Higbee Beach - Friday, April 30 2010

Location: Higbee Beach
Observation date: 4/30/10
Notes: CMBO walk. D. Freiday, S. Weis, W. Cairo, K. Lukens, S. Rodan, C. Slugg, M. Crewe. Clear, 60's, wind sw 5-10 overnight.
Number of species: 71
Canada Goose 2
Wood Duck 2
Mallard 5
Blue-winged Teal 1 pre walk dike
Red-throated Loon 1 flying south high over bay
Common Loon 10 migrants
Double-crested Cormorant 30
Great Blue Heron 3
Snowy Egret 5
Northern Harrier 1
Cooper's Hawk 1 pre walk dike immature
Spotted Sandpiper 3 pre walk dike
Greater Yellowlegs 5
Willet 10
Lesser Yellowlegs 2
Dunlin 10
Short-billed Dowitcher 3
Laughing Gull X
Ring-billed Gull 1
Herring Gull 5
Forster's Tern 1
Rock Pigeon 1
Mourning Dove 8
Chimney Swift 5
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 2
White-eyed Vireo 10
Blue-headed Vireo 2
Red-eyed Vireo 2
Blue Jay 5
American Crow 5
Fish Crow 5
Purple Martin 1
Barn Swallow 30 good movement
Carolina Chickadee 4
Tufted Titmouse 6
Carolina Wren 3
House Wren 2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 8 1 NB 1st field
Hermit Thrush 2
Wood Thrush 2
American Robin 5
Gray Catbird 15
Northern Mockingbird 3
Brown Thrasher 1
Blue-winged Warbler 1 1 flew out at dike, came back, probably same bird encountered later
Northern Parula 3
Yellow Warbler 8
Yellow-rumped Warbler 5
Prairie Warbler 4
Palm Warbler 1
Black-and-white Warbler 5
Ovenbird 4
Common Yellowthroat 6
Hooded Warbler 2
Scarlet Tanager 1
Eastern Towhee 2
Chipping Sparrow 3
Field Sparrow 4
Savannah Sparrow 2
Swamp Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow 20
Northern Cardinal 10
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1
Blue Grosbeak 1
Indigo Bunting 5
Red-winged Blackbird 10
Common Grackle 10
Brown-headed Cowbird 25
Orchard Oriole 2
American Goldfinch 8

Belleplain State Forest - Thursday, April 29 2010

Karl Lukens reports: CMBO Belleplain Walk. A nice morning in the woods starting with Yellow-throated Warbler and Yellow-billed Cuckoo at the Visitor's Center Parking Lot. Other birds of interest were Hairy Woodpecker, Blue-headed Vireo, Eastern Kingbird, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, and Wood Thrushes singing. Warblers included colorful Yellow Rumps, Prairie and Palm warblers. Warblers heard include Pine, Black and White,Worm-eating, Ovenbird, Louisiana Waterthrush, Common Yellowthroat, and Hooded. Also singing and quite visible were Scarlet Tanager, and Baltimore and Orchard Orioles.

After the walk a few of us made a quick trip to Heislerville to meet up with the other CMBO group who had the/a White-faced Ibis in their scopes as we arrived.
- Karl (Jim, Bert, Steve, Tom)

Location: Belleplain State Forest
Observation date: 4/29/10
Notes: CMBO Trip-JA,BH,KL,TP,SW,+6.Clr,55,NW12. RTHummingbird seen by one
Number of species: 57
Canada Goose 6
American Black Duck 2
Mallard 2
Wild Turkey 1 before walk
Black Vulture 1
Turkey Vulture 4
Osprey 1
Killdeer 1
Spotted Sandpiper 1
Laughing Gull 10
Herring Gull 1
Mourning Dove 6
Yellow-billed Cuckoo 1 visitor center
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 heard
Downy Woodpecker 1
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Eastern Phoebe 1
Eastern Kingbird 2
White-eyed Vireo 2 heard
Blue-headed Vireo 1
Blue Jay 1 heard
Fish Crow 4
Tree Swallow 2
Barn Swallow 10
Carolina Chickadee 3
Tufted Titmouse 10
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 5
Eastern Bluebird 2
Wood Thrush 3 heard
American Robin 5
Northern Mockingbird 1
Brown Thrasher 2
European Starling 5
Yellow-rumped Warbler 8
Pine Warbler 5
Prairie Warbler 2 /p
Palm Warbler 1
Black-and-white Warbler 5 heard
Worm-eating Warbler 1 heard
Ovenbird 20 heard
Louisiana Waterthrush 1 heard
Common Yellowthroat 1 heard
Hooded Warbler 1 heard
Scarlet Tanager 1 /p
Eastern Towhee 4 heard
Chipping Sparrow 8
Field Sparrow 1 heard
White-throated Sparrow 3
Northern Cardinal 2
Red-winged Blackbird 2
Common Grackle 8
Brown-headed Cowbird 10
Orchard Oriole 1 /p male singing
Baltimore Oriole 1 male singing
American Goldfinch 6

Nummy Island - Wednesday, April 28 2010

Warren Cairo et. al. report:

"It was a cool, blustery day but we still managed some good birds.
The Red Knots have returned and we also had a fly over Marbled Godwit and a leucistic Short-billed Dowitcher!"

Leaders: Gail Dwyer, Patty Rourke, Lee & Bill Smyth and Warren Cairo

Location: Nummy Island
Observation date: 4/28/10
Notes: Weather: Partly cloudy, mid 50's and very windy, gusts to 30mph
Number of species: 37

Brant 120
Canada Goose 12
Mallard 1
Common Loon 1
Double-crested Cormorant 135
Great Cormorant 1
Great Blue Heron 12
Great Egret 8
Snowy Egret 6
Little Blue Heron 1
Tricolored Heron 1
Black-crowned Night-Heron 5
Glossy Ibis 1
Osprey 10
Cooper's Hawk 1
Clapper Rail 8
Black-bellied Plover 52
American Oystercatcher 20
Greater Yellowlegs 12
Willet (Eastern) 13
Whimbrel 9
Marbled Godwit 1 Fly over
Ruddy Turnstone 6
Red Knot 30
Least Sandpiper 1
Dunlin 170
Short-billed Dowitcher 30 one leucistic bird
Laughing Gull 250
Herring Gull 4
Great Black-backed Gull 6
Forster's Tern 16
Mourning Dove 5
Barn Swallow 2
American Robin 1
Red-winged Blackbird 8
Boat-tailed Grackle 25
Baltimore Oriole 1

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

Peaslee's WMA - April 28, 2010

Dave Lord reports:

"Peaslee's was very birdy this morning, and we had a very pleased participant who ended up with three new species of bird in the end. We started off in the parking lot of Belleplain with an adult Red-Shouldered and a Broad-Winged Hawk consecutively, and then headed to First Avenue. An Ovenbird briefly showed himself, as did a Black and White Warbler, but the biggest treat were the four first of spring American Redstarts singing their "traditional" song. A Pine Warbler busily foraged for food, while a Yellow-Throated attempted to divert our attention in the same view. Our walker had a brief glimpse at a Northern Parula on Dam Rd., and we finished up with a FOS (for us) House Wren and a Prairie Warbler at Vine Street."

Location: Peaslee WMA-Head of River
Observation date: 4/28/10
Notes: CMBO's final Peaslee WMA Walk. Janet Craford, Chuck and Mary Jane Slugg, and Dave Lord.
Number of species: 11

Turkey Vulture 2
Carolina Chickadee 2
Tufted Titmouse 5
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 3
Wood Thrush 1
Northern Parula 1
Black-and-white Warbler 1
Ovenbird 1
Common Yellowthroat 4
Northern Cardinal 1
American Goldfinch 3

Location: Peaslees -Weatherby across from Tarkiln Pond
Observation date: 4/28/10
Number of species: 19

Wood Duck 3
Ring-necked Duck 2
Hooded Merganser 2
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Herring Gull 7
Mourning Dove 8
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
White-eyed Vireo 1
Tree Swallow 17
Barn Swallow 28
Carolina Chickadee 1
Tufted Titmouse 3
Carolina Wren 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 3
Pine Warbler 2
Ovenbird 2
Chipping Sparrow 6
White-throated Sparrow 2

Location: Peaslee's-First Avenue
Observation date: 4/28/10
Number of species: 20

Turkey Vulture 2
White-eyed Vireo 4
Blue Jay 4
Carolina Chickadee 3
Tufted Titmouse 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 3
American Robin 4
Yellow-rumped Warbler 2 More nice breeding plumes
Yellow-throated Warbler 2
Pine Warbler 6
Prairie Warbler 1
Black-and-white Warbler 4
American Redstart 4 FOS
Ovenbird 6
Louisiana Waterthrush 1
Eastern Towhee 5
White-throated Sparrow 2
Northern Cardinal 1
American Goldfinch 2

Cape May Point - Wednesday, April 28 2010

Cape May rarely fails to surprise and this morning's Cape May Point State Park walk was no exception. A very windy morning didn't bode well, with thoughts of no visible migration taking place and the few birds that were around lurking in the undergrowth. As it turned out though, we had a great time and saw some great birds. Sheltered spots among the trees gave us great views of singing male Black-and-white Warblers busily working the tree trunks, a Blue-headed Vireo showed very briefly and later we chanced upon a mixed feeding flock which consisted mostly of White-throated Sparrows but with Chipping, Savannah and Field Sparrows, American Goldfinches and a female Indigo Bunting all in the mix. Several Great and Snowy Egrets and Great Blue Herons graced the edges of the ponds and a fly-over Cattle Egret was a nice surprise find.

The plover ponds gave us some great up-close-and-personal views of Least Sandpipers, as well as a very spotty Spotted Sandpiper. We'd had so much to look at that we ran out of time to check for seabird offshore, but Tom Parsons had taken a look and reported few birds moving out there in these high winds.

Location: Cape Island--Cape May Pt.
Observation date: 4/28/10
Number of species: 60

Canada Goose 6
Mute Swan 4
Mallard 10
Pied-billed Grebe 1
Double-crested Cormorant 250
Great Blue Heron 2
Great Egret 6
Snowy Egret 2
Cattle Egret 1
Turkey Vulture 10
Osprey 7
Bald Eagle 3
Merlin 1
Killdeer 2
Spotted Sandpiper 1
Lesser Yellowlegs 1
Least Sandpiper 15
Laughing Gull 30
Herring Gull 10
Great Black-backed Gull 12
Forster's Tern 8
Rock Pigeon 10
Mourning Dove 5
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1
Eastern Kingbird 2
White-eyed Vireo 1
Blue-headed Vireo 1
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 2
Fish Crow 6
Horned Lark 1
Purple Martin 12
Tree Swallow 6
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1
Barn Swallow 150
Carolina Chickadee 5
Tufted Titmouse 1
Carolina Wren 6
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1
Hermit Thrush 1
American Robin 20
European Starling 10
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 4
Black-and-white Warbler 2
Common Yellowthroat 5
Eastern Towhee 1
Chipping Sparrow 3
Field Sparrow 2
Savannah Sparrow 4
Song Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 30
Northern Cardinal 6
Indigo Bunting 1
Red-winged Blackbird 20
Common Grackle 35
Brown-headed Cowbird 4
House Finch 1
American Goldfinch 10

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

Hidden Corners of Belleplain - Tuesday, April 27 2010

Dave Lord et. al. report:

"Participants for Tuesday Morning's "Hidden Corners of Belleplain" didn't know which way to look, or listen, such was the amount of birds we had, many of which were life birds. We had a Three-Vireo-Show at the Triangle, with White-Eyed, Yellow-Throated and Blue Headed Vireo seen, and when we turned around, we got a wonderful treat in the shape of a Worm-Eating Warbler, belting his heart out. We also got a yellow show as well, as Pine, Yellow-Throated, Prairie, and Prothonatary Warblers gave us decent looks, to the amazement of all. But most enjoyable of all was connecting with the sounds around us, as birds sang and we listened to what they had to say."

Location: Belleplain State Forest
Observation date: 4/27/10
Notes: CMBO's Hidden Corners of Belleplain. Janet Crawford, Bert Hixon, Dave Lord
Number of species: 38

Mallard 1
Wild Turkey 6
Turkey Vulture 4
Herring Gull 8
Mourning Dove 16
Downy Woodpecker 2 Heard
Eastern Phoebe 1
White-eyed Vireo 9
Yellow-throated Vireo 1 Seen at triangle, where it proceed to sing later
Blue-headed Vireo 2 One singing on Tom Field, one seen at Triangle
Blue Jay 5
crow sp. 7
Tree Swallow 1
Carolina Chickadee 8
Tufted Titmouse 14 Building in Wood Duck Nest box
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 11
Gray Catbird 1
Northern Mockingbird 3
Brown Thrasher 4
Yellow-rumped Warbler 15
Yellow-throated Warbler 5
Pine Warbler 9
Prairie Warbler 4
Black-and-white Warbler 7
Prothonotary Warbler 1
Worm-eating Warbler 3
Ovenbird 25
Louisiana Waterthrush 2
Common Yellowthroat 1
Hooded Warbler 1
Eastern Towhee 6
Chipping Sparrow 17
Field Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 4
Northern Cardinal 6
Common Grackle 16
American Goldfinch 4

South Cape May Meadows - Monday, April 26 2010

Karl Lukens et. al. report:

Location: South Cape May Meadows
Observation date: 4/26/10
Notes: CMBO Trip-PD,KL,CS,SW,TP,DL,+10.Misty,52,E7.
Number of species: 65

Canada Goose 6
Mute Swan 5
Wood Duck 5
Gadwall 8
Mallard 6
Blue-winged Teal 2
Green-winged Teal 2
Red-throated Loon 3
Common Loon 7
Northern Gannet 8
Double-crested Cormorant 75
Great Blue Heron 4
Great Egret 2
Snowy Egret 4
Little Blue Heron 1
Green Heron 3
Glossy Ibis 3
Turkey Vulture 2
Osprey 2
Merlin 1
Peregrine Falcon 1
Black-bellied Plover 2
Piping Plover 4
Killdeer 6
American Oystercatcher 9
Solitary Sandpiper 1 heard
Greater Yellowlegs 4
Willet 50
Whimbrel 6
Sanderling 11
Least Sandpiper 70
Short-billed Dowitcher 1
Wilson's Snipe 6
Laughing Gull 50
Ring-billed Gull 4
Herring Gull 8
Great Black-backed Gull 4
Forster's Tern 15
Rock Pigeon 2
Mourning Dove 6
Chimney Swift 4
Belted Kingfisher 1
Northern Flicker 1
White-eyed Vireo 1 heard
Red-eyed Vireo 1 KL on way to the meadows.
American Crow 5
Fish Crow 5
Purple Martin 3
Tree Swallow 1
Barn Swallow 5
Carolina Wren 2
American Robin 6
Northern Mockingbird 2
European Starling 5
Yellow Warbler 2 heard
Yellow-rumped Warbler 5
Common Yellowthroat 8 /p
Savannah Sparrow 10
White-throated Sparrow 1 heard
Northern Cardinal 4
Red-winged Blackbird 10
Common Grackle 6
Brown-headed Cowbird 2
American Goldfinch 1
House Sparrow 5

Higbee Beach Fallout - Monday, April 26 2010

Note an official CMBO field trip, but of interest. Notable birds or counts are bolded. The highest concentrations of birds were in oak groves along New England Road.

Location: Higbee Beach
Observation date: 4/26/10
Notes: With Dave La Puma. 2.5 miles, 2 hours 45 minutes. Fallout. Fog, 60's, wind light northwest. Moderate to heavy migration over Delmarva terminating in south jersey on radar; 2 lows spinning over NJ pushing south, preventing birds from moving north (we think).

Number of species: 85

Canada Goose 15
Wood Duck 2
American Black Duck 2
Mallard 8
Green-winged Teal 8
dark-winged scoter sp. 20
Red-throated Loon 10
Double-crested Cormorant 20
Great Blue Heron 10
Great Egret 1
Green Heron 1
Black-crowned Night-Heron 4
Turkey Vulture 1
Osprey 2
American Kestrel 1
Merlin 2
Killdeer 2
American Oystercatcher 4
Spotted Sandpiper 2
Greater Yellowlegs 10
Willet 15
Least Sandpiper 1
peep sp. 10
Laughing Gull X
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull X
Forster's Tern 15
Rock Pigeon 4
Mourning Dove 15
Red-bellied Woodpecker 4
Downy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 5
Eastern Kingbird 10
White-eyed Vireo 10
Blue-headed Vireo 8
Red-eyed Vireo 5
Blue Jay 10
American Crow X
Fish Crow X
Tree Swallow X
Barn Swallow 10
Carolina Chickadee 6
Tufted Titmouse 8
Carolina Wren 3
House Wren 10
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 10
Hermit Thrush 10
American Robin 15
Gray Catbird 5
Northern Mockingbird 8
Brown Thrasher 15
European Starling X
Nashville Warbler 1
Northern Parula 6
Yellow Warbler 5
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 250
Black-throated Green Warbler 2
Prairie Warbler 5
Palm Warbler 50
Black-and-white Warbler 12
Worm-eating Warbler 5
Ovenbird 10
Northern Waterthrush 3
Louisiana Waterthrush 1
Common Yellowthroat 8
Hooded Warbler 1
Summer Tanager 1
Eastern Towhee 10
Chipping Sparrow 5
Field Sparrow 10
Savannah Sparrow 100
Song Sparrow X
Swamp Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 150
Northern Cardinal X
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1
Blue Grosbeak 1
Indigo Bunting 8
Bobolink 1
Hidden Valley @ New England, singing
Red-winged Blackbird X
Common Grackle X
Brown-headed Cowbird X
Orchard Oriole 5
House Finch 5
American Goldfinch X
House Sparrow X

Villas WMA - Sunday, April 25 2010

Kathy Horn et. al. report:
Location: Villas WMA
Observation date: 4/25/10
Notes: A mixed feeding flock afforded good looks at a singing prairie warbler, palm and black & white warblers, and blue-gray gnatcatcher. A pond on the west side held bullfrogs, impressive both for their size and (visibly) full-bodied voices. K&R Horn, J Crawford, MJ & C Slugg.
Number of species: 44
Canada Goose 8
Mallard 3
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Great Blue Heron 1
American Kestrel 1
Laughing Gull 20
Herring Gull 3
Rock Pigeon 2
Mourning Dove 5
Red-bellied Woodpecker 5
Downy Woodpecker 4
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 3
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 12
Fish Crow 20
Tree Swallow 2
Carolina Chickadee 4
Tufted Titmouse 9
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 5
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 5
Eastern Bluebird 3
American Robin 28
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 32
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 5
Pine Warbler 1
Prairie Warbler 1
Palm Warbler 1
Palm Warbler (Yellow) 1
Black-and-white Warbler 1
Chipping Sparrow 9
Field Sparrow 2
Savannah Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 3
White-throated Sparrow 5
Northern Cardinal 7
Red-winged Blackbird 14
Common Grackle 28
Brown-headed Cowbird 8
House Finch 2
American Goldfinch 2
House Sparrow 3

Intro to Bird Song - Villas WMA and Jake's Landing - Saturday, April 24, 2010

Location: Villas WMA
Observation date: 4/24/10
Notes: CMBO Backyard Bird Sound Workshop. D. Freiday, M. Garland leaders. clear, sunny, 60's, west wind at 5-15.
Number of species: 46
Canada Goose 6
Mallard 4
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Green Heron 1
Black Vulture 2
Turkey Vulture 10
Osprey 4
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
American Kestrel 1
Greater Yellowlegs 1
Laughing Gull 100
Herring Gull 4
Mourning Dove 10
Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
Downy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 2
Blue Jay 5
American Crow 10
Fish Crow 10
Purple Martin 10
Tree Swallow 10
Barn Swallow 5
Carolina Chickadee 5
Tufted Titmouse 8
Carolina Wren 5
House Wren 3
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1
Hermit Thrush 1
American Robin 10
European Starling 15
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 50
Pine Warbler 5
Palm Warbler (Yellow) 8
Chipping Sparrow 15
Song Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow 10
Northern Cardinal 5
Red-winged Blackbird 10
Common Grackle 15
Brown-headed Cowbird 20
House Finch 8
American Goldfinch 5
House Sparrow 10

Location: Jake's Landing
Observation date: 4/24/10
Notes: CMBO Backyard Bird Sound Workshop. D. Freiday, M. Garland leaders. Cloudy, fairly calm, ~70.
Number of species: 40
Canada Goose 2
American Black Duck 4
Double-crested Cormorant 8
Great Blue Heron 1
Great Egret 2
Snowy Egret 2
Glossy Ibis 20
Black Vulture 2
Turkey Vulture 10
Osprey 6
Bald Eagle 1
Northern Harrier 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Clapper Rail 10
Greater Yellowlegs 2
Willet (Eastern) 5
Laughing Gull 50
Herring Gull 10
Great Black-backed Gull 2
Forster's Tern 10
Mourning Dove 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 2
White-eyed Vireo 1
Purple Martin 2
Tree Swallow 5
Barn Swallow 2
Tufted Titmouse 4
Golden-crowned Kinglet 1
Brown Thrasher 2
Northern Parula 1 leader heard only
Yellow-throated Warbler 1
Pine Warbler 4
Prairie Warbler 2
Ovenbird 4
Chipping Sparrow 3
White-throated Sparrow 10
Northern Cardinal 4
Red-winged Blackbird 10
Common Grackle 4

Bird Walk for All People - Cape May Point - Saturday, April 24, 2010

Kathy Horn et. al. report:

Location: Cape May Point SP
Observation date: 4/24/10
Notes: Good opportunity for swallow study with perched, calling rough-winged swallows and mixed barn, tree and rough-wingeds over the plover pond.
Number of species: 41
Canada Goose 18
Mute Swan 10
Mallard 20
Red-throated Loon 3
Common Loon 1
Northern Gannet 23
Double-crested Cormorant 28
Great Egret 4
Black Vulture 3
Turkey Vulture 6
Piping Plover 1
Killdeer 3
American Oystercatcher 2
Pectoral Sandpiper 2
Laughing Gull 20
Herring Gull 9
Great Black-backed Gull 5
Forster's Tern 7
Rock Pigeon 7
Mourning Dove 5
Great Horned Owl 1
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 4
Fish Crow 7
Purple Martin 9
Tree Swallow 4
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 13
Barn Swallow 6
Carolina Chickadee 4
Tufted Titmouse 1
Carolina Wren 4
American Robin 15
European Starling 28
Common Yellowthroat 3
White-throated Sparrow 3
Northern Cardinal 7
Red-winged Blackbird 35
Common Grackle 11
Brown-headed Cowbird 3
House Finch 2
American Goldfinch 5
K&R Horn, K Lukens

Cruising for Loons - Saturday, April 24 2010

Dave Lord Reports:

"A beautiful day greeted those who took part in CMBO's Cruising for Loons trip aboard the Osprey. We found six Common Loons in their breeding finery, one even popping up right next to the boat, and loons without their breeding plumage, but impressive none-the-less. More impressive was the adult male Harlequin Duck that showed up, yet again, at Two Mile, a life bird for some, admired by all. Also admired were the two Tri-Colored Herons, the spotchy black coats of the Dunlin and the Black-bellied Plovers, and the many Egrets hanging around the rookery."

Location: Cape May County Back Bay
Observation date: 4/24/10
Notes: CMBO'S Crusing for Loons on the Osprey. Dave Githens, Janet Crawford, Tom Parsons, Judy Lukens, Dave Lord.
Number of species: 23
Brant 345
American Black Duck 2
Mallard 2
Harlequin Duck 1
Common Loon 8 6 Breeding plumes, 2 non-breeding plumes
Double-crested Cormorant 45
Great Egret 42
Snowy Egret 23
Tricolored Heron 2
Osprey 6
Black-bellied Plover 11
American Oystercatcher 8
Willet 16
Ruddy Turnstone 1
Dunlin 225
Short-billed Dowitcher 1 One in the midst of the dunlin
Laughing Gull 315
Herring Gull 14
Forster's Tern 32
Mourning Dove 1
Fish Crow 14
Red-winged Blackbird 16
Boat-tailed Grackle 10

Spring Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, April 24 2010

[Solitary Sandpiper, Beanery today. Photo by Karl Lukens.]

Karl Lukens et. al. report:

"CMBO Spring Migrants at the Rea Farm walk. Warblers still not back in but should be here soon. Several breeding plumage Yellow-rumped warblers were nice to see. Raptors included Red-tailed and Broad-winged Hawks, several American Kestrels, Ospreys, and Adult and immature Bald Eagles. A Wilson's Snipe and Solitary Sandpiper provided good scope views. The highlight was an American Bittern near the flooded railroad tracks that flushed and flew right over head. - Karl (Kathy, Roger)"

Location: The Beanery
Observation date: 4/24/10
Notes: CMBO Trip-KL,K&RH,+6.Clr,50's,E8.
Number of species: 46
Canada Goose 6
Mute Swan 1
Mallard 5
Common Loon 1
Double-crested Cormorant 25
American Bittern 1
Great Egret 1
Black Vulture 3
Turkey Vulture 6
Osprey 3
Bald Eagle 2
Broad-winged Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
American Kestrel 3
Killdeer 7
Solitary Sandpiper 1 /p
Wilson's Snipe 1
Laughing Gull 15
Herring Gull 1
Forster's Tern 1
Rock Pigeon 2
Mourning Dove 10
Chimney Swift 6
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 1
American Crow 4
Tree Swallow 1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2
Barn Swallow 5
Carolina Chickadee 1
Tufted Titmouse 3
Carolina Wren 5
American Robin 10
Northern Mockingbird 2
European Starling 10
Yellow-rumped Warbler 3
Common Yellowthroat 6
Savannah Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 1 heard
Northern Cardinal 6
Red-winged Blackbird 10
Common Grackle 10
Brown-headed Cowbird 10
American Goldfinch 3

Higbee Beach - Friday, April 23, 2010

Location: Higbee Beach
Observation date: 4/23/10
Notes: CMBO Higbee Walk. NW 10, clear, 50's-60's (night and day). D. Freiday, S. Weiss, K. Lukens, C. Slugg, D. La Puma, W. Cairo
Number of species: 44

Canada Goose 1
Mallard 1
Black Scoter 20
Red-throated Loon 1
Common Loon 1
Northern Gannet 10
Double-crested Cormorant 2
Black Vulture 1
Turkey Vulture 3
Greater Yellowlegs 2
Willet (Eastern) 25
Whimbrel 1

Laughing Gull X
Herring Gull 1
Forster's Tern 25
Mourning Dove 10 NB
Downy Woodpecker 5
White-eyed Vireo 5
Yellow-throated Vireo 1
Blue-headed Vireo 1

Blue Jay 5
American Crow 10
Fish Crow 5
Tree Swallow 2
Carolina Chickadee 5
Tufted Titmouse 5
Carolina Wren 3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 6
Gray Catbird 2
Brown Thrasher 2
Yellow-rumped Warbler 4
Prairie Warbler 2Common Yellowthroat 4
Hooded Warbler 1
Eastern Towhee 4
Chipping Sparrow 2
Field Sparrow 4
White-throated Sparrow 10
Northern Cardinal 6
Indigo Bunting 1
Red-winged Blackbird 5
Common Grackle 10
Brown-headed Cowbird 10
American Goldfinch 12

Heislerville - Thursday, April 22 2010

Janet Crawford reports:

Location: Heislerville WMA
Observation date: 4/22/10
Notes: CMBO walk at Heislerville - In spite of the fact that the Matt's Landing Impoundment has not been drawn down much, shorebirds were using the sandbars that are now visible. Forsters Terns were doing courting displays. We had six Heron species, including Little Blue and Tri-colored. We saw a second year and an adult Bald Eagle. Between Heislerville and Thompson's Beach we tallied 17 Osprey, one of whom was carrying nesting material, being chased by another, and one that flew by with a fish, and perched on a nearby piling to eat it. At Thompson's Beach, we also got a good look at a Northern Harrier.
Number of species: 35
Canada Goose 2
Mute Swan 1
American Black Duck 3
Lesser Scaup 1
Red-breasted Merganser 1
Great Blue Heron 1
Great Egret 12
Snowy Egret 6
Little Blue Heron 1
Tricolored Heron 1
Black-crowned Night-Heron 10
Glossy Ibis 18
Turkey Vulture 10
Osprey 3
Bald Eagle 2
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Black-bellied Plover 21
Killdeer 1
Greater Yellowlegs 32
Willet (Western) 1
Lesser Yellowlegs 35
Ruddy Turnstone 1
Semipalmated Sandpiper 1
Dunlin 250
Short-billed Dowitcher 9
Laughing Gull 15
Ring-billed Gull 4
Herring Gull 27
Great Black-backed Gull 5
Forster's Tern 39
Tree Swallow 2
Barn Swallow 3
European Starling 3
Red-winged Blackbird 23
Common Grackle 7

Location: Thompsons Beach
Observation date: 4/22/10
Notes: CMBO Heislerville walk
Number of species: 21
Canada Goose 4
American Black Duck 6
Mallard 4
Green-winged Teal 25
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Great Egret 1
Snowy Egret 6
Osprey 14
Northern Harrier 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Clapper Rail 10
Laughing Gull 3
Herring Gull 8
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Forster's Tern 18
Mourning Dove 3
Tree Swallow 14
Barn Swallow 9
European Starling 4
Eastern Towhee 1
Red-winged Blackbird 17

Birds of Belleplain - Thursday, April 22, 2010

Dave Lord et. al. report:

"Despite the absence of the sun which the weatherman promised, Belleplain had some good looks of good birds. The Prairie Warblers of Vine Street were very showy, giving us rewarding looks. However these particular birds also gave us a lesson in the variabilty of bird song, giving a number of minor changes to their song. A Yellow-Throated Warbler impressed some of our northern participants, while a Prothonatary sang teasingly at the Beaver Dam on Tom Field."

[Note - Wood Thrush also arrived at Vine Street - DF]

Location: Belleplain State Forest
Observation date: 4/22/10
Notes: CMBO's Birds of Belleplain Thursday Trip. Jim Armstrong, Bert Hixon, Karl Lukens and Dave Lord.
Number of species: 45

Canada Goose 6
Wild Turkey 1
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Great Blue Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 4
Osprey 1
Broad-winged Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Killdeer 2
Greater Yellowlegs 1 Heard
Ring-billed Gull 8
Herring Gull 2
Mourning Dove 9
Red-bellied Woodpecker 3 Heard
Downy Woodpecker 3 Heard
Northern Flicker 1 Heard
Eastern Phoebe 2
White-eyed Vireo 3
Blue Jay 8
American Crow X
Fish Crow X
Carolina Chickadee 15
Tufted Titmouse 23
Carolina Wren 4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 5
American Robin 11
Northern Mockingbird 1
Brown Thrasher 2
Yellow-throated Warbler 6
Pine Warbler 4
Prairie Warbler 4
Black-and-white Warbler 7
Prothonotary Warbler 1
Worm-eating Warbler 2
Ovenbird 12
Louisiana Waterthrush 4
Common Yellowthroat 2
Eastern Towhee 4
Chipping Sparrow 8
Field Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 6
Northern Cardinal 10
Red-winged Blackbird 6
Brown-headed Cowbird 10
American Goldfinch 5

Peaslee's WMA - April 21, 2010

Dave Lord et. al. report:

"Peaslee's WMA walk enjoyed a beautiful look at a Prothonotary Warbler, at the intersection of Dam Rd. and Rt 49., with two others singing in the background. From there we headed to First Avenue, where another Louisiana Waterthrush proved co-operative, and a Blue-Headed Vireo gave a few short sections of it's song. Back in Belleplain, a nice Worm-Eating Warbler showed himself at the Triangle, showing just how much justice is not done to these birds in field guides. Beautiful birds, beautiful day."

Location: Peaslee WMA-Head of River
Observation date: 4/21/10
Number of species: 9

Wood Duck 1
Mourning Dove 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Northern Parula 3
Yellow-throated Warbler 3
Pine Warbler 2
Black-and-white Warbler 2
Prothonotary Warbler 3 FOS
Common Yellowthroat 6

Location: Peaslee's-First Avenue
Observation date: 4/21/10
Number of species: 14

Downy Woodpecker 2
White-eyed Vireo 3
Blue-headed Vireo 1 Heard
Carolina Chickadee 1
Tufted Titmouse 3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 6 Heard
Northern Parula 2 Heard
Yellow-throated Warbler 1
Pine Warbler 2
Black-and-white Warbler 2
Ovenbird 5
Louisiana Waterthrush 1
Eastern Towhee 4
White-throated Sparrow 2

Location: Belleplain State Forest
Observation date: 4/21/10
Number of species: 23

Mourning Dove 4
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Eastern Phoebe 2
White-eyed Vireo 5
Blue Jay 6
American Crow 3
Fish Crow 4
Carolina Chickadee 3
Carolina Wren 2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 15
American Robin 8
Yellow-throated Warbler 17
Pine Warbler 8
Prairie Warbler 4
Black-and-white Warbler 22
Worm-eating Warbler 2 FOS; SEEN AT TRIANGLE
Ovenbird 5
Eastern Towhee 4 Heard
Chipping Sparrow 7
Field Sparrow 1 Heard
White-throated Sparrow 3 Heard
Northern Cardinal 6
American Goldfinch 5 Heard

Cape May Point - Wednesday, April 21 2010

A sunny start later turned to cloud, but not before we had enjoyed a pleasant two-hour walk and a nice range of birds. The last of the wintering ducks had packed up and moved out, leaving some very empty-looking ponds, but this was more than made up for with the singing male Common Yellowthroats, one of which gave superb scope views for us all. A couple of American Coots and some busy Forster's Terns, plus two Great Egrets and a Snowy Egret at least meant we had birds to enjoy out on the water. Double-crested Cormorant migration was well under way and at least eight Willets passed high overhead in ones and twos.

Offshore, Northern Gannets were attracted in close to feed around a large school of Bottle-nosed Dolphins and a scattering of Red-throated Loons and fly-by Black and Surf Scoters gave us plenty to look at.

Common Yellowthroat singing at Cape May Point State Park this morning [photo by Karl Lukens]

The full bird list follows:

Location: Cape Island--Cape May Pt.
Observation date: 4/21/10
Number of species: 53

Canada Goose 6
Mute Swan 7
Gadwall 2
Mallard 8
Surf Scoter 20
Black Scoter 25
Red-throated Loon 10
Common Loon 1
Northern Gannet 100
Double-crested Cormorant 120
Great Blue Heron 1
Great Egret 2
Snowy Egret 1
Turkey Vulture 1
Osprey 2
Merlin 1
American Coot 2
Piping Plover 1
Killdeer 2
American Oystercatcher 2
Willet 8
Pectoral Sandpiper 1
Bonaparte's Gull 1
Laughing Gull 20
Herring Gull 15
Great Black-backed Gull 10
Forster's Tern 4
Rock Pigeon 12
Mourning Dove 4
Great Horned Owl 1
Blue Jay 1
American Crow 2
Fish Crow 8
Purple Martin 12
Tree Swallow 3
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2
Barn Swallow 2
Carolina Chickadee 5
Carolina Wren 6
American Robin 10
Northern Mockingbird 2
Brown Thrasher 1
European Starling 4
Pine Warbler 1
Common Yellowthroat 5
Song Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow 1
Northern Cardinal 3
Red-winged Blackbird 30
Common Grackle 40
Brown-headed Cowbird 4
American Goldfinch 2
House Sparrow 1
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)

Hidden Corners of Belleplain - Tuesday, April 20 2010

Dave Lord et. al. report:

"Today's walk had everything fall in its favor, including great participants, great birds, and beautiful weather. 8 species of warbler were seen, and many were lifers for the particpants. An Ovenbird was seen through a scope (!), two Pine Warblers did an aggression display right in front of the group, and Prairie Warblers are now back at Vine Street, with up to 8 scoping out potential territories."

Location: Belleplain State Forest
Observation date: 4/20/10
Notes: Hidden Corners of Belleplain. Karen Johnson, Janet Crawford, and Dave Lord, Bert Hixon.
Number of species: 42

Canada Goose 3
Wild Turkey 1
Double-crested Cormorant 80 fly-by
Black Vulture 16 kettling over vine street
Turkey Vulture 10
Osprey 1 Flyby at New Bridge Road
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Laughing Gull 7 Heard
Ring-billed Gull 15
Mourning Dove 6
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 1
Eastern Phoebe 5
White-eyed Vireo 2
Blue Jay 8
American Crow 10
Fish Crow 9
Tree Swallow 1
Carolina Chickadee 15
Tufted Titmouse 23
White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Heard at entrance to nummy's lake
Carolina Wren 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 9
American Robin 16
Brown Thrasher 2
Yellow-throated Warbler 8
Pine Warbler 10
Prairie Warbler 6 Back at Vine St.; don't sit still long
Palm Warbler (Yellow) 1
Black-and-white Warbler 6
Ovenbird 3 Seen through scope!
Louisiana Waterthrush 1 Heard
Common Yellowthroat 1
Eastern Towhee 4 Heard
Chipping Sparrow 14
Field Sparrow 3
White-throated Sparrow 2
Northern Cardinal 4
Red-winged Blackbird 65
Common Grackle 14
American Goldfinch 11

Cape May Meadows - Monday, April 19 2010

Location: South Cape May Meadows
Observation date: 4/19/10
Notes: CMBO Monday Meadows walk. D. Freiday, C&MJ Slugg, K Lukens, S. Weis, D. Lord, M&L Breslow, W. Cairo, T. Parsons. clear, 50's, wind nw 8-15, tide 2 hours past low.
Number of species: 53

Canada Goose 25
Mute Swan 10
Gadwall 8
American Black Duck 2
Mallard 10
Blue-winged Teal 6
Green-winged Teal 15
dark-winged scoter sp. 25
Red-throated Loon 50
Common Loon 5
Northern Gannet 300
Double-crested Cormorant 200
Great Blue Heron 2
Great Egret 3
Snowy Egret 1
Glossy Ibis 10
Black Vulture 5
Turkey Vulture 20
Osprey 8
Bald Eagle 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
American Kestrel 1
Black-bellied Plover 4
Piping Plover 6
Killdeer 6
American Oystercatcher 4
Greater Yellowlegs 3
Laughing Gull 50
Herring Gull 25
Great Black-backed Gull 10
Forster's Tern 20
Mourning Dove 5
Chimney Swift 1
White-eyed Vireo 2
Blue Jay 1
American Crow 10
Fish Crow 20
Purple Martin 2
Tree Swallow 5
Barn Swallow 5
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 10
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 2
Common Yellowthroat 5
Savannah Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 8
Northern Cardinal 5
Red-winged Blackbird 20
Common Grackle 10
Boat-tailed Grackle 1
Brown-headed Cowbird 25
House Finch 2
House Sparrow 5

Maurice River Bald Eagle Cruises - April 17 & 18, 2010

Dave Lord reports:

"The last weekend of the Bald Eagle Cruises on the Maurice River aboard the Osprey went out with a bang. The final trip proved very interesting, with a higher diversity of waterfowl than when we started, and 11 Bald Eagles, all adults playing with the breeze on that rather windy day. 8 + Ruddy Ducks were seen post trip on Sunday, and Opsrey numbers still continue to impress, even until the bitter end."

Location: Maurice River Eagle Survey
Observation date: 4/17/10
Notes: CMBO Bald Eagle Cruises on the Maurice River
Number of species: 20

Canada Goose 19
Double-crested Cormorant 26
Turkey Vulture 23
Osprey 43
Bald Eagle 5
Cooper's Hawk 2
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Greater Yellowlegs 7
Laughing Gull 24
Herring Gull 6
Mourning Dove 3
Belted Kingfisher 2
Downy Woodpecker 1
Eastern Phoebe 2 Seen along the Bluff's Prserve
Blue Jay 3
Purple Martin 6 Seen at Galetto's dock
Tree Swallow 15
Barn Swallow 2
Song Sparrow 1 Heard at dock
Red-winged Blackbird 16


Location: Maurice River Eagle Survey
Observation date: 4/18/10
Notes: CMBO'S Maurice River Trips for Bald Eagles on the Osprey
Number of species: 23

Canada Goose 16
Northern Shoveler 3
Green-winged Teal 2
Ruddy Duck 9
Double-crested Cormorant 19
Great Blue Heron 1
Glossy Ibis 13
Turkey Vulture 6
Osprey 40
Bald Eagle 11
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Killdeer 1
Greater Yellowlegs 5
Herring Gull 6
Belted Kingfisher 1
Purple Martin 1
Tree Swallow 6
Carolina Chickadee 1
American Robin 3
Song Sparrow 2 Heard
Red-winged Blackbird 14
Boat-tailed Grackle 6

Villas WMA - Sunday, April 18 2010

Kathy Horn et. al. report:

"Despite the blustery wind, it was a pleasant surprise to see a pair of wood ducks fly into trees in the parking lot at Villas WMA this morning. - Kathy"

Location: Villas WMA
Observation date: 4/18/10
Notes: 40s & gusty winds, partly cloudy
Number of species: 40

Canada Goose 25
Wood Duck 2
Mallard 6
Double-crested Cormorant 30
Great Egret 3
Turkey Vulture 2
Osprey 1
Bald Eagle 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Laughing Gull 12
Herring Gull 6
Mourning Dove 7
Red-bellied Woodpecker 4
Downy Woodpecker 3
Northern Flicker 3
Blue Jay 3
American Crow 7
Fish Crow 3
Tree Swallow 7
Carolina Chickadee 4
Tufted Titmouse 9
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Carolina Wren 4
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
Eastern Bluebird 5
American Robin 30
Northern Mockingbird 3
European Starling 25
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 12
Pine Warbler 2
Chipping Sparrow 10
Field Sparrow 2
Song Sparrow 5
White-throated Sparrow 6
Northern Cardinal 5
Red-winged Blackbird 12
Common Grackle 3
Brown-headed Cowbird 5
American Goldfinch 2
House Sparrow 5

Bird Walk for All People - Cape May Point State Park - Saturday, April 17 2010

Chuck and MJ Slugg report:

Location: Cape May Point SP
Observation date: 4/17/10
Notes: Gusting winds seemed to keep birds hidden.
Number of species: 46

Canada Goose 12
Mute Swan 6
Gadwall 2
Mallard 10
Blue-winged Teal 4
Surf Scoter 6
Northern Gannet 10
Double-crested Cormorant 50
Great Blue Heron 1
Great Egret 1
Snowy Egret 3
Black Vulture 3
Turkey Vulture 20
Osprey 9
Bald Eagle 1
Northern Harrier 2
Red-tailed Hawk 1
American Kestrel 1
Peregrine Falcon 1
American Coot 2
Piping Plover 2
American Oystercatcher 2
Laughing Gull 10
Herring Gull 15
Great Black-backed Gull 6
Forster's Tern 15
Rock Pigeon 6
Mourning Dove 2
Great Horned Owl 1
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 6
Fish Crow 8
Purple Martin 20
Tree Swallow 30
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 15
Barn Swallow 15
Carolina Chickadee 1
Carolina Wren 2
American Robin 15
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 30
Song Sparrow 2
Northern Cardinal 2
Red-winged Blackbird 10
Common Grackle 30
House Sparrow 1

Spring Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, April 17 2010

Karl Lukens et. al. report:

"CMBO Spring Migrants at the Rea Farm - Beanery. Not a lot of birds around but by the end of the walk a nice variety. A fly-over Cattle Egret was interesting as was a Cooper's Hawk dueling with an American Crow. A Chimney Swift with a couple Tree and Barn Swallows was also a nice bird. - Karl (Warren, Chuck, Kathy, Roger"

Location: The Beanery
Observation date: 4/17/10
Notes: CMBO Trip-KL,CS,K&RH,WC,+3.Cldy,55,WNW12.
Number of species: 44

Canada Goose 20
Mallard 8
Common Loon 3
Double-crested Cormorant 50
Great Egret 2
Cattle Egret 1
Black Vulture 3
Turkey Vulture 6
Osprey 4
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Greater Yellowlegs 1 /h
Laughing Gull 25
Herring Gull 3
Great Black-backed Gull 2
Forster's Tern 3
Rock Pigeon 2
Mourning Dove 3
Chimney Swift 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 /h
Downy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 1 /h
White-eyed Vireo 1
Blue Jay 3
American Crow 10
Fish Crow 3
Purple Martin 1
Tree Swallow 4
Barn Swallow 6
Carolina Chickadee 1
Tufted Titmouse 4
Carolina Wren 4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 3
American Robin 5
Gray Catbird 1
Northern Mockingbird 3
European Starling 10
Yellow-rumped Warbler 4
White-throated Sparrow 5
Northern Cardinal 8
Red-winged Blackbird 10
Common Grackle 10
Brown-headed Cowbird 8
American Goldfinch 10

Higbee Beach - Friday, April 16 2010

Location: Higbee Beach
Observation date: 4/16/10
Notes: CMBO Higbee Walk. D. Freiday, W. Cairo, J. Crawford, K. Horn, K.Lukens, D. La Puma, D. Lord, C. Slugg. Partly cloudy, occ. sprinkles and thunder, 60's.
Number of species: 44

Canada Goose 10
Mallard 2
Common Loon 17
Double-crested Cormorant 200
Glossy Ibis 16
Bald Eagle 1 adult
Red-tailed Hawk 1 adult
Greater Yellowlegs 3
Laughing Gull 15
Herring Gull 2
Mourning Dove 5
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 4
Northern Flicker 2
White-eyed Vireo 3
Yellow-throated Vireo 1
Blue-headed Vireo 1

Blue Jay 10
American Crow 10
Fish Crow 20
Barn Swallow 3
Carolina Chickadee 4
Tufted Titmouse 6
Carolina Wren 6 clicked, way down from last year
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 14 actual count
Hermit Thrush 4
American Robin 10
Gray Catbird 4
Northern Mockingbird 2
Brown Thrasher 8 actual count
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 10
Pine Warbler 1
Palm Warbler 1
Common Yellowthroat 3
Eastern Towhee 4
Field Sparrow 4
White-throated Sparrow 20
Northern Cardinal 8
Red-winged Blackbird 25
Common Grackle 15
Brown-headed Cowbird 10
House Finch 2
American Goldfinch 10

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

Heislerville - Thursday, April 15 2010

Warren Cairo reports:

"The water in the impoundments is still very high with very few exposed mud flats.
Leaders: Gail Dwyer, Warren Cairo."

Location: Heislerville WMA
Observation date: 4/15/10
Notes: Weather: Sunny & Breezy with Temperatures in the high 50's
Number of species: 41

Canada Goose 20
Mute Swan 2
American Black Duck 18
Mallard 4
Green-winged Teal 8
Black Scoter 1
Bufflehead 8
Double-crested Cormorant 16
Great Blue Heron 5
Great Egret 2
Snowy Egret 6
Black-crowned Night-Heron 14
Glossy Ibis 10
Turkey Vulture 8
Osprey 12
Bald Eagle 2
Peregrine Falcon 1
Clapper Rail 1 Heard at Thompson beach
Black-bellied Plover 4
Killdeer 1
Greater Yellowlegs 12
Lesser Yellowlegs 5
Semipalmated Sandpiper 1
Dunlin 20 Some are beginning to get their black bellies.
Laughing Gull 10
Herring Gull 20
Great Black-backed Gull 6
Forster's Tern 8
Mourning Dove 3
Belted Kingfisher 1
American Crow 5
Fish Crow 2
Tree Swallow 15
American Robin 3
European Starling 2
Pine Warbler 1 Heard
Savannah Sparrow 2
Northern Cardinal 2
Red-winged Blackbird 12
Boat-tailed Grackle 16
Brown-headed Cowbird 1

Belleplain - Thursday, April 15 2010

Dave Lord reports:

"Thursday morning's Belleplain Walk enjoyed the usual early returners while everyone silently anticipated someone new. Several Yelow-Throated Warblers made themselves conspicuous, to the delight of all, as did a Louisiana Waterthrush at the Beaver Dam along Tom Field Road, which everyone in the group got on. Wood Ducks and a Common Yellowthroat livened up Hands Mills Pond, while Eastern Bluebirds and a Wild Turkey were present at the Boy Scout Camp."

Location: Belleplain State Forest
Observation date: 4/15/10
Notes: CMBO'S Birds of Belleplain. Jim Armstrong, Bert Hixon, Karen Johnson, Karl Lukens, Tom Parsons, David Lord +5.
Number of species: 40

Canada Goose 7
Wood Duck 2 Hands Mill Pond, left hand corner.
American Black Duck 1
Hooded Merganser 3 Hands Mill
Wild Turkey 4
Black Vulture 1 Boy Scout Camp
Turkey Vulture 3
Osprey 3
Red-tailed Hawk 1 Post Walk
Ring-billed Gull 9
Herring Gull 3
Red-bellied Woodpecker 5 Heard
Downy Woodpecker 2 Heard
Northern Flicker 2 Heard
Eastern Phoebe 6
Blue Jay 11
American Crow 4
Fish Crow 5
Tree Swallow 3
Carolina Chickadee 12
Tufted Titmouse 16
White-breasted Nuthatch 2 Heard
Carolina Wren 2 Heard
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 16 All heard
Eastern Bluebird 1 Boy Scout Camp
American Robin 19
Brown Thrasher 5 Singing
Yellow-rumped Warbler 1 Heard singing
Yellow-throated Warbler 10
Pine Warbler 13
Black-and-white Warbler 2
Louisiana Waterthrush 3 Good looks at protho spot
Common Yellowthroat 1 Hands Mill
Eastern Towhee 8
Chipping Sparrow 12
White-throated Sparrow 4
Northern Cardinal 9
Red-winged Blackbird 6
Boat-tailed Grackle 2
American Goldfinch 15

Nummy Island - Wednesday, April 14 2010

Warren Cairo et. al. report:

"The tide was beginning to come in but still quite low and most of the birds were a good distance away. Leaders: Gail Dwyer, Lee & Bill Smyth and Warren Cairo."

Location: Nummy Island
Observation date: 4/14/10
Notes: Weather: low 60's, Sunny with a light breeze.
Number of species: 31

Brant 300
Canada Goose 4
American Black Duck 4
Mallard 2
Common Loon 10 Most in breeding plumage
Northern Gannet 6 Distant views
Double-crested Cormorant 6
Great Egret 3
Tricolored Heron 1
Black-crowned Night-Heron 3 Avalon
Osprey 12
Peregrine Falcon 1
Clapper Rail 1 Heard
Black-bellied Plover 100
American Oystercatcher 50
Greater Yellowlegs 10
Ruddy Turnstone 8
Dunlin 1500
Short-billed Dowitcher 5
Laughing Gull 1000
Herring Gull 8
Great Black-backed Gull 6
Rock Pigeon 2
Mourning Dove 8
American Robin 2
Northern Mockingbird 2
European Starling 12
Song Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 5 Avalon
Red-winged Blackbird 25
Boat-tailed Grackle 30

Peaslee WMA - Wednesday, April 14 2010

Dave Lord et. al. report:
"Peaslee's was busy today, with a few new faces lighting up the avi-fauna scene, and beautiful weather to boot. The first Northern Parula in northern Cape May County was heard calling across Route 49, and a more co-operative one let us get good looks at him on Dam Rd. Two Northern Rough-Winged Swallows were enjoyed at Tarkiln Pond, as was our usual male Wood Duck. Karen, Janet, Dave."

Location: Peaslee WMA-Head of River
Observation date: 4/14/10

Northern Parula 2 FOS
Yellow-throated Warbler 2
Black-and-white Warbler 1
Common Yellowthroat 3

Location: Peaslees -Weatherby across from Tarkiln Pond
Observation date: 4/14/10
Number of species: 22

Canada Goose 3
Wood Duck 1
American Black Duck 2
Ring-necked Duck 7
Hooded Merganser 4
Bald Eagle 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Mourning Dove 4
Blue Jay 6
Tree Swallow 25
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2
Barn Swallow 1
Carolina Chickadee 2
Tufted Titmouse 4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 4
American Robin 14
Yellow-rumped Warbler 2
Pine Warbler 3
Chipping Sparrow 4
White-throated Sparrow 2
Northern Cardinal 2
American Goldfinch 8

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, April 14 2010

The CMBO Wednesday morning walk at the point was very interesting today, as we were clearly beyond the point of no return for winter birds! Ducks reached a new low for the year, with no sign of any wigeons (of any species!) but a nice scattering of Blue-winged Teal in their place. A goodly number of Turkey Vultures soared ever higher over the bay before heading back over our heads and at least three Ospreys fished the ponds and gave great views. A shiny-white pair of Forster's Terns graced Bunker Pond and we enjoyed wonderful close views of a nice batch of hirundines, that included Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow and Purple Martin. For a while they were also joined by a Chimney Swift which raced round within just a few yards of us. Brown Thrashers put on a magnificent show, an Eastern Towhee briefly flirted with us and a fine adult Bald Eagle circled in the distance. Six White-tailed Deer and a Muskrat ensured that we continued the now expected Wednesday morning mammal fest!


Location: Cape Island--Cape May Pt.

Observation date: 4/14/10
Number of species: 49

Canada Goose 6
Mute Swan 4
Gadwall 2
Mallard 8
Blue-winged Teal 8
Green-winged Teal 2
Black Scoter 2
dark-winged scoter sp. 10
Red-throated Loon 20
Common Loon 1
Northern Gannet 8
Double-crested Cormorant 82
Black Vulture 3
Turkey Vulture 22
Osprey 3
Bald Eagle 1
Northern Harrier 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
American Coot 2
American Oystercatcher 1
Piping Plover 1
Killdeer 1
Greater Yellowlegs 1
Laughing Gull 3
American Herring Gull 1
Forster's Tern 6
Rock Pigeon 3
Mourning Dove 10
Great Horned Owl 3
Chimney Swift 1
Belted Kingfisher 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 3
American Crow 2
Fish Crow 5
Purple Martin 8
Tree Swallow 4
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 6
Barn Swallow 2
Carolina Chickadee 1
Carolina Wren 6
American Robin 5
Northern Mockingbird 1
Brown Thrasher 4
European Starling 5
Eastern Towhee 1
Song Sparrow 3
White-throated Sparrow 2
Northern Cardinal 5
Red-winged Blackbird 20
Common Grackle 20
Brown-headed Cowbird 1
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

Bird Walk for All People - Cape May Point - Saturday, April 10 2010

Chuck and MJ Slugg et. al. report:

Location: Cape May Point SP
Observation date: 4/10/10
Notes: The Bird Walk for All People was wekk-attended. Highlights of the
walk included piping plover on the beach and a nice variety of swallows overhead
close enough to pick out field marks.
Number of species: 52

Canada Goose 8
Mute Swan 10
Gadwall 4
Eurasian Wigeon 1
American Wigeon 3
Mallard 6
Blue-winged Teal 1
Ring-necked Duck 2
Double-crested Cormorant 30
Great Blue Heron 1
Great Egret 3
Snowy Egret 3
Black Vulture 1
Turkey Vulture 45
Osprey 10
Bald Eagle 2
Red-tailed Hawk 2
American Kestrel 3
American Coot 2
Piping Plover 6
Killdeer 3
American Oystercatcher 4
Laughing Gull 6
Herring Gull 8
Great Black-backed Gull 12
Forster's Tern 4
Rock Pigeon 6
Great Horned Owl 1
Chimney Swift 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
Blue Jay 4
American Crow 12
Fish Crow 6
Purple Martin 5
Tree Swallow 6
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 3
Cliff Swallow 2
Barn Swallow 6
Carolina Chickadee 4
Tufted Titmouse 2
Carolina Wren 2
American Robin 35
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 20
Song Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow 2
Northern Cardinal 6
Red-winged Blackbird 10
Common Grackle 15
Brown-headed Cowbird 4
House Sparrow 1

The Beanery - Saturday, April 10 2010

CMBO Spring Migrants at the Rea Farm walk. Some ducks, a few raptors, and some fly-over Loons. Passerines were hard to find but a great look at a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was enjoyed by all.


Karl, Chuck, Roger, Kathy

Location: The Beanery

Observation date: 4/10/10
Notes: CMBO Trip-KL,CS,K&RH,+8.PtlySun,44,WNW15.
Number of species: 36

Canada Goose 30
Wood Duck 1
Mallard 10
Common Loon 8
Double-crested Cormorant 15
Great Blue Heron 1
Great Egret 2
Snowy Egret 2
Black Vulture 2
Turkey Vulture 8
Osprey 2
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Killdeer 3
Laughing Gull 20
Herring Gull 2
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Rock Pigeon 5
Mourning Dove 5
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 heard
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
Northern Flicker 1 heard
American Crow 3
Fish Crow 1
Tree Swallow 5
Carolina Chickadee 2
Tufted Titmouse 1 heard
Carolina Wren 4
American Robin 10
Brown Thrasher 1
European Starling 10
Yellow-rumped Warbler 20
Northern Cardinal 7
Red-winged Blackbird 15
Common Grackle 1
Brown-headed Cowbird 15
American Goldfinch 3

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

Higbee Beach - Friday, April 9 2010

Kalr Lukens et.al. report:

"CMBO Higbee Beach WMA Walk. Rainy and the birds were laying low. A little sea watching was good, lots of Gannets and what may be the "local" Bald Eagle was perched along the beach before going out to harass gannets and scoters. Some of us saw 2 Wild Turkeys across from the Hidden Valley carpark on the way to Higbee. - Karl (Chuck, Steve, Patty)"

Location: Higbee Beach
Observation date: 4/9/10
Notes: CMBO Trip-SW,KL,CS,PR,+2.Rain,52,N10.
Number of species: 31
Mallard 6
Surf Scoter 2
Black Scoter 3
Red-throated Loon 1
Northern Gannet 30
Double-crested Cormorant 2
Snowy Egret 4
Turkey Vulture 3
Laughing Gull 20
Ring-billed Gull 1
Herring Gull 5
Great Black-backed Gull 5
Rock Pigeon 1
Mourning Dove 5
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 2
Fish Crow 1
Purple Martin 1
Tree Swallow 5
Carolina Chickadee 5
Tufted Titmouse 1
Carolina Wren 4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1 heard
American Robin 15
Brown Thrasher 4
Eastern Towhee 1 heard
Field Sparrow 3
White-throated Sparrow 5
Northern Cardinal 8
Red-winged Blackbird 15 after walk
Brown-headed Cowbird 10

Belleplain State Forest - Thursday, April 8 2010

Karl Lukens et.al.report:

"CMBO Belleplain Walk. Usual suspects , Yellow-throated and Pine Warblers, Louisiana Waterthrush, and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. We did not find a Black and White Warbler although a few have been heard/seen. Bald Eagle was seen on East Creel Pond.as well as a Wood Duck.
- Karl Lukens (Jim Armstrong, Bert Hixon Patty Rourke, Tom Parsons)"

Location: Belleplain State Forest
Observation date: 4/8/10
Notes: CMBO Trip-JA,KL,TP,PR,BH,+1.Clr,65,SW8.
Number of species: 45

Canada Goose 5
Wood Duck 1
Mallard 2
Common Loon 2
Wild Turkey
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Black Vulture 3
Turkey Vulture 1
Osprey 2
Bald Eagle 1
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Killdeer 1
Laughing Gull 25
Herring Gull 1
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Rock Pigeon 3
Mourning Dove 5
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 /h
Downy Woodpecker 2
Eastern Phoebe 4
Blue Jay 8
American Crow 2
Fish Crow 5
Tree Swallow 1
Carolina Chickadee 5
Tufted Titmouse 5
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 6
Eastern Bluebird 2
American Robin 10
European Starling 5
Yellow-rumped Warbler 2
Yellow-throated Warbler 10
Pine Warbler 15
Louisiana Waterthrush 2 /h
Chipping Sparrow 5
White-throated Sparrow 1
Northern Cardinal 6
Red-winged Blackbird 1
Common Grackle 1
Brown-headed Cowbird 10
House Finch 5
American Goldfinch 5 /h
House Sparrow 1 /h

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, April 7 2010

A dedicated few put in an appearance on this beautiful sunny morning and we were all rewarded with a nice run of early April birds, with a mix of lingering winterers and spring arrivals. Five Purple Martins were showing interest in the boxes at the state park headquarters as we headed out towards Lighthouse Pond. On the pond, just four American Wigeon remained, but our one, trusty male Eurasian Wigeon was still there too and later we were pleased to add both Green-winged and Blue-winged Teals to the list. A flurry of activity in the bushes provided us with several Yellow-rumped Warblers, a male Pine Warbler, Hermit Thrush and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - all much appreciated.

Our biggest surprise of the morning was the discovery of a Great Horned Owl sitting on a shabby bunch of sticks that once was probably a Cooper's Hawk nest. The owl stuck well out on both sides and it's going to be a real squeeze once the chicks start growing!! Ospreys fished the ponds as we headed for the beach, where we watched a Piping Plover in display flight and enjoyed a constant stream of Northern Gannets cruising by. Full circle brought us back to the parking lot, via a small party of Barn, Tree and Northern Rough-winged Swallows.

Looking smarter than ever - our long-staying Eurasian Wigeon [photo by Karl Lukens]

A Great Horned Owl on the nest was a nice highlight on our morning walk today [photo by Mike Crewe]

Full list for the walk follows:

Location: Cape Island--Cape May Point
Observation date: 4/7/10
Number of species: 57

Canada Goose 6
Mute Swan 4
Gadwall 15
Eurasian Wigeon 1
American Wigeon 4
Mallard 10
Blue-winged Teal 2
Green-winged Teal 2
Surf Scoter 20
Black Scoter 20
Red-throated Loon 3
Common Loon 5
Double-crested Cormorant 80
Northern Gannet 150
Great Blue Heron 1
Great Egret 2
Turkey Vulture 1
Osprey 2
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Merlin 1
Peregrine Falcon 1
American Coot 3
Piping Plover 2
Killdeer 2
American Oystercatcher 2
Laughing Gull 30
American Herring Gull 2
Great Black-backed Gull 10
Forster's Tern 1
Rock Pigeon 12
Mourning Dove 6
Great Horned Owl 1
Northern Flicker 2
American Crow 4
Fish Crow 10
Purple Martin 5
Tree Swallow 2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 3
Barn Swallow 4
Carolina Chickadee 5
Carolina Wren 5
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1
Hermit Thrush 1
American Robin 10
Northern Mockingbird 2
European Starling 10
Yellow-rumped Warbler 8
Pine Warbler 1
Eastern Towhee 1
Chipping Sparrow 3
Song Sparrow 3
Northern Cardinal 10
Red-winged Blackbird 50
Common Grackle 10
Brown-headed Cowbird 30
House Finch 4
House Sparrow 2

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

Peaslee WMA - Wednesday, April 7 2010

Dave Lord et. al. report:

"The first Peaslee's WMA was very "warblery" for this time of year. Pine Warblers were conspicous hawking insects off pines, while Yellow-Throated Warblers sang with gusto in the background. A Black-and-White Warbler taunted us by singing so close it sounded like we could touch it, but never showed, and Karen Johnson heard Common Yellowthroat at the intersection of Dam Rd. and Rt. 49. Other highlights include 3 male Wood Ducks swimming in Tarkiln, along with 15 or so Ring Neckeds. An adult Bald Eagle was seen, and Blue-Gray Gnatcatchers were common. We took a side-trip to the Paper Mill Road Sod Farm to find the 8 Pectoral Sandpipers reported there earlier, with sucess."

Location: Peaslees -Weatherby across from Tarkiln Pond
Observation date: 4/7/10
Notes: CMBO'S First Peaslee's WMA Walk. Karen Johnson, Janet Crawford and David Lord led.
Number of species: 26

Canada Goose 4
Wood Duck 3
American Black Duck 5
Ring-necked Duck 14
Turkey Vulture 2
Bald Eagle 1
Mourning Dove 3
Northern Flicker 2
Blue Jay 2
Tree Swallow 3
Carolina Chickadee 5
Tufted Titmouse 6
White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Heard
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 7
Hermit Thrush 1
American Robin 11
Yellow-throated Warbler 4
Pine Warbler 8 Good looks
Black-and-white Warbler 1 Heard
Eastern Towhee 2 Heard giving jrzzz call
Chipping Sparrow 16
Field Sparrow 2 Heard
Northern Cardinal 2
Red-winged Blackbird 5
Common Grackle 3
American Goldfinch 4


Location: Paper Mill Road Sod Farm
Observation date: 4/7/10
Number of species: 2

Killdeer 2
Pectoral Sandpiper 8

Hidden Corners of Belleplain - Tuesday, April 6 2010

Dave Lord et. al. report:
"The inaugural "Hidden Corners of Belleplain had wonderful birds, despite the brief rain and cloud cover. 2 Black and White Warblers were seen on Tom Field Road with a flock of other feeding birds; Blue-Gray Gnatcatchers were heard at various places, and Yellow-Throated Warblers have really picked up the pace and are almost gaining on Pine Warbler numbers."

Location: Belleplain State Forest
Observation date: 4/6/10
Notes: CMBO's first "Hidden Corners of Belleplain." Karen Johnson, Janet Crawford, Gail Stern and David Lord led.
Number of species: 28

Canada Goose 3
Wood Duck 2 Pre-Walk; Flying over office
Laughing Gull 9
Mourning Dove 7
Red-bellied Woodpecker 4
Downy Woodpecker 6
Northern Flicker 2
Eastern Phoebe 5
Blue Jay 4
Fish Crow 2
Carolina Chickadee 13
Tufted Titmouse 10
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 Heard calling at office
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 3
Hermit Thrush 1
American Robin 14
Yellow-rumped Warbler 1 Heard
Yellow-throated Warbler 17
Pine Warbler 28
Black-and-white Warbler 2 Tom Field Road
Louisiana Waterthrush 1 Heard briefly at Sunset Bridge
Eastern Towhee 2 Heard
Chipping Sparrow 2
Northern Cardinal 4
Common Grackle 11
Brown-headed Cowbird 7
American Goldfinch 9

Meadows Walk Pics - Monday, April 5 2010

Karl Lukens got the following images during today's walk.

[American Oystercatchers on the beach.]

[Wilson's Snipe. You're field guide may still say Common Snipe for these if it's older. They are now split from the Eurasian species. ]

South Cape May Meadows - Monday, April 5 2010

Location: South Cape May Meadows
Observation date: 4/5/10
Notes: CMBO Monday meadows walk. partly cloudy, 60ish, winds light south, sea calm with haze (viz 5 miles?). P.Dunne, D Freiday, D. La Puma, C&MJ Slugg, K Lukens, M&L Breslow, J. Crawford, S. Weis
Number of species: 50

Canada Goose 10
Mute Swan 8
Gadwall 4
Mallard 10
Blue-winged Teal 8
Northern Shoveler 10
Green-winged Teal 8
Surf Scoter 50
Black Scoter 50
dark-winged scoter sp. 300
Red-throated Loon 20
Common Loon 4
Northern Gannet 100
Double-crested Cormorant 300
Great Blue Heron 1
Great Egret 4
Snowy Egret 2
Osprey 2
Northern Harrier 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
Piping Plover 12
Killdeer 4
American Oystercatcher 4
Greater Yellowlegs 1
Least Sandpiper 1
Wilson's Snipe 5
Laughing Gull 50
Ring-billed Gull 1
Herring Gull 30
Great Black-backed Gull 10
Forster's Tern 20
Black Skimmer 2
Rock Pigeon 5
Mourning Dove 10
Belted Kingfisher 1
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 20
Fish Crow 8
Tree Swallow 1
Barn Swallow 2
Marsh Wren 1 singing, presumed early arrival
American Robin 5
Northern Mockingbird 1
Savannah Sparrow 2 some displaying to each other, facing each other with rapid wing motion; 1 bird observed to carry 1" piece of grass into dense grass.
White-throated Sparrow 5
Northern Cardinal 4
Red-winged Blackbird 20
Common Grackle 25
Boat-tailed Grackle 2
House Finch 5
House Sparrow 5

Belleplain Field Trip and Maruice River Boat - Saturday, April 3 2010

Dave Lord et. al. report:

"Belleplain started out with 'Warblers in the Mist' with a nice view of a Yellow-throated Warbler in the parking lot, as well as two Red-Breasted Nuthatches mixing it up for reasons unknown. The Louisiana Waterthrush was heard at the bridge, but still fairly distant, and a Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher was heard at the Concession Stand by Lake Nummy. The biggest surprise was not even a passerine however: it was a beautiful Male Surf Scoter sitting in the lake at Hand's Mill pond. A Ring-necked Duck and an American Wigeon along with some Gadwall tried to get some attention there as well, but all eyes were on the anomalous Scoter."

Location: Belleplain State Forest
Observation date: 4/3/10
Notes: First Saturday Birds of Belleplain. Jim Armstrong, Shaun and Cindy Bamford, BJ Pinnock, Bert Hixon, Dave Lord
Number of species: 30

Canada Goose 16
Gadwall 3
American Wigeon 1
American Black Duck 2
Surf Scoter 1
Wild Turkey 2 Pre-Walk
Turkey Vulture 3
Osprey 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Ring-billed Gull 15
Herring Gull 20
Mourning Dove 4
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 2
Eastern Phoebe 3
Blue Jay 12
American Crow 5
Fish Crow 4
Carolina Chickadee 5
Tufted Titmouse 3
Red-breasted Nuthatch 2 Fight at parking lot
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1 Heard at concession stand by BJ
American Robin 7
Yellow-throated Warbler 5
Pine Warbler 22
Louisiana Waterthrush 1 Heard
Northern Cardinal 6
Red-winged Blackbird 2
Brown-headed Cowbird X
American Goldfinch 1

"The Maurice River is hopping! Upwards of 30 (!) Ospreys were seen on both trips, and the second Bald Eagle Cruise had 10 Eagles, all adults! Forster's Terns have returned to the river, as have Purple Martins and Laughing Gulls. A pair of Blue-winged Teal were seen flying off, as were two Wilson's Snipes that landed on the old Dike Farm. The highlght would have to be the brawl between an Osprey who held some grievance with a Bald Eagle. A fight ensued wherein the Osprey dive bombed the Eagle for upwards of five minutes, to the amazement of all."

Location: Maurice River Eagle Survey
Observation date: 4/3/10
Number of species: 20

Canada Goose 15
Green-winged Teal 17
Double-crested Cormorant 23
Great Blue Heron 1
Snowy Egret 8
Osprey 35
Bald Eagle 10
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Dunlin 7
Wilson's Snipe 2
Laughing Gull 8
Herring Gull 12
Forster's Tern 5
Belted Kingfisher 8
Purple Martin 7
Tree Swallow 3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2
Song Sparrow 4
Northern Cardinal 7
Red-winged Blackbird 30

Location: Maurice River Eagle Survey
Observation date: 4/3/10
Notes: CMBO Sponsored "Bald Eagle Cruise on Maurice River."
Number of species: 25

Canada Goose 15
American Black Duck 2
Mallard 8
Blue-winged Teal 2
Green-winged Teal 13
Common Merganser 3
Double-crested Cormorant 35
Great Blue Heron 2
Snowy Egret 9
Turkey Vulture 11
Osprey 35
Bald Eagle 5
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Greater Yellowlegs 4
Dunlin 7
Laughing Gull 23
Herring Gull 8
Great Black-backed Gull 21
Forster's Tern 11 First of season for me
Belted Kingfisher 5
American Crow 10
Fish Crow 6
Purple Martin 5 First of season for me; also at personal colony
Tree Swallow 2
Red-winged Blackbird 15

Cape May Point State Park Bird Walk for All People - Saturday, April 3 2010

Chuck and MJ Slugg report:

Location: Cape May Point SP
Observation date: 4/3/10
Notes: Very foggy conditions made finding birds difficult but we did find
osprey and piping plover through the mist.
Number of species: 31

Canada Goose 12
Mute Swan 8
Mallard 6
Blue-winged Teal 2
Ring-necked Duck 8
Black Scoter 3
Pied-billed Grebe 3
Great Blue Heron 2
Great Egret 3
Glossy Ibis 19
Osprey 4
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
American Coot 2
Piping Plover 4
Killdeer 1
Herring Gull 3
Great Black-backed Gull 3
Forster's Tern 1
Rock Pigeon 6
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
American Crow 3
Fish Crow 6
American Robin 30
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 15
Yellow-rumped Warbler 1
Savannah Sparrow 2
Song Sparrow 2
Red-winged Blackbird 10
Boat-tailed Grackle 2

Beanery - Saturday, April 3 2010

Karl Lukens et al report:

"CMBO Spring Migrants at the Rea Farm Walk. Foggy and soggy at the Beanery this morning but a little of this and that made for an interesting walk.
Eastern Phoebe and Golden-crowned Kinglet were not as numerous as at Higbee yesterday. We did manage to find a couple of Wood Ducks, fly-over Blue-winged Teal, a couple of Tree and 1 Barn Swallows, and a few Savannah Sparrows. A perched Merlin was a nice scope view. - Karl, Kathy, Roger"

Location: The Beanery
Observation date: 4/3/10
Notes: CMBO Trip-KL,K&RH,+13.Fog,44,SE8.
Number of species: 34

Canada Goose 6
Wood Duck 2
Mallard 5
Blue-winged Teal 2
Black Vulture 1
Turkey Vulture 1
Merlin 1
Killdeer 3
Greater Yellowlegs 1
Herring Gull 1
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Rock Pigeon 3
Mourning Dove 5
Downy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 4
Eastern Phoebe 2
American Crow 5
Fish Crow 1
Tree Swallow 2
Barn Swallow 1
Carolina Chickadee 1
Tufted Titmouse 2
Carolina Wren 3
Golden-crowned Kinglet 2
American Robin 50
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 5
Yellow-rumped Warbler 15
Savannah Sparrow 4
Song Sparrow 4
Northern Cardinal 8
Red-winged Blackbird 25
Common Grackle 15
Brown-headed Cowbird 15

Higbee Beach - Friday, April 2 2010

Location: Higbee Beach
Observation date: 4/2/10
Notes: First CMBO Higbee Beach Walk. Leaders: D. Freiday, S. Weis, K. Lukens, S. Bamford, D. La Puma. Beautiful, sunny, 60, wind light sse. Flicker morning flight, lots of Golden-crowned Kinglets (no good looks, weird), Snow Goose in flock of Canadas that flew out onto the bay, Laughing Gulls circling happily. Great morning.
Number of species: 48

Snow Goose 1
Canada Goose 25
Mallard 10
Green-winged Teal 45
Surf Scoter 100
Black Scoter 200
dark-winged scoter sp. 500
Red-breasted Merganser 1
Red-throated Loon 50
Northern Gannet 15
Double-crested Cormorant 100
Great Blue Heron 2
Osprey 1 leader only - far
Bonaparte's Gull 8
Laughing Gull 25
Ring-billed Gull 5
Herring Gull 50
Great Black-backed Gull 10
Forster's Tern 2
Rock Pigeon 5
Mourning Dove 5
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 4
Downy Woodpecker 3
Northern Flicker 55 obvious morning flight of this species
Eastern Phoebe 12
Blue Jay 10
American Crow 8
Carolina Chickadee 8
Tufted Titmouse 10
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 5
Golden-crowned Kinglet 20
Hermit Thrush 10
American Robin 10
Gray Catbird 1
Northern Mockingbird 1
Brown Thrasher 5
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 30
Palm Warbler 4
Eastern Towhee 2
Field Sparrow 3
Song Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 5
Dark-eyed Junco 3
Northern Cardinal 10
Red-winged Blackbird 20
Common Grackle 5
Brown-headed Cowbird 20

Birds of Belleplain - Thursday, April 1 2010

Dave Lord et. al. report:

"The first Thursday "Birds of Belleplain" enjoyed a taste of warbler migration with a great look at a Yellow-throated Warbler at the pine plantation just beyond the bridge on New Bridge Road. Two Louisiana Waterthrushes were heard at both Sunset Avenue bridge and New Bridge, and Pine Warblers were common."

Location: Belleplain State Forest
Observation date: 4/1/10
Notes: CMBO's First Thursday "Birds of Belleplain." Jim Armstrong, Bert Hixon, Karl Lukens, Tom Parsons, Dave Lord
Number of species: 25

Canada Goose 6
Wild Turkey 6
Bald Eagle 1
Herring Gull 22
Mourning Dove 3
Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
Northern Flicker 1 Heard
Blue Jay 11
American Crow 5
Fish Crow 7
Carolina Chickadee 12
Tufted Titmouse 9
Red-breasted Nuthatch 2 Heard
Carolina Wren 2 Heard
Golden-crowned Kinglet 2 Heard
American Robin 10
Gray Catbird 1 Heard
European Starling X
Yellow-throated Warbler 1 Pine Plantation on New Bridge Road
Pine Warbler 17 All heard
Louisiana Waterthrush 2 heard
Chipping Sparrow 1
Northern Cardinal 5
Common Grackle 24
Brown-headed Cowbird 11