Higbee Beach Bird Walk - Friday, March 30th, 2012

With no obvious migration taking place, Higbee Beach can be a quiet place - unless you know where to go! On this morning's first Higbee walk of the season, we headed straight for the beach and were confronted with wall to wall Gannets and a supporting cast of up-close Red-breasted Mergansers, American Oystercatchers and a whole bunch of other stuff. The season's first parties of egrets were heading north up the bay, while the fields gave us Palm Warbler, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers and singing Eastern Towhee and Field Sparrows. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Warren Cairo, Steve Weis, Karl Lukens, and Chris Adams.
41 species

Canada Goose  2
Mallard  2
Surf Scoter  15
Black Scoter  45
Red-breasted Merganser  14
Red-throated Loon  2
Northern Gannet  450
Double-crested Cormorant  6
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  10
Snowy Egret  12
Black Vulture  4
Turkey Vulture  5
Osprey  1
Northern Harrier  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Semipalmated Plover  8
American Oystercatcher  2
Sanderling  2
Laughing Gull  35
Ring-billed Gull  15
Herring Gull (American)  40
Great Black-backed Gull  40
Forster's Tern  1
Mourning Dove  4
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  4
Blue Jay  1
Carolina Chickadee  6
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  10
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  3
Palm Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  9
Eastern Towhee  1
Field Sparrow  3
White-throated Sparrow  5
Northern Cardinal  4
Common Grackle  1
Brown-headed Cowbird  12

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, March 28th, 2012

A mighty breeze was blowing off the bay throughout our walk which mostly kept the songbirds tucked out of sight, but the Northern Gannet show more than made up for it as they cut arcs right around Cape May Point. Migrant Ospreys were evident and the over-wintering - though very elusive - Orange-crowned Warbler and Yellow-breasted Chat were nice bonuses. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Warren Cairo, Steve Weis, and Chris Marks.
51 species

Canada Goose  8
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  30
Mallard  16
Northern Shoveler  4
Green-winged Teal  35
Surf Scoter  10
Black Scoter  40
Red-throated Loon  1
Northern Gannet  45
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  2
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  6
Osprey  2
Bald Eagle  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Coot  55
Killdeer  2
American Oystercatcher  2
Laughing Gull  10
Ring-billed Gull  4
Herring Gull (American)  2
Rock Pigeon  4
Mourning Dove  4
Northern Flicker  3
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  8
Purple Martin  2
Tree Swallow  10
Barn Swallow  6     Feeding over plover ponds
Carolina Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  1
Carolina Wren  4
American Robin  4
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  20
Orange-crowned Warbler  1     Overwintering bird still present
Yellow-rumped Warbler  20
Yellow-breasted Chat  1     Overwintering bird still present
Song Sparrow  3
White-throated Sparrow  5
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  12
Common Grackle  2
Brown-headed Cowbird  12
House Finch  2
House Sparrow  2

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

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

There was a movement of Egrets and Herons early in the walk. Although the duck variety is dwindling, there were a good number of Ring-necked Ducks, still some American Coots, and a couple of drake Blue-winged Teal. Nine Piping Plovers, 5 American Oystercatchers, and 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls were on the beach, and lots of Northern Gannets were close and off-shore. Tree Swallows and Barn Swallows were also present. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, Warren Cairo, and Catherine Busch.
56 species

Canada Goose  25
Mute Swan  10
Gadwall  10
American Black Duck  1
Mallard  15
Blue-winged Teal  2
Northern Shoveler  12
Green-winged Teal  4
Ring-necked Duck  15
Black Scoter  20
Red-breasted Merganser  1
Ruddy Duck  2
Red-throated Loon  10
Common Loon  1
Pied-billed Grebe  3
Northern Gannet  150
Double-crested Cormorant  150
Great Blue Heron  6
Great Egret  5
Snowy Egret  8
Glossy Ibis  4
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  10
Virginia Rail  1     heard
American Coot  25
Piping Plover  9
Killdeer  4
American Oystercatcher  5
Greater Yellowlegs  2
Wilson's Snipe  2
Laughing Gull  1
Ring-billed Gull  3
Herring Gull  10
Lesser Black-backed Gull  3
Great Black-backed Gull  3
Forster's Tern  5
Mourning Dove  8
Belted Kingfisher  1
Northern Flicker  5
American Crow  10
Fish Crow  10
Tree Swallow  8
Barn Swallow  3
Carolina Wren  2
Hermit Thrush  1
American Robin  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  5
Yellow-rumped Warbler  15
Northern Cardinal  5
Red-winged Blackbird  25
Common Grackle  15
Brown-headed Cowbird  8
House Finch  2
House Sparrow  3

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

Nightfall at Corbin City Impoundments - Sunday, March 25th, 2012

CMBO's final Nightfall at Corbin City for 2012. A Eurasian Wigeon and a Common Teal spiced the first impoundment as did a lot of Tree Swallows. We listened for Screech-Owls at Tuckahoe, but we were greeted by several (very) early Carpenter Frogs instead! Leaders: Karen Johnson, Janet Crawford, B.J. Pinnock, and David Lord.
28 species

Canada Goose  64
Mute Swan  55
Wood Duck  6
Eurasian Wigeon  1     With several American Wigeon; Bright breeding plumes.
American Wigeon  20
American Black Duck  13
Mallard  16
Blue-winged Teal  1
Green-winged Teal  456     And one 'Eurasian' Subspecies
Common Merganser  6
Great Blue Heron  8
Turkey Vulture  9
Bald Eagle  1
Northern Harrier  6
Red-tailed Hawk  3
Greater Yellowlegs  16
Dunlin  47
Herring Gull  23
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Northern Flicker  1
American Robin  45
Yellow-rumped Warbler  5
Eastern Towhee  10
Song Sparrow  7
Swamp Sparrow  3
White-throated Sparrow  5
Northern Cardinal  13
Red-winged Blackbird  14

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

Sunday Morning at Turkey Point - Sunday, March 25th, 2012

CMBO's final Sunday Morning at Turkey Point. We started with a quick scan from the tower at Glades Wildlife Refuge before heading off to the Tatt Starr Trail. Leaders: Karen Johnson, Janet Crawford, Tony Klock, and David Lord.

Canada Goose  14
American Black Duck  4
Green-winged Teal  165
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Bald Eagle  4
Northern Harrier  6
Lesser Yellowlegs  6
Dunlin  500
Song Sparrow  2
Red-winged Blackbird  8
Common Grackle  2

45 Wild Turkeys were displaying along Fortescue Rd. Three were leucistic birds.

Tatt Starr Trail - Thousands of Green-winged Teal and Dunlin in Sheepskill Marsh; a Forster's Tern proved to be a first of the season for many.

Snow Goose  2
Canada Goose  8
Mute Swan  3
Gadwall  3
American Black Duck  34
Northern Pintail  13
Green-winged Teal  2300
Common Merganser  2
Great Blue Heron  3
Great Egret  1
Bald Eagle  3
Northern Harrier  5
Black-bellied Plover  4
Greater Yellowlegs  78
Dunlin  2400
Wilson's Snipe  1
Herring Gull  12
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Forster's Tern  1
Fish Crow  4
Carolina Chickadee  6
Song Sparrow  3
Red-winged Blackbird  120
Common Grackle  10

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

Photo Walk - Saturday, March 24th, 2012

Dense fog and the threat of rain; it must be time for another Saturday Photo Walk. This week we were again "blessed" with the soft light that comes with fog. This made bird photography challenging, especially because it was hard to see birds that were not very close, but the Canada Geese did not disappoint. Likewise, this year's thistle plants, apparently of various species, are becoming more obvious. And at this time of year, last year's Cattail seed heads offer photo ops in many places, especially since the Phragmites are being, at least to some extent, reduced in number. Leader: Mike Hannisian.





Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, March 24th, 2012

Fog and light rain made for poor visibility, but we managed to find 1, then 2 more Eurasian Collared-Doves and also heard them call (a "Life" bird for 2 in the group). One tree had 2 Carolina Chickadees and 4 Golden-crowned Kinglets. A Snowy Egret was FOY (First of the Year) for some in the group. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Kathy Horn Roger Horn, Catherine Busch, and Steve Weis.
33 species

Canada Goose  5
Mute Swan  4
Gadwall  4
Mallard  12
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  1
American Coot  5
Herring Gull  15
Forster's Tern  1
Eurasian Collared-Dove  3     Lincoln & Whilldin 1, Yale & Coral 2
Mourning Dove  10
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  2
Blue Jay  4     heard
American Crow  5
Fish Crow  2
Carolina Chickadee  2
Carolina Wren  2
Golden-crowned Kinglet  4
American Robin  30
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  10
Yellow-rumped Warbler  15
White-throated Sparrow  10
Dark-eyed Junco  3
Northern Cardinal  5
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  25
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
House Finch  10
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  10

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

Winter Evenings at the Meadows - Friday, March 23rd, 2012

Still a few ducks around but many seemed to have left for the breeding grounds. On the beach we found 1 Piping Plover and 4 American Oystercatchers. New bird of the year for some was an Osprey that flew over while we were still in the parking lot. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Kathy Horn, Roger Horn, and Catherine Busch.
28 species

Canada Goose  25
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  10
Mallard  15
Blue-winged Teal  1
Northern Shoveler  5
Black Scoter  15
Ruddy Duck  3
Red-throated Loon  7
Northern Gannet  6
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  1
Glossy Ibis  5
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
American Coot  6
Piping Plover  1
Killdeer  1
American Oystercatcher  4
Sanderling  6
Herring Gull  50
Great Black-backed Gull  1
Mourning Dove  2
Belted Kingfisher  1
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  8

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, March 21, 2012

A foggy Cape May morning saw an intrepid group gathered for the first Wednesday walk of the year at Cape May Point. Though the weather seemed daunting, it actually added to our experience as we enjoyed a walk frequently punctuated by the wonderful calls of displaying Black Scoter out on the bay. At least six Pine Warblers were busy in the trees and American Oystercatchers were displaying noisily on the beach. Eastern Bluebird, Eastern Phoebe, two Blue-winged Teals and the wintering Glossy Ibis all added to a nice walk - with many more to come! Leaders: Mike Crewe, Warren Cairo, Steve Weis, and Karl Lukens.
43 species

Canada Goose  7
Mute Swan  5
Gadwall  10
Mallard  6
Blue-winged Teal  2
Northern Pintail  1
Green-winged Teal  12
Greater Scaup  2
Black Scoter  X
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  5
Glossy Ibis  1
American Coot  33
Killdeer  2
American Oystercatcher  5
Dunlin  1
Wilson's Snipe  4
Ring-billed Gull  6
Herring Gull (American)  9
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Rock Pigeon  7
Mourning Dove  5
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  3
Eastern Phoebe  2
Blue Jay  2
Tree Swallow  3
Carolina Chickadee  6
Carolina Wren  6
Eastern Bluebird  1
American Robin  4
Gray Catbird  1
European Starling  2
Pine Warbler  6
Yellow-rumped Warbler  25
Eastern Towhee  2
Song Sparrow  7
White-throated Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  2
Brown-headed Cowbird  6
House Finch  4

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

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

Still some ducks around, also good sea watching. Large numbers of Northern Gannets fairly close and many Scoters and Red-throated Loons moving about. Of note were 4 Great Cormorants in breeding plumage flying by fairly close. Other birds of interest were 2 Wilson's Snipe, 2 Tree Swallows, and a calling Virginia Rail - Kidik, Kidik?  Leaders: Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Mary Jane Slugg, Steve Weis, Marc Breslow, and Lynne Breslow.
46 species

Canada Goose  50
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  10
Mallard  10
Blue-winged Teal  1
Northern Shoveler  6
Ring-necked Duck  8
Surf Scoter  3
Black Scoter  25
Ruddy Duck  3
Red-throated Loon  25
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Northern Gannet  75
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Great Cormorant  4
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  2
Virginia Rail  1     heard - kidik
American Coot  7
Piping Plover  7
Killdeer  2
American Oystercatcher  7
Wilson's Snipe  2
Laughing Gull  2
Ring-billed Gull  3
Herring Gull  10
Rock Pigeon  4
Mourning Dove  10
Northern Flicker  3
American Crow  10
Fish Crow  2
Tree Swallow  2
Carolina Wren  1
Marsh Wren  1
American Robin  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  5
Yellow-rumped Warbler  15
Savannah Sparrow  2
Song Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  8
Red-winged Blackbird  25
Common Grackle  25
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
House Finch  3
House Sparrow  1

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


Nightfall at Jake's Landing - Sunday, March 18th, 2012

CMBO'S final Jake's Landing walk for 2012. Pine Warblers were stacked up in layers on the road and gave obliging looks to all. No woodcocks were displaying in the field, but one flew by our group.
35 species

Canada Goose  16
American Black Duck  6
Mallard  2
Green-winged Teal  6
Great Blue Heron  4
Osprey  2
Bald Eagle  4
Northern Harrier  5
Black-bellied Plover  12
Greater Yellowlegs  2
Dunlin  35
American Woodcock  1
Herring Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Mourning Dove  6
Red-bellied Woodpecker  4
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  5
Blue Jay  3
Tree Swallow  4
Carolina Chickadee  2
White-breasted Nuthatch  2
Carolina Wren  4
Marsh Wren  2
Golden-crowned Kinglet  3
Hermit Thrush  3
American Robin  9
Brown Thrasher  6
Pine Warbler  6
Yellow-rumped Warbler  3
Seaside Sparrow  3
White-throated Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  14
Common Grackle  3

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

Sunday Morning at Turkey Point - Sunday, March 18th, 2012

CMBO's penultimate Sunday Morning at Turkey Point. Eagles galore, a couple of hen Common Goldeneye on Maple Ave., and then good looks at a bright, male Pine Warbler on Hansey Creek Road.
37 species

Snow Goose  375
Canada Goose  18
Mute Swan  9
Gadwall  17
American Black Duck  45
Northern Shoveler  3
Green-winged Teal  256
Lesser Scaup  18
Bufflehead  23
Common Goldeneye  2
Hooded Merganser  4
Common Merganser  4
Red-breasted Merganser  6
Great Blue Heron  2
Turkey Vulture  23
Bald Eagle  13
Northern Harrier  8
Red-tailed Hawk  4
Greater Yellowlegs  6
Herring Gull  16
Great Black-backed Gull  7
Mourning Dove  7
Great Horned Owl  1
Belted Kingfisher  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Northern Flicker  4
American Crow  7
Tree Swallow  7
Carolina Chickadee  9
Carolina Wren  6
American Robin  18
Yellow-rumped Warbler  5
Song Sparrow  5
White-throated Sparrow  6
Northern Cardinal  5
Red-winged Blackbird  7
Boat-tailed Grackle  2

Hansey Creek Road, Cumberland, US-NJ
6 species

Snow Goose  303
Bald Eagle  3
Tree Swallow  3
Pine Warbler  5
Yellow-rumped Warbler  2
Field Sparrow  3

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

Loons and Shorebirds Cruise - Saturday, March 17th, 2012

CMBO's Loons and Shorebirds trip aboard the M.V. Osprey. Nearly 75 Red-breasted Mergansers littered the back-bays; Horned Grebes were on Sunset Lake. A large flock of Black-crowned Night-Herons were found on Thoroughfare Island.
25 species

American Black Duck  23
Mallard  4
Surf Scoter  1
Long-tailed Duck  18
Bufflehead  85
Red-breasted Merganser  75
Red-throated Loon  18
Common Loon  22
Horned Grebe  6
Double-crested Cormorant  23
Great Cormorant  4
Great Blue Heron  5
Great Egret  2
Black-crowned Night-Heron  45
Turkey Vulture  8
Northern Harrier  2
Red-tailed Hawk  2
Black-bellied Plover  9
American Oystercatcher  23
Ruddy Turnstone  18
Dunlin  45
Herring Gull  15
Great Black-backed Gull  16
Tree Swallow  7
Red-winged Blackbird  43

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

Photo Walk - Saturday, March 17th, 2012

Dense fog may not be what many think of as good for photography. However, it does provide a nice, soft light, and we utilized that this Saturday to bring out the detail and beauty in such common Cape May subjects as Phragmites, Poison Ivy, thistle, and Queen Anne's Lace. Likewise, as always, the lighthouse is an interesting subject and the fog demonstrated that by placing people with colorful clothes in the scene you can add impact to the image.  Leaders: Mike Hannisian and Nancy Watson.





Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, March 17th, 2012

Foggy, with low visability over the lakes, ponds and ocean, but there still were some scopable birds. Ducks are less in numbers and variety, but we still had Gadwall, Mallard, American Wigeon, and Blue-winged Teal. Around the jetties were numerous Black Scoters, and a very close Red-throated Loon. On the jetties were Ruddy Turnstones and Purple Sandpipers. We were able to see and hear the pair of Eurasian Collared-Doves.....mating season? Leaders: Karl Lukens, Kathy & Roger Horn, Steve Weis, and Catherine Busch.
42 species

Brant  4
Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  4
Gadwall  10
American Wigeon  1
Mallard  15
Blue-winged Teal  6
Northern Shoveler  6
Black Scoter  25
Red-throated Loon  1
Great Blue Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  1
American Coot  5
American Oystercatcher  6
Ruddy Turnstone  5
Purple Sandpiper  10
Wilson's Snipe  6
Laughing Gull  1
Herring Gull  30
Rock Pigeon  4
Eurasian Collared-Dove  2
Mourning Dove  10
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  1
Blue Jay  5
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  10
Carolina Chickadee  2
Carolina Wren  2
American Robin  50
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  10
Pine Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  8
Song Sparrow  4
White-throated Sparrow  12
Dark-eyed Junco  1
Northern Cardinal  5
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  10
House Finch  15
House Sparrow  15

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

Winter Evenings at the Meadows - Friday, March 16th, 2012

Good variety of ducks although the total numbers were down. Adult Bald Eagle flying and then perched, and a perched Northern Harrier were nice scope birds. The beach had 2 pairs of American Oystercatcher maybe going to nest, and a pair of Piping Plover doing a display - somewhat early for both. Two Wilson's Snipe were seen but no displaying Woodcock. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Roger & Kathy Horn, Catherine Busch, Warren Cairo, and Shaun & Cindy Bamford.
28 species

Canada Goose  25
Mute Swan  7
Gadwall  10
Mallard  6
Northern Shoveler  4
Ring-necked Duck  4
Black Scoter  15
Ruddy Duck  1
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  1
Glossy Ibis  1
Bald Eagle  1
Northern Harrier  1
American Coot  15
Piping Plover  2
American Oystercatcher  4
Sanderling  40
Wilson's Snipe  2
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  1
Mourning Dove  1
Great Horned Owl  1     heard
Eastern Phoebe
American Crow  1
Marsh Wren  1
European Starling  5
Savannah Sparrow  1
Red-winged Blackbird  25
Common Grackle  25

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



Nightfall at Corbin City Impoundments - March 11th, 2012

There was still a variety of ducks left in the impoundments. We saw 3 Bald Eagles, and 6 Northern Harriers. A displaying American Woodcock ended the walk. Leaders: Karen Johnson, BJ Pinnock, and Janet Crawford.
19 species

Canada Goose  15
Mute Swan  20
American Wigeon  8
American Black Duck  50
Mallard  20
Northern Pintail  20
Green-winged Teal  100
Great Blue Heron  2
Turkey Vulture  2
Bald Eagle  3
Northern Harrier  6
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Greater Yellowlegs  3
Dunlin  50
American Woodcock  3
American Robin  30
Brown Thrasher  1
Eastern Towhee  2
Northern Cardinal  5

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

Sunday Morning at Turkey Point - March 11th, 2012

We had a total of 10 Bald Eagles at Turkey Point today. The Great Horned Owl nest had a chick visible. There were numerous waterfowl at the Maple Avenue Impoundments including Common Merganser, Common Goldeneye, Northern Shovelers, Bufflehead, and Lesser Scaup. We saw and heard Pine Warblers and Tree Swallows. Leaders: Karen Johnson, Janet Crawford, and Tony Klock.
25 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  30
American Wigeon  10
American Black Duck  50
Mallard  10
Northern Shoveler  40
Northern Pintail  40
Green-winged Teal  150
Lesser Scaup  12
Bufflehead  30
Common Goldeneye  2
Hooded Merganser  2
Common Merganser  2
Ruddy Duck  3
Bald Eagle  10
Northern Harrier  8
Red-tailed Hawk  2
Greater Yellowlegs  50
Lesser Yellowlegs  10
Dunlin  40
Ring-billed Gull  10
Herring Gull  10
Great Horned Owl  2
Red-winged Blackbird  20

Hansey Creek Road, Cumberland
12 species

Bald Eagle  1
Mourning Dove  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
American Crow  2
Tree Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  1
Tufted Titmouse  1
Carolina Wren  2
Golden-crowned Kinglet  1
American Robin  30
Brown-headed Cowbird  1

Hayleyville Road, Cumberland
8 species

Mallard  20
Mourning Dove  5
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Tufted Titmouse  1
Pine Warbler  2
Eastern Towhee  2
White-throated Sparrow  1

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

Woodcock Dance - Saturday, March 10th, 2012

Four Short-eared owls (probably migrants); less Woodcocks than last week, but still a satisfied group. Leaders: Karen and Brian Johnson, Janet Crawford, and Dave Lord.
12 species

Canada Goose  18
American Black Duck  29
Great Blue Heron  2
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Woodcock  8
Herring Gull  6
Mourning Dove  2
Short-eared Owl  4
Carolina Wren  3
Brown Thrasher  4
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  23

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

Photo Walk - Saturday, March 10th 2012

What! Sun? and it's Saturday? Well, we just had to grin and bear it (and the birds weren't bad either). Bunker Pond had it usual winter flock of American Coots, and Canada Geese and Mute Swans were on just about every pond. Adding extra spice to this week's walk were 4 Killdeer and a Pied-billed Grebe on Lighthouse Pond East. But the highlight was the Glossy Ibis that has been around for while as it flew in not far from where we were standing. After a careful approach, we were able to get some decent shots. Leaders: Mike Hannisian and Nancy Watson.






Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, March 10th, 2012

Cold and windy but some nice birds. Ducks were scarce but we managed Gadwall, Mallard, and American Wigeon with numerous Coots. Red-throated Loons and Northern Gannets were numerous at the Coral Ave. jetty area. Raptors included an immature Bald Eagle, 4 Red-tailed Hawks, 1 Red-shouldered Hawk, and a Sharp-shinned Hawk. Land birds included Hermit Thrush and 1 Eurasian Collared-Dove. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Kathy & Roger Horn, Steve Weis, and Warren Cairo.
46 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  30
American Wigeon  2
Mallard  20
Red-throated Loon  10
Northern Gannet  20
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  12
Bald Eagle  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Red-shouldered Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  4
American Coot  40
Sanderling  1
Herring Gull  75
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Rock Pigeon  1
Eurasian Collared-Dove  1
Mourning Dove  15
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1
Blue Jay  8
American Crow  5
Fish Crow  2
Tree Swallow  1
Carolina Chickadee  4
Carolina Wren  2
Hermit Thrush  1
American Robin  30
Northern Mockingbird  3
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  10
Yellow-rumped Warbler  6
Chipping Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  12
Dark-eyed Junco  2
Northern Cardinal  6
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  15
Brown-headed Cowbird  15
House Finch  10
American Goldfinch  4
House Sparrow  15

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

Winter Evenings at the Meadows - Friday March 9th, 2012

Nice variety of ducks. A perched Cooper's Hawk and a fly-by Sharp-shinned Hawk were also seen. The beach was rather quiet, but there were a number of Sanderlings and 3 American Oystercatchers, 2 of which looked like a "pair" looking for a territory! One Wilson's Snipe but no Woodcocks displaying. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Roger Horn, and Warren Cairo.
29 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  20
American Wigeon  10
Mallard  15
Northern Shoveler  12
Green-winged Teal  4
Ring-necked Duck  25
Black Scoter  20
Red-throated Loon  1
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  2
Turkey Vulture  4
Northern Harrier  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
American Coot  40
American Oystercatcher  3     /p
Sanderling  30
Wilson's Snipe  1
Herring Gull  20
Mourning Dove  2
American Crow  4
Carolina Wren  1
Eastern Bluebird  18
Song Sparrow  4
Red-winged Blackbird  20
Common Grackle  20

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

Nightfall at Jake's Landing, Sunday, March 4th, 2012

It was too windy for the Short-eared Owls, but we had good looks at Northern Harriers and Bald Eagles. The American Woodcocks put on a great show for the second night in a row, with 2 birds on either end of the path. Leaders: Leaders Karen Johnson, BJ Pinnock, Dave Lord, and Janet Crawford.
16 species

Canada Goose  75
American Black Duck  6
Great Blue Heron  1
Turkey Vulture  8
Bald Eagle  2
Northern Harrier  2
Clapper Rail  3
American Woodcock  8
Ring-billed Gull  6
Herring Gull  20
Mourning Dove  2
Downy Woodpecker  2
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  10
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Eastern Meadowlark  1

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

Sunday Morning at Turkey Point - Sunday, March 4th, 2012

Eagle Nest Watchers from Fortescue came along, and we all enjoyed learning about their experiences. Nineteen Bald Eagles were seen in all showing just how excellent a spot for Raptor study Turkey Point is. The Great Horned Owl was still on its nest delighting all. Leaders: Karen Johnson, Janet Crawford, Tony Klock, and Dave Lord.
36 species

Snow Goose  250
Canada Goose  23
Mute Swan  9
American Black Duck  48
Mallard  5
Northern Shoveler  1
Northern Pintail  8
Green-winged Teal  16
Ring-necked Duck  1
Lesser Scaup  1
Bufflehead  34
Common Merganser  4
Great Blue Heron  9
Great Egret  1
Turkey Vulture  8
Bald Eagle  19
Northern Harrier  7
Red-tailed Hawk  10
Virginia Rail  1
Greater Yellowlegs  11
Herring Gull  58
Great Black-backed Gull  4
Mourning Dove  7
Great Horned Owl  4
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Northern Flicker  2
American Crow  8
Carolina Wren  6
American Robin  24
Yellow-rumped Warbler  8
Song Sparrow  6
Swamp Sparrow  2
White-throated Sparrow  2
White-crowned Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  57

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

Woodcock Dance - Saturday, March 3rd, 2012

After a short presentation at the CMBO Center in Goshen, we went to the end of Jake's Landing Road and were treated to close Northern Harriers and Short-eared Owls. We then went to the field and saw, and heard, at least 10 displaying American Woodcock. Leaders: Karen Johnson, Dave Lord, Catherine Busch, and Janet Crawford.
7 species

Canada Goose  10
Great Blue Heron  1
Northern Harrier  2
American Woodcock  10
Short-eared Owl  3
Seaside Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  1

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

Photo Walk - Saturday, March 3rd, 2012

Rain and heavy overcast; it must be time for CMBO's Saturday Photo Walk. Regardless, it seems there is always something of interest at Cape May and this week was not different (and we didn't even have to chase the Western Grebe or Broad-tailed Hummer that have been enlivening things here of late!).

It started when I noticed a goose with a group of Canadas. As the images show, it had a short necked, somewhat darker chest than is normal for a Canada Goose, and a slightly shorter, stubbier bill. As much as I tried, I could not convince myself it was a Cackling Goose, and this was confirmed by Mark Garland. In the end, we agreed it was just too ambiguous to call, and hence I have labeled it as Ambiguous Goose. Leader: Mike Hannisian



A short walk into the town of Cape May Point yielded a very cooperative Eurasian Collared-Dove walking and calling along a utility wire. It allowed us to shoot it, but the dark overcast required us to add 1 1/3 stops of exposure compensation to capture its details.


Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, March 3rd, 2012

The number of ducks is down but there was still a nice variety at Lily Lake and Lighthouse Pond including a good number of Ring-necked Ducks and 2 drake Blue-winged Teal. The Eurasian Collared-Doves were calling and 2 seemed to be hanging together.....maybe? Red-bellied and Downy Woodpeckers as well as a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and several Northern Flickers were seen near Coral and Cambridge Avenues. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Kathy Horn, Roger Horn, Warren Cairo, Steve Weis, and Catherine Busch.
45 species

Canada Goose  5
Mute Swan  4
Gadwall  6
American Wigeon  5
Mallard  25
Blue-winged Teal  2
Northern Shoveler  6
Green-winged Teal  1
Ring-necked Duck  20
Black Scoter  35
Hooded Merganser  3
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Turkey Vulture  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
American Coot  20
Killdeer  3
Ruddy Turnstone  2
Purple Sandpiper  4
Herring Gull  2
Eurasian Collared-Dove  3     On wire at Lincoln & Whilldin Aves.
Mourning Dove  15
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1
Downy Woodpecker  5
Northern Flicker  3
Blue Jay  8
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  1
Carolina Chickadee  8
Tufted Titmouse  3
Carolina Wren  4
American Robin  75
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  10
Cedar Waxwing  6
Yellow-rumped Warbler  1
Song Sparrow  2
White-throated Sparrow  25
Northern Cardinal  12
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  25
House Finch  10
House Sparrow  25

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

Winter Evenings at the Meadows - Friday, March 2nd, 2012

Threatening rain, rain, and birds "honkered in." Not many ducks nor sea birds, but we still managed a Northern Harrier.  The rain spoiled our chances for Woodcock. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Kathy Horn, Roger Horn, Warren Cairo, and Catherine Busch.
15 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  10
Gadwall  4
American Wigeon  1
Mallard  25
Northern Shoveler  2
Ring-necked Duck  15
Black Scoter  1
Hooded Merganser  1
Red-throated Loon  1
Great Blue Heron  3
Northern Harrier  1
American Coot  10
Herring Gull  1
American Crow  1

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