Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, December 14th, 2013

A good variety of ducks including a drake Eurasian Wigeon, a pair of Redheads, Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked, and Hooded Mergansers. Raptors included an adult Red-shouldered Hawk, and a Northern Goshawk seen by a few. Other birds of interest were numerous Cedar Waxwings, two Eurasian Collared Doves, and a continuing Rufous Hummingbird at a feeder. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Kathy & Roger Horn, Warren Cairo, Steve Weis, and Catherine Busch.
52 species

Canada Goose  15
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  75
Eurasian Wigeon  1     drake
American Wigeon  75
Mallard  35
Northern Shoveler  2
Redhead  2
Ring-necked Duck  1
Lesser Scaup  4
Black Scoter  10
Bufflehead  1
Hooded Merganser  10
Ruddy Duck  20
Red-throated Loon  5
Double-crested Cormorant  5
Great Blue Heron  6
Turkey Vulture  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
Northern Goshawk  1     seen by some
Red-shouldered Hawk  1
American Coot  25
Ruddy Turnstone  1
Bonaparte's Gull  1
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  3
Eurasian Collared-Dove  2
Mourning Dove  6
Rufous Hummingbird  1     feeder Cambridge & Coral Aves.
Belted Kingfisher  1
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  5
Carolina Chickadee  1
Red-breasted Nuthatch  2
Carolina Wren  2
Golden-crowned Kinglet  1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
American Robin  100
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  50
Cedar Waxwing  15
Yellow-rumped Warbler  30
Chipping Sparrow  2
Song Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  8
Dark-eyed Junco  6
Northern Cardinal  4
House Finch  8
Purple Finch  1
American Goldfinch  10
House Sparrow  20

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

Rufous Hummingbird [Photo by Karl Lukens] 

Harlequin Romance - Saturday, December 7th, 2013

Good weather, good company, and good birds made for a memorable annual trip to Barnegat Lighthouse. Harlequin and Long-tailed Duck were present in decent numbers along with Common Eider, six King Eider, and all three scoters. Shorebirds included Purple Sandpiper, Ruddy Turnstone, Dunlin, and Sanderling. In the back bay at Harvey Cedars, we had Bufflehead and Red-breasted Merganser, but we didn't linger long before proceeding to Holgate at the southern end of the island in hopes of finding a Snowy Owl. Fortunately, our hopes were rewarded, and the entire group got good scope views of a Snowy Owl sitting in the remnants of the dunes. We ended the day at the "Bridge to Nowhere" where we had distant views of Northern Harrier and Great Blue Heron, but no Short-eared Owls were to be seen. Leaders: Janet Crawford, Bill & Lee Smythe, Shaun Bamford, Catherine Busch, Chris Marks, and Dave Lord.
32 species

Brant  100
Canada Goose  15
Mallard  8
King Eider  6
Common Eider  40
Harlequin Duck  12
Surf Scoter  70
White-winged Scoter  1
Black Scoter  106
Long-tailed Duck  37
Bufflehead  30
Red-breasted Merganser  16
Red-throated Loon  6
Common Loon  12
Northern Gannet  50
Double-crested Cormorant  3
Great Blue Heron  3
Northern Harrier  2
Ruddy Turnstone  15
Sanderling  15
Dunlin  45
Purple Sandpiper  26
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull  112
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Snowy Owl  1
Peregrine Falcon  2
American Crow  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  2
White-throated Sparrow  1
Boat-tailed Grackle  24
House Sparrow  6

Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, December 7th, 2013

A cold and breezy morning, but with good birds. Ducks included Hooded Merganser, drake Eurasian Wigeon, and a pair of Redheads. In the ocean/bay there were Black and Surf Scoter floating by and fly-by Red-throated Loons with a couple of Northern Gannets. On the beach we had a Peregrine Falcon eating some kind of prey. Overhead we had an adult Bald Eagle, a Baltimore Oriole in a cedar, and at Lily Lake a well-concealed immature Black-Crowned Night-Heron. Highlight was a Rufous Hummingbird at a feeder at Cambridge and Coral Aves. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Kathy & Roger Horn, Mike Hannisian, and Nancy Watson.
54 species

Canada Goose  15
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  2
Eurasian Wigeon  1
American Wigeon  15
Mallard  15
Northern Shoveler  4
Redhead  2
Ring-necked Duck  10
Lesser Scaup  8
Surf Scoter  15
Black Scoter  10
Long-tailed Duck  3
Hooded Merganser  6
Ruddy Duck  20
Red-throated Loon  8
Northern Gannet  2
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Great Blue Heron  5
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Turkey Vulture  3
Cooper's Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  1
American Coot  30
Sanderling  5
Purple Sandpiper  6
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  6
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  6
Rufous Hummingbird  1     feeder Cambridge & Coral Aves.
Northern Flicker  1
Peregrine Falcon  2
American Crow  2
Carolina Chickadee  1
Carolina Wren  1
Eastern Bluebird  10
American Robin  20
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  100
Cedar Waxwing  15
Palm Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler  15
Song Sparrow  2
White-throated Sparrow  4
Dark-eyed Junco  1
Northern Cardinal  3
Red-winged Blackbird  2
Baltimore Oriole  1
House Finch  10
Purple Finch  3
American Goldfinch  10
House Sparrow  10

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

Palm Warbler [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Rufous Hummingbird [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Birding Brigantine - Friday, November 29th, 2013

CMBO's Black Friday trip to Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge (aka Brigantine) was a great outing the day after Thanksgiving (when the most commonly "sighted" bird had been our domestic turkey). The weather was beautiful: crisp, clear, sunny, with only a light breeze. The highlights of the trip were one Snowy Owl (one of two apparently present at Forsythe on Friday), two Rough-legged Hawks, and a single Short-eared Owl being harassed by two Northern Harrier at Mott's Creek. We also had good looks at perched Peregrin Falcons, and watched them hunt within a huge, swirling flock of Dunlin. Also of note were a pair of Wood Duck, two juvenile Black-crowned Night-Heron, and an adult female Redhead. Leaders: Karen & Brian Johnson, Chris Marks, Dave Lord, & Catherine Busch.

Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Wildlife Drive
40 species

Snow Goose  X
Brant  X
Canada Goose  X
Mute Swan  X
Tundra Swan  X
Wood Duck  2  - drake and hen pair
Gadwall  X
American Wigeon  X
American Black Duck  X
Mallard  X
Northern Shoveler  X
Northern Pintail  X
Green-winged Teal  X
Redhead  1 - adult female
Bufflehead  X
Hooded Merganser  X
Ruddy Duck  X
Great Blue Heron  X
Black-crowned Night-Heron  2 - juvenile
Turkey Vulture  X
Northern Harrier  X
Cooper's Hawk  X
Bald Eagle  1
Red-tailed Hawk  X
Rough-legged Hawk  1 - dark morph
American Coot  X
Black-bellied Plover  X
Dunlin  X
Ring-billed Gull  X
Herring Gull  X
Great Black-backed Gull  X
Snowy Owl  1
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Peregrine Falcon  3
Golden-crowned Kinglet  X     heard
Hermit Thrush  1
American Robin  X
Savannah Sparrow  X
Song Sparrow  X
Northern Cardinal  X

Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Motts Creek
8 species

Great Blue Heron  X
Great Egret  X
Northern Harrier  X
Bald Eagle  X
Red-tailed Hawk  X
Rough-legged Hawk  1  - dark morph
Short-eared Owl  1
Boat-tailed Grackle  X

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, November 25th, 2013

Very cold and breezy. Most of the ponds were iced over. A few spots with ducks which included Mallard, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, and a couple of Ruddy, one Ring-necked, and one Bufflehead. We also had several "disgruntled" Great Blue Herons. A few of the usual gulls on the beach and one Lesser Black-backed Gull. There were a few fly-over Snow Bunting but no large feeding flock. Highlight was a brief look at a Short-eared Owl that landed in the dunes and could not be relocated. Still thawing out as this is written! Leaders: Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Steve Weis, Janet Crawford, Catherine Busch, and Mike Hanissian.
45 species

Snow Goose  1     in with Canadas
Canada Goose  500     many fly over migrating
Mute Swan  4
Gadwall  15
American Wigeon  4
American Black Duck  3
Mallard  15
Northern Shoveler  4
Northern Pintail  1
Green-winged Teal  15
Ring-necked Duck  1
Black Scoter  2
Bufflehead  1
Red-breasted Merganser  1
Ruddy Duck  2
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Double-crested Cormorant  5
Great Blue Heron  5
Black Vulture  4
Turkey Vulture  8
Northern Harrier  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  2
American Coot  7
Sanderling  1
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull  5
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Mourning Dove  6
Short-eared Owl  1
American Crow  4
Tree Swallow  1
American Robin  50
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  2
Snow Bunting  3
Yellow-rumped Warbler  10
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  40
Common Grackle  50
House Finch  7
American Goldfinch  12
House Sparrow  5

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

Ruddy Duck and American Coot huddle together in one of the few spots of open water [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Fall Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, November 23rd, 2013

A cold breezy morning with quiet spots and little patches of birds here and there. Of interest were twelve Rusty Blackbirds in the wet woods trees at the parking lot. Also had a couple of Brown Creepers, an Eastern Phoebe, Golden-crowned Kinglets all in the wet woods, and a couple of Fox Sparrows, with White-throats, and Juncos. Most interesting was a late lingering Blue-gray Gnatcatcher in the back field that abuts Pond Creek Farm. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Kathy & Roger Horn, and Catherine Busch.
46 species

Canada Goose  100
Gadwall  12
Mallard  6
Northern Shoveler  12
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Black Vulture  6
Turkey Vulture  15
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  1
Red-tailed Hawk  4
Killdeer  2
Herring Gull  1
Mourning Dove  5
Red-bellied Woodpecker  4
Downy Woodpecker  4
Northern Flicker  1
American Kestrel  1
Eastern Phoebe  1
American Crow  10
Carolina Chickadee  1
Tufted Titmouse  2
Brown Creeper  2
Carolina Wren  4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Golden-crowned Kinglet  3
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
Eastern Bluebird  10
American Robin  60
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  25
American Pipit  5
Cedar Waxwing  10
Yellow-rumped Warbler  5
Savannah Sparrow  1
Fox Sparrow  2
Song Sparrow  6
White-throated Sparrow  4
Dark-eyed Junco  4
Northern Cardinal  5
Red-winged Blackbird  20
Rusty Blackbird  12
House Finch  1
American Goldfinch  5
House Sparrow  1

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

Rusty Blackbirds [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, November 18th, 2013

A nice variety of ducks on the ponds including Gadwall, Mallard, Black Duck, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, and Ruddy Duck with many scoters off shore. With the scoters were a good number of Northern Gannets and two Parasitic Jaegers. Other birds of interest were two Lesser Black-backed Gulls on the beach, at least 30 fly-by Forster's Terns and a fly-over American Bittern. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Steve Weis, Catherine Busch, Carrie Bell, and Kathy Horn.
53 species (+2 other taxa)

Canada Goose  200
Mute Swan  5
Gadwall  50
American Wigeon  15
American Black Duck  8
Mallard  40
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid)  1
Northern Shoveler  20
Northern Pintail  15
Green-winged Teal  15
Greater Scaup  1
Surf Scoter  10
Black Scoter  100
scoter sp.  200
Bufflehead  10
Hooded Merganser  2
Ruddy Duck  20
Red-throated Loon  1
Pied-billed Grebe  2
Northern Gannet  40
Double-crested Cormorant  10
American Bittern  1
Great Blue Heron  3
Great Egret  3
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  2
Red-shouldered Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Coot  15
Killdeer  1
Parasitic Jaeger  2
Ring-billed Gull  5
Herring Gull  30
Lesser Black-backed Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  100
Forster's Tern  30
Royal Tern  1
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  10
American Crow  1
Tree Swallow  15
American Robin  30
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  30
American Pipit  10
Cedar Waxwing  10
Yellow-rumped Warbler  3
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  500
Common Grackle  100
Brown-headed Cowbird  20
House Finch  4
American Goldfinch  15
House Sparrow  2

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

Greater Scaup [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Fall Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, November 16th, 2013

Birds, especially sparrows, were out and about on this drizzly morning. Sparrows included Field, Savannah, Chipping, Song, and White-throated, but no unusual sparrows were found. We had good looks at perched Red-shouldered Hawk and Merlin. Some over head Eastern Bluebirds and American Robins were also seen as well as a good view of a Hairy Woodpecker hammering on a tree. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Kathy & Roger Horn, and Catherine Busch.
41 species

Canada Goose  50
Wood Duck  1
Gadwall  15
Mallard  15
Green-winged Teal  2
Black Vulture  1
Red-shouldered Hawk  1
Herring Gull  1
Mourning Dove  10
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  3
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  3
Merlin  2
Blue Jay  3
American Crow  8
Tufted Titmouse  1
Carolina Wren  3
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
Eastern Bluebird  10
American Robin  35
Gray Catbird  3
Brown Thrasher  7
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  20
Palm Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler  20
Eastern Towhee  1
Chipping Sparrow  40
Field Sparrow  6
Savannah Sparrow  5
Song Sparrow  20
Swamp Sparrow  5
White-throated Sparrow  25
Dark-eyed Junco  5
Northern Cardinal  3
Red-winged Blackbird  50
Eastern Meadowlark  1
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
American Goldfinch  15
House Sparrow  1

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, November 11, 2013

We had a nice variety of ducks this morning including fly-over Wood Ducks, Gadwall, Mallard, Black Duck, American Wigeon, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Hooded Merganser, and Ruddy Duck. Raptors included both vultures, Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, as well as Red-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawk. Other birds of interest were Eastern Bluebirds, American Pipit and, most interesting, a feeding flock of 15 Snow Buntings. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Steve Weis, Catherine Busch, Carrie Bell, Janet Crawford, Mike Hannisian, and Jesse Amesbury.
53 species

Canada Goose  125
Mute Swan  7
Wood Duck  10
Gadwall  25
American Wigeon  20
American Black Duck  1
Mallard  20
Northern Shoveler  8
Northern Pintail  10
Green-winged Teal  15
Ring-necked Duck  3
Black Scoter  2
Hooded Merganser  6
Ruddy Duck  30
Common Loon  1
Double-crested Cormorant  12
Great Egret  1
Black Vulture  5
Turkey Vulture  15
Northern Harrier  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  2
Red-shouldered Hawk  3
Red-tailed Hawk  2
American Coot  15
Sanderling  15
Ring-billed Gull  6
Herring Gull  8
Great Black-backed Gull  20
Mourning Dove  8
Belted Kingfisher  1
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  8
Tree Swallow  15
Carolina Chickadee  1
Carolina Wren  2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  2
Eastern Bluebird  10
American Robin  25
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  10
American Pipit  2
Snow Bunting  15
Yellow-rumped Warbler  30
Savannah Sparrow  8
Song Sparrow  6
Swamp Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  50
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
House Finch  10
Purple Finch  1     before walk
American Goldfinch  15
House Sparrow  3

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

Northern Pintail [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Snow Bunting [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Cox Hall Creek WMA - Sunday, November 10th, 2013

The winter blackbird flocks are back at Cox Hall Creek WMA and among the mix once again are Rusty Blackbirds; several sat up in bare branches, providing good views of both males and females. Their fresh feathers with the light-gilded edges that will wear off, giving way to their spring breeding plumage, could be seen well in the group's scopes. Lots of sparrows - including two first-of-season Fox Sparrows - bluebirds, towhees and, of course, yellow-rumps, can be seen throughout the property. Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, Cindy Bamford, Carrie Bell & Joe Demko.
43 species

Canada Goose  13    heard
Mute Swan  2
Mallard  4
Great Blue Heron  1
Turkey Vulture  3
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Herring Gull  5
Mourning Dove  14
Red-bellied Woodpecker  8
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1    heard
Downy Woodpecker  3
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  9
Eastern Phoebe  2
Blue Jay  22
American Crow  7
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  7
Carolina Wren  4
Golden-crowned Kinglet  3
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  7
Eastern Bluebird  23
Hermit Thrush  2
American Robin  90
Gray Catbird  2    heard
Brown Thrasher  5
Northern Mockingbird  2
Cedar Waxwing  18
Yellow-rumped Warbler  60
Eastern Towhee  7
Chipping Sparrow  7
Field Sparrow  2
Savannah Sparrow  2
Fox Sparrow  2  
White-throated Sparrow  15
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  25
Rusty Blackbird  13
Common Grackle  3
House Finch  7
American Goldfinch  21

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

Rusty Blackbird [Photo by Roger Horn]

Eastern Bluebird [Photo by Roger Horn]

Hawks, Trails, and Beach - Saturday, November 9th, 2013

Highlights of the Hawks, Trails, and Beach Walk include: a nice assortment of ducks including Mallards, Gadwall, Northern Pintails, Northern Shovelers, Green-winged Teal, Ruddy Ducks, American Wigeon, and a male Eurasian Wigeon; close looks at adult Northern Gannet; Sharp-shinned Hawk in sharp pursuit of a Cooper's Hawk; and the ever-present Yellow-rumped Warblers. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Marc & Lynne Breslow, and Cindy Bamford.
35 species

Canada Goose  1
Mute Swan  13
Gadwall  20
Eurasian Wigeon  1
American Wigeon  30
Mallard  16
Northern Shoveler  10
Northern Pintail  8
Green-winged Teal  35
Ruddy Duck  18
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Northern Gannet  18
Double-crested Cormorant  5
Great Egret  1
Northern Harrier  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  4
Cooper's Hawk  2
American Coot  24
Great Black-backed Gull  7
Rock Pigeon  1
Blue Jay  1     heard
American Crow  3
Fish Crow  5
Tree Swallow  20
Carolina Wren  1     heard
Golden-crowned Kinglet  3     heard
Eastern Bluebird  1     heard
American Robin  30
Brown Thrasher  1     heard
European Starling  12
Yellow-rumped Warbler  20
Savannah Sparrow  2
Swamp Sparrow  1
Red-winged Blackbird  28
Common Grackle  24

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

Fall Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, November 9th, 2013

We had good raptors overhead with both Black and Turkey Vultures, Bald and Golden Eagle, a couple of Red-shouldered Hawks - one perched, also Red-tailed, Sharp-shinned, and Merlin. Woodpeckers included two Red-bellied, three Downy, three Norther Flicker, and three Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers. Lots of Eastern Bluebirds with good views perched in trees. Sparrows were Song, Swamp, Field, Savannah, Chipping and four Vesper perched up for good scope views. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Kathy & Roger Horn, and Catherine Busch.
49 species

Canada Goose  1
Mallard  12
Northern Shoveler  1
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  2
Black Vulture  4
Turkey Vulture  10
Golden Eagle  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  1
Red-shouldered Hawk  2
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Herring Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  1
Mourning Dove  8
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  3
Downy Woodpecker  3
Northern Flicker  3
American Kestrel  1
Merlin  1
Eastern Phoebe  1
American Crow  12
Fish Crow  2
Tufted Titmouse  1
Carolina Wren  2
Golden-crowned Kinglet  1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  2
Eastern Bluebird  25
Hermit Thrush  3
American Robin  10
Gray Catbird  1
Brown Thrasher  2
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  10
Cedar Waxwing  15
Yellow-rumped Warbler  15
Chipping Sparrow  5
Field Sparrow  3
Vesper Sparrow  4
Savannah Sparrow  5
Song Sparrow  10
Swamp Sparrow  8
White-throated Sparrow  5
Dark-eyed Junco  5
Northern Cardinal  3
Red-winged Blackbird  5
Common Grackle  1
House Sparrow  1

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

Eastern Bluebirds [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Golden Eagle [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Red-shouldered Hawk [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker eating Virginia Creeper berries [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, November 6th, 2013

There were lots of ducks around including Gadwall, Mallard, American Wigeon, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked, a Lesser Scaup, Ruddy, as well as Black, Surf, and White-winged Scoter, and three fly-by Common Eiders. The most unusual duck was a Long-tailed Duck on Bunker Pond!! We also had two Lesser Black-backed Gulls on the beach and four American Pipits on the dunes in the grass. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Megan Crewe, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, and Chris Marks.
58 species

Canada Goose  25
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  20
American Wigeon  25
Mallard  15
Northern Shoveler  3
Northern Pintail  8
Green-winged Teal  4
Ring-necked Duck  2
Lesser Scaup  2
Common Eider  3     fly by
Surf Scoter  15
White-winged Scoter  3
Black Scoter  150
Long-tailed Duck  1     on Bunker Pond!!
Ruddy Duck  25
Red-throated Loon  2
Pied-billed Grebe  3
Northern Gannet  8
Double-crested Cormorant  25
Great Cormorant  1     by leader before walk
Great Blue Heron  5
Great Egret  1
Turkey Vulture  15
Sharp-shinned Hawk  2
Red-shouldered Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Coot  25
Sanderling  23
Laughing Gull  3
Ring-billed Gull  4
Herring Gull  8
Lesser Black-backed Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  20
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  6
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  1
Merlin  1
Blue Jay  5
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  2
Tree Swallow  30
Golden-crowned Kinglet  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  10
American Pipit  4     on the ground at 3rd Plover Pond
Cedar Waxwing  5
Yellow-rumped Warbler  25
Savannah Sparrow  5
Song Sparrow  2
White-throated Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
House Finch  5
American Goldfinch  2
House Sparrow  1

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

Lesser Black-backed, Herring, and Great Black-backed Gulls [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Long-tailed Duck on Bunker Pond! [Photo by Karl Lukens]

EZ Birding - Tuesday, November 5th, 2013

Highlights of the EZ Birding Walk include: lots of scoter flying and on the ocean; raptors including Peregrine Falcons, Red-tailed Hawks, and Cooper's Hawks; ducks including Black Ducks, Northern Pintails, Green-winged Teal, and Buffleheads; and, of course, Yellow-rumped Warblers. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Janet Crawford, and Lee Smythe.
40 species (+1 other taxa)

Brant  40
American Black Duck  26
Mallard  4
Northern Pintail  1
Green-winged Teal  1
Surf Scoter  3
Black Scoter  30
scoter sp.  250
Bufflehead  14
Red-throated Loon  1
Common Loon  4
Double-crested Cormorant  30
Great Blue Heron  3
Great Egret  6
Turkey Vulture  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  5
Cooper's Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  2
Sanderling  2
Herring Gull  3
Great Black-backed Gull  12
Rock Pigeon  2
Northern Flicker  3
American Kestrel  1
Peregrine Falcon  2
American Crow  5
Tree Swallow  35
Carolina Wren  3     heard
Golden-crowned Kinglet  5
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  2
Eastern Bluebird  2     heard
Gray Catbird  1     heard
Brown Thrasher  1     heard
European Starling  20
Yellow-rumped Warbler  40
Savannah Sparrow  3
Song Sparrow  2
White-throated Sparrow  2
Dark-eyed Junco  2
Common Grackle  2
House Sparrow  1

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, November 4th, 2013

Lots of ducks this morning including Gadwall, Mallard, Black Duck, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, and off shore Black and Surf Scoter, and Northern Gannets. Good raptors overhead with both Black and Turkey Vultures, Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks, Bald Eagle, Red-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawks. Finally the highlight was a flock of ten White Pelicans that drifted from over the Beanery to the Point and out over the bay. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Steve Weis, and Catherine Busch.
52 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  150
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  20
American Wigeon  15
American Black Duck  4
Mallard  25
Northern Shoveler  10
Northern Pintail  40
Green-winged Teal  10
Ring-necked Duck  2
Surf Scoter  25
Black Scoter  15
scoter sp.  200
Ruddy Duck  15
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Northern Gannet  10
Double-crested Cormorant  30
American White Pelican  10
Great Blue Heron  6
Great Egret  1
Black Vulture  4
Turkey Vulture  50
Northern Harrier  4
Sharp-shinned Hawk  10
Cooper's Hawk  4
Bald Eagle  2
Red-shouldered Hawk  4
Broad-winged Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  5
American Coot  20
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  8
Mourning Dove  8
Northern Flicker  3
Merlin  1
American Crow  1
Tree Swallow  30
Eastern Bluebird  1
American Robin  5
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  10
Cedar Waxwing  5
Yellow-rumped Warbler  30
Savannah Sparrow  4
Song Sparrow  5
Swamp Sparrow  4
White-throated Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  3
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
American Goldfinch  3
House Sparrow  5

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

Red-shouldered Hawk [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Cox Hall Creek WMA - Sunday, November 3rd, 2013

Cox Hall Creek WMA was filled with birds coming in to feed and rest after a night of northwest winds. Good numbers of Swamp, Song, Chipping, White-throated and Field Sparrows, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Blue Jays, American Robins, Northern Flickers, Ruby- and Golden-crowned Kinglets and Hermit Thrushes were seen, along with smaller numbers of Palm Warblers, Eastern Towhees and Dark Eyed Juncos. Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, and Shaun Bamford.
51 species

Canada Goose  2
Wood Duck  4
Mallard  8
Common Loon  1
Double-crested Cormorant  16
Turkey Vulture  3
Sharp-shinned Hawk  6
Cooper's Hawk  2
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull  5
Mourning Dove  9
Belted Kingfisher  1    heard
Red-bellied Woodpecker  8
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  2    heard
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  12
Merlin  1
Eastern Phoebe  3
Blue Jay  35    
American Crow  22
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  7
White-breasted Nuthatch  1    heard
Carolina Wren  2
Golden-crowned Kinglet  9
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  22
Eastern Bluebird  12
Hermit Thrush  6
American Robin  150
Gray Catbird  2
Brown Thrasher  1    heard
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  50
Palm Warbler  6
Yellow-rumped Warbler  75
Eastern Towhee  9
Chipping Sparrow  9
Field Sparrow  5
Savannah Sparrow  4
Song Sparrow  28
Swamp Sparrow  55
White-throated Sparrow  28
Dark-eyed Junco  12
Northern Cardinal  6
Red-winged Blackbird  75
Rusty Blackbird  2
Common Grackle  40
Brown-headed Cowbird  15
House Finch  2
American Goldfinch  8

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

Hawks, Trails, and Beach - Saturday, November 2nd, 2013

Highlights from the Hawks, Trails, and Beach Walk include: Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks; perched Merlin; many species of ducks such as Mallards, American Wigeon, Female  Eurasian Wigeon, Northern Shovelers, and Ruddy Ducks; American Coots; and, of course, Yellow-rumped Warblers. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, and Marc Breslow.
35 species

Canada Goose  25
Mute Swan  12
Gadwall  26
Eurasian Wigeon  1
American Wigeon  20
Mallard  22
Northern Shoveler  10
Northern Pintail  4
Green-winged Teal  28
Ring-necked Duck  3
Ruddy Duck  12
Northern Gannet  4
Double-crested Cormorant  6
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  8
Cooper's Hawk  5
American Coot  15
Herring Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Rock Pigeon  3
American Kestrel  3
Merlin  1
Peregrine Falcon  1
Blue Jay  6     heard
American Crow  15
Tree Swallow  40
Carolina Chickadee  3     heard
Carolina Wren  5     heard
American Robin  1
Gray Catbird  1     heard
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  20
Yellow-rumped Warbler  28
Eastern Towhee  1     heard

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

Fall Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, November 2nd, 2013

In general it was quiet birdwise, but there were areas of sparrows mostly Song, Savannah, Swamp, and White-throated. A couple of Kinglets, Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned were seen. We had nice views of an adult and juvenile Black-crowned Night-Heron at the Willow Pond. Of note at the start we had an easily seen Orange-crowned Warbler as well as a Common Yellowthroat. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Kathy & Roger Horn, Catherine Busch, and Chris Marks.
45 species

Canada Goose  10
Mallard  6
Common Loon  1
Double-crested Cormorant  75
Great Blue Heron  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  2
Turkey Vulture  1
Northern Harrier  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Herring Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  8
Belted Kingfisher  1     heard
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  3
Eastern Phoebe  1
American Crow  3
Fish Crow  2
Tree Swallow  3
Carolina Chickadee  2
Brown Creeper  1     heard
Carolina Wren  3     heard
Golden-crowned Kinglet  2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  2
American Robin  300
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  10
Orange-crowned Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  10
Vesper Sparrow  1     seen by a leader
Savannah Sparrow  10
Song Sparrow  10
Swamp Sparrow  10
White-throated Sparrow  8
Dark-eyed Junco  2
Northern Cardinal  5
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  2
American Goldfinch  2
House Sparrow  1

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

Black-crowned Night-Heron [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Juvenile Black-crowned Night-Heron [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, October 30th, 2013

There were lots of ducks with good variety including Gadwall, Mallard, American Wigeon, two Eurasian Wigeon, both Teal, two Ring-necked, and numerous Ruddy Ducks. Off shore there were many flocks of Surf and Black Scoter, as well as both Loons. In addition there were numerous Northern Gannets, and a couple of Parasitic Jaegers. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Megan Crewe, Karl Lukens, Warren Cairo, Chris Marks, and Jesse Amesbury.
60 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  25
Mute Swan  10
Gadwall  35
Eurasian Wigeon  2     adult male & female in Meadows Plover Pond
American Wigeon  25
Mallard  50
Blue-winged Teal  2
Northern Shoveler  15
Northern Pintail  15
Green-winged Teal  10
Ring-necked Duck  2
Lesser Scaup 3
Surf Scoter  400
White-winged Scoter 1
Black Scoter  200
scoter sp.  500
Ruddy Duck  40
Red-throated Loon  3
Common Loon  2
Pied-billed Grebe  3
Northern Gannet  35
Double-crested Cormorant  200
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  4
Osprey  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  2
Cooper's Hawk  2
American Coot  30
Greater Yellowlegs  10
Sanderling  12
Parasitic Jaeger  2
Laughing Gull  45
Ring-billed Gull  25
Herring Gull  25
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  70
Royal Tern  1
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  10
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  3
Merlin  1
Blue Jay  10
American Crow  3
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  6
Tree Swallow  250
Carolina Chickadee 1
Carolina Wren  2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  10
American Pipit  30
Cedar Waxwing  10
Yellow-rumped Warbler  350
Eastern Towhee  1     heard
Song Sparrow  2
Swamp Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  1
White-crowned Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  100
Eastern Meadowlark  4
Common Grackle  15
House Finch 15
American Goldfinch 1
House Sparrow  8

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

Cooper's Hawk [Photo by Karl Lukens]

EZ Birding - Tuesday, October 29th, 2013

EZ Birding at Two Mile had beautiful weather and a good assortment of birds this morning. Highlights include: a pair of Peregrine Falcons eating and interacting on top of the Grand; shorebirds including Black-bellied Plover, Sanderlings, Dunlin, and Semipalmated Sandpipers; ducks including Black, Mallards, Northern Pintails, and Ruddy; and Yellow-rumped Warblers galore. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, and Janet Crawford.
41 species (+1 other taxa)

Brant  7
American Black Duck  20
Mallard  10
Northern Shoveler  1
Northern Pintail  8
scoter sp.  300
Ruddy Duck  6
Common Loon  1
Double-crested Cormorant  250
Great Egret  3
Turkey Vulture  5
Northern Harrier  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  2
Cooper's Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Black-bellied Plover  12
Killdeer  1     heard
Greater Yellowlegs  2     heard
Sanderling  60
Dunlin  40
Semipalmated Sandpiper  5
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull  6
Great Black-backed Gull  15
Mourning Dove  2
Northern Flicker  3
Peregrine Falcon  2
American Crow  5
Tree Swallow  10
Carolina Chickadee  7
Carolina Wren  4     heard
American Robin  8
Gray Catbird  4
Brown Thrasher  2
European Starling  20
Yellow-rumped Warbler  40
Song Sparrow  3
Swamp Sparrow  2
Red-winged Blackbird  12
Common Grackle  8
House Finch  2
American Goldfinch  5

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

Back Bay Birding by Boat on The Osprey - Monday, October 28th, 2013

Highlights include a nearly breeding plumed Common Loon, several flocks of Ruddy Ducks, and a good 1500 Brant. A number of Boat-tailed Grackles seem to be gathering in their winter roost flocks as well. Leader: Dave Lord.
31 species (+1 other taxa)

Brant  1600
American Black Duck  15
scoter sp.  200
Bufflehead  4
Ruddy Duck  18
Common Loon  3
Double-crested Cormorant  26
Great Blue Heron  6
Great Egret  12
Snowy Egret  3
Turkey Vulture  8
Northern Harrier  2
Red-tailed Hawk  2
American Oystercatcher  34
Black-bellied Plover  16
Killdeer  2
Greater Yellowlegs  6
Ruddy Turnstone  12
Sanderling  14
Dunlin  500
Laughing Gull  1
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull  14
Great Black-backed Gull  6
Royal Tern  1
Belted Kingfisher  6
Fish Crow  45
Tree Swallow  5
European Starling  154
Yellow-rumped Warbler  7
Red-winged Blackbird  12
Boat-tailed Grackle  25

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, October 28th, 2013

We had a nice array of ducks including at least 50 Northern Pintail, and one drake Eurasian Wigeon. On the beach we had a perched Peregrine Falcon, and one adult Lesser Black-backed Gull. Other birds of interest were a Virginia Rail, a brief look at a Common Gallinule, and fly-over American Pipit, and Cave Swallow. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Mike Hannisian, Janet Crawford, Catherine Busch, and Carrie Bell.
51 species

Canada Goose  50
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  15
Eurasian Wigeon  1     drake
American Wigeon  30
American Black Duck  1
Mallard  25
Northern Shoveler  10
Northern Pintail  50
Green-winged Teal  8
Ruddy Duck  5
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Double-crested Cormorant  75
Great Blue Heron  1
Northern Harrier  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  6
Cooper's Hawk  1
Virginia Rail  1
Common Gallinule  1
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Sanderling  20
Pectoral Sandpiper  4
Ring-billed Gull  6
Herring Gull  5
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  8
Northern Flicker  3
Peregrine Falcon  1
Eastern Phoebe  1
Blue Jay  10
American Crow  25
Tree Swallow  30
Cave Swallow  1
Carolina Wren  2     heard
American Robin  25
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  10
American Pipit  1
Palm Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  50
Savannah Sparrow  5
Song Sparrow  1
Swamp Sparrow  5
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  30
Rusty Blackbird  4
Common Grackle  6
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  1

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

Eurasian Wigeon [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Lesser Black-backed Gull [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Peregrine Falcon [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Virginia Rail [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Bird Walk for All People - Thursday, October 24th, 2013

The Walk for All People enjoyed a variety of birds this morning including: many Tree Swallows; perched American Kestrel; Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks; Merlin; and a number of duck species including an Eurasian Wigeon. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, and Cindy Bamford.
52 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  40
Mute Swan  11
Gadwall  20
Eurasian Wigeon  1
American Wigeon  24
American Black Duck  6
Mallard  26
Blue-winged Teal  4
Northern Shoveler  16
Green-winged Teal  20
scoter sp.  70
Ruddy Duck  12
Double-crested Cormorant  35
Great Egret  1
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  7
Sharp-shinned Hawk  9
Cooper's Hawk  6
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Killdeer  2
Herring Gull  8
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Rock Pigeon  9
Mourning Dove  2
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  6
American Kestrel  1
Merlin  2
Eastern Phoebe  1
Blue Jay  10
American Crow  3
Tree Swallow  80
Carolina Chickadee  8
Carolina Wren  5     heard
Golden-crowned Kinglet  5
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  2
American Robin  6
Gray Catbird  4
Brown Thrasher  1     heard
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  25
Palm Warbler  3
Yellow-rumped Warbler  50
Eastern Towhee  3     heard
Savannah Sparrow  8
Song Sparrow  2
Swamp Sparrow  4
White-throated Sparrow  2
White-crowned Sparrow  3
Red-winged Blackbird  85
American Goldfinch  6

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

Twilight Watch at the Meadows - Wednesday, October 23rd, 2013

Another pleasant evening for our final Twilight at the Meadows walk of the season that began with a perched Merlin giving great scope view for all participants. The highlight of the walk was seeing hundreds of ducks take flight over the state park and then watching the culprit of all this panic, an adult Bald Eagle. The eagle made a left turn and headed straight towards us eventually passing directly over us. A magnificent bird that was almost lost to us just a few short years ago serves as a reminder that we must remain aware of our actions and their affect on the  environment.  Leaders: Warren Cairo and Bill Smythe.
42 species

Brant  20
Canada Goose  45
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  18
American Wigeon  12
American Black Duck  6
Mallard  30
Blue-winged Teal  8
Northern Shoveler  12
Northern Pintail  8
Green-winged Teal  20
Surf Scoter  6
Black Scoter  55
Ruddy Duck  8
Pied-billed Grebe  3
Double-crested Cormorant  20
Great Blue Heron  20     12 circling before heading out over the bay
Great Egret  4
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  5
Northern Harrier  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  2
Bald Eagle  1
American Coot  12
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Sanderling  12
Laughing Gull  1
Ring-billed Gull  8
Great Black-backed Gull  15
Forster's Tern  12
Merlin  2
Peregrine Falcon  1
American Crow  5
Tree Swallow  6
American Robin  1
Gray Catbird  1
European Starling  8
Palm Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler  16
Savannah Sparrow  12
Song Sparrow  4
Swamp Sparrow  3

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, October 23rd, 2013

Cold and rainy morning so we stayed along the dunes, Bunker Pond and around the entrance/exit roads. Ducks don't mind the rain, but the sparrows were a little harder to find. Yellow-rump Warblers were, however, easy to find everywhere. Several American Pipits were seen and heard overhead. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Megan Crewe, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, Warren Cairo, and Chris Marks.
41 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  5
Gadwall  10
American Wigeon  20
Mallard  15
Northern Shoveler  10
Green-winged Teal  8
Surf Scoter  20
Black Scoter  50
scoter sp.  100
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Northern Gannet  1
Double-crested Cormorant  5
Great Egret  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  2
Killdeer  2
Ring-billed Gull  10
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Forster's Tern  15
Royal Tern  2
Mourning Dove  2
American Kestrel  1
Eastern Phoebe  1
Tree Swallow  8
Carolina Wren  1
Golden-crowned Kinglet  1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  5
American Pipit  3
Yellow-rumped Warbler  50
Eastern Towhee  1
Savannah Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  5
Swamp Sparrow  5
White-throated Sparrow  1
White-crowned Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  10
American Goldfinch  4
House Sparrow  1

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

Sunset Birding at Stone Harbor Point - Tuesday, October 22nd, 2013

The Stone Harbor Point walk this evening was highlighted by the large number of scoters flying south and a majestic Bald Eagle perched providing great scope views. Leaders: Warren Cairo, Gail Dwyer and Shaun Bamford.
28 species

Brant  350
Surf Scoter  1000
Black Scoter  2500
Northern Gannet  4
Double-crested Cormorant  250
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  5
Turkey Vulture  6
Northern Harrier  1
Bald Eagle  1
American Oystercatcher  12
Black-bellied Plover  1
Semipalmated Plover  2
Lesser Yellowlegs  2
Sanderling  50
Dunlin  1
Semipalmated Sandpiper  2
Ring-billed Gull  6
Herring Gull  16
Great Black-backed Gull  30
Caspian Tern  2
Royal Tern  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  40
Blackpoll Warbler  2
Palm Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  1
Song Sparrow  1

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

EZ Birding - Tuesday, October 22nd, 2013

EZ Birding has moved back to Two Mile Beach Unit of US Fish & Wildlife Refuge. Highlights of today's walk include: lines of Scoter flying south; Osprey;  Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks; Peregrine Falcon; Black Ducks; Northern Pin-tails; and lots of Yellow-rumped Warblers. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Janet Crawford, and Lee Smythe.
40 species

American Black Duck  15
Northern Pintail  8
Surf Scoter  3
White-winged Scoter  2
Black Scoter  75
Common Loon  1
Double-crested Cormorant  35
Great Egret  1
Turkey Vulture  6
Osprey  3
Sharp-shinned Hawk  2
Cooper's Hawk  2
Black-bellied Plover  1
Greater Yellowlegs  5
Sanderling  25
Dunlin  7
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  20
Royal Tern  5
Rock Pigeon  8
Mourning Dove  1
Northern Flicker  7
Peregrine Falcon  1
Blue Jay  7
American Crow  4
Fish Crow  1
Carolina Chickadee  4     heard
Carolina Wren  3     heard
Golden-crowned Kinglet  4
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  5
Gray Catbird  4
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  40
Palm Warbler  3
Yellow-rumped Warbler  65
Eastern Towhee  2     heard
Savannah Sparrow  3
Swamp Sparrow  2
White-crowned Sparrow  2
Dark-eyed Junco  1

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, October 21st, 2013

A chilly morning with lots of Yellow-rumped Warblers in the air and in the bushes. Ducks included fly-over Wood Ducks, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard, both Teal, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, and scoter offshore. Other birds of note were Lesser Black-backed Gull on the beach, Wilson's Snipe over head, a couple of Eastern Phoebe, Swamp and Savannah Sparrow, and good looks at a Sora. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Steve Weis, Janet Crawford, Catherine Busch, Mike Hannisian, and Marc & Lynne Breslow.
54 species

Canada Goose  25
Mute Swan  6
Wood Duck  2
Gadwall  15
American Wigeon  30
Mallard  25
Blue-winged Teal  25
Northern Shoveler  10
Northern Pintail  8
Green-winged Teal  20
Surf Scoter  5
Ruddy Duck  3
Double-crested Cormorant  6
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Sora  1
American Coot  1
Sanderling  50
Wilson's Snipe  1
Laughing Gull  1
Ring-billed Gull  8
Herring Gull  10
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  50
Royal Tern  1
Rock Pigeon  4
Mourning Dove  15
Northern Flicker  25
American Kestrel  1
Merlin  1
Eastern Phoebe  2
Blue Jay  20
American Crow  2
Tree Swallow  30
Golden-crowned Kinglet  1     heard
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  2
American Robin  10
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  10
Common Yellowthroat  1
Palm Warbler  5
Yellow-rumped Warbler  200
Savannah Sparrow  5
Song Sparrow  1
Swamp Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  1
Bobolink  1     heard
Red-winged Blackbird  50
Eastern Meadowlark  18
Common Grackle  1
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  2

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

Lesser Black-backed Gull [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Sora [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Back Bay Birding by Boat trip on The Opsrey - Sunday, October 20th, 2013

The Northwest winds were blowing, and a number of hawks filled the skies above the Cape May Canal. A couple of Whimbrel were still being seen, and many Brant continued to build their number in the back bays. Two adult Tri-colored Herons were also seen in good light on the marsh. A lone Green-winged Teal was seen flying the marshes around Taylor Sound. Leaders: Bob Lubberman and Dave Lord.
29 species (+1 other taxa)

Brant  650
American Black Duck  7
Green-winged Teal  1
scoter sp.  7500     Seen out in the Ocean.
Double-crested Cormorant  48
Great Blue Heron  9
Great Egret  34
Snowy Egret  3
Tricolored Heron  2
Turkey Vulture  6
Osprey  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  5
Cooper's Hawk  3
Bald Eagle  2
Red-tailed Hawk  4
American Oystercatcher  6
Black-bellied Plover  45
Whimbrel  2     Two juvenile birds still continuing around Jarvis sound.
Ruddy Turnstone  44
Dunlin  27
Short-billed Dowitcher  1
Laughing Gull  5
Herring Gull  14
Great Black-backed Gull  24
Forster's Tern  66
Royal Tern  1
Rock Pigeon  14
Belted Kingfisher  8
Fish Crow  12
Tree Swallow  200

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

Cox Hall Creek WMA - Sunday, October 20th, 2013

Three species of spotted thrushes showed up in the pokeberry on the southeast end of Villas WMA this morning - a Swainson's, a Gray-cheeked and three Hermit Thrushes. Palm and Yellow-rumped Warblers; both Ruby and Golden-crowned Kinglets; Song, White-throated, Field and Swamp Sparrows and Eastern Phoebes were present in good numbers. Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, Janet Crawford, and Cindy Bamford.
53 species

Pied-billed Grebe  1
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  5
Cooper's Hawk  3
Bald Eagle  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Herring Gull  3
Mourning Dove  8
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  7
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  4
Downy Woodpecker  4
Northern Flicker  11
Merlin  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee  1
Eastern Phoebe  8
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  12
American Crow  35
Tree Swallow  3
Carolina Chickadee  6
Tufted Titmouse  9
White-breasted Nuthatch  2
Brown Creeper  1
Carolina Wren  6
Golden-crowned Kinglet  14
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  18
Eastern Bluebird  2    heard
Gray-cheeked Thrush  1
Swainson's Thrush  1
Hermit Thrush  3
American Robin  28
Gray Catbird  3
Brown Thrasher  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  5
Common Yellowthroat  2
Palm Warbler  22
Yellow-rumped Warbler  70
Eastern Towhee  7
Field Sparrow  9
Savannah Sparrow  3
Song Sparrow  9
Swamp Sparrow  5
White-throated Sparrow  20
Northern Cardinal  5
Red-winged Blackbird  4
Common Grackle  12
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
House Finch  4
American Goldfinch  2    heard

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

Photo Walks with Mike Hannisian - Saturday, October 19th, 2013

Our last Saturday Photo Walk was greeted with a nice variety of subjects. As is to be expected at this time of year, our resident Mute Swans have been joined by migrant waterfowl such as American Wigeon and Northern Shoveler. Other migrants included Golden-crowned Kinglet, Northern Flicker, Savannah Sparrow, and Yellow-rumped Warbler. And, because of the mild weather so far this season, our Seaside Goldenrod has remained in flower. All in all, it was another fine day afield.  Although this was the last Saturday Photo Walk, this coming weekend is the NJAS's 67th annual Autumn Weekend during which I will be leading both indoor and outdoor photo workshops and programs.

American Wigeon [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Golden-crowned Kinglet [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Northern Flicker [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Northern Shoveler [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Savannah Sparrow [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Seaside Goldenrod [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Yellow-rumped Warbler [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Fall Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, October 19th, 2013

Lots of kinglets everywhere mostly Ruby-crowned, and many Yellow-rumped Warblers, with a few Palm Warblers of both eastern and western subspecies. A number of Eastern Phoebes were seen and Northern Flickers were always overhead. Sparrows included White-throated, Song, Savannah, Field, Swamp, with a few Dark-eyed Juncos. Three Rusty Blackbirds were seen well in the scope. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Kathy & Roger Horn, and Catherine Busch.
50 species

Canada Goose  10
Mallard  5
Double-crested Cormorant  5
Great Blue Heron  1
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  5
Cooper's Hawk  2
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Killdeer  6
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  20
Belted Kingfisher  1     heard
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  35
Merlin  2
Eastern Phoebe  6
Blue-headed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  20
American Crow  5
Fish Crow  1
Carolina Chickadee  1
Brown Creeper  1
Carolina Wren  3     heard
Golden-crowned Kinglet  10
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  40
Swainson's Thrush  1 seen by a few
American Robin  8
Gray Catbird  2
Brown Thrasher  2
European Starling  25
Common Yellowthroat  1
Palm Warbler  8
Yellow-rumped Warbler  30
Eastern Towhee  2
Field Sparrow  1
Savannah Sparrow  5
Song Sparrow  10
Swamp Sparrow  8
White-throated Sparrow  5
Dark-eyed Junco  5
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  5
Eastern Meadowlark  12
Rusty Blackbird  3
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  1

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

Blue-headed Vireo [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Painted Lady [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Rusty Blackbirds [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Sunset Birding at the Meadows - Friday, October 18th, 2013

Lots of ducks but very "skitterish" doing much flying around. We had four fly-over Wood Ducks, Gadwall, Mallard, both Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Northern Pintail. On the beach we had two Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Good falcons with perched Merlin and Kestrel for good scope views, and a fly-over Peregrine Falcon. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Jesse Amesbury, and Deb Payson.
33 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  25
Mute Swan  5
Wood Duck  4
Gadwall  8
American Wigeon  15
Mallard  30
Blue-winged Teal  15
Northern Shoveler  6
Northern Pintail  6
Green-winged Teal  40
scoter sp.  50
Double-crested Cormorant  3
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Sanderling  45
Laughing Gull  5
Herring Gull  5
Lesser Black-backed Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  50
Royal Tern  2
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  20
Northern Flicker  2
American Kestrel  1
Merlin  5
Peregrine Falcon  1
American Crow  2
Carolina Wren  2
European Starling  5
Palm Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler  5
Song Sparrow  3
House Sparrow  1

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

Merlin [Photo by Karl Lukens]