Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, July 30th, 2012

Some scattered waders and shorebirds including Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, many fly-over and feeding Glossy Ibis, Semipalmated Sandpiper and Plover, and both Yellowlegs. Five Lesser Black-backed Gulls on the beach. Also swarms of Tree Swallows and 2 Bank Swallows as well as Northern Rough-winged, Barn, and Purple Martin. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Steve Weis, Warren Cairo, Catherine Busch, Carrie Bell, Janet Crawford, and Dave Lord.
59 species

Canada Goose  15
Mute Swan  12
Mallard  35
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  5
Glossy Ibis  57
Turkey Vulture  5
Osprey  2
Semipalmated Plover  10
Killdeer  12
American Oystercatcher  8
Spotted Sandpiper  2
Solitary Sandpiper  1     heard
Greater Yellowlegs  3
Lesser Yellowlegs  8
Sanderling  50
Semipalmated Sandpiper  5
Least Sandpiper  15
Pectoral Sandpiper  2
Stilt Sandpiper  1
Short-billed Dowitcher  7
Laughing Gull  15
Ring-billed Gull  3
Herring Gull  5
Lesser Black-backed Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Least Tern  50
Common Tern  8
Forster's Tern  2
Royal Tern  1
Black Skimmer  1
Rock Pigeon  5
Mourning Dove  15
Chimney Swift  10
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2
Eastern Kingbird  4
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  5
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  4
Purple Martin  15
Tree Swallow  200
Bank Swallow  2
Barn Swallow  10
American Robin  1
Gray Catbird  4
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  15
Cedar Waxwing  5
Common Yellowthroat  3
Yellow Warbler  1
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  2
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  5
Orchard Oriole  2
House Finch  1
American Goldfinch  2
House Sparrow  10

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

American Oystercatchers [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, July 28th, 2012

Lots of shorebirds and waders in Bunker Pond. Of note was a juvenile Gull-billed Tern on the island with many other terns and 2 juvenile Little Blue Herons. Made for nice comparisons between Little Blue and Snowy Egret. Numerous Orchard Orioles in the woods as well as Blue Grosbeak and Indigo Bunting. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Kathy & Roger Horn, and Catherine Busch.
64 species

Canada Goose  15
Mute Swan  8
Mallard  20
Great Blue Heron  9
Great Egret  12
Snowy Egret  5
Little Blue Heron  2
Green Heron  2
Black-crowned Night-Heron  5
Osprey  1
Semipalmated Plover  4
Killdeer  10
American Oystercatcher  7
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Greater Yellowlegs  3
Willet  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  10
Sanderling  2
Semipalmated Sandpiper  10
Least Sandpiper  20
Stilt Sandpiper  5
Short-billed Dowitcher  10
Laughing Gull  100
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull  8
Great Black-backed Gull  20
Least Tern  50
Gull-billed Tern  1
Common Tern  40
Forster's Tern  40
Royal Tern  5
Black Skimmer  10
Rock Pigeon  1
Mourning Dove  15
Chimney Swift  1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Eastern Kingbird  4
Fish Crow  5
Purple Martin  50
Tree Swallow  40
Bank Swallow  1
Barn Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  3
House Wren  1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
American Robin  10
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  4
European Starling  20
Cedar Waxwing  1
Common Yellowthroat  4
Yellow Warbler  3
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  3
Blue Grosbeak  3
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  6
Orchard Oriole  6
House Finch  1
House Sparrow  20

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

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

Juvenile Gull-billed Tern waiting to be fed (with no adult in sight) [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Juvenile Gull-billed Tern preening [Photo by Roger Horn]

Juvenile Little Blue Heron with 2 Great Egrets [Photo by Roger Horn]

A cooperative Common Yellowthroat [Photo by Roger Horn]

Sunset Birding at the Meadows - Friday, July 27th, 2012

Good variety of waders and shorebirds including Spotted and Pectoral sandpipers. Numerous terns, a couple of Lesser Black-backed Gulls and lots of Sanderlings. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, and Kathy & Roger Horn.
51 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  8
Mallard  30
Great Blue Heron  4
Great Egret  6
Snowy Egret  1
Green Heron  3
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  11
Osprey  2
Semipalmated Plover  3
Killdeer  10
American Oystercatcher  6
Spotted Sandpiper  2
Greater Yellowlegs  4
Lesser Yellowlegs  10
Sanderling  100
Semipalmated Sandpiper  8
Least Sandpiper  15
Pectoral Sandpiper  1
Short-billed Dowitcher  5
Laughing Gull  100
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull  15
Lesser Black-backed Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  20
Least Tern  75
Common Tern  40
Forster's Tern  40
Royal Tern  8
Black Skimmer  12
Mourning Dove  15
Chimney Swift  8
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  4
Eastern Kingbird  4
Fish Crow  5
Purple Martin  8
Gray Catbird  5
Northern Mockingbird  4
European Starling  20
Cedar Waxwing  3
Common Yellowthroat  3
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  2
Blue Grosbeak  1
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  1
Orchard Oriole  18
House Finch  2
American Goldfinch  2
House Sparrow  5

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

Black Skimmer eating a fish [Photo by Karl Lukens]

One of the 18 (!) Orchard Orioles seen on this trip [Photo by Karl Lukens]  

Bird Walk for All People - Thursday, July 26th, 2012

Highlights of the Walk for All People include Indigo Buntings, Yellow Warblers, Yellow-breasted Chat, Green Heron, American Oystercatchers, Black Skimmers, Royal Terns, and many Tree  Swallows. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, and Cindy Bamford. 
54 species

Canada Goose  40
Mute Swan  11
Mallard  20
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  3
Green Heron  1
Osprey  1
American Coot  1     Lighthouse Pond East in small channel by metal bridge
Killdeer  6
American Oystercatcher  12
Lesser Yellowlegs  6
Sanderling  6
Semipalmated Sandpiper  6
Least Sandpiper  20
Short-billed Dowitcher  4
Laughing Gull  30
Herring Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  25
Least Tern  40
Common Tern  50
Forster's Tern  30
Royal Tern  12
Black Skimmer  14
Rock Pigeon  4
Mourning Dove  10
Chimney Swift  2
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  1
Eastern Kingbird  12     Mixed groups of adult & fledged young; 4 in one tree,
2 chasing a Fish Crow, & others in groups of 2-3
American Crow  4
Fish Crow  10
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  6
Purple Martin  60
Tree Swallow  24
Barn Swallow  2
Carolina Chickadee  2
Carolina Wren  4
American Robin  15
Gray Catbird  7
Northern Mockingbird  5
European Starling  4
Common Yellowthroat  5
Yellow Warbler  2
Yellow-breasted Chat  1
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  6
Indigo Bunting  3
Red-winged Blackbird  20
Common Grackle  6
Brown-headed Cowbird  4
Orchard Oriole  2
House Finch  4
American Goldfinch  4
House Sparrow  6

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, July 25th, 2012

Waders and shorebirds still good on Bunker Pond. Also many terns in varying plumages. Lots of Red-winged Blackbird flocks flying over. Purple Martins still numerous and Tree Swallows showed up in numbers with many juveniles. Many dragonflies of various types all over. Nice look at a perched and singing Blue Grosbeak near the end of the walk. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, Chris Marks, and Dave Lord.
61 species

Canada Goose  30
Mute Swan  10
Mallard  25
Great Blue Heron  9
Great Egret  12
Snowy Egret  1
Glossy Ibis  15
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  3
American Coot  1
Semipalmated Plover  2
Killdeer  10
Spotted Sandpiper  2
Solitary Sandpiper  3
Greater Yellowlegs  4
Willet  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  10
Sanderling  15
Semipalmated Sandpiper  3
Least Sandpiper  15
Stilt Sandpiper  6
Short-billed Dowitcher  10
Laughing Gull  20
Ring-billed Gull  3
Herring Gull  3
Great Black-backed Gull  5
Least Tern  30
Common Tern  20
Forster's Tern  15
Royal Tern  3
Black Skimmer  3
Rock Pigeon  1
Mourning Dove  10
Chimney Swift  3
Eastern Kingbird  3
Fish Crow  3
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  10
Purple Martin  75
Tree Swallow  50
Bank Swallow  2
Barn Swallow  10
Carolina Chickadee  1
Carolina Wren  1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  4
American Robin  3
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  4
European Starling  10
Cedar Waxwing  3
Common Yellowthroat  3
Yellow Warbler  6
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  2
Red-winged Blackbird  150
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  4
House Finch  2
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  5

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

Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs [Photo by Karl Lukens] 

Least Sandpiper [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Blue Grosbeak [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, July 23rd, 2012

Good variety of shorebirds but numbers were low. The beach had at least 5 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, many Sanderling, American Oystercatchers, and 1 Piping Plover. Up to 13 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds were seen flying about. We started and ended with a perched, singing Blue Grosbeak. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Dave Lord, Catherine Busch, Mike Hannisian, and Nancy Watson.
63 species

Canada Goose  25
Mute Swan  5
Mallard  20
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  8
Snowy Egret  2
Glossy Ibis  2
Osprey  3
Red-tailed Hawk  2
Semipalmated Plover  4
Piping Plover  1
Killdeer  8
American Oystercatcher  7
Spotted Sandpiper  2
Greater Yellowlegs  2
Lesser Yellowlegs  7
Sanderling  30
Semipalmated Sandpiper  5
Least Sandpiper  15
Pectoral Sandpiper  2
Short-billed Dowitcher  6
Laughing Gull  40
Ring-billed Gull  5
Herring Gull  5
Lesser Black-backed Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  12
Least Tern  50
Caspian Tern  1
Common Tern  2
Forster's Tern  5
Royal Tern  3
Black Skimmer  8
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  10
Chimney Swift  3
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  13
Belted Kingfisher  1
Eastern Kingbird  3
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  4
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  1
Purple Martin  15
Bank Swallow  1
Barn Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  1
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  2
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  15
Common Yellowthroat  5
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  1
Bobolink  1
Red-winged Blackbird  8
Common Grackle  4
Brown-headed Cowbird  2
Orchard Oriole  4
House Finch  2
American Goldfinch  4
House Sparrow  5

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

American Oystercatcher [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Lesser Black-backed Gull  [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Lesser Black-backed Gull  [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Lesser Yellowlegs  [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, July 21st, 2012

Nice variety of shorebirds and waders in Bunker Pond including 5 Stilt, 2 Pectoral, Solitary and Spotted Sandpipers. Although the waders were numerous the "Mother-lode" was found after the walk at Lake Lily. Good terns in a variety of plumages but no unusual terns today. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Kathy & Roger Horn, and Catherine Busch.
60 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  6
Mallard  20
Great Blue Heron  11
Great Egret  8
Snowy Egret  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  6
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  2
American Coot  1
Semipalmated Plover  4
Killdeer  7
American Oystercatcher  8
Spotted Sandpiper  2
Solitary Sandpiper  1
Greater Yellowlegs  8
Lesser Yellowlegs  10
Sanderling  30
Semipalmated Sandpiper  10
Least Sandpiper  25
Pectoral Sandpiper  1
Stilt Sandpiper  5
Short-billed Dowitcher  25
Laughing Gull  25
Ring-billed Gull  3
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Least Tern  30
Common Tern  15
Forster's Tern  15
Royal Tern  10
Black Skimmer  25
Rock Pigeon  1
Mourning Dove  5
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2
Great Crested Flycatcher  1
Eastern Kingbird  5
Fish Crow  3
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  8
Tree Swallow  5
Bank Swallow  1
Barn Swallow  10
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  4
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  10
Cedar Waxwing  1
Common Yellowthroat  4
Yellow Warbler  3
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  3
Indigo Bunting  2
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
Orchard Oriole  1
House Finch  2
House Sparrow  5

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

Stilt Sandpipers [Photo by Karl Lukens]

A congregation of Great and Snowy Egrets on Lake Lily [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Bird Walk for All People - Thursday, July 19th, 2012

The Bird Walk for All People enjoyed a variety of birds including birds that are migrating. Highlights include many Killdeer, shorebirds such as Spotted, Solitary, Pectoral, and Semipalmated Sandpipers, Semipalmated and Piping Plover, both Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, and Short-billed Dowitchers. Leaders: Chuck & MJ Slugg, Chris Marks, and Warren Cairo.
64 species

Canada Goose  35
Mute Swan  14
Mallard  30
Great Blue Heron  10
Great Egret  32
Snowy Egret  3
Black-crowned Night-Heron  3
Glossy Ibis  18
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  2
Semipalmated Plover  6
Piping Plover  1
Killdeer  22
American Oystercatcher  6
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Solitary Sandpiper  2
Greater Yellowlegs  3
Lesser Yellowlegs  20
Sanderling  1
Semipalmated Sandpiper  4
Least Sandpiper  36
Pectoral Sandpiper  2
Short-billed Dowitcher  35
Laughing Gull  20
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull  6
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  12
Least Tern  40
Common Tern  10
Forster's Tern  25
Royal Tern  5
Black Skimmer  2
Rock Pigeon  8
Mourning Dove  6
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1     heard
Northern Flicker  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  2     heard
Eastern Kingbird  30     Found in groups of 5-6 throughout State Park, family
groups still feeding fledglings
American Crow  6
Fish Crow  5
Purple Martin  70
Tree Swallow  2
Barn Swallow  8
Carolina Chickadee  6
Tufted Titmouse  1
Carolina Wren  4
House Wren  2
American Robin  25
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  5
European Starling  10
Cedar Waxwing  12     heard
Common Yellowthroat  6
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  8
Indigo Bunting  2     heard
Red-winged Blackbird  18
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  6
Baltimore Oriole  3
House Finch  3     heard
House Sparrow  6

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, July 18th, 2012

A nice walk in sunny weather with a real feel of fall. Yellow Warbler and Bobolinks were calling overhead, and Bunker Pond had a nice selection that included Solitary and Stilt Sandpiper, six Pectoral Sandpipers and plenty of Lesser Yellowlegs. Two Semipalmated Sandpipers mixed themselves in with the Least Sandpipers. Eight Royal Terns and a Lesser Black-backed Gull were on the beach. Dragonfly numbers were very impressive and were much-appreciated by the gatherings of young Purple Martins that hung around – though appreciated in a different way to the rest of us!   Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Chris Marks, and Dave Lord.
66 species

Canada Goose  40
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  12
Mallard  20
Great Blue Heron  15
Great Egret  13
Snowy Egret  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  6
Turkey Vulture  5
Osprey  3
American Coot  1
Semipalmated Plover  1
Killdeer  15
American Oystercatcher  7
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Solitary Sandpiper  1
Greater Yellowlegs  6
Willet  3
Lesser Yellowlegs  12
Semipalmated Sandpiper  4
Least Sandpiper  15
Pectoral Sandpiper  3
Stilt Sandpiper  1
Short-billed Dowitcher  25
Laughing Gull  20
Ring-billed Gull  3
Herring Gull  5
Lesser Black-backed Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  8
Least Tern  30
Common Tern  15
Forster's Tern  15
Royal Tern  6
Black Skimmer  3
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  8
Chimney Swift  8
Eastern Kingbird  3
Blue Jay  3
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  4
Purple Martin  50
Bank Swallow  1
Barn Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  1
Carolina Wren  3
House Wren  1
American Robin  5
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  10
Common Yellowthroat  3
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  2
Bobolink  2
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  8
Brown-headed Cowbird  4
Orchard Oriole  1
House Finch  3
American Goldfinch  2
House Sparrow  5

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

Pectoral Sandpiper [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Stilt Sandpiper [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Bullfrog [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, July 16th, 2012

Numerous shorebirds flying over and feeding including Short-billed Dowitchers, both Yellowlegs, Least, Spotted, Stilt, and Pectoral Sandpipers. Six Orchard Oriole fly-bys and 8 Lesser Black-backed Gulls on the beach. Also lots of juvenile Least Terns on the beach. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Chuck & MJ Slugg, Dave Lord, Catherine Busch, and Carrie Bell.
56 species

Canada Goose  20
Mute Swan  8
Mallard  15
Great Blue Heron  3
Great Egret  5
Snowy Egret  3
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  5
Osprey  3
Semipalmated Plover  2
Killdeer  10
American Oystercatcher  4
Spotted Sandpiper  2
Greater Yellowlegs  4
Willet  1     seen by one person
Lesser Yellowlegs  18
Sanderling  4
Least Sandpiper  25
Pectoral Sandpiper  4
Stilt Sandpiper  6
Short-billed Dowitcher  25
Laughing Gull  20
Ring-billed Gull  3
Herring Gull  8
Lesser Black-backed Gull  8
Great Black-backed Gull  15
Least Tern  50     lots of juv.
Common Tern  5
Forster's Tern  5
Royal Tern  5
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  10
Chimney Swift  4
Eastern Kingbird  3
Fish Crow  5
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  5
Purple Martin  15
Tree Swallow  1
Barn Swallow  10
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  5
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  10
Common Yellowthroat  5
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  2
Bobolink  1     heard by leader
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  6
Brown-headed Cowbird  4
Orchard Oriole  6
House Finch  4
American Goldfinch  5
House Sparrow  10

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

Juvenile Eastern Kingbird [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Lesser Black-backed Gull [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Lesser Black-backed Gull [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Pectoral Sandpiper [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, July 14th, 2012

Good waders including 30 Glossy Ibis and 3 Green Herons. An early American Coot was on Lighthouse Pond. A nice variety of shorebirds including an early White-rumped Sandpiper, both Yellowlegs, and Solitary and Spotted sandpiper. Passerines included Blue Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, 3 Orchard Orioles and a Baltimore Oriole. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Kathy & Roger Horn.
60 species

Canada Goose  75
Mute Swan  10
Mallard  15
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  1
Green Heron  3
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  30
Osprey  1
American Coot  1
Killdeer  25
American Oystercatcher  8
Spotted Sandpiper  2
Solitary Sandpiper  1
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  6
Least Sandpiper  15
White-rumped Sandpiper  1
Short-billed Dowitcher  25
Laughing Gull  35
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Least Tern  40
Common Tern  1
Forster's Tern  2
Royal Tern  5
Rock Pigeon  6
Mourning Dove  5
Chimney Swift  1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  1
Eastern Kingbird  3
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  10
Purple Martin  75
Barn Swallow  2
Carolina Chickadee  3
Carolina Wren  2
House Wren  6
American Robin  10
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  10
Common Yellowthroat  5
Yellow-breasted Chat  1     heard
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  3
Blue Grosbeak  2
Indigo Bunting  2
Red-winged Blackbird  8
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  4
Orchard Oriole  3
Baltimore Oriole  1
House Finch  4
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  10

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

Brown Pelican [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Sunset Birding at the Meadows - Friday, July 13th, 2012

Waders were scarce but we managed Green Heron and Black-crowned Night-Heron. There were numerous shorebirds including ~35 Killdeer, 1 Piping Plover, both Yellowlegs, and ~ 65 Short-billed Dowitchers. On the beach we had 5 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.  Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Kathy & Roger Horn, and Dave Lord.

44 species
Canada Goose  25
Mute Swan  10
Mallard  25
Green Heron  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  2
Glossy Ibis  35
Osprey  1
Virginia Rail  2     /p juv
Piping Plover  1
Killdeer  35
American Oystercatcher  8
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Willet  2
Lesser Yellowlegs  8
Least Sandpiper  25
Short-billed Dowitcher  65
Laughing Gull  75
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull  8
Lesser Black-backed Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  15
Least Tern  75
Common Tern  8
Forster's Tern  5
Royal Tern  2
Black Skimmer  10
Rock Pigeon  1
Mourning Dove  5
Chimney Swift  15
Eastern Kingbird  1
Purple Martin  10
Barn Swallow  1
American Robin  1
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  10
Common Yellowthroat  8
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  6
American Goldfinch  4
House Sparrow  10

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

American Oystercatcher [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Virginia Rail [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Bird Walk for All People - Thursday, July 12th, 2012

The Bird Walk for All People enjoyed cooler weather and a good variety of birds. Highlights of the walk include good looks at the Yellow-breasted Chat, Common Yellowthroats, a perched Bobolink and a Horned Lark on the beach. Fall migrant shorebirds included Least Sandpiper, Short-billed Dowitcher, Spotted Sandpiper, and both Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs. Also, seeing two American Coots was an unusual treat. Leaders:  Chuck and MJ Slugg, Warren Cairo, and Chris Marks.
58 species

Canada Goose  60
Mute Swan  14
Gadwall  3
Mallard  40
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  6
Glossy Ibis  11
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  6
American Coot  2    1 on Lighthouse Pond East & 1 on Bunker Pond
Killdeer  35    20 flying around parking lot & 15 more along the edges of the various ponds.
American Oystercatcher  7
Spotted Sandpiper  3
Greater Yellowlegs  2
Lesser Yellowlegs  5
Least Sandpiper  20
Short-billed Dowitcher  28
Laughing Gull  50
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Least Tern  30
Common Tern  14
Forster's Tern  36
Royal Tern  1
Black Skimmer  2
Rock Pigeon  6
Mourning Dove  4
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  2
Great Crested Flycatcher  3
Eastern Kingbird  12    Seen perched & flying around, chasing other birds & each other.
American Crow  6
Fish Crow  4
Horned Lark  1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  12    Flying over field behind Rutherford's farm & over Bunker Pond.
Purple Martin  70
Tree Swallow  6
Barn Swallow  4
Carolina Chickadee  4
Carolina Wren  6
House Wren  3
American Robin  10
Gray Catbird  5
Northern Mockingbird  8
European Starling  9
Cedar Waxwing  8
Common Yellowthroat  8
Yellow-breasted Chat  3
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  6
Indigo Bunting  2
Bobolink  1
Red-winged Blackbird  12
Common Grackle  6
Brown-headed Cowbird  2
House Finch  4
House Sparrow  8

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, July 11th, 2012

A very busy Bunker Pond bristled with activity as parties of southbound shorebirds rubbed shoulders with a slowly increasing number of herons and egrets. Two Pectoral Sandpipers were our first of Fall and an adult Green Heron posed very nicely for us. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Chris Marks, Steve Weis, and Warren Cairo.
60 species

Canada Goose  X
Mute Swan  X
Gadwall  12
Mallard  X
Great Blue Heron  5
Great Egret  12
Green Heron  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  13
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  1
Red-tailed Hawk  2
Killdeer  5
American Oystercatcher  6
Spotted Sandpiper  2
Greater Yellowlegs  2
Willet  2
Lesser Yellowlegs  15
Sanderling  7
Least Sandpiper  20
Pectoral Sandpiper  2
Short-billed Dowitcher  50
Laughing Gull  X
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull (American)  2
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Least Tern  X
Common Tern  X
Forster's Tern  X
Royal Tern  1
Black Skimmer  6
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  6
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2
Eastern Kingbird  3
Blue Jay  4
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  4
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  8
Purple Martin  X
Tree Swallow  4
Bank Swallow  2
Barn Swallow  8
Carolina Chickadee  2
Carolina Wren  3
American Robin  10
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  20
Yellow-breasted Chat  1
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  2
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  4
Brown-headed Cowbird  2
Orchard Oriole  2
American Goldfinch  2
House Sparrow  12

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, July 9th, 2012

Lots of waders and shorebirds flying over and feeding. A Great Egret, juvenile Snowy Egret, and juvenile Little Blue Heron were feeding close to each other providing a good comparison of the 3 white birds for all to see. Interesting birds were a couple of fly-over Bobolinks, numerous Yellowlegs, a Solitary Sandpiper and a returning Sanderling. Several Lesser Black-backed Gulls were on the beach.  Leaders: Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Steve Weis, Warren Cairo, Catherine Busch, and Janet Crawford.
64 species

Canada Goose  50
Mute Swan  8
American Black Duck  1
Mallard  25
Double-crested Cormorant  1     seen by leader only
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  5
Snowy Egret  2
Little Blue Heron  2
Green Heron  4
Black-crowned Night-Heron  2
Glossy Ibis  15
Osprey  1
Piping Plover  1
Killdeer  15
American Oystercatcher  8
Spotted Sandpiper  3
Solitary Sandpiper  1
Greater Yellowlegs  8
Willet  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  15
Whimbrel  1
Sanderling  1
Semipalmated Sandpiper  2
Least Sandpiper  25
Stilt Sandpiper  1
Short-billed Dowitcher  30
Laughing Gull  100
Ring-billed Gull  3
Herring Gull  8
Lesser Black-backed Gull  3
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Least Tern  75
Common Tern  10
Forster's Tern  20
Royal Tern  5
Black Skimmer  5
Rock Pigeon  1
Mourning Dove  8
Chimney Swift  4
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  3
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  2
Purple Martin  2
Tree Swallow  1
Barn Swallow  8
Carolina Wren  1
House Wren  1
American Robin  1
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  5
Cedar Waxwing  1
Common Yellowthroat  5
Yellow Warbler  3
Field Sparrow  2
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  2
Blue Grosbeak  1     seen by leader only
Bobolink  2
Red-winged Blackbird  12
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  2
American Goldfinch  3
House Sparrow  5

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

Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, July 7th, 2012

Lots of shorebirds and waders on the ponds. Terns on the beach and Bunker Pond railing included Forster's and Common in all plumages and 1 Roseate Tern. Interesting was a Pied-billed Grebe with only its head above water. Passerines included Blue Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting and Yellow-breasted Chat. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Kathy & Roger Horn, and Catherine Busch.
58 species

Canada Goose  100
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  4
Mallard  30
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Great Blue Heron  8
Great Egret  10
Snowy Egret  2
Little Blue Heron  1
Green Heron  3
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  15
Osprey  4
Killdeer  15
American Oystercatcher  8
Solitary Sandpiper  1
Greater Yellowlegs  10
Lesser Yellowlegs  12
Least Sandpiper  8
Short-billed Dowitcher  65
Laughing Gull  100
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  5
Least Tern  75
Roseate Tern  1     photo
Common Tern  30
Forster's Tern  30
Royal Tern  2
Black Skimmer  5
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  8
Chimney Swift  2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2
Eastern Wood-Pewee  1     heard
Eastern Kingbird  1
American Crow  1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  2
Purple Martin  50
Barn Swallow  5
Carolina Wren  1
House Wren  1
American Robin  2
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  10
Cedar Waxwing  1     heard
Common Yellowthroat  5     heard
Yellow-breasted Chat  1
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  2
Blue Grosbeak  2
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  2
Orchard Oriole  1     heard
House Sparrow  5

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

Roseate Tern [Photo by Karl Lukens]

With a hint of blush pink on it's belly [Photo by Karl Lukens]

(From L to R) Great Egret, juvenile Snowy Egret, and juvenile Little Blue Heron [Photo by Karl Lukens]

A Pied-billed Grebe keeping cool on a very hot day [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Blue Grosbeak [Photo by Karl Lukens] 

The ever elusive Yellow-breasted Chat [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Sunset Birding at the Meadows - Friday, July 6th, 2012

Good numbers of waders and shorebirds. Several large flocks of Glossy Ibis flew over and some landed for scope looks. Least Tern fledglings were easy to find and at least 14 American Oystercatchers were on the beach.Leaders: Karl Lukens and Chuck Slugg.
45 species

Canada Goose  60
Mute Swan  10
Gadwall  8
Mallard  25
Great Egret  7
Snowy Egret  4
Green Heron  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  3
Glossy Ibis  69
Osprey  3
Piping Plover  1
Killdeer  14
American Oystercatcher  14
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Greater Yellowlegs  5
Willet  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  9
Least Sandpiper  12
Short-billed Dowitcher  30
Laughing Gull  150
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull  8
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  5
Least Tern  50     w/chicks & fledglings
Common Tern  15
Forster's Tern  20
Black Skimmer  6
Rock Pigeon  1
Mourning Dove  10
Chimney Swift  5
Purple Martin  10
Barn Swallow  3
American Robin  1
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  10
Cedar Waxwing  2
Common Yellowthroat  5
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  8
American Goldfinch  2
House Sparrow  10

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

Bird Walk for All People - Thursday, July 5th, 2012

Highlights of the Bird Walk for All People included Piping Plover, American Oystercatchers with a fledged chick, Least Terns with chicks, and a Spotted Sandpiper. Leaders: Chuck Slugg, Warren Cairo, and Chris Marks.
53 species

Canada Goose  45
Mute Swan  7
Mallard  20
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  3
Glossy Ibis  5
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  6
Mississippi Kite  1     soaring towards the Meadows
Merlin  1     by Plover Pond flying west being chased by Red-winged Blackbirds
Piping Plover  1
Killdeer  12
American Oystercatcher  3
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  3
Least Sandpiper  16
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull  7
Great Black-backed Gull  5
Least Tern  30
Common Tern  8
Forster's Tern  30
Black Skimmer  5
Rock Pigeon  5
Mourning Dove  6
Chimney Swift  4
Northern Flicker  2
Eastern Phoebe  1     heard
Great Crested Flycatcher  1
Eastern Kingbird  8
American Crow  4     heard
Purple Martin  40
Tree Swallow  3
Barn Swallow  2
Carolina Chickadee  2
Carolina Wren  5
House Wren  3
American Robin  12
Gray Catbird  1     heard
Northern Mockingbird  4
European Starling  12
Cedar Waxwing  5
Common Yellowthroat  6     heard
Song Sparrow  2
Scarlet Tanager  1     seen by leader only
Northern Cardinal  4
Indigo Bunting  4
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  6
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
Orchard Oriole  1     first year male seen by leader only
House Sparrow  6

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, July 4th, 2012

A sunny bunch enjoyed a sunny 4th of July stroll at Cape May Point State Park. A passing Brown Pelican offshore kicked off our walk, and Bunker Pond hosted a nice array of returning shorebirds--a sure sign that fall really has begun!  A singing male Blue Grosbeak posed nicely, though a male Indigo Bunting was more flighty.  Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, Chris Marks, and Catherine Busch.
51 species

Canada Goose  100
Mute Swan  16
Gadwall  11
Mallard  6
Brown Pelican  1
Great Blue Heron  3
Great Egret  9
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  25
Osprey  4
American Coot  1
Piping Plover  4
Killdeer  6
American Oystercatcher  11
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Greater Yellowlegs  5
Lesser Yellowlegs  5
Least Sandpiper  30
Short-billed Dowitcher  12
Laughing Gull  300
Herring Gull (American)  5
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  6
Least Tern  60
Common Tern  20
Forster's Tern  120
Royal Tern  3
Black Skimmer  12
Rock Pigeon  7
Mourning Dove  10
Great Crested Flycatcher  1
Eastern Kingbird  2
Fish Crow  2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  6
Purple Martin  60
Tree Swallow  1
Barn Swallow  5
Carolina Wren  2
House Wren  1
American Robin  2
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  6
Common Yellowthroat  2
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  2
Blue Grosbeak  2
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  13
Common Grackle  3
Brown-headed Cowbird  2
House Finch  6
House Sparrow  4

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

Blue Grosbeak [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Back Bay Birding by Boat on The Osprey - Monday, July 2nd, 2012

Great looks at a Clapper Rail near Wildwood. Other highlights include a Black Skimmer, and a couple of Yellow-crowned Night-Herons.
25 species

Mallard  2
Double-crested Cormorant  16
Great Blue Heron  4
Great Egret  13
Snowy Egret  11
Black-crowned Night-Heron  6
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron  2
Turkey Vulture  8
Osprey  58
Clapper Rail  1
Black-bellied Plover  1
American Oystercatcher  10
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Willet  9
Ruddy Turnstone  8
Herring Gull  29
Great Black-backed Gull  28
Least Tern  2
Common Tern  15
Forster's Tern  9
Black Skimmer  1
Purple Martin  4
Common Yellowthroat  3
Red-winged Blackbird  6
Boat-tailed Grackle  14

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, July 2nd, 2012

Some movement of shorebirds including both Yellowlegs and Least Sandpiper. Waders included both Egrets, Green Heron, and 2 Black-crowned Night-Herons. Still 2 Piping Plover on the beach as well as American Oystercatchers and Black Skimmers. Most interesting was a close Great Shearwater working just off the beach and providing great views of an otherwise pelagic bird. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Steve Weis, Catherine Busch, Carrie Bell, Dave Lord, and Janet Crawford.
60 species

Canada Goose  5
Mute Swan  5
Gadwall  4
Mallard  20
Great Shearwater  1
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Great Egret  5
Snowy Egret  2
Green Heron  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  2
Glossy Ibis  35
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  2
Piping Plover  2
Killdeer  12
American Oystercatcher  8
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Greater Yellowlegs  5
Willet  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  6
Least Sandpiper  8
Short-billed Dowitcher  4
Laughing Gull  25
Ring-billed Gull  4
Herring Gull  8
Lesser Black-backed Gull  3
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Least Tern  50
Common Tern  10
Forster's Tern  15
Royal Tern  5
Black Skimmer  10
Rock Pigeon  1
Mourning Dove  8
Chimney Swift  10
Northern Flicker  1
Eastern Kingbird  3
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  3
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  1
Purple Martin  10
Bank Swallow  1
Barn Swallow  4
Carolina Chickadee  1
American Robin  5
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  10
Cedar Waxwing  1
Common Yellowthroat  5
Field Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  2
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  8
Brown-headed Cowbird  6
American Goldfinch  5
House Sparrow  5

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

Least Tern and chick [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Piping Plover [Photo by Karl Lukens]