Nummy Island - Wednesday, May 18th, 2016

Lots of Red Knots and a hunting pass by a Peregrine Falcon were the highlights of the walk. Leaders: Warren Cairo, Gail Dwyer, Shaun Bamford, Bill & Lee Smythe.
30 species

Double-crested Cormorant  20
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  2
Little Blue Heron  1
Tricolored Heron  2
Black-crowned Night-Heron  2
Osprey  5
Bald Eagle  1
Clapper Rail  1
American Oystercatcher  10
Black-bellied Plover  25
Semipalmated Plover  20
Willet (Eastern)  16
Whimbrel  20
Ruddy Turnstone  5
Red Knot  40
Dunlin  10
Least Sandpiper  20
Semipalmated Sandpiper  30
Short-billed Dowitcher  20
Laughing Gull  50
Herring Gull  10
Great Black-backed Gull  8
Common Tern  2
Forster's Tern  10
Mourning Dove  2
Peregrine Falcon  1
Fish Crow  3
Red-winged Blackbird  6
Boat-tailed Grackle  10

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

Midweek at The Meadows - Wednesday, May 18th, 2016

Leaders:  Catherine Busch, Chris Marks, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, and Pat Perkins.
51 species

Canada Goose  8
Mute Swan  7
Gadwall  2
Mallard  7
Green-winged Teal  2
Common Loon  1
Double-crested Cormorant  8
Great Egret  2
Glossy Ibis  3
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  4
American Oystercatcher  9
Semipalmated Plover  2
Killdeer  2
Spotted Sandpiper  4
Solitary Sandpiper  1
Greater Yellowlegs  8
Willet (Eastern)  2
Lesser Yellowlegs  1
Stilt Sandpiper  3     Feeding in mudflats
Sanderling  15
Dunlin  25
Least Sandpiper  24
Semipalmated Sandpiper  85
Short-billed Dowitcher  28
Bonaparte's Gull  1
Laughing Gull  24
Herring Gull (American)  6
Great Black-backed Gull  6
Least Tern  24
Forster's Tern  12
Mourning Dove  4
Chimney Swift  3
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Fish Crow  4
Purple Martin  12
Tree Swallow  12
Barn Swallow  16
American Robin  2
Northern Mockingbird  2
Common Yellowthroat  10
Yellow Warbler  2
Blackpoll Warbler  5
Field Sparrow  2
Song Sparrow  1
Blue Grosbeak  2
Red-winged Blackbird  18
Common Grackle  8
Brown-headed Cowbird  2
Orchard Oriole  4
House Sparrow  4

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

Singing 1st-year male Orchard Oriole [Photo by Karl Lukens]

E-Z Birding - Tuesday, May 17th, 2016

Leaders: Catherine Busch, Chris Marks, Marc & Lynne Breslow.
44 species

Canada Goose  14
Mute Swan  12
Gadwall  2
Mallard  4
Double-crested Cormorant  24
Great Egret  3
Osprey  3
Laughing Gull  10
Herring Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Least Tern  8
Forster's Tern  4
Mourning Dove  2
Chimney Swift  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  1     heard by leader
White-eyed Vireo  1     heard by leader
Fish Crow  4
Purple Martin  34
Tree Swallow  8
Barn Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  1
Carolina Wren  3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
American Robin  6
Gray Catbird  12
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  4
Common Yellowthroat  12
Northern Parula  2
Magnolia Warbler  1
Yellow Warbler  1
Blackpoll Warbler  3
Pine Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  2
Yellow-breasted Chat  1     heard
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  6
Brown-headed Cowbird  4
Orchard Oriole  2
House Finch  3
American Goldfinch  2

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, May 16th, 2016

A chilly and windy morning with some good birds. Good views of three male and one female Orchard Orioles, as well as several Eastern Kingbirds. Numerous swallows flying about, mostly Tree and Barn, but at least one Bank and one Cliff Swallow. Many shorebirds on the mud flats including Semipalmated Sandpiper and Plover. Also Least Sandpiper, both Yellowlegs, several Stilt Sandpipers, Willets, and American Oystercatchers. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Chuck Slugg, Karl Lukens, and Pat Perkins.
51 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  2
Mallard  8
Blue-winged Teal  2
Green-winged Teal  1
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Great Egret  1
Glossy Ibis  6
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  2
American Oystercatcher  6
Semipalmated Plover  10
Solitary Sandpiper  2
Greater Yellowlegs  2
Willet  4
Lesser Yellowlegs  4
Stilt Sandpiper  6
Dunlin  5
Least Sandpiper  15
Semipalmated Sandpiper  40
Short-billed Dowitcher  12
Bonaparte's Gull  3
Laughing Gull  25
Herring Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  15
Least Tern  15
Forster's Tern  15
Mourning Dove  5
Chimney Swift  1
Eastern Kingbird  3
American Crow  1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  2
Tree Swallow  15
Bank Swallow  1
Cliff Swallow  1
American Robin  3
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  2
Common Yellowthroat  3
Yellow Warbler  2
Field Sparrow  2
Savannah Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  2
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  2
Orchard Oriole  4     3 adult male, 1 female
American Goldfinch  4
House Sparrow  4

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

Higbee Beach Bird Walk - Friday, May 13th, 2016

Eastern Kingbirds dotted the fields on this morning's Higbee walk, while Indigo Buntings decorated the edges. The number of warblers has dropped but the variety is still good, with eight species seen or heard - nine, if you still include Yellow-breasted Chat. Those of us doing the World Series of Birding this weekend were really glad to see Purple Sandpipers still on the rock jetty since that's a species often missed if they've left for breeding grounds far north of here. Leaders: Kathy Horn, Roger Horn, Catherine Busch, Chris Marks, and Warren Cairo.
54 species

Common Loon  1
Double-crested Cormorant  25
Great Egret  1
Turkey Vulture  1
American Oystercatcher  0
Spotted Sandpiper  2
Semipalmated Sandpiper  2
Laughing Gull  22
Herring Gull (American)  1
Forster's Tern  2
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  3
Mourning Dove  3
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  3
Eastern Kingbird  14
White-eyed Vireo  5
Red-eyed Vireo  3
Blue Jay  4
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  3
Tree Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  5
Carolina Wren  4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  4
Wood Thrush  1
American Robin  8
Gray Catbird  5
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  1
Cedar Waxwing  11
Black-and-white Warbler  2
Common Yellowthroat  5
American Redstart  3
Northern Parula  1
Yellow Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  1
Prairie Warbler  3
Black-throated Green Warbler  1
Yellow-breasted Chat  1
Field Sparrow  4
White-throated Sparrow  2
Song Sparrow  1
Eastern Towhee  1
Northern Cardinal  5
Blue Grosbeak  3
Indigo Bunting  7
Red-winged Blackbird  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  6
Orchard Oriole  5
Baltimore Oriole  2

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

Nummy's Island - Wednesday, May 11th, 2016

Tonight's CMBO walk at Nummy Island was met with heavy rain and chilly temperatures but this group of dedicated birders were up to the challenge. Despite the weather we had some great birds. The highlight was getting simply knockout views of a Clapper Rail bathing. This was a target species for many of the participants. Leaders; Warren Cairo, Shaun Bamford, Lee & Bill Smythe.
33 species (+1 other taxa)

Brant  5
American Black Duck  1
Common Loon  2
Double-crested Cormorant  5
Great Blue Heron  3
Great Egret  5
Snowy Egret  2
Little Blue Heron  1
Tricolored Heron  2
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Osprey  5
Clapper Rail  1
American Oystercatcher  5
Black-bellied Plover  8
Semipalmated Plover  5
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Willet  1
Willet (Eastern)  12
Whimbrel  1
Ruddy Turnstone  1
Dunlin  8
Least Sandpiper  20
Pectoral Sandpiper  1
Semipalmated Sandpiper  1
Short-billed Dowitcher  16
Laughing Gull  100
Herring Gull  10
Great Black-backed Gull  6
Common Tern  2
Forster's Tern  14
Mourning Dove  2
Common Yellowthroat  1
Song Sparrow  1
Red-winged Blackbird  12

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

Midweek at The Meadows - Wednesday, May 11th, 2016

Leaders: Catherine Busch & Chris Marks.
51 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  12
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  2
Mallard  6
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid)  1
Blue-winged Teal  2
Common Loon  1
Double-crested Cormorant  8
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  3
Glossy Ibis  1
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  2
American Oystercatcher  10
Spotted Sandpiper  2
Greater Yellowlegs  3
Willet (Eastern)  4
Lesser Yellowlegs  2
Stilt Sandpiper  4     Continuing
Least Sandpiper  8
Semipalmated Sandpiper  2
Short-billed Dowitcher  6
Laughing Gull  6
Herring Gull (American)  3
Great Black-backed Gull  4
Forster's Tern  4
Mourning Dove  4
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  2
Eastern Kingbird  3
Fish Crow  3
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  2
Purple Martin  18
Tree Swallow  22
Barn Swallow  8
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  2
Common Yellowthroat  6
Northern Parula  2
Yellow Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  4
Field Sparrow  1
Savannah Sparrow  4
Song Sparrow  1
Swamp Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  12
Common Grackle  5
Orchard Oriole  3
House Finch  3
American Goldfinch  2
House Sparrow  4

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

E-Z Birding - Tuesday, May 10th, 2016

Leaders:  Catherine Busch and Chris Marks.
48 species

Canada Goose  14
Mute Swan  18
Gadwall  2
Mallard  6
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Great Egret  1
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  6
American Oystercatcher  2
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Greater Yellowlegs  2
Least Sandpiper  6
Laughing Gull  8
Least Tern  4
Forster's Tern  2
Mourning Dove  4
Chimney Swift  2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1     Seen by a few
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  1
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Fish Crow  3
Purple Martin  22
Tree Swallow  12
Carolina Chickadee  1
Carolina Wren  3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
Veery  1
Gray Catbird  10
Northern Mockingbird  1
Black-and-white Warbler  2
Common Yellowthroat  8
Northern Parula  2
Yellow Warbler  1
Black-throated Blue Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  3
Yellow-breasted Chat  1
Field Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Rose-breasted Grosbeak  1
Blue Grosbeak  2
Indigo Bunting  2
Red-winged Blackbird  14
Common Grackle  6
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
Orchard Oriole  3
American Goldfinch  1

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, May 9th, 2016

Not much in the way of ducks, essentially Mallards. Increasing numbers of Least Terns, also numerous Forster's Terns. Shorebirds included Willets, Lesser Yellowlegs, a few Least Sandpipers, Killdeer, and a Semipalmated Plover. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Chuck Slugg, Karl Lukens, Janet Crawford, and Pat Perkins.
49 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  5
Mallard  10
Double-crested Cormorant  20
Great Egret  1
Snowy Egret  3
Green Heron  3
Osprey  3
Sora  1     seen by a few
American Oystercatcher  7
Semipalmated Plover  1
Killdeer  2
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Willet  4
Lesser Yellowlegs  2
Least Sandpiper  6
Laughing Gull  10
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  5
Least Tern  20
Forster's Tern  15
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  2
Mourning Dove  10
Red-headed Woodpecker  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Eastern Kingbird  1
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  1
Purple Martin  2
Tree Swallow  10
Barn Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  1
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  5
Common Yellowthroat  6
Yellow-rumped Warbler  1
Field Sparrow  2
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  15
Brown-headed Cowbird  4
Orchard Oriole  1
House Finch  6
American Goldfinch  10
House Sparrow  5

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

American Oystercatcher [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Snowy Egret [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Cox Hall Creek WMA - Sunday, May 8th, 2016

We knew it was going to be a good day when a singing Scarlet Tanager greeted us in the parking lot. Warblers were a highlight in the woods and a Black-throated Blue Warbler and Northern Parulas were particularly cooperative as they came through in a mixed migrant flock that also included 10 other warbler species and another brilliant Scarlet Tanager. A Northern Waterthrush sang persistently and just as persistently, hid from view. Leaders: Kathy Horn, Shaun Bamford, Deb Payson, and Janet Crawford.
59 species

Canada Goose  2
Wood Duck  2
Double-crested Cormorant  45
Glossy Ibis  34
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  3
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Laughing Gull  8
Herring Gull (American)  1
Mourning Dove  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  3
White-eyed Vireo  3
Warbling Vireo  1
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  4
American Crow  3
Fish Crow  2
Tree Swallow  3
Barn Swallow  1
Carolina Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  7
Carolina Wren  4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  6
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  2
American Robin  5
Gray Catbird  8
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  4
Ovenbird  3
Northern Waterthrush  1
Black-and-white Warbler  4
Common Yellowthroat  2
American Redstart  1
Northern Parula  4
Yellow Warbler  1
Chestnut-sided Warbler  1
Black-throated Blue Warbler  2
Pine Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  9
Black-throated Green Warbler  2
Chipping Sparrow  8
Field Sparrow  6
White-throated Sparrow  3
Swamp Sparrow  1
Eastern Towhee  5
Scarlet Tanager  2
Northern Cardinal  6
Rose-breasted Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  5
Common Grackle  9
Brown-headed Cowbird  6
House Finch  1
American Goldfinch  2

Group 2
Leaders: Roger Horn and Cindy Bamford.

57 species

Mallard  4
Common Loon  1
Double-crested Cormorant  38
Snowy Egret  1
Green Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  3
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  5
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Solitary Sandpiper  2
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  3
Semipalmated Sandpiper  1
Laughing Gull  9
Forster's Tern  1
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  3
Mourning Dove  4
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  3
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-headed Woodpecker  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  4
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  3
Eastern Kingbird  5
White-eyed Vireo  2
Blue Jay  7
American Crow  4
Fish Crow  2
Purple Martin  1
Tree Swallow  7
Barn Swallow  1
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  5
House Wren  2
Carolina Wren  2
American Robin  6
Gray Catbird  4
Brown Thrasher  2
European Starling  5
Common Yellowthroat  1
Northern Parula  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  5
Chipping Sparrow  5
Field Sparrow  3
White-throated Sparrow  4
Eastern Towhee  1
Scarlet Tanager  2
Northern Cardinal  6
Rose-breasted Grosbeak  1
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  2
Red-winged Blackbird  9
Common Grackle  8
Brown-headed Cowbird  6
Orchard Oriole  3
American Goldfinch  2

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

Eastern Kingbird [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Rose-breasted Grosbeak [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Scarlet Tanager[Photo by Karl Lukens]

Bird Walk for All People - Saturday, May 7th, 2016

After ten days of rain we had some drizzle as we began and then the sun came out. Ducks are almost gone but we did have a pair of Gadwalls. Purple Martins were flying around the martin houses and we also saw Tree, Barn, and Northern Rough-winged Swallows. Least Terns are back along with a lot of Forster's Terns. We had good looks at Yellow Warblers and heard Common Yellow-throats and Prairie Warblers. We had an elusive Carolina Wren that was seen by several walkers as well as several Gray Catbirds. Leaders: Chuck Slugg & Deb Payson.
44 species

Canada Goose 10
Mute Swan 7
Gadwall 2
Mallard 8
Double-crested Cormorant 33
Snowy Egret 2
Black Vulture 3
Turkey Vulture 5
Osprey 2
American Oystercatcher 6
Killdeer 2 heard only
Greater Yellowlegs 1 heard only
Willet 2 heard only
Laughing Gull 15
Herring Gull 1
Great Black-backed Gull 5
Least Tern 10
Forster's Tern 20
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 1
Mourning Dove 4
Red-eyed Vireo 1
Fish Crow 12
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 6
Purple Martin 45
Tree Swallow 12
Barn Swallow 14
Carolina Chickadee 3
Carolina Wren 4
American Robin 2
Gray Catbird 6
Northern Mockingbird 5
Common Yellowthroat 3 heard only
Yellow Warbler 3
Prairie Warbler 1 heard only
Field Sparrow 1 heard only
Savannah Sparrow 3
Song Sparrow 1 heard only
Northern Cardinal 2 heard only
Red-winged Blackbird 8
Common Grackle 15
Orchard Oriole 1
Baltimore Oriole 1 seen and photographed by one walker
House Finch 2
American Goldfinch 2 heard only

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

Birds of Belleplain - Saturday, May 7th, 2016

An exciting day At Belleplain State Forest and environs. Although it was damp and dreary, the birds were singing and actively feeding. Great looks were had of both Tanagers as we were serenaded by Wood Thrush and Ovenbirds. Leaders: Shaun Bamford, Bert Hixon, Chris Marks, Lillian Armstrong, Beth Freiday, and Deb Shaw.
55 species

Canada Goose  12
American Black Duck  2
Mallard  2
Common Loon  1
Double-crested Cormorant  85
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  2
Laughing Gull  X
Mourning Dove  4
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Eastern Wood-Pewee  2
Eastern Phoebe  4
Great Crested Flycatcher  5
Eastern Kingbird  1
White-eyed Vireo  3
Red-eyed Vireo  2
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  3
Tree Swallow  8
Barn Swallow  4
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  6
Eastern Bluebird  1
Wood Thrush  12
American Robin  4
Gray Catbird  2
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  3
Ovenbird  24
Worm-eating Warbler  3
Blue-winged Warbler  1
Black-and-white Warbler  2
Hooded Warbler  3
Northern Parula  3
Yellow Warbler  1
Pine Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  4
Yellow-throated Warbler  3
Prairie Warbler  1
Black-throated Green Warbler  1
Chipping Sparrow  3
White-throated Sparrow  3
Eastern Towhee  2
Summer Tanager  3
Scarlet Tanager  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  4
Common Grackle  6
Brown-headed Cowbird  8

Sumner Ave. Pee Fields

Glossy Ibis  13
Greater Yellowlegs  6
Lesser Yellowlegs  3
Pectoral Sandpiper  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  2

Vine Street

Turkey Vulture  2
Mourning Dove  2
Chimney Swift  2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  2
Eastern Kingbird  1
Tree Swallow  6
Barn Swallow  3
Eastern Bluebird  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
Ovenbird  2
Prairie Warbler  3
Chipping Sparrow  4
White-throated Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  2
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  2
Orchard Oriole  4
Baltimore Oriole  1

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

Spring Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, May 7th, 2016

Today's 'Show' at the Beanery featured a field-full of Indigo Buntings, Orchard Orioles, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Blue Grosbeaks and Eastern Kingbirds, all flocking from the field up into the trees and back, in an array of bright colors.

Group 1 Leaders: Kathy Horn, Kyle Chelius, Michael McCabe
67 species

Canada Goose  7
Wood Duck  1
Mallard  2
Double-crested Cormorant  145
Great Egret  1
Green Heron  1
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  1
Bald Eagle  1
Killdeer  1
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Solitary Sandpiper  2
Greater Yellowlegs  4
Lesser Yellowlegs  6
Laughing Gull  10
Herring Gull (American)  3
Mourning Dove  3
Chimney Swift  9
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  1
Eastern Kingbird  6
White-eyed Vireo  2
Yellow-throated Vireo  1
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  2
Tree Swallow  3
Barn Swallow  2
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  3
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  5
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  4
American Robin  15
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  7
Ovenbird  1
Worm-eating Warbler  1
Northern Waterthrush  2
Blue-winged Warbler  1
Black-and-white Warbler  4
Prothonotary Warbler  2
Common Yellowthroat  5
Northern Parula  5
Yellow Warbler  4
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  14
Prairie Warbler  2
White-throated Sparrow  4
Savannah Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  2
Swamp Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  2
Indigo Bunting  7
Red-winged Blackbird  8
Common Grackle  3
Brown-headed Cowbird  4
Orchard Oriole  2
Baltimore Oriole  2
House Finch  2
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  2

Group 2 Leaders: Karl Lukens, Roger Horn, Deb Payson
62 species

Canada Goose  6
Mallard  5
Common Loon  9
Double-crested Cormorant  225
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  2
Bald Eagle  1
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Solitary Sandpiper  1
Greater Yellowlegs  4
Lesser Yellowlegs  9
Wilson's Snipe  1
Laughing Gull  9
Herring Gull (American)  4
Great Black-backed Gull  1
Forster's Tern  1
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  2
Mourning Dove  4
Chimney Swift  14
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  6
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Eastern Kingbird  4
White-eyed Vireo  2
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  4
Fish Crow  2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  2
Tree Swallow  5
Barn Swallow  9
Carolina Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  6
Carolina Wren  6
American Robin  4
Gray Catbird  8
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  4
Worm-eating Warbler  1
Northern Waterthrush  2
Blue-winged Warbler  1
Black-and-white Warbler  3
Prothonotary Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  2
Northern Parula  3
Yellow Warbler  3
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  7
Prairie Warbler  1
Field Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  2
Savannah Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  1
Swamp Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  6
Rose-breasted Grosbeak  1
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  6
Red-winged Blackbird  12
Common Grackle  18
Brown-headed Cowbird  2
Orchard Oriole  3
Baltimore Oriole  2

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

Higbee Beach - Friday, May 6th, 2016

A rainy day prompted us to alter our usual approach to Higbee Beach. After a consulting with the group, we decided to go to Cape May Point State Park to see the very unusual-for-this-time-of-year, breeding plumage Snow Bunting which had been found the day before and was still present. From there, we toured the newly laid trail behind the Northwood Center to admire the Rose-breasted Grosbeaks who had been present all week on the feeders, and finally, returned to Higbee to take a walk around the first field and saw a perched Common Nighthawk! Leaders: David La Puma, Chris Marks and Catherine Busch.

Northwood Center
16 species

White-eyed Vireo  1
Carolina Chickadee  3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  6
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  2
Gray Catbird  4
Ovenbird  2
Black-and-white Warbler  2
Common Yellowthroat  1
American Redstart  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  4
White-throated Sparrow  6
Northern Cardinal  4
Rose-breasted Grosbeak  4
Blue Grosbeak  1
Common Grackle  2
Brown-headed Cowbird  4

Higbee Beach
33 species

Double-crested Cormorant  1
Osprey  1
Laughing Gull  X
Mourning Dove  4
Common Nighthawk  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
White-eyed Vireo  2
Red-eyed Vireo  2
Blue Jay  1
Carolina Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  6
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  2
Gray Catbird  6
Northern Mockingbird  1
Ovenbird  4
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  4
American Redstart  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  6
Prairie Warbler  1
Field Sparrow  2
White-throated Sparrow  8
Eastern Towhee  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  4
Indigo Bunting  6
Bobolink  2
Red-winged Blackbird  4
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
Orchard Oriole  2

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

Midweek at The Meadows - Wednesday, May 4th, 2016

Leaders: Don Freiday, Chris Marks, Catherine Busch and Karl Lukens.
55 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  2
Mute Swan  4
Mallard  8
Blue-winged Teal  2
Surf/Black Scoter  15
Red-throated Loon  1
Northern Gannet  20
Double-crested Cormorant  25
Great Egret  1
Snowy Egret  1
Black Vulture  3
Osprey  2
American Oystercatcher  6
Black-bellied Plover  2
Killdeer  1
Spotted Sandpiper  2
Solitary Sandpiper  1
Willet  3
Lesser Yellowlegs  3
Sanderling  20
Semipalmated Sandpiper  2
Short-billed Dowitcher  8
Laughing Gull  2
Herring Gull  10
Great Black-backed Gull  8
Least Tern  10
Forster's Tern  50
Black Skimmer  7
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  1
Mourning Dove  5
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  1
Chimney Swift  10
Northern Flicker  1
White-eyed Vireo  1
American Crow  2
Purple Martin  1
Tree Swallow  20
Barn Swallow  10
Carolina Wren  3
American Robin  5
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  2
Common Yellowthroat  3
Yellow Warbler  3
Field Sparrow  3
White-throated Sparrow  8
Savannah Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  3
Orchard Oriole  2
House Finch  3
American Goldfinch  5

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

E-Z Birding - Tuesday, May 3rd, 2016

A drizzly morning, none-the-less, the number of migrants active the day after a fall-out kept us on the Red Trail and we heard and closely observed a variety of warblers and other passerines. Leaders: Catherine Busch, Chris Marks and Lynne Breslow.
41 species

Canada Goose  6
Mute Swan  4
Mallard  4
Great Egret  1
Greater Yellowlegs  2     Heard
Laughing Gull  6
Least Tern  1     Heard
Forster's Tern  4
Mourning Dove  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  1
White-eyed Vireo  2
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  3
Purple Martin  10
Carolina Chickadee  4
Carolina Wren  2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
Hermit Thrush  1
Wood Thrush  1
American Robin  2
Gray Catbird  20
Northern Mockingbird  2
Ovenbird  1
Northern Waterthrush  2
Blue-winged Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  6
Yellow Warbler  2
Blackpoll Warbler  2     Male and female
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  4
White-throated Sparrow  16
Eastern Towhee  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  1
Red-winged Blackbird  8
Common Grackle  4
Brown-headed Cowbird  6
House Finch  2
American Goldfinch  1

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, May 2nd, 2016

A few ducks still around including both Blue- and Green-winged Teal. A few shorebirds also present. Common Yellowthroat, Yellow and Yellow-rumped Warblers were seen. Leaders: Chuck Slugg, Karl Lukens, and Pat Perkins.
49 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  2
Mallard  10
Blue-winged Teal  2
Green-winged Teal  6
Common Loon  4
Northern Gannet  4
Double-crested Cormorant  5
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  2
Osprey  3
American Oystercatcher  6
Semipalmated Plover  6     fly-over
Killdeer  2
Greater Yellowlegs  2
Willet  5
Lesser Yellowlegs  2
Pectoral Sandpiper  2
Semipalmated Sandpiper  6
Short-billed Dowitcher  5     fly-over
Wilson's Snipe  1
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Least Tern  1
Forster's Tern  15
Mourning Dove  5
Eastern Kingbird  1
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  5
Purple Martin  3
Tree Swallow  5
Barn Swallow  8
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  2
European Starling  5
Common Yellowthroat  5
Yellow-rumped Warbler  2
Field Sparrow  1
Savannah Sparrow  3
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  15
Brown-headed Cowbird  2
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  3

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

American Oystercatcher [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Cox Hall Creek WMA - Sunday, May 1st, 2016

Red-headed Woodpeckers are always a pleasure to see and the Cox Hall Creek WMA is a fairly reliable place to see them, at least during most winters and through early spring. We had scope views on this morning's walk of a bird that's been around for the last few months, flashing it's wide white wing patches and showing off it's ruby head. We also encountered a great little mixed flock of Blue-winged, Yellow-rumped and Black-and-white Warblers, along with a Northern Parula, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers and a Blue-headed Vireo. Other warblers seen or heard included Common Yellow-throat, Yellow, Pine and Yellow-throated. Not a bad morning, despite the drizzle!
46 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  4
Mallard  4
Green Heron  1
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  4
Bald Eagle  1
peep sp.  6
Laughing Gull  6
Forster's Tern  1
Mourning Dove  3
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-headed Woodpecker  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  1
White-eyed Vireo  3
Blue-headed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  1
Tree Swallow  5
Barn Swallow  3
Carolina Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  7
Carolina Wren  4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  7
American Robin  5
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  3
Blue-winged Warbler  1
Black-and-white Warbler  2
Common Yellowthroat  1
Northern Parula  1
Yellow Warbler  1
Pine Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  14
Yellow-throated Warbler  1
Chipping Sparrow  6
Field Sparrow  5
White-throated Sparrow  11
Song Sparrow  1
Eastern Towhee  3
Northern Cardinal  8
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  6

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

Bird Walk for All People - Saturday, April 30th, 2016

Partly cloudy and chilly spring afternoon. A highlight of the walk was watching an Osprey dive completely underwater, catch a fish, and shake water off his feathers like a dog. We saw nesting American Oystercatchers on the beach and Northern Gannet flying over the ocean. A Virginia Rail popped up by the platform on Lighthouse Pond East but was seen only by the leader. Warblers were not showing themselves but we heard a Common Yellowthroat. Ducks are mostly gone but we saw a Northern Pintail that appears to be injured on the middle plover pond. Leaders: Chuck Slugg & Barb Bassett.
43 species

Canada Goose 5
Mute Swan 33
Gadwall 2
Mallard 6
Northern Pintail 1 On middle plover pond at CMP State Park; appears to be injured; has been reported before.
Northern Gannet 8
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Great Blue Heron 1
Great Egret 6
Snowy Egret 2
Turkey Vulture 5
Osprey 1
Virginia Rail 1
American Oystercatcher 4
Killdeer 2
Spotted Sandpiper 1
Greater Yellowlegs 1
Laughing Gull 10
Great Black-backed Gull 3
Forster's Tern 14
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 5
Mourning Dove 3
White-eyed Vireo 1 heard only
Fish Crow 9
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 7
Purple Martin 15
Tree Swallow 8
Barn Swallow 3
Carolina Chickadee 4
Marsh Wren 2
Carolina Wren 3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1
American Robin 7
Northern Mockingbird 2
Common Yellowthroat 3 heard only
Field Sparrow 2
Song Sparrow 2
Northern Cardinal 2
Red-winged Blackbird 7
Common Grackle 8
Brown-headed Cowbird 1 heard only
House Finch 1 heard only
American Goldfinch 1

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

Spring Migrants at The Rea Farm - Saturday, April 30th, 2016

It sounds as if there may be three pair of Prothonotary Warblers breeding at the Rea Farm this year, based on the three separate males we heard singing and caught brief glimpses of in wet woods areas. A Black-crowned Night-Heron was doing it's best to remain hidden but that didn't work so well once we got the scope on him. The Eastern Kingbird was a first-of-season for many of us and the pond provided great views of many Rough-winged and a few Barn Swallows feeding low over the water. Access to the Rea Farm is a privilege of membership so, Members, be sure to stop in at the Northwood Center and pick up your Rea Farm sticker - and Thank You! Leaders : Kathy Horn, Roger Horn, Karl Lukens, Kyle Chelius, and Michael McCabe.
48 species

Canada Goose  8
Mallard  8
Wild Turkey  1
Common Loon  4
Great Egret  2
Green Heron  3     Seen well in flight,  one called
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  2
Piping Plover  0
Killdeer  1
Bonaparte's Gull  0
Laughing Gull  6
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull (American)  6
Forster's Tern  1
Mourning Dove  4
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Eastern Kingbird  2
White-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  18
Tree Swallow  8
Barn Swallow  12
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  2
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
American Robin  4
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  20
Prothonotary Warbler  2
Common Yellowthroat  8
Yellow Warbler  3
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  6
White-throated Sparrow  6
Song Sparrow  1
Swamp Sparrow  1
Eastern Towhee  1
Northern Cardinal  8
Red-winged Blackbird  7
Common Grackle  6
Brown-headed Cowbird  4
House Sparrow  1

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

E-Z Birding - Tuesday, April 26th, 2016

Notable birds on today's walk included a lingering Northern Pintail duck, many Mute Swan taking over Lighthouse Pond, and the first of the year male Blue Grosbeak. Leaders: Catherine Busch, Chris Marks, Lynne & Marc Breslow, and Patty Rourke.
41 species

Canada Goose  24
Mute Swan  32
Mallard  8
Northern Pintail  1     Continuing late
Double-crested Cormorant  9
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  3
American Oystercatcher  5
Killdeer  2
Greater Yellowlegs  1     Heard
Laughing Gull  X
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull  X
Great Black-backed Gull  6
Forster's Tern  26
Mourning Dove  4
Chimney Swift  3
Downy Woodpecker  1
White-eyed Vireo  4
Fish Crow  6
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  3
Purple Martin  24
Tree Swallow  18
Carolina Chickadee  4
Carolina Wren  3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  3
American Robin  8
Gray Catbird  1     Heard
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  1
Common Yellowthroat  8
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  2
Field Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  12
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  1
Red-winged Blackbird  X
Common Grackle  24
Brown-headed Cowbird  14
House Finch  5
American Goldfinch  3

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, April 25th, 2016

The Willets are back with two pair hanging about probably looking for a nesting spot. Other shore birds seen were one Wilson's Snipe, two Semipalmated Sandpipers and six American Oystercatchers on the beach. Off shore there was one Northern Gannet, numerous Forster's Terns, and one Parasitic Jeager was also seen. A sub-adult Bald Eagle put on a show a chasing an Osprey with a fish and finally ended up catching the dropped fish. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Chuck Slugg, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, Janet Crawford, and Pat Perkins.
47 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  4
Gadwall  2
Mallard  10
Blue-winged Teal  2
Green-winged Teal  2
Red-throated Loon  1
Northern Gannet  1
Double-crested Cormorant  50
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  3
Green Heron  7
Glossy Ibis  2
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  6
Bald Eagle  1
American Oystercatcher  6
Willet  4
Semipalmated Sandpiper  2
Wilson's Snipe  1
Parasitic Jaeger  1
Laughing Gull  10
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Forster's Tern  40
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  2
Mourning Dove  8
Chimney Swift  1
Northern Flicker  1
Fish Crow  5
Purple Martin  1
Tree Swallow  6
Barn Swallow  2
American Robin  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  2
Common Yellowthroat  5
Yellow Warbler  2     heard
Yellow-rumped Warbler  8
Field Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  3
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  1
House Finch  1
American Goldfinch  3
House Sparrow  2

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

Osprey (with fish) and Bald Eagle [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Cox Hall Creek WMA - Sunday, April 24th, 2016

The female Rose-breasted Grosbeak that showed up on this morning's walk was a first-of-season for many of us. Yellow-rumped Warblers are frequently singing now, as well as giving their flat chips. Other warblers included Black-and-white, Prairie, Palm and Pine. A Red-headed Woodpecker, presumably the one that overwintered here, perched briefly before flying off, displaying its striking white secondaries.  Leaders: Kathy Horn, Roger Horn, Shaun Bamford, Cindy Bamford, and Kyle Chelius.
48 species

2 Canada Goose
5 Mallard
120 Double-crested Cormorant
1 Black Vulture
1 Turkey Vulture
2 Osprey
1 Bald Eagle
1 Red-tailed Hawk
9 Laughing Gull
1 Herring Gull (American)
2 Forster's Tern
5 Mourning Dove
1 Red-headed Woodpecker
3 Red-bellied Woodpecker
3 Downy Woodpecker
1 Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)
2 White-eyed Vireo
4 Blue Jay
2 American Crow
4 Fish Crow
8 Tree Swallow
1 Barn Swallow
7 Carolina Chickadee
10 Tufted Titmouse
6 Carolina Wren
8 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
17 American Robin
1 Gray Catbird
3 Brown Thrasher
2 Northern Mockingbird
5 European Starling
1 Black-and-white Warbler
1 Common Yellowthroat
1 Palm Warbler (Yellow)
1 Pine Warbler
16 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)
1 Prairie Warbler
11 Chipping Sparrow
6 Field Sparrow
13 White-throated Sparrow
1 Song Sparrow
7 Eastern Towhee
6 Northern Cardinal
1 Rose-breasted Grosbeak
9 Red-winged Blackbird
5 Common Grackle
6 Brown-headed Cowbird
3 American Goldfinch

Birds Of Belleplain - Saturday, April 23rd, 2016

An overcast day in Belleplain with a few drops of rain meant that many birds were heard and not seen. However, birds have migrated back and were singing well. Ovenbirds were everywhere as were White-eyed Vireos. The group got great looks at a Prothonotary Warbler. Leaders: Bert Hixon, Shaun Bamford, Chris Marks, and BJ Pinnock.
40 species

Canada Goose  2
Mallard  2
Wild Turkey  2
Laughing Gull  22
Mourning Dove  4
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Merlin  1
Eastern Phoebe  3
White-eyed Vireo  2
Blue Jay  1
Fish Crow  3
Tree Swallow  2
Tufted Titmouse  4
Carolina Wren  2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  3
Eastern Bluebird  2
Wood Thrush  1
American Robin  2
Brown Thrasher  1
Northern Mockingbird  2
Ovenbird  10
Worm-eating Warbler  5
Louisiana Waterthrush  2
Black-and-white Warbler  3
Prothonotary Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  1
Hooded Warbler  1
Pine Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  1
Yellow-throated Warbler  3
Prairie Warbler  4
Chipping Sparrow  5
White-throated Sparrow  4
Eastern Towhee  1
Northern Cardinal  2
Common Grackle  4
Brown-headed Cowbird  4
American Goldfinch  5

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

Spring Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, April 23rd, 2016

Prothonotary Warblers are back at the Rea Farm and will hopefully stay there to breed. Two males were singing in two of the wet woods areas; they looked especially bright in the gray morning light. Formerly called "Golden Swamp Warblers," Prothonotaries are the only cavity nesting warblers in the East; the excellent habitat at the Rea Farm provides plenty of cavity choices. Leaders: Kathy Horn, Roger Horn, Karl Lukens, Kyle Chelius, Michael McCabe, and Barb Bassett.
40 species

Canada Goose  24
Mallard  8
Wild Turkey  7
Double-crested Cormorant  25
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  2
Cooper's Hawk  1
Killdeer  1
Laughing Gull  16
Herring Gull (American)  8
Forster's Tern  3
Mourning Dove  4
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  3
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  3
Purple Martin  1
Tree Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  8
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  6
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  5
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
American Robin  9
Gray Catbird  4
Brown Thrasher  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  12
Prothonotary Warbler  2
Common Yellowthroat  3
Northern Parula  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  12
Chipping Sparrow  2
White-throated Sparrow  14
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  6
Red-winged Blackbird  9
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  6

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

Prothonotary Warbler [Photo by Kathy Horn]