Sunset Birding at Stone Harbor Point - Tuesday, October 18th, 2016

Tonight's Sunset at Stone Harbor Point was another beautiful evening's walk with strong SW winds. The birds were pretty good too with great looks at Lesser-black Backed Gulls and Black-bellied Plovers. Leaders: Warren Cairo, Gail Dwyer, Shaun Bamford and Sam Wilson.
21 species

Brant  200
American Wigeon  6
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Osprey  1
Black-bellied Plover  6
Semipalmated Plover  3
Ruddy Turnstone  1
Sanderling  X
Least Sandpiper  2
Western Sandpiper  2
Laughing Gull  3
Ring-billed Gull  15
Herring Gull (American)  X
Lesser Black-backed Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  X
Caspian Tern  2
Forster's Tern  15
Royal Tern  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  4
House Finch  3

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

E-Z Birding - Tuesday, October 18th, 2016

A few days after the last big migratory flight of birds, we had many Yellow-rumped Warblers and a scattering of other migrants including Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Northern Flicker, and Blue Jays. Highlights included an Eurasian Wigeon on Bunker Pond, close views of preening Green-winged Teal, and three flyover Eastern Meadowlarks. Throughout the walk, we enjoyed good views of hunting Sharp-shinned Hawk and perched Osprey. Leaders: Catherine Busch, Chris Marks, Sam Wilson, Marc and Lynne Breslow.
42 species

Canada Goose  12
Mute Swan  14
Gadwall  8
Eurasian Wigeon  1
American Wigeon  8
Mallard  10
Northern Shoveler  1
Northern Pintail  1
Green-winged Teal  8
Black Scoter  18
Ruddy Duck  1
Double-crested Cormorant  22
Osprey  8
Northern Harrier  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  16
Killdeer  1
Sanderling  32
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull (American)  3
Great Black-backed Gull  26
Forster's Tern  4
Mourning Dove  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  3
Blue Jay  4
American Crow  2
Carolina Chickadee  2
Red-breasted Nuthatch  2
Brown Creeper  1
Carolina Wren  3
Golden-crowned Kinglet  1     Heard
Brown Thrasher  1
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  12
Common Yellowthroat  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  36
White-throated Sparrow  7
Song Sparrow  2
Swamp Sparrow  1
Eastern Meadowlark  3
American Goldfinch  3     Heard

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, October 17th, 2016

Nice weather and a good variety of ducks including American and one Eurasian Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard, both Blue- and Green-winged Teal, Northern Pintail, and one Ring-necked Duck. On the beach we had the usual gulls and one Lesser Black-backed Gull. Overhead we had Sharp-shinned Hawks and one Bald Eagle. Leaders: Warren Cairo, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, Mary Watkins, Pat Perkins, Marc & Lynne Breslow.
46 species

Canada Goose  18
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  10
Eurasian Wigeon  1
American Wigeon  12
American Black Duck  1
Mallard  15
Blue-winged Teal  3
Northern Shoveler  7
Northern Pintail  4
Green-winged Teal  20
Ring-necked Duck  1
Common Loon  4
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  2
Osprey  3
Sharp-shinned Hawk  5
Bald Eagle  1
Greater Yellowlegs  3
Laughing Gull  10
Ring-billed Gull  5
Herring Gull  10
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  25
Forster's Tern  5
Royal Tern  4
Mourning Dove  8
Downy Woodpecker  2
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  35
Tree Swallow  10
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  8
Gray Catbird  1
Brown Thrasher  1
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  2
Palm Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler  50
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  1
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  1

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

Sanderling [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Cox Hall Creek WMA - Saturday, October 16th, 2016

It's always a sign of good birding when we don't cover much ground on a walk, when we don't know what to look at first. Today it was the sparrows - Lincoln's, White-crowned, White-throated, Swamp, Field, Chipping and Song - that kept us spellbound in one spot for awhile. The warblers had the same effect as we sorted out Pine from Yellow-rumped, then Black-throated Green and Palm Warblers. Ah, to be a Cape May birder in the fall! Leaders: Kathy Horn, Roger Horn, Janet Crawford, Shaun Bamford, Cindy Bamford, Joe Demko, and Karen Thompson.
48 species (+1 other taxa)

Mallard  2
Great Blue Heron  1
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  4
Herring Gull (American)  1
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  1
Mourning Dove  9
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  8
Eastern Phoebe  4
Blue-headed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  3
American Crow  14
Tree Swallow  3
Carolina Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  6
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1
White-breasted Nuthatch  3
Brown Creeper  1
Carolina Wren  4
Golden-crowned Kinglet  2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  5
American Robin  3
Gray Catbird  4
Brown Thrasher  3
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  3
Common Yellowthroat  1
Palm Warbler (Western)  1
Palm Warbler (Yellow)  1
Pine Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  7
Black-throated Green Warbler  1
Chipping Sparrow  3
Field Sparrow  1
White-crowned Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  8
Song Sparrow  4
Lincoln's Sparrow  1
Swamp Sparrow  7
Eastern Towhee  2
Northern Cardinal  3
Red-winged Blackbird  3
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
House Finch  1
American Goldfinch  6

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

Fall Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, October 15th, 2016

The ebb and flow of migration was very evident at the Rea Farm this morning, with the dull chip of Yellow-rumped Warblers and the flitting wings of Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets all around us. Palm and Blackpoll Warblers are still coming through and sparrows have started to show up in numbers. Group 1 Leaders: Kathy Horn & Deb Payson.
45 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  7
Mallard  1
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  2
Cooper's Hawk  1
Killdeer  3
Herring Gull (American)  1
Mourning Dove  12
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Downy Woodpecker  2
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  5
Eastern Phoebe  3
Blue Jay  9
American Crow  15
Fish Crow  1
Tree Swallow  8
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  3
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1
Brown Creeper  2
Carolina Wren  7
Golden-crowned Kinglet  14
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  16
American Robin  7
Gray Catbird  6
Brown Thrasher  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  58
Cedar Waxwing  9
American Redstart  1
Blackpoll Warbler  2
Palm Warbler (Western)  10
Palm Warbler (Yellow)  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  45
Field Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  8
Savannah Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  6
Swamp Sparrow  9
Eastern Towhee  2
Northern Cardinal  4
Common Grackle  3
American Goldfinch  3

Group 2 Leaders: Karl Lukens & Roger Horn.
43 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  7
Mallard  2
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  6
Osprey  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  3
Cooper's Hawk  1
Killdeer  3
Herring Gull (American)  2
Mourning Dove  44
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  9
Merlin  1
Eastern Phoebe  4
Blue-headed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  10
American Crow  5
Fish Crow  2
Tree Swallow  15
Carolina Chickadee  1
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  12
Golden-crowned Kinglet  3
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  12
American Robin  9
Gray Catbird  2
Brown Thrasher  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  3
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Blackpoll Warbler  2
Palm Warbler (Western)  11
Palm Warbler (Yellow)  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  30
White-crowned Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  3
Savannah Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  7
Swamp Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  6
Red-winged Blackbird  8
Common Grackle  2

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

Eastern Phoebe [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Higbee Beach Birding - Friday, October 14th, 2016

Group 1 Leaders: Roger Horn & Catherine Busch.
39 species (+4 other taxa)

Surf Scoter  5
Double-crested Cormorant  3
Sharp-shinned Hawk  4
Bald Eagle  1
Herring Gull (American)  2
Great Black-backed Gull  3
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  5
Blue Jay  8
American Crow  15
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  2
Red-breasted Nuthatch  2
Carolina Wren  4
Golden-crowned Kinglet  7
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  4
American Robin  11
Gray Catbird  4
Brown Thrasher  6
European Starling  4
Cedar Waxwing  30
Black-and-white Warbler  2
Tennessee Warbler  1
Nashville Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  2
Blackpoll Warbler  2
Palm Warbler (Western)  11
Palm Warbler (Yellow)  2
Pine Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  25
warbler sp. (Parulidae sp.)  120
Field Sparrow  3
White-throated Sparrow  6
Song Sparrow  8
Swamp Sparrow  10
Eastern Towhee  6
sparrow sp.  12
Northern Cardinal  7
blackbird sp.  14
House Finch  11
Purple Finch  2
American Goldfinch  9

Group 2 Leaders: Kathy Horn & Karen Thompson.
50 species (+1 other taxa)

Black Scoter  8
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  1
Northern Harrier  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  4
Bald Eagle  2
Herring Gull (American)  2
Mourning Dove  6
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  1
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  9
Eastern Phoebe  2
White-eyed Vireo  1
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  8
American Crow  11
Tree Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  2
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  6
Golden-crowned Kinglet  3
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  4
American Robin  12
Gray Catbird  3
Brown Thrasher  7
European Starling  5
Orange-crowned Warbler  1
Nashville Warbler  2
Common Yellowthroat  2
Blackpoll Warbler  4
Palm Warbler (Western)  6
Palm Warbler (Yellow)  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  55
Black-throated Green Warbler  1
Chipping Sparrow  2
Field Sparrow  4
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)  1
White-throated Sparrow  11
Song Sparrow  8
Swamp Sparrow  24
Eastern Towhee  3
Northern Cardinal  7
Indigo Bunting  2
Red-winged Blackbird  8
Common Grackle  1
Purple Finch  2
American Goldfinch  7

Group 3 Leaders:  David La Puma, Chris Marks, Mary Watkins, & Barb Bassett.
43 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  6
Double-crested Cormorant  18
Black Vulture  6
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  1
Northern Harrier  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  6
Cooper's Hawk  2
Bald Eagle  4
Mourning Dove  4
Red-bellied Woodpecker  4
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  12
Eastern Phoebe  3
White-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  8
American Crow  10
Tree Swallow  10
Carolina Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  1
Red-breasted Nuthatch  4
Carolina Wren  4
Golden-crowned Kinglet  2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  2
American Robin  2
Brown Thrasher  6
Tennessee Warbler  1
Orange-crowned Warbler  1
Nashville Warbler  1
Blackpoll Warbler  6
Palm Warbler (Western)  4
Palm Warbler (Yellow)  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  24
Field Sparrow  2
White-throated Sparrow  8
Song Sparrow  2
Lincoln's Sparrow  1     Seen by a few
Swamp Sparrow  3
Eastern Towhee  2
Northern Cardinal  3
Red-winged Blackbird  14
Eastern Meadowlark  1
House Finch  5
Purple Finch  3
American Goldfinch  14

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

Birding for all People - Thursday, October 13th, 2016

A rather quiet birding morning. An interesting highlight was the appearance of two Eurasian Wigeon drakes with an American Wigeon drake on Bunker Pond, giving us very good views. Lots of Yellow-rumped Warblers were all along the trails. Leaders: Warren Cairo and Karl Lukens.
38 species

Canada Goose  15
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  8
Eurasian Wigeon  2
American Wigeon  12
Mallard  10
Northern Shoveler  4
Northern Pintail  1
Green-winged Teal  8
Lesser Scaup  2
Double-crested Cormorant  200
Great Egret  1
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  5
Cooper's Hawk  3
Laughing Gull  5
Ring-billed Gull  5
Herring Gull  3
Great Black-backed Gull  18
Royal Tern  8
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  1
Mourning Dove  7
Northern Flicker  4
Merlin  2
Blue Jay  6
American Crow  2
Tree Swallow  60
Carolina Chickadee  1
Carolina Wren  1
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  5
Magnolia Warbler  1     seen by a few
Yellow-rumped Warbler  30
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  10
House Finch  1
House Sparrow  1

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

Great Egret [Photo by Karl Lukens]

American Wigeon and 2 Eurasian Wigeons [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Twilight at the Meadows - Wednesday, October 12th, 2016

It was a very pleasant evening for a birding walk tonight! We were treated to great looks at Peregrine Falcon cruising just above us in the parking lot even before the walk had begun. The highlight of the evening was seeing the Common Gallinule. Not one we get to see too often. Leaders: Warren Cairo, and Bill Smythe.
34 species

Snow Goose  2
Canada Goose  30
Mute Swan  2
Gadwall  5
American Black Duck  2
Mallard  10
Blue-winged Teal  8
Northern Shoveler  5
Northern Pintail  5
Green-winged Teal  20
Black Scoter  30     Very distant view
Ruddy Duck  1
Double-crested Cormorant  40
Great Egret  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Cooper's Hawk  2     One perched, nice view
Common Gallinule  1
American Oystercatcher  2
Sanderling  20
Laughing Gull  8
Ring-billed Gull  6
Herring Gull  10
Lesser Black-backed Gull  3
Great Black-backed Gull  20
Caspian Tern  2     Distant view
Royal Tern  1
Mourning Dove  2
Northern Flicker  1
Merlin  1
Peregrine Falcon  2
American Crow  5
Tree Swallow  30
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  2
Savannah Sparrow  2

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, October 12th, 2016

Sharp-shinned Hawks continue to amaze in their numbers while some passerines took time from their migration south to feed in and around Lake Lily. Short-distance migrants are growing in numbers as evidenced by the large flocks of Blue Jays. Leaders: Chris Marks, Catherine Busch, Mary Watkins, and Kirsten Fuller.
48 species

Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  1
Mallard  8
Common Eider  1
Black Scoter  6
Double-crested Cormorant  12
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  22
Cooper's Hawk  4
Bald Eagle  1
American Oystercatcher  1
Ruddy Turnstone  1
Sanderling  36
Ring-billed Gull  4
Herring Gull (American)  3
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  8
Common Tern  1
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  6
Mourning Dove  4
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  3
Merlin  1
Blue Jay  18
American Crow  2
Tree Swallow  46
Carolina Chickadee  4
Red-breasted Nuthatch  4
Brown Creeper  1
Carolina Wren  2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Golden-crowned Kinglet  2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  2
American Robin  18
Gray Catbird  2
Brown Thrasher  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  24
Blackpoll Warbler  2
Palm Warbler (Western)  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  28
White-throated Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  14
House Finch  6
American Goldfinch  2
House Sparrow  14

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

Sunset Birding at Stone Harbor Point - Tuesday, October 11th, 2016

The Sunset at Stone Harbor was spectacular and so were the birds. We had great looks at American Oystercatchers, Lesser-black Backed Gulls and a lone Piping Plover. Leaders: Warren Cairo, Gail Dwyer, Shaun Bamford and Catherine Busch.
31 species

Brant  75
Surf Scoter  6
Black Scoter  240
Double-crested Cormorant  40
Great Blue Heron  5
Great Egret  2
Northern Harrier  1
Bald Eagle  1
American Oystercatcher  20
Black-bellied Plover  2
Piping Plover  1
Ruddy Turnstone  1
Sanderling  100
Western Sandpiper  2
Laughing Gull  6
Ring-billed Gull  12
Herring Gull  20
Lesser Black-backed Gull  10     Seen well and close!
Great Black-backed Gull  30
Caspian Tern  20     Seen well
Forster's Tern  15
Royal Tern  2
Mourning Dove  1
Merlin  1
Tree Swallow  50
Palm Warbler  8
Yellow-rumped Warbler  1
White-throated Sparrow  1
Savannah Sparrow  4
Red-winged Blackbird  12
House Finch  8

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

E-Z Birding - Tuesday, October 11th, 2016

Relatively quiet in the woods, but we were able to find a few migrants including a single Hermit Thrush, Brown Creeper, and Swamp Sparrow. Brown Thrashers were calling everywhere but not visible, A variety of raptors overhead, a smattering of ducks, and a small flock of Tree Sparrows dipping down to Bunker Pond to drink were appreciated by all. Leaders:  Catherine Busch, Chris Marks, Marc and Lynne Breslow.
38 species

Canada Goose  32
Mute Swan  12
American Wigeon  14
Mallard  26
Northern Shoveler  1
Green-winged Teal  2
Great Egret  2
Turkey Vulture  12
Osprey  1
Northern Harrier  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  26
Cooper's Hawk  6
Bald Eagle  1
Red-shouldered Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  3
Mourning Dove  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  4
Blue Jay  17
American Crow  6
Tree Swallow  125
Barn Swallow  1
Carolina Chickadee  2
Red-breasted Nuthatch  2
Brown Creeper  1
Carolina Wren  1
Hermit Thrush  1
Brown Thrasher  6
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  6
Common Yellowthroat  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  32
Song Sparrow  2
Swamp Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  2
American Goldfinch  6

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, October 10th, 2016

Cold and very windy from the North. Many raptors on the move with numerous Sharp-shinned Hawks as well as Cooper's Hawk, Northern Harriers, American Kestrels, Red-tailed Hawk, and two Bald Eagles. Also numerous Northern Flickers, and Yellow-rumped Warblers in the air and perched. We did see two Lesser Black-backed Gulls on the beach. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Chuck Slugg, Karl Lukens, Pat Perkins, Mary Watkins, Carrie Bell, and Marc & Lynne Breslow.
45 species

Canada Goose  60
Mute Swan  7
Gadwall  6
American Wigeon  5
American Black Duck  1
Mallard  15
Northern Shoveler  4
Northern Pintail  6
Green-winged Teal  12
Double-crested Cormorant  50
Great Egret  2
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  1
Northern Harrier  3
Sharp-shinned Hawk  65
Cooper's Hawk  5
Bald Eagle  2
Red-tailed Hawk  2
Killdeer  1
Laughing Gull  12
Ring-billed Gull  3
Herring Gull  10
Lesser Black-backed Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  15
Forster's Tern  3
Royal Tern  1
Mourning Dove  8
Northern Flicker  8
American Kestrel  12
Merlin  2
Eastern Phoebe  1     seen by a few
American Crow  1
Tree Swallow  40
Carolina Wren  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  5
American Pipit  1     heard by a few
Yellow-rumped Warbler  30
Song Sparrow  1
Swamp Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  1
House Sparrow  1

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

Cox Hall Creek WMA - Sunday, October 9th, 2016

It really rained, and rained, and rained. And, it was windy. But, as one intrepid participant said, "There's no bad weather, just bad clothing." And raingear we had. A lot of the birds were hunkered down but we did have a beautiful Black-throated Blue Warbler and recently- returned kinglets, both Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned. Any day is a good day to bird! Leaders: Kathy Horn, Roger Horn, & Deb Payson.
10 species (+1 other taxa)

Osprey  2
Bald Eagle  1
crow sp.  25
Carolina Chickadee  6
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  2
Golden-crowned Kinglet  1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
Gray Catbird  2
Black-throated Blue Warbler  1
Northern Cardinal  2

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

Hawks, Trails, and Beach - Saturday, October 8th, 2016

Dreary, rainy afternoon. Birds were scarce except for Tree Swallows swirling overhead wherever we looked. We saw several Peregrine Falcons and two perched Merlins. Leaders: Chuck Slugg and Bert Hixon.
31 species

Canada Goose 18
Mute Swan 8
Mallard 9
Blue-winged Teal 3
Double-crested Cormorant 28
Great Egret 3
Snowy Egret 1
Osprey 1
American Oystercatcher 2
Laughing Gull 3
Ring-billed Gull 2
Herring Gull 6
Great Black-backed Gull 30
Common Tern 1
Forster's Tern 3
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 4
Mourning Dove 2
Northern Flicker 2 heard
Merlin 2
Peregrine Falcon 5
American Crow 2 heard
Tree Swallow 350
Carolina Chickadee 4
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 heard
Carolina Wren 3 heard
Golden-crowned Kinglet 1 heard
Gray Catbird 4
Northern Mockingbird 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 3 Myrtle
Song Sparrow 1
Northern Cardinal 2 heard

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

Fall Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, October 8th, 2016

Warblers are always appealing, and the treeful we had that included Northern Parula, Nashville and Yellow-rumped Warblers and American Redstart might have been the walk's highlight except for the Wilson's Snipe that fed and bobbed along the edge of a recently-formed pond long enough for everyone to get their fill in the scopes. Nearby a Solitary Sandpiper and a Lesser Yellowlegs also enjoyed this new landscape. Group 1 Leaders: Kathy Horn, Deb Payson, and Michael McCabe.
42 species

Canada Goose  7
Mallard  13
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Great Egret  2
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  7
Cooper's Hawk  1
Wilson's Snipe  1
Solitary Sandpiper  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  1
Herring Gull (American)  4
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  1
Mourning Dove  9
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  6
American Kestrel  2
Red-eyed Vireo  3
Blue Jay  7
American Crow  4
Fish Crow  1
Tree Swallow  7
Carolina Chickadee  1
Tufted Titmouse  1
Carolina Wren  5
Golden-crowned Kinglet  1
American Robin  2
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  45
Nashville Warbler  1
American Redstart  1
Northern Parula  6
Palm Warbler (Western)  5
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  3
Song Sparrow  4
Swamp Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  8
Bobolink  4
Red-winged Blackbird  9
Common Grackle  1

Group 2 Leaders: Karl Lukens and Roger Horn.
30 species

Canada Goose  2
Mallard  4
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Great Egret  2
Osprey  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  11
Wilson's Snipe  1
Solitary Sandpiper  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  1
Herring Gull (American)  5
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  2
Mourning Dove  12
Red-bellied Woodpecker  5
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  4
Merlin  1
Blue Jay  4
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  2
Tree Swallow  27
Carolina Chickadee  1
Carolina Wren  5
Gray Catbird  2
European Starling  27
Black-and-white Warbler  2
Savannah Sparrow  1
Swamp Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  3
Common Grackle  7
American Goldfinch  2

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

Higbee Beach Birding - Friday, October 7th, 2016

The signs of later fall have arrived with numerous White-throated Sparrows and Yellow-rumped Warblers appearing.  Blue Jays were seen everywhere, each carrying a nut as well as many Northern Flickers.  Sharp-shinned Hawks were actively hunting over the fields.  Brown Thrashers were also counted in high numbers. Group 1 Leaders:  David La Puma and Chris Marks.
45 species

Double-crested Cormorant  3
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  8
Cooper's Hawk  2
Bald Eagle  1
Sanderling  22
Laughing Gull  8
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull (American)  4
Great Black-backed Gull  38
Mourning Dove  4
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  12
Merlin  1
Eastern Phoebe  1
White-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  14
American Crow  2
Tree Swallow  14
Carolina Chickadee  3
Red-breasted Nuthatch  2
Carolina Wren  6
Golden-crowned Kinglet  2
American Robin  6
Gray Catbird  2
Brown Thrasher  14
Cedar Waxwing  18
American Redstart  1
Northern Parula  1
Blackpoll Warbler  2
Palm Warbler (Western)  4
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  10
Prairie Warbler  1
Field Sparrow  2
White-throated Sparrow  8
Song Sparrow  2
Swamp Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  4
Indigo Bunting  6
Red-winged Blackbird  10
House Finch  5
American Goldfinch  3

Group 2 Leaders: Kathy Horn and Catherine Busch
44 species

Canada Goose  6
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  3
Sharp-shinned Hawk  6
Bald Eagle  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Herring Gull (American)  3
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  2
Mourning Dove  7
Red-bellied Woodpecker  4
Downy Woodpecker  3
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  10
Peregrine Falcon  1
Eastern Phoebe  1
White-eyed Vireo  1
Red-eyed Vireo  2
Blue Jay  6
American Crow  2
Tree Swallow  19
Carolina Chickadee  1
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  6
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
American Robin  4
Gray Catbird  5
Brown Thrasher  8
European Starling  25
Cedar Waxwing  65
Black-and-white Warbler  3
Nashville Warbler  3
Common Yellowthroat  5
Northern Parula  4
Palm Warbler (Western)  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  1
White-throated Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  1
Swamp Sparrow  8
Northern Cardinal  6
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  12
Red-winged Blackbird  1
Baltimore Oriole  1
House Finch  1
American Goldfinch  14

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

Bird Walk for All People - Thursday, October 6th, 2016

We were greeted with huge numbers of Tree Swallows over the parking lot, beach, trees, and lighthouse. There was a large movement of raptors including Broadwing, Cooper's, Sharp-shinned, Red-shouldered, Osprey, Peregrine, and Merlin. We hit a pocket of warblers in the woods including Northern Parula,Yellow-rumped, American Redstart, Pine, Palm, and Black Poll. Leaders: Chuck Slugg, Warren Cairo, and Karl Lukens.
44 species

Canada Goose 15
Mute Swan 9
American Black Duck 1
Mallard 6
Double-crested Cormorant 2
Great Egret 3
Snowy Egret 1 seen by leader only
Turkey Vulture 13
Osprey 4
Sharp-shinned Hawk 12
Cooper's Hawk 6
Bald Eagle 3
Red-shouldered Hawk 1
Broad-winged Hawk 5
Laughing Gull 5
Great Black-backed Gull 6
Forster's Tern 7
Royal Tern 1
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 2
Mourning Dove 4
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 3
Merlin 2
Peregrine Falcon 2
Red-eyed Vireo 2
Blue Jay 4
American Crow 2 heard
Tree Swallow 500
Carolina Chickadee 5
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 6
Gray Catbird 2 heard
Brown Thrasher 1 eard
Northern Mockingbird 4
European Starling 2
Cedar Waxwing 7 heard
American Redstart 1
Northern Parula 1
Blackpoll Warbler 5
Palm Warbler 2
Pine Warbler 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 4 Myrtle
Bobolink 6 heard
Red-winged Blackbird 3

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

Twilight Watch at the Meadows - Wednesday, October 5th, 2016

Tonight's Meadows walk was highlighted by the almost continuous passes of Merlins hunting in the Meadows.  Leader: Warren Cairo.
33 species

Canada Goose  45
Mute Swan  2
Gadwall  5
American Wigeon  4
Mallard  12
Blue-winged Teal  6
Northern Shoveler  8
Green-winged Teal  10
Double-crested Cormorant  4
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  3
Osprey  1
Northern Harrier  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  2
Cooper's Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Coot  1
American Oystercatcher  1
Sanderling  50
Laughing Gull  3
Ring-billed Gull  6
Herring Gull  4
Lesser Black-backed Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  12
Common Tern  1
Mourning Dove  2
Belted Kingfisher  1
Northern Flicker  1
Merlin  5
Peregrine Falcon  1
Tree Swallow  50
Common Yellowthroat  3
Song Sparrow  3

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, October 5th, 2016

The raptor show continues on our Wednesday wander through the Point. We had an opportunity to carefully compare and contrast Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s Hawks as well as identifying the differences in falcons in flight. Leaders: Brett Ewald, Chris Marks, Catherine Busch, Mary Watkins, and Kirsten Fuller.
55 species

Mute Swan  19
Mallard  8
Surf Scoter  2
Black Scoter  3
Double-crested Cormorant  12
Great Egret  1
Tricolored Heron  1
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  5
Northern Harrier  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  33
Cooper's Hawk  2
Bald Eagle  1
Ruddy Turnstone  1
Sanderling  2
Parasitic Jaeger  7
Laughing Gull  42
Ring-billed Gull  3
Herring Gull (American)  6
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  14
Common Tern  38
Forster's Tern  52
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  4
Mourning Dove  8
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  3
American Kestrel  8
Merlin  1
Peregrine Falcon  1
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  3
Tree Swallow  125
Carolina Chickadee  4
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  3
Gray Catbird  2
Brown Thrasher  1
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  13
Cedar Waxwing  12
Common Yellowthroat  1
Cape May Warbler  1
Blackpoll Warbler  1
Palm Warbler (Western)  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  18
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  2
Dickcissel  2
Red-winged Blackbird  11
Common Grackle  4
Brown-headed Cowbird  2
House Finch  5
American Goldfinch  5
House Sparrow  16

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

Sunset Birding at Stone Harbor Point - Tuesday, October 4th, 2016

Tonight's Stone Harbor Point walk was quite an experience! High winds blowing south was making looking north very difficult so we went south along the beach finding shelter behind the dune where we had some great birds. We had good looks at Caspian and Royal terns, a very close Piping Plover and nice comparisons of Lesser Black-backed and Great Black-backed Gulls. Leaders: Warren Cairo, Gail Dwyer, Shaun Bamford, Karen Thompson and Bill Boyle.
15 species

Double-crested Cormorant  2
Great Egret  1
American Oystercatcher  40
Black-bellied Plover  2
Semipalmated Plover  15
Ruddy Turnstone  6
Sanderling  30
Laughing Gull  3
Herring Gull  10
Lesser Black-backed Gull  10     Seen well
Great Black-backed Gull  20
Caspian Tern  10
Common Tern  2
Forster's Tern  3
Royal Tern  8

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

E-Z Birding - Tuesday, October 4th, 2016

Highlights of this week's walk were birds in flight, especially the estimated 10,000 Tree Swallows swirling continuously overhead sometime flying right over our heads as they reacted to the many raptors hunting in the area--Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks, Merlin, and Peregrine. Leaders: Catherine Busch, Chris Marks, and Warren Cairo.
33 species

Canada Goose  12
Mute Swan  14
American Wigeon  6
Mallard  18
Blue-winged Teal  2
Ruddy Duck  5
Double-crested Cormorant  75
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  1
Turkey Vulture  5
Osprey  3
Northern Harrier  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  26
Cooper's Hawk  6
Bald Eagle  1
Laughing Gull  12
Herring Gull (American)  6
Great Black-backed Gull  20
Caspian Tern  3
Forster's Tern  24
Mourning Dove  3
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  3
Merlin  2
Peregrine Falcon  1
Blue Jay  3
American Crow  4
Tree Swallow  10000     Swarming over dunes and Bunker Pond. Conservative estimate.
Carolina Chickadee  3
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1
Gray Catbird  1
Palm Warbler (Western)  1
American Goldfinch  5

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, October 3rd, 2016

Lots of water with increasing numbers and variety of ducks, such as Blue- and Green-winged Teal, Gadwall, Mallard, Northern Shovelers, Ruddy Duck, American Wigeon and three Eurasian Wigeon. We also had a flyover Merlin and a perched Peregrine Falcon. At least two Lesser Black-backed Gulls were on the beach while overhead and on the beach were about 2000 Tree Swallows. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Chuck Slugg, Karl Lukens, Janet Crawford, Pat Perkins, and Mary Watkins.
42 species

Canada Goose  15
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  2
American Wigeon  12
Mallard  15
Blue-winged Teal  10
Northern Shoveler  8
Green-winged Teal  15
Ruddy Duck  3
Common Loon  1
Double-crested Cormorant  250
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  7
Snowy Egret  1
Osprey  3
Northern Harrier  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
Sanderling  15
Parasitic Jaeger  1
Laughing Gull  5
Ring-billed Gull  8
Herring Gull  10
Lesser Black-backed Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  18
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  4
Mourning Dove  6
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  10
Merlin  1
Peregrine Falcon  1
Tree Swallow  2000
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  5
Yellow Warbler  1
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  1
Common Grackle  2
House Finch  4
House Sparrow  3

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

Ring-billed Gull [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Cox Hall Creek WMA - Sunday, October 2nd, 2016

The birding on this morning's CHC WMA walk included a nice flock of mixed migrants with nine species of warblers present. Kinglets have started to arrive and we had both Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets, though the latter was only heard. Unlike a few weeks ago, we had two White-breasted Nuthatches but no Red-breasteds; Red-breasted Nuthatches are an irruptive species that show up in years' of food scarcity in the North; an early wave of them seems to have dispersed with smaller numbers still present. A Yellow-billed Cuckoo, sitting at woods-edge at eye level, was a great treat, especially through the scope!  Leaders: Kathy Horn, Roger Horn, Shaun Bamford, Janet Crawford, Cindy Bamford, Joe Demko, Karen Thompson, and Bill Boyle.
48 species

Canada Goose  9
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Herring Gull (American)  1
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  1
Mourning Dove  8
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  4
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  5
Eastern Phoebe  2
White-eyed Vireo  1
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  3
American Crow  4
Tree Swallow  14
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  6
White-breasted Nuthatch  2
Carolina Wren  6
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Golden-crowned Kinglet  1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  2
American Robin  5
Gray Catbird  7
Brown Thrasher  3
European Starling  10
Cedar Waxwing  5
Tennessee Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  7
American Redstart  1
Magnolia Warbler  1
Blackpoll Warbler  2
Palm Warbler (Western)  3
Pine Warbler  1
Prairie Warbler  1
Black-throated Green Warbler  1
Chipping Sparrow  6
Field Sparrow  2
Scarlet Tanager  1
Northern Cardinal  8
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  5
Red-winged Blackbird  6
Brown-headed Cowbird  28

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

Hawks Trails, and Beach - Saturday, October 1st, 2016

Despite drizzle, cool temperatures, light winds, we had lots of Tree Swallows flying about and several Peregrine Falcons going overhead. We also had good looks at a wet, perched female Peregrine and so-so looks at a perched Merlin. We saw a perched Field Sparrow behind the dunes. Because of the weather, warblers were scarce; we did see Common Yellowthroats and an American Redstart. We had a quick look at the rear end of a rail as it darted into the grass, probably Virginia or Sora. Leaders: Chuck Slugg, Bert Hixon, and Barb Bassett.
38 species

Canada Goose 18
Mute Swan 9
Mallard 7
Wild Turkey 2
Double-crested Cormorant 3
Great Blue Heron 2
Great Egret 3
Snowy Egret 2
Osprey 3
American Oystercatcher 1
Killdeer 1 heard
Spotted Sandpiper 1
Laughing Gull 10
Herring Gull 2
Great Black-backed Gull 3
Common Tern 1
Forster's Tern 2
Royal Tern 2
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 3
Mourning Dove 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 3
Merlin 1
Peregrine Falcon 4
Tree Swallow 250
Carolina Chickadee 5
Marsh Wren 1 heard
Carolina Wren 5
American Robin 1 heard
Gray Catbird 4
Northern Mockingbird 3
Common Yellowthroat 3
American Redstart 1
Field Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 1
Northern Cardinal 3
American Goldfinch 3 heard
House Sparrow 1

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

Fall Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, October 1st, 2016

All the recent rain has resulted in a new (and temporary) pond at the Rea Farm and the birds are taking advantage of it. A Wilson's Snipe was feeding with great focus along the broad mud edges of that pond, caring not a wit that we passed and scoped it from both sides --  likewise a Solitary Sandpiper. Flocks of Double-crested Cormorants are on the move and good numbers of Tree Swallows swirled overhead several times during the walk. Bobolinks are still "binking" overhead with little evidence of their golden fall plumage showing against the morning's gray sky. And a Western King Bird that was found yesterday in the field on Stevens Street was still there, feeding and, at one point, landing on a wire directly overhead.  Group 1 Leaders: Kathy Horn, Roger Horn, and Deb Payson.
43 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  20
American Black Duck  2
Mallard  23
Double-crested Cormorant  200
Great Blue Heron  1
Snowy Egret  2
Black-crowned Night-Heron  9
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Accipiter sp.  1
Killdeer  2
Wilson's Snipe  1
Solitary Sandpiper  1
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Laughing Gull  1
Herring Gull (American)  2
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  5
Mourning Dove  14
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  3
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  2
Eastern Phoebe  1
Western Kingbird  1  
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  4
Tree Swallow  60
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  4
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  5
European Starling  48
Common Yellowthroat  1
American Redstart  1
Yellow-breasted Chat  1
Chipping Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  6
Indigo Bunting  5
Bobolink  9
Red-winged Blackbird  7
Common Grackle  2

Breezy and cloudy with some mist and a few birds. We did find a standing water pond with a Wilson's Snipe, Solitary Sandpiper, and two Killdeer. We also found a spot with a Red-eyed Vireo, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher and a Black-and-white Warbler. Highlight was the appearance of the Western Kingbird that was found yesterday. Group 2 Leaders: Karl Lukens, Kyle Chelius, and Michael McCabe.
40 species

Canada Goose  40
Wood Duck  1     flying
American Black Duck  1
Mallard  15
Double-crested Cormorant  350
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  5
Cooper's Hawk  1
Killdeer  2
Wilson's Snipe  1
Solitary Sandpiper  1
Greater Yellowlegs  1     heard
Laughing Gull  15
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  5
Mourning Dove  10
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Eastern Phoebe  1
Western Kingbird  1
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  3
American Crow  2
Tree Swallow  15
Carolina Wren  3
American Robin  3
Gray Catbird  2
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  50
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  2
Savannah Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  2
Common Grackle  5
Baltimore Oriole  1
House Finch  1
House Sparrow  1

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

A Meadows Afternoon - Friday, September 30th, 2016

The rain cleared just in time for the walk. Winds were brisk out of the NE. Several species of ducks were found taking shelter along the banks. The two male Eurasian Wigeons were still present. One flew off to the SE as we watched. Other ducks included Northern Shoveler, Blue-winged and Green-winged Teal, Gadwall, and American Wigeon. The walk along the beach produced three species of terns and five species of gulls. The Tree Swallow migration was a spectacle enjoyed by all. Conservatively there were over 2000 swallows swirling above the Meadows. Leaders: Gail Dwyer and Barb Bassett.
28 species

Canada Goose  40
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  8
American Wigeon  6
American Black Duck  3
Mallard  40
Blue-winged Teal  10
Northern Shoveler  12
Green-winged Teal  8
Double-crested Cormorant  8
Great Blue Heron  3
Snowy Egret  4
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1     Immature
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  3
Laughing Gull  50
Ring-billed Gull  4
Herring Gull  10
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  20
Common Tern  4
Forster's Tern  20
Royal Tern  1
Black Skimmer  7
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  2
Mourning Dove  1
Blue Jay  2
Tree Swallow  2000

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

Higbee Beach Birding (at Sunset Beach/Concrete Ship) - Friday, September 30, 2016

It was so wet and so windy this morning that we moved our walk from Higbee to the Sunset Grille at Cape May Point to see what the storm might bring us - and to get a roof over our heads! It didn't keep us from getting wet but we did have some great birds. Several Parasitic Jaegers flew by not far offshore. A Caspian Tern landed on the beach in front of us and many Common, Forsters and Royal Terns allowed for good comparison. The Peregrine Falcons put on quite a show but when all the birds on the beach got up, it was an adult Bald Eagle that flew by. The real treat of the morning were the sparrows taking shelter in the grass dunes right in front of the Grille - Nelson's, Seaside and Saltmarsh. At one point the Nelson's and Saltmarsh sparrows were visible together, facing us, just a few feet away - it was nice, and a "Lifer" for at least one in our hardy group!
Leaders: Kathy Horn, Roger Horn, Catherine Busch, and Chris Marks.
29 species (+2 other taxa)

American Black Duck  1
Black Scoter  10
Common Loon  1
Double-crested Cormorant  18
Great Blue Heron  2
Snowy Egret  2
Bald Eagle  1
Stilt Sandpiper  1
Sanderling  250
Least Sandpiper  1
Short-billed Dowitcher  1
Parasitic Jaeger  3
jaeger sp.  1
Laughing Gull  35
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull (American)  7
Lesser Black-backed Gull  3
Great Black-backed Gull  8
Caspian Tern  1
Common Tern  40
Forster's Tern  50
Royal Tern  15
Merlin  1
Peregrine Falcon  4
Northern Mockingbird  1
Palm Warbler (Western)  1
Nelson's Sparrow (Interior)  1
Nelson's Sparrow (Atlantic Coast)  1
Saltmarsh Sparrow  2
Seaside Sparrow  2
Scarlet Tanager  1

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

Twilight Watch at the Meadows - Wednesday, September 28th, 2016

Despite the weather, the area produced many species including multiple species of ducks. Highlights were two male Eurasian Wigeons which were life birds for several of the participants. Leader: Barb Bassett.
26 species

Canada Goose  25
Mute Swan  2
Gadwall  4
Eurasian Wigeon  2
American Wigeon  8
Mallard  80
Blue-winged Teal  10
Northern Shoveler  10
Northern Pintail  1
Green-winged Teal  20
Double-crested Cormorant  30     NW
Great Blue Heron  1
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  1
American Oystercatcher  2
Sanderling  25
Wilson's Snipe  1
Laughing Gull  100
Herring Gull  40
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Caspian Tern  1
Forster's Tern  20
Royal Tern  3
Mourning Dove  3

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