Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, September 28th, 2016

A good morning for watching raptors as we walked through the Point. Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s Hawks were changing direction with the easterly winds not providing the help to continue migration. Amazing views of an Osprey heading back out over the ocean with a fish had us wondering why as a Bald Eagle appeared chasing.  The fish was dropped, breakfast lost. Leaders:  Brett Ewald, Chris Marks, Catherine Busch, and Deb Payson.
49 species

Canada Goose  5
Mute Swan  18
Mallard  12
Surf Scoter  7
Black Scoter  12
Double-crested Cormorant  22
Great Blue Heron  7
Great Egret  2
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  7
Sharp-shinned Hawk  8
Cooper's Hawk  5
Bald Eagle  1
Sanderling  12
Laughing Gull  48
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull  1
Lesser Black-backed Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  8
Common Tern  10
Forster's Tern  8
Royal Tern  6
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  8
Mourning Dove  12
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  1
Merlin  2
Peregrine Falcon  1
Eastern Phoebe  1
Blue Jay  3
Tree Swallow  18
Carolina Chickadee  4
Red-breasted Nuthatch  4
Carolina Wren  2
American Robin  1
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  12
American Redstart  1
Palm Warbler  1
Savannah Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  3
Red-winged Blackbird  48
Common Grackle  6
House Finch  6
American Goldfinch  8
House Sparrow  6

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

Sunset Birding at Stone Harbor Point - Tuesday, September 27th, 2016

Sunset at Stone Harbor Point tonight had some great birds. Highlights were an American Golden Plover, Piping Plovers and Marbled Godwits. Leaders: Warren Cairo, Gail Dwyer, Barb Bassett and Catherine Busch.
28 species

Double-crested Cormorant  8
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  1
American Oystercatcher  60
American Golden-Plover  1
Semipalmated Plover  5
Piping Plover  3
Marbled Godwit  2
Ruddy Turnstone  4
Sanderling  70
Dunlin  10
Semipalmated Sandpiper  1
Western Sandpiper  12
Laughing Gull  20
Ring-billed Gull  8
Herring Gull  10
Lesser Black-backed Gull  20     Seen well, good count
Great Black-backed Gull  20
Caspian Tern  12
Common Tern  5
Forster's Tern  9
Royal Tern  120
Mourning Dove  1
Peregrine Falcon  1
Tree Swallow  30
Northern Mockingbird  1
Eastern Towhee  1
Boat-tailed Grackle  1

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

E-Z Birding - Tuesday, September 27th, 2016

A wet and rainy morning resulted in an abbreviated walk around the Red Trail and a Bunker Pond survey from the Hawkwatch Platform. Highlights included 2 Eurasian Wigeon, a flyover Caspian Tern, and recently arrived Northern Pintail ducks. Leaders:  Catherine Busch, Chris Marks, Marc and Lynne Breslow
30 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  32
Mute Swan  24
Eurasian Wigeon  2     Feeding with American Wigeon in Bunker Pond
American Wigeon  26
Mallard  18
Northern Pintail  3
Great Blue Heron  3
Great Egret  2
Osprey  4
Cooper's Hawk  2
Accipiter sp.  1
Greater Yellowlegs  10
Great Black-backed Gull  1
Caspian Tern  1
Mourning Dove  4
Belted Kingfisher  3
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  2
Eastern Phoebe  1
American Crow  2
Tree Swallow  40
Carolina Chickadee  2
Carolina Wren  6
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  6
Common Yellowthroat  4
Black-throated Green Warbler  1     After walk
Indigo Bunting  2
Bobolink  6
Red-winged Blackbird  12
American Goldfinch  3

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, September 26th, 2016

It was a  clear and cool morning. With the water back in the ponds, there were many ducks including Mallard, Gadwall, Northern Shoveler, and Green-winged Teal. Three Lesser Black-backed Gulls were on the beach and overhead were numerous American Kestrels and Northern Flickers. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Chuck Slugg, Karl Lukens, Janet Crawford, Pat Perkins, and Mary Watkins.
52 species

Canada Goose  25
Mute Swan  5
Gadwall  4
American Black Duck  2
Mallard  20
Blue-winged Teal  3
Northern Shoveler  4
Green-winged Teal  25
Ruddy Duck  1
Double-crested Cormorant  250
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  11
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  5
Sharp-shinned Hawk  5
Cooper's Hawk  1
Killdeer  5
Least Sandpiper  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  1
Laughing Gull  10
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull  10
Lesser Black-backed Gull  3
Great Black-backed Gull  20
Forster's Tern  10
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  18
Mourning Dove  10
Belted Kingfisher  1
Northern Flicker  12
American Kestrel  6
Merlin  1
White-eyed Vireo  1     heard
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  1     heard
Fish Crow  20
Tree Swallow  2000
Carolina Chickadee  1
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  3     heard
American Robin  1
Common Yellowthroat  1
Yellow Warbler  2
Palm Warbler  2
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  1
Indigo Bunting  3     female type
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  2
House Finch  4
House Sparrow  1

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

Cox Hall Creek WMA - Sunday, September 25th, 2016

It was an eight-warbler morning at Cox Hall Creek WMA, though over 30 of those individuals were Palm Warblers, including one Eastern, or Yellow, Palm. A highlight was a Bay-breasted Warbler, still in good plumage and unmistakable in its rich rusty hues. Ruby-crowned Kinglets were first-of-season birds for many of us. Red-breasted Nuthatches, which started showing up in good numbers a few weeks ago, are still present, with their toy horn call often being the first sign of their presence. Leaders: Kathy Horn, Roger Horn, Shaun Bamford, Cindy Bamford, Deb Payson, Karen Thompson, and Bill Boyle.
49 species (+2 other taxa)

Wood Duck  4
Mallard  1
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid)  1
Common Loon  1
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  3
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  3
Red-shouldered Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  2
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Laughing Gull  2
Herring Gull (American)  1
Mourning Dove  8
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  4
Downy Woodpecker  1
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  28
Eastern Wood-Pewee  1
Blue-headed Vireo  1
Red-eyed Vireo  3
Blue Jay  6
American Crow  4
Carolina Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  8
Red-breasted Nuthatch  6
Carolina Wren  6
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  4
American Robin  8
Gray Catbird  8
European Starling  18
Black-and-white Warbler  2
Common Yellowthroat  1
American Redstart  7
Cape May Warbler  1
Northern Parula  1
Bay-breasted Warbler  1
Palm Warbler (Western)  32
Palm Warbler (Yellow)  1
Pine Warbler  3
Chipping Sparrow  5
Northern Cardinal  6
Indigo Bunting  4
Red-winged Blackbird  1
Common Grackle  6
Brown-headed Cowbird  1
Baltimore Oriole  1
House Finch  2
American Goldfinch  1

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

Pine Snake [Photo by Kathy Horn]

Hawks, Trails, and Beach - Saturday, September 24th, 2016

While gathering at the pavilion, we watched a Bald Eagle chasing an Osprey and trying to get its fish. We had an up close and personal look at a Spotted Sandpiper at the edge of Bunker Pond. We had a flyover Belted Kingfisher and a large siege of Great Blue Herons overhead as well. There was a large group of terns and gulls feeding in the rips. We ended the walk with a Merlin flying across the parking lot. Leaders: Chuck Slugg and Bert Hixon.
37 species

Canada Goose 30
Mute Swan 5
Mallard 14
Blue-winged Teal 7
Double-crested Cormorant 150
Great Blue Heron 13
Great Egret 3
Snowy Egret 1
Osprey 8
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
Bald Eagle 3
Killdeer 4 eard
Spotted Sandpiper 1
Laughing Gull 45
Ring-billed Gull 1
Herring Gull 2
Great Black-backed Gull 8
Common Tern 20
Forster's Tern 8
Royal Tern 3
Black Skimmer 2
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 5
Mourning Dove 6
Belted Kingfisher 1
Northern Flicker 4
Merlin 1
American Crow 3 heard
Tree Swallow 50
Carolina Chickadee 3 heard
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 4 heard
American Robin 1 heard
Gray Catbird 3 heard
Northern Mockingbird 2
Common Yellowthroat 2
American Redstart 1

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

Fall Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, September 24th, 2016

The birding at the Rea Farm this morning started in the parking lot as American Kestrels and Northern Flickers streamed overhead. Indigo Buntings, which breed here in good number, have really thinned out with only one heard during our walk. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, the only hummingbirds that breed east of the Mississippi, are still moving through on their way to the tropics.
Group 1 Leaders: Kathy Horn, Roger Horn, and Deb Payson.
38 species

Canada Goose  75
Mallard  1
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Great Blue Heron  1
Snowy Egret  5
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  4
Sharp-shinned Hawk  2
Cooper's Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  2
Red-tailed Hawk  2
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Laughing Gull  4
Herring Gull (American)  1
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  1
Mourning Dove  8
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  4
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  26
American Kestrel  28
Merlin  1
Eastern Phoebe  1
White-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  4
American Crow  3
Tree Swallow  40
Carolina Chickadee  2
Carolina Wren  6
Gray Catbird  6
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  55
Northern Waterthrush  1
American Redstart  2
Palm Warbler (Western)  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Indigo Bunting  1
Common Grackle  3

Group 2 Leaders: Karl Lukens, Kyle Chelius, and Michael McCabe.
32 species

Canada Goose  18
Wood Duck  5
Great Egret  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  2
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  5
Osprey  4
Sharp-shinned Hawk  5
Cooper's Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  3
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Killdeer  1
Laughing Gull  4
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  1
Mourning Dove  10
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2     heard
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  15
American Kestrel  32
Merlin  1
Eastern Phoebe  1
American Crow  20
Carolina Wren  5     heard
Gray Catbird  4
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  15
American Redstart  4
Palm Warbler  2
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  5
House Sparrow  1

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

Wood Ducks [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Higbee Beach Birding - Friday, September 23rd, 2016

Group 1 Leaders:  David La Puma, Chris Marks, and Catherine Busch.
31 species

Great Egret  6
Osprey  4
Laughing Gull  6
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  14
Mourning Dove  12
Chimney Swift  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  1
Merlin  2
Blue Jay  4
Tree Swallow  12
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  8
Gray Catbird  6
Brown Thrasher  2
Northern Mockingbird  2
Connecticut Warbler  1
American Redstart  3
Northern Parula  2
Black-throated Blue Warbler  1
Scarlet Tanager  1
Northern Cardinal  2
Indigo Bunting  2
Bobolink  6
Red-winged Blackbird  14
Common Grackle  3
Baltimore Oriole  1
American Goldfinch  22

Group 2
Leaders: Kathy Horn, Roger Horn, and Deb Payson.
36 species

Osprey  3
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Laughing Gull  2
Mourning Dove  9
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  2
Merlin  1
Eastern Kingbird  1
White-eyed Vireo  1
Red-eyed Vireo  2
Blue Jay  3
American Crow  2
Tree Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  2
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  7
American Robin  2
Gray Catbird  7
Brown Thrasher  6
Northern Mockingbird  1
Cedar Waxwing  4
Ovenbird  1
Northern Waterthrush  1
Black-and-white Warbler  2
Common Yellowthroat  3
American Redstart  2
Palm Warbler (Western)  1
Northern Cardinal  5
Bobolink  4
Red-winged Blackbird  4
Common Grackle  2
Baltimore Oriole  1
American Goldfinch  12

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

Bird Walk for All People - Thursday, September 22nd, 2016

There were many Monarch and Buckeye butterflies feeding on the sunflowers and groundsel. We enjoyed a steady movement of American Kestrels, Merlins, and Sharp-shinned Hawks. There were a number of birds feeding in the rips including Laughing Gulls, and Great Black-backed Gulls, plus terns including Forster's, Common, Royal, and one Caspian. Leaders: Chuck Slugg, Warren Cairo, and Karl Lukens.
38 species

Canada Goose 18
Mute Swan 7
American Wigeon 2
Mallard 23
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Great Blue Heron 4
Great Egret 5
Black-crowned Night-Heron 1
Black Vulture 1
Turkey Vulture 5
Osprey 7
Northern Harrier 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk 12
Cooper's Hawk 3
Bald Eagle 2
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Killdeer 5
Laughing Gull 30
Herring Gull 2
Great Black-backed Gull 14
Caspian Tern 1
Common Tern 25
Forster's Tern 7
Royal Tern 5
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 10
Mourning Dove 4
Northern Flicker 4
American Kestrel 27
Merlin 8
American Crow 4
Tree Swallow 45
Carolina Wren 4 heard
Gray Catbird 2
Northern Mockingbird 5
European Starling 12
Palm Warbler 7
Bobolink 10 heard
Red-winged Blackbird 8

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

Tagged Monarch Butterfly [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Twilight Watch at the Meadows - Wednesday, September 21st, 2016

Falcons, Falcons and more Falcons! What a fun evening! We had Merlins and Kestrels zooming around us all evening. Distant Peregrines were icing on the cake and a drake Eurasian Wigeon added to the fun. Leaders: Warren Cairo and Bill Smythe.
36 species

Canada Goose  20
Mute Swan  2
Gadwall  4
Eurasian Wigeon  1     Male, nice looks, rusty head next to American Wigeons
American Wigeon  4
American Black Duck  7
Mallard  25
Blue-winged Teal  8
Northern Shoveler  4
Green-winged Teal  6
Great Blue Heron  3
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  3
Green Heron  1
Osprey  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  1
American Oystercatcher  2
Sanderling  30
Pectoral Sandpiper  3
Wilson's Snipe  2
Greater Yellowlegs  3
Laughing Gull  40
Ring-billed Gull  5
Herring Gull  3
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  20
Caspian Tern  1
Common Tern  20
Mourning Dove  2
American Kestrel  6
Merlin  8
Peregrine Falcon  3
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  2

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, September 21st, 2016

We had a lovely morning exploring Cape May Point. Two Parasitic Jaegers gave us quite the show in the rips and a large flock of Palm Warblers moving down the dunes actively feeding gave the group “WOW” moments.  Leaders:  Chris Marks, Mary Watkins, and Kirsten Fuller.

Canada Goose  45
Mute Swan  32
Mallard  2
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Great Egret  1
Osprey  5
American Oystercatcher  2
Sanderling  25
Semipalmated Sandpiper  2
Parasitic Jaeger  2     Harassing terns in the rips
Laughing Gull  36
Ring-billed Gull  6
Great Black-backed Gull  24
Caspian Tern  2
Common Tern  65
Forster's Tern  14
Royal Tern  6
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  16
Mourning Dove  6
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
American Kestrel  1
Merlin  2
Tree Swallow  350
Carolina Chickadee  3
Carolina Wren  4
Northern Mockingbird  4
European Starling  12
Black-and-white Warbler  1
American Redstart  2
Palm Warbler (Western)  12
Northern Cardinal  2
Bobolink  6
Red-winged Blackbird  24
American Goldfinch  3
House Sparrow  12

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

Sunset Birding at Stone Harbor Point - Tuesday, September 20th, 2016

Tonight's Stone Harbor Point was most enjoyable, mild temperatures and cloud cover and good birds. Highlights tonight were seeing Piping Plovers and lifer Lesser-black Backed Gulls for some of the participants. Leaders: Warren Cairo, Gail Dwyer, and Shaun Bamford.
22 species

Double-crested Cormorant  20
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  1
Osprey  1
American Oystercatcher  50
Ruddy Turnstone  5
Sanderling  40
Least Sandpiper  2
Semipalmated Sandpiper  2
Western Sandpiper  8
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Laughing Gull  15
Ring-billed Gull  7
Herring Gull  20
Lesser Black-backed Gull  15     Seen well
Great Black-backed Gull  60
Caspian Tern  12
Forster's Tern  6
Royal Tern  4
Song Sparrow  1
Eastern Towhee  2

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

E-Z Birding - Tuesday, September 20th, 2016

Highlights included close-up views of two different Solitary Sandpipers, immature American Redstarts flitting about, and a large flock of Tree Swallows swirling around overhead. Leaders:  Catherine Busch, Chris Marks, Lynne and Marc Breslow.
45 species

Mute Swan  37
Mallard  24
Blue-winged Teal  6
Green-winged Teal  4
Double-crested Cormorant  6
Great Blue Heron  8
Great Egret  15
Snowy Egret  3
Osprey  5
Bald Eagle  1
American Oystercatcher  1
Semipalmated Plover  3
Killdeer  3
Ruddy Turnstone  1
Least Sandpiper  2
Semipalmated Sandpiper  9
Solitary Sandpiper  2
Laughing Gull  36
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  16
Common Tern  85
Forster's Tern  26
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  5
Mourning Dove  8
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Belted Kingfisher  1
Merlin  2
Peregrine Falcon  1
White-eyed Vireo  1
Red-eyed Vireo  2
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  2
Tree Swallow  450
Carolina Chickadee  6
Carolina Wren  5
Gray Catbird  4
Northern Mockingbird  10
European Starling  12
American Redstart  6
Palm Warbler (Western)  1
Northern Cardinal  1
Bobolink  120
Red-winged Blackbird  30
American Goldfinch  4

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, September 19th, 2016

Even with the threat of rain, we had 39 people show up for the walk. Interestingly we actually had more participants than species of birds! Shore birds were scarce, but we did see Lesser Black-backed Gulls and both Royal and Caspian Terns. Large numbers of swarming Tree Swallows were overhead. Another interesting bird was la one Common Eider not too far off shore. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Chuck Slugg, Karl Lukens, Janet Crawford, and Pat Perkins.
35 species

Canada Goose  15
Mute Swan  2
Mallard  10
Northern Shoveler  4
Common Eider  1
Common Loon  1     fly over-seen by a few
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Great Egret  1
Snowy Egret  1
Green Heron  1
Osprey  5
Cooper's Hawk  1
Killdeer  2
Sanderling  15
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Laughing Gull  15
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull  5
Lesser Black-backed Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  15
Caspian Tern  1
Forster's Tern  1
Royal Tern  10
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  2
Mourning Dove  10
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
American Crow  1
Tree Swallow  600
Marsh Wren  1
Carolina Wren  2
European Starling  10
Eastern Towhee  1     heard by a few
Red-winged Blackbird  8
Common Grackle  10
House Sparrow  1

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

Cox Hall Creek WMA - Sunday, September 18th, 2016

The birds fooled us today. The parking lot was so quiet we thought it was going to be a slow birding day. NOT! As soon as we got down the path a ways, into the open area, it was clear that birds were everywhere. Among the most commonly seen and heard were Red-breasted Nuthatches which were feeding on trunks and flying between trees in groups of two and three. With six species of warblers, Bobolinks overhead, perched Blue Grosbeak and Indigo Buntings and a seasonally appropriate smattering of other species, it was a very birdy morning. Leaders: Kathy Horn, Roger Horn, Janet Crawford, Shaun Bamford, Cindy Bamford, Deb Payson, and Joe Demko.
48 species (+1 other taxa)

Mallard  1
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid)  1
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  2
Cooper's Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  1
Laughing Gull  2
Herring Gull (American)  1
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  3
Mourning Dove  8
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  2
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  2
Eastern Wood-Pewee  3
White-eyed Vireo  1
Blue-headed Vireo  1
Red-eyed Vireo  3
Blue Jay  5
American Crow  2
Purple Martin  1
Carolina Chickadee  9
Tufted Titmouse  7
Red-breasted Nuthatch  9
Carolina Wren  6
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
American Robin  7
Gray Catbird  4
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  6
Cedar Waxwing  2
Nashville Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  1
American Redstart  1
Magnolia Warbler  1
Palm Warbler (Western)  2
Pine Warbler  5
Chipping Sparrow  8
Northern Cardinal  6
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  6
Bobolink  8
Red-winged Blackbird  5
Common Grackle  2
Brown-headed Cowbird  1
Baltimore Oriole  1
House Finch  3
American Goldfinch  2

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

Hawks, Trails, and Beach - Saturday, September 17th, 2016

On Bunker Pond we saw a mixed group of egrets and herons and a mix of shorebirds. A Belted Kingfisher flew over. We saw Common, Forster's, and Royal Terns and a few Black Skimmers skimming. Leaders: Chuck Slugg, Bert Hixon, and Barb Bassett.
44 species

Canada Goose 18
Mute Swan 5
Mallard 13
Great Blue Heron 8
Great Egret 10
Snowy Egret 6
Turkey Vulture 3
Osprey 5
Bald Eagle 2
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Semipalmated Plover 5
Killdeer 13
Least Sandpiper 20
Semipalmated Sandpiper 2
Greater Yellowlegs 2
Laughing Gull 30
Ring-billed Gull 2
Herring Gull 2
Great Black-backed Gull 5
Common Tern 2
Forster's Tern 23
Royal Tern 10
Black Skimmer 4
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 3
Mourning Dove 5
Belted Kingfisher 1
Downy Woodpecker 1 heard
Northern Flicker 3
American Kestrel 1
Merlin 2
American Crow 3 heard
Fish Crow 6
Tree Swallow 8
Carolina Chickadee 2 heard
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 heard
Carolina Wren 3 heard
American Robin 1 heard
Northern Mockingbird 7
European Starling 1
Palm Warbler 1
Song Sparrow 1
Northern Cardinal 1 heard
Red-winged Blackbird 6
American Goldfinch 5 heard


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

Fall Migrants at The Rea Farm - Saturday, September 17th, 2016

The Beanery still holds a mix of breeding species and migrant birds but at this time of year, it's impossible to tell which have been here all season and which are just passing through from further north. Clearly the American Redstarts and the Nashville and Magnolia Warblers are migrants, and probably the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds we saw today. But the Osprey, Great-crested Flycatcher, Double-crested Cormorant and Red-eyed Vireo may or may not be locals. It's an interesting time of year. Leaders: Kathy Horn, Roger Horn, Karl Lukens, Deb Payson, and Kyle Chelius.
44 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  26
Mallard  2
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  2
Green Heron  1
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  3
Sharp-shinned Hawk  2
Bald Eagle  2
Laughing Gull  2
Mourning Dove  8
Chimney Swift  1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  4
Red-bellied Woodpecker  5
Downy Woodpecker  3
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  3
Peregrine Falcon  1
Empidonax sp.  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  2
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  4
Barn Swallow  1
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  3
Carolina Wren  7
American Robin  9
Gray Catbird  9
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  25
Nashville Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  3
American Redstart  2
Magnolia Warbler  1
Northern Cardinal  6
Indigo Bunting  1
Bobolink  1
Red-winged Blackbird  5
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  1
House Finch  1
American Goldfinch  2

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

Green Heron [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Viceroy [Photo by Karl Lukens]

A Meadows Afternoon - Friday, September 16th, 2016

With the lack of rain, The Meadows has very little areas containing water. Areas typically water covered are now grassy. There were a few shorebirds including the walk highlight of a Buff-breasted Sandpiper. The bird afforded good looks from both paths. Also present were Semipalmated Plovers, Least Sandpipers, a Spotted Sandpiper and a Pectoral Sandpiper. The trip along the beach found five species of gulls, Royal and Forster's Terns, and Sanderlings. A half dozen Palm Warblers were present along with a cooperative Savannah Sparrow. Raptors included two adult Bald Eagles, a Red-tailed Hawk and a very entertaining Merlin. Leaders: Gail Dwyer and Barb Bassett.
34 Species

Canada Goose  30
Mute Swan  3
Mallard  20
Green Heron  1
Black Vulture  6
Turkey Vulture  4
Bald Eagle  2  Adults
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Semipalmated Plover  7
Least Sandpiper  5
Buff-breasted Sandpiper  1
Pectoral Sandpiper  1
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Laughing Gull  100
Ring billed Gull  2
Herring Gull  15
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  30
Forster's Tern  1
Royal Tern  2
Black Skimmer  2
Mourning Dove  3
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2
Merlin  1
American Crow  4
Fish Crow  1
Carolina Chickadee  2
Carolina Wren  1
European Starling  50
Common Yellowthroat  2
Palm Warbler  6
Savannah Sparrow  1
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  20

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

Higbee Beach Birding - Friday, September 16th, 2016

A quiet morning for migration, but the birds were there. We were able to see a number of White-eyed Vireos well and many of them were immature birds with a dark eye. The high point of the walk were two perched Common Nighthawks. Group 1 Leaders: David La Puma, Chris Marks, and Catherine Busch.
34 species

Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  2
Bald Eagle  3
Mourning Dove  4
Common Nighthawk  2
Chimney Swift  2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Downy Woodpecker  8
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  4
White-eyed Vireo  8
Red-eyed Vireo  2
Blue Jay  4
Carolina Chickadee  5
Tufted Titmouse  6
Red-breasted Nuthatch  5
Carolina Wren  6
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
American Robin  10
Gray Catbird  3
Brown Thrasher  1
Cedar Waxwing  15
Northern Waterthrush  1     Heard
Black-and-white Warbler  4
American Redstart  3
Northern Parula  4
Black-throated Blue Warbler  1
Palm Warbler (Western)  3
Scarlet Tanager  1
Northern Cardinal  3
Indigo Bunting  2
Bobolink  4
Red-winged Blackbird  14
American Goldfinch  8

Group 2 Leaders: Kathy Horn, Roger Horn, and Carrie Bell.
44 species

Double-crested Cormorant  5
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  3
Laughing Gull  3
Herring Gull (American)  1
Mourning Dove  4
Common Nighthawk  2
Chimney Swift  3
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  1
White-eyed Vireo  5
Philadelphia Vireo  1
Warbling Vireo  2
Red-eyed Vireo  3
Blue Jay  3
Carolina Chickadee  5
Tufted Titmouse  3
Red-breasted Nuthatch  3
Carolina Wren  7
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
American Robin  7
Gray Catbird  5
Brown Thrasher  4
Cedar Waxwing  9
Black-and-white Warbler  2
Common Yellowthroat  2
American Redstart  2
Northern Parula  1
Magnolia Warbler  1
Yellow Warbler  1
Palm Warbler (Western)  1
Song Sparrow  1
Scarlet Tanager  2
Northern Cardinal  5
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  10
Bobolink  2
Red-winged Blackbird  3
Common Grackle  2
American Goldfinch  6

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

Bird Walk for All People - Thursday, September 15th, 2016

Overcast and breezy with temperatures in low 70s. We saw Bald Eagles chasing Osprey and other Eagles, Merlin chasing American Kestrels, and kestrels and Sharp-shinned Hawks chasing each other. A quiet Belted Kingfisher flew over. We also had pretty good looks at Forster's and Common Terns and were able to compare plumages. Leaders: Chuck Slugg, Warren Cairo, and Karl Lukens.
51 species

Canada Goose 30
Mute Swan 6
American Black Duck 3
Mallard 12
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Great Blue Heron 8
Great Egret 3
Snowy Egret 8
Black-crowned Night-Heron 2
Turkey Vulture 3
Osprey 25
Sharp-shinned Hawk 5
Cooper's Hawk 1
Bald Eagle 4
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Semipalmated Plover 4
Killdeer 6
Least Sandpiper 27
Pectoral Sandpiper 2
Semipalmated Sandpiper 4
Western Sandpiper 2
Lesser Yellowlegs 1
Laughing Gull 25
Ring-billed Gull 1
Herring Gull 3
Great Black-backed Gull 8
Caspian Tern 1 heard by leader
Common Tern 4
Forster's Tern 6
Royal Tern 3
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 3
Mourning Dove 5
Belted Kingfisher 1
Northern Flicker 5
American Kestrel 10
Merlin 5
Peregrine Falcon 1 seen by leader only
Fish Crow 19
Tree Swallow 30
Carolina Chickadee 2 heard
Red-breasted Nuthatch 3
Carolina Wren 5 heard
American Robin 2
Gray Catbird 1 heard
Cedar Waxwing 3 heard by leader before start of walk
Common Yellowthroat 2
Northern Cardinal 1 heard
Blue Grosbeak 1
Indigo Bunting 1
Bobolink 20 heard
House Sparrow 5

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

Forster's and Common Terns [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Twilight Watch at The Meadows - Wednesday, September 14th, 2016

A very pleasant evening birding the Meadows. The highlights of the walk were first the Merlin that we watched zooming around and then perched while eating a dragonfly appetizer and later he returned to the same perch with a small bird for dinner. Later, thanks to a participant's keen spotting, we were all able to enjoy great looks at an American Bittern. We observed the bittern catching and eating a frog for dinner.  Perhaps we have to add the Meadows as another favorite dining location in Cape May. Leaders: Warren Cairo, Bill Smythe, Barb Bassett, and Carrie Bell.
20 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  30
Mute Swan  2
Northern Shoveler  8
American Bittern  1
Green Heron  2
Osprey  1
American Oystercatcher  3
Semipalmated Plover  7
Killdeer  2
Sanderling  50
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Laughing Gull  30
Herring Gull  4
Lesser Black-backed Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  30
Sterna sp.  2
Mourning Dove  4
Merlin  1
Northern Waterthrush  1
Common Yellowthroat  2
Song Sparrow  1

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, September 14th, 2016

South winds made for a quiet morning walking through the Point. We were able to spend time at Coral Ave. where cooperative gulls gave us the opportunity to discuss molt. Most gulls undergo a complete molt of feathers in late summer. During August and September, most gulls will be in molt and, thus, will show transitional plumages. However, the sequence is different for first year birds. A juvenal plumage (the first full set of real feathers) is acquired during July and August (soon after hatching). This plumage is normally held until November or even later. Leaders: Bret Ewald, Chris Marks, and Kirsten Fuller.
32 species

Surf Scoter  3     Just off Coral ave
Double-crested Cormorant  3
Osprey  7
American Oystercatcher  3
Sanderling  36
Least Sandpiper  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  7
Laughing Gull  125
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull  6
Lesser Black-backed Gull  3
Great Black-backed Gull  8
Common Tern  3
Forster's Tern  6
Royal Tern  5
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  16
Mourning Dove  8
Chimney Swift  2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  4
Merlin  1
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  7
Tree Swallow  8
Carolina Chickadee  3
Carolina Wren  3
Northern Mockingbird  5
European Starling  6
Yellow Warbler  1
Bobolink  2
Common Grackle  2
House Finch  1
House Sparrow  2

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

Sunset Birding at Stone Harbor Point - Tuesday, September 13th, 2016

The Stone Harbor Point walk tonight was much nicer than last week's...no biting insects and lot of birds.  We were able to get good looks at Western Sandpipers, American Oystercatchers and nice comparisons between Great and Lesser Black-backed Gulls. There were a many Caspian and Royal Terns as well.  Leaders: Warren Cairo, Gail Dwyer, Shaun Bamford, and Bill Boyle.
20 species

Double-crested Cormorant  30
Great Egret  2
Osprey  1
American Oystercatcher  180
Black-bellied Plover  1
Semipalmated Plover  100
Sanderling  X
Semipalmated Sandpiper  10
Western Sandpiper  10
Laughing Gull  20
Ring-billed Gull  6
Herring Gull  16
Lesser Black-backed Gull  20     Conservative count
Great Black-backed Gull  50
Caspian Tern  250     Conservative count
Common Tern  12
Forster's Tern  5
Royal Tern  50
Black Skimmer  2
Peregrine Falcon  1

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

E-Z Birding - Tuesday, September 13th, 2016

Highlights today included a number of immature and adult Black-crowned Night Herons roosting in Red Cedar trees, hunting Merlins, one Bald Eagle, and a cooperative female Blue Grosbeak. Leaders:  Catherine Busch, Chris Marks, Lynne and Marc Breslow.
45 species

Canada Goose  18
Mute Swan  12
Mallard  36
Blue-winged Teal  20
Green-winged Teal  10
Great Blue Heron  5
Great Egret  1
Snowy Egret  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  8
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  5
Northern Harrier  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  1
Killdeer  5
Sanderling  6
Semipalmated Sandpiper  8
Laughing Gull  86
Herring Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  16
Common Tern  3
Forster's Tern  5
Royal Tern  1
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  6
Mourning Dove  4
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Belted Kingfisher  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  3
Merlin  3
Barn Swallow  1
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  1
Northern Mockingbird  8
European Starling  6
Common Yellowthroat  4
Yellow Warbler  1
Palm Warbler (Western)  1
Song Sparrow  1
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  2
Red-winged Blackbird  36
Common Grackle  12
American Goldfinch  3

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, September 12th, 2016

A cool and breezy morning with easterly winds which probably hindered migration. We did have Yellow Warbler and several Palm Warblers. Raptors included Northern Harrier, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Merlin, Cooper's Hawk, and two adult Bald Eagles. Shorebirds were scarce. On the beach we had at least four Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Chuck Slugg, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, and Pat Perkins.
60 species

Canada Goose  50
Mute Swan  4
Mallard  10
Blue-winged Teal  2
Northern Shoveler  5
Double-crested Cormorant  10
Great Blue Heron  5
Great Egret  1
Glossy Ibis  1
Black Vulture  5
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  3
Northern Harrier  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  2
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Semipalmated Plover  3
Killdeer  3
Sanderling  40
Least Sandpiper  8
Greater Yellowlegs  3
Lesser Yellowlegs  3
Laughing Gull  5
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull  2
Lesser Black-backed Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  5
Common Tern  1
Forster's Tern  4
Royal Tern  2
Black Skimmer  1
Mourning Dove  15
Chimney Swift  1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Belted Kingfisher  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  5
American Kestrel  5
Merlin  2
Eastern Kingbird  1
American Crow  3
Tree Swallow  10
Carolina Chickadee  2
White-breasted Nuthatch  1     heard by a few
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  4
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  5
European Starling  20
Common Yellowthroat  1
Yellow Warbler  1
Palm Warbler  5
Prairie Warbler  1
Northern Cardinal  1
Bobolink  20
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  5
House Finch  2
House Sparrow  2

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

Blue-winged Teal [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Lesser Black-backed Gull [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Cox Hall Creek WMA - Sunday, September 11th, 2016

There were a lot of highlights on today's Cox Hall Creek WMA walk: the chipping, flitting Northern Waterthrush that we had to walk away from because it certainly didn't seem to want to leave its vernal pool, the five teed up Blue Grosbeaks all in view at once, the young Bald Eagle that kept pestering the Ospreys for their fish, and the smattering of warblers moving through the trees - it was a pretty birdy morning. A highlight of a different sort was the luna moth caterpillar found on the path. Though bright green in most larval stages, this golden reddish-brown stage shown below is typical of the 5th instar that precedes pupation. Leaders: Kathy Horn, Janet Crawford, and Deb Payson.
39 species

Canada Goose  1
Mallard  1
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Great Blue Heron  1
Osprey  3
Cooper's Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  1
Laughing Gull  2
Herring Gull (American)  1
Mourning Dove  3
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  7
Downy Woodpecker  2
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  2
Eastern Wood-Pewee  2
White-eyed Vireo  1
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  5
American Crow  2
Carolina Chickadee  7
Tufted Titmouse  14
White-breasted Nuthatch  3
Carolina Wren  6
American Robin  9
Gray Catbird  3
European Starling  15
Northern Waterthrush  1
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  1
American Redstart  1
Chestnut-sided Warbler  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  6
Indigo Bunting  1
Bobolink  15
Red-winged Blackbird  3
Common Grackle  2
American Goldfinch  1

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

Luna Moth caterpillar [Photo by Kathy Horn]

Hawks, Trails, and Beach - Saturday, September 10th, 2016

A nice mix of terns on the beach and in Bunker Pond. The Baird's Sandpiper was still in Bunker Pond for us to see. We had Mute Swans busking (displaying) and a dearth of ducks. Black Skimmers were in Bunker Pond and yipping overhead. A Peregrine Falcon swooped over the pond and all the wildfowl and shorebirds lifted in response. Leaders: Chuck Slugg and Bert Hixon.
43 species

Canada Goose 30
Mute Swan 6
American Black Duck 1
Mallard 11
Great Blue Heron 2
Great Egret 3
Snowy Egret 3
Glossy Ibis 1
Osprey 5
Bald Eagle 1
Semipalmated Plover 2
Killdeer 3
Baird's Sandpiper 1 Bird has been seen and photographed for the past several days; seems to go from ponds in the Meadows to ponds in the State Park.
Least Sandpiper 27
Pectoral Sandpiper 2
Semipalmated Sandpiper 6
Laughing Gull 175
Herring Gull 5
Great Black-backed Gull 20
Caspian Tern 2
Black Tern 3
Common Tern 30
Forster's Tern 20
Royal Tern 5
Black Skimmer 7
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 2
Mourning Dove 5
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 3
Downy Woodpecker 1 heard
Northern Flicker 5
American Kestrel 2
Peregrine Falcon 1
American Crow 2 heard
Tree Swallow 3
Carolina Chickadee 3
Carolina Wren 2 heard
American Robin 3
Gray Catbird 1 heard
Northern Mockingbird 7
European Starling 1
Black-and-white Warbler 1
Common Yellowthroat 2
House Sparrow 2

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

Fall Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, September 10th, 2016

The "bink" of Bobolinks is a common sound of late summer and early fall in Cape May. High-flyers, they're often heard and not seen as they make their way to wintering grounds in South America, generally in Bolivia, Paraguay or Argentina after a multi-week stopover in Venezuela. Today's walk provided a great opportunity to listen to Bobolinks as they migrated overhead. Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, Karl Lukens, and Michael McCabe.
40 species

Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
Killdeer  1
Laughing Gull  7
Forster's Tern  1
Mourning Dove  9
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  1
White-eyed Vireo  1
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  5
Tree Swallow  1
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  1
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  6
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
American Robin  12
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  26
Common Yellowthroat  6
American Redstart  3
Yellow Warbler  1
Palm Warbler (Western)  1
Northern Cardinal  6
Blue Grosbeak  1
Bobolink  72
Red-winged Blackbird  3
Common Grackle  6
Baltimore Oriole  1
House Finch  2
American Goldfinch  2
House Sparrow  1

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

Downy Woodpecker [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Higbee Beach Birding - Friday, September 9th, 2016

Unlike last week's walk with many migrants engaging in morning flight, several days of south winds unfavorable to migration decreased the number of new migrants to be seen. Nonetheless, we had a very good walk as we searched for and found birds feeding in preparation for migration. Of note were several close juvenile White-eyed Vireos, a teed-up Brown Thrasher and Baltimore Oriole, and views of nine warbler species. We continued to have Bobolink in flocks overhead, typical for early September. Leaders: Brett Ewald, Kathy Horn, Chris Marks, Catherine Busch, Mary Watkins, and Kirsten Fuller.
41 species

Osprey  1
Bald Eagle  1
Laughing Gull  10
Mourning Dove  2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  4
Downy Woodpecker  3
American Kestrel  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  1
Eastern Kingbird  4
White-eyed Vireo  3
Red-eyed Vireo  1
American Crow  1
Purple Martin  1
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  4
Red-breasted Nuthatch  2
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  5
American Robin  2
Gray Catbird  3
Brown Thrasher  1
Cedar Waxwing  26
Blue-winged Warbler  1
Black-and-white Warbler
Tennessee Warbler  1
Nashville Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  3
American Redstart  1
Northern Parula  1
Magnolia Warbler  1
Black-throated Green Warbler  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  1
Bobolink  38
Common Grackle  2
Baltimore Oriole  2
American Goldfinch  2

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

Bird Walk for All People - Thursday, September 8th, 2016

A hot, humid morning with the cloying smell of Sweet Autumn Clematis all around us. We had such goods birds at the ponds and shoreline that we spent half of the time there. These included Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Semipalmated Plovers and Sandpipers, Least Sandpipers, Killdeer, Black Tern, and both Common and Forster's Terns in a variety of plumages. Leaders: Chuck Slugg, Karl Lukens, and Warren Cairo.
45 species

Canada Goose 20
Mute Swan 7
Mallard 6
Northern Shoveler 1
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Great Blue Heron 2
Great Egret 2
Black-crowned Night-Heron 6
Osprey 3
Northern Harrier 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk 4
Bald Eagle 1
Semipalmated Plover 5
Killdeer 6
Least Sandpiper 18
Semipalmated Sandpiper 7
Greater Yellowlegs 2
Lesser Yellowlegs 10
Bonaparte's Gull 1 Found by Karl Lukens and confirmed by other leaders.
Laughing Gull 200
Herring Gull 3
Great Black-backed Gull 25
Black Tern 1
Common Tern 30
Forster's Tern 25
Royal Tern 4
Black Skimmer 18
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 2
Mourning Dove 4
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1
Belted Kingfisher 1 heard
Tree Swallow 25
Carolina Wren 4 heard
American Robin 2
Northern Mockingbird 9
Cedar Waxwing 10
Common Yellowthroat 5
Yellow Warbler 5
Chestnut-sided Warbler 1
Prairie Warbler 1
Northern Cardinal 1 heard
Indigo Bunting 1
Bobolink 18
Red-winged Blackbird 2
House Sparrow 22

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

Black Skimmers [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Twilight Watch at the Meadows - Wednesday, September 7th, 2016

Tonight's Twilight at the Meadows walk was most enjoyable. A very good mix of bird species but the highlights of the evening were a couple of hunting Merlins and a very cooperative Common Nighthawk. Leaders: Warren Cairo and Bill Smythe.
38 species

Canada Goose  20
Mute Swan  6
American Black Duck  1
Mallard  12
Blue-winged Teal  2
Northern Shoveler  1
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Great Egret  1
Snowy Egret  2
Glossy Ibis  1
Osprey  2
Semipalmated Plover  4
Killdeer  1
Least Sandpiper  10
Pectoral Sandpiper  1
Semipalmated Sandpiper  8
Lesser Yellowlegs  3
Laughing Gull  X
Great Black-backed Gull  4
Caspian Tern  1
Black Tern  2
Common Tern  5
Forster's Tern  12
Royal Tern  2
Black Skimmer  2
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  3
Mourning Dove  5
Common Nighthawk  2
Merlin  2
American Crow  5
Tree Swallow  3
Carolina Chickadee  1
European Starling  5
Common Yellowthroat  3
Prairie Warbler  1
Song Sparrow  2
Red-winged Blackbird  6
Common Grackle  4

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, September 7th, 2016

Leaders:  Brett Ewald, Chris Marks, Mary Watkins, and Kirsten Fuller.
55 species

Canada Goose  28
Mute Swan  12
Mallard  14
Blue-winged Teal  2
Northern Shoveler  1
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  10
Glossy Ibis  1
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  5
Northern Harrier  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  2
Cooper's Hawk  1
Semipalmated Plover  9
Killdeer  3
Stilt Sandpiper  1
Least Sandpiper  4
Pectoral Sandpiper  3
Semipalmated Sandpiper  12
Red-necked Phalarope  1     Found by Tom Reed
Solitary Sandpiper  1
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  4
Laughing Gull  85
Herring Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  26
Black Tern  2
Common Tern  4
Forster's Tern  28
Royal Tern  4
Black Skimmer  4
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  4
Mourning Dove  6
Chimney Swift  1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
American Kestrel  5
Merlin  2
Eastern Kingbird  1
Fish Crow  3
Tree Swallow  8
Barn Swallow  14
Cliff Swallow  1
Carolina Chickadee  1
Carolina Wren  3
Northern Mockingbird  2
Common Yellowthroat  1
American Redstart  1
Song Sparrow  1
Blue Grosbeak  1
Bobolink  2
Red-winged Blackbird  22
American Goldfinch  3
House Sparrow  4

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

Sunset Birding at Stone Harbor Point - Tuesday, September 6th, 2016

Tonight's CMBO Stone Harbor Point walk was most interesting. We were inundated with biting flies. They we so bad a couple of folks left before we began the walk. So if you are coming on this walk next week, wear long pants. Other than that, it was a great walk. Lots of Lesser Black-backed gulls in a variety of plumages and a Brown Pelican to finish off the list. Leaders: Warren Cairo, Gail Dwyer, Shaun Bamford and Bill Boyle.
26 species

Double-crested Cormorant  1
Brown Pelican  1
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  1
Osprey  2
Clapper Rail  1
American Oystercatcher  15
Ruddy Turnstone  1
Red Knot  1
Sanderling  50
Semipalmated Sandpiper  6
Willet (Western)  1
Laughing Gull  X
Ring-billed Gull  4
Herring Gull  8
Lesser Black-backed Gull  20  
Great Black-backed Gull  30
Caspian Tern  3
Black Tern  1
Common Tern  9
Forster's Tern  6
Royal Tern  8
Mourning Dove  1
American Kestrel  1
Peregrine Falcon  1
Tree Swallow  8

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

E-Z Birding - Tuesday, September 6th, 2016

Highlights of our first fall E-Z Birding walk included watching Black Terns feeding at close range over Lighthouse Pond-East, 3 immature Glossy Ibis, a close flyover of a Sharp-shinned Hawk at a dune crossover, and brief looks at Cape May Warblers. Leaders:  Catherine Busch, Chris Marks, Marc and Lynne Breslow
41 species

Canada Goose  50
Mute Swan  8
Mallard  36
Blue-winged Teal  2
Northern Shoveler  3
Double-crested Cormorant  13
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  1
Snowy Egret  4
Glossy Ibis  3
Osprey  5
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Semipalmated Plover  1
Semipalmated Sandpiper  24
Solitary Sandpiper  1
Greater Yellowlegs  2
Lesser Yellowlegs  4
Laughing Gull  X
Great Black-backed Gull  38
Black Tern  3
Common Tern  12
Forster's Tern  8
Black Skimmer  7
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  3
Mourning Dove  3
American Kestrel  6
Merlin  1
Peregrine Falcon  1
Tree Swallow  12
Barn Swallow  14
Carolina Chickadee  2
Carolina Wren  4
Northern Mockingbird  4
Cedar Waxwing  2
Common Yellowthroat  1
American Redstart  4
Cape May Warbler  2
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  26

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, September 5th, 2016

A cool and breezy morning with some sun. Two warbler species were seen, Yellow and Common Yellowthroat. On the beach we had two Lesser Black-backed Gulls and one fly-by Brown Pelican. Raptors included Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Cooper's Hawk, Northern Harrier, and Bald Eagle. Highlight was a continuing Baird's Sandpiper seen well by all in scopes. Leaders: Chuck Slugg, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, and Pat Perkins.
53 species

Canada Goose  15
Mute Swan  8
Mallard  10
Blue-winged Teal  2
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Brown Pelican  1
Great Egret  5
Snowy Egret  2
Green Heron  1
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  1
Northern Harrier  1
Cooper's Hawk  2
Bald Eagle  1
Semipalmated Plover  6
Killdeer  2
Sanderling  2
Baird's Sandpiper  1
Least Sandpiper  20
Buff-breasted Sandpiper  1     seen by a few
Pectoral Sandpiper  3
Semipalmated Sandpiper  1
Western Sandpiper  1
Spotted Sandpiper  2
Lesser Yellowlegs  1
Laughing Gull  15
Ring-billed Gull  6
Herring Gull  1
Lesser Black-backed Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  15
Least Tern  1     seen by a few
Caspian Tern  2
Common Tern  1
Forster's Tern  2
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  6
Mourning Dove  10
Merlin  1
Peregrine Falcon  1
Blue Jay  1     heard
American Crow  1
Tree Swallow  200
Barn Swallow  1
Carolina Wren  5
Gray Catbird  2
European Starling  25
Common Yellowthroat  1
Yellow Warbler  3
Northern Cardinal  1
Bobolink  10
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  5
American Goldfinch  2
House Sparrow  1

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

Green Heron [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Lesser Black-backed Gull [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Hawks, Trails, and Beach - Saturday, September 3rd, 2016

In spite of Tropical Storm Hermine, we had an interesting walk. Wind was blowing but rain had let up. We had a variety of terns including Royal, Common, Forster's, Sandwich, and Black. We had Glossy Ibis and Green Heron within ten feet of us madly feeding before the storm. We saw several raptors including an American Eagle, Osprey, Red-tailed Hawk, and a perched Peregrine Falcon. Leaders: Chuck Slugg and Bert Hixon.
39 species

Canada Goose 20
Mute Swan 7
Gadwall 2
Mallard 7
Great Blue Heron 2
Great Egret 2
Snowy Egret 3
Green Heron 2
Glossy Ibis 1
Turkey Vulture 2
Osprey 3
Bald Eagle 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Black-bellied Plover 2
Killdeer 2
Sanderling 1
Least Sandpiper 30
Semipalmated Sandpiper 15
Greater Yellowlegs 1 heard
Laughing Gull 100
Herring Gull 2
Great Black-backed Gull 30
Black Tern 1
Common Tern 20
Forster's Tern 35
Royal Tern 2
Sandwich Tern 1
Black Skimmer 4
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 2
Mourning Dove 4
Peregrine Falcon 1
Fish Crow 2
Tree Swallow 250
Barn Swallow 1
Carolina Chickadee 2
Carolina Wren 1 heard
Gray Catbird 1 heard
Northern Cardinal 1 heard
American Goldfinch 2 heard

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

Fall Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, September 3rd, 2016

A cloudy, windy morning with some sprinkles of rain due to approaching Hurricane Hermine. It was tough finding birds but we did have many Tree Swallows and two late Purple Martins overhead. We also had both vultures, two Cooper's Hawks, a Red-tailed Hawk, and one American Kestrel. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Michael McCabe, Deb Payson, and Kyle Chelius.
25 species

Canada Goose  25
Mallard  6
Great Egret  1
Black Vulture  4
Turkey Vulture  4
Cooper's Hawk  2
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Killdeer  3
Laughing Gull  3
Herring Gull  1
Forster's Tern  1
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  4
Mourning Dove  10
Chimney Swift  3
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2
American Kestrel  1
American Crow  5
Purple Martin  2
Tree Swallow  150
Carolina Wren  5
European Starling  30
Northern Cardinal  1
Bobolink  1
Red-winged Blackbird  8
House Sparrow  1

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

Higbee Beach - Friday, September 2nd, 2016

Higbee was alive with moving migrants today with many American Redstarts, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Bobolinks, and Baltimore Orioles most often seen. Several juvenile White-eyed Vireos (with dark eyes) perched and fed in full view, and a flyover Whimbrel was a surprise. The perched Bobolinks feeding in the first field were a special treat. Leaders: Brett Ewald, Chris Marks, Catherine Busch, Mary Watkins, Deb Payson, & Kirsten Fuller.
46 species (+1 other taxa)

Double-crested Cormorant  18
Osprey  3
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  2
Whimbrel  1
Laughing Gull  36
Herring Gull  6
Great Black-backed Gull  1
Mourning Dove  8
Chimney Swift  1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  6
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Downy Woodpecker  5
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  5
Eastern Wood-Pewee  1
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher  1
Alder/Willow Flycatcher (Traill's Flycatcher)  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  2
Eastern Kingbird  8
White-eyed Vireo  6
Red-eyed Vireo  4
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  1
Purple Martin  5
Tree Swallow  2
Carolina Chickadee  6
Tufted Titmouse  3
Red-breasted Nuthatch  4
Carolina Wren  6
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  12
American Robin  8
Gray Catbird  4
Cedar Waxwing  30
Black-and-white Warbler  4
Common Yellowthroat  4
American Redstart  18
Northern Parula  3
Yellow Warbler  1
Eastern Towhee  2
Blue Grosbeak  2
Dickcissel  1     Heard
Bobolink  50
Red-winged Blackbird  80
Common Grackle  6
Baltimore Oriole  7
American Goldfinch  25

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

Bird Walk for All People - Thursday, September 1st, 2016

We spent a lot of time on the beach observing gulls and terns. The terns included Common, Forster's, Royal, and at least four Black Terns all in juvenile plumage. The other terns were in plumages varying from breeding to non-breeding and in-between. On Bunker Pond we also had Least and Semipalmated Sandpipers, mostly in juvenile plumage. Finally, we returned to the parking lot when the rain got heavy. Leaders: Warren Cairo and Karl Lukens.
32 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  2
Mallard  10
Northern Shoveler  1
Great Egret  1
Snowy Egret  2
Osprey  1
Killdeer  2
Ruddy Turnstone  1
Sanderling  15
Least Sandpiper  8
Semipalmated Sandpiper  10
Parasitic Jaeger  1     Flyover before walk
Laughing Gull  150
Ring-billed Gull  5
Herring Gull  10
Great Black-backed Gull  18
Black Tern  4
Common Tern  75
Forster's Tern  15
Royal Tern  7
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  4
Mourning Dove  5
Belted Kingfisher  1
Tree Swallow  150
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  5
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  2
Common Grackle  1
House Sparrow  1

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, August 29, 2016

The Meadows is very dry with only a trickle of water and large areas of short grassy lands, which is good for "Grasspipers". We did find three Buff-breasted Sandpipers with Least Sandpipers, Semipalmated Plovers, and Killdeer. The beach had one Lesser Black-backed Gull, Sanderlings, and American Oystercatchers. Leaders: Chuck Slugg, Karl Lukens, Pat Perkins, Steve Weis, and Mary Watkins.
47 species

Canada Goose  5
Mute Swan  10
American Black Duck  1
Mallard  15
Blue-winged Teal  3
Northern Shoveler  1
Double-crested Cormorant  20
Great Egret  1
Snowy Egret  10
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  2
American Oystercatcher  6
Semipalmated Plover  10
Killdeer  5
Sanderling  25
Least Sandpiper  10
Buff-breasted Sandpiper  3
Semipalmated Sandpiper  1
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Laughing Gull  10
Herring Gull  4
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  30
Common Tern  1
Forster's Tern  1
Black Skimmer  3
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  6
Mourning Dove  5
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  4
Peregrine Falcon  1
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  20
Purple Martin  2
Tree Swallow  40
Barn Swallow  15
Carolina Wren  3
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  20
Common Yellowthroat  2
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  2
Bobolink  2
Red-winged Blackbird  4
Common Grackle  5
Orchard Oriole  5
Baltimore Oriole  1
American Goldfinch  3
House Sparrow  2

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

Buff-breasted Sandpiper [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Snowy Egret  [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Cox Hall Creek WMA - Sunday, August 28th, 2016

Though the parking lot seemed quiet, there were a lot of birds at CHC this morning, both breeders and migrants. Several Blue Grosbeaks, male and female, seemed to be enjoying soaking up the sun so we had ample opportunity to scope-view them. A Blue-winged Warbler popped briefly into view amidst a small group of warblers moving through the trees, given away by the singing Pine Warblers. The day's 'Cuteness Award' went to the three Eastern Kingbird "babies," perched shoulder-to-shoulder with their bright gapes open in hopes of food from the nearby parent, making tiny, sparky kingbird sounds. Leaders: Kathy Horn, Roger Horn, Janet Crawford, Shaun Bamford, and Cindy Bamford.
41 species

Canada Goose  1
Osprey  3
Cooper's Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  2
Laughing Gull  3
Mourning Dove  5
Chimney Swift  1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  3
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  3
Eastern Wood-Pewee  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  2
Eastern Kingbird  4
White-eyed Vireo  2
Blue Jay  5
American Crow  4
Purple Martin  5
Tree Swallow  3
Carolina Chickadee  5
Tufted Titmouse  4
White-breasted Nuthatch  2
Carolina Wren  4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
American Robin  6
Gray Catbird  5
European Starling  20
Blue-winged Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  1
American Redstart  1
Pine Warbler  3
Chipping Sparrow  6
Song Sparrow  1
Eastern Towhee  1
Northern Cardinal  9
Blue Grosbeak  4
Indigo Bunting  2
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Brown-headed Cowbird  26
House Finch  2
American Goldfinch  4

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

Juvenile Eastern Kingbird "agape" [Photo by Roger Horn]

Fall Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, August 27th, 2016

Even though a small front passed through, the winds went NE and there wasn't much in the way of new migrants with the exception of Baltimore Orioles. We had 11 orioles with good views. A brief look at five Wood Ducks on the Willow Ponds was enjoyable. One Yellow Warbler was probably a migrant. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Kyle Chelius, Michael McCabe, and Hugh Simmons.
33 species

Canada Goose  20
Wood Duck  5     4 female, 1 male
Mallard  4
Double-crested Cormorant  13
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  6
Osprey  3
Killdeer  5
Laughing Gull  3
Mourning Dove  15
Chimney Swift  3
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  3
Downy Woodpecker  1
Eastern Kingbird  1
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  1
Purple Martin  8
Carolina Wren  5
American Robin  5
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  25
Cedar Waxwing  7
Yellow Warbler  1
Northern Cardinal  2
Blue Grosbeak  1
Bobolink  1
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
Baltimore Oriole  11
House Finch  2
American Goldfinch  2
House Sparrow  1

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

Higbee Beach - Friday, August 26th, 2016

Leaders:  David La Puma, Chris Marks, Catherine Busch, and Mary Watkins.
40 species

Northern Bobwhite  1     Heard
Great Egret  1
Osprey  2
Mourning Dove  4
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Downy Woodpecker  4
Great Crested Flycatcher  3
Eastern Kingbird  12
White-eyed Vireo  5
Red-eyed Vireo  2
Blue Jay  3
Purple Martin  3
Tree Swallow  4
Bank Swallow  1     Seen by a few
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  4
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  8
American Robin  4
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  2
Cedar Waxwing  3
Worm-eating Warbler  1     Seen by a few
Northern Waterthrush  1     Heard
Blue-winged Warbler  1     seen by a few
Black-and-white Warbler  4
Common Yellowthroat  2
American Redstart  14
Eastern Towhee  1
Northern Cardinal  3
Indigo Bunting  1
Bobolink  6
Red-winged Blackbird  8
Common Grackle  4
Baltimore Oriole  2
American Goldfinch  4

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

Bird Walk for All People - Thursday, August 25th, 2016

Highlights of the walk were: Black Terns mixed with Forster's and Common Terns; large flocks of Tree Swallows gathering; large flock of Eastern Kingbirds, one of which was almost on the back of an Osprey while chasing it; and Snowy and Great Egrets with a Great Blue Heron. Leaders: Chuck Slugg, Chris Marks, and Karl Lukens.
40 species

Canada Goose 14
Mute Swan 11
Mallard 10
Great Blue Heron 1
Great Egret 5
Snowy Egret 3
Osprey 3
American Oystercatcher 2
Semipalmated Plover 4
Least Sandpiper 7
Pectoral Sandpiper 1
Semipalmated Sandpiper 3
Short-billed Dowitcher 13
Greater Yellowlegs 1 heard
Lesser Yellowlegs 3
Laughing Gull 250
Herring Gull 1
Great Black-backed Gull 10
Black Tern 3
Common Tern 45
Forster's Tern 40
Royal Tern 4
Black Skimmer 1 heard
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 2
Mourning Dove 4
Eastern Kingbird 11
Fish Crow 5
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 3
Purple Martin 5
Tree Swallow 120
Barn Swallow 8
Carolina Chickadee 2 heard
Carolina Wren 3 heard
American Robin 1 heard
Northern Mockingbird 4
European Starling 6
Song Sparrow 2
Red-winged Blackbird 4
American Goldfinch 2
House Sparrow 2

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

Semipalmated and Least Sandpiper [Photo by Karl Lukens]