Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, December 15th, 2012

Usual waterfowl on the ponds. Spent time looking for the reported King Eider, but found only Black Scoters and 7 Common Eiders. Northern Gannets and Long-tailed Ducks were also seen. More time was spent looking for the Townsend's Warbler, which was seen briefly by others but unfortunately not by our group. We did however see Yellow-rumped and 1 Orange-crowned Warbler. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Kathy & Roger Horn, Catherine Busch, and Carrie Bell.
47 species

Canada Goose  5
Mute Swan  2
Gadwall  40
American Wigeon  40
Mallard  20
Northern Pintail  2
Green-winged Teal  2
Common Eider  7
Black Scoter  8
Long-tailed Duck  8
Bufflehead  1
Red-throated Loon  1
Northern Gannet  10
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Turkey Vulture  8
Cooper's Hawk  1
American Coot  30
Sanderling  2
Bonaparte's Gull  2
Ring-billed Gull  6
Herring Gull  10
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Rock Pigeon  1
Eurasian Collared-Dove  2
Mourning Dove  5
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  5
Carolina Chickadee  5
Red-breasted Nuthatch  4
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  3
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
American Robin  15
Northern Mockingbird  2
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  15
Orange-crowned Warbler  1     seen by a few
Yellow-rumped Warbler  8
Fox Sparrow  1
Dark-eyed Junco  1
Northern Cardinal  3
Red-winged Blackbird  20
House Finch  8
Red Crossbill  50     flying & perched
American Goldfinch  10
House Sparrow  30

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

Eurasian Collared-Doves [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, December 8th, 2012

Lots of waterfowl including Buffleheads, Hooded Mergansers, Lesser Scaup, 1 White-winged Scoter, and 1 lingering female Canvasback. Another highlight was a very late Blue-gray Gnatcatcher.  Leaders: Karl Lukens, Kathy & Roger Horn, Catherine Busch, and Chris Marks.
59 species (+1 other taxa)

Brant  9
Canada Goose  25
Mute Swan  10
Gadwall  75
American Wigeon  75
Mallard  30
Blue-winged Teal  2
Northern Shoveler  20
Northern Pintail  15
Green-winged Teal  10
Canvasback  1
Ring-necked Duck  3
Lesser Scaup  6
White-winged Scoter  1
Black Scoter  2
scoter sp.  75
Bufflehead  10
Hooded Merganser  15
Ruddy Duck  50
Red-throated Loon  1
Pied-billed Grebe  3
Great Blue Heron  3
Great Egret  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Coot  75
Ruddy Turnstone  2
Sanderling  15
Bonaparte's Gull  15
Ring-billed Gull  20
Herring Gull  15
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  20
Rock Pigeon  8
Eurasian Collared-Dove  1
Mourning Dove  30
Belted Kingfisher  1
Downy Woodpecker  1     after walk
Northern Flicker  1     after walk
Blue Jay  10
American Crow  6
Carolina Chickadee  8
Red-breasted Nuthatch  4
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
American Robin  30
Northern Mockingbird  5
European Starling  10
Yellow-rumped Warbler  5
Song Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  10
Dark-eyed Junco  8
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  25
Baltimore Oriole  1     after walk - heard
House Finch  15
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  30

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

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher [Photo by Karl Lukens]

White-winged Scoter [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Harlequin Romance - Saturday, December 1st, 2012

For a trip description and photos, see Mike Crewe's write-up on View from the Cape. The aggregate bird list is from Barnegat Light State Park, Harvey Cedars Sunset Park, and the Bridge to Nowhere in the Manahawkin WMA. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Janet Crawford, Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Bill Smythe, Megan Crewe, Catherine Busch, and Chris Marks.
51 species

Brant                              
Canada Goose 2                              
Mute Swan 12                              
American Black Duck                              
Mallard                              
Common Eider 35                              
Surf Scoter                              
Black Scoter                              
Long-tailed Duck    5            
Bufflehead 100+                          
Red-breasted Merganser                              
Red-throated Loon                              
Common Loon                              
Pied-billed Grebe                              
Northern Gannet                              
Double-cr. Cormorant                              
Brown Pelican 2                              
Great Blue Heron                              
Great Egret                              
Turkey Vulture                              
Northern Harrier      4                  
Peregrine                              
American Oystercatcher  20                            
Marbled Godwit 2                            
Ruddy Turnstone                              
Red Knot 2                          
Sanderling 3                              
Purple Sandpiper 35                    
Dunlin                              
Bonaparte’s Gull 300+                  
Laughing Gull 9                              
Ring-billed Gull                              
Herring Gull                              
Iceland Gull 1
Lesser Black-backed Gull 1                        
Great Black-backed Gull                          
Forster’s Tern 2                              
Royal Tern 1                              
Rock Pigeon                              
Mourning Dove                              
Belted Kingfisher                              
American Crow                              
Red-breasted Nuthatch 3                              
Carolina Wren                              
European Starling                              
Song Sparrow                              
Northern Cardinal                              
Boat-tailed Grackle                              
House Finch                              
American Goldfinch                              
House Sparrow

Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, December 1st, 2012

Lots of water fowl on Bunker Pond, Lily Lake, Lighthouse Pond, and the Plover Ponds. Highlights were 2 female Red Heads, 1 Female Canvasback, Hooded Mergansers, Northern Pintails, 1 Cackling Goose, 1 Common Eider in the surf, and loads of Ruddy Ducks. Five sightings of Red Crossbill flocks  calling and flying about, and some even perched for scope looks. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Kathy & Roger Horn, Steve Weis, and Warren Cairo.
61 species

Brant  5
Cackling Goose  1     Lily Lake
Canada Goose  75
Mute Swan  12
Gadwall  30
American Wigeon  30
Mallard  10
Northern Shoveler  15
Northern Pintail  6
Green-winged Teal  2
Canvasback  1     Fem. 3rd plover pond
Redhead  2     Fem.
Ring-necked Duck  2
Lesser Scaup  4
Common Eider  1
Bufflehead  2
Hooded Merganser  4
Ruddy Duck  30
Red-throated Loon  5
Pied-billed Grebe  2
Double-crested Cormorant  3
Great Blue Heron  3
Great Egret  7
Turkey Vulture  3
Northern Harrier  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
Red-shouldered Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Coot  40
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Sanderling  8
Ring-billed Gull  5
Herring Gull  15
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  60
Rock Pigeon  2
Eurasian Collared-Dove  1
Mourning Dove  10
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  4
Tree Swallow  1
Carolina Chickadee  1
Red-breasted Nuthatch  3
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  15
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  15
Cedar Waxwing  4
Yellow-rumped Warbler  1
Song Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  1
Dark-eyed Junco  1
Northern Cardinal  3
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  30
House Finch  10
Red Crossbill  45     Some in scope feeding. 3 sightings group 10-12. 2
sightings group 25-30.
House Sparrow  10

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

Red Admiral [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Red-breasted Nuthatch [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, November 26th, 2012

Nice day for waterfowl including fly-over Cackling and Greater-white Fronted geese with Canadas, a Wood Duck, All 3 Scoter (1 each) in the surf and a Hooded Merganser. Lots of Red-throated Loons on the move. Interesting to see an aerial encounter between a Cooper's Hawk and a Northern Harrier. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Chuck & MJ Slugg, Steve Weis, Catherine Busch, and Janet Crawford.
60 species

Greater White-fronted Goose  1     Seen on Lily Lake by the leader after the walk.
Cackling Goose  1    Seen on Lily Lake by the leader after the walk.
Canada Goose  120
Mute Swan  6
Wood Duck  1
Gadwall  20
American Wigeon  15
American Black Duck  1
Mallard  60
Northern Shoveler  5
Northern Pintail  4
Green-winged Teal  75
Surf Scoter  1
White-winged Scoter  1
Black Scoter  1
Long-tailed Duck  1
Bufflehead  6
Hooded Merganser  1
Ruddy Duck  50
Red-throated Loon  30
Common Loon  1     fly-over
Northern Gannet  3
Double-crested Cormorant  3
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  1
Northern Harrier  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
American Coot  40
Killdeer  15
Greater Yellowlegs  20     fly-over
Ruddy Turnstone  3
Sanderling  4
Ring-billed Gull  10
Herring Gull  15
Lesser Black-backed Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  30
Rock Pigeon  4
Mourning Dove  10
Northern Flicker  4
American Crow  5
Tree Swallow  1
Cave Swallow  10
Carolina Chickadee  1
Carolina Wren  1     heard
American Robin  30
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  10
Cedar Waxwing  10
Yellow-rumped Warbler  8
Savannah Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  1
Swamp Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Eastern Meadowlark  1
Common Grackle  20
Brown-headed Cowbird  15
House Finch  5
American Goldfinch  15
House Sparrow  15

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

Black Scoter and White-winged Scoter [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Great Blue Heron [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Fall Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, November 24th, 2012

Cold and windy weather probably kept the birds "honkered in", but we managed to find a few sparrows, Yellow-rumped Warblers, about 20 Eastern Bluebirds, and a field with up to 50 American Pipits. Only one Red-tailed Hawk with the numerous Black and Turkey Vultures. This was the last Rea Farm walk of 2012. The Saturday walk moves to Cape May Point in December. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Kathy & Roger Horn, and Catherine Busch.
33 species

Gadwall  4
Mallard  10
Blue-winged Teal  1
Northern Shoveler  12
Green-winged Teal  2
Ring-necked Duck  3
Ruddy Duck  1
Black Vulture  5
Turkey Vulture  10
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Wilson's Snipe  3
Herring Gull  6
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  6
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  2
American Crow  120
Carolina Chickadee  1
Carolina Wren  3
Eastern Bluebird  25
American Robin  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
Brown Thrasher  2
European Starling  10
American Pipit  50
Yellow-rumped Warbler  6
Song Sparrow  5
Swamp Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  5
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  50
American Goldfinch  1

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

Ring-necked Duck [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, November 19th, 2012

Cold and breezy with good waterfowl and gulls. Overhead the swallows were numerous and predominantly Cave Swallows. On the beach we saw 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and several Northern Gannet off shore. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Steve Weis, Catherine Busch, and Janet Crawford.
53 species

Brant  25
Cackling Goose  2
Canada Goose  80
Mute Swan  4
Gadwall  8
American Wigeon  8
Mallard  60
Blue-winged Teal  1
Northern Shoveler  10
Northern Pintail  6
Green-winged Teal  10
Lesser Scaup  3
Bufflehead  3
Red-breasted Merganser  3
Ruddy Duck  50
Red-throated Loon  4
Pied-billed Grebe  2
Northern Gannet  4
Double-crested Cormorant  60
Great Blue Heron  2
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  8
Northern Harrier  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Coot  25
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Sanderling  35
Dunlin  1
Ring-billed Gull  15
Herring Gull  20
Lesser Black-backed Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  300
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  5
American Crow  10
Tree Swallow  25
Barn Swallow  5
Cave Swallow  50
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  4
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  10
American Pipit  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler  10
Savannah Sparrow  3
Swamp Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Brown-headed Cowbird  25
House Finch  5
American Goldfinch  8
House Sparrow  5

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

Cackling Goose (right) [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Fall Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, November 17th, 2012

Good variety of raptors with numerous Black and Turkey Vultures overhead. Other birds of interest were 2 Eastern Phoebe, 5 Cave Swallow, 4 American Pipits, and good looks at an adult male Wilson's Warbler. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Kathy & Roger Horn, and Catherine Busch.
48 species

Canada Goose  25
Mallard  4
Northern Shoveler  14
Ring-necked Duck  2
Double-crested Cormorant  20
Great Blue Heron  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Black Vulture  13
Turkey Vulture  25
Northern Harrier  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Cooper's Hawk  2
Red-shouldered Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  2
Killdeer  1     heard
Great Black-backed Gull  1
Rock Pigeon  5
Mourning Dove  5
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Downy Woodpecker  5
American Kestrel  1     leader only before walk
Eastern Phoebe  2
Blue Jay  1     heard
American Crow  35
Cave Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  3
Winter Wren  1
Carolina Wren  3
Eastern Bluebird  2     heard
Hermit Thrush  1
American Robin  8
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  5
Brown Thrasher  2
European Starling  15
American Pipit  4
Cedar Waxwing  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  8
Wilson's Warbler  1     adult male
Vesper Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  10
Swamp Sparrow  5
White-throated Sparrow  5
Dark-eyed Junco  1
Northern Cardinal  6
Red-winged Blackbird  50
Common Grackle  30
House Finch  4
American Goldfinch  10

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

Vesper Sparrow [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Wilson's Warbler [Photo by Michael Miller]

Cedar Waxwing [Photo by Roger Horn]

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, November 12th, 2012

Lots of waterfowl including up to 30 Ruddy Ducks and 2 Lesser Scaup drakes. Gulls included 3 Lesser Black-backed and 1 of the few remaining Laughing Gulls. Perched Cooper's and Red-shouldered Hawks provided good scope views. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Steve Weis, Carrie Bell, Bill & Lee Smythe, and Marc & Lynne Breslow.
53 species

Canada Goose  40
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  15
American Wigeon  8
American Black Duck  8
Mallard  20
Northern Shoveler  6
Northern Pintail  10
Green-winged Teal  10
Lesser Scaup  2
Bufflehead  3
Ruddy Duck  30
Double-crested Cormorant  40
Great Blue Heron  4
Great Egret  1
Turkey Vulture  1
Northern Harrier  4
Sharp-shinned Hawk  4
Cooper's Hawk  2
Bald Eagle  1
Red-shouldered Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Coot  15
Sanderling  50
Wilson's Snipe  1
Laughing Gull  1
Ring-billed Gull  8
Herring Gull  15
Lesser Black-backed Gull  3
Great Black-backed Gull  40
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  10
Northern Flicker  5
American Crow  10
Tree Swallow  10
Carolina Chickadee  1
Carolina Wren  1
Golden-crowned Kinglet  1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
Eastern Bluebird  15
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  30
Yellow-rumped Warbler  20
Savannah Sparrow  5
Song Sparrow  4
Swamp Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  50
Common Grackle  50
Purple Finch  1
House Finch  3
American Goldfinch  3
House Sparrow  3

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

Cox Hall Creek WMA - Sunday, November 11th, 2012

This morning's walk at Cox Hall Creek WMA was bright with Eastern Bluebirds, Blue Jays and American Goldfinches. A few Purple Finches were scattered throughout as were Swamp, Chipping, Field, White-throated, and Song Sparrows, and a single White-crowned Sparrow. Flocks of blackbirds included several Rusty Blackbirds. Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, Shaun Bamford, Lynn & Marc Breslow, Joe Demko, Mary Jane & Chuck Slugg, and Steve Weis.
54 species

Wood Duck  1
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  3
Northern Harrier  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  5
Cooper's Hawk  3
Bald Eagle  1
Red-tailed Hawk  3
Herring Gull  1
Mourning Dove  10
Red-headed Woodpecker  1    heard
Red-bellied Woodpecker  15
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  2
Merlin  1
Eastern Phoebe  5
Blue Jay  60
American Crow  25
Fish Crow  2
Tree Swallow  7
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  7
Red-breasted Nuthatch  3
White-breasted Nuthatch  3
Carolina Wren  4
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  4
Eastern Bluebird  100
Hermit Thrush  1
American Robin  75
Northern Mockingbird  5
European Starling  10
Cedar Waxwing  5
Common Yellowthroat  2
Palm Warbler  5
Yellow-rumped Warbler  2
Eastern Towhee  3
Chipping Sparrow  15
Field Sparrow  5
Song Sparrow  8
Swamp Sparrow  8
White-throated Sparrow  15
White-crowned Sparrow  1
Dark-eyed Junco  8
Northern Cardinal  8
Red-winged Blackbird  40
Rusty Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  75
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
Purple Finch  10
House Finch  15
Pine Siskin  8
American Goldfinch  75

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

Hawks, Trails, and Beach Walk - Saturday, November 10th, 2012

Highlights of the Hawks, Trails, and Beach walk include many species of ducks such as Mallards, American Wigeon, Gadwall, Northern Shovelers, Pintails, Ruddy Ducks, Green-winged Teal, and Lesser Scaup. Other waterfowl included Coot and Pied-billed Grebes. We saw plenty of Yellow-rumped Warblers, Golden-crowned Kinglets, and Brown Creepers as we walked through the park. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, and Lynne Breslow.
44 species

Canada Goose  47
Mute Swan  30
Gadwall  20
American Wigeon  36
American Black Duck  1
Mallard  30
Northern Shoveler  10
Northern Pintail  12
Green-winged Teal  20
Ring-necked Duck  1
Lesser Scaup  3
Ruddy Duck  20
Pied-billed Grebe  9
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  2
Cooper's Hawk  1
American Coot  40
Sanderling  3
Herring Gull  3
Great Black-backed Gull  7
Royal Tern  2
Mourning Dove  3
Northern Flicker  4
Blue Jay  2
Tree Swallow  15
Carolina Chickadee  7
Brown Creeper  3     2 creeping up same tree and 1 in another tree
Carolina Wren  6     heard
Golden-crowned Kinglet  6
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1     heard
American Robin  5
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  8
Common Yellowthroat  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  25
Savannah Sparrow  3     heard
Song Sparrow  1
Swamp Sparrow  5
White-throated Sparrow  1     heard
Northern Cardinal  4
American Goldfinch  5

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

Fall Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, November 10th, 2012

Excellent birding for passerines that included Fox, Vesper, Field, White-throat, Song, and Savannah Sparrows. Good looks at 3 Wilson's Snipe feeding at the edge of standing water. Raptors included Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, and 3 Bald Eagles. Good looks at Eastern Bluebirds in the vineyard field and American Pipits in the pumpkin field. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Kathy Horn, and Roger Horn.
57 species

Canada Goose  5
Wood Duck  1     heard
American Black Duck  3
Mallard  10
Blue-winged Teal  2
Northern Shoveler  12
Great Blue Heron  5
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  8
Northern Harrier  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  4
Cooper's Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  3
Red-tailed Hawk  2
Killdeer  1
Wilson's Snipe  3
Herring Gull  1
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  5
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Downy Woodpecker  4
Northern Flicker  5
Merlin  1
Peregrine Falcon  1
White-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  5
American Crow  75
Tree Swallow  6
Carolina Wren  8
Golden-crowned Kinglet  5
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  5
Eastern Bluebird  25
Hermit Thrush  12
American Robin  5
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  2
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  20
American Pipit  3
Palm Warbler  3
Yellow-rumped Warbler  15
Eastern Towhee  1     heard
Field Sparrow  1
Vesper Sparrow  1
Savannah Sparrow  2
Fox Sparrow  2
Song Sparrow  10
Swamp Sparrow  5
White-throated Sparrow  5
Dark-eyed Junco  5
Northern Cardinal  8
Red-winged Blackbird  40
Rusty Blackbird  2     seen by leader
Common Grackle  10
House Finch  4
Pine Siskin  1
American Goldfinch  15

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

Eastern Bluebird [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Savannah Sparrow [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Vesper Sparrow [Karl Lukens]

Hermit Thrush [Photo by Roger Horn]

Wilson's Snipe [Photo by Karl Lukens]

EZ Birding - Tuesday, November 6th, 2012

The EZ Birding walk at Two Mile Beach Unit of the Cape May NWR had a couple of big surprises following Superstorm Sandy. In addition to the usual Great Blue Herons, and Great and Snowy Egrets we had a Little Blue Heron and a Tri-colored Heron. Northern Pintails and Hooded Mergansers have joined the ducks on the saltwater pan. From the beach we observed lines of scoter, Northern Gannets, and both Common and Red-throated Loons. Leaders:  Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, and Bill & Lee Smythe.
53 species (+1 other taxa)

Brant  30
American Wigeon  4     heard
American Black Duck  20
Mallard  8
Northern Pintail  28
scoter sp.  250
Hooded Merganser  2
Red-throated Loon  4
Common Loon  3
Northern Gannet  10
Double-crested Cormorant  34
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  7
Snowy Egret  3
Little Blue Heron  1
Tricolored Heron  1
Turkey Vulture  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  2
Cooper's Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  1
Black-bellied Plover  2
Greater Yellowlegs  11
Lesser Yellowlegs  8     Mixed in with Greater Yellowlegs and calling "too, too"
Sanderling  30
Dunlin  3
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull  9
Great Black-backed Gull  15
Forster's Tern  28
Royal Tern  1
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  6
Northern Flicker  3
Tree Swallow  3800     Swirls and swarms in air and 1500 sitting on beach
Carolina Chickadee  3
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1     heard
American Robin  30
Gray Catbird  2
Brown Thrasher  1     heard
European Starling  20
Yellow-rumped Warbler  45
Chipping Sparrow  1
Savannah Sparrow  2
Fox Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  3
Swamp Sparrow  3
White-throated Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  25
Common Grackle  10
Boat-tailed Grackle  25
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
House Finch  3
American Goldfinch  6     heard

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, November 5th, 2012

A good variety of ducks were present and the gannet show was spectacular. Viewing the latter also turned up a Brown Pelican. The beach also produced an American Oystercatcher and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Flyovers included 3 Wilson's Snipe, many Tree Swallows and 1 Cave Swallow, Pine Siskins, Purple Finches, and a Rusty Blackbird.  Leaders: Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Warren Cairo, Janet Crawford, and Catherine Busch.
64 species

Canada Goose  15
Mute Swan  5
Gadwall  7
American Wigeon  5
American Black Duck  1
Mallard  20
Northern Shoveler  6
Northern Pintail  8
Green-winged Teal  10
Ring-necked Duck  2
Lesser Scaup  4
Black Scoter  30
Bufflehead  3
Ruddy Duck  25
Red-throated Loon  1
Northern Gannet  400
Double-crested Cormorant  30
Brown Pelican  1
Great Blue Heron  7
Black Vulture  4
Turkey Vulture  30
Northern Harrier  3
Sharp-shinned Hawk  12
Cooper's Hawk  5
Bald Eagle  3
Red-shouldered Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  4
American Coot  8
Killdeer  3
American Oystercatcher  1
Ruddy Turnstone  1
Sanderling  10
Wilson's Snipe  3
Ring-billed Gull  5
Herring Gull  5
Lesser Black-backed Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  15
Forster's Tern  3
Mourning Dove  8
Northern Flicker  8
American Kestrel  7
Merlin  1
American Crow  5
Tree Swallow  150
Barn Swallow  5
Cave Swallow  1
Golden-crowned Kinglet  2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
Eastern Bluebird  15
American Robin  30
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  10
Yellow-rumped Warbler  40
Savannah Sparrow  4
Song Sparrow  5
Swamp Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  60
Rusty Blackbird  1
Purple Finch  3
House Finch  3
Pine Siskin  50
American Goldfinch  50
House Sparrow  1

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

Cox Hall Creek WMA - Sunday, November 4th, 2012

It was one of those incredible days at Cox Hall Creek WMA - Hermit Thrushes everywhere, hundreds of Sparrows, Pine Siskins, American Robins and Red-winged Blackbirds, lots of Eastern Bluebirds, 2 immature Red-headed Woodpeckers, 2 Rusty Blackbirds and FOS Fox Sparrows. Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, Warren Cairo, Shaun Bamford, Mary Jane & Chuck Slugg, Janet Crawford, and Catherine Busch.
59 species

Wood Duck  5
Mallard  3
Common Loon  1
Double-crested Cormorant  32
Turkey Vulture  32
Northern Harrier  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  5
Red-shouldered Hawk  3
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Woodcock  1
Herring Gull (American)  3
Mourning Dove  10
Red-headed Woodpecker  2    Caching nuts
Red-bellied Woodpecker  5
Downy Woodpecker  2
Hairy Woodpecker  1    heard
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  8
Eastern Phoebe  3
Blue Jay  14
American Crow  30
Tree Swallow  4
Carolina Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  2
Red-breasted Nuthatch  5
White-breasted Nuthatch  2
Brown Creeper  2
Carolina Wren  4
Golden-crowned Kinglet  7
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  13
Eastern Bluebird  48
Hermit Thrush  23
American Robin  180
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  1
Brown Thrasher  3
European Starling  70
Cedar Waxwing  35
Palm Warbler (Western)  10
Palm Warbler (Yellow)  5
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  12
Eastern Towhee  3
Chipping Sparrow  45
Field Sparrow  9
Savannah Sparrow  5
Fox Sparrow  3
Song Sparrow  75
Swamp Sparrow  12
White-throated Sparrow  90
Dark-eyed Junco  120
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  600
Eastern Meadowlark  3
Rusty Blackbird  2
Common Grackle  15
Brown-headed Cowbird  29
Purple Finch  5
House Finch  7
Pine Siskin  200    Irruptive year
American Goldfinch  100

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

Hawks, Trails, and Beach Walk - Saturday, November 3rd, 2012

Although the weather was windy and cold, the Hawks, Trails, and Beach Walk had a nice variety of birds. Golden-crowned Kinglets dominated the marsh grasses where Yellow-rumped Warblers, and Savanah and Swamp Sparrows were also seen. A good variety of ducks can still be found on the ponds including the Eurasian Wigeon and Ring-necked Ducks. A large flock of Tree Swallows swarmed overhead. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg.
50 species (+2 other taxa)

Canada Goose  40
Mute Swan  22
Gadwall  16
Eurasian Wigeon  1
American Wigeon  36
Mallard  20
Blue-winged Teal  2
Northern Shoveler  2
Northern Pintail  2
Green-winged Teal  6
Ring-necked Duck  6
scoter sp.  40
Ruddy Duck  16
Common Loon  2
Pied-billed Grebe  4
Northern Gannet  6
Double-crested Cormorant  5
Great Blue Heron  30
Turkey Vulture  3
Northern Harrier  4
Sharp-shinned Hawk  8
Cooper's Hawk  1
American Coot  20
Herring Gull  16
Great Black-backed Gull  40
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  4
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  7
American Kestrel  3
Merlin  1
Eastern Phoebe  1
Blue Jay  6
crow sp.  3
Tree Swallow  70
Winter Wren  1
Carolina Wren  1
Golden-crowned Kinglet  35     There seemed to be a kinglet fallout along the boardwalk in the marshes around Lighthouse Pond East and West. This is probably a conservative number.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  3
Eastern Bluebird  2
Hermit Thrush  1
American Robin  30
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  20
Cedar Waxwing  12
Yellow-rumped Warbler  21
Savannah Sparrow  7
Swamp Sparrow  5
Dark-eyed Junco  2
Northern Cardinal  2
American Goldfinch  10

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

Fall Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, November 3rd, 2012

Very birdy with constant American Robins in the air. Also numerous Eastern Bluebirds, American Goldfinch and Cedar Waxwings in the air. Many sparrows including Vesper, Song, Swamp, White-throated, White-crowned, Savannah, and Field. Lots of raptors overhead including Red-tailed, Red-shouldered, Cooper's, Sharp-shinned Hawks, Northern Harrier, 3 Bald Eagles, and 1 Golden Eagle. A fly-over Cattle Egret was of interest. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Kathy & Roger Horn, Warren Cairo, Catherine Busch, and Dave Lord.
69 species

Canada Goose  20
Wood Duck  5
Gadwall  10
Mallard  8
Blue-winged Teal  2
Northern Shoveler  4
Common Loon  1
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Great Blue Heron  2
Cattle Egret  1
Black Vulture  5
Turkey Vulture  50
Osprey  1
Golden Eagle  1
Northern Harrier  5
Sharp-shinned Hawk  12
Cooper's Hawk  2
Bald Eagle  3
Red-shouldered Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  2
Killdeer  12
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  3
Herring Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  10
Northern Flicker  12
American Kestrel  4
Peregrine Falcon  1
Eastern Phoebe  1
Blue Jay  4
American Crow  10
Tree Swallow  100
Carolina Wren  2
Golden-crowned Kinglet  2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  5
Eastern Bluebird  75
Hermit Thrush  5
American Robin  2000
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  30
American Pipit  6
Cedar Waxwing  15
Palm Warbler (Western)  5
Palm Warbler (Yellow)  13
Yellow-rumped Warbler  30
Chipping Sparrow  8
Field Sparrow  4
Vesper Sparrow  10
Savannah Sparrow  8
Song Sparrow  10
Swamp Sparrow  8
White-throated Sparrow  20
White-crowned Sparrow  8
Dark-eyed Junco  15
Northern Cardinal  4
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  40
Eastern Meadowlark  4
Brown-headed Cowbird  20
Baltimore Oriole  2
Purple Finch  12
House Finch  6
Pine Siskin  5
American Goldfinch  20
House Sparrow  1

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

Hermit Thrush [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Bird Walk for All People - Thursday, October 25th, 2012

Ducks are the birds to highlight for The Walk for All People this morning. Many species of ducks and waterfowl can be found on the ponds of the State Park including Mallards, American Wigeon, Ring-necked Ducks, Northern Shovelers, both Green- and Blue-winged Teal, Gadwall, Pintails, Pied-billed Grebes, and Coot. Yellow-rumped Warblers abound and huge flocks of American Robins were perched in trees and flying overhead. Leaders; Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, and Cindy Bamford.
54 species

Canada Goose  60
Mute Swan  11
Gadwall  20
American Wigeon  40
Mallard  40
Blue-winged Teal  8
Northern Shoveler  14
Northern Pintail  43
Green-winged Teal  20
Ring-necked Duck  8
Ruddy Duck  6
Pied-billed Grebe  13
Double-crested Cormorant  125
Great Egret  7
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  1
Northern Harrier  3
Sharp-shinned Hawk  3
Cooper's Hawk  2
American Coot  16
Laughing Gull  1
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  6
Royal Tern  4     heard
Rock Pigeon  4
Mourning Dove  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  5
Blue Jay  6
American Crow  8
Tree Swallow  1
Barn Swallow  2
Carolina Chickadee  5
Red-breasted Nuthatch  4     heard
Brown Creeper  2
Carolina Wren  6
Golden-crowned Kinglet  6
American Robin  625
Gray Catbird  1     heard
Northern Mockingbird  5
Brown Thrasher  2
European Starling  40
Palm Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  82
Savannah Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  2
Swamp Sparrow  4
White-throated Sparrow  1     heard
White-crowned Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  70
Pine Siskin  2
American Goldfinch  30
House Sparrow  2

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

Hidden Valley Bird Walk - Thursday, October 25th, 2012

This morning's walk was full of birds, mostly drifting eastward across the island. American Robins and American Goldfinches dominated the skies, while highlights in the bushes included two Baltimore Orioles. Perched raptors gave some unusually close views, including full-frames of Peregrine, Merlin and Northern Harrier.  Leaders Mike Crewe and Chris Marks.
53 species

Wood Duck  1
American Black Duck  1
Mallard  11
Common Loon  4
Double-crested Cormorant  200
Great Blue Heron  1
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  1
Northern Harrier  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  4
Cooper's Hawk  1
Red-shouldered Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  2
Killdeer  1
Herring Gull (American)  4
Mourning Dove  50
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  5
Merlin  2
Peregrine Falcon  1
Blue Jay  8
American Crow  20
Carolina Chickadee  2
Red-breasted Nuthatch  5
Carolina Wren  4
Golden-crowned Kinglet  6
Eastern Bluebird  10
American Robin  1200
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  4
Brown Thrasher  2
European Starling  40
American Pipit  4
Cedar Waxwing  20
Common Yellowthroat  1
Palm Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler  500
Eastern Towhee  3
Field Sparrow  2
Savannah Sparrow  2
Song Sparrow  12
Swamp Sparrow  20
White-throated Sparrow  5
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  30
Eastern Meadowlark  100
Brown-headed Cowbird  15
Baltimore Oriole  2
Purple Finch  10
House Finch  20
Pine Siskin  50
American Goldfinch  200

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

Twilight Watch at the Meadows - Wednesday, October 24th, 2012

The Twilight Watch at the Meadows had good looks at a Lesser Black-backed Gull, close Northern Gannets, lots of migrating Great Blue Herons, and a huge flock of Black Skimmers yipping and feeding right off the beach. We ended with sightings of Virginia Rail and Sora when it was almost too dark to see. Leaders: Chuck Slugg and Bill Smythe.
40 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  55
Mute Swan  11
Gadwall  2
American Black Duck  10
Mallard  14
Northern Shoveler  6
Northern Pintail  48
Green-winged Teal  8
scoter sp.  175
Pied-billed Grebe  2
Northern Gannet  20
Double-crested Cormorant  3
Great Blue Heron  43
Great Egret  3
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1     heard from parkiong lot
Osprey  1
Northern Harrier  3
Sharp-shinned Hawk  3
Cooper's Hawk  2
Virginia Rail  2
Sora  3
Sanderling  24
Ring-billed Gull  3
Herring Gull  6
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  35
Common Tern  2
Forster's Tern  15
Royal Tern  20
Black Skimmer  250
Mourning Dove  4
Long-eared Owl  1     seen by some in parking lot at end of walk
American Kestrel  1
Merlin  2
Peregrine Falcon  1
American Robin  3
European Starling  6
Palm Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  30
Song Sparrow  1
Swamp Sparrow  2

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, October 24th, 2012

Lots of birds flying, mostly Yellow-rumped Warblers, Tree Swallows, Pine Siskins, Red-winged Blackbirds, Eastern Bluebirds, and American Robins. Nice variety of ducks on the pond and good Northern Gannet and tern show off shore, with up to 5 Parasitic Jaegers in the mix. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Chris Marks, and Nancy Watson.
70 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  100
Mute Swan  10
Wood Duck  2
Gadwall  8
American Wigeon  35
American Black Duck  1
Mallard  30
Blue-winged Teal  2
Northern Shoveler  20
Northern Pintail  15
Green-winged Teal  25
Surf Scoter  30
scoter sp.  100
Ruddy Duck  2
Red-throated Loon  1
Pied-billed Grebe  10
Northern Gannet  25
Double-crested Cormorant  50
Great Cormorant  1
Great Blue Heron  3
Great Egret  1
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  1
Northern Harrier  4
Sharp-shinned Hawk  3
Cooper's Hawk  2
American Coot  20
Greater Yellowlegs  3
Sanderling  35
Stilt Sandpiper  3
Laughing Gull  2
Ring-billed Gull  5
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Forster's Tern  30
Royal Tern  15
Black Skimmer  5
Parasitic Jaeger  5
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  10
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  15
Merlin  2
Eastern Phoebe  1
Blue Jay  20
American Crow  5
Tree Swallow  35
Barn Swallow  4
Red-breasted Nuthatch  4
Carolina Wren  4
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  2
Eastern Bluebird  4
American Robin  30
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  50
American Pipit  4
Cedar Waxwing  5
Palm Warbler  3
Yellow-rumped Warbler  60
Savannah Sparrow  5
Song Sparrow  3
Swamp Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  100
Eastern Meadowlark  1
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
Purple Finch  1
House Finch  10
Pine Siskin  25
American Goldfinch  15
House Sparrow  5

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

 Palm Warbler - Yellow or Eastern subspecies [Photo by Karl Lukens]

EZ Birding - Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012

EZ Birding at Two Mile  Beach Unit of the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge was filled with a variety of species today. On the beach we had good looks at Sanderlings, Dunlin, Semipalmated and Black-bellied Plover, and Ruddy Turnstones. Off shore we had some Northern Gannet, Royal Terns, and Common Loons. Lots of Double-crested Cormorants were migrating. From the duck blind we saw both Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs and Black Ducks. Many Osprey are still fishing the salt pan. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, and Lee Smythe.
52 species (+2 other taxa)

Wood Duck  20     flying
American Black Duck  30
Mallard  14
dabbling duck sp.  2     in line of migrating Scoter
scoter sp.  60
Common Loon  2
Northern Gannet  6
Double-crested Cormorant  230
Great Blue Heron  3
Great Egret  12
Snowy Egret  2
Osprey  13
Northern Harrier  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  2
Cooper's Hawk  3
Black-bellied Plover  5
Semipalmated Plover  15
Greater Yellowlegs  20
Lesser Yellowlegs  8
Ruddy Turnstone  3
Sanderling  38
Dunlin  30
Laughing Gull  3
Ring-billed Gull  6
Herring Gull  10
Great Black-backed Gull  20
Forster's Tern  12
Royal Tern  8
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1     heard
Northern Flicker  8
American Crow  11
Carolina Chickadee  1     heard
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1     heard
Carolina Wren  2     heard
Golden-crowned Kinglet  2     heard
American Robin  120
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  3
Brown Thrasher  1     heard
European Starling  40
Cedar Waxwing  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler  70
Eastern Towhee  2     heard
Savannah Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  3
Dark-eyed Junco  3
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  8
Eastern Meadowlark  1
House Finch  5
Pine Siskin  15
American Goldfinch  20

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, October 22nd, 2012

There was a big movement of all kinds of birds flying overhead, including American Robins, Red-winged Blackbirds, Cedar Waxwings, and Yellow-rumped Warblers. Raptors were also present with several Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks, Northern Harriers, and a Bald Eagle. On the beach we had the usual gulls as well as a Lesser Black-backed Gull with Royal Terns and Northern Gannets offshore. We finished with an elusive Sora and Virginia Rail at the street end of the east path. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Catherine Busch, and Janet Crawford.
66 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  100
Mute Swan  7
Wood Duck  39
Gadwall  1
American Wigeon  1
Mallard  20
Northern Shoveler  1
Green-winged Teal  10
scoter sp.  30
Common Loon  1
Pied-billed Grebe  2
Northern Gannet  25
Double-crested Cormorant  100
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  1
Black Vulture  6
Turkey Vulture  14
Osprey  2
Northern Harrier  5
Sharp-shinned Hawk  5
Cooper's Hawk  2
Bald Eagle  1
Broad-winged Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Virginia Rail  1
Sora  1
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  3
Sanderling  30
Laughing Gull  3
Ring-billed Gull  4
Herring Gull  5
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Forster's Tern  2
Royal Tern  10
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  8
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  5
American Kestrel  5
Merlin  1
Eastern Phoebe  1
American Crow  8
Tree Swallow  30
Red-breasted Nuthatch  3
Carolina Wren  3
Golden-crowned Kinglet  1
American Robin  3000
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  50
Cedar Waxwing  25
Yellow-rumped Warbler  100
Savannah Sparrow  10
Song Sparrow  5
Swamp Sparrow  8
Dark-eyed Junco  1
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  100
Eastern Meadowlark  6
Rusty Blackbird  1
Brown-headed Cowbird  15
Purple Finch  1
House Finch  3
Pine Siskin  5
American Goldfinch  5
House Sparrow  5

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

Cox Hall Creek WMA - Sunday, October 21st, 2012

Following last night's north winds, a lot of birds came into CHC WMA. Sparrows were more numerous with Swamp, Song, White-throated, Field and Chipping seen. A single immature Red-headed Woodpeckler perched obligingly at the top of a dead snag long enough for good scope views. Pine Siskins, Purple Finches, both Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatches, Palm and Nashville Warblers, and Eastern Phoebes were seen, along with many 'Butterbutts" (Yellow-rumped Warblers). Leaders: Kathy Horn, Cindy Bamford, Janet Crawford, Mary Jane & Chuck Slugg.
53 species

Canada Goose  16
Mallard  1
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Double-crested Cormorant  11
Great Blue Heron  1
Turkey Vulture  2
Northern Harrier  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  7
Cooper's Hawk  2
Bald Eagle  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Herring Gull (American)  2
Mourning Dove  12
Red-headed Woodpecker  1    Immature
Red-bellied Woodpecker  7
Downy Woodpecker  4
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  9
Eastern Phoebe  8
Blue Jay  30
American Crow  16
Carolina Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  7
Red-breasted Nuthatch  5
White-breasted Nuthatch  2
Brown Creeper  1
Carolina Wren  6
Golden-crowned Kinglet  12
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  4
Eastern Bluebird  16
Hermit Thrush  2
American Robin  100
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
Brown Thrasher  2
European Starling  1
Cedar Waxwing  23
Nashville Warbler  2
Common Yellowthroat  4
Palm Warbler (Western)  15
Palm Warbler (Yellow)  5
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  55
Eastern Towhee  4
Chipping Sparrow  3
Field Sparrow  5
Savannah Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  6
Swamp Sparrow  12
White-throated Sparrow  6
Northern Cardinal  6
Red-winged Blackbird  5
Purple Finch  5
Pine Siskin  28
American Goldfinch  16

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

Hawks, Trails, and Beach - Saturday, October 20th, 2012

The Hawks, Trails, and Beach Walk enjoyed the large variety of waterfowl on Bunker and Lighthouse Ponds. Ducks are beginning to come into breeding plumage such as Mallards, Green- and Blue-winged Teal, Northern Pintails, American Wigeon, Gadwall, and Ring-necked Ducks. We also saw Pied-billed Grebes and Ruddy Ducks. Raptors included Northern Harriers, Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks, Peregrine Falcons, and an American Bald Eagle. Leaders:  Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Cindy Bamford, and Lynne Breslow.
47 species

Canada Goose  30
Mute Swan  14
Gadwall  26
American Wigeon  30
Mallard  20
Blue-winged Teal  12
Northern Shoveler  22
Northern Pintail  14
Green-winged Teal  36
Ring-necked Duck  6
Ruddy Duck  8
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Northern Gannet  3
Double-crested Cormorant  6
Great Blue Heron  14
Cattle Egret  1     seen by a few at end of walk; flew into Bunker Pond
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  2
Northern Harrier  5
Sharp-shinned Hawk  3
Cooper's Hawk  3
Bald Eagle  1
American Coot  10
Laughing Gull  6
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  8
Royal Tern  3
Rock Pigeon  4
Mourning Dove  3
Northern Flicker  7
Peregrine Falcon  2
Blue Jay  12
American Crow  10
Tree Swallow  20
Carolina Chickadee  4     heard
Brown Creeper  1
Carolina Wren  3     heard
Golden-crowned Kinglet  1     heard
Eastern Bluebird  1
American Robin  10
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  20
Palm Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler  40
Northern Cardinal  2
American Goldfinch  14

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Photo Walks with Mike Hannisian - Saturday, October 20th, 2012

Our last Saturday Photo Walk for the season was greeted with sunny mild weather. The main interest of the day was waterfowl which have been arriving in Cape May for the past week or two. American Wigeon are here in good numbers while Green-winged Teal and Ring-necked Ducks are increasing in numbers. Also present, as they almost always are, were Canada Geese and Mute Swans. All in all, it was a good last walk for the season.

American Widgeon [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Canada Goose [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Green-winged Teal [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Ring-necked Duck

Fall Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, October 20th, 2012

Pockets of birds were here and there around the trail. Yellow-rumps were predominant, but Palm Warblers and both Kinglets were interspersed. Other warblers were 1 Nashville and 1 Black-throated Green. Several groups of Purple Finches were found in tree tops. Five Black-crowned Night-Herons were in the Willow Ponds. The large group had to be split in two. Group 1's list is below. Group 2 reported similar birds with the addition of Cattle Egret. Leaders: Group 1 - Karl Lukens and Kathy Horn; Group 2 - Chuck Slugg and Chris Hajduk.
48 species

Canada Goose  50
Mallard  10
Double-crested Cormorant  12
Cattle Egret  1     by leader after walk
Black-crowned Night-Heron  5
Black Vulture  5
Turkey Vulture  4
Sharp-shinned Hawk  3
Laughing Gull  1
Herring Gull  1
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  40
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Downy Woodpecker  3
Northern Flicker  10
American Kestrel  1     end of walk
Merlin  1
Eastern Phoebe  1
Blue Jay  15
American Crow  10
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  1
Red-breasted Nuthatch  3
Brown Creeper  1
Carolina Wren  5
Golden-crowned Kinglet  3
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  2
American Robin  100
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  100
Nashville Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  2
Palm Warbler  12
Yellow-rumped Warbler  50
Black-throated Green Warbler  1
Field Sparrow  3
Savannah Sparrow  5
Song Sparrow  2
Swamp Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  1     heard
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  5
Purple Finch  8
House Finch  5
American Goldfinch  5
House Sparrow  3

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

Sunset Birding at the Meadows - Friday, October 19th, 2012

Some fog and wind but still some good birds. Ducks included both Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Ruddy as well as scoters. Raptors included 5 Nothern Harriers, and 2 Merlin. On the beach we found an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull. We finished off in low light with an elusive Sora. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, and Roger Horn.
40 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  20
Mute Swan  6
American Wigeon  2
American Black Duck  11
Mallard  30
Blue-winged Teal  4
Northern Shoveler  8
Northern Pintail  4
Green-winged Teal  40
Surf Scoter  5
scoter sp.  200
Ruddy Duck  1
Pied-billed Grebe  2
Northern Gannet  3
Double-crested Cormorant  15
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  1
Osprey  1
Northern Harrier  5
Cooper's Hawk  1
Sora  2
Virginia Rail    1 dark seen by a few
Greater Yellowlegs  2
Sanderling  30
Pectoral Sandpiper  2
Laughing Gull  10
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull  3
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  4
Forster's Tern  2
Royal Tern  3
Black Skimmer  50
Mourning Dove  5
Merlin  2
American Crow  2
Tree Swallow  3
Carolina Wren  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  15
Yellow-rumped Warbler  25
House Sparrow  1

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

Higbee Beach Birding - Friday, October 19th, 2012

Due to the rain we adjourned to the porch of the Sunset Grill for some "sea" watching. Nice variety of gulls and terns in various plumages. Off shore were a few Northern Gannets, Surf and Black Scoter, and 2 Parasitic Jeagers. Around the Magnesite Plant were both Vultures, 2 Merlin and 3 American Kestrel. Sanderling and Ruddy Turnstones were on the beach and jetty. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Warren Cairo, Roger Horn, Catherine Busch, and Chris Marks.
34 species (+1 other taxa)

Brant  2
Surf Scoter  10
Black Scoter  12
scoter sp.  100
Ruddy Duck  1
Northern Gannet  10
Double-crested Cormorant  75
Black Vulture  6
Turkey Vulture  5
Osprey  1
Greater Yellowlegs  4
Lesser Yellowlegs  1
Ruddy Turnstone  4
Sanderling  30
Bonaparte's Gull  1
Laughing Gull  50
Ring-billed Gull  10
Herring Gull  15
Great Black-backed Gull  5
Common Tern  3
Forster's Tern  25
Royal Tern  10
Black Skimmer  1
Parasitic Jaeger  2
Mourning Dove  4
American Kestrel  3
Merlin  2
Blue Jay  1
Fish Crow  1
Tree Swallow  7
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1
American Robin  10
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  10
Yellow-rumped Warbler  5

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

Bird Walk for All People - Thursday, October 18th, 2012

Ducks and raptors were the birds of the day for the Bird Walk for All People. Bunker Pond had a variety of ducks and other swimmers including Mallards, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Northern Shovelers, both Teal, Ruddy Ducks, Northern Pintail Ducks, and Pied-billed Grebes. On the trails we saw Osprey, Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks, and Northern Harriers. Large flocks of Double-crested Cormorants and Forster's Terns were moving. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg.
48 species

Canada Goose  65
Mute Swan  16
Gadwall  10
American Wigeon  20
Mallard  26
Blue-winged Teal  6
Northern Shoveler  8
Northern Pintail  4
Green-winged Teal  2
Ruddy Duck  4
Pied-billed Grebe  7
Double-crested Cormorant  500
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  3
Black Vulture  5
Turkey Vulture  8
Osprey  3
Northern Harrier  3
Sharp-shinned Hawk  6
Cooper's Hawk  5
Bald Eagle  1     seen by leader only
American Coot  30
Laughing Gull  10
Herring Gull  9
Great Black-backed Gull  12
Forster's Tern  175
Rock Pigeon  8
Mourning Dove  3
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1     heard
Northern Flicker  5
Merlin  1
Blue Jay  10
American Crow  6
Tree Swallow  60
Carolina Chickadee  7
Red-breasted Nuthatch  5
Carolina Wren  7
American Robin  3
Gray Catbird  1     heard
Northern Mockingbird  8
European Starling  190
Yellow-rumped Warbler  30
Savannah Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  35
Eastern Meadowlark  1
American Goldfinch  28

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

Hidden Valley Bird Walk - Thursday, October 18th, 2012

A nice walk in calm and sunny conditions - not ideal for migration but we still enjoyed plenty of Pine Siskins, an adult Bald Eagle and a busy feeding party of Eastern Meadowlarks. Leaders: Mike Crewe and Chris Marks.
44 species

Wild Turkey  X
Double-crested Cormorant  120
Great Blue Heron  1
Turkey Vulture  6
Sharp-shinned Hawk  5
Cooper's Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  1
Broad-winged Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  2
Herring Gull (American)  3
Mourning Dove  15
Red-bellied Woodpecker  4
Downy Woodpecker  3
Northern Flicker  8
American Kestrel  2
Eastern Phoebe  3
Blue Jay  10
American Crow  12
Fish Crow  1
Carolina Chickadee  1
Red-breasted Nuthatch  2
Brown Creeper  1
Carolina Wren  2
Golden-crowned Kinglet  6
American Robin  40
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  4
European Starling  20
Cedar Waxwing  9
Yellow-rumped Warbler  200
Field Sparrow  1
Savannah Sparrow  5
Song Sparrow  20
Swamp Sparrow  15
White-throated Sparrow  1
White-crowned Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  5
Eastern Meadowlark  35
Common Grackle  1
Purple Finch  4
House Finch  10
Pine Siskin  40
American Goldfinch  120

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

Twilight Watch at the Meadows - Wednesday, October 17th, 2012

The Twilight Watch at the Meadows enjoyed a variety of raptors including Northern Harriers, Merlins, Sharp-shinned, and Cooper's Hawks. Ducks included the ever-present Mallards, Blue- and Green-winged Teal, Northern Shovelers, and Northern Pintails. We ended with excellent looks at both Sora and Virginia Rail. Although not birds, we enjoyed watching a pod of Bottle-nosed Dolphins cavorting and body surfing right off shore. Leaders: Warren Cairo, Bill Smythe, Lee Smythe, Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg.
44 species

Brant  23
Canada Goose  18
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  2
American Wigeon  4
Mallard  12
Blue-winged Teal  4
Northern Shoveler  2
Northern Pintail  2
Green-winged Teal  4
Black Scoter  35
Common Loon  2
Pied-billed Grebe  2
Double-crested Cormorant  46
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  3
Osprey  3
Northern Harrier  3
Sharp-shinned Hawk  2
Cooper's Hawk  1
Virginia Rail  1
Sora  1
American Coot  1
Killdeer  1
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  1
Sanderling  25
Laughing Gull  35
Ring-billed Gull  5
Herring Gull  10
Great Black-backed Gull  20
Caspian Tern  6
Forster's Tern  7
Royal Tern  6
Mourning Dove  7
Belted Kingfisher  1
Merlin  4
Peregrine Falcon  1
Blue Jay  2
Tree Swallow  30
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  10
Yellow-rumped Warbler  30
Red-winged Blackbird  7

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, October 17th, 2012

Lots of birds overhead this morning, including at least 1000 Tree Swallows, hundreds of American Robins, as well as Pine Siskins, and American Pipits. Nice variety of ducks on the ponds as well as up to 8 Pied-billed Grebes. Raptors were also numerous with Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks, and Northern Harriers overhead. Passerines included Palm and Yellow-rumped Warblers, Blue Jays, numerous Red-breasted Nuthatches, and Northern Flickers. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Warren Cairo, Steve Weis, and Chris Marks.
74 species

Canada Goose  15
Mute Swan  10
Gadwall  6
American Wigeon  20
Mallard  10
Blue-winged Teal  5
Northern Shoveler  6
Northern Pintail  12
Green-winged Teal  10
Ruddy Duck  4
Pied-billed Grebe  8
Northern Gannet  1     5
Double-crested Cormorant  75
Great Cormorant  1     with fly-over flock of Doubles
Great Blue Heron  3
Great Egret  1
Turkey Vulture  5
Osprey  4
Northern Harrier  3
Sharp-shinned Hawk  15
Cooper's Hawk  5
Broad-winged Hawk  2
American Coot  9
Killdeer  6
Laughing Gull  30
Ring-billed Gull  5
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  5
Caspian Tern  2
Forster's Tern  15
Royal Tern  5
Rock Pigeon  1
Mourning Dove  5
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  10
American Kestrel  1
Peregrine Falcon  1     seen by a few
Eastern Phoebe  1
Blue Jay  25
American Crow  5
Tree Swallow  1000
Carolina Chickadee  1
Red-breasted Nuthatch  18
White-breasted Nuthatch  3
Brown Creeper  2
Carolina Wren  4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Golden-crowned Kinglet  2
American Robin  500
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  75
American Pipit  15     fly-over
Cedar Waxwing  10
Blackpoll Warbler  1
Palm Warbler  10
Yellow-rumped Warbler  100
Field Sparrow  1
Savannah Sparrow  5
Song Sparrow  2
Swamp Sparrow  4
White-throated Sparrow  1
White-crowned Sparrow  1
Dark-eyed Junco  2
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  50
Brown-headed Cowbird  15
Purple Finch  5
House Finch  10
Pine Siskin  10
American Goldfinch  2
House Sparrow  3

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