Birds of Peaslee - Monday, April 29th, 2013

We had a good number of birds on this very rainy day, including American Redstart, Prairie Warbler,  Blue-winged Warbler, Worm-eating Warbler, Yellow-throated Vireo, Blue-headed Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, and a fly over Wood Duck. Leaders Karen Johnson and Janet Crawford.
25 species

Wood Duck  1
Yellow-throated Vireo  4
Blue-headed Vireo  1
Red-eyed Vireo  1
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  2
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  6
American Robin  2
European Starling  2
Ovenbird  7
Worm-eating Warbler  2
Blue-winged Warbler  1
Black-and-white Warbler  3
Common Yellowthroat  1
American Redstart  3
Pine Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler  3
Yellow-throated Warbler  1
Eastern Towhee  6
Chipping Sparrow  5
White-throated Sparrow  6
Northern Cardinal  2

Tarkiln Pond area
6 species

Eastern Kingbird  1
White-eyed Vireo  1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  1
Tree Swallow  5
Barn Swallow  4
Carolina Wren  1

Belleplain State Forest
10 species

Chimney Swift  1
Eastern Phoebe  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  1
Tufted Titmouse  3
Carolina Wren  2
Ovenbird  4
Prairie Warbler  3
Chipping Sparrow  3
White-throated Sparrow  5
American Goldfinch  4

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

Cox Hall Creek Bird Walk - Sunday, April 28th, 2013

An early highlight of this morning's Cox Hall Creek walk was the cooperative Red-headed Woodpecker that perched long enough for scope views for everyone. The late highlight was the gorgeous male Scarlet Tanager that was flitting from tree to tree in the parking lot at the end of the walk, as if showing off his finery for all to see. In between we had Palm, Prairie, Black-and-white, Yellow, Yellow-rumped (now looking fine!), Pine and Northern Parula Warblers plus Blue-headed and White-eyed Vireos and 3 close fly-over Green Herons. Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, Janet Crawford, Chuck Slugg, Cindy & Shaun Bamford, Joe Demko, and Steve Weis.
62 species

Canada Goose  1
Mallard  6
Common Loon  2
Double-crested Cormorant  21
Great Egret  1
Green Heron  3  
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  2
Bald Eagle  1
Red-tailed Hawk  2
Lesser Yellowlegs  1
Laughing Gull  10
Herring Gull  1
Mourning Dove  2
Chimney Swift  2
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-headed Woodpecker  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  4
Downy Woodpecker  3
Northern Flicker  4
Great Crested Flycatcher  4
Eastern Kingbird  3
White-eyed Vireo  3
Blue-headed Vireo  4  
Blue Jay  6
American Crow  5
Fish Crow  3
Purple Martin  2
Tree Swallow  12
Barn Swallow  3
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  12
Red-breasted Nuthatch  2
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  9
Eastern Bluebird  4
American Robin  10
Northern Mockingbird  2
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  7
Black-and-white Warbler  4
Northern Parula  1
Yellow Warbler  2
Palm Warbler  4
Pine Warbler  5
Yellow-rumped Warbler  22
Prairie Warbler  1
Eastern Towhee  6
Chipping Sparrow  30
Field Sparrow  6
Song Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  18
Scarlet Tanager  1
Northern Cardinal  8
Blue Grosbeak  2
Red-winged Blackbird  25
Common Grackle  14
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
House Finch  2
American Goldfinch  5

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

Scarlet Tanager [Photo by Roger Horn]

Bird Walk for All People - Saturday, April 27th, 2013

Beautiful spring weather was enjoyed by all on the Walk for All People. Highlights of the walk include: pair of American Oystercatchers doing a nest exchange and turning 2 eggs at the nest closest to the Bunker; Prairie Warblers in our faces; both Eastern and Western Palm Warblers; quick look at a Yellow Warbler; American Wigeon and Blue-winged Teal; and several Ospreys. Leaders: Chuck Slugg, Cindy Bamford.
56 species

Canada Goose  4
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  4
American Wigeon  2     seen on Lighthouse Pond East
Mallard  10
Blue-winged Teal  2
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Northern Gannet  20
Double-crested Cormorant  8
Great Egret  6
Snowy Egret  2
Turkey Vulture  6
Osprey  5
Northern Harrier  1
American Coot  5
Piping Plover  1
Killdeer  2
American Oystercatcher  4
Laughing Gull  20
Herring Gull  6
Great Black-backed Gull  12
Forster's Tern  30
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  4
Chimney Swift  3
Downy Woodpecker  1
Eastern Kingbird  2
American Crow  6
Fish Crow  2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  12
Purple Martin  30
Tree Swallow  12
Barn Swallow  4
Carolina Chickadee  6
House Wren  2
Carolina Wren  5
Eastern Bluebird  1
American Robin  10
Northern Mockingbird  4
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  6
Common Yellowthroat  6     heard only
Yellow Warbler  1
Palm Warbler  3
Pine Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler  8
Prairie Warbler  3
Song Sparrow  2
White-throated Sparrow  5
Northern Cardinal  3
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  12
House Finch  4
American Goldfinch  4
House Sparrow  4

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

Birds of Belleplain - Saturday, April 27th, 2013

A beautiful spring morning in Belleplain with as many birders as birds singing. Pine Warblers, Hooded Warblers, Yellow-throated warblers, Ovenbirds, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Louisiana Waterthrush and Prothonotary warblers were in full song. Leaders: Bert Hixon, Shaun Bamford, and Chris Marks.
47 species

Canada Goose  3
Wild Turkey  2
Black Vulture  10
Turkey Vulture  13
Bald Eagle  2
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull  10
Mourning Dove  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  1
Eastern Phoebe  4
Eastern Kingbird  1
White-eyed Vireo  6
Blue Jay  5
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  3
Tree Swallow  2
Barn Swallow  4
Carolina Chickadee  5
Tufted Titmouse  5
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  6
Eastern Bluebird  2
American Robin  8
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  2
Brown Thrasher  2
European Starling  5
Ovenbird  5
Louisiana Waterthrush  2
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Prothonotary Warbler  1
Hooded Warbler  2
Yellow Warbler  3
Yellow-rumped Warbler  2
Prairie Warbler  3
Eastern Towhee  2
Chipping Sparrow  8
Song Sparrow  2
White-throated Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  4
Eastern Meadowlark  1
Common Grackle  4
American Goldfinch  4

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

Spring Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, April 27th, 2013

A beautiful birdy kind of day. Started with a perched, singing male Blue Grosbeak with good scope views. Waders included Snowy Egret, and 6 perched Black-crowned Night-Herons. Raptors were a Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, several Kestrels, and  a perched Merlin. Near the ponds were 1 Solitary Sandpiper, and 4 Wilson's Snipe. Warblers included Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-rumped, Prairie, and a singing and finally seen Prothonotary Warbler. Highlight was a good look at Red-headed Woodpecker. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Kathy & Roger Horn, Warren Cairo, Claudia Burns, and Catherine Busch.
56 species

Canada Goose  2
Mallard  6
Double-crested Cormorant  150
Snowy Egret  2
Black-crowned Night-Heron  6
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  8
Osprey  2
Cooper's Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Coot  2
Killdeer  4
Solitary Sandpiper  1
Wilson's Snipe  4
Laughing Gull  8
Herring Gull  1
Forster's Tern  2
Rock Pigeon  1
Mourning Dove  10
Chimney Swift  15
Red-headed Woodpecker  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  3
American Kestrel  2
Merlin  1
Great-crested Flycatcher  1  heard
White-eyed Vireo  3
Blue-headed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  5
Barn Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  2
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
American Robin  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  10
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Prothonotary Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  6
Palm Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  2
Prairie Warbler  2
Eastern Towhee  1
Field Sparrow  1
Savannah Sparrow  3
Song Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  5
Northern Cardinal  6
Blue Grosbeak  1
Red-winged Blackbird  5
Common Grackle  6
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
House Sparrow  2

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

Red-headed Woodpecker [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Savannah Sparrow  [Photo by Karl Lukens]

A Meadows Afternoon - Friday, April 26th, 2013

Highlights of the Friday afternoon at the Meadows include:  a large flock of Glossy Ibis; Greater and Snowy Egrets; Horned Grebe; American Coot; swallows including Tree, Barn, and Cliff; Northern Harrier; and a Long-tailed Duck off the 2nd St. jetty. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg.
50 species

Canada Goose  8
Mute Swan  16
Gadwall  6
Mallard  12
Green-winged Teal  6
Long-tailed Duck  1
Red-throated Loon  1
Common Loon  4
Horned Grebe  1
Northern Gannet  12
Great Egret  8
Snowy Egret  2
Green Heron  2
Glossy Ibis  21
Black Vulture  5
Turkey Vulture  18
Osprey  2
Northern Harrier  2
Cooper's Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Coot  4
Killdeer  1     heard
American Oystercatcher  3
Greater Yellowlegs  3
Laughing Gull  40
Herring Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  5
Forster's Tern  15
Mourning Dove  2
Chimney Swift  2
American Crow  5
Fish Crow  3
Purple Martin  6
Tree Swallow  20
Barn Swallow  12
Cliff Swallow  1
American Robin  3
Gray Catbird  1     heard
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  4
Common Yellowthroat  4     heard
Yellow-rumped Warbler  1
Eastern Towhee  2     heard
Savannah Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  3
Blue Grosbeak  1
Red-winged Blackbird  8
Common Grackle  3
Brown-headed Cowbird  3     heard
House Sparrow  3

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

Higbee Beach Bird Walk - Friday, April 26th, 2013

Not many migrants around yet, but Prairie Warblers are quite visible and vocal as were a couple of White-eyed Vireos. Still a good number of Northern Gannets in the bay as well as a few Scoters, and 1 Common Tern and an American Oystercatcher with Purple Sandpipers on the ferry jetty. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Warren Cairo, Chris Marks, Catherine Busch, and Patty Rourke.
50 species

Brant  2
Canada Goose  1
Mallard  3
Surf Scoter  15
Wild Turkey  1
Northern Gannet  25
Double-crested Cormorant  75
Great Egret  1
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  10
Osprey  1
American Oystercatcher  1
Sanderling  20
Purple Sandpiper  20
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Common Tern  1
Mourning Dove  8
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  1
Hairy Woodpecker  1
White-eyed Vireo  6
Blue Jay  3
American Crow  5
Tree Swallow  1
Bank Swallow  1
Barn Swallow  4
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  2
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1     heard
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  5
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  8
American Robin  1
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  10
Common Yellowthroat  1
Prairie Warbler  4
Chipping Sparrow  1
Field Sparrow  2
Savannah Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  12
Northern Cardinal  5
Red-winged Blackbird  2
Common Grackle  4
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
American Goldfinch  5

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

Shorebirds at Heislerville - Thursday, April 25th, 2013

Highlights include a Wilson's Phalarope, 2 Glaucous Gulls, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, lots of Dunlin with some Short-billed Dowitchers, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs and Black-bellied Plovers mixed in, and some lingering ducks, including Green-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler and Northern Pintail. Leaders Janet Crawford, Warren Cairo, Shaun and Cindy Bamford.
38 species

Canada Goose  6
Mute Swan  3
American Black Duck  12
Northern Shoveler  6
Northern Pintail  1
Green-winged Teal  120
Double-crested Cormorant  50
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  30
Snowy Egret  8
Glossy Ibis  9
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  4
Cooper's Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  2
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Clapper Rail  6
Black-bellied Plover  10
Killdeer  1
Greater Yellowlegs  60
Willet  2
Lesser Yellowlegs  20
Dunlin  400
Short-billed Dowitcher  30
Wilson's Phalarope  1
Laughing Gull  8
Ring-billed Gull  6
Herring Gull  50
Lesser Black-backed Gull  2
Glaucous Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Forster's Tern  20
Eastern Kingbird  1
Fish Crow  2
Tree Swallow  6
Barn Swallow  6
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  1

Thompsons Beach, Cumberland
10 species

Green-winged Teal  1
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  14
Northern Harrier  1
Clapper Rail  10
Greater Yellowlegs  4
Willet  3
Fish Crow  3
Tree Swallow  12
Red-winged Blackbird  20

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

Birds of Belleplain - Thursday, April 25th, 2013

Cool and breezy and the birds were somewhat quiet. However we did hear and see several Yellow-throated Warblers, one we even looked down on as it foraged on the ground. Pine Warblers were also visible and vocal. A few did see a very quiet Louisiana Waterthrush. Nice looks at 3 Savannah Sparrows and 2 Brown Thrashers. Overhead we had 1 Red-tailed Hawk, both vultures, an Osprey and 2 adult Bald Eagles. Leaders: Shaun Bamford and Karl Lukens.
47 species

Canada Goose  1
Wild Turkey  6
Double-crested Cormorant  10
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  8
Osprey  1
Bald Eagle  2
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Laughing Gull  30
Herring Gull  2
Mourning Dove  5
Barred Owl  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3     heard
Downy Woodpecker  1     heard
Eastern Phoebe  6
White-eyed Vireo  4
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  3
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  1
Carolina Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  3
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  8
American Robin  15
Northern Mockingbird  5
Brown Thrasher  2
Ovenbird  15     heard
Louisiana Waterthrush  1     seen by a few
Black-and-white Warbler  3
Common Yellowthroat  1
Palm Warbler  1
Pine Warbler  8
Yellow-rumped Warbler  4
Yellow-throated Warbler  4
Prairie Warbler  1
Eastern Towhee  1     heard
Chipping Sparrow  15
Savannah Sparrow  3
Song Sparrow  1
Swamp Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  4
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
American Goldfinch  4

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

Barred Owl [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Nummy's Island Bird Walk - Wednesday, April 24th, 2013

Not optimal birding weather, but this intrepid group got good looks at Eastern Willet, Black-crowned and Yellow-crowned Night herons, as well as a number of hunkered down shorebirds. Leaders: Warren Cairo, Shaun & Cindy Bamford, Lee & Bill Smythe, Patty Rourke, and Chris Marks.
25 species (+1 other taxa)

Brant 75
American Black Duck 8
Mallard 1
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 1
Red-breasted Merganser 1
Double-crested Cormorant 10
Great Egret 1
Snowy Egret 1
Tricolored Heron 1
Black-crowned Night-Heron 8
Osprey 6
Clapper Rail 2
Black-bellied Plover 25
American Oystercatcher 10
Willet (Eastern) 15
Whimbrel 10
Dunlin 50
Short-billed Dowitcher 20
Laughing Gull 1500
Herring Gull 30
Great Black-backed Gull 2
Mourning Dove 2
Fish Crow 2
Red-winged Blackbird 3
Common Grackle 2
Boat-tailed Grackle 2

Avalon Dunes
2 species

Black-crowned Night-Heron  4
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron  5

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, April 24th, 2013

Another great off-shore flight with Northern Gannets, Scoters, Loons, and even 8 Brant. Waders included Great Egret, Snowy Egrets, Glossy Ibis, and Green Heron. Piping Plover and Least Sandpiper were at the 1st Plover Pond. Lots of Swallows including 1 perched Cliff Swallow. Warblers included Yellow-rumped, Pine, a heard Yellow-throated, and Common Yellowthroats. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, Warren Cairo, Chris Marks, and Lisa Ryan.
58 species

Brant  8
Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  2
Mallard  8
Ring-necked Duck  1
Surf Scoter  25
Red-throated Loon  6
Common Loon  1
Northern Gannet  100
Double-crested Cormorant  100
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  2
Green Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  1
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  5
Piping Plover  2
Killdeer  4
Least Sandpiper  5
Bonaparte's Gull  1
Laughing Gull  25
Herring Gull  3
Great Black-backed Gull  3
Forster's Tern  8
Rock Pigeon  1
Mourning Dove  4
Northern Flicker  1     heard
American Kestrel  1
Eastern Kingbird  1
American Crow  5
Fish Crow  1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  8
Purple Martin  50
Tree Swallow  10
Barn Swallow  10
Cliff Swallow  1
Carolina Chickadee  2
House Wren  2
Carolina Wren  2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
Eastern Bluebird  1
American Robin  10
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  10
Common Yellowthroat  8
Pine Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  3
Yellow-throated Warbler  1     heard
Eastern Towhee  1
Savannah Sparrow  3
Song Sparrow  4
White-throated Sparrow  5     heard
Northern Cardinal  4
Rose-breasted Grosbeak  1
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  8
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
House Sparrow  2

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

Bonaparte's Gull [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Cliff Swallow [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Yellow-rumped Warbler [Photo by Karl Lukens]

EZ Birding - Tuesday, April 23rd, 2013

Highlights of the EZ Birding Walk include many swallows sitting in the parking lot and behind the dune, including Purple Martins, Tree Swallows and Barn Swallows; mixed flock of shorebirds on Plover Pond including Sanderlings, Semi-palmated Sandpipers, and Least Sandpipers; a late Ring-necked Duck on Bunker Pond; and many Ospreys. Leader: Chuck Slugg.
51 species

Canada Goose  8
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  4
Mallard  10
Ring-necked Duck  1
Northern Gannet  30
Double-crested Cormorant  6
Great Egret  4
Glossy Ibis  22
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  6
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Killdeer  4
American Oystercatcher  4
Sanderling  18
Semipalmated Sandpiper  2     In a mixed flock of Sanderling and Least Sandpipers, same size as Least with black legs, feeding at Plover Pond, more gray than the brown Leasts.
Least Sandpiper  10
Laughing Gull  6
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  4
Forster's Tern  6
Rock Pigeon  2
American Crow  3
Fish Crow  6
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  15
Purple Martin  60
Tree Swallow  25
Barn Swallow  15
Cave Swallow  1     By Bunker Pond, less rufous that Barn Swallows, no swallow tail, pale under throat, and forehead patch.
Carolina Chickadee  6
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  5
Eastern Bluebird  4
American Robin  10
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  6
Common Yellowthroat  4     heard
Yellow Warbler  1     heard
Pine Warbler  2     heard
Yellow-rumped Warbler  4
Eastern Towhee  1     heard
Song Sparrow  2
White-throated Sparrow  3
Dark-eyed Junco  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  6
Common Grackle  6
Brown-headed Cowbird  14
House Finch  3     heard
American Goldfinch  8
House Sparrow  4

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

Hidden Corners of Belleplain - Tuesday, April 23rd, 2013

Highlights included good looks at a pair of Wood Ducks, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Yellow-throated Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Pine Warbler and Prairie Warbler. Leaders Karen Johnson, Chris Marks, Shaun Bamford, and Janet Crawford.
32 species

Canada Goose  1
Wood Duck  2
Osprey  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
Laughing Gull  6
Red-bellied Woodpecker  4
Downy Woodpecker  1
Eastern Phoebe  2
Eastern Kingbird  3
White-eyed Vireo  1
Blue-headed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  6
American Crow  5
Fish Crow  2
Carolina Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  4
American Robin  6
European Starling  3
Ovenbird  8
Black-and-white Warbler  2
Common Yellowthroat  1
Pine Warbler  7
Yellow-throated Warbler  1
Prairie Warbler  3
Eastern Towhee  6
Chipping Sparrow  6
White-throated Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  1
Brown-headed Cowbird  6
American Goldfinch  15

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

Shorebirds at Heislerville - Monday, April 22nd, 2013

Highlights include great looks at Clapper Rails, Dunlin, Short-billed Dowitchers and Black-bellied Plovers coming into breeding plumage, 2 Bald Eagles, lots of Osprey, Green-winged Teal and Glossy Ibis, a very late American Wigeon and a Eurasian Green-winged Teal. Leaders Janet Crawford, Warren Cairo, Chuck Slugg and Shaun Bamford.
34 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  6
Mute Swan  2
Gadwall  4
American Wigeon  1
American Black Duck  8
Mallard  2
Blue-winged Teal  4
Northern Shoveler  4
Green-winged Teal  200
Green-winged Teal (Eurasian)  1     continuing bird
Double-crested Cormorant  100
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  30
Snowy Egret  20
Glossy Ibis  40
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  5
Bald Eagle  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Clapper Rail  1
Black-bellied Plover  30
Killdeer  1
Greater Yellowlegs  80
Lesser Yellowlegs  30
Dunlin  30
Short-billed Dowitcher  10
Laughing Gull  3
Ring-billed Gull  15
Herring Gull  50
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Forster's Tern  18
Barn Swallow  8
Boat-tailed Grackle  1
House Sparrow  2

Thompsons Beach, Cumberland
15 species

American Black Duck  2
Green-winged Teal  150
Double-crested Cormorant  4
Snowy Egret  2
Glossy Ibis  5
Osprey  16
Northern Harrier  2
Bald Eagle  1
Clapper Rail  10
Greater Yellowlegs  20
Willet  6
Laughing Gull  6
Herring Gull  10
Forster's Tern  6
Red-winged Blackbird  6

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

Birding the Meadows - Monday, April 22nd, 2013

Cold and windy but a few birds were still found. A few ducks are still present including Gadwall, Northern Shoveler, and Green-winged Teal. Off shore and on the beach we had, numerous Northern Gannets way off, a few very close, 4 American Oystercatchers, and 1 Piping Plover. Waders included Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Glossy Ibis, as well as both Yellowlegs. After the walk we all went to the Concrete Ship to look for a reported Red-throated Loon in breeding plumage, and fortunately it was there for good scope looks! Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Warren Cairo, and Catherine Busch.
43 species

Canada Goose  2
Mute Swan  10
Gadwall  2
Mallard  8
Northern Shoveler  3
Green-winged Teal  1
Red-throated Loon  10     After walk at Concrete Ship, 1 in breeding plumage
Northern Gannet  50     A few close, many way off
Double-crested Cormorant  10
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  3
Glossy Ibis  15
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  15
Osprey  4
American Coot  1
Piping Plover  1
Killdeer  1
American Oystercatcher  4
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  3
Sanderling  20
Wilson's Snipe  3
Laughing Gull  10
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  5
Forster's Tern  10
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  5
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  1
Tree Swallow  5
Barn Swallow  3
European Starling  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler  1
Savannah Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  3
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
House Sparrow  5

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

Greater Yellowlegs [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Piping Plover [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Red-throated Loon in breeding plumage! [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Belleplain Wildlife - Sunday, April 21st, 2013

This week's foray took us to the Hunter's Mill Road area where Cape May, Cumberland, and Atlantic Counties meet. Botanical highlights included Tiny Bluets and Spicebush in flower, and the first bloom of Golden Club (an aquatic plant). We also examined the differences in two Club Mosses (see below), plants which are found in large clumps due to their spreading underground by rhizomes. Two early dragonflies were found - Springtime Darner and Uhler's Sundragon, and despite the cold temperature, a few butterflies were seen - Blueberry Azure and Henry's Elfin. The group got good looks at Black-and-white, Pine, and Yellow-throated Warblers, and Chipping Sparrow as well. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Catherine Busch, Chris Marks, Lisa Ryan, and Warren Cairo.

Mike Crewe demonstrates the difference between Obscure Club Moss (left) and Fan Club Moss [Photo by Catherine Busch]

Cox Hall Creek Bird Walk - Sunday, April 21st, 2013

Cox Hall Creek WMA highlights include: Chipping Sparrows everywhere, Eastern Bluebirds abounding, a mixture of raptors including a Bald Eagle, several Red-tailed Hawks, a Cooper's Hawk, and several Osprey. Leaders: Chuck Slugg, Janet Crawford, Shaun & Cindy Bamford.
50 species

Mallard  8
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Double-crested Cormorant  6
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  2
Green Heron  1
Turkey Vulture  6
Osprey  4
Cooper's Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  1
Red-tailed Hawk  2
Laughing Gull  1
Herring Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  7
Mourning Dove  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  7
Downy Woodpecker  3
Northern Flicker  2
Eastern Phoebe  4
Great Crested Flycatcher  1     heard only
White-eyed Vireo  2     heard only
Blue Jay  7
American Crow  10
Fish Crow  2     heard only
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  4
Tree Swallow  10
Barn Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  6
Tufted Titmouse  5
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  8     heard only
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  4
Eastern Bluebird  10     Part of resident, year-round flock found at this location.
American Robin  12
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  5
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Pine Warbler  1     heard only
Yellow-rumped Warbler  4
Eastern Towhee  7     heard only
Chipping Sparrow  25
Field Sparrow  3
Song Sparrow  2
White-throated Sparrow  12
Northern Cardinal  3
Red-winged Blackbird  5
Common Grackle  2
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
House Finch  3
American Goldfinch  10

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

Bird Walk for All People - Saturday, April 20th, 2013

The Bird Walk for All People enjoyed a variety of birds during our stroll through the State Park. Highlights from the dune include Northern Gannet, Red-throated Loons, a Piping Plover, and American Oystercatchers. On and over the ponds we watched both Great and Snowy Egrets, Forster's Terns, Tree, Barn, and Northern Rough-winged Swallows, Mallards, and Blue-winged Teal. Along the trails, Pine and Yellow-rumped Warblers, Eastern Bluebirds, Carolina Chickadees, and American Goldfinch were seen with many Ospreys and one Swallow-tailed Kite overhead. Leaders: Chuck & MJ Slugg, Cindy Bamford, and Lynne Breslow.
50 species

Canada Goose  12
Mute Swan  7
Gadwall  8
Mallard  10
Blue-winged Teal  6
Red-throated Loon  4
Northern Gannet  7
Double-crested Cormorant  16
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  2
Green Heron  1
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  10
Osprey  8
Swallow-tailed Kite  1     Seen by leader and a few participants at back of park toward Rutherford's flying toward bay.
Red-tailed Hawk  2
Piping Plover  1
American Oystercatcher  5
Laughing Gull  12
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  12
Forster's Tern  8
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  4
Chimney Swift  6
Downy Woodpecker  2
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  30
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  6
Purple Martin  30
Tree Swallow  13
Barn Swallow  7
Carolina Chickadee  6
Carolina Wren  8
Eastern Bluebird  4
American Robin  10
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  7
Common Yellowthroat  4     heard only
Pine Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler  6
Song Sparrow  3     heard only
White-throated Sparrow  1     heard only
Dark-eyed Junco  2
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  6
Common Grackle  4
Brown-headed Cowbird  12
American Goldfinch  2
House Sparrow  4

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

Birds of Belleplain - Saturday, April 20th, 2013

A dreary, cool day, but the birds were singing. Nice views of Pine and Yellow-throated as well as Black-and-white Warblers. A Worm-eating warbler was seen well by all. Leaders: Bert Hixon, BJ Pinnock, Chris Marks, Shaun Bamford, & Joe Demko.
40 species

Canada Goose  1
Wild Turkey  9
Turkey Vulture  5
Laughing Gull  14
Herring Gull  36
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  1
Eastern Phoebe  3
White-eyed Vireo  3
Blue Jay  4
American Crow  5
Barn Swallow  4
Carolina Chickadee  6
Tufted Titmouse  3
Carolina Wren  6
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  4
Eastern Bluebird  2
American Robin  7
Northern Mockingbird  3
Brown Thrasher  2
European Starling  17
Ovenbird  7
Worm-eating Warbler  1
Black-and-white Warbler  3
Pine Warbler  5
Yellow-rumped Warbler  1
Yellow-throated Warbler  3
Prairie Warbler  3
Eastern Towhee  2
Chipping Sparrow  9
Field Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  6
Dark-eyed Junco  1
Northern Cardinal  8
Red-winged Blackbird  4
Eastern Meadowlark  1
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
American Goldfinch  7

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

Spring Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, April 20th, 2013

A little slow birding, but we did have one of the local breeders show, a FOY for all, a good scope view of a male Blue Grosbeak. At the Willow Pond (Resaca Pond to some) also had 2 Wilson's Snipe, a Greater Yellowlegs, and 4 Black-crowned Night-Herons. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Warren Cairo, and Catherine Busch,
41 species

Canada Goose  2
Mallard  4
Northern Shoveler  2
Green-winged Teal  1
Double-crested Cormorant  20
Great Blue Heron  1
Cattle Egret  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  4
Black Vulture  8
Turkey Vulture  5
Osprey  4
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Coot  2
Killdeer  2
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Laughing Gull  10
Herring Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  1
Mourning Dove  5
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
American Crow  5
Fish Crow  1
Purple Martin  1
Tree Swallow  1
Barn Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  3
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  8
Common Yellowthroat  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  2
White-throated Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  1
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  6
Brown-headed Cowbird  20
House Sparrow  1

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

Greater Yellowlegs [Photo by Karl Lukens]

A Meadows Afternoon - Friday, April 19th, 2013

Intermittent fog and strong winds kept the songbirds down, but the group got good looks at our remaining ducks, breeding plumage Great and Snowy Egrets, a newly arrived Green Heron, and both Yellowlegs.  We watched a Lesser Black-backed Gull bathing until it emerged from the water to show us its bright yellow legs. On the beach, pairs of American Oystercatchers carried on their pre-nesting behavior despite the buffeting winds, and close Northern Gannets flew by ahead of the coming storm. Leaders:  Warren Cairo and Catherine Busch.
28 species

Canada Goose  14
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  2
Mallard  8
Blue-winged Teal  2
Green-winged Teal  11
Red-throated Loon  1
Northern Gannet  35
Double-crested Cormorant  5
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  4
Green Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  5
Turkey Vulture  2
American Coot  4
American Oystercatcher  8
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  2
Wilson's Snipe  1
Laughing Gull  20
Ring-billed Gull  1
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Forster's Tern  7
Fish Crow  2
Barn Swallow  1
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  20

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

Higbee Beach Bird Walk - Friday, April 19th, 2013

Good views of Northern Gannets, scoters, loons, and gulls in the bay near the Canal jetty and offshore. Also several Prairie Warblers in the dunes and dune forest. FOY for many was an Eastern Kingbird. The brilliant orange of an adult Baltimore Oriole was a highlight for all. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Warren Cairo, Chris Marks, Catherine Busch, and Lisa Ryan.
47 species

Canada Goose  1
Mallard  1
Surf Scoter  50
Black Scoter  15
Wild Turkey  2     after walk by seen some
Red-throated Loon  4
Common Loon  1
Northern Gannet  80
Double-crested Cormorant  25
Snowy Egret  1
Turkey Vulture  2
American Oystercatcher  4
Laughing Gull  10
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Forster's Tern  8
Rock Pigeon  1
Mourning Dove  5
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Eastern Kingbird  2
White-eyed Vireo  2     heard
Blue Jay  3
American Crow  5
Fish Crow  1
Purple Martin  1
Carolina Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  5
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
American Robin  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  1
Prairie Warbler  3
Eastern Towhee  1
Field Sparrow  5
White-throated Sparrow  10
Northern Cardinal  6
Red-winged Blackbird  4
Common Grackle  2
Boat-tailed Grackle  1
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
Baltimore Oriole  1

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

American Oystercatcher [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Northern Gannets [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Shorebirds at Heislerville - Thursday, April 18th, 2013

Highlights were an immature Bald Eagle, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Glossy Ibis, displaying Double-crested Cormorants and Great Egrets, a very late Northern Pintail, a Common Teal, and Blue-winged Teal. Leaders Janet Crawford, Warren Cairo and Shaun Bamford.
32 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  6
Mute Swan  2
Gadwall  10
American Black Duck  8
Blue-winged Teal  6
Northern Shoveler  16
Northern Pintail  1
Green-winged Teal  400
Green-winged Teal (Eurasian)  1     No vertical white bar. Small horizontal white stripe.
Red-breasted Merganser  2
Double-crested Cormorant  50
Great Blue Heron  7
Great Egret  30
Snowy Egret  20
Glossy Ibis  12
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  4
Bald Eagle  1
Clapper Rail  1
Killdeer  1
Greater Yellowlegs  40
Lesser Yellowlegs  10
Dunlin  80
Short-billed Dowitcher  20
Laughing Gull  6
Ring-billed Gull  10
Herring Gull  30
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Forster's Tern  20
Tree Swallow  10
Barn Swallow  10
Red-winged Blackbird  12

East Point Lighthouse, Cumberland
8 species

American Black Duck  2
Double-crested Cormorant  6
Willet  6
Bonaparte's Gull  3
Laughing Gull  1
European Starling  5
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Boat-tailed Grackle  6

Thompson's Beach, Cumberland
15 species

Green-winged Teal  100
Double-crested Cormorant  3
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  12
Glossy Ibis  2
Turkey Vulture  6
Osprey  17
Clapper Rail  6
Greater Yellowlegs  10
Willet  1
Laughing Gull  3
Forster's Tern  2
Tree Swallow  6
Red-winged Blackbird  10

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

Birds of Belleplain - Thursday, April 18th, 2013

Chilly and no sun and the birds were a little quiet. Pine, Prairie, and Yellow-throated Warblers, as well as Ovenbirds were singing, and we did have a brief song from a Louisiana Waterthrush. Eastern Phoebes were in several areas. Wild Turkeys were seen in several places. Leaders: Bert Hixon, Karl Lukens, and Shaun Bamford.
32 species

Canada Goose  1
Wild Turkey  6
Double-crested Cormorant  25
Turkey Vulture  3
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Herring Gull  5
Mourning Dove  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  4
Downy Woodpecker  2
American Kestrel  1
Eastern Phoebe  6
Blue Jay  10
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  1
Carolina Chickadee  8
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
American Robin  2
Northern Mockingbird  3
Brown Thrasher  1
Louisiana Waterthrush  1     heard
Black-and-white Warbler  2     heard
Yellow-throated Warbler  6     heard
Prairie Warbler  4
Chipping Sparrow  10
Field Sparrow  1     heard
White-throated Sparrow  1     heard
Northern Cardinal  4
Eastern Meadowlark  1     heard
Common Grackle  4
Brown-headed Cowbird  10

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

Nummy's Island Bird Walk- Wednesday, April 17th, 2013

Shorebirds roiling in the afternoon light, Northern Gannets and Double-crested Cormorants on the move, Black-crowned and Yellow-crowned Night Herons, recently returned Whimbrel all served to delight us and provide lots of excitement for the group. Leaders: Chris Marks, Shaun & Cindy Bamford, Bill & Lee Smythe.
38 species

Brant  250
American Black Duck  6
Mallard  4
Bufflehead  8
Red-breasted Merganser  4
Red-throated Loon  2
Common Loon  3
Horned Grebe  1
Northern Gannet  40
Double-crested Cormorant  100
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  3
Tricolored Heron  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  5
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron  6
Osprey  6
Cooper's Hawk  1
Black-bellied Plover  25
American Oystercatcher  9
Greater Yellowlegs  4
Willet (Eastern)  10
Lesser Yellowlegs  3
Whimbrel  15
Dunlin  400
Short-billed Dowitcher  15
Laughing Gull  500
Herring Gull  200
Great Black-backed Gull  30
Mourning Dove  2
Fish Crow  4
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  2
American Robin  4
European Starling  4
Yellow-rumped Warbler  3
Red-winged Blackbird  25
Common Grackle  3
Boat-tailed Grackle  4

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, April 17th, 2013

Ducks still around in small numbers including both Teal, 1 Ring-necked, 3 Buffleheads, Black and Surf Scoters. Both Loons were seen flying, as well as a huge Northern Gannet movement. Migrants included fly-over Great Egrets, Willets, and 1 Whimbrel. A close Little Blue Heron in the reeds provided good looks. On the beach was 1 Piping Plover and 4 American Oystercatchers. Passerines included Eastern Bluebird, a heard Yellow Warbler, several Pine Warblers, and numerous Common Yellowthroats. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, Warren Cairo, Chris Marks, and Lisa Ryan.
58 species

Canada Goose  5
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  8
Mallard  6
Blue-winged Teal  3
Green-winged Teal  2
Ring-necked Duck  1
Surf Scoter  50
Black Scoter  25
Bufflehead  3
Red-throated Loon  5
Common Loon  2
Northern Gannet  800
Double-crested Cormorant  50
Great Egret  6
Little Blue Heron  1     adult
Glossy Ibis  14
Turkey Vulture  5
Osprey  4
American Coot  1
Piping Plover  1
Killdeer  5
American Oystercatcher  4
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Willet  7
Whimbrel  1
Laughing Gull  10
Herring Gull  3
Great Black-backed Gull  3
Forster's Tern  8
Rock Pigeon  1
Mourning Dove  4
Northern Flicker  1
American Crow  10
Fish Crow  5
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  5
Tree Swallow  8
Barn Swallow  2
Carolina Chickadee  10
Tufted Titmouse  2
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1     heard
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  5
Eastern Bluebird  2
American Robin  3
European Starling  5
Common Yellowthroat  10
Yellow Warbler  1     heard
Pine Warbler  2
Chipping Sparrow  1
Savannah Sparrow  4
Song Sparrow  3
White-throated Sparrow  5
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  8
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
House Finch  1
House Sparrow  2

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

Little Blue Heron [Photo by Karl Lukens]

EZ Birding - Tuesday, April 16th, 2013

EZ Birding enjoyed beautiful spring weather and a good variety of birds as we strolled through the State Park. There was a huge Northern Gannet display offshore and American Oystercatchers and Piping Plover on the beach. Mallards, Gadwalls, and Blue-winged Teal were present on the ponds while Forster's Terns and Tree Swallows wheeled in the air. A very cooperative Carolina Wren, Common Yellow-throats, and Yellow-rumped Warblers added to our enjoyment. Leaders:  Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg.
49 species

Canada Goose  16
Mute Swan  10
Gadwall  8
Mallard  6
Blue-winged Teal  2
Black Scoter  16
Bufflehead  3     leader only
Common Loon  1
Northern Gannet  100
Double-crested Cormorant  51
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  1
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  9
Osprey  1
Piping Plover  1
Killdeer  3
American Oystercatcher  6
Greater Yellowlegs  2
Lesser Yellowlegs  1
Laughing Gull  8
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  3
Forster's Tern  9
Rock Pigeon  1
Mourning Dove  2
Northern Flicker  1
American Crow  6
Fish Crow  10
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  2
Purple Martin  20
Tree Swallow  20
Barn Swallow  3
Carolina Chickadee  3     heard
Carolina Wren  4
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
American Robin  8
Northern Mockingbird  2
Common Yellowthroat  5
Palm Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  6
Savannah Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  7
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  14
Common Grackle  6
Brown-headed Cowbird  9
House Finch  2
House Sparrow  3

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

Hidden Corners of Belleplain - Tuesday, April 16th, 2013

Highlights include great looks at Barred Owl, Yellow-throated Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler and Black-and-white Warbler. Leaders Karen Johnson, Chris Marks, and Janet Crawford.
36 species

American Black Duck  2
Laughing Gull  6
Barred Owl  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  6
Downy Woodpecker  2
Hairy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  1
Eastern Phoebe  3
White-eyed Vireo  6
Blue-headed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  12
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  3
Carolina Chickadee  14
Tufted Titmouse  18
Carolina Wren  4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  10
Golden-crowned Kinglet  1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  3
Hermit Thrush  1
American Robin  10
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  6
Ovenbird  2
Louisiana Waterthrush  2
Black-and-white Warbler  5
Common Yellowthroat  3
Pine Warbler  8
Yellow-rumped Warbler  12
Yellow-throated Warbler  6
Eastern Towhee  3
Chipping Sparrow  4
White-throated Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  8
Brown-headed Cowbird  7
American Goldfinch  10

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

Shorebirds at Heislerville - Monday, April 15th, 2013

Highlights included a Glaucous Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Stilt Sandpiper, five Bald Eagles, 2 Northern Harriers, lots of Osprey, and Double-crested Cormorants. Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets and Black-crowned Night Herons were in full breeding plumage. Leaders: Janet Crawford, Chuck and Mary Jane Slugg, Warren Cairo, Shaun Bamford, Chris Marks.

Heislerville WMA, Cumberland
39 species

Canada Goose  6
American Black Duck  25
Mallard  6
Blue-winged Teal  6
Northern Shoveler  20
Green-winged Teal  25
Lesser Scaup  8
Red-breasted Merganser  1
Double-crested Cormorant  100
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  40
Snowy Egret  20
Black-crowned Night-Heron  5
Turkey Vulture  5
Osprey  6
Northern Harrier  1
Bald Eagle  2
Semipalmated Plover  1
Killdeer  3
Greater Yellowlegs  75
Willet  7
Lesser Yellowlegs  20
Dunlin  10
Stilt Sandpiper  1
Short-billed Dowitcher  15
Bonaparte's Gull  6
Laughing Gull  15
Ring-billed Gull  20
Herring Gull  70
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Glaucous Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  15
Forster's Tern  50
Tree Swallow  10
Barn Swallow  6
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  6
Brown-headed Cowbird  3
House Sparrow  4

Thompsons Beach, Cumberland
16 species

American Black Duck  2
Green-winged Teal  75
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  2
Osprey  15
Northern Harrier  2
Bald Eagle  3
Clapper Rail  6
Greater Yellowlegs  12
Laughing Gull  3
Herring Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  3
Forster's Tern  3
Tree Swallow  4
Red-winged Blackbird  15

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

Birding the Meadows - Monday, April 15th, 2013

There were a few ducks other than Mallard and Gadwall, i.e., Blue-winged and Green-winged Teal, and Northern Shovelers. On the beach we had 1 Piping Plover and 3 American Oystercatchers. Off shore there were a good number of Northern Gannets, some rather close, and 10-12 Red-throated Loons. Waders included Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets coming into breeding plumage, and 1 Glossy Ibis. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Steve Weis, and Catherine Busch.
41 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  10
Gadwall  16
Mallard  12
Blue-winged Teal  4
Northern Shoveler  2
Green-winged Teal  2
Red-throated Loon  15
Northern Gannet  50
Double-crested Cormorant  8
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  4
Glossy Ibis  1
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  5
Northern Harrier  1
American Coot  2
Piping Plover  1
Killdeer  1
American Oystercatcher  3
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Wilson's Snipe  4
Laughing Gull  10
Herring Gull  3
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Forster's Tern  8
Mourning Dove  2
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  3
Barn Swallow  1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Common Yellowthroat  1     heard
Yellow-rumped Warbler  1
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  6
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
House Finch  1
House Sparrow  2

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

Snowy Egret in breeding plumage [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Belleplain Wildlife - Sunday, April 14th, 2013

Signs of spring surrounded us on our first Belleplain Wildlife walk of the year. This week, we hiked Goose Kill trail and Tom Field Road. With individual birds singing, it was easier to identify the differences between Pine Warbler and Chipping Sparrow trilling. Other birds heard included Yellow-throated Warbler, Eastern Towhee, Brown Thrasher, and Black-and-white Warbler. A singing White-eyed Vireo posed for good looks, Broad-winged Hawks flew overhead, and we enjoyed watching a pair of Blue-gray Gnatcatchers building a nest. Early butterflies included Henry's Elfin, Blueberry Azure, and Mourning Cloak. We also had good looks at a sunning Fence Lizard and stunning, emerald-green Six-spotted Tiger Beetles. Botanical highlights included studying the fruits of Inkberry and Checkerberry. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Chris Marks, Catherine Busch, and Lisa Ryan.

Cox Hall Creek Bird Walk - Sunday, April 14th, 2013

It was a beautiful morning at Cox Hall Creek WMA with the bright morning light making the green of the Mallard head and the Eastern Bluebird blue look irridescent - especially when viewed through a scope. Eastern Towhees and Field and Chipping Sparrows created background music throughout and the Double-crested Cormorants perched on the large island elegantly displayed their crests. Brown Thrashers, Palm and Pine Warblers, and Savannah and Swamp Sparrow were seen as well. Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, Janet Crawford, Cindy and Shaun Bamford, Steve Weis, and Joe Demko.
49 species

Canada Goose  10
Wood Duck  4
Mallard  3
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Double-crested Cormorant  9
Great Blue Heron  2
Osprey  3
Killdeer  1
Laughing Gull  7
Herring Gull (American)  4
Forster's Tern  1
Rock Pigeon  4
Mourning Dove  8
Chimney Swift  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  8
Downy Woodpecker  8
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  5
American Kestrel  1
Blue Jay  5
American Crow  8
Fish Crow  2
Tree Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  14
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Golden-crowned Kinglet  1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
Eastern Bluebird  13
American Robin  15
Brown Thrasher  3
European Starling  18
Palm Warbler (Yellow)  1
Pine Warbler  4
Eastern Towhee  12
Chipping Sparrow  38
Field Sparrow  16
Savannah Sparrow  5
Song Sparrow  6
Swamp Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  20
Northern Cardinal  11
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  6
Brown-headed Cowbird  8
House Finch  1
House Sparrow  2

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

Great Blue Heron [Photo by Roger Horn]

Pied-billed Grebe [Photo by Roger Horn] 

Swamp Sparrow [Photo by Roger Horn]

Bird Walk for All People - Saturday, April 13th, 2013

Martins, swallows and swifts were all back this evening at the Cape May Point State Park. Though few warbler species have arrived yet this year a couple group members saw an early Yellow Warbler, Pine Warblers sang in the back end of the park and a variety of plumages - from dull femailes to almost-full -breeding-plumage male Yellow-rumped Warblers were seen. There's still a good number of duck species present and Piping Plovers, using the 'plover ponds', allowed really close looks. Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, Cindy Bamford and Lynne Breslow.
66 species

Canada Goose  22
Mute Swan  10
Gadwall  12
American Wigeon  5
American Black Duck  6
Mallard  20
Blue-winged Teal  4
Northern Shoveler  6
Green-winged Teal  25
Lesser Scaup  2
Bufflehead  3
Ruddy Duck  1
Pied-billed Grebe  2
Northern Gannet  25
Double-crested Cormorant  16
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  7
Glossy Ibis  7
Black Vulture  5
Turkey Vulture  20
Osprey  8
Cooper's Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  3
Red-shouldered Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  2
American Coot  10
Piping Plover  3
Killdeer  1
Wilson's Snipe  2
Laughing Gull  3
Ring-billed Gull  3
Herring Gull  5
Rock Pigeon  4
Mourning Dove  5
Chimney Swift  3
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  3
Northern Flicker  4
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  15
Purple Martin  23
Tree Swallow  15
Barn Swallow  10
Carolina Chickadee  8
Tufted Titmouse  4
Carolina Wren  6
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
American Robin  24
Northern Mockingbird  2
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  5
Common Yellowthroat  1
Yellow Warbler  1     adult male observed by group member who described bright yellow bird with reddish breast streaks
Pine Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler  8
Eastern Towhee  1
Chipping Sparrow  7
Song Sparrow  3
White-throated Sparrow  5
Northern Cardinal  10
Red-winged Blackbird  14
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  6
House Finch  2

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

Blue-winged Teal [Photo by Roger Horn]

Piping Plover [Photo by Roger Horn]

Spring Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, April 13th, 2013

Interesting birds were fly-over Great Egrets, Great Blue Heron, and Snowy Egrets. Perched or feeding waders were 5 Black-crowned Night-Heron, and 2 breeding plumage Cattle Egrets. Raptors included 2 Osprey with fish, a Red-tailed Hawk, 2 Cooper's Hawks, and an American Kestrel. Passerines included Several Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Yellow-rumped Warblers, and several breeding plumage Palm Warblers. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Kathy & Roger Horn, and Catherine Busch.
50 species

Canada Goose  10
Mallard  4
Green-winged Teal  1
Double-crested Cormorant  20
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  5
Cattle Egret  2
Black-crowned Night-Heron  5
Glossy Ibis  3
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  10
Osprey  2
Cooper's Hawk  2
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Coot  2
Killdeer  2
Greater Yellowlegs  2
Wilson's Snipe  2
Herring Gull  1
Mourning Dove  2
Chimney Swift  4
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  2
American Kestrel  1
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  5
Fish Crow  1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  2
Barn Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  1
Carolina Wren  3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  3
Golden-crowned Kinglet  1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
American Robin  5
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  5
Palm Warbler  3
Yellow-rumped Warbler  10
Chipping Sparrow  2
Song Sparrow  2
Swamp Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  5
Northern Cardinal  5
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  6
Brown-headed Cowbird  10

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

Cattle Egret [Photo by Karl Lukens]

The second Cattle Egret is further along in acquiring its full breeding plumage. The pink legs and bill will continue to darken and the iris will turn red. [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Higbee Beach Bird Walk - Friday, April 12th, 2013

On a rainy morning we went to the wet woods trail off field #4 (Platform Field) in search of a Pileated Woodpecker that was seen prior to the walk by Roger Horn. No luck, but we did get Red-bellied, Downy, Hairy and Flicker. Also a nice find was a Blue-headed Vireo and a Wild Turkey. On the way out New England Rd. every one saw about 6 more Turkeys. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Roger Horn, Catherine Busch, and Chris Marks.
31 species

Mallard  1
Wild Turkey  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Mourning Dove  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Downy Woodpecker  1
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  4
Pileated Woodpecker   1  Seen and heard wet woods area off fields 4/5. White in wings red crest unmistakeable. Called heard later by Mike Crewe and Chris Marks
Blue-headed Vireo  1
American Crow  4
Carolina Chickadee  1
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Golden-crowned Kinglet  5
Hermit Thrush  5
American Robin  10
Northern Mockingbird  1
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  5
Palm Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler  3
Yellow-throated Warbler  1
Eastern Towhee  3
Field Sparrow  6
White-throated Sparrow  5
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  2
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
Purple Finch  1

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

Birds of Belleplain - Thursday, April 11th, 2013

Warm for a Belleplain walk in April. Birds were singing but few presented good looks axcept the Pine Warblers. Good Chipping Sparrow, Eastern Phoebe, and Brown Thrasher looks. Adult and immature Bald Eagles at Hands Mill Pond. Leaders: Bert Hixon, Karl Lukens, and Shaun Bamford.
44 species

Canada Goose  2
Mute Swan  1
American Black Duck  1
Mallard  4
Green-winged Teal  2
Wild Turkey  4
Great Blue Heron  1
Turkey Vulture  3
Bald Eagle  2
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Laughing Gull  2
Herring Gull  50
Mourning Dove  3
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  5
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  4
Eastern Phoebe  5
Blue Jay  5
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  1
Tree Swallow  6
Carolina Chickadee  1
Tufted Titmouse  1
Carolina Wren  2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
American Robin  10
Northern Mockingbird  1
Brown Thrasher  2
European Starling  2
Louisiana Waterthrush  2     heard-at Sunset Bridge
Palm Warbler  1
Pine Warbler  12
Yellow-throated Warbler  8     heard & seen by a few
Eastern Towhee  3
Chipping Sparrow  10
Song Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  8
Dark-eyed Junco  8
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  6
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
American Goldfinch  5

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

Nummy's Island Bird Walk - Wednesday, April 10th, 2012

Wonderful scope views on a lovely spring evening of many species to observe and compare size, shape and behaviors. Leaders: Shaun Bamford, Chris Marks, and Bill & Lee Smythe.
36 species (+1 other taxa)

Brant  200
Mute Swan  4
American Black Duck  6
Mallard  1
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid)  1
Surf Scoter  15
Black Scoter  30
Bufflehead  5
Red-breasted Merganser  10
Red-throated Loon  1
Northern Gannet  20
Double-crested Cormorant  20
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  6
Snowy Egret  2
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  6
Northern Harrier  1
Black-bellied Plover  14
Semipalmated Plover  4
American Oystercatcher  10
Greater Yellowlegs  4
Willet (Eastern)  5
Lesser Yellowlegs  1
Ruddy Turnstone  4
Dunlin  200
Laughing Gull  200
Herring Gull  20
Great Black-backed Gull  8
Rock Pigeon  7
Mourning Dove  4
American Crow  8
Fish Crow  10
Northern Mockingbird  2
Brown Thrasher  1
Boat-tailed Grackle  2
Brown-headed Cowbird  8

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, April 10th, 2013

Still a nice variety of ducks including both Teal, Northern Shovelers, Northern Pintail, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead and Ruddy. Off shore there was a huge movement of Northern Gannets, along with Surf, and Black Scoter, and a few Red-throated Loons. Some migration has been going on with the appearance of more Purple Martins, a few Chimney Swifts, Pine Warblers, Golden-crowned Kinglets, and 7 Willets flying over, The marshes contained numerous Wilson's Snipe and 1 Marsh Wren. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, Chris Marks, and Lisa Ryan.
68 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  8
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  10
Mallard  8
Blue-winged Teal  1
Northern Shoveler  8
Northern Pintail  2
Green-winged Teal  6
Lesser Scaup  3
Surf Scoter  50
Black Scoter  30
Surf/Black Scoter  100
Bufflehead  2
Ruddy Duck  1
Red-throated Loon  4
Common Loon  1     before walk
Northern Gannet  250
Double-crested Cormorant  75
Great Egret  17
Turkey Vulture  5
Osprey  3
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Killdeer  3
American Oystercatcher  2
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Willet  7
Dunlin  20
Wilson's Snipe  10
Laughing Gull  10
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  5
Forster's Tern  4
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  5
Chimney Swift  3
Northern Flicker  4
Merlin  1
American Crow  3
Fish Crow  1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  3
Purple Martin  15
Tree Swallow  8
Barn Swallow  1
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  2
Brown Creeper  2
Marsh Wren  1
Carolina Wren  2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
Golden-crowned Kinglet  6
Eastern Bluebird  3
American Robin  10
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  10
Cedar Waxwing  3
Pine Warbler  4
Yellow-rumped Warbler  4
Chipping Sparrow  3
Field Sparrow  2
Song Sparrow  5
White-throated Sparrow  3
Dark-eyed Junco  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  20
Common Grackle  15
Brown-headed Cowbird  25
House Finch  1
House Sparrow  2

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

American Oystercatcher [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Eastern Bluebird [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Pine Warbler [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Birds, Beasts and Botany - Thursday, April 11, 2013

We began our observations of the flora and fauna on a lovely, warm spring morning as we carpooled to a new starting site near Lake Champlain at Cox Hall Creek WMA. We started with purple martins and tree swallows and soon saw two double-crested cormorants in a tree. Excitement bubbled as a lump in a tree revealed two green herons. We took time to examine a Cape May County first (?) of a fingered speedwell (Veronica triphyllos), a species of flowering plant in the plantain family. Mike Crewe helped us make sense of the weeds with small white flowers while taste-testing some of the edible weeds was optional. We were able to see 2 species of turtles, 3 types of frogs and one toad, 3 different butterflies, and 40 different birds. Today was certainly an educational blend of birds, beasts and botany! Leaders: Mike Crewe, Steve Weis, & Chris Marks.