.
60 species

Canada Goose  6
Mallard  6
Snowy Egret  2
Green Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  1
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  5
Osprey  1
Bald Eagle  2
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Killdeer  3
Laughing Gull  4
Herring Gull (American)  1
Forster's Tern  1
Mourning Dove  5
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  2
Chimney Swift  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee  1
Eastern Phoebe  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  6
Eastern Kingbird  7
White-eyed Vireo  1
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  1
Purple Martin  2
Tree Swallow  2
Barn Swallow  8
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  1
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  7
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
American Robin  2
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  3
Cedar Waxwing  7
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Prothonotary Warbler  2
Common Yellowthroat  4
American Redstart  1
Yellow Warbler  1
Chestnut-sided Warbler  1
Blackpoll Warbler  1
Prairie Warbler  1
Yellow-breasted Chat  2
Field Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  5
Blue Grosbeak  4
Indigo Bunting  7
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  3
Brown-headed Cowbird  4
Baltimore Oriole  1
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  2

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

Higbee Beach Bird Walk - Friday, May 22nd, 2015

Group 1 - Leaders:  David LaPuma, Chris Marks, Warren Cairo, Catherine Busch, and Claudia Burns.
39 species

Mallard  4
Great Egret  1
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  4
Bald Eagle  2
Laughing Gull  X
Herring Gull  X
Mourning Dove  2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2
Eastern Wood-Pewee  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  1
Eastern Kingbird  8
White-eyed Vireo  1
American Crow  4
Fish Crow  2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  3
Tree Swallow  3
Barn Swallow  6
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  3
Carolina Wren  5
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
American Robin  3
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  3
Cedar Waxwing  1
Common Yellowthroat  3
Hooded Warbler  2
American Redstart  1
Prairie Warbler  3
Yellow-breasted Chat  3
Field Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  2
Indigo Bunting  3
Red-winged Blackbird  X
Common Grackle  X
Brown-headed Cowbird  X

Group 2 - Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, Mary Watkins, and Deb Payson.
46 species

Mallard  4
Great Egret  1
Snowy Egret  1
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Killdeer  1
Laughing Gull  12
Forster's Tern  1
Mourning Dove  2
Chimney Swift  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  3
Eastern Kingbird  3
White-eyed Vireo  2
Red-eyed Vireo  3
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  2
Purple Martin  1
Carolina Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  1
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  5
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  3
American Robin  6
Gray Catbird  7
European Starling  3
Cedar Waxwing  2
Common Yellowthroat  3
Hooded Warbler  3
American Redstart  1
Yellow Warbler  1
Prairie Warbler  5
Black-throated Green Warbler  1
Yellow-breasted Chat  1
Field Sparrow  5
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  5
Indigo Bunting  6
Red-winged Blackbird  11
Common Grackle  3
Brown-headed Cowbird  7
American Goldfinch  2

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

Nummy's Island - Wednesday, May 20th, 2015

The final Nummy Island walk of the Spring was a fitting end to a great season. We had the largest number of participants, most of them wanted to see a Clapper Rail, and Clapper Rails we saw. The last one sat out in the open long enough for everyone to have great scope looks. It was a life bird for many! Leaders: Warren Cairo, Gail Dwyer, Shaun Bamford, and Bill & Lee Smythe.
32 species

Double-crested Cormorant  15
Great Egret  6
Snowy Egret  4
Little Blue Heron  2
Tricolored Heron  2
Glossy Ibis  20
Osprey  12
Clapper Rail  5
American Oystercatcher  12
Black-bellied Plover  4
Semipalmated Plover  8
Spotted Sandpiper  2
Willet (Eastern)  8
Whimbrel  12
Ruddy Turnstone  4
Red Knot  1
Dunlin  8
Least Sandpiper  5
Short-billed Dowitcher  4
Laughing Gull  120
Herring Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  6
Common Tern  2
Forster's Tern  6
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  1
Peregrine Falcon  1
Barn Swallow  4
Northern Mockingbird  1
Common Yellowthroat  1
Seaside Sparrow  1
Red-winged Blackbird  20
Boat-tailed Grackle  16

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

Midweek at the Meadows - Wednesday, May 20th, 2015

Wednesday’s walk at The Meadows gave our group more than just good birding, as we enjoyed a wealth of wildlife to watch and learn about. The bayberries gave us plenty of opportunity to enjoy local breeding birds such as Northern Cardinals and Common Yellowthroats, as well as a migratory Red-eyed Vireo. Green Heron, foot-paddling Snowy Egret and busy Glossy Ibises all followed, before we noticed a Black Rat Snake beside the path. Our George Myers Naturalist, Margeaux Maerz, showed her flair for such things and soon had the snake in hand for all to get acquainted with.

Brief looks at a cuckoo weren’t enough for us to be certain of the species but we were soon enjoying good numbers of shorebirds as we had close studies of Dunlin, Semipalmated and Least Sandpipers, Semipalmated Plovers and Short-billed Dowitchers. A Spotted Sandpiper in breeding plumage made a nice addition and was followed by studies of a Red-bellied Turtle which attracted the attention of several of the local waterfowl. Leaders:  Mike Crewe, Chris Marks, Catherine Busch, and Margeaux Maerz.
47 species

Canada Goose  14
Mute Swan  6
American Black Duck  5
Mallard  6
Ruddy Duck  1
Double-crested Cormorant  4
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  8
Green Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  8
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  4
American Oystercatcher  1
Semipalmated Plover  8
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  1
Dunlin  10
Least Sandpiper  20
Semipalmated Sandpiper  8
Short-billed Dowitcher  12
Laughing Gull  X
Herring Gull  X
Least Tern  6
Common Tern  2
Forster's Tern  14
Mourning Dove  4
Chimney Swift  2
Eastern Kingbird  2
Red-eyed Vireo  1
American Crow  4
Fish Crow  4
Purple Martin  14
Tree Swallow  10
Barn Swallow  8
Carolina Wren  2
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  3
Common Yellowthroat  4
Yellow Warbler  2
Blackpoll Warbler  2
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  X
Common Grackle  X
Orchard Oriole  2
House Sparrow  2

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

E-Z Birding - Tuesday, May 19th, 2015

Favorable winds overnight led to early reports of warbler and other migrant activity in Cape May Point. Accordingly, we adjusted our usual walk to take in those areas most likely to hold recent arrivals near the entrance, along the exit road and around the Red Trail. Our efforts were rewarded with eight species of warblers seen or heard by most participants. Leaders:  Catherine Busch, Chris Marks, and Marc & Lynne Breslow.
37 species

Canada Goose  X
Mute Swan  7
Mallard  1
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  3
Killdeer  1
Laughing Gull  8
Forster's Tern  6
Mourning Dove  2
Chimney Swift  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee  1
Eastern Kingbird  1
American Crow  4
Fish Crow  2
Purple Martin  100
Tree Swallow  4
Carolina Chickadee  2
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  3
American Robin  8
Gray Catbird  12
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  2
Common Yellowthroat  8
American Redstart  2
Magnolia Warbler  2
Blackpoll Warbler  12
Black-throated Blue Warbler  1
Black-throated Green Warbler  1
Canada Warbler  1
Yellow-breasted Chat  2
Northern Cardinal  6
Red-winged Blackbird  X
Common Grackle  X
Brown-headed Cowbird  6
House Finch  1
House Sparrow  10

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, May 18th, 2015

We had nice birding from the parking lot where we had Blue Grosbeak, Eastern Kingbird, Orchard Oriole and Yellow-billed Cuckoo. There were also lots of shorebirds including Semipalmated Plover and Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Short-billed Dowitcher, and both Yellowlegs. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Chuck Slugg, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, Warren Cairo, Carrie Bell, and Deb Payson.
55 species

Canada Goose  8
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  4
Mallard  8
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  1
Green Heron  2
Glossy Ibis  1
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  10
Osprey  3
American Oystercatcher  3
Black-bellied Plover  1
Semipalmated Plover  10
Killdeer  1
Greater Yellowlegs  2
Willet  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  5
Dunlin  7
Least Sandpiper  10
Semipalmated Sandpiper  20
Short-billed Dowitcher  45
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Least Tern  12
Forster's Tern  10
Mourning Dove  5
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  1
Chimney Swift  1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Eastern Kingbird  1
Fish Crow  1
Purple Martin  5
Tree Swallow  4
Barn Swallow  8
Carolina Chickadee  1
Gray Catbird  1
Brown Thrasher  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  2
Cedar Waxwing  1
Common Yellowthroat  5
Yellow Warbler  1     heard
Blackpoll Warbler  1     heard by a few
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  5
Blue Grosbeak  2
Red-winged Blackbird  12
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  2
House Finch  2
American Goldfinch  2
House Sparrow  5

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

Orchard Oriole [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Eastern Willet [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Nummy's Island - Wednesday, May 13th, 2015

Tonight's Nummy Island walk was at high tide and very windy conditions. We had great looks at Red Knots, Short-billed Dowitchers and Black-bellied Plovers. Leaders: Warren Cairo, Gail Dwyer and Shaun Bamford.
36 species (+1 other taxa)

Brant (Atlantic)  20
Common Loon  3
Double-crested Cormorant  10
Great Egret  15
Snowy Egret  4
Little Blue Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  10
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  8
Clapper Rail  5
American Oystercatcher  10
Black-bellied Plover  8
Semipalmated Plover  2
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Willet  18
Willet (Eastern)  10
Whimbrel  4
Ruddy Turnstone  4
Red Knot  130
Dunlin  6
Least Sandpiper  25
Semipalmated Sandpiper  10
Short-billed Dowitcher  20
Laughing Gull  100
Herring Gull (American)  12
Great Black-backed Gull  4
Common Tern  2
Forster's Tern  12
Peregrine Falcon  1
Fish Crow  2
Barn Swallow  2
American Robin  2
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
Common Yellowthroat  1
Red-winged Blackbird  12
Boat-tailed Grackle  8

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

Short-billed Dowitcher, Red Knot, Black-bellied Plover, and Dunlin [Photo by Warren Cairo]

Midweek at the Meadows - Wednesday, May 13th, 2015

Leaders:  Mike Crewe, Chris Marks, Steve Weis, and Catherine Busch.
45 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  26
Mute Swan  14
Gadwall  2
Mallard  4
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid)  1
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  3
Glossy Ibis  5
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  3
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Oystercatcher  2
Semipalmated Plover  4
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Greater Yellowlegs  3
Willet (Eastern)  2
Lesser Yellowlegs  3
Least Sandpiper  6
Short-billed Dowitcher  4
Laughing Gull  X
Herring Gull (American)  X
Great Black-backed Gull  X
Least Tern  4
Forster's Tern  16
Mourning Dove  3
Eastern Kingbird  2
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  6
Purple Martin  8
Tree Swallow  16
Barn Swallow  5
Carolina Wren  3
Gray Catbird  4
Northern Mockingbird  2
Common Yellowthroat  8
Eastern Towhee  1
Field Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  3
Red-winged Blackbird  X
Common Grackle  X
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
Orchard Oriole  3
American Goldfinch  3

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

E-Z Birding - Tuesday, May 12th, 2015

Favorable southwest winds overnight brought in some new migrants at the state park as well as elsewhere. Highlights included two Bay-breasted Warblers, Orchard Oriole, a Least Flycatcher, and a singing Eastern Wood-Pewee. Leaders:  Catherine Busch, Chris Marks, Lynne and Mark Breslow.
44 species

Canada Goose  35
Mute Swan  12
Mallard  3
Double-crested Cormorant  65
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  3
American Oystercatcher  2
Killdeer  1
Laughing Gull  X
Herring Gull (American)  8
Least Tern  4
Forster's Tern  24
Mourning Dove  4
Chimney Swift  2
Eastern Wood-Pewee  1
Least Flycatcher  1
Eastern Kingbird  4
White-eyed Vireo  2
Fish Crow  6
Purple Martin  X
Tree Swallow  X
Barn Swallow  3
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  2
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  3
American Robin  2
Gray Catbird  8
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  4
Common Yellowthroat  12
American Redstart  2
Bay-breasted Warbler  2
Yellow Warbler  5
Yellow-breasted Chat  3
Chipping Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  X
Common Grackle  X
Brown-headed Cowbird  X
Orchard Oriole  2
House Sparrow  2

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, May 11th, 2015

A very foggy morning made it difficult to see some of the birds. We did get foggy scope views of Blue Grosbeak and Green Heron. Some shore birds were close enough to get good looks, which included Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Semipalmated Plover and Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Willet, and Short-billed Dowitchers. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Chuck Slugg, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, and Janet Crawford.
41 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  2
Mallard  8
Ruddy Duck  1
Great Egret  2
Green Heron  3
Glossy Ibis  1
Osprey  1
American Oystercatcher  3
Semipalmated Plover  1
Greater Yellowlegs  2
Lesser Yellowlegs  1
Dunlin  3
Least Sandpiper  5
Semipalmated Sandpiper  1
Short-billed Dowitcher  7
Laughing Gull  8
Herring Gull  1
Least Tern  8
Forster's Tern  6
Mourning Dove  2
Chimney Swift  6
Fish Crow  3
Tree Swallow  5
Barn Swallow  10
American Robin  2
Gray Catbird  2
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  8
Common Yellowthroat  5
Field Sparrow  2
Savannah Sparrow  2
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  2
Blue Grosbeak  1
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  6
Brown-headed Cowbird  4
Orchard Oriole  1
House Sparrow  1

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

Higbee Beach Birding - Friday, May 8th, 2015

Group 1 Leaders: David La Puma, Chris Marks, Warren Cairo, Claudia Burns, and Carrie Bell.
51 species

Canada Goose  3
Gadwall  2
Mallard  2
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Laughing Gull  8
Forster's Tern  3
Mourning Dove  4
Chimney Swift  1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  4
Eastern Kingbird  5
White-eyed Vireo  4
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  2
Tree Swallow  6
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  2
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  8
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
Hermit Thrush  1     heard
American Robin  3
Gray Catbird  4
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  2
Common Yellowthroat  3
Hooded Warbler  3
Northern Parula  6
Magnolia Warbler  1
Yellow Warbler  2
Black-throated Blue Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  8
Prairie Warbler  4
Yellow-breasted Chat  3
Eastern Towhee  1
Chipping Sparrow  1
Field Sparrow  2
White-throated Sparrow  2
Scarlet Tanager  2
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  1
Common Grackle  3
Brown-headed Cowbird  8
Baltimore Oriole  1
House Finch  2
American Goldfinch  3

Group 2 Leaders: Kathy Horn and Roger Horn, Catherine Busch, and Margeaux Maerz.
37 species

Double-crested Cormorant  1
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  1
Laughing Gull  6
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Mourning Dove  3
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  2
White-eyed Vireo  6
Red-eyed Vireo  2
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  3
Carolina Chickadee  6
Tufted Titmouse  3
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  6
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
American Robin  2
Gray Catbird  9
Common Yellowthroat  4
Hooded Warbler  3
Northern Parula  6
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  6
Prairie Warbler  3
Yellow-breasted Chat  3
Field Sparrow  5
Scarlet Tanager  2
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  3
Red-winged Blackbird  7
Common Grackle  2
Brown-headed Cowbird  8
American Goldfinch  1

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

Birds of Belleplain - Thursday, May 7th, 2015

As usual, we heard a lot of birds and saw some. We had good looks at Eastern Meadowlark, Bobolink, White-eyed Vireo, Indigo Bunting, Blue Grosbeak, and Hooded, Worm-eating, Pine, and Prairie Warblers. A high-perched and singing Ovenbird was a treat.  Other birds seen included Wild Turkeys, several Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, and an Acadian Flycatcher. Leaders: Shaun Bamford, Bert Hixon, Karl Lukens, and Carrie Bell.
46 species

Wild Turkey  4
Double-crested Cormorant  50
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  1
Laughing Gull  2
Herring Gull  20
Mourning Dove  4
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee  1     heard
Acadian Flycatcher  3     heard 3 saw 1
Great Crested Flycatcher  1     heard
Eastern Kingbird  3
White-eyed Vireo  3
Red-eyed Vireo  3     heard
Blue Jay  2
Fish Crow  1
Tree Swallow  1
Barn Swallow  3
Carolina Chickadee  1
Tufted Titmouse  5     heard
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  3
Wood Thrush  8     heard 7 saw 1
American Robin  3
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  2
Ovenbird  15     saw 1
Worm-eating Warbler  1
Black-and-white Warbler  1     heard
Common Yellowthroat  1
Hooded Warbler  2     saw 1
Pine Warbler  5
Prairie Warbler  4
Chipping Sparrow  5
Savannah Sparrow  3
Summer Tanager  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  2
Bobolink  2
Eastern Meadowlark  1
Common Grackle  8
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
Orchard Oriole  1

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

Eastern Kingbird [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Summer Tanager [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Nummy's Island - Wednesday, May 6th, 2015

This evening's walk highlights were close looks at over twenty Whimbrels while Clapper Rails were loudly calling and swimming back and forth across an inlet. Both were 'Life Birds' for a number of the participants.  Leaders:  Warren Cairo, Gail Dwyer, Shaun Bamford, Lee & Bill Smythe, and Carrie Bell.
33 species

Brant  40
Canada Goose  8
Common Loon  2
Double-crested Cormorant  30
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  1
Little Blue Heron  1
Osprey  6
Northern Harrier  1
Clapper Rail  4
American Oystercatcher  20
Black-bellied Plover  10
Semipalmated Plover  12
Greater Yellowlegs  2
Willet (Eastern)  20
Whimbrel  25
Red Knot  10
Dunlin  14
Least Sandpiper  4
Short-billed Dowitcher  12
Laughing Gull  50
Herring Gull  12
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Forster's Tern  16
Mourning Dove  2
Peregrine Falcon  1
Fish Crow  10
Tree Swallow  2
Barn Swallow  1
Gray Catbird  1
Eastern Towhee  1
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Boat-tailed Grackle  30

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

Exploring Cumberland - Wednesday, May 6th, 2015

Leaders:  Chris Marks, Shaun Bamford, Bert Hixon, Mary Watkins, and Tom Gleason.
65 species

American Black Duck  2
Wild Turkey  12
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  12
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  6
Osprey  3
Bald Eagle  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Clapper Rail  12
Black-bellied Plover  2
Semipalmated Plover  6
Willet (Eastern)  6
Least Sandpiper  5
Short-billed Dowitcher  12
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull (American)  13
Mourning Dove  6
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  2
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  5
Eastern Kingbird  4
White-eyed Vireo  7
Blue-headed Vireo  2
Red-eyed Vireo  6
Fish Crow  6
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  5
Tree Swallow  14
Barn Swallow  8
Carolina Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  2
Marsh Wren  3
Carolina Wren  1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  6
Wood Thrush  2
American Robin  6
Gray Catbird  6
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  4
Ovenbird  6
Blue-winged Warbler  2
Black-and-white Warbler  2
Prothonotary Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  4
Northern Parula  8
Magnolia Warbler  2
Yellow Warbler  3
Yellow-throated Warbler  3
Prairie Warbler  8
Black-throated Green Warbler  2
Yellow-breasted Chat  1
Eastern Towhee  4
Chipping Sparrow  6
Field Sparrow  2
Seaside Sparrow  9
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  2
Indigo Bunting  5
Red-winged Blackbird  8
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  6
Orchard Oriole  13

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

Midweek at The Meadows - Wednesday, May 6th, 2015

It was a lovely, warm morning at the Nature Conservancy's South Cape May Meadows for our mid-week walk. We were treated to multiple looks at a pair of Orchard Orioles, as well as fabulous views of a couple of the many singing Common Yellowthroats. A Red-eyed Vireo teased us with his song, but never came out to say 'hello'. Green Herons were seen (and heard) from perches atop Red Cedar trees at both the north and south ends of the property. Shorebirds had a stronger presence this week, with Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Eastern Willets, Least Sandpipers, Semipalmated Plovers, a Solitary Sandpiper, nesting American Oystercatchers, and a large collection of Short-billed Dowitchers. Least Terns have officially arrived in force and we watched them feeding and cavorting alongside Forster's Terns and our usual smattering of gulls including Great Black-backed and Laughing Gulls. An added bonus this morning came in the form of a posing Northern Water Snake, who seemed to be checking out a recently-vacated Canada Goose nest along the east path! Leaders: Mike Crewe, Catherine Busch, Steve Weis, Pat Perkins, and Margeaux Maerz.

E-Z Birding - Tuesday, May 5th, 2015

Early in our walk through Cape May Point State Park, we heard and located Southern Gray Tree Frogs calling loudly near the edge of the trail. The majority of our wintering ducks were gone, to be replaced by wading birds - Great and Snowy Egrets, and Glossy Ibis. We were able to creep up to a feeding group of the latter and get spectacular views of their breeding plumage through the scope. Other highlights today included American Oystercatchers nesting on the beach and singing Orchard Orioles. Leaders:  Catherine Busch, Chris Marks, and Lynne Breslow.
45 species

Canada Goose  24
Mute Swan  12
Gadwall  2
Mallard  4
Double-crested Cormorant  125
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  2
Glossy Ibis  15
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  3
American Oystercatcher  4
Least Sandpiper  2
Laughing Gull  X
Herring Gull  X
Least Tern  2
Forster's Tern  18
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  2
Mourning Dove  4
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Eastern Kingbird  4
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  6
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  1
Purple Martin  38
Tree Swallow  12
Barn Swallow  6
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  2
House Wren  2
Carolina Wren  5
American Robin  4
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  6
Common Yellowthroat  18
Yellow Warbler  1
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  6
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  26
Common Grackle  34
Brown-headed Cowbird  16
Orchard Oriole  2
American Goldfinch  3
House Sparrow  X

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

Hidden Corners of Belleplain - May 5, 2015

Leaders: Shawn Bamford, Burt Hixon and Mary Watkins.
57 species

Canada Goose  6
Wild Turkey  12
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  8
Red-tailed Hawk  2
Laughing Gull  60
Herring Gull  12
Mourning Dove  14
Chimney Swift  3
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  5
Downy Woodpecker  2
Eastern Wood-Pewee  5
Acadian Flycatcher  1
Eastern Phoebe  2
Great Crested Flycatcher  3
Eastern Kingbird  1
White-eyed Vireo  10
Red-eyed Vireo  7
Blue Jay  5
American Crow  3
Tree Swallow  6
Carolina Chickadee  12
Tufted Titmouse  9
House Wren  2
Carolina Wren  4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  14
Wood Thrush  5
American Robin  11
Gray Catbird  6
Brown Thrasher  2
Northern Mockingbird  2
Ovenbird  8
Worm-eating Warbler  1
Black-and-white Warbler  5
Common Yellowthroat  7
Yellow Warbler  1
Pine Warbler  2
Yellow-throated Warbler  3
Prairie Warbler  4
Eastern Towhee  6
Chipping Sparrow  15
Field Sparrow  2
Savannah Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  1
Summer Tanager  3
Scarlet Tanager  2
Northern Cardinal  2
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  3
Bobolink  2
Red-winged Blackbird  6
Eastern Meadowlark  2
Common Grackle  15
Brown-headed Cowbird  8
American Goldfinch  4

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, May 4th, 2015

A nice spring morning and some good birds even before leaving the parking lot. From there we had Eastern Kingbird, Blue Grosbeak, and Orchard Oriole. A few shorebirds either flying or on pond edges including both yellowlegs, Solitary Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Willet, and Semipalmated Plover. Several newly arrived Least Terns were seen and American Oystercatchers, one of which appeared to be on nest. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Chuck Slugg, and Karl Lukens.
56 species

Canada Goose  8
Mute Swan  4
Gadwall  6
Mallard  8
Black Scoter  25
Red-throated Loon  1
Common Loon  3
Double-crested Cormorant  250
Great Blue Heron  3
Great Egret  1
Snowy Egret  3
Green Heron  2
Glossy Ibis  8
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  4
American Oystercatcher  8
Semipalmated Plover  1
Spotted Sandpiper  2
Solitary Sandpiper  1
Greater Yellowlegs  2
Willet  2
Lesser Yellowlegs  6
Least Sandpiper  4
Laughing Gull  20
Herring Gull  10
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Least Tern  6
Forster's Tern  10
Mourning Dove  5
Chimney Swift  1
Red-headed Woodpecker  1     fly-over
Eastern Kingbird  2
Fish Crow  3
Purple Martin  1
Tree Swallow  6
Barn Swallow  8
Carolina Chickadee  2
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  8
Common Yellowthroat  8
Yellow Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler  3
Eastern Towhee  1     heard
Field Sparrow  2
Savannah Sparrow  3
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  5
Blue Grosbeak  2     male, female
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  3
Orchard Oriole  1     female
House Finch  1
House Sparrow  5

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

American Oystercatcher [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Common Yellowthroat [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Bird Walk for All People - Saturday, May 2nd, 2015

A beautiful, spring afternoon with a slight breeze. Bunker Pond still sports a drake American Wigeon, several Mute Swans nesting on top of muskrat huts, both Great and Snowy Egrets, and several Savannah Sparrows. There was a good mix of swallows including Northern Rough-winged, Barn, Tree, and Purple Martins. Osprey were overhead and one caught a fish and shook the water off like a dog.  Common Yellowthroat Warblers were calling along the tree line. The wooded area was quiet but we did see both House and Carolina Wrens and had good looks at Blue-gray Gnatcatchers. Leaders: Chuck Slugg, Catherine Busch, and Deb Payson.
42 species

Canada Goose  12
Mute Swan  11
Gadwall  2
American Wigeon  1     drake has been seen frequently on Bunker Pond for several weeks
Mallard  8
Double-crested Cormorant  30
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  2
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  6
Osprey  5
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Oystercatcher  2
Killdeer  3     heard only
Laughing Gull  10
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull  7
Great Black-backed Gull  8
Forster's Tern  9
Mourning Dove  4
Chimney Swift  4
American Crow  2     heard only
Fish Crow  9
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  6
Purple Martin  45
Tree Swallow  20
Barn Swallow  6
Carolina Chickadee  6
House Wren  2
Carolina Wren  2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
American Robin  12
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  6
Common Yellowthroat  6     heard only
Savannah Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  3     heard only
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  6
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  3

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

Birds of Belleplain - Saturday, May 2nd, 2015

It was a fine spring day in Belleplain. Birds were easily heard, but difficult to see, however we got wonderful looks at Hooded Warbler and a recently returned Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Other recent spring migrants--Wood Thrush and Eastern Wood-Pewee--were wonderful additions to the swelling numbers of bird song surrounding us. Leaders: Shaun Bamford, Bert Hixon, Chris Marks, BJ Pinnock, and Tom Gleason.
41 species

Canada Goose  2
Turkey Vulture  3
Bald Eagle  2     After walk
Broad-winged Hawk  1     Heard and some saw
Laughing Gull  8
Mourning Dove  4
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee  2
Eastern Phoebe  6
Great Crested Flycatcher  3
White-eyed Vireo  10
Red-eyed Vireo  1     heard
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  2
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  5
Wood Thrush  6
American Robin  5
Brown Thrasher  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
Ovenbird  12
Worm-eating Warbler  2
Louisiana Waterthrush  1
Blue-winged Warbler  1
Black-and-white Warbler  2
Hooded Warbler  1
Pine Warbler  2
Yellow-throated Warbler  4
Prairie Warbler  5
Eastern Towhee  3
Chipping Sparrow  8
Field Sparrow  2
Summer Tanager  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Common Grackle  4
Brown-headed Cowbird  8
Orchard Oriole  1
American Goldfinch  6

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

Spring Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, May 2nd, 2015

We had a nice spring day and good looks at Common Yellowthroat, a pair of Prothonotary Warblers, House and Carolina Wren, and Green Heron. One lucky leader caught a glimpse of a male Painted Bunting found by two others. We got no further looks. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, and Deb Payson.
45 species

Canada Goose  10
Mallard  2
Double-crested Cormorant  5
Green Heron  2
Black-crowned Night-Heron  2
Black Vulture  5
Turkey Vulture  3
Bald Eagle  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Killdeer  3
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Laughing Gull  3
Herring Gull  1
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  2
Mourning Dove  2
Chimney Swift  3
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  2
White-eyed Vireo  1     heard
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  6
Tree Swallow  2
Barn Swallow  8
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  3
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  1
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  6
Prothonotary Warbler  2
Common Yellowthroat  5
Yellow Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  8
Savannah Sparrow  4
White-throated Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  3
Red-winged Blackbird  8
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
House Finch  1
American Goldfinch  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, May 1st, 2015

Another less than spring-like day, but the birds were singing and we were able to watch Field Sparrows nest building. Two late Hermit Thrush were seen well. White-eyed Vireos were everywhere as were the Prairie Warblers. Despite the weather, birds are arriving daily and getting down to the business of finding mates and breeding. Leaders: David LaPuma, Chris Marks, Mary Watkins, Catherine Busch, Bert Hixon, and Pat Perkins.
47 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  X     heard
Mallard  4
Surf/Black Scoter  8
Northern Gannet  3
Double-crested Cormorant  4
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  5
Osprey  1
Bald Eagle  1
Laughing Gull  X
Herring Gull (American)  4
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Forster's Tern  3
Mourning Dove  4
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  2
Eastern Kingbird  4
White-eyed Vireo  6
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  4
Fish Crow  8
Tree Swallow  3
Barn Swallow  6
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  6
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
Hermit Thrush  2     not yet migrated
American Robin  6
Gray Catbird  1
Brown Thrasher  1
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  4
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  12
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  4
Prairie Warbler  6
Eastern Towhee  3
Chipping Sparrow  4
Field Sparrow  4     two nest building
Song Sparrow  2
White-throated Sparrow  8
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  12
Common Grackle  6
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
American Goldfinch  3

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

Birds of Belleplain - Thursday, April 30th, 2015

It was a nice day and we did hear a number of birds, but getting a good view was not easy. We got good views of a Summer Tanager, a Common Yellowthroat, White-eyed Vireo, Prairie Warbler, Orchard Oriole, and surprisingly, an Ovenbird! We also had nice looks at a perched immature Broad-winged Hawk.  Leaders: Shaun Bamford, Bert Hixon, and Karl Lukens.
47 species

Wild Turkey  1
Turkey Vulture  3
Broad-winged Hawk  2
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Laughing Gull  5
Herring Gull  2
Mourning Dove  3
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  4
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  2
American Kestrel  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  1     heard
Eastern Kingbird  2
White-eyed Vireo  5
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  3
Fish Crow  1
Tree Swallow  2
Barn Swallow  2
Carolina Chickadee  1
Tufted Titmouse  1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  5
Wood Thrush  10     heard
American Robin  5
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  5
European Starling  2
Ovenbird  15     heard
Worm-eating Warbler  2     heard
Black-and-white Warbler  1     heard
Common Yellowthroat  1
Hooded Warbler  1     heard
Pine Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler  1
Yellow-throated Warbler  1
Prairie Warbler  3
Chipping Sparrow  8
Field Sparrow  1
Savannah Sparrow  3
Summer Tanager  1
Northern Cardinal  5
Red-winged Blackbird  3
Eastern Meadowlark  1
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  4
Orchard Oriole  1
American Goldfinch  4

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

Broad-winged Hawk [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Wild Turkey [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Midweek at the Meadows - Wednesday, April 29th, 2015

A glorious sunny morning met high expectations and joined together to provide an excellent walk at the Meadows. The bayberry patches gave us our first Orchard Orioles of the year – including a singing male in all his glory – as well as singing Yellow and Prairie Warblers, and parties of Yellow-rumped Warblers lifting off and heading northward. A fly-over Green Heron gave great views and was later followed by Great and Snowy Egrets, several Glossy Ibises and some wonderful formations of Double-crested Cormorants. A Marsh Wren called but stayed hidden, two Buffleheads were still on the Plover Pond and both Red-throated and Common Loons were on the bay. A Hermit Thrush was a pleasant surprise in the dunes, while a noticeable increase in shorebirds gave us five Short-billed Dowitchers, two fly-over Greater Yellowlegs, two Spotted Sandpipers and a Least Sandpiper. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Chris Marks, Mary Watkins, Catherine Busch, Steve Weis, Pat Perkins.
63 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  18
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  6
Mallard  4
Blue-winged Teal  2
Northern Shoveler  2
Bufflehead  2
Red-throated Loon  1
Common Loon  5
Double-crested Cormorant  175
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  6
Green Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  46
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  5
Osprey  3
Northern Harrier  1
Accipiter sp.  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Oystercatcher  3
Killdeer  1
Spotted Sandpiper  2
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Willet (Eastern)  4
Least Sandpiper  1
Short-billed Dowitcher  5
Laughing Gull  24
Herring Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Forster's Tern  8
Mourning Dove  4
Chimney Swift  4
Fish Crow  8
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  4
Purple Martin  3
Tree Swallow  24
Barn Swallow  10
Carolina Chickadee  5
Marsh Wren  1
Carolina Wren  3
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  3
Hermit Thrush  1
American Robin  2
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  6
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  12
Yellow Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  14
Prairie Warbler  2
Eastern Towhee  5
Field Sparrow  2
Savannah Sparrow  6
Song Sparrow  2
Swamp Sparrow  2
White-throated Sparrow  9
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  24
Common Grackle  16
Boat-tailed Grackle  4
Brown-headed Cowbird  12
Orchard Oriole  3
House Sparrow  X

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

E-Z Birding - Tuesday, April 28th, 2015

Although a bit chilly and windy, we found a few sunny, protected pockets for feeding songbirds and swallows and Chimney Swifts were often seen overhead. Highlights of the walk included migrant flocks of Double-crested Cormorant, Glossy Ibis, and three Broad-winged Hawk in a kettle with vultures. The Glossy Ibis circled near us several times before settling down in the marsh for scope views. Leaders: Catherine Busch, Chris Marks, and Marc & Lynne Breslow.
48 species

Canada Goose  25
Mute Swan  14
Gadwall  3
Mallard  6
Double-crested Cormorant  75
Great Egret  5
Snowy Egret  3
Glossy Ibis  85     Active migrants
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  8
Osprey  2
Broad-winged Hawk  3     flying high over State Park
Red-tailed Hawk  2
Killdeer  2     Heard
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull (American)  6
Forster's Tern  6
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  5
Mourning Dove  2
Chimney Swift  4
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  2
Eastern Kingbird  1
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  8
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  10
Purple Martin  35
Tree Swallow  25
Barn Swallow  15
Carolina Chickadee  6
Tufted Titmouse  2
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  3
American Robin  14
European Starling  14
Common Yellowthroat  16
Palm Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  10
Song Sparrow  3
White-throated Sparrow  6
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  28
Common Grackle  16
Brown-headed Cowbird  12
House Finch  2
American Goldfinch  4

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