A great morning walk, full of the expectations of spring, with good numbers of birds offshore and passing northward.
Location: Cape Island--Cape May Pt.
Observation date: 3/30/11
Number of species: 57
Canada Goose 5
Mute Swan 10
Gadwall 3
American Wigeon 6
Mallard 10
Northern Shoveler 6
Northern Pintail 2
Green-winged Teal 15
Ring-necked Duck 3
Surf Scoter 10
Black Scoter 45
Surf/Black Scoter 300
Long-tailed Duck 6
Red-breasted Merganser 3
Red-throated Loon 200
Common Loon 3
Horned Grebe 8
Northern Gannet 25
Double-crested Cormorant 40
Great Blue Heron 1
Great Egret 25
Snowy Egret 4
Turkey Vulture 3
Osprey 1
Northern Harrier 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
American Coot 1
American Oystercatcher 6
Dunlin 4
Wilson's Snipe 10
Laughing Gull 30
Ring-billed Gull 1
Herring Gull (American) 12
Great Black-backed Gull 2
Forster's Tern 3
Razorbill 2
Rock Pigeon 12
Mourning Dove 4
Downy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 3
Eastern Phoebe 1
Blue Jay 1
American Crow 2
Fish Crow 4
Carolina Wren 3
American Robin 30
Northern Mockingbird 2
European Starling 6
Yellow-rumped Warbler 6
Song Sparrow 10
Swamp Sparrow 4
White-throated Sparrow 4
Dark-eyed Junco 40
Northern Cardinal 3
Red-winged Blackbird 25
Brown-headed Cowbird 6
House Finch 5
House Sparrow 4
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
South Cape May Meadows - Monday, March 28, 2011
Location: South Cape May Meadows
Observation date: 3/28/11
Notes: CMBO Meadows Walk with Pete Dunne-PD,KL,WC,+3.PtlySunny,32°,NW12.
Cold with NW breeze. Good variety of ducks including drake Blue-winged Teal. A few Northern Gannets and many Red-throated Loons offshore and a Lesser Black-backed Gull along the beach. Also sitting on the beach a nice Merlin. A "Gray Ghost" gave us good looks over the meadows.
Number of species: 42
Canada Goose 10
Mute Swan 8
Gadwall 15
American Wigeon 4
Mallard 15
Blue-winged Teal 2
Northern Shoveler 4
Green-winged Teal 25
Surf Scoter 4
Black Scoter 20
Hooded Merganser 3
Red-breasted Merganser 3
Red-throated Loon 15
Pied-billed Grebe 1
Northern Gannet 5
Double-crested Cormorant 10
Great Blue Heron 4
Great Egret 4
Black Vulture 1
Turkey Vulture 8
Northern Harrier 4 one 'Gray Ghost'
Merlin 1
Wilson's Snipe 10 up & down-spooked by Harrier
Bonaparte's Gull 15
Ring-billed Gull 5
American Herring Gull 5
Lesser Black-backed Gull 1
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Rock Pigeon 2
Mourning Dove 1
Belted Kingfisher 1
American Crow 5
Fish Crow 5
European Starling 5
Yellow-rumped Warbler 2
Savannah Sparrow 2
Song Sparrow 3
Northern Cardinal 3
Red-winged Blackbird 10
Common Grackle 5
House Finch 2
House Sparrow 1
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
Observation date: 3/28/11
Notes: CMBO Meadows Walk with Pete Dunne-PD,KL,WC,+3.PtlySunny,32°,NW12.
Cold with NW breeze. Good variety of ducks including drake Blue-winged Teal. A few Northern Gannets and many Red-throated Loons offshore and a Lesser Black-backed Gull along the beach. Also sitting on the beach a nice Merlin. A "Gray Ghost" gave us good looks over the meadows.
Number of species: 42
Canada Goose 10
Mute Swan 8
Gadwall 15
American Wigeon 4
Mallard 15
Blue-winged Teal 2
Northern Shoveler 4
Green-winged Teal 25
Surf Scoter 4
Black Scoter 20
Hooded Merganser 3
Red-breasted Merganser 3
Red-throated Loon 15
Pied-billed Grebe 1
Northern Gannet 5
Double-crested Cormorant 10
Great Blue Heron 4
Great Egret 4
Black Vulture 1
Turkey Vulture 8
Northern Harrier 4 one 'Gray Ghost'
Merlin 1
Wilson's Snipe 10 up & down-spooked by Harrier
Bonaparte's Gull 15
Ring-billed Gull 5
American Herring Gull 5
Lesser Black-backed Gull 1
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Rock Pigeon 2
Mourning Dove 1
Belted Kingfisher 1
American Crow 5
Fish Crow 5
European Starling 5
Yellow-rumped Warbler 2
Savannah Sparrow 2
Song Sparrow 3
Northern Cardinal 3
Red-winged Blackbird 10
Common Grackle 5
House Finch 2
House Sparrow 1
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
Corbin City at Nightfall 3-27-2011
"Though the chilly winds kept the normal frog chorus from occuring, Corbin City held some nice birds for the last evening walk. A good size group of ducks still remains in the third impounment, and Woodcocks can still be heard displaying at the fields near Route 50. The most exciting sighting of the night was the Great Horned Owl that flew by just as the walked finished up."
Janet Crawford, BJ Pinnock, Dave Lord
Location: Corbin City--McNamara WMA
Observation date: 3/27/11
Notes: Final Sunday Evening Walk for Corbin City 2011
Number of species: 26
Canada Goose 28
Mute Swan 25
Gadwall 58
American Wigeon 37
American Black Duck 65
Mallard 8
Northern Pintail 7
Green-winged Teal 23
Common Merganser 4
duck sp. X
Pied-billed Grebe 2
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Great Blue Heron 3
Turkey Vulture 16
Bald Eagle 1
Northern Harrier 4
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Greater Yellowlegs 14
Dunlin 27
American Woodcock 2
Herring Gull 16
Great Horned Owl 1
Belted Kingfisher 1
American Crow 17
Song Sparrow 16
Northern Cardinal 2
Red-winged Blackbird 43
Janet Crawford, BJ Pinnock, Dave Lord
Location: Corbin City--McNamara WMA
Observation date: 3/27/11
Notes: Final Sunday Evening Walk for Corbin City 2011
Number of species: 26
Canada Goose 28
Mute Swan 25
Gadwall 58
American Wigeon 37
American Black Duck 65
Mallard 8
Northern Pintail 7
Green-winged Teal 23
Common Merganser 4
duck sp. X
Pied-billed Grebe 2
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Great Blue Heron 3
Turkey Vulture 16
Bald Eagle 1
Northern Harrier 4
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Greater Yellowlegs 14
Dunlin 27
American Woodcock 2
Herring Gull 16
Great Horned Owl 1
Belted Kingfisher 1
American Crow 17
Song Sparrow 16
Northern Cardinal 2
Red-winged Blackbird 43
Sunday Morning at Turkey Point 3-27-2011
"2011's final Turkey Point walk went off with all the usual suspects. Interesting highlights include a new Red-tailed Hawk nest at the end of the road; a lingering Fox Sparrow; and a good size Green-winged Teal movement."
Janet Crawford, Dave Lord
Location: Glades Wildlife Refuge--Turkey Pt.
Observation date: 3/27/11
Notes: Final CMBO Sunday Morning at Turkey Point for 2011
Number of species: 28
Snow Goose 18
Canada Goose 23
Mute Swan 16
American Black Duck 8
Green-winged Teal 230
Bufflehead 8
Common Merganser 2
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Great Blue Heron 3
Turkey Vulture 7
Bald Eagle 3
Northern Harrier 11
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Greater Yellowlegs 5
Dunlin 17
Ring-billed Gull 16
Herring Gull 36
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 3
Carolina Chickadee 6
Tufted Titmouse 11
Carolina Wren 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 7
Eastern Towhee 6
Fox Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 8
Northern Cardinal 9
Red-winged Blackbird 45
Janet Crawford, Dave Lord
Location: Glades Wildlife Refuge--Turkey Pt.
Observation date: 3/27/11
Notes: Final CMBO Sunday Morning at Turkey Point for 2011
Number of species: 28
Snow Goose 18
Canada Goose 23
Mute Swan 16
American Black Duck 8
Green-winged Teal 230
Bufflehead 8
Common Merganser 2
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Great Blue Heron 3
Turkey Vulture 7
Bald Eagle 3
Northern Harrier 11
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Greater Yellowlegs 5
Dunlin 17
Ring-billed Gull 16
Herring Gull 36
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 3
Carolina Chickadee 6
Tufted Titmouse 11
Carolina Wren 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 7
Eastern Towhee 6
Fox Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 8
Northern Cardinal 9
Red-winged Blackbird 45
Poor Man's Pelagic Cruise - Saturday, March 26, 2011
Location: Cape May Lewes Ferry
Observation date: 3/26/11
Notes: CMBO Poor Man's Pelagic on the ferry with Karen and Brian Johnson, Janet Crawford. It was a beautiful, if chilly day. We had over one hundred Northern Gannets, some following the boat and plunge diving for fish. Surf Scoters and Red-throated Loons were found all across the bay and we saw three Horned Grebes (one in breeding plumage), four Common Loons and three Great Cormorants.
Number of species: 25
Brant 44
Canada Goose 3
American Black Duck 18
Mallard 2
Surf Scoter X
Black Scoter 20
Bufflehead 15
Red-breasted Merganser 12
Red-throated Loon 65
Common Loon 5
Horned Grebe 3
Northern Gannet X
Double-crested Cormorant 15
Great Cormorant 3
Turkey Vulture 23
Osprey 4
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Bonaparte's Gull 16
Laughing Gull X
Ring-billed Gull X
American Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull X
Rock Pigeon 48
Fish Crow 20
European Starling X
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)
Observation date: 3/26/11
Notes: CMBO Poor Man's Pelagic on the ferry with Karen and Brian Johnson, Janet Crawford. It was a beautiful, if chilly day. We had over one hundred Northern Gannets, some following the boat and plunge diving for fish. Surf Scoters and Red-throated Loons were found all across the bay and we saw three Horned Grebes (one in breeding plumage), four Common Loons and three Great Cormorants.
Number of species: 25
Brant 44
Canada Goose 3
American Black Duck 18
Mallard 2
Surf Scoter X
Black Scoter 20
Bufflehead 15
Red-breasted Merganser 12
Red-throated Loon 65
Common Loon 5
Horned Grebe 3
Northern Gannet X
Double-crested Cormorant 15
Great Cormorant 3
Turkey Vulture 23
Osprey 4
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Bonaparte's Gull 16
Laughing Gull X
Ring-billed Gull X
American Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull X
Rock Pigeon 48
Fish Crow 20
European Starling X
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)
Cape May Point - Saturday, March 26, 2011
Location: Cape May Point SP
Observation date: 3/26/11
Notes: CMBO Birding Cape May Point Walk- KL,K&RH,WC,TP,+14. Clr, 30°, NW10. Clear, below freezing, and NW breeze. Again ducks and sea birds predominated. Four Blue-winged Teal were found and four American Oystercatchers were on the beach and flying about. A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and a couple of Red-breasted Nuthatches were along the trail. Still lots of Northern Gannets offshore.
Number of species: 48
Canada Goose 25
Mute Swan 10
American Wigeon 8
Mallard 12
Blue-winged Teal 4
Northern Shoveler 4
Northern Pintail 2
Green-winged Teal 15
Ring-necked Duck 3
Surf Scoter 8
Black Scoter 15
Red-breasted Merganser 1
Red-throated Loon 20
Northern Gannet 25
Double-crested Cormorant 4
Great Blue Heron 1
Great Egret 6
Glossy Ibis 1
Black Vulture 2
Turkey Vulture 10
Killdeer 2
American Oystercatcher 4
Bonaparte's Gull 4
Ring-billed Gull 4
American Herring Gull 10
Rock Pigeon 10
Mourning Dove 5
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 1
Blue Jay 3
American Crow 2
Fish Crow 1
Carolina Chickadee 6
Red-breasted Nuthatch 3
Carolina Wren 4 heard
American Robin 1
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 10
Yellow-rumped Warbler 1
Song Sparrow 1
Swamp Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow 1
Northern Cardinal 5
Red-winged Blackbird 20
Common Grackle 1
Brown-headed Cowbird 1
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
Observation date: 3/26/11
Notes: CMBO Birding Cape May Point Walk- KL,K&RH,WC,TP,+14. Clr, 30°, NW10. Clear, below freezing, and NW breeze. Again ducks and sea birds predominated. Four Blue-winged Teal were found and four American Oystercatchers were on the beach and flying about. A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and a couple of Red-breasted Nuthatches were along the trail. Still lots of Northern Gannets offshore.
Number of species: 48
Canada Goose 25
Mute Swan 10
American Wigeon 8
Mallard 12
Blue-winged Teal 4
Northern Shoveler 4
Northern Pintail 2
Green-winged Teal 15
Ring-necked Duck 3
Surf Scoter 8
Black Scoter 15
Red-breasted Merganser 1
Red-throated Loon 20
Northern Gannet 25
Double-crested Cormorant 4
Great Blue Heron 1
Great Egret 6
Glossy Ibis 1
Black Vulture 2
Turkey Vulture 10
Killdeer 2
American Oystercatcher 4
Bonaparte's Gull 4
Ring-billed Gull 4
American Herring Gull 10
Rock Pigeon 10
Mourning Dove 5
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 1
Blue Jay 3
American Crow 2
Fish Crow 1
Carolina Chickadee 6
Red-breasted Nuthatch 3
Carolina Wren 4 heard
American Robin 1
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 10
Yellow-rumped Warbler 1
Song Sparrow 1
Swamp Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow 1
Northern Cardinal 5
Red-winged Blackbird 20
Common Grackle 1
Brown-headed Cowbird 1
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
Photo Walk - Saturday, March 26, 2011
Mike Hannisian reports:
The forecast was for rain, but the sky was clear and the wind relatively light. However, it was cool as will happen this time of year given that Cape May is surrounded on three sides by water.
As was true last week, not many new arrivals were present (it's only a matter of time) but there was nonetheless some nice activity. American Robins continue to increase in numbers, mostly males, and many could be seen foraging on the grassy areas. Likewise, Carolina Wrens, while present all year, have become much more noticeable with many now singing with a degree of determination they have previously lacked. But perhaps the highlight of the day was the chance to shoot a Canada Goose with an eye closed. This may not sound like much, but the eye lid of the Canada Goose is white. As a result, when this species closes an eye the appearance is that it has that eye wide open. A rather interesting survival strategy.
The Meadows - Friday, March 25, 2011
Location: South Cape May Meadows
Observation date: 3/25/11
Notes: CMBO Winter Evening Meadows walk.-KL,K&RH,WC,+14.Cldy,40°,W5.
Cloudy and cool. Ducks still around but numbers decreasing. One drake Blue-winged Teal gave us a nice scope view. Raptors were two Northern Harriers, one Sharp-shinned Hawk and a Red-tailed Hawk.
Number of species: 27
Canada Goose 15
Mute Swan 10
Gadwall 10
American Wigeon 8
Mallard 20
Blue-winged Teal 1
Northern Shoveler 10
Green-winged Teal 20
Surf Scoter 2
Black Scoter 15
Northern Gannet 8
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Great Blue Heron 1
Northern Harrier 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
American Coot 2
American Oystercatcher 4
Ring-billed Gull 3
Herring Gull 10
Rock Pigeon 2
Mourning Dove 2
Fish Crow 1
European Starling 3
Savannah Sparrow 3
Northern Cardinal 1
Red-winged Blackbird 3
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
Observation date: 3/25/11
Notes: CMBO Winter Evening Meadows walk.-KL,K&RH,WC,+14.Cldy,40°,W5.
Cloudy and cool. Ducks still around but numbers decreasing. One drake Blue-winged Teal gave us a nice scope view. Raptors were two Northern Harriers, one Sharp-shinned Hawk and a Red-tailed Hawk.
Number of species: 27
Canada Goose 15
Mute Swan 10
Gadwall 10
American Wigeon 8
Mallard 20
Blue-winged Teal 1
Northern Shoveler 10
Green-winged Teal 20
Surf Scoter 2
Black Scoter 15
Northern Gannet 8
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Great Blue Heron 1
Northern Harrier 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
American Coot 2
American Oystercatcher 4
Ring-billed Gull 3
Herring Gull 10
Rock Pigeon 2
Mourning Dove 2
Fish Crow 1
European Starling 3
Savannah Sparrow 3
Northern Cardinal 1
Red-winged Blackbird 3
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
Bald Eagle Cruise on the Maurice River 3-26-11
"The inaugural run of the Cape May Bird Observatory's Bald Eagle Cruises on the Maurice River aboard the "Osprey" went off swimmingly. A total of four Bald Eagle nests now call the Maurice River home, and we spotted eight Bald Eagles in total, all adults. Ospreys made a great showing as well with 14 finding their way back to the river for another season. Other highlights include a beautiful Pied-billed Grebe that put in an appearance as soon as we left the dock, and a Laughing Gull that was keeping company with a large group of Ring-billed Gulls."
Location: Maurice River Eagle Survey
Observation date: 3/26/11
Notes: CMBO's kickoff "Bald Eagle Cruise on the Maurice River."
Number of species: 21
Canada Goose 36
Mute Swan 6
American Black Duck 48
Mallard (Domestic type) 26
Northern Shoveler 2
Green-winged Teal 59
Pied-billed Grebe 1 Nice Breeding plumage
Double-crested Cormorant 5
Great Blue Heron 2
Turkey Vulture 13
Osprey 14
Bald Eagle 8
Red-tailed Hawk 5
Greater Yellowlegs 11
Lesser Yellowlegs 2
Dunlin 120
Laughing Gull 1
Ring-billed Gull 89
Belted Kingfisher 3
Fish Crow X
Tree Swallow 8
Red-winged Blackbird 32
Location: Maurice River Eagle Survey
Observation date: 3/26/11
Notes: CMBO's kickoff "Bald Eagle Cruise on the Maurice River."
Number of species: 21
Canada Goose 36
Mute Swan 6
American Black Duck 48
Mallard (Domestic type) 26
Northern Shoveler 2
Green-winged Teal 59
Pied-billed Grebe 1 Nice Breeding plumage
Double-crested Cormorant 5
Great Blue Heron 2
Turkey Vulture 13
Osprey 14
Bald Eagle 8
Red-tailed Hawk 5
Greater Yellowlegs 11
Lesser Yellowlegs 2
Dunlin 120
Laughing Gull 1
Ring-billed Gull 89
Belted Kingfisher 3
Fish Crow X
Tree Swallow 8
Red-winged Blackbird 32
The Meadows - Monday, March 21, 2011
Location: South Cape May Meadows
Observation date: 3/21/11
Notes: CMBO Monday Morning Meadows Walk with Pete Dunne.-PD, KL, C&MJS, SW, WC, +1. Showers, 45°F, E10. The first monday morning meadows walk of the season was wet, breezy and chilly. Good variety of ducks, lots of Northern Gannets, a Greater Yellowlegs and group of 15 Tree Swallows, the latter the 'First of the Year' for some.
Number of species: 31
Canada Goose 5
Mute Swan 4
Gadwall 8
American Wigeon 5
American Black Duck 2
Mallard 15
Northern Shoveler 7
Green-winged Teal 10
Black Scoter 10
scoter sp. 30
Long-tailed Duck 2
Red-throated Loon 1
Northern Gannet 40
Double-crested Cormorant 10
Great Blue Heron 1
Great Egret 3
Turkey Vulture 1
Greater Yellowlegs 1
Wilson's Snipe 1
Ring-billed Gull 2
American Herring Gull 10
Great Black-backed Gull 5
Rock Pigeon 4
Mourning Dove 4
American Crow 1
Tree Swallow 15
European Starling 4
Pine Warbler 1
Savannah Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 1
Northern Cardinal 2
Red-winged Blackbird 5
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)
Observation date: 3/21/11
Notes: CMBO Monday Morning Meadows Walk with Pete Dunne.-PD, KL, C&MJS, SW, WC, +1. Showers, 45°F, E10. The first monday morning meadows walk of the season was wet, breezy and chilly. Good variety of ducks, lots of Northern Gannets, a Greater Yellowlegs and group of 15 Tree Swallows, the latter the 'First of the Year' for some.
Number of species: 31
Canada Goose 5
Mute Swan 4
Gadwall 8
American Wigeon 5
American Black Duck 2
Mallard 15
Northern Shoveler 7
Green-winged Teal 10
Black Scoter 10
scoter sp. 30
Long-tailed Duck 2
Red-throated Loon 1
Northern Gannet 40
Double-crested Cormorant 10
Great Blue Heron 1
Great Egret 3
Turkey Vulture 1
Greater Yellowlegs 1
Wilson's Snipe 1
Ring-billed Gull 2
American Herring Gull 10
Great Black-backed Gull 5
Rock Pigeon 4
Mourning Dove 4
American Crow 1
Tree Swallow 15
European Starling 4
Pine Warbler 1
Savannah Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 1
Northern Cardinal 2
Red-winged Blackbird 5
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)
Jakes Landing - Sunday, March 20, 2011
"The final Sunset at Jake's Landing ended with all the usual suspects in tow. A Short-eared Owl pleased visitors with his close-up looks, while four Bald Eagles, adults and immatures, entertained us with their dog-fighting. A River Otter popped out of Dennis Creek to bid us farewell and we ended with a great display from an American Woodcock." Karen Johnson, Brian Johnson, Janet Crawford, Dave Lord Location: Jakes Landing Observation date: 3/20/11 Notes: CMBO's Final Sunset at Jake's Landing walk for 2011 Number of species: 19 Snow Goose 235 Canada Goose 7 American Black Duck 6 Great Blue Heron 2 Osprey 1 fos Bald Eagle 4 Northern Harrier 3 Red-tailed Hawk 7 Greater Yellowlegs 2 Dunlin 34 American Woodcock 1 Herring Gull 16 Great Black-backed Gull 4 Great Horned Owl 2 Short-eared Owl 1 Pine Warbler 1 Song Sparrow 3 Red-winged Blackbird 58 Eastern Meadowlark 3 |
Turkey Point - Sunday, March 20, 2011
|
Woodcock Dance - Saturday, March 19, 2011
Location: Kimble's Beach Observation date: 3/19/11 Notes: CMBO's Woodcock Dance Round 2 Number of species: 9 Canada Goose 7 American Woodcock 2 Northern Flicker 1 Carolina Wren 4 Eastern Towhee 1 Savannah Sparrow 5 Northern Cardinal 2 Red-winged Blackbird 54 House Finch 1 |
Mike Hannisian reports:
Despite a weather report of showers, the morning was partly cloudy which, courtesy of the increase in bird numbers and activity, made for a good morning of shooting. Along with the old faithful Mute Swans and Turkey Vultures, a number of species were noteworthy for their territoriality. These included Red-winged Blackbirds, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, and American Oystercatcher. Also posing nicely were a number of Canada Geese.
The variety gave us a good opportunity to explore shooting shaded birds against a cloudy sky, dark birds against a pale blue sky, new beach arrivals and the always photogenic Mute Swan.
Northern Mockingbird and Turkey Vulture offered great photographic opportunities to CMBO's weekly photo walk.
Cape May Point - Saturday, March 19, 2011
Location: Cape May Point SP
Observation date: 3/19/11
Notes: CMBO Birding Cape May Point walk-KL,K&RH,C&MJS,TP,+5. Clr,50,N13. Clear, in the low 50's and breezy. Birded the dune cross-overs, ponds and yellow trail. Good scoter, loon and gannet movement. four Piping Plovers, and six American Oystercatchers on the beach. We found four Pine Warblers and a number of Yellow-rumps too. As noted by others, a Pine Warbler movement was underway
this morning.
Number of species: 52
Canada Goose 20
Mute Swan 7
Gadwall 10
American Wigeon 15
American Black Duck 1
Mallard 15
Northern Shoveler 4
Green-winged Teal 15
Ring-necked Duck 1
Surf Scoter 4
Black Scoter 10
Long-tailed Duck 1
Red-breasted Merganser 1
Red-throated Loon 12
Common Loon 1
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Great Blue Heron 2
Great Egret 2
Black Vulture 10
Turkey Vulture 15
Northern Harrier 1
American Coot 2
Piping Plover 4
Killdeer 2
Wilson's Snipe 3
Laughing Gull 6
Ring-billed Gull 5
American Herring Gull 20
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Rock Pigeon 6
Mourning Dove 5
Northern Flicker 2
Blue Jay 2 heard
American Crow 5
Fish Crow 2
Carolina Chickadee 2 heard
Tufted Titmouse 1
Carolina Wren 4
Golden-crowned Kinglet 1
American Robin 25
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 10
Yellow-rumped Warbler 8
Pine Warbler 4
Song Sparrow 3
Swamp Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 1
Dark-eyed Junco 8
Northern Cardinal 5
Red-winged Blackbird 12
Common Grackle 4
Brown-headed Cowbird 3
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)
Observation date: 3/19/11
Notes: CMBO Birding Cape May Point walk-KL,K&RH,C&MJS,TP,+5. Clr,50,N13. Clear, in the low 50's and breezy. Birded the dune cross-overs, ponds and yellow trail. Good scoter, loon and gannet movement. four Piping Plovers, and six American Oystercatchers on the beach. We found four Pine Warblers and a number of Yellow-rumps too. As noted by others, a Pine Warbler movement was underway
this morning.
Number of species: 52
Canada Goose 20
Mute Swan 7
Gadwall 10
American Wigeon 15
American Black Duck 1
Mallard 15
Northern Shoveler 4
Green-winged Teal 15
Ring-necked Duck 1
Surf Scoter 4
Black Scoter 10
Long-tailed Duck 1
Red-breasted Merganser 1
Red-throated Loon 12
Common Loon 1
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Great Blue Heron 2
Great Egret 2
Black Vulture 10
Turkey Vulture 15
Northern Harrier 1
American Coot 2
Piping Plover 4
Killdeer 2
Wilson's Snipe 3
Laughing Gull 6
Ring-billed Gull 5
American Herring Gull 20
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Rock Pigeon 6
Mourning Dove 5
Northern Flicker 2
Blue Jay 2 heard
American Crow 5
Fish Crow 2
Carolina Chickadee 2 heard
Tufted Titmouse 1
Carolina Wren 4
Golden-crowned Kinglet 1
American Robin 25
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 10
Yellow-rumped Warbler 8
Pine Warbler 4
Song Sparrow 3
Swamp Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 1
Dark-eyed Junco 8
Northern Cardinal 5
Red-winged Blackbird 12
Common Grackle 4
Brown-headed Cowbird 3
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)
Evening At The Meadows - Friday, March 18, 2011
Location: South Cape May Meadows Observation date: 3/18/11
Notes: CMBO Winter Evening Meadows Walk-KL,C&MJS,K&RH,L&MB,+8.Clr,70°,SW8. Clear and mild! Duck quantities down but variety still good. Four American Oystercatchersand four Piping Plovers on the beach. Lots of Northern Gannets offshore. Several Wilson's Snipe seen briefly but only one American Woodcock peent.
Number of species: 28
Canada Goose 15
Mute Swan 5
Gadwall 4
American Wigeon 5
American Black Duck 2
Mallard 15
Northern Shoveler 4
Northern Pintail 4
Green-winged Teal 10
Surf Scoter 1
Long-tailed Duck 1
Bufflehead 1
Ruddy Duck 1
Northern Gannet 25
Great Blue Heron 1
Great Egret 1
Peregrine Falcon 1
American Coot 1
Piping Plover 4
American Oystercatcher 4
Wilson's Snipe 5
American Woodcock 1 heard
American Herring Gull 10
Mourning Dove 6
American Crow 4
European Starling 4
Red-winged Blackbird 5
House Sparrow 3
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)
Notes: CMBO Winter Evening Meadows Walk-KL,C&MJS,K&RH,L&MB,+8.Clr,70°,SW8. Clear and mild! Duck quantities down but variety still good. Four American Oystercatchersand four Piping Plovers on the beach. Lots of Northern Gannets offshore. Several Wilson's Snipe seen briefly but only one American Woodcock peent.
Number of species: 28
Canada Goose 15
Mute Swan 5
Gadwall 4
American Wigeon 5
American Black Duck 2
Mallard 15
Northern Shoveler 4
Northern Pintail 4
Green-winged Teal 10
Surf Scoter 1
Long-tailed Duck 1
Bufflehead 1
Ruddy Duck 1
Northern Gannet 25
Great Blue Heron 1
Great Egret 1
Peregrine Falcon 1
American Coot 1
Piping Plover 4
American Oystercatcher 4
Wilson's Snipe 5
American Woodcock 1 heard
American Herring Gull 10
Mourning Dove 6
American Crow 4
European Starling 4
Red-winged Blackbird 5
House Sparrow 3
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)
They're coming back! Single Piping Plovers continue to play hide and seek with local birdwatchers on South Cape May Beach. More should be here soon!
Ahh, the perfect lighthouse shot! Reason enough in itself to go on a CMBO evening walk - and there's all those birds as an added bonus too!
Photo Walk - Saturday, March 12, 2011
This Saturday's Photo Walk took place during a beautiful day. Unfortunately, it was also a day that was largely between wintering birds and new arrivals. As such, most of our photo opportunities were of species such as Mute Swan and Red-winged Blackbird. What was new was an increase in the number of American Robins.
Mike Hannisian
Love them or hate them, Mute Swans appear to be here to stay - and you have to admit they do make fine subjects for our photo walks...
Cape May Point - Saturday, March 12, 2011
Clear, cool and breezy. Still a nice variety of ducks. Also lots of fairly close Northern Gannets and scoters moving. New for the year for many was the lone Piping Plover on the beach.
Location: Cape May Point SP
Observation date: 3/12/11
Notes: CMBO Cape May Point Walk-KL,K&RH,WC,S&KW,CB,TP,+8.Clr,45°,W12.
Number of species: 47
Canada Goose 15
Mute Swan 10
Gadwall 4
American Wigeon 20
Mallard 15
Northern Shoveler 6
Northern Pintail 2
Green-winged Teal 20
Ring-necked Duck 5
Lesser Scaup 1
Surf Scoter 15
Black Scoter 10
Long-tailed Duck 1
Hooded Merganser 4
Red-throated Loon 2
Northern Gannet 30
Double-crested Cormorant 3
Great Blue Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 4
Northern Harrier 1
Piping Plover 1
Killdeer 1
Wilson's Snipe 3
Bonaparte's Gull 1
Herring Gull 5
Great Black-backed Gull 3
Rock Pigeon 12
Mourning Dove 6
Downy Woodpecker 1 heard
Blue Jay 3
American Crow 6
Fish Crow 3
Carolina Chickadee 2
Tufted Titmouse 1 heard
Carolina Wren 5
American Robin 40
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 10
Yellow-rumped Warbler 1
Song Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow 1 heard
Dark-eyed Junco 5
Northern Cardinal 1 heard
Red-winged Blackbird 30
Common Grackle 15
House Finch 1 heard
House Sparrow 1
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)
Location: Cape May Point SP
Observation date: 3/12/11
Notes: CMBO Cape May Point Walk-KL,K&RH,WC,S&KW,CB,TP,+8.Clr,45°,W12.
Number of species: 47
Canada Goose 15
Mute Swan 10
Gadwall 4
American Wigeon 20
Mallard 15
Northern Shoveler 6
Northern Pintail 2
Green-winged Teal 20
Ring-necked Duck 5
Lesser Scaup 1
Surf Scoter 15
Black Scoter 10
Long-tailed Duck 1
Hooded Merganser 4
Red-throated Loon 2
Northern Gannet 30
Double-crested Cormorant 3
Great Blue Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 4
Northern Harrier 1
Piping Plover 1
Killdeer 1
Wilson's Snipe 3
Bonaparte's Gull 1
Herring Gull 5
Great Black-backed Gull 3
Rock Pigeon 12
Mourning Dove 6
Downy Woodpecker 1 heard
Blue Jay 3
American Crow 6
Fish Crow 3
Carolina Chickadee 2
Tufted Titmouse 1 heard
Carolina Wren 5
American Robin 40
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 10
Yellow-rumped Warbler 1
Song Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow 1 heard
Dark-eyed Junco 5
Northern Cardinal 1 heard
Red-winged Blackbird 30
Common Grackle 15
House Finch 1 heard
House Sparrow 1
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)
A fine flotilla of Ring-necked Ducks at the state park this morning [Photo by Karl Lukens]
Evening At The Meadows - Friday, March 11, 2011
Karl Lukens writes "A nice variety of ducks and a bonus Great Blue Heron eating an eel! Two Northern Harriers, one a sub-adult male and finished off the evening with a Short-eared Owl (thanks to Sam Galick) and several American Woodcock.
Location: South Cape May Meadows
Observation date: 3/11/11
Notes: CMBO Evening meadows walk-KL,C&MJS,K&RH,L&MB,WC,CB,+11.
Number of species: 26
Snow Goose 1
Canada Goose 15
Mute Swan 8
Gadwall 10
American Wigeon 8
American Black Duck 2
Mallard 35
Northern Shoveler 1
Northern Pintail 2
Green-winged Teal 35
Black Scoter 8
Bufflehead 3
Northern Gannet 16
Great Blue Heron 1 eating an eel
Northern Harrier 2 1mm. & sub male
American Coot 1
American Oystercatcher 3
American Woodcock 4
Herring Gull 15
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Mourning Dove 2
Short-eared Owl 1 perched and flying
American Crow 1
Carolina Wren 1
Red-winged Blackbird 10
House Sparrow 1
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
Location: South Cape May Meadows
Observation date: 3/11/11
Notes: CMBO Evening meadows walk-KL,C&MJS,K&RH,L&MB,WC,CB,+11.
Number of species: 26
Snow Goose 1
Canada Goose 15
Mute Swan 8
Gadwall 10
American Wigeon 8
American Black Duck 2
Mallard 35
Northern Shoveler 1
Northern Pintail 2
Green-winged Teal 35
Black Scoter 8
Bufflehead 3
Northern Gannet 16
Great Blue Heron 1 eating an eel
Northern Harrier 2 1mm. & sub male
American Coot 1
American Oystercatcher 3
American Woodcock 4
Herring Gull 15
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Mourning Dove 2
Short-eared Owl 1 perched and flying
American Crow 1
Carolina Wren 1
Red-winged Blackbird 10
House Sparrow 1
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
Turkey Point - Saturday, March 6, 2011
"Despite high winds and rainy weather, a handful of intrepid participants observed some great natural sightings on this installment of our Turkey Point walks. Bald Eagles were had at the end of the road as always, and a River Otter entertained us for the second week in a row at the Maple Ave. impoundments." Karen Johnson, Janet Crawford, Tony Klock, Dave Lord.
Location: Glades Wildlife Refuge--Turkey Pt.
Observation date: 3/6/11
Notes: CMBO's Sunday Morning at Turkey Point
Number of species: 19
Snow Goose 221
Canada Goose 18
Mute Swan 16
Bufflehead 23
Hooded Merganser 2
Great Blue Heron 6
Bald Eagle 3
Northern Harrier 3
Dunlin 46
Herring Gull 23
Mourning Dove 2
Northern Flicker 1
Carolina Chickadee 2
Carolina Wren 2
Northern Mockingbird 1
Song Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 2
Red-winged Blackbird 40
Eastern Meadowlark 1
Location: Glades Wildlife Refuge--Turkey Pt.
Observation date: 3/6/11
Notes: CMBO's Sunday Morning at Turkey Point
Number of species: 19
Snow Goose 221
Canada Goose 18
Mute Swan 16
Bufflehead 23
Hooded Merganser 2
Great Blue Heron 6
Bald Eagle 3
Northern Harrier 3
Dunlin 46
Herring Gull 23
Mourning Dove 2
Northern Flicker 1
Carolina Chickadee 2
Carolina Wren 2
Northern Mockingbird 1
Song Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 2
Red-winged Blackbird 40
Eastern Meadowlark 1
Photo Walk - Saturday, March 5, 2011
Mike Hannisian reports: "The weather was mostly cloudy and a bit chilly, as one would expect given that winter is now yielding to spring. There were not a lot of photographable land birds, but among those present were a number of adult male Red-winged Blackbirds defending territory. As always, there were waterfowl present. Among the most photographable of these were Mallards and Mute Swans. Despite the fact that the latter are invasive, non-natives, they are nonetheless very nice subjects for cameras.
Perhaps not an obvious choice for photography, but at least the local Mallards are approachable and so make ideal subjects for practice. (Actually, is it me, or does that odd greenish bill with black on the culmen smack of a Mallard x Black Duck hybrid? - MC).
They're back and waiting for your cameras! Feisty Red-winged Blackbirds are already setting up territories at Cape May Point.
Working with white plumage always gives the camera plenty of work to do in getting the exposure right. These are just a few examples of what you can achieve on our morning photo walks. All photos by walk leader Mike Hannisian.
Woodcock Dance - Saturday, March 5, 2011
Karen Johnson, Janet Crawford and Dave Lord ably led this season's first Woodcock Dance - and with great success! Despite windy conditions and overcast skies, four American Woodcocks came out and displayed for the group on Kimble's Beach Road.
Location: Kimble's Beach
Observation date: 3/5/11
Notes: CMBO'S Woodcock Dance
Number of species: 5
American Woodcock 4
Mourning Dove 6
American Robin 2
Savannah Sparrow 2
Northern Cardinal 1
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)
Location: Kimble's Beach
Observation date: 3/5/11
Notes: CMBO'S Woodcock Dance
Number of species: 5
American Woodcock 4
Mourning Dove 6
American Robin 2
Savannah Sparrow 2
Northern Cardinal 1
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)
Cape May Point State Park - Saturday, March 5, 2011
Location: Cape May Point State Park Observation date: 3/5/11
Notes: CMBO Cape may Point Walk-KL,RH,TP,+5.Cldy,44°,S15. Cloudy, breezy.
Number of species: 37
Canada Goose 35
Mute Swan 8
Gadwall 15
American Wigeon 40
American Black Duck 2
Mallard 15
Northern Shoveler 8
Green-winged Teal 25
Ring-necked Duck 8
Surf Scoter 20
Black Scoter 10
Long-tailed Duck 2
Hooded Merganser 6
Red-throated Loon 1
Northern Gannet 4
Great Blue Heron 2
Turkey Vulture 3
Northern Harrier 1
American Coot 1
Killdeer 2
American Oystercatcher 2
Herring Gull 6
Great Black-backed Gull 3
Rock Pigeon 6
Mourning Dove 5
Northern Flicker 2
Blue Jay 1
American Crow 6
Carolina Chickadee 2
American Robin 1
Northern Mockingbird 2
European Starling 5
Yellow-rumped Warbler 1
Dark-eyed Junco 4
Northern Cardinal 4
Red-winged Blackbird 10
Common Grackle 1
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)
Notes: CMBO Cape may Point Walk-KL,RH,TP,+5.Cldy,44°,S15. Cloudy, breezy.
Number of species: 37
Canada Goose 35
Mute Swan 8
Gadwall 15
American Wigeon 40
American Black Duck 2
Mallard 15
Northern Shoveler 8
Green-winged Teal 25
Ring-necked Duck 8
Surf Scoter 20
Black Scoter 10
Long-tailed Duck 2
Hooded Merganser 6
Red-throated Loon 1
Northern Gannet 4
Great Blue Heron 2
Turkey Vulture 3
Northern Harrier 1
American Coot 1
Killdeer 2
American Oystercatcher 2
Herring Gull 6
Great Black-backed Gull 3
Rock Pigeon 6
Mourning Dove 5
Northern Flicker 2
Blue Jay 1
American Crow 6
Carolina Chickadee 2
American Robin 1
Northern Mockingbird 2
European Starling 5
Yellow-rumped Warbler 1
Dark-eyed Junco 4
Northern Cardinal 4
Red-winged Blackbird 10
Common Grackle 1
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)
Evening at The Meadows - Friday, March 4, 2011
The following report comes courtesy of Karl Lukens and company:
Location: South Cape May Meadows
Observation date: 3/4/11
Notes: CMBO Evening Meadows Walk-KL,C&MJS,R&KH,S&CB,+5. PtlySun,40,E10. Cool and breezy, but a nice variety of ducks. At the parking lot after the walk we heard the "Peents" of Woodcock, several wing-whurrs and a few zoomed by. Activity was slow due to 38-40 degree temps. and 8-10 mph breeze.
Number of species: 23
Snow Goose 5
Canada Goose 400
Mute Swan 3
Gadwall 15
American Wigeon 10
American Black Duck 2
Northern Shoveler 2
Northern Pintail 2
Green-winged Teal 40
Lesser Scaup 2
Surf Scoter 6
Bufflehead 2
Hooded Merganser 4
Red-breasted Merganser 1
Horned Grebe 1
Great Blue Heron 2
American Coot 1
American Woodcock 5
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Mourning Dove 10
American Crow 3
European Starling 2
Red-winged Blackbird 5
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
Location: South Cape May Meadows
Observation date: 3/4/11
Notes: CMBO Evening Meadows Walk-KL,C&MJS,R&KH,S&CB,+5. PtlySun,40,E10. Cool and breezy, but a nice variety of ducks. At the parking lot after the walk we heard the "Peents" of Woodcock, several wing-whurrs and a few zoomed by. Activity was slow due to 38-40 degree temps. and 8-10 mph breeze.
Number of species: 23
Snow Goose 5
Canada Goose 400
Mute Swan 3
Gadwall 15
American Wigeon 10
American Black Duck 2
Northern Shoveler 2
Northern Pintail 2
Green-winged Teal 40
Lesser Scaup 2
Surf Scoter 6
Bufflehead 2
Hooded Merganser 4
Red-breasted Merganser 1
Horned Grebe 1
Great Blue Heron 2
American Coot 1
American Woodcock 5
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Mourning Dove 10
American Crow 3
European Starling 2
Red-winged Blackbird 5
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)