E-Z Birding - Tuesday, October 27th, 2015

Wintering ducks continue to gather on Bunker Pond, and each day, more males are coming into breeding plumage. The group enjoyed good looks at Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, American Wigeon, and Green-winged Teal on Bunker Pond. We later saw two male Eurasian Wigeon on Lighthouse Pond. Leaders: Catherine Busch, Chris Marks, Marc & Lynne Breslow.
42 species

Canada Goose  34
Mute Swan  25
Gadwall  26
Eurasian Wigeon  2     Continuing
American Wigeon  18
Mallard  36
Northern Shoveler  12
Northern Pintail  16
Green-winged Teal  12
Black Scoter  28
Ruddy Duck  10
Double-crested Cormorant  14
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  1
Turkey Vulture  6
Osprey  2
Northern Harrier  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  8
Cooper's Hawk  2
Laughing Gull  X
Ring-billed Gull  6
Herring Gull (American)  12
Great Black-backed Gull  18
Forster's Tern  6
Royal Tern  4
Mourning Dove  2
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  2
Peregrine Falcon  1
Eastern Phoebe  2
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  4
Tree Swallow  12
Carolina Wren  2
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  12
White-throated Sparrow  4
Song Sparrow  2
Swamp Sparrow  6
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  45
American Goldfinch  10
House Sparrow  X

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, October 26th, 2015

There were a good variety of ducks, although Mallard and Green-winged Teal were the only ones in large numbers. We also had small numbers of Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Ruddy Duck, American Wigeon, and one female Redhead were present. On the beach, we found two distant Lesser Black-backed Gulls and numerous Northern Gannets off shore. Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks were overhead, as well as a couple of Northern Harriers, and a Bald Eagle. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Chuck Slugg, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, Janet Crawford, Carrie Bell, Pat Perkins, and Mary Watkins.
56 species

Canada Goose  80
Mute Swan  4
Gadwall  6
American Wigeon  2
American Black Duck  4
Mallard  50
Blue-winged Teal  3
Northern Shoveler  6
Northern Pintail  2
Green-winged Teal  25
Redhead  1
Red-breasted Merganser  2
Red-throated Loon  1
Common Loon  2
Northern Gannet  15
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  5
Glossy Ibis  1
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  1
Northern Harrier  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  5
Cooper's Hawk  2
Bald Eagle  1
Killdeer  1
Greater Yellowlegs  3
Wilson's Snipe  2
Laughing Gull  10
Ring-billed Gull  5
Herring Gull  10
Lesser Black-backed Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  25
Forster's Tern  10
Royal Tern  15
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  6
Mourning Dove  5
Northern Flicker  1
American Kestrel  1
American Crow  2
Tree Swallow  15
American Robin  15
Northern Mockingbird  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  15
Savannah Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  2
Swamp Sparrow  4
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Eastern Meadowlark  1
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  1
House Finch  1
American Goldfinch  10
House Sparrow  10

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

Bird Walk for All People - Thursday, October 22nd, 2015

On Bunker Pond, along with the Black Swan and Mute Swans, there was a large number ducks including Ring-necked, Gadwall, Ruddy, and Eurasian Wigeon. A large number of Yellow-rumped Warblers with some sparrows, including Song, Field, Swamp, and Savannahs, were in the bayberries lining the path. Leaders: Chuck Slugg & Warren Cairo.
50 species

Canada Goose  35
Mute Swan  43
Gadwall  10
Eurasian Wigeon  2  
American Wigeon  18
Mallard  40
Blue-winged Teal  16
Northern Shoveler  18
Northern Pintail  4
Green-winged Teal  18
Ring-necked Duck  2
Ruddy Duck  5
Double-crested Cormorant  38
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  1
Northern Harrier  5
Sharp-shinned Hawk  7
Cooper's Hawk  3
Broad-winged Hawk  2
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Coot  1
Parasitic Jaeger  7
Laughing Gull  3
Great Black-backed Gull  35
Royal Tern  25
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  1
Mourning Dove  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1     heard
Downy Woodpecker  1     heard
Northern Flicker  4
Peregrine Falcon  1
Eastern Phoebe  3
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  3
Tree Swallow  50
Barn Swallow  3
Carolina Chickadee  3
Golden-crowned Kinglet  1     heard
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  2
American Robin  1     heard
Gray Catbird  3
Brown Thrasher  1     heard
Northern Mockingbird  2
Palm Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler  30
Field Sparrow  1
Savannah Sparrow  2
Song Sparrow  2
Swamp Sparrow  9
American Goldfinch  12

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, October 21st, 2015

It was a windy morning and with the promise of a variety of sparrows and ducks we decided to explore Cape May Point State Park. A quick trip to the dune crossover gave us close looks at Northern Gannets, Black Scoters, and a handful of Parasitic Jaegers harassing gulls and terns in the rips. A small group of calling Eastern Meadowlarks flew off the water and over the dunes. Bunker Pond allowed us fantastic looks at visiting ducks including Northern Pintails, displaying Gadwalls, Green-winged Teals, Ring-necked Ducks, 2 Eurasian Wigeon drakes, and a surprise male Bufflehead. A walk down to the brush pile and first plover pond revealed a collection of Palm Warblers and ever-present Yellow-rumped Warblers along with Savannah Sparrows, Song Sparrows, White-throated Sparrows, and an unexpected Vesper Sparrow. Leaders: Margeaux Maerz, Mike Crewe, Catherine Busch, Chris Marks, Mary Watkins, and Steve Weis.
59 species

Canada Goose  16
Mute Swan  27
Gadwall  14
Eurasian Wigeon  2     *Continuing
American Wigeon  24
Mallard  36
Blue-winged Teal  4
Northern Shoveler  8
Northern Pintail  6
Green-winged Teal  10
Ring-necked Duck  3
Surf Scoter  4
Black Scoter  120
Bufflehead  1
Ruddy Duck  4
Northern Gannet  6
Double-crested Cormorant  28
Great Blue Heron  1
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  1
Northern Harrier  3
Sharp-shinned Hawk  2
Cooper's Hawk  2
American Coot  3
Parasitic Jaeger  3
Laughing Gull  X
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull (American)  X
Great Black-backed Gull  X
Caspian Tern  1
Royal Tern  4
Mourning Dove  2
Belted Kingfisher  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  3
American Kestrel  1
Merlin  2
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  6
Tree Swallow  16
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  8
American Pipit  X     *Heard only
Palm Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  75
Field Sparrow  2
White-crowned Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  2
Vesper Sparrow  1
Savannah Sparrow  2
Song Sparrow  1
Swamp Sparrow  8
Red-winged Blackbird  12
Eastern Meadowlark  8
American Goldfinch  18
House Sparrow  X

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

E-Z Birding - Tuesday, October 20th, 2015

A large number of Yellow-rumped Warblers and various sparrows were feeding actively around the Red Trail, whilst overhead, raptors were a frequent site. The most spectacular site was an adult Bald Eagle low over the east pond with talons outstretched hunting ducks. We also enjoyed an array of ducks on Bunker Pond including a male Eurasian Wigeon and newly arrived Ring-necked Ducks. Leaders: Catherine Busch, Chris Marks, Marc & Lynne Breslow and Hugh Simmons.
47 species

Canada Goose  8
Mute Swan  18
Gadwall  12
Eurasian Wigeon  1
American Wigeon  25
American Black Duck  2
Mallard  22
Northern Shoveler  4
Northern Pintail  8
Green-winged Teal  4
Ring-necked Duck  4
Ruddy Duck  3
Double-crested Cormorant  6
Great Blue Heron  1
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  6
Osprey  2
Northern Harrier  4
Sharp-shinned Hawk  2
Cooper's Hawk  3
Bald Eagle  1
Red-tailed Hawk  3
American Coot  4
Killdeer  1
Laughing Gull  X
Herring Gull (American)  X
Great Black-backed Gull  X
Mourning Dove  4
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  4
Merlin  2
Blue Jay  3
American Crow  6
Tree Swallow  35
Carolina Chickadee  4
Carolina Wren  3
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
Gray Catbird  3
Brown Thrasher  3
Northern Mockingbird  2
Common Yellowthroat  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  85
Field Sparrow  2
White-throated Sparrow  2
Song Sparrow  4
Swamp Sparrow  12
Northern Cardinal  2
American Goldfinch  4

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, October 19th, 2015

It was a chilly morning with lots of Yellow-rumped Warblers in the shrubs and overhead. We also had many Double-crested Cormorants in large flocks overhead. A nice variety of ducks on the ponds including Ruddy Ducks and numerous Green-winged Teal. A few saw an American Bittern which was seen again after the walk. One Lesser Black-backed Gull was on the beach, and a few saw a not too distant Parasitic Jaeger. A Bald Eagle gave us all a nice look. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Chuck Slugg, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, Janet Crawford, Mary Watkins, and Pat Perkins.
53 species

Canada Goose  150
Mute Swan  6
Wood Duck  4
American Wigeon  2
American Black Duck  2
Mallard  30
Northern Shoveler  6
Northern Pintail  7
Green-winged Teal  30
Double-crested Cormorant  200
American Bittern  1
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  1
Turkey Vulture  7
Osprey  2
Northern Harrier  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  8
Cooper's Hawk  3
Bald Eagle  1
Red-tailed Hawk  2
Wilson's Snipe  1
Parasitic Jaeger  1
Laughing Gull  3
Ring-billed Gull  3
Herring Gull  8
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  15
Royal Tern  10
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  3
Mourning Dove  8
Northern Flicker  5
Merlin  2
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  4
Tree Swallow  25
Carolina Chickadee  1
Carolina Wren  2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  3
Cedar Waxwing  14
Common Yellowthroat  2
Palm Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler  50
Savannah Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  1
Swamp Sparrow  8
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Eastern Meadowlark  1
House Finch  1
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  1

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

American Bittern [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Cox Hall Creek WMA - Sunday, October 18th, 2015

You don't have to cover much ground to see a lot of birds at Cox Hall Creek WMA right now. Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets are suddenly all over and of course there's a steady flow of Yellow-rumped Warblers. CHC WMA is also a good stop-over spot for migratory woodpeckers and home to our non-migratory woodpeckers like Downy, Hairy and Red-bellied. A young (that is not yet red headed) Red-headed Woodpecker perched briefly on a snag for a good view and Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers soft whirr was heard several times; both of these woodpecker species are short-distance migrants and while most of them will continue their southern journey, a few may remain to spend the winter with us. Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, Janet Crawford, Shaun Bamford, and Karen Johnson.
53 species

Double-crested Cormorant  26
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  4
Cooper's Hawk  2
Bald Eagle  1
Killdeer  1
Herring Gull (American)  3
Mourning Dove  4
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-headed Woodpecker  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  2
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  7
Eastern Phoebe  15
Blue-headed Vireo  2
Red-eyed Vireo  2
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  6
Tree Swallow  3
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  7
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
Brown Creeper  1
Carolina Wren  5
Golden-crowned Kinglet  5
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  11
American Robin  11
Gray Catbird  8
Brown Thrasher  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  6
Cedar Waxwing  12
Common Yellowthroat  2
Blackpoll Warbler  1
Palm Warbler (Western)  4
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  28
Chipping Sparrow  1
Field Sparrow  2
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)  2
White-crowned Sparrow  3
White-throated Sparrow  8
Savannah Sparrow  4
Song Sparrow  6
Swamp Sparrow  8
Eastern Towhee  3
Northern Cardinal  4
Indigo Bunting  1
Common Grackle  1
House Finch  2
American Goldfinch  17
House Sparrow  5

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

Hawks, Trails, and Beach - Saturday, October 17th, 2015

From the parking lot, we saw a Black-throated Green Warbler and late Blue-gray Gnatcatchers. There was a huge number of birds working the rips but they were too distant to identify. We did note some Royal Terns. Raptors included Merlin, Northern Harriers, and American Kestrels. The Black Swan and an Eurasian Wigeon continue on Bunker Pond. We also saw Wood Ducks and a Common Gallinule which was seen by the leader only. Another bird of note was a Tricolored Heron. For our herpetologists we had a large Black Rat Snake. Leaders: Chuck Slugg, Megan Crewe, and Bert Hixon.
48 species

Canada Goose  70
Mute Swan  51
Wood Duck  5
Gadwall  12
Eurasian Wigeon  1
American Wigeon  16
Mallard  30
Blue-winged Teal  10
Northern Shoveler  10
Northern Pintail  6
Green-winged Teal  4
Ruddy Duck 7
Double-crested Cormorant  5
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  3
Tricolored Heron  1
Osprey  1
Northern Harrier  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Common Gallinule  1
American Coot  1
Killdeer  1     heard
Parasitic Jaeger  1
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  20
Royal Tern 3
Mourning Dove  8
Northern Flicker  2
American Kestrel  2
Merlin  4
Fish Crow  3
Tree Swallow  40
Barn Swallow  1
Carolina Chickadee  3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2     Late migrants; identified by all leaders
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  2
American Robin  1
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  1     heard
European Starling  7
Palm Warbler  3
Yellow-rumped Warbler  35
Black-throated Green Warbler  1
Field Sparrow  1
Savannah Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  3
Red-winged Blackbird  5

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

Fall Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, October 17th, 2015

One can only speculate about the number of sparrows present at the Rea Farm right now. In this morning's 15 mph wind, a lot of them were hunkered down, making only brief appearances as we moved along the grassy edges. Though the Lincoln Sparrow allowed only the briefest of views as it flew away, Savannah and Swamp Sparrows were a bit kinder to us and we had good looks at those. A real treat was the Red-shouldered Hawk that circled above us for a bit, allowing us to see its beautiful and distinctive wing crescents. Group 1 Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn.
54 species

Canada Goose  14
Mute Swan  2
Mallard  8
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Great Egret  2
Black Vulture  6
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  1
Northern Harrier  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  5
Cooper's Hawk  2
Bald Eagle  1
Red-shouldered Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Herring Gull (American)  1
Great Black-backed Gull  6
Mourning Dove  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  4
Downy Woodpecker  3
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  5
Merlin  1
Eastern Phoebe  16
Blue-headed Vireo  1
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  4
Tree Swallow  3
Carolina Chickadee  2
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  6
Golden-crowned Kinglet  2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  5
American Robin  23
Gray Catbird  8
Brown Thrasher  1
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  9
Cedar Waxwing  42
Common Yellowthroat  2
Palm Warbler (Western)  3
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  32
Field Sparrow  2
White-throated Sparrow  8
Savannah Sparrow  6
Song Sparrow  6
Lincoln's Sparrow  1
Swamp Sparrow  7
Eastern Towhee  3
Northern Cardinal  5
Red-winged Blackbird  4
Common Grackle  2
American Goldfinch  18

Group 2 Leaders: Karl Lukens and Deb Payson.
45 Species
Canada Goose  50
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Black Vulture  5
Turkey Vulture  8
Osprey  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  8
Cooper's Hawk  4
Bald Eagle  1
Red-shouldered Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Killdeer  1
Herring Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  1
Mourning Dove  10
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  4
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  5
Eastern Phoebe  15
Blue Jay  4
American Crow  5
Tree Swallow  5
Carolina Wren  2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  2
Hermit Thrush  1
American Robin  15
Gray Catbird  4
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  20
Cedar Waxwing  7
Common Yellowthroat  1
Blackpoll Warbler  1
Palm Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler  25
Field Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  1
Savannah Sparrow  5
Song Sparrow  4
Swamp Sparrow  5
Eastern Towhee  1
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  5
American Goldfinch  25
House Sparrow  1

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

Sunset Birding at The Meadows - Friday, October 16th, 2015

It was a crisp, fall evening with a beautiful sunset and a rising crescent moon. Yellow-rumped Warblers surrounded us in the parking lot with a Fish Crow loudly vocalizing on a telephone pole. There was a nice mix of ducks including Northern Shoveler, Blue- and Green-winged Teal, Gadwall, Northern Pintails, Ruddy Ducks, and Mallards. Merlins, Kestrels, a Northern Harrier, and Osprey were the raptors of the evening. Leaders: Chuck Slugg and Barb Bassett.
39 species

Canada Goose  65
Mute Swan  4
Gadwall  5
American Wigeon  2     heard
Mallard  20
Blue-winged Teal  11
Northern Shoveler  8
Northern Pintail  4
Green-winged Teal  6
Ruddy Duck  2
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Great Blue Heron  3
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret 2
Osprey  3
Northern Harrier  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  2
American Coot  7
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Wilson's Snipe  1
Laughing Gull  20
Ring-billed Gull 2
Herring Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  45
Royal Tern  3
Mourning Dove  2
American Kestrel  1
Merlin  6
Fish Crow  3
Tree Swallow  20
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  1
Palm Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler  40
Savannah Sparrow  3
Swamp Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  1    heard
Red-winged Blackbird  6
House Finch  1

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

Higbee Beach Birding - Friday, October 16th, 2015

Today our two groups took turns out on the beach it catch Parasitic Jaegers exiting the Delaware Bay with the tide. Black Scoter and Northern Gannet were also seen, while a walk around the fields yielded many Yellow-rumped Warblers and Northern Flickers. Additional warblers seen included Blackpoll, Palm, Black-throated Green, Nashville and Common Yellowthroat. Group  1 - Leaders: David La Puma, Karl Lukens, Catherine Busch, Chris Marks, and Mary Watkins.
39 species

Black Scoter  3
Great Blue Heron  1
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  10
Cooper's Hawk  5
Parasitic Jaeger  6
Laughing Gull  8
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Black Skimmer  1
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  1
Mourning Dove  5
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  40
Merlin  2
Eastern Phoebe  5
Blue Jay  4
American Crow  5
Tree Swallow  5
Brown Creeper  1
Carolina Wren  3
Golden-crowned Kinglet  1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
American Robin  1
Gray Catbird  3
Brown Thrasher  2
Cedar Waxwing  10
Blackpoll Warbler  1
Palm Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler  50
Black-throated Green Warbler  1
Field Sparrow  1
Dark-eyed Junco  1
White-throated Sparrow  10
Song Sparrow  1
Swamp Sparrow  3
Eastern Towhee  1
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  10
American Goldfinch  1

Group 2 Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, Barb Bassett
46 species (+1 other taxa)

Mute Swan  2
dabbling duck sp.  5
Black Scoter  28
Common Loon  1
Northern Gannet  2
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Turkey Vulture  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  9
Cooper's Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  2
Killdeer  2
Parasitic Jaeger  2
Laughing Gull  X
Ring-billed Gull  6
Herring Gull (American)  7
Great Black-backed Gull  21
Caspian Tern  2
Forster's Tern  1
Royal Tern  8
Mourning Dove  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  16
Merlin  5
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  3
Carolina Chickadee  2
Carolina Wren  3
Golden-crowned Kinglet  8
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  2
American Robin  3
Gray Catbird  7
Brown Thrasher  2
European Starling  5
Cedar Waxwing  31
Nashville Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  1
Palm Warbler (Western)  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  48
Field Sparrow  4
White-throated Sparrow  12
Song Sparrow  2
Swamp Sparrow  7
Eastern Towhee  3
Northern Cardinal  2
American Goldfinch  2

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

Bird Walk for All People - Thursday, October 15th, 2015

It was a beautiful, crisp fall morning. As we surveyed the beach and ocean, there was a huge number of birds working the rips with several Parasitic Jaegers in the mix. There was an Osprey eating a fish on the beach and a movement of other raptors including Broad-winged, Red-tailed, Sharp-shinned, and Cooper's Hawks, Northern Harrier, Bald Eagle, Kestrels, and Merlin. The Black Swan is still on Bunker Pond with Mute Swans and a mixture of ducks. Yellow-rumped Warblers were everywhere streaming in from the ocean with a number of Tree Swallows in the air and sitting on the beach. A highlight for some was a 4-foot long Black Rat Snake which was gently held by several people. Leaders: Chuck Slugg and Warren Cairo.
56 species

Canada Goose  75
Mute Swan  46
Gadwall  10
American
Wigeon  16
Mallard  20
Blue-winged Teal  14
Northern Shoveler  12
Green-winged Teal  4
Ruddy Duck  7
Northern Gannet  11
Double-crested
Cormorant  47
Great Egret  3
Black Vulture  6
Turkey Vulture  20
Osprey  3
Northern Harrier  3
Sharp-shinned Hawk  10
Cooper's Hawk  4
Bald Eagle 2
Broad-winged Hawk  2
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Coot  1
Killdeer  20
Parasitic Jaeger  9
Laughing Gull  4
Ring-billed Gull  3
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  50
Caspian Tern  1
Forster's Tern  45
Royal Tern  20
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  2
Mourning Dove  4
Northern Flicker  5
American Kestrel  2
Merlin  3
Fish Crow  4
Tree Swallow  150
Carolina Wren  3     heard
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  2
American Robin  3     heard
Gray Catbird  1     heard
Brown Thrasher  1
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  1
Palm Warbler  3
Yellow-rumped Warbler  125
Savannah Sparrow 10
Song Sparrow  8
Swamp Sparrow  5
Eastern Towhee  1     heard
Northern Cardinal  1     heard
Red-winged Blackbird  70
Eastern Meadowlark  1
Pine Siskin  1
American Goldfinch  8

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, October 14th, 2015

It was a most enjoyable morning around Cape May Point this week! Yellow-rumped Warblers were abundant this morning as we made our way down to the St. Mary's by the Sea beach access. We were greeted by an adult Bald Eagle that came and landed on the beach (with a juvenile joining it a few minutes later). The rips were filled with Parasitic Jaegars putting on an acrobatic show, chasing terns and gulls. A few Northern Gannets and Royal Terns gave close flybys, while a couple Lesser Black-backed Gulls loafed on the beach. A walk up to Lake Lily provided looks at an adorable Pied-billed Grebe and Common Gallinule. We stopped on our way back to the State Park to check out an uncooperative Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, but Lighthouse Pond held some Gadwalls and a flyover pair of Northern Harriers. Leaders: Margeaux Maerz, Mike Crewe, Chris Marks, Steve Weis, Catherine Busch, Deb Payson, & Mary Watkins
46 species

Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  2
Mallard  4
Black Scoter  85
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Northern Gannet  4
Double-crested Cormorant  3
Great Egret  1
Osprey  2
Northern Harrier  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  2
Cooper's Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  2
Common Gallinule  1
American Oystercatcher  4
Parasitic Jaeger  6
Laughing Gull  X
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull (American)  X
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  X
Forster's Tern  X
Royal Tern  X
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  4
Mourning Dove  6
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  12
Blue Jay  3
American Crow  8
Tree Swallow  65
Carolina Wren  2
American Robin  2
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  4
European Starling  25
American Pipit  1
Common Yellowthroat  1
Blackpoll Warbler  1
Palm Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  35
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  45
Eastern Meadowlark  2
House Finch  6
American Goldfinch  6
House Sparrow  X

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

Sunset Birding at Stone Harbor Point - Tuesday, October 13th, 2015

Our first walk at Stone Harbor Point following the lengthy Nor’Easter. A lot has changed, it’s now 2.0 miles from the parking lot to the point at low tide and there is a 4’ drop along the beach side. Even with these changes, it was a fun evening. We had super close looks at a Piping Plover and many American Oystercatchers. We finished off with another beautiful sunset. Leaders: Warren Cairo, Gail Dwyer, and Shaun Bamford.
26 species

300 Brant -- Large flock off Nummy Island
10 Surf Scoter
18 Black Scoter
1 Northern Gannet
200 Double-crested Cormorant
1 Brown Pelican
1 Great Egret
1 Snowy Egret
1 Black-crowned Night-Heron
40 American Oystercatcher
8 Black-bellied Plover
2 Semipalmated Plover
1 Piping Plover
30 Sanderling
1 Parasitic Jaeger
4 Ring-billed Gull
12 Herring Gull
2 Lesser Black-backed Gull
40 Great Black-backed Gull
1 Caspian Tern
20 Forster's Tern
10 Royal Tern
1 Northern Mockingbird
2 Yellow-rumped Warbler
1 Song Sparrow
2 Swamp Sparrow

E-Z Birding - Tuesday, October 13th, 2015

We began our walk at the first dune crossover watching a large flock of gulls and terns in the rips being harried by at least five Parasitic Jaegers, some so close that all participants were able to see the underbelly markings via binoculars. We also witnessing several flocks of Black Scoter exiting the bay northwards. After our seawatch, we surveyed the ducks on Bunker Pond, discussed the presence of exotic waterfowl, and admired a perched Tree Swallow between the plover ponds. Raptors included Osprey, Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Merlin, and Peregrine Falcon. Leaders: Catherine Busch, Chris Marks, Lynne & Marc Breslow, and Deb Payson.
40 species

Canada Goose  24
Mute Swan  37
Gadwall  2
American Wigeon  25
Mallard  28
Blue-winged Teal  6
Northern Shoveler  6
Green-winged Teal  4
Black Scoter  120
Ruddy Duck  2
Double-crested Cormorant  3
Great Egret  2
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  2
Northern Harrier  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  12
Parasitic Jaeger  5
Laughing Gull  X
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull (American)  X
Great Black-backed Gull  15
Common Tern  2
Forster's Tern  X
Royal Tern  X
Mourning Dove  2
Merlin  1
Peregrine Falcon  2
Eastern Phoebe  3
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  8
Tree Swallow  200
Barn Swallow  2
Carolina Chickadee  2
Carolina Wren  2
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  22
Swamp Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  2
American Goldfinch  3

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

Tree Swallow [Photo by Catherine Busch]

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, October 12th, 2015

A clear chilly morning with lots of Yellow-rumped Warblers in the bushes and in the air with the numerous Tree Swallows. We also had a nice variety of ducks, predominantly Mallards, and American Wigeon, Gadwall, both Teals, several Pintails, a couple Ruddy Ducks, and a female Redhead. A juvenile Yellow-crowned Night-Heron was unusual for the Meadows. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Chuck Slugg, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, Carrie Bell, Deb Payson, Mary Watkins, Pat Perkins, and Scott Whittle.
47 species

Canada Goose  100
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  5
American Wigeon  8
American Black Duck  1
Mallard  25
Blue-winged Teal  12
Northern Shoveler  2
Northern Pintail  3
Green-winged Teal  10
Redhead  1     fem.
Ruddy Duck  2
Double-crested Cormorant  4
Great Blue Heron  3
Great Egret  3
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron  1
Osprey  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  10
Cooper's Hawk  2
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Laughing Gull  1
Herring Gull  25
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1     seen by a few
Great Black-backed Gull  20
Royal Tern  15
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  4
Mourning Dove  10
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  5
Blue Jay  2
Fish Crow  3
Tree Swallow  800
Barn Swallow  1
Carolina Wren  3
Golden-crowned Kinglet  1
American Robin  1
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler  50
Song Sparrow  2
Swamp Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  1
Bobolink  1
Red-winged Blackbird  5
House Finch  1
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  10

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

Cox Hall Creek WMA - Sunday, October 11th, 2015

Between the two groups, we had nine species of warblers on this morning's walk, including both the more common Western Palm Warbler and the Yellow Palm Warbler. The two Palm subspecies inhabit separate breeding grounds but overlap on their wintering grounds. The Western Palm nests roughly west of Ottawa, Ontario, and winters along the southeastern coast of the United States and in the West Indies. The Yellow Palm Warbler nests east of Ottawa and winters primarily along the Gulf Coast. Both are seen here in migration, with the Western Palm being duller with lots of brown on the body and the Yellow being quite bright. Both have yellow undertail coverts and both flick their tails frequently. Group 1 Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, and Carrie Bell.
48 species (+1 other taxa)

Mute Swan  2
Double-crested Cormorant  4
Great Blue Heron  1
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  5
Cooper's Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  1
Herring Gull (American)  1
Mourning Dove  6
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  5
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1
Downy Woodpecker  3
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  12
Eastern Phoebe  1
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  4
Tree Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  6
White-breasted Nuthatch  3
Carolina Wren  5
Golden-crowned Kinglet  6
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  3
American Robin  7
Gray Catbird  3
Brown Thrasher  1
Cedar Waxwing  40
Nashville Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  2
Northern Parula  1
Blackpoll Warbler  1
Palm Warbler (Western)  3
Palm Warbler (Yellow)  1
Pine Warbler  3
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  25
Black-throated Green Warbler  1
Chipping Sparrow  2
Field Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  2
Song Sparrow  2
Swamp Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  4
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  4
Common Grackle  1
American Goldfinch  3

Group 2 Leaders: Janet Crawford, Shaun & Cindy Bamford, Deb Payson, and Joe Demko.
45 species

Canada Goose  1
Mute Swan  2
Wood Duck  2
Mallard  5
Double-crested Cormorant  6
Great Blue Heron  1
Osprey  1
Cooper's Hawk  2
Bald Eagle  1
Mourning Dove  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  12
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  2
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  10
Eastern Phoebe  1
Red-eyed Vireo  2
Blue Jay  7
American Crow  15
Fish Crow  1
Carolina Chickadee  8
Tufted Titmouse  8
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  6
Golden-crowned Kinglet  2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  20
American Robin  7
Gray Catbird  2
Brown Thrasher  4
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  8
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Northern Parula  1
Palm Warbler  1
Pine Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler  X
Black-throated Green Warbler  1
Chipping Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  1
Swamp Sparrow  7
Eastern Towhee  2
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  4
Common Grackle  5
House Finch  2

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

Hawks, Trails, and Beach - Saturday, October 10th, 2015

As we started the walk on this beautiful, fall afternoon, we saw a Golden Eagle, Bald Eagle, Turkey Vulture, and Osprey overhead. Behind the dune, there were Yellow-rumped Warblers everywhere. The Black Swan continues on Bunker Pond along with an Eurasian Wigeon and the usual plethora of Mute Swans. We ended the walk with a wonderful Northern Harrier. Leaders: Chuck Slugg and Mary Watkins.
41 species (+2 other taxa)

Canada Goose  175
Mute Swan  32
Gadwall  6
Eurasian Wigeon  1
American Wigeon  12
Mallard  20
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid)  2
Blue-winged Teal  10
Northern Shoveler  7
scoter sp.  25
Double-crested Cormorant  3
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  1
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  2
Golden Eagle  1
Northern Harrier  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  3
Cooper's Hawk  3
Bald Eagle  1
Laughing Gull  3
Herring Gull  6
Great Black-backed Gull  50
Royal Tern  1
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  2
Mourning Dove  4
Downy Woodpecker  1     heard
American Kestrel  1
Tree Swallow  45
Carolina Chickadee  1     heard
Carolina Wren  3  heard
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
American Robin  1     heard
Gray Catbird  5
European Starling  6
Palm Warbler  3
Yellow-rumped Warbler  20
Song Sparrow  1
Swamp Sparrow  1
Eastern Towhee  2     heard
Northern Cardinal  1  heard
Red-winged Blackbird  7
House Sparrow  2

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

Fall Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, October 10th, 2015

Migrants 'just in' and seen on today's walk include Swamp and White-throated Sparrow, Broad-wing Hawk and lots of Yellow-rumped Warblers. We had particularly good looks at American Kestrels, both perched and hovering over the field. After seeing a Hairy Woodpecker hard at work on a snag, one participant asked if Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers occupy the same feeding niche. Good question, since they're often seen in close proximity to each other. Hairy Woodpeckers though, tend to work the trunks and larger tree branches for their food; you'll never see them on a reed. Downies primarily use smaller branches for feeding and it's not at all unusual to see and hear them tapping away on weeds, grasses and cattails. Group 1 Leaders: Karl Lukens, Deb Payson, and Carrie Bell.
40 species

Canada Goose  200
Mallard  7
Wild Turkey  14
Double-crested Cormorant  3
Great Blue Heron  2
Snowy Egret  2
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  7
Sharp-shinned Hawk  6
Cooper's Hawk  2
Broad-winged Hawk  1
Great Black-backed Gull  5
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  1
Mourning Dove  12
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  10
American Kestrel  4
Merlin  1
Eastern Phoebe  7
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  10
Tree Swallow  25
Carolina Wren  3
Gray Catbird  1
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  35
Northern Waterthrush  2
Common Yellowthroat  3
American Redstart  2
Palm Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  12
Song Sparrow  2
Swamp Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  2
Indigo Bunting  2
Red-winged Blackbird  5
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  1

Group 2 Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn
42 species

Canada Goose  9
Wild Turkey  14
Great Blue Heron  3
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  4
Cooper's Hawk  2
Bald Eagle  1
Laughing Gull  2
Herring Gull (American)  5
Mourning Dove  3
Downy Woodpecker  1
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  9
American Kestrel  2
Eastern Phoebe  2
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  4
Carolina Chickadee  2
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  3
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
American Robin  3
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  32
Cedar Waxwing  2
Common Yellowthroat  2
Blackpoll Warbler  1
Palm Warbler (Western)  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  25
White-throated Sparrow  2
Savannah Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  3
Swamp Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  4
Indigo Bunting  3
Bobolink  1
Red-winged Blackbird  7
American Goldfinch  2
House Sparrow  2

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

Sunset Birding at The Meadows - Friday, October 9th, 2015

Beautiful evening in the Meadows with an enthusiastic group and excellent birds. As the walk started, we had a Merlin swoop over our heads, and while looking for a Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, we found the Hudsonian Godwit. We also found an Eurasian Wigeon and a Parasitic Jaeger. The Black Swan was in the pond with some Mute Swans. We finished the walk with a beautiful sunset and a Common Nighthawk. A Harbor Seal scratching its head was a bonus find! Leader: Chuck Slugg.
40 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  14
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  3
Eurasian Wigeon  1
American Wigeon  6
Mallard  14
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid)  2
Blue-winged Teal  13
Northern Shoveler  9
Northern Pintail  2
Green-winged Teal  5
Ruddy Duck  1
Double-crested Cormorant  3
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  3
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1     heard only from parking lot at end of walk
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
American Oystercatcher  2
Hudsonian Godwit  1
Parasitic Jaeger  1
Laughing Gull  2
Herring Gull  3
Great Black-backed Gull  50
Royal Tern  1
Black Skimmer  70
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  3
Mourning Dove  4
Common Nighthawk  1
Merlin  2
American Crow  1     heard
Tree Swallow  12
Carolina Wren  1    heard
European Starling  3
Palm Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  1    heard
Song Sparrow  2
Swamp Sparrow  2
Red-winged Blackbird  5
Common Grackle  1

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

Bird Walk for All People - Thursday, October 8th, 2015

Beautiful fall morning with some cloud cover. Bunker Pond held many Mute Swans with one Black Swan. We also saw a Belted Kingfisher, Yellow-rumped Warblers working in the bayberry with some Palm Warblers and Swamp Sparrows. There were raptors overhead including Peregrine Falcon, Merlin, Sharp-shinned, Cooper's, and Broad-winged Hawks, Osprey, and Northern Harriers. Leaders: Chuck Slugg and Warren Cairo.
57 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  35
Mute Swan  46
American Wigeon  7
Mallard  16
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid)  1
Blue-winged Teal  14
Northern Shoveler  8
Double-crested Cormorant  3
Great Blue Heron  3
Great Egret  3
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  2
Northern Harrier  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  10
Cooper's Hawk  4
Broad-winged Hawk  2
Killdeer  1     heard
Greater Yellowlegs  1     heard
Lesser Yellowlegs  1  heard
Laughing Gull  6
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  40
Black Skimmer  1     heard
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  3
Mourning Dove  5
Belted Kingfisher  1
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker 7
Merlin  3
Peregrine Falcon  2
Eastern Phoebe  1
Red-eyed Vireo  2
Blue Jay  2     heard
American Crow  3     heard
Tree Swallow  1100
Carolina Chickadee  3     heard
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  3     heard
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  3
American Robin  1     heard
Gray Catbird  5
Brown Thrasher  2     heard
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  5
Cedar Waxwing  5
Common Yellowthroat  1
Yellow Warbler  1
Palm Warbler  4
Pine Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler  25
Prairie Warbler  1
Savannah Sparrow  1
Swamp Sparrow  3
Eastern Towhee  1     heard
Northern Cardinal  3
Red-winged Blackbird  18
American Goldfinch  6

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, October 7th, 2015

It was a beautiful fall morning for our Birding Cape May Point walk. The accipiter flight started early and we were continually entertained by Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks, while thousands of Tree Swallows worked their way around the point. A handful of Yellow-rumped Warblers fed along the dune line and a Northern Flicker posed nicely atop a Poplar tree. The Coral Ave beach access was quiet, with nothing feeding offshore, though the appearance of a Lesser Black-backed Gull allowed us a lovely side-by-side comparison with Great Black-backed Gulls. We took a quick walk down to Lake Lily where a Belted Kingfisher was showing off, before heading back to the State Park. Leaders: Margeaux Maerz, Mike Crewe, Chris Marks, Catherine Busch, Steve Weis, Mary Watkins, & Deb Payson.
51 species

Canada Goose  8
Mute Swan  6
American Wigeon  20
Mallard  2
Black Scoter  1
Double-crested Cormorant  4
Great Egret  2
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  1
Northern Harrier  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  25
Cooper's Hawk  3
Broad-winged Hawk  1
American Oystercatcher  2
Laughing Gull  6
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull  3
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  X
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  5
Mourning Dove  3
Chimney Swift  1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Belted Kingfisher  2
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  6
American Kestrel  3
Merlin  1
Eastern Phoebe  2
American Crow  2
Tree Swallow  250
Carolina Chickadee  6
Carolina Wren  3
American Robin  3
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  X
Cedar Waxwing  25
Common Yellowthroat  3
American Redstart  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  5
Chipping Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  1
Swamp Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  2
Indigo Bunting  2
Bobolink  X
Red-winged Blackbird  X
Brown-headed Cowbird  X
House Finch  6
American Goldfinch  8
House Sparrow  X

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

E-Z Birding - Tuesday, October 6th, 2015

We started off the walk with great views of a Cape May Warbler that has been hanging around the Hawkwatch platform. A shift in winds had also brought in many Gray Catbirds, Swamp Sparrows, and Common Yellowthroats which were heard, and occasionally seen, throughout the walk. Most kept hidden due to frequent strafing runs by Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks. We also had two Bald Eagles, and one Broad-winged Hawk. A group of Ruddy Ducks had arrived on Bunker Pond, and a lingering Osprey was seen as well as a flyover adult Black-crowned Night-Heron. Leaders: Catherine Busch, Chris Marks, Marc & Lynne Breslow.
47 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  8
American Wigeon  6
Mallard  38
Blue-winged Teal  6
Northern Shoveler  2
Green-winged Teal  3
Ruddy Duck  4
Double-crested Cormorant  3
Great Blue Heron  3
Great Egret  4
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  1
Northern Harrier  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  26
Cooper's Hawk  4
Bald Eagle  2
Broad-winged Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Semipalmated Sandpiper  1
Laughing Gull  X
Herring Gull (American)  4
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Mourning Dove  3
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  6
Peregrine Falcon  1
Empidonax sp.  1
Eastern Phoebe  1
Blue Jay  2
Tree Swallow  350
Carolina Chickadee  5
Carolina Wren  2
American Robin  3
Gray Catbird  30
Brown Thrasher  2
Northern Mockingbird  2
Common Yellowthroat  3
Cape May Warbler  1
Palm Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  12
Savannah Sparrow  3
Song Sparrow  2
Swamp Sparrow  8
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  12
American Goldfinch  8

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, October 5th, 2015

Lots of water from recent rains brought in numerous ducks including, American Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard, Blue- and Green-winged Teal, and a visit by the Black Swan that has usually been found on Bunker Pond. A few at the front of the group saw two juvenile Common Gallinules. Although the beach was partially flooded, there were the usual gulls and at least one Lesser Black-backed Gull. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Chuck Slugg, Karl Lukens, Pat Perkins, Janet Crawford, Deb Payson, Steve Weis, and Mary Watkins.
59 species

Canada Goose  175
Mute Swan  10
Gadwall  2
Eurasian Wigeon  2
American Wigeon  10
American Black Duck  4
Mallard  75
Blue-winged Teal  15
Northern Shoveler  6
Northern Pintail  3
Green-winged Teal  20
Double-crested Cormorant  18
Great Blue Heron  6
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  3
Green Heron  1
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  6
Northern Harrier  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  20
Cooper's Hawk  4
Bald Eagle  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  1
Stilt Sandpiper  1
Semipalmated Sandpiper  1
Laughing Gull  6
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull  4
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  25
Caspian Tern  1
Forster's Tern  3
Royal Tern  1
Black Skimmer  7
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  9
Mourning Dove  5
Belted Kingfisher  2
Northern Flicker  20
American Kestrel  2
Merlin  2
Peregrine Falcon  1
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  1
Tree Swallow  75
Carolina Chickadee  1
Carolina Wren  1
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  10
Common Yellowthroat  2
Palm Warbler  2
Savannah Sparrow  8
Song Sparrow  1
Swamp Sparrow  4
Bobolink  10
Red-winged Blackbird  10
House Finch  3
American Goldfinch  6
House Sparrow  3

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

Cox Hall Creek WMA - Sunday, October 4th, 2015

Though we started off at the Cox Hall Creek WMA this morning, the blustery weather was keeping the birds down. Also, we knew that when there has been so much rain in combination with high tides, shorebirds head to drier ground and, locally, that means the airport so that's where we headed. Black-bellied Plovers are often the most numerous shorebird to show up there and that was the case today, though the numbers were down from previous days. The airport is also a good place to look and listen for Horned Larks and there they sat, huddled in the middle of the runway. Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, Janet Crawford, Shaun & Cindy Bamford, and Deb Payson.

Cape May County Airport
7 species

Cooper's Hawk  1
Black-bellied Plover  35
Dunlin  X
Semipalmated Sandpiper  X
American Kestrel  5
Horned Lark  3
European Starling  250

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

Hawks, Trails, and Beach - Saturday, October 3rd, 2015

Our walk took place today during a nor'easter with 30-mph winds and steady rain or drizzle. In spite of the weather, we had some interesting birds. There were Ospreys, Peregrine Falcons, and Merlins flying and lots of herons including: Great Blue, Tricolored, Great and Snowy Egrets, and Glossy Ibis. There was a large number of Tree Swallows in the air and a number of Northern Flickers. Leaders: Chuck Slugg and Barb Bassett.
34 species

Canada Goose  1
Mute Swan  36
Mallard  6
Blue-winged Teal  4
Double-crested Cormorant  5
Great Blue Heron  3
Great Egret  30
Snowy Egret  5
Tricolored Heron  2
Glossy Ibis  2
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  3
Sanderling  8
Laughing Gull  20
Ring-billed Gull  3
Herring Gull  8
Great Black-backed Gull  60
Royal Tern  5
Mourning Dove  2
Northern Flicker  8
Merlin  2
Peregrine Falcon  3
Tree Swallow  300
Carolina Chickadee  4
Carolina Wren  2     heard
Gray Catbird  4
Northern Mockingbird  1
Common Yellowthroat  1
Blackpoll Warbler  1
Palm Warbler  5
Pine Warbler  1
Northern Cardinal  4     heard
Dickcissel  2     heard
Red-winged Blackbird  20

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

Fall Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, October 3rd, 2015

After 15 minutes at the cold, quiet and windy Rea Farm, we headed over to the concrete ship in Cape May Point for some bay-watching. There birds were moving, most of them headed up the bay. We didn't get a hoped-for rarity but a few tern species - Common, Forster, Royal and Caspian - were gliding in the wind, Merlins and Peregrine Falcons made a few tries at smaller birds, and a Belted Kingfisher landed on the jetty for a brief rest from fighting the strong winds. White-rumped Sandpipers passed closely enough to see their white rumps. Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, and Karl Lukens.
26 species

American Black Duck  4
Mallard  2
Double-crested Cormorant  5
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  3
American Oystercatcher  5
Semipalmated Plover  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  1
Sanderling  14
Least Sandpiper  1
White-rumped Sandpiper  7
Laughing Gull  14
Herring Gull (American)  7
Great Black-backed Gull  11
Caspian Tern  1
Common Tern  3
Forster's Tern  14
Royal Tern  22
Mourning Dove  1
Belted Kingfisher  1
Merlin  3
Peregrine Falcon  3
American Crow  2
Tree Swallow  110
Barn Swallow  4
Northern Mockingbird  1

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