Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, June 30th, 2012

Lots of gulls and terns on the beach and Bunker Pond. Good comparisons of Forster's and Common Terns in both breeding and non-breeding plumage as well as a few Royals. Shorebirds included both Yellowlegs and first returning Least Sandpipers. Some young Purple Martins out and about calling for food. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Kathy & Roger Horn, and Catherine Busch.
58 species

Canada Goose  160
Mute Swan  12
Gadwall  6
Mallard  20
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  4
Green Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  23
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  4
Cooper's Hawk  1
Piping Plover  1
Killdeer  5
American Oystercatcher  8
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Greater Yellowlegs  5
Willet  2
Lesser Yellowlegs  2
Least Sandpiper  6
Laughing Gull  30
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull  3
Great Black-backed Gull  1
Least Tern  50     several chicks
Common Tern  25
Forster's Tern  4     0
Royal Tern  8
Black Skimmer  10
Rock Pigeon  1
Mourning Dove  5
Chimney Swift  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Northern Flicker  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  2
Eastern Kingbird  2
American Crow  4
Fish Crow  3
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  1
Purple Martin  75
Barn Swallow  4
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  2     heard
Carolina Wren  1     heard
American Robin  15
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  25
Common Yellowthroat  5
Yellow-breasted Chat  1     heard
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  2
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  1
Orchard Oriole  2     heard
House Finch  1
House Sparrow  5

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

Juvenile Red-bellied Woodpecker [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Sunset Birding at the Meadows - Friday, June 29th, 2012

A group of 7 Greater and 2 Lesser Yellowlegs were probably the beginnings of fall migration. Several of the Least Terns had small chicks and also on the beach the 3 American Oystercatcher have fledged. Three Lesser Black-backed Gulls were on the beach down near the waters edge. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, and Catherine Busch.

39 species

Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  6
Mallard  8
Great Egret  2
Green Heron  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  3
Glossy Ibis  5
Osprey  4
Killdeer  9
American Oystercatcher  8
Greater Yellowlegs  7
Lesser Yellowlegs  3
Laughing Gull  25
Herring Gull  1
Lesser Black-backed Gull  3
Great Black-backed Gull  1
Common Tern  4
Forster's Tern  15
Black Skimmer  3
Rock Pigeon  1
Mourning Dove  6
Chimney Swift  5
Eastern Kingbird  2
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  3
Purple Martin  10
Barn Swallow  2
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  1
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  40
Cedar Waxwing  5
Common Yellowthroat  4
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  8
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  3

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

Immature Black-crowned Night-Heron [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Least Tern with chicks [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Bird Walk for All People - Thursday, June 28th, 2012

The Bird Walk for All People enjoyed beautiful weather this morning. Highlights of the walk included Roseate Tern, Common Tern and Forster's Tern sitting next to each other on the "tern fence" by Bunker Pond, Green Heron, adult Piping Plover with chick, Indigo Bunting, and the illusive Yellow-breasted Chats calling. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Patty Rourke, David Lord, and Warren Cairo.
52 species

Canada Goose  50
Mute Swan  22
Gadwall  4
Mallard  20
Great Egret  5
Green Heron  2
Glossy Ibis  5
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  3
American Coot  1     on Lighthouse Pond East, single bird, scope views
Piping Plover  3
Killdeer  6
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Laughing Gull  50
Herring Gull  20
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Least Tern  30
Roseate Tern  1
Common Tern  6
Forster's Tern  40
Black Skimmer  1
Rock Pigeon  6
Mourning Dove  4
Chimney Swift  5
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  3
Eastern Kingbird  6
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  8
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  2
Purple Martin  45
Tree Swallow  4
Barn Swallow  2
Carolina Chickadee  4
Carolina Wren  2
House Wren  3
American Robin  10
Gray Catbird  5
Northern Mockingbird  4
European Starling  6
Cedar Waxwing  5
Common Yellowthroat  4
Yellow-breasted Chat  2     heard only
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  4
Indigo Bunting  2
Red-winged Blackbird  12
Common Grackle  4
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
House Finch  7
American Goldfinch  2
House Sparrow  6

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

As usual, an action-packed walk at the Point, with Brown Pelicans fishing offshore, a Roseate Tern on the beach, the first Lesser Yellowlegs of 'Fall' and plenty of activity around the small Black Skimmer colony. A singing Pine Warbler showed well and was a nice surprise find.  Leaders: Mike Crewe, Chris Marks, Karl Lukens, Patty Rourke, Steve Weis, Tom Baxter, and Warren Cairo.
55 species

Canada Goose  56
Mute Swan  14
Gadwall  4
Mallard  7
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Brown Pelican  5
Great Egret  1
Snowy Egret  3
Glossy Ibis  5
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  4
Piping Plover  1
Killdeer  4
American Oystercatcher  3
Lesser Yellowlegs  1
Laughing Gull  500
Herring Gull (American)  4
Great Black-backed Gull  12
Least Tern  50
Roseate Tern  1
Common Tern  160
Forster's Tern  400
Black Skimmer  15
Rock Pigeon  4
Mourning Dove  2
Chimney Swift  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Eastern Kingbird  1
Blue Jay  1
Fish Crow  3
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  3
Purple Martin  55
Tree Swallow  4
Barn Swallow  1
Carolina Chickadee  2
Carolina Wren  2
House Wren  3
American Robin  10
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  25
Cedar Waxwing  4
Common Yellowthroat  2
Pine Warbler  1
Yellow-breasted Chat  2
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  2
Red-winged Blackbird  12
Common Grackle  6
Brown-headed Cowbird  1
Orchard Oriole  1
House Finch  6
House Sparrow  3

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, June 25th, 2012

Ominous skies sent the group to the Sunset Beach Grille Pavilion for a bit of seawatching. A Brown Pelican took off from quite close, and entertained the group as it preened.
7 species

Brown Pelican  1
Laughing Gull  354
Herring Gull  16
Great Black-backed Gull  6
Common Tern  6
Forster's Tern  13
Black Skimmer  1

The Meadows proved productive once the clouds marched by, and a number of interesting shorebirds showed. We had a Sanderling in breeding plumes on the beach, and a Greater Yellowlegs also in his breeding finery in the Meadows. A pair of Black Scoters floated just off the shore. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Steve Weiss, Janet Crawford, Catherine Busch, and Warren Cairo.
37 species

Canada Goose  43
Mute Swan  10
Gadwall  4
Mallard  13
Black Scoter  2
Common Loon  1
Double-crested Cormorant  9
Great Egret  15
Snowy Egret  3
Black-crowned Night-Heron  5
Glossy Ibis  2
Osprey  5
Piping Plover  4
American Oystercatcher  12
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Willet  9
Sanderling  1
Laughing Gull  75
Ring-billed Gull  3
Herring Gull  16
Great Black-backed Gull  13
Least Tern  29
Common Tern  22
Forster's Tern  16
Royal Tern  1
Black Skimmer  13
Mourning Dove  8
Purple Martin  8
Tree Swallow  13
Barn Swallow  12
Northern Mockingbird  1
Cedar Waxwing  4
Common Yellowthroat  5
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  3
Red-winged Blackbird  14
Common Grackle  7

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

Back Bay Birding by Boat on The Osprey - Sunday, June 24th, 2012

A Clapper Rail sat up nice and obvious for us, and a stunning, breeding plumage Common Loon showed off again in Deep Creek. Leaders: Dave Lord and Bob Lubberman.
25 species

Mallard  3
Common Loon  1
Double-crested Cormorant  18
Great Egret  16
Snowy Egret  9
Tricolored Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  2
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  18
Osprey  57
Clapper Rail  5
Black-bellied Plover  3
American Oystercatcher  20
Spotted Sandpiper  2
Ruddy Turnstone  8
Laughing Gull  1500
Herring Gull  38
Great Black-backed Gull  18
Least Tern  1
Gull-billed Tern  1
Common Tern  46
Forster's Tern  18
Seaside Sparrow  2
Red-winged Blackbird  5
Boat-tailed Grackle  12

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

Breeding Birds at the Rea Farm - Saturday, June 23rd, 2012

Interesting birds were 11 sightings (probably 6-8 birds) of Green Heron, 2 fly-over Hairy Woodpeckers, and 2 Prothonotary Warblers, one gave us good looks. Most interesting were 2 Horned Larks flying back to the same spot presumably with food. One flew out with a fecal sac, good confirmation of nesting! Leaders: Karl Lukens, Kathy & Roger Horn, Warren Cairo, and Catherine Busch.
49 species

Mute Swan 2
Wood Duck 2
Mallard 1
Great Egret 1
Snowy Egret 1
Green Heron 11  saw 11, probably 6-8 birds
Black-crowned Night-Heron 4
Black Vulture 1
Turkey Vulture 5
Osprey 3
Killdeer 2
Greater Yellowlegs 3
Laughing Gull 15
Herring Gull 1
Forster's Tern 4
Rock Pigeon 3
Mourning Dove 10
Chimney Swift 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 2
Eastern Wood-Pewee 1
Great Crested Flycatcher 1
Eastern Kingbird 5
Blue Jay 1
American Crow 5
Fish Crow 1
Horned Lark 2  carrying food and fecal sac!
Purple Martin 1
Barn Swallow 6
Carolina Chickadee 2
Tufted Titmouse 1
Carolina Wren 1
American Robin 3
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 12
Cedar Waxwing 4
Prothonotary Warbler 2
Common Yellowthroat 3
Northern Cardinal 3
Blue Grosbeak 3
Indigo Bunting 4
Red-winged Blackbird 15
Common Grackle 15
Brown-headed Cowbird 6
Orchard Oriole 3
House Finch 8
American Goldfinch 2
House Sparrow 5

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

Black-crowned Night-Heron [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Horned Lark [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Prothonotary Warbler [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Viceroy [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Bird Walk for All People - Thursday, June 21st, 2012

The Bird Walk for All People endured extremely hot weather but had some good birds. Highlights included Blue Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, a young male Orchard Oriole, and several Yellow-breasted Chats calling loudly. Leaders: Chuck Slugg and Patty Rourke.
49 species

Canada Goose  70
Mute Swan  12
Gadwall  2
Mallard  20
Great Blue Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  2
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  4
Piping Plover  5
Killdeer  4
Laughing Gull  15
Great Black-backed Gull  6
Least Tern  12
Common Tern  3
Forster's Tern  35
Black Skimmer  1
Rock Pigeon  6
Mourning Dove  2
Downy Woodpecker  2
Great Crested Flycatcher  1     heard
Eastern Kingbird  3
American Crow  10
Fish Crow  2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  1
Purple Martin  45
Tree Swallow  2
Barn Swallow  2
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  1     heard
Carolina Wren  3     heard
House Wren  2
American Robin  12
Gray Catbird  7
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  18
Cedar Waxwing  9
Common Yellowthroat  4     heard
Yellow Warbler  1     heard
Yellow-breasted Chat  3     one seen by leader only
Song Sparrow  2
Summer Tanager  1     heard
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  2
Indigo Bunting  2
Red-winged Blackbird  14
Common Grackle  2
Orchard Oriole  2
House Finch  2
House Sparrow  3

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, June 20th, 2012

Today's walk in steadily climbing temperatures had many of the hallmarks of what could have been a quiet morning - but we made it otherwise! One or two Wilson's Storm-petrels way offshore were a little too far to appreciate too well, but a Brown Pelican came in right over the state park and a gleaming white Roseate Tern on Bunker Pond was a new bird for some of the group. Piping Plovers were escorting their fluffy chicks onto the Plover Ponds and Orchard Orioles put on a pretty good showing.  Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, Chris Marks, Warren Cairo, and Patty Rourke.
55 species

Canada Goose  75
Mute Swan  18
Gadwall  1
Mallard  13
Wilson's Storm-Petrel  3
Brown Pelican  1
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  1
Glossy Ibis  3
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  1
Piping Plover  8
Killdeer  4
American Oystercatcher  6
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Laughing Gull  300
Herring Gull (American)  2
Great Black-backed Gull  1
Least Tern  45
Roseate Tern  1
Common Tern  8
Forster's Tern  60
Black Skimmer  15
Rock Pigeon  14
Mourning Dove  2
Chimney Swift  2
Downy Woodpecker  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  1
Eastern Kingbird  3
White-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  7
Purple Martin  50
Tree Swallow  3
Carolina Chickadee  4
Carolina Wren  2
American Robin  6
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  65
Cedar Waxwing  2
Common Yellowthroat  2
Prairie Warbler  1
Yellow-breasted Chat  2
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  2
Indigo Bunting  4
Red-winged Blackbird  12
Common Grackle  15
Orchard Oriole  4
House Finch  8
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  4

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, June 18th, 2012

Good looks at waders, and Willets in the fresh water ponds. On the beach were very vocal American Oystercatchers including fledglings. Piping Plover at the plover pond. Several perched Common Yellowthroats were scoped. Off shore was a single Brown Pelican and several very distant Wilson's Storm-Petrels. An interesting fly-over was a World War II B-17 Flying Fortress! Leaders: Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Warren Cairo, Dave Lord, and Catherine Busch.
48 species

Canada Goose  75
Mute Swan  10
Gadwall  3
Mallard  10
Wilson's Storm-Petrel  3
Double-crested Cormorant  3
Brown Pelican  1
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  2
Green Heron  2
Glossy Ibis  10
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  2
Piping Plover  1
Killdeer  8
American Oystercatcher  8
Willet  2
Laughing Gull  25
Herring Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  6
Least Tern  75
Common Tern  5
Forster's Tern  10
Black Skimmer  2
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  8
Chimney Swift  3
Eastern Kingbird  4
Fish Crow  4
Purple Martin  15
Tree Swallow  5
Barn Swallow  1
American Robin  5
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  30
Cedar Waxwing  10
Common Yellowthroat  5
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  3
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  8
Boat-tailed Grackle  1
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
Orchard Oriole  1
House Finch  3
American Goldfinch  2
House Sparrow  5

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

Common Yellowthroat [Photo by Karl Lukens] 

B-17 Flying Fortress - a rare sighting for the Meadows
[Photo by Karl Lukens]

Breeding Birds at the Rea Farm - Saturday, June 16th, 2012

A cool morning at the Beanery. Usual suspects, i.e., multiple looks at Indigo Bunting and Blue Grosbeak. Lots of Purple Martin and some Barn Swallows. Both Black and Turkey Vultures, and 1 Red-tailed Hawk. Warblers were Common Yellowthroat and a brief look at a very vocal Prothonotary. Leaders:  Karl Lukens, Warren Cairo, and Catherine Busch.
39 species

Mallard  10
Green Heron  3
Black-crowned Night-Heron  2
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  8
Osprey  2
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Killdeer  4
Laughing Gull  10
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Forster's Tern  1
Rock Pigeon  1
Mourning Dove  5
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1     heard
Great Crested Flycatcher  3
Eastern Kingbird  2
American Crow  5
Fish Crow  1
Purple Martin  15
Tree Swallow  1
Barn Swallow  8
Tufted Titmouse  1
Carolina Wren  4
American Robin  2
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  15
Prothonotary Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  5
Northern Cardinal  5
Blue Grosbeak  3
Indigo Bunting  4
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  8
Orchard Oriole  2
Baltimore Oriole  1
House Finch  1
House Sparrow  5

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

Orchard Oriole [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Sunset Birding at the Meadows - Friday, June 15th, 2012

A cool and dry evening at the Meadows. Early in the walk we had an adult Bald Eagle fly over that was briefly harassed by an Osprey. Several Willets flying about and wading in the ponds. The American Oystercatcher family, three ~4 week old chicks, were on the beach east of the meadows. Least Terns were numerous but no chicks as yet. An odd duck was the drake Northern Shoveler which is not supposed to be here this time of year. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, and Warren Cairo.
41 species

Canada Goose  50
Mute Swan  9
Gadwall  2
Mallard  10
Northern Shoveler  1
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  1
Green Heron  2
Glossy Ibis  5
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  2
Bald Eagle  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
Killdeer  3
American Oystercatcher  13
Willet  2
Laughing Gull  25
Herring Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  3
Least Tern  75
Common Tern  15
Forster's Tern  10
Black Skimmer  6
Mourning Dove  3
Chimney Swift  10
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  10
Purple Martin  20
Tree Swallow  5
Barn Swallow  3
Northern Mockingbird  4
European Starling  2
Cedar Waxwing  6
Common Yellowthroat  5
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  8
Brown-headed Cowbird  1
House Finch  1
House Sparrow  4

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

American Oystercatcher [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Northern Shoveler [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Bird Walk for All People - Thursday, June 14th, 2012

Highlights from The Walk for All People include good looks at both Blue Grosbeaks and Indigo Buntings, an  adult male and imature male Ordhcrd Oriole, Glossy Ibis, and a Green Heron. Leaders: Chuck Slugg and Patty Rourke.
52 species

Canada Goose  122
Mute Swan  12
Gadwall  3
Mallard  10
Great Egret  2
Green Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  2
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  1
Piping Plover  2
Killdeer  6
American Oystercatcher  2
Laughing Gull  12
Herring Gull  6
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Least Tern  15
Common Tern  1
Forster's Tern  35
Rock Pigeon  4
Mourning Dove  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1     heard
Northern Flicker  2
Great Crested Flycatcher  2
Eastern Kingbird  4
American Crow  3
Fish Crow  6
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  8
Purple Martin  25
Tree Swallow  8
Barn Swallow  2
Carolina Chickadee  2     heard
Carolina Wren  4     heard
House Wren  2     heard
American Robin  8
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  4
European Starling  6
Cedar Waxwing  12
Common Yellowthroat  3
Yellow Warbler  2     heard
Yellow-breasted Chat  2     heard
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  2
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  2
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  12
Brown-headed Cowbird  3
Orchard Oriole  3
House Finch  3
House Sparrow  4

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, June 13th, 2012

We broke with tradition on today's walk and abandoned the windy woods for the busy activity of the beach and bay. Plenty of Laughing Gulls and mixed terns were feeding reasonably close in the rips and included both an adult and a first-summer Black Tern. A Roseate Tern was on the beach with the Black Skimmers and a Yellow-billed Cuckoo and Little Blue Heron were surprise fly-overs. Way, way offshore, a Brown Pelican and some Wilson's Storm-petrels were 'speck'tacular additions to the list. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Christina Marks, Karl Lukens, and Steve Weis.
49 species

Canada Goose  65
Mute Swan  20
Gadwall  1
Mallard  7
Surf Scoter  1
Black Scoter  1
Common Loon  1
Wilson's Storm-Petrel  3
Brown Pelican  1
Great Egret  1
Little Blue Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  1
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  1
Piping Plover  2
Killdeer  8
American Oystercatcher  10
Greater Yellowlegs  2
Semipalmated Sandpiper  4
Short-billed Dowitcher  5
Laughing Gull  500
Herring Gull  15
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Least Tern  50
Black Tern  2
Roseate Tern  1
Common Tern  45
Forster's Tern  250
Royal Tern  1
Black Skimmer  18
Rock Pigeon  3
Eurasian Collared-Dove  3
Mourning Dove  4
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  1
Eastern Kingbird  1
Fish Crow  2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  2
Purple Martin  50
Tree Swallow  3
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  2
Cedar Waxwing  1
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  6
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  2
House Finch  2
House Sparrow  4

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, June 11th, 2012

We started with a perched and singing Blue Grosbeak at the parking lot, and a similarly performing adult male Orchard Oriole out the main trail. Shore birds included Willets, Piping Plover, and American Oystercatchers with chicks. First of the year for many was a singing Willow Flycatcher with good scope views. A fly-by Roseate Tern was seen by some. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Warren Cairo, Steve Weis, Catherine Busch, Carrie Bell, Dave Lord, and Janet Crawford.
46 species

Canada Goose  30
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  4
Mallard  5
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Great Egret  2
Glossy Ibis  7
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  3
Piping Plover  3
Killdeer  7
American Oystercatcher  8     one pair w/chicks (3-1/2 wks old)
Willet  3
Laughing Gull  20
Herring Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  8
Least Tern  100
Roseate Tern  1     fly-by
Common Tern  3
Forster's Tern  10
Royal Tern  1
Black Skimmer  2
Rock Pigeon  1
Mourning Dove  8
Chimney Swift  3
Willow Flycatcher  1     seen & heard
Eastern Kingbird  4
Fish Crow  8
Purple Martin  2
Tree Swallow  5
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  1
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  5
Cedar Waxwing  2
Common Yellowthroat  5
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  1
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
Orchard Oriole  1
House Finch  2
American Goldfinch  4
House Sparrow  3

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

Salt Marsh Safari on The Skimmer, Saturday, June 9th, 2012

Weekly Saturday CMBO sailing aboard the Skimmer Salt Marsh Safari.  Leaders:  Capt. Ginny & Capt. Ed.
33 species

American Black Duck  2
Double-crested Cormorant  6
Great Cormorant  1
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  14
Snowy Egret  10
Little Blue Heron  1
Green Heron  2
Glossy Ibis  2
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  19     4 chicks
Bald Eagle  1
Clapper Rail  6
Black-bellied Plover  1
Semipalmated Plover  1
American Oystercatcher  12
Willet  16
Ruddy Turnstone  1
Semipalmated Sandpiper  6
Laughing Gull  X
Herring Gull  32
Great Black-backed Gull  24
Common Tern  30
Forster's Tern  50
Royal Tern  1
Black Skimmer  1
Rock Pigeon  8
Fish Crow  14
Barn Swallow  8
European Starling  4
Seaside Sparrow  1
Red-winged Blackbird  12
Boat-tailed Grackle  16

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

Breeding Birds at the Rea Farm - Saturday, June 9th, 2012

Again, the start at the parking lot was very good with perched and singing Blue Grosbeak and 1st summer Orchard Oriole as well as Indigo Bunting. Several flyover Green Herons and Snowy Egrets were seen. We also had good views of Great Crested Flycatchers and a calling and fly-by Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Warren Cairo, Dave Lord, and Carrie Bell.
45 species

Wood Duck  2
Mallard  5
Double-crested Cormorant  15
Great Egret  1
Snowy Egret  5
Green Heron  4
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  2
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  5
Osprey  2
Killdeer  2
Laughing Gull  8
Herring Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  1
Forster's Tern  3
Rock Pigeon  1
Mourning Dove  4
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  1
Chimney Swift  4
Downy Woodpecker  1     heard
Eastern Wood-Pewee  1     heard
Great Crested Flycatcher  4
Eastern Kingbird  1
American Crow  5
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  1
Purple Martin  3
Barn Swallow  4
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  2
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  10
Cedar Waxwing  2
Common Yellowthroat  4
Northern Parula  1
Northern Cardinal  3
Blue Grosbeak  2
Indigo Bunting  3
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  15
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
House Finch  1
House Sparrow  2

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

Great Crested Flycatcher [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Blue Grosbeak [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Sunset Birding at the Meadows - Friday, June 8th, 2012

Good start to the walk with a singing Blue Grosbeak in the scope at the parking lot. Several families of American Oystercatchers were on the beach as well as a Piping Plover and numerous Least Terns. An added bonus were 3 Brown Pelicans flying by. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Warren Cairo, and Catherine Busch.
44 species

Canada Goose  40
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  3
Mallard  10
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Brown Pelican  3
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  2
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Osprey  1
Piping Plover  1
Killdeer  6
American Oystercatcher  8
Willet  4
Semipalmated Sandpiper  1
Short-billed Dowitcher  1
Laughing Gull  30
Herring Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Least Tern  50
Common Tern  5
Forster's Tern  10
Black Skimmer  15
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  2
Eastern Kingbird  1
Fish Crow  3
Purple Martin  8
Tree Swallow  4
Barn Swallow  2
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  1
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  4
Cedar Waxwing  4
Common Yellowthroat  4
Northern Cardinal  2
Blue Grosbeak  1
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  2
American Goldfinch  2
House Sparrow  2

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

Black-crowned Night-Heron [Photo by Karl Lukens]

 

Willet [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, June 6, 2012

The Wednesday walk at the state park provided us with some nice surprises today, as well as the delight of watching tiny American Oystercatchers babies taking their first tentative steps. A flock of 11 Glossy Ibises breezed all too quickly through, carrying with them an adult White-faced Ibis, while four White-rumped Sandpipers on Bunker Pond were a nice surprise. Two Yellow-breasted Chats were singing merrily in the park and a pair of Cedar Waxwings were carrying nest material.  Leaders: Mike Crewe, Chris Marks, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, and Warren Cairo.

55 species

Canada Goose  20

Mute Swan  20

Gadwall  3

Mallard  5

Black Scoter  1

Great Egret  1

Snowy Egret  3

Glossy Ibis  11

White-faced Ibis  1     Details to be submitted to state records committee

Black Vulture  2

Turkey Vulture  1

Osprey  2

Piping Plover  1

Killdeer  4

American Oystercatcher  4

Least Sandpiper  2

White-rumped Sandpiper  4

Laughing Gull  40

Herring Gull (American)  3

Great Black-backed Gull  1

Least Tern  35

Caspian Tern  2

Common Tern  1

Forster's Tern  20

Rock Pigeon  3

Mourning Dove  2

Chimney Swift  5

Great Crested Flycatcher  1

Eastern Kingbird  1

Blue Jay  1

Fish Crow  2

Northern Rough-winged Swallow  4

Purple Martin  55

Tree Swallow  2

Barn Swallow  1

Carolina Chickadee  4

Carolina Wren  3

House Wren  2

American Robin  3

Gray Catbird  2

Northern Mockingbird  2

European Starling  6

Cedar Waxwing  2

Common Yellowthroat  3

Yellow Warbler  2

Pine Warbler  1

Yellow-breasted Chat  2

Northern Cardinal  6

Blue Grosbeak  4

Indigo Bunting  2

Red-winged Blackbird  12

Common Grackle  15

Brown-headed Cowbird  1

House Finch  1

House Sparrow  2

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

Back Bay Birding by Boat on The Osprey- Monday, June 4th, 2012

We had three Black Skimmers grace us with their presence, and the Semipalmated Sandpiper show on the Harbor Beach is still an awesome sight to see. Leaders: Dave Lord and Bob Lubberman.
23 species

Mallard  5
Double-crested Cormorant  21
Great Egret  23
Snowy Egret  19
Turkey Vulture  17
Osprey  45
Clapper Rail  2
Black-bellied Plover  6
American Oystercatcher  13
Willet  6
Ruddy Turnstone  23
Semipalmated Sandpiper  154
Short-billed Dowitcher  8
Laughing Gull  1500
Herring Gull  8
Great Black-backed Gull  13
Least Tern  2
Common Tern  33
Forster's Tern  20
Black Skimmer  3
Barn Swallow  14
Seaside Sparrow  6
Red-winged Blackbird  13

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, June 4th, 2012

Good looks at sitting terns including 2 Caspian (seen copulating), Forster's, Common, and Least plus 5 Royals flying over. Both Piping Plover and American Oystercatcher chicks on the beach. Small group of sandpipers included one White-rumped Sandpiper. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Warren Cairo, Steve Weis, Catherine Busch, David Lord, and Tom Baxter.
56 species

Canada Goose  5
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  5
Mallard  10
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  5
Green Heron  5
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  1
Turkey Vulture  15
Osprey  4
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Semipalmated Plover  3
Piping Plover  3
Killdeer  2
American Oystercatcher  8
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Willet  1
Semipalmated Sandpiper  6
Least Sandpiper  8
White-rumped Sandpiper  1
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  1
Least Tern  50
Caspian Tern  2     copulating
Common Tern  6
Forster's Tern  5
Royal Tern  5
Black Skimmer  15
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  5
Chimney Swift  5
Eastern Kingbird  2
Blue Jay  1
Fish Crow  5
Purple Martin  3
Tree Swallow  5
Barn Swallow  3
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  8
Cedar Waxwing  3
Common Yellowthroat  4
Yellow-breasted Chat  1     distant heard by a few
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  3
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  4
Orchard Oriole  2
American Goldfinch  6
House Sparrow  4

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

Snowy Egret [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Caspian Terns & Black Skimmer [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Blue Grosbeak [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Salt Marsh Safari on The Skimmer - Saturday, June 2nd, 2012

Flood high tides in approach of full moon with combined winds 18mph, gusting to 25.  Leaders:  Capt. Ginny & Capt. Ed.
30 species

American Black Duck  2
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Brown Pelican  1
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  6
Snowy Egret  8
Little Blue Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  5
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  16
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Clapper Rail  4
Black-bellied Plover  2
Semipalmated Plover  1
American Oystercatcher  12
Willet  15
Ruddy Turnstone  3
Semipalmated Sandpiper  5
Laughing Gull  X     disoriented from flood tides
Herring Gull  10
Great Black-backed Gull  22
Common Tern  12
Forster's Tern  36
Black Skimmer  2
Rock Pigeon  14
Fish Crow  5
Barn Swallow  16
Saltmarsh Sparrow  1
Red-winged Blackbird  3
Boat-tailed Grackle  5

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

Breeding Birds at the Rea Farm - Saturday, June 2nd, 2012

Blue Grosbeak perched and singing, a perched Indigo Bunting and Great Crested Flycatcher at the start from the parking lot. Several fly-over Green Herons, Black-crowned Night-Herons and Snowy Egrets. Distant Prothonotary Warbler also heard by a few in the wet woods near the parking lot area. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Warren Cairo, David Lord, and Catherine Busch.
49 species

Canada Goose  5
Mute Swan  2
Wood Duck  3     briefly
Mallard  6
Snowy Egret  3
Green Heron  3
Black-crowned Night-Heron  4
Glossy Ibis  1
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  10
Osprey  2
Cooper's Hawk  1     after walk
Red-tailed Hawk  2
Laughing Gull  20
Herring Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  4
Forster's Tern  4
Rock Pigeon  1
Mourning Dove  4
Chimney Swift  10
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  3
Eastern Kingbird  1
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  3
Fish Crow  1
Purple Martin  5
Barn Swallow  1
Carolina Chickadee  1
Carolina Wren  3
Eastern Bluebird  1     heard by a few
American Robin  1
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  10
Cedar Waxwing  5
Prothonotary Warbler  1     heard by a few
Common Yellowthroat  3     heard
Northern Cardinal  3
Blue Grosbeak  2
Indigo Bunting  3
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
Orchard Oriole  2
House Finch  1
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  2

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

Sunset Birding at the Meadows - Friday, June 1st, 2012

Rainy evening but some good birds including a breeding plumage Black Tern, White-rumped Sandpiper, 3 fly-over Whimbrel, and a pair of American Oystercatchers with 3 chicks. A pair of Northern Shovelers was unexpected!  Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Warren Cairo, Catherine Busch, and Claudia Burns.
48 species

Canada Goose  5
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  3
Mallard  10
Northern Shoveler  2
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  3
Green Heron  2
Semipalmated Plover  6
Piping Plover  1
Killdeer  3
American Oystercatcher  7
Greater Yellowlegs  2
Willet  1
Whimbrel  3
Sanderling  2
Semipalmated Sandpiper  10
Least Sandpiper  5
White-rumped Sandpiper  1
Short-billed Dowitcher  1
Laughing Gull  20
Herring Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  8
Least Tern  20
Black Tern  1
Common Tern  15
Forster's Tern  15
Black Skimmer  20
Rock Pigeon  1
Mourning Dove  2
Chimney Swift  20
Eastern Kingbird  1
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  5
Purple Martin  5
Tree Swallow  1
Barn Swallow  8
European Starling  2
Cedar Waxwing  3
Common Yellowthroat  2     heard
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  1
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  1

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

Birds of Belleplain State Forest - Thursday, May 31st, 2012

Rather slow birding but good looks at probably 3 Summer Tanagers, Eastern Bluebirds, and Great Crested Flycatchers at the Boy Scout Camp area. Leaders: Jim Armstrong, Bert Hixon, and Karl Lukens.
41 species

Turkey Vulture  4
Laughing Gull  10
Mourning Dove  3
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2     heard
Downy Woodpecker  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee  1
Acadian Flycatcher  1
Eastern Phoebe  3
Great Crested Flycatcher  4
Eastern Kingbird  1
White-eyed Vireo  4     heard
Red-eyed Vireo  4     heard
Blue Jay  5
Fish Crow  2
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  3
Carolina Wren  1     heard
Eastern Bluebird  3
Wood Thrush  5
American Robin  4
Gray Catbird  2
Brown Thrasher  1
Cedar Waxwing  5
Ovenbird  10     heard
Worm-eating Warbler  1     /p
Louisiana Waterthrush  1     heard
Pine Warbler  2     heard
Yellow-throated Warbler  2
Prairie Warbler  3
Yellow-breasted Chat  1
Eastern Towhee  1     heard
Chipping Sparrow  3
Summer Tanager  3     ad. males
Scarlet Tanager  1     heard
Northern Cardinal  1
Indigo Bunting  2
Red-winged Blackbird  1
Common Grackle  4
Brown-headed Cowbird  6
American Goldfinch  2

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

Worm-eating Warbler [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Newly emerged Imperial Moth [Photo by Karl Lukens]