Cox Hall Creek WMA - Sunday, April 29nd, 2012

Cox Hall Creek WMA was filled with birds singing in the sunshine. Highlights include: Red-headed Woodpeckers, Black-and-white Warblers,Yellow-rumped Warblers, several Osprey, a Red-tailed Hawk, a Bald Eagle, a pair of Kingfishers plus the resident Chipping Sparrows and Eastern Bluebirds. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Shaun & Cindy Bamford, Janet Crawford, and Carrie Bell.
52 species

Canada Goose  3
Mallard  4
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  1
Green Heron  1
Osprey  6
Bald Eagle  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Laughing Gull  12
Mourning Dove  6
Belted Kingfisher  2
Red-headed Woodpecker  3     These birds have been seen in this location for the last 5 weeks.
Red-bellied Woodpecker  5
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  2
Great Crested Flycatcher  6     We had scope looks at three and several more were calling. They traditionally nest in this area.
Eastern Kingbird  2
White-eyed Vireo  1     heard
Blue-headed Vireo  3
Blue Jay  6
American Crow  10
Fish Crow  2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  4
Purple Martin  2
Tree Swallow  8
Barn Swallow  10
Carolina Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  12
White-breasted Nuthatch  2
Carolina Wren  2
House Wren  3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
Eastern Bluebird  3
American Robin  14
Northern Mockingbird  5
European Starling  10
Black-and-white Warbler  4
Common Yellowthroat  2     heard
Yellow Warbler  1     heard
Yellow-rumped Warbler  8
Eastern Towhee  1     heard
Chipping Sparrow  14
Field Sparrow  2     heard
Song Sparrow  5
White-throated Sparrow  5
Dark-eyed Junco  1
Northern Cardinal  6
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  12
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
American Goldfinch  6
House Sparrow  8

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

Salt Marsh Safari on the Skimmer - April 28th, 2012

This observation was aboard the Skimmer Salt Marsh Safari weekly CMBO Saturday morning trip.
37 species

Brant  X     large numbers
Mallard  2
Red-breasted Merganser  14
Ruddy Duck  2
Red-throated Loon  3
Common Loon  4
Double-crested Cormorant  40
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  8
Snowy Egret  3
Little Blue Heron  2     one white, one mottled
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  20
Clapper Rail  2     heard not seen
Black-bellied Plover  30
American Oystercatcher  12
Willet  8
Lesser Yellowlegs  1
Whimbrel  33
Ruddy Turnstone  4
Semipalmated Sandpiper  2
Western Sandpiper  3
Dunlin  60
Short-billed Dowitcher  1
Laughing Gull  200
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull  18
Great Black-backed Gull  8
Forster's Tern  70
Rock Pigeon  12
Fish Crow  2
Tree Swallow  10
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  7
Saltmarsh Sparrow  1
Red-winged Blackbird  3
Boat-tailed Grackle  15

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

Bird Walk for All People - Saturday, April 28th, 2012

The Bird Walk for All People enjoyed a variety of birds in the State Park. Highlights of the walk include many Forster's Terns courting, drake Northern Shoveler on Bunker Pond, a pair of Bufflehead off shore, and many Barn, Tree, and Northern Rough-winged Swallows flying over ponds and beach. Several Yellow-rumped Warblers in breeding plumage were seen in the woods. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Cindy Bamford, and Catherine Busch.
48 species

Canada Goose  18
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  4
Mallard  12
Northern Shoveler  1
Bufflehead  2
Double-crested Cormorant  500
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  1
Glossy Ibis  7
Turkey Vulture  8
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
American Coot  1
Killdeer  2
American Oystercatcher  6
Greater Yellowlegs  2
Willet  1
Laughing Gull  25
Herring Gull  10
Great Black-backed Gull  30
Forster's Tern  45
Rock Pigeon  5
Mourning Dove  4
White-eyed Vireo  1
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  10
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  12
Purple Martin  35
Tree Swallow  20
Barn Swallow  30
Carolina Chickadee  2
Carolina Wren  6
American Robin  10
Northern Mockingbird  5
European Starling  3
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  6     heard
Yellow-rumped Warbler  10
Eastern Towhee  1
Song Sparrow  4
White-throated Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  20
Common Grackle  6
Brown-headed Cowbird  8
House Finch  2
House Sparrow  3

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

Spring Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, April 28th, 2012

Cool and sunny then cloudy. Lots of Yellow-rumped Warblers in breeding plumage and some singing. Now and then a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher would show, Common Yellowthroats were singing, and 1 Yellow Warbler made an appearance. Swallows included Barn, Tree, and Northern Rough-winged. We finished at the parking lot with a singing, perched Blue Grosbeak. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, and Catherine Busch.
51 species

Canada Goose  6
Mute Swan  2
Wood Duck  1
Mallard  6
Double-crested Cormorant  100
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  3
Black-crowned Night-Heron  8
Glossy Ibis  3
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  10
Bald Eagle  1
Killdeer  6     ad. 2, chicks 4
Laughing Gull  10
Herring Gull  3
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  5
Chimney Swift  1
Belted Kingfisher  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2     heard
Downy Woodpecker  3
Great Crested Flycatcher  1
Eastern Kingbird  3
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  3
Tree Swallow  2
Barn Swallow  10
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  4     heard
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  3
American Robin  10
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  10
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  3
Yellow Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  15
Prairie Warbler  2     heard
Eastern Towhee  1
Song Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  5
Blue Grosbeak  1
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  15
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
American Goldfinch  3
House Sparrow  1

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

Blue Grosbeak [Photo by Karl Lukens]

A Meadows Afternoon - Friday, April 27th, 2012

Friday Afternoon at the Meadows Walk was very windy which seemed to keep many birds hidden. We enjoyed watching Ospreys hunting for fish, Barn, Tree, and Northern Rough-winged Swallows wheeling and dipping over the ponds, both Turkey and Black Vultures close enough for good comparisons, two Piping Plover on the beach, and Wilson's Snipe on the way back to the parking lot. Leaders:  Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg and Catherine Busch.
40 species

Canada Goose  16
Mute Swan  12
Mallard  18
Northern Gannet  3
Great Egret  5
Snowy Egret  1
Black Vulture  12
Turkey Vulture  8
Osprey  3
American Coot  7
Piping Plover  2
Killdeer  5
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Greater Yellowlegs  3
Wilson's Snipe  3
Bonaparte's Gull  1
Laughing Gull  50
Herring Gull  10
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Forster's Tern  40
Black Skimmer  10     On center pond by platform with Laughing Gulls and
Forster's Terns.
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  3
Chimney Swift  2
Fish Crow  10
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  11
Purple Martin  7
Tree Swallow  15
Barn Swallow  20
American Robin  3
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  6
Common Yellowthroat  1     heard only
Song Sparrow  3     heard only
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  20
Common Grackle  10
Boat-tailed Grackle  1
Brown-headed Cowbird  6
House Sparrow  1

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

Higbee Beach - Friday, April 27th, 2012

A cool, windy morning that started slow. Finally got good looks at Prairie Warbler, Baltimore Oriole, Eastern Kingbird, White-eyed Vireo, and Great Crested Flycatcher. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Warren Cairo, Patty Rourke, Catherine Busch, and Chris Marks.
34 species

Northern Gannet  2
Double-crested Cormorant  10
Turkey Vulture  3
Merlin  1
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  3
Forster's Tern  3
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  5
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  1
Eastern Kingbird  3
White-eyed Vireo  3
American Crow  1
Tree Swallow  1
Barn Swallow  15
Carolina Chickadee  3
Carolina Wren  3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
American Robin  3
Northern Parula  1     heard
Yellow-rumped Warbler  1     heard
Prairie Warbler  2
Eastern Towhee  2     heard
Field Sparrow  5
White-throated Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  5
Red-winged Blackbird  8
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
Baltimore Oriole  1

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

Question Mark [Photo by Catherine Busch]

Shorebirds at Heislerville with Pete Dunne - Thursday, April 26th, 2012

Highlights included Red-breasted Merganser, Ruddy Duck, lots of Dunlin, one Semi-palmated Sandpiper, Short-billed Dowitchers, Black Skimmers, Willets, and good looks at Clapper Rails. Leaders: Janet Crawford and Warren Cairo.
31 species

Canada Goose  16
Mute Swan  4
American Black Duck  6
Green-winged Teal  50
Red-breasted Merganser  1
Ruddy Duck  1
Double-crested Cormorant  100
Great Egret  40
Snowy Egret  40
Black-crowned Night-Heron  80
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  2
Bald Eagle  1
Clapper Rail  2
Black-bellied Plover  10
Semipalmated Plover  2
Killdeer  2
Greater Yellowlegs  25
Willet  5
Lesser Yellowlegs  10
Semipalmated Sandpiper  1
Dunlin  350
Short-billed Dowitcher  45
Laughing Gull  15
Ring-billed Gull  3
Herring Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  3
Forster's Tern  25
Red-winged Blackbird  8
Boat-tailed Grackle  6
House Sparrow  5

Thompson's Beach, Cumberland
25 species

Canada Goose  8
American Black Duck  2
Green-winged Teal  50
Great Egret  3
Glossy Ibis  1
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  21
Bald Eagle  5
Northern Harrier  1
Clapper Rail  12
Greater Yellowlegs  10
Willet  6
Lesser Yellowlegs  2
Dunlin  30
Laughing Gull  10
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Forster's Tern  8
Mourning Dove  2
Barn Swallow  20
Red-winged Blackbird  20
Common Grackle  6
Boat-tailed Grackle  4

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

Birds of Belleplain State Forest - Thursday, April 26th, 2012

Chilly with no sun and the birds seemed quieter than usual. In general, warblers were good, some being seen and some heard only. Nice looks at Louisiana Waterthrush, and a fair look at Prothonotary. First of the year for some were the several singing Wood Thrushs. Raptors included 2 adult Bald Eagles and 1 Red-tailed Hawk. Leaders: Jim Armstrong, Bert Hixon, Karl Lukens, Patty Rourke, and Karen Johnson.
53 species

Canada Goose  8
Wood Duck  4
American Black Duck  1
Mallard  3
Wild Turkey  1
Great Egret  3
Black Vulture  5
Turkey Vulture  2
Bald Eagle  2
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Laughing Gull  2
Herring Gull  15
Mourning Dove  4
Chimney Swift  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Acadian Flycatcher  1     heard
Eastern Phoebe  4
White-eyed Vireo  3
Red-eyed Vireo  2     heard
Blue Jay  2
Fish Crow  1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  1
Tree Swallow  8
Barn Swallow  3
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  5
White-breasted Nuthatch  1     heard
Wood Thrush  10     heard
American Robin  10
Gray Catbird  1
Brown Thrasher  2
European Starling  15
Ovenbird  15     heard
Worm-eating Warbler  2     heard
Louisiana Waterthrush  3
Black-and-white Warbler  4
Prothonotary Warbler  2
Common Yellowthroat  1     heard
Hooded Warbler  1     heard
Pine Warbler  5
Yellow-rumped Warbler  3
Yellow-throated Warbler  6
Prairie Warbler  3
Eastern Towhee  4     heard
Chipping Sparrow  15
White-throated Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  5
Indigo Bunting  1     heard by 1 leader only
Red-winged Blackbird  8
Common Grackle  15
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
American Goldfinch  2

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

Louisiana Waterthrush [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Nummy's Island - Wednesday, April 25th, 2012

A pleasant evening at Nummy Island, mild temperatures and a low tide.  Good looks at Black-bellied Plovers, Willets, Short-billed Dowitchers and great looks at a large group of 36 Whimbrel and breeding plumaged Common Loons.  Leaders: Gail Dwyer, Patty Rourke, Bill & Lee Symthe, and Warren Cairo.
34 species

Brant  55
Canada Goose  4
American Black Duck  4
Mallard  6
Common Loon  4
Double-crested Cormorant  34
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  6
Snowy Egret  12
Black-crowned Night-Heron  8
Glossy Ibis  2
Osprey  12
Clapper Rail  4     Heard only
Black-bellied Plover  22
American Oystercatcher  20
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Willet  14
Whimbrel  49     13 seen flying and the rest were on the ocean side near the toll bridge
Ruddy Turnstone  4
Least Sandpiper  6
Dunlin  120
Short-billed Dowitcher  16
Laughing Gull  100
Ring-billed Gull  4
Herring Gull  7
Great Black-backed Gull  4
Forster's Tern  18
Fish Crow  8
Barn Swallow  2
Savannah Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Boat-tailed Grackle  12

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

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

Good morning for seabirds and beach birds including several Piping Plover, 5 American Oystercatchers, numerous Northern Gannets and the usual terns and gulls. As for other shorebirds we had a few Least Sandpipers, both Yellowlegs (Lesser seen, Greater heard), and Killdeer. Also watched an Osprey dive and catch a rather large eel. House Wrens were very vocal and Yellow-rumped Warblers were in full breeding plumage and singing. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Warren Cairo, Patty Rourke, and Chris Marks.
53 species

Canada Goose  15
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  3
Mallard  10
Northern Shoveler  2
Black Scoter  10
Red-throated Loon  1
Northern Gannet  20
Double-crested Cormorant  350
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  3
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  6
American Coot  3
Piping Plover  3
Killdeer  2
American Oystercatcher  5
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Willet  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  1
Least Sandpiper  4
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  1
Forster's Tern  20
Rock Pigeon  4
Mourning Dove  5
Chimney Swift  6
Belted Kingfisher  1
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  8
Purple Martin  75
Tree Swallow  8
Barn Swallow  10
Carolina Chickadee  1
Carolina Wren  4
House Wren  2
American Robin  10
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  5
Common Yellowthroat  6
Yellow-rumped Warbler  4
Song Sparrow  4
White-throated Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  5
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  8
House Finch  4
American Goldfinch  2
House Sparrow  2

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

Carolina Wren [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Hidden Corners of Belleplain - Tuesday, April 24th, 2012

Highlights include great looks at Louisiana Waterthrush, Worm-eating Warbler, a pair of courting Broad-winged Hawks, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Yellow-throated Warbler and Prairie Warbler. Leaders: Karen Johnson and Janet Crawford.
35 species

Canada Goose  6
Wood Duck  2
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  4
Broad-winged Hawk  2
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Laughing Gull  7
Mourning Dove  4
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Downy Woodpecker  1
White-eyed Vireo  5
Blue Jay  1
Fish Crow  3
Carolina Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  6
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  8
American Robin  9
Ovenbird  18
Worm-eating Warbler  8
Louisiana Waterthrush  1
Black-and-white Warbler  10
Common Yellowthroat  1
Pine Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler  4
Yellow-throated Warbler  2
Prairie Warbler  2
Eastern Towhee  6
Chipping Sparrow  8
Field Sparrow  2
White-throated Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  6
Rose-breasted Grosbeak  1
American Goldfinch  4

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

EZ Birding - Tuesday, April 24th, 2012

EZ Bird Walk highlights this morning include numerous Osprey looking for fish, Piping Plover feeding by the first pond, nesting House Wrens in one of the bluebird boxes, and a gorgeous Blue Grosbeak establishing his territory. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, and Warren Cairo.
52 species

Canada Goose  12
Mute Swan  9
Gadwall  4
Mallard  11
Northern Shoveler  2
Northern Gannet  10
Double-crested Cormorant  5
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  2
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  8
Osprey  10
American Coot  1
Piping Plover  2
Killdeer  3
American Oystercatcher  2
Least Sandpiper  8
Laughing Gull  20
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull  10
Great Black-backed Gull  5
Forster's Tern  45
Rock Pigeon  4
Mourning Dove  3
Chimney Swift  12
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Northern Flicker  1
Fish Crow  20
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  14
Purple Martin  45
Tree Swallow  15
Barn Swallow  6
Carolina Chickadee  5
Tufted Titmouse  3     heard only
Carolina Wren  3     heard only
House Wren  2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
American Robin  30
Northern Mockingbird  8
European Starling  20
Common Yellowthroat  3
Yellow-rumped Warbler  2
Chipping Sparrow  1     heard only
Song Sparrow  6
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  1
Red-winged Blackbird  20
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  6
House Finch  10
House Sparrow  5

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

Shorebirds at Heislerville with Pete Dunne - Monday, April 23th, 2012

Highlights include Black Skimmers, one Ruddy Duck, one Red-breasted Merganser, 5 Bald Eagles, Seaside Sparrow, 2 Sandhill Cranes flying, and good looks at Clapper Rails, one who caught a crab, and then bathed and preened after his dinner. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Janet Crawford, Warren Cairo, Chuck and Mary Jane Slugg, and Catherine Busch.
32 species

Canada Goose  12
Mute Swan  4
American Black Duck  8
Red-breasted Merganser  1
Ruddy Duck  1
Double-crested Cormorant  100
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  60
Snowy Egret  60
Black-crowned Night-Heron  100
Glossy Ibis  6
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  2
Bald Eagle  2
Northern Harrier  1
Red-tailed Hawk  2
Peregrine Falcon  1
Clapper Rail  3
Killdeer  1
Greater Yellowlegs  25
Lesser Yellowlegs  15
Dunlin  400
Short-billed Dowitcher  6
Laughing Gull  10
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull  6
Great Black-backed Gull  1
Forster's Tern  20
Fish Crow  2
Barn Swallow  3
Red-winged Blackbird  6
Boat-tailed Grackle  2

East Point Road, Cumberland, US-NJ
Apr 23, 2012 4:20 PM - 4:30 PM
Protocol: Stationary
8 species

Canada Goose  6
American Black Duck  6
Double-crested Cormorant  30
Turkey Vulture  1
Northern Harrier  1
Seaside Sparrow  3
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Boat-tailed Grackle  2

Thompson's Beach, Cumberland, US-NJ
Apr 23, 2012 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Protocol: Stationary
18 species

Canada Goose  8
American Black Duck  3
Green-winged Teal  2
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  5
Osprey  11
Bald Eagle  3
Northern Harrier  1
Clapper Rail  10
Sandhill Crane  2     Flying the treeline - probably the same pair seen on Route 47 yesterday.
Greater Yellowlegs  4
Willet  6
Laughing Gull  8
Ring-billed Gull  6
Herring Gull  6
Forster's Tern  8
Barn Swallow  6
Red-winged Blackbird  15

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

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

Lots of shore birds feeding and flying about, mostly Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, but a Dunlin, a Solitary, and some Least Sandpipers also were seen. One Cliff Swallow was amongst Tree, Barn, and Northern Rough-winged Swallows. We found only one Piping Plover, 3 American Oystercatchers, Sanderling, and 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull on a very cold and windy beach. Also 2 Horned Larks. Leaders:  Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Warren Cairo, Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, and Catherine Busch.
56 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  5
Gadwall  8
Mallard  10
Blue-winged Teal  3
Green-winged Teal  8
Red-throated Loon  2
Common Loon  3
Northern Gannet  10
Double-crested Cormorant  40
Great Egret  6
Snowy Egret  5
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  4
Cooper's Hawk  1
American Kestrel  1
American Coot  7
Piping Plover  1
Killdeer  2
American Oystercatcher  3
Solitary Sandpiper  1
Greater Yellowlegs  15
Willet  3
Lesser Yellowlegs  35
Sanderling  15
Least Sandpiper  25
Dunlin  1
Short-billed Dowitcher  1
Bonaparte's Gull  1
Laughing Gull  20
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull  5
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Forster's Tern  25
Rock Pigeon  1
Mourning Dove  6
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  2
Horned Lark  2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  5
Tree Swallow  5
Barn Swallow  10
Cliff Swallow  1
Carolina Wren  1
Marsh Wren  1     heard
American Robin  5
European Starling  1
Common Yellowthroat  6
Yellow-rumped Warbler  5
Savannah Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  15
Boat-tailed Grackle  5
House Sparrow  4

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

Lesser Black-backed Gull [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Cox Hall Creek WMA - Sunday, April 22nd, 2012

The overnight rain and impending storm had most birds hunkered down during this morning's Cox Hall Creek WMA walk. Still visible and calling were many Chipping Sparrows, Red-bellied Woodpeckers and Tufted Titmice that reside there. Field, Swamp, White-throated and Song Sparrows were vocalizing, and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers and Yellow-rumped Warblers were frequently seen and heard. Leaders:  Kathy & Roger Horn, Janet Crawford, Cindy & Shaun Bamford, Mary Jane & Chuck Slugg
33 species

Canada Goose  2
Wood Duck  1
Mallard  9
Laughing Gull  20
Herring Gull  1
Mourning Dove  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  6
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  1
Blue Jay  3
American Crow  6
Fish Crow  3
Tree Swallow  1
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  13
Carolina Wren  2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  3
Eastern Bluebird  3
American Robin  7
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  5
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  9
Chipping Sparrow  11
Field Sparrow  3
Song Sparrow  2
Swamp Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  8
Northern Cardinal  5
Red-winged Blackbird  5
Common Grackle  4
Brown-headed Cowbird  6
House Finch  1
American Goldfinch  2

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

Maurice River Cruise for Bald Eagles Aboard the Osprey - Saturday, April 21th, 2012

CMBO's Bald Eagles on the Maurice River. Eastern Kingbird and Wood Ducks to spice up a wonderful, final weekend on the river.
19 species

Wood Duck  2
American Black Duck  3
Double-crested Cormorant  16
Great Blue Heron  2
Snowy Egret  1
Osprey  34
Bald Eagle  10
Red-tailed Hawk  3
Greater Yellowlegs  6
Laughing Gull  9
Ring-billed Gull  17
Herring Gull  6
Forster's Tern  5
Mourning Dove  3
Belted Kingfisher  2
Eastern Kingbird  1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  3
Tree Swallow  6
Red-winged Blackbird  23

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

Bird Walk for All People - Saturday, April 21, 2012

The Bird Walk for All People saw a variety of birds in differend habitats. From the beach we saw Northern Gannets, a variety of gulls, American Oystercatchers, and a Piping Plover. A second Piping Plover was feeding by the "Plover Pond". Other birds on the ponds included Northern Shovelers, Gadwalls, Blue-winged Teal, many Forster's Terns, and a Bonaparte's Gull. A Blue Grosbeak was spotted in the bushes along Bunker Pond and many Osprey were hunting over the ponds. Leaders: Chuck & MJ Slugg, Cindy Bamford, Marc & Lynne Breslow.
44 species

Canada Goose  30
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  6
Mallard  20
Blue-winged Teal  2
Northern Shoveler  4
Northern Gannet  12
Double-crested Cormorant  60
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  1
Glossy Ibis  4
Turkey Vulture  10
Osprey  6
Piping Plover  2
Killdeer  3
American Oystercatcher  4
Bonaparte's Gull  1
Laughing Gull  25
Herring Gull  15
Great Black-backed Gull  5
Forster's Tern  60
Rock Pigeon  5
Mourning Dove  2
Chimney Swift  2
Northern Flicker  2
Fish Crow  20
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  15
Purple Martin  45
Tree Swallow  6
Carolina Chickadee  2
Carolina Wren  3     heard only
American Robin  8
Northern Mockingbird  4
European Starling  10
Yellow-rumped Warbler  2     heard only
Song Sparrow  1     heard only
Northern Cardinal  2
Blue Grosbeak  1
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  25
Brown-headed Cowbird  3     heard only
House Finch  3
House Sparrow  1

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

Spring Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, April 21, 2012

Several first of the year birds were seen this morning including a singing male Blue Grosbeak, 2 Eastern Kingbirds, 2 Green Heron, a Red-eyed Vireo. Butterflies included Question Mark, Painted Lady, and Pearl Crescent. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Kathy & Roger Horn, and Catherine Busch.
42 species

Canada Goose  8
Wood Duck  2     fly over
Mallard  10
Double-crested Cormorant  75
Snowy Egret  2
Green Heron  2
Black-crowned Night-Heron  5
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  2
Laughing Gull  8
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  4
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Downy Woodpecker  1     heard
Hairy Woodpecker  2
Eastern Kingbird  2     /p
White-eyed Vireo  2
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  2
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  6
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
Hermit Thrush  1
American Robin  10
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  2
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Prothonotary Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  6
Yellow-rumped Warbler  10
Song Sparrow  3
White-throated Sparrow  5
Northern Cardinal  8
Blue Grosbeak  1
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
American Goldfinch  3
House Sparrow  2

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

Eastern Kingbird [Photo by Karl Lukens]
Blue Grosbeak [Photo by Roger Horn]

A Meadows Afternoon - Friday, April 20th, 2012

The Friday Afternoon at The Meadows Walk enjoyed a good selection of late afternoon raptors including Osprey, Cooper"s Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Northern Harrier, and both Turkey and Black Vultures. We saw Piping Plover and American Oystercatchers on the beach and several Wilson's Snipe along the ponds. Leaders: Chuck & MJ Slugg, Warren Cairo, Catherine Busch, Marc & Lynne Breslow.
50 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  20
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  10
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid)  1
Mallard  16
Blue-winged Teal  2
Northern Shoveler  4
Green-winged Teal  20
Northern Gannet  2
Double-crested Cormorant  41
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  1
Glossy Ibis  14
Black Vulture  6
Turkey Vulture  15
Osprey  4
Northern Harrier  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Cooper's Hawk  3
Red-tailed Hawk  2
American Coot  20
Piping Plover  3
Killdeer  4
American Oystercatcher  4
Greater Yellowlegs  4
Lesser Yellowlegs  2
Least Sandpiper  3
Wilson's Snipe  8
Laughing Gull  30
Herring Gull  15
Great Black-backed Gull  8
Forster's Tern  35
Rock Pigeon  4
Mourning Dove  2
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  3
Fish Crow  12
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  2
Purple Martin  20
Tree Swallow  10
Barn Swallow  4
American Robin  2
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  9
Common Yellowthroat  6     heard only
Field Sparrow  1     heard only
Song Sparrow  1     heard only
Northern Cardinal  3
Red-winged Blackbird  13
Common Grackle  12
Brown-headed Cowbird  2

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

Higbee Beach - Friday, April 20th, 2012

A rather quiet morning, but we did have several singing Prairie Warblers that did not want to be seen. We did get good looks at Field Sparrow and White-eyed Vireo. Some "Bay" watching produced the usual gulls as well as, about a dozen Northern Gannets, Dunlin, an American Oystercatcher, and hundreds of Double-crested Cormorants.  Leaders: Karl Lukens, Warren Cairo, and Patty Rourke.
34 species

Canada Goose  2
Mallard  2
Northern Gannet  12
Double-crested Cormorant  600
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  3
American Oystercatcher  1
Dunlin  30
Laughing Gull  10
Ring-billed Gull  4
Herring Gull  25
Great Black-backed Gull  4
Common Tern  1
Forster's Tern  20
Mourning Dove  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2     heard
Downy Woodpecker  1     heard
White-eyed Vireo  5     /p
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  2
Carolina Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  5
American Robin  2
Gray Catbird  1
Common Yellowthroat  1     heard
Prairie Warbler  3     heard
Field Sparrow  4
White-throated Sparrow  8
Northern Cardinal  6
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
American Goldfinch  1

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

White-eyed Vireo [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Birds, Beasts & Botany - Thursday, April 19th, 2012

CMBO "Birds, Beasts, and Botany" field trip at Cox Hall Creek WMA. Leaders:  Tony Lukering, Cindy Bamford, Chris Marks, and Warren Cairo.
34 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  1
Mallard  1
Osprey  2
Laughing Gull  7
Forster's Tern  2
Mourning Dove  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  4
Downy Woodpecker  4
Blue-headed Vireo  1     singing
Blue Jay  3
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  2
crow sp.  1
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  10
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  3
House Wren  2     2 singing
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1     singing
Eastern Bluebird  3
American Robin  7
Black-and-white Warbler  1    
Palm Warbler (Yellow)  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  28
Yellow-throated Warbler  1    
Eastern Towhee  2
Chipping Sparrow  13
Field Sparrow  4     3 singing
Song Sparrow  2     2 singing
White-throated Sparrow  13     5 singing
Northern Cardinal  10
Red-winged Blackbird  3
Common Grackle  7
Brown-headed Cowbird  4

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

Birds of Belleplain State Forest - Thursday, April 19th, 2012

Many birds heard, but most difficult to see. However, we had good looks at a Yellow-throated Warbler on the ground gathering nest material. Another good look at a singing Louisiana Waterthrush on a branch about 10 feet up. Hooded Warbler was close and singing loud, but only one person saw the bird. Prothonotary Warbler at the beaver dam was also heard only. Leaders:  Jim Armstrong, Bert Hixon, Karl Lukens, and Patty Rourke.
46 species

Canada Goose  2
Mallard  6
Wild Turkey  3
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Great Blue Heron  1
Turkey Vulture  5
Red-tailed Hawk  4
Killdeer  1
Greater Yellowlegs  2
Laughing Gull  10
Herring Gull  25
Mourning Dove  2
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  5
Downy Woodpecker  1     heard
Northern Flicker  1     heard
Eastern Phoebe  4
White-eyed Vireo  1     heard
Blue Jay  1     heard
Fish Crow  2
Tree Swallow  4
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  5
White-breasted Nuthatch  2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  5
Eastern Bluebird  1
American Robin  15
Northern Mockingbird  1
Brown Thrasher  1
Ovenbird  10     heard
Louisiana Waterthrush  4     heard 3, saw 1
Black-and-white Warbler  3     heard
Prothonotary Warbler  1     heard
Hooded Warbler  1     seen by a few
Pine Warbler  5
Yellow-rumped Warbler  2
Yellow-throated Warbler  5     one seen on ground with nest material!
Prairie Warbler  1     heard
Eastern Towhee  3     heard
Chipping Sparrow  10
White-throated Sparrow  5
Northern Cardinal  5
Indigo Bunting  1     heard
Red-winged Blackbird  1
Common Grackle  15
Brown-headed Cowbird  10

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

Wild Turkeys [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Nummy's Island - Wednesday, April 18th, 2012

An overcast evening with an incoming tide gave us great looks at a good mix of shorebirds. Leaders: Gail Dwyer, Patty Rourke, Bill & Lee Smythe, and Warren Cairo.
41 species

Brant  60
Canada Goose  4
American Black Duck  6
Mallard  4
Red-breasted Merganser  1
Common Loon  4
Northern Gannet  8
Double-crested Cormorant  35
Great Cormorant  1
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  2
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1     Seen by leaders at end of walk
Glossy Ibis  1
Osprey  8
Black-bellied Plover  30
Semipalmated Plover  4
American Oystercatcher  12
Greater Yellowlegs  6
Willet  4     Eastern
Whimbrel  3
Ruddy Turnstone  20
Sanderling  4
Semipalmated Sandpiper  4
Western Sandpiper  12     Nice group mixed in with the Dowitchers
Dunlin  120     One partial leucistic
Short-billed Dowitcher  22
Laughing Gull  42
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull  8
Great Black-backed Gull  6
Forster's Tern  30
Rock Pigeon  8
Mourning Dove  11
Fish Crow  5
Tree Swallow  2
American Robin  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
Song Sparrow  4
Red-winged Blackbird  18
Boat-tailed Grackle  22

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

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

Good view of sea birds including Northern Gannets and Red-throated Loons plus the usual terns and gulls. Shore birds included several Wilson's Snipe, a few Lesser Yellowlegs, as well as Killdeer and 2 American Oystercatchers on the beach. First of the year for some, a singing House Wren was enjoyed by all. The wader of the day was Little Blue Heron with 2 adult and 1 juvenile fly-overs, and 3 adults (same birds?) scopable in the ponds. Leaders:  Karl Lukens, Warren Cairo, Patty Rourke, and Chris Marks.
54 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  4
Mallard  10
Northern Shoveler  1
Surf Scoter  2
Black Scoter  5
Red-throated Loon  12
Northern Gannet  15
Double-crested Cormorant  150
Great Blue Heron  5
Great Egret  6
Little Blue Heron  4     adults 4. juv 1
Glossy Ibis  8
Turkey Vulture  15
Osprey  7
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Merlin  2
American Coot  18
Killdeer  2
American Oystercatcher  2
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  3
Wilson's Snipe  2
Laughing Gull  15
Ring-billed Gull  3
Herring Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  1
Forster's Tern  15
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  4
Blue Jay  4
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  5
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  5
Purple Martin  25
Tree Swallow  5
Barn Swallow  2
Carolina Chickadee  1
Carolina Wren  2
House Wren  1     /p
American Robin  15
Northern Mockingbird  1
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  8
Common Yellowthroat  5     heard
Yellow-rumped Warbler  5
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  4
House Finch  4
American Goldfinch  5
House Sparrow  2

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

Singing House Wren [Photo by Karl Lukens]
Little Blue Heron [Photo by Karl Lukens]

EZ Birding - Tuesday, April 17th, 2012

EZ Birding highlights included quick peeks at the Virginia Rail, two adult Red-headed Woodpeckers flying in off the ocean, and a Canada Warbler. Two very close Bald Eagles were also a treat to see. Leaders: Chuck Slugg and Warren Cairo.
66 species

Canada Goose  20
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  6
American Black Duck  2
Mallard  10
Northern Shoveler  2
Green-winged Teal  6
Red-throated Loon  2
Northern Gannet  15
Double-crested Cormorant  50
Great Blue Heron  6
Great Egret  4
Glossy Ibis  8
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  8
Bald Eagle  2
Northern Harrier  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Virginia Rail  1
American Coot  20
Piping Plover  1
Killdeer  4
American Oystercatcher  6
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Wilson's Snipe  2
Laughing Gull  12
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  6
Forster's Tern  30
Rock Pigeon  6
Mourning Dove  2
Chimney Swift  6
Red-headed Woodpecker  2     seen by bird walk group and Tom Reed, Glen Davis,
Tiffany Kersten, et al.
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  3
Fish Crow  25
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  8
Purple Martin  50
Tree Swallow  10
Barn Swallow  4
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  4     heard only
Carolina Wren  4     heard only
House Wren  1     heard only
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  3
Hermit Thrush  2
American Robin  12
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  4
European Starling  6
Common Yellowthroat  3
Yellow-rumped Warbler  4
Chipping Sparrow  3     heard only
Field Sparrow  2     heard only
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  15
Boat-tailed Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  6
House Finch  8
House Sparrow  6

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

Hidden Corners of Belleplain - Tuesday, April 17th, 2012

CMBO's inaugural Hidden Corners of Belleplain. Louisiana Waterthrush gave us a good showing, as did a Blue-headed Vireo at the Park Headquarters. A couple of Prothonotary Warblers flitted around the beaver dam, and one leader heard a Barred Owl give a quick hoot. Leaders:  Karen Johnson, Janet Crawford, Chris Marks, and Dave Lord.
41 species

Laughing Gull  8
Herring Gull  6
Mourning Dove  6
Barred Owl  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  5
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  2
Eastern Phoebe  3
White-eyed Vireo  7
Blue-headed Vireo  2
Blue Jay  7
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  4
Tree Swallow  9
Barn Swallow  4
Carolina Chickadee  11
Tufted Titmouse  7
White-breasted Nuthatch  2
Carolina Wren  7
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  5
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
Hermit Thrush  4
American Robin  10
Northern Mockingbird  3
Brown Thrasher  1
Ovenbird  13
Worm-eating Warbler  4
Louisiana Waterthrush  3
Black-and-white Warbler  9
Prothonotary Warbler  2
Common Yellowthroat  3
Pine Warbler  13
Yellow-rumped Warbler  5
Yellow-throated Warbler  9
Eastern Towhee  7
Chipping Sparrow  17
White-throated Sparrow  7
Dark-eyed Junco  2
Northern Cardinal  8
Common Grackle  12
American Goldfinch  28

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

Shorebirds at Heislerville with Pete Dunne - Monday, April 16th, 2012

The Heron and Egret rookery is full of nesting and displaying Black-crowned Night-Herons, Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, and Double-crested Cormorants. We had some drama when a Great Black-backed Gull took a gosling. Other highlights were a White-faced Ibis, Blue- and Green-winged Teal, Willets and Semipalmated Plovers, 3 American Coot, 7 Bald Eagles, and Red-breasted Mergansers. There were lots of Clapper Rails, Osprey and Green-winged Teal at Thompson's Beach. Leaders:  Pete Dunne, Janet Crawford, Dave Lord, Warren Cairo, Chris Marks, Chuck and Mary Jane Slugg.
42 species

Canada Goose  20
Mute Swan  4
American Black Duck  25
Mallard  2
Blue-winged Teal  3
Green-winged Teal  2
Red-breasted Merganser  3
Double-crested Cormorant  100
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  50
Snowy Egret  80
Black-crowned Night-Heron  150
Glossy Ibis  13
White-faced Ibis  1     Pink and white on the face and bubblegum pink knees. Mixed in with Glossy Ibis.
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  6
Osprey  3
Bald Eagle  7
Northern Harrier  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Clapper Rail  3
American Coot  3
Black-bellied Plover  1
Semipalmated Plover  5
Killdeer  2
Greater Yellowlegs  20
Lesser Yellowlegs  10
Dunlin  16
Wilson's Snipe  1
Laughing Gull  6
Ring-billed Gull  16
Herring Gull  10
Great Black-backed Gull  5
Forster's Tern  20
Fish Crow  6
Barn Swallow  5
Carolina Wren  1
European Starling  6
Red-winged Blackbird  25
Common Grackle  6
Boat-tailed Grackle  8

Thompson's Beach, Cumberland
16 species

Canada Goose  10
American Black Duck  4
Green-winged Teal  80
Double-crested Cormorant  3
Great Egret  6
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  22
Clapper Rail  12
Greater Yellowlegs  10
Willet  6
Ring-billed Gull  10
Herring Gull  10
Forster's Tern  10
Tree Swallow  10
Barn Swallow  20
Boat-tailed Grackle  6

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, April 16, 2012

Some shore birds seemed to have moved in with a flock of Willets flying over the parking lot before we started. We also had several Greater Yellowlegs, 3 Least Sandpipers, and 1 Short-billed Dowitcher. Raptors included a Cooper's Hawk, American Kestrel, and a Bald Eagle stealing a fish from an Osprey. As usual, American Oystercatchers and Piping Plovers were on the beach. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Steve Weis, Warren Cairo, Chris Marks, Patty Rourke, and Bill Smythe.
58 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  5
Gadwall  4
Mallard  10
Blue-winged Teal  4
Green-winged Teal  15
Ring-necked Duck  1
Black Scoter  4
Red-throated Loon  1
Common Loon  8
Northern Gannet  10
Double-crested Cormorant  25
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  2
Little Blue Heron  1     adult
Glossy Ibis  3
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  8
Osprey  6
Bald Eagle  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
American Kestrel  1
American Coot  15
Piping Plover  5
Killdeer  4
American Oystercatcher  4
Greater Yellowlegs  3
Willet  15
Least Sandpiper  1
Short-billed Dowitcher  1
Wilson's Snipe  12
Bonaparte's Gull  3
Laughing Gull  30
Ring-billed Gull  3
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Forster's Tern  15
Rock Pigeon  1
Mourning Dove  2
Chimney Swift  5
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  1
Tree Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  2
Marsh Wren  1     heard
European Starling  5
Common Yellowthroat  5
Yellow-rumped Warbler  10
Savannah Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  15
Boat-tailed Grackle  1
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
American Goldfinch  5
House Sparrow  5

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


Short-billed Dowitcher [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Cox Hall Creek WMA - Sunday, April 15th, 2012

With cloudy but warm conditions, the Cox Hall Creek WMA held a lot of bird song this morning. Chipping sparrows could be seen and heard throughout, and Red-winged Blackbirds displayed and called along the marsh edge. A perched female Belted Kingfisher gave us great scope views of her russet breast band and flanks, and Red-headed Woodpeckers allowed close viewing. Warblers included Palm, Yellow-rumped and a single Yellow-throated.  Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, Cindy & Shaun Bamford, Janet Crawford, Mary Jane & Chuck Slugg, and Steve Weis.
50 species

Canada Goose  4
Mute Swan  2
Mallard  5
Double-crested Cormorant  38
Great Egret  1
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  2
American Kestrel  1
Laughing Gull  12
Herring Gull (American)  4
Great Black-backed Gull  1
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  6
Belted Kingfisher  2
Red-headed Woodpecker  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  7
Downy Woodpecker  3
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  5
Blue Jay  3
American Crow  8
Fish Crow  4
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  3
Purple Martin  3
Tree Swallow  2
Carolina Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  12
Carolina Wren  3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  3
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
Eastern Bluebird  2
Hermit Thrush  1
American Robin  12
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  2
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  10
Palm Warbler (Yellow)  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  14
Eastern Towhee  4
Chipping Sparrow  15
Field Sparrow  4
Song Sparrow  3
White-throated Sparrow  18
Northern Cardinal  5
Red-winged Blackbird  24
Common Grackle  18
Brown-headed Cowbird  35
House Finch  4
American Goldfinch  3

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

Female Belted Kingfisher [Photo by Roger Horn]
Male and Female Eastern Bluebirds defending their box from Tree Swallows [Photo by Roger Horn]
Red-headed Woodpecker [Photo by Roger Horn]

Maurice River Cruise for Bald Eagles Aboard the Osprey - Saturday, April 14th, 2012

Northern Rough-winged Swallows are out and about, and Bald Eagle chicks are now becoming visible, even at great distances. Leaders: Bob Lubberman and Dave Lord.
26 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  14
Mute Swan  7
American Black Duck  6
Mallard  9
Mallard (Domestic type)  13
Bufflehead  1
Double-crested Cormorant  15
Great Blue Heron  3
Snowy Egret  2
Osprey  26
Bald Eagle  8
Northern Harrier  2
Red-tailed Hawk  4
Greater Yellowlegs  26
Dunlin  16
Laughing Gull  13
Ring-billed Gull  45
Forster's Tern  16
Belted Kingfisher  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  6
Purple Martin  20
Tree Swallow  7
American Robin  7
Northern Mockingbird  3
Song Sparrow  4
Red-winged Blackbird  13

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

Bird Walk for All People - Saturday, April 14th, 2012

The Walk for All People enjoyed a variety of birds as we strolled over the dune, along fresh water ponds, and through wooded areas. Highlights of the walk include many Osprey, close Northern Gannets, lots of Forster's Terns, five species of shorebirds including Wilson's Snipe, Spotted Sandpiper, Greater Yellowlegs, Dunlin, and Killdeer, Yellow-rumped Warblers approaching breeding plumage, Hermit Thrushes, and Brown Thrashers. Leaders:  Chuck & MJ Slugg, Cindy Bamford, Marc & Lynne Breslow, Catherine Busch, and Bill Smythe.
51 species

Canada Goose  16
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  10
Mallard  12
Green-winged Teal  4
Black Scoter  10
Common Loon  1
Northern Gannet  40
Double-crested Cormorant  8
Great Blue Heron  3
Great Egret  6
Snowy Egret  1
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  10
Northern Harrier  1
American Coot  20
Killdeer  3
American Oystercatcher  4
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Greater Yellowlegs  2
Dunlin  1
Wilson's Snipe  2
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull  10
Great Black-backed Gull  3
Forster's Tern  40
Rock Pigeon  6
Mourning Dove  3
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  20
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  8
Purple Martin  20
Tree Swallow  15
Barn Swallow  6
Carolina Chickadee  1     heard only
Carolina Wren  3
Marsh Wren  1
Hermit Thrush  2
American Robin  20
Northern Mockingbird  3
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  6
Yellow-rumped Warbler  10
Song Sparrow  4
White-throated Sparrow  2     heard only
Northern Cardinal  3
Red-winged Blackbird  25
Common Grackle  12
Brown-headed Cowbird  7
House Finch  8
House Sparrow  8

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

Spring Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, April 14th, 2012

Slow starting but eventually found a small pocket of feeding birds, mostly Yellow-rump Warblers but also Palm Warbler, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Seven fly-over Common Loons, Double-crested Cormorants, both vultures and a Bald Eagle were also seen. Seven Black-crowned Night-Herons were roosting in the willows at the pond.
51 species

Canada Goose  4
Mute Swan  2
Mallard  8
Blue-winged Teal  4
Common Loon  8
Double-crested Cormorant  20
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  2
Black-crowned Night-Heron  7
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  10
Osprey  5
Bald Eagle  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Kestrel  1
American Coot  2
Wilson's Snipe  1
Laughing Gull  6
Herring Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  4
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  8
Chimney Swift  1
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2     heard
Downy Woodpecker  2
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  1     heard
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  1
Carolina Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  1     heard
Carolina Wren  4     heard
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
Eastern Bluebird  1     heard
American Robin  5
Northern Mockingbird  4
European Starling  10
Palm Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  12
Eastern Towhee  1     heard
Savannah Sparrow  5
Song Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  6
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
House Sparrow  1

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

Red-bellied Turtle & American Coot [Photo by Roger Horn]

A Meadows Afternoon - Friday, April 13th, 2012

The Friday Afternoon at the Meadows Walk enjoyed beautiful weather and great birds as we strolled the paths and surveyed the beach. Raptors included many Osprey, young Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, and a young male Northern Harrier. Both Blue- and Green-winged Teal were present along with some Northern Shovelers and Gadwalls. From the beach we saw close Northern Gannets, both Common and Red-throated Loons, Piping Plovers, and American Oystercatchers. We enjoyed recorde numbers of Wilson's Snipe.  Leaders: Chuck and MJ Slugg, Warren Cairo, Catherine Busch, Marc and Lynne Breslow.
55 species

Canada Goose  6
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  6
American Black Duck  4
Mallard  12
Blue-winged Teal  4
Northern Shoveler  2
Green-winged Teal  12
Ring-necked Duck  3
Black Scoter  13
Red-throated Loon  2
Common Loon  2
Northern Gannet  30
Double-crested Cormorant  85
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  3
Glossy Ibis  19
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  15
Osprey  12
Bald Eagle  2
Northern Harrier  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  3
American Coot  10
Piping Plover  8     4 pairs - 2 pairs toward State Park flying, vocalizing, and
landing; 2 pairs in middle section of Nature Conservancy property.
Killdeer  2
American Oystercatcher  4
Greater Yellowlegs  2
Wilson's Snipe  15
Laughing Gull  35
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull  8
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  6
Forster's Tern  20
Rock Pigeon  4
Mourning Dove  1
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  12
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  2
Purple Martin  4
Tree Swallow  12
Barn Swallow  8
Carolina Wren  2     heard only
Marsh Wren  1     heard only
American Robin  1
European Starling  4
Savannah Sparrow  2
Song Sparrow  1     heard only
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  6
Boat-tailed Grackle  1
Brown-headed Cowbird  2

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

Higbee Beach - Friday, April 13th, 2012

We timed our beach arrival perfectly to watch the 07:30AM ferry steaming out into Delaware Bay with a ribbon of Northern Gannets and Laughing Gulls trailing out behind. Parties of Bonaparte's Gulls were heading north up the bay and Double-crested Cormorants adorned the distant concrete ship. The fields remain quiet still, but Field Sparrows and White-eyed Vireos were singing and a single Palm Warbler gave promise of more to come.  Leaders: Mike Crewe, Roger Horn, Karl Lukens, Warren Cairo, Patty Rourke, Steve Weis, and Chris Marks.

34 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  2
Mallard  2
Surf/Black Scoter  30
Red-breasted Merganser  2
Common Loon  1
Northern Gannet  120
Double-crested Cormorant  50
Great Egret  4
Turkey Vulture  1
Bald Eagle  1
American Oystercatcher  4
Bonaparte's Gull  55
Laughing Gull  150
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull (American)  6
Great Black-backed Gull  30
Mourning Dove  2
Downy Woodpecker  4
White-eyed Vireo  3
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  2
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  6
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
American Robin  2
Palm Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  2
Chipping Sparrow  1
Field Sparrow  4
White-throated Sparrow  4
Dark-eyed Junco  1
Northern Cardinal  3
Red-winged Blackbird  4
Brown-headed Cowbird  4

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

Birds, Beasts and Botany - Thursday, April 12th, 2012

Bright sunny weather meant that there was plenty to look at on this week’s walk at Cox Hall Creek WMA and, as far as botany was concerned, we certainly did more than look! This week’s plant focus was on pines and most of the group were surprised to discover that you can actually tell some of the species apart by the way they taste! In and around the ponds, Lance-leaved Violets and the season’s first bladderworts were in flower, while Blue Corporal dragonflies and American Lady butterflies were insect highlights. Two Red-headed Woodpeckers, singing Chipping Sparrows and a Pine Warbler were all nice birds to see and we even found a Raccoon snoozing in an oak tree.  Leaders: Mike Crewe, Chris Marks, Warren Cairo, Steve Weis, and Cindy Bamford.

Birds of Belleplain State Forest - Thursday, April 12th, 2012

Still cold and early in the season, but some of the early warblers were singing including Pine, and Yellow-throated, which were also seen, and Louisiana Waterthrush which was only heard. Eastern Phoebe and Chipping Sparrow were also easy to find. Good scope views of an Osprey eating a large fish while perched in a tree. Leaders:  Jim Armstrong, Bert Hixon, Karl Lukens, and Patty Rourke.
37 species

Canada Goose  5
Wood Duck  1     heard
Mallard  6
Hooded Merganser  3
Pied-billed Grebe  2
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  2     one in tree eating fish
Red-tailed Hawk  3
Greater Yellowlegs  2
Laughing Gull  10
Herring Gull  20
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  5
Red-bellied Woodpecker  4
Downy Woodpecker  3
Eastern Phoebe  6
Blue Jay  1     heard
Fish Crow  4
Tree Swallow  10
Carolina Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  7
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
American Robin  8
Northern Mockingbird  1
Louisiana Waterthrush  4     heard
Black-and-white Warbler  2     heard
Pine Warbler  10     saw 3
Yellow-rumped Warbler  4
Yellow-throated Warbler  8     /p one seen
Eastern Towhee  1     heard
Chipping Sparrow  15
White-throated Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  4
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  6
American Goldfinch  5

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

Yellow-throated Warbler [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Nummy's Island - Wednesday, April 11th, 2012

Tonight's walk was breezy and a little chilly but we were able to take advantage of the lane closure on the free bridge which afforded nice looks of the birds on the sand bar in mid-channel on a falling tide.  We finished the walk in Avalon where we had great looks at both Black-crowned & Yellow-crowned Night-Herons. Leaders:  Patty Rourke, Chris Marks, Bill & Lee Smythe, and Warren Cairo.
30 species

Brant  75
Canada Goose  8
American Black Duck  8
Mallard  2
Red-breasted Merganser  24
Red-throated Loon  2
Common Loon  1
Double-crested Cormorant  12
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  2
Black-crowned Night-Heron  3
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron  12     At the roost at Dune Dr & 45th street Avalon
Osprey  6
Black-bellied Plover  24
American Oystercatcher  18
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Dunlin  120
Short-billed Dowitcher  18
Laughing Gull  150
Ring-billed Gull  6
Herring Gull  8
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Forster's Tern  8
Mourning Dove  2
Belted Kingfisher  1
Fish Crow  6
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  4
Red-winged Blackbird  8
Boat-tailed Grackle  14

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, April 11th

Though Double-crested Cormorants were piling in across the bay, migration was otherwise rather quiet today. However, Cape May never disappoints and we enjoyed plenty of fishing Ospreys, great views of beach-perching swallows and martins, good scope views of Wilson's Snipe and a repeat, point-blank performance from a Virginia Rail.  Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Warren Cairo, Chris Marks, and Steve Weis.

53 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  6
Mute Swan  7
Gadwall  15
American Wigeon  2
Mallard  10
Northern Shoveler  2
Green-winged Teal  8
scoter sp.  50
Bufflehead  1
Northern Gannet  100
Double-crested Cormorant  350
Great Egret  3
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  6
Northern Harrier  1
Virginia Rail  1
American Coot  53
Piping Plover  2
Killdeer  2
American Oystercatcher  4
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Wilson's Snipe  4
Laughing Gull  150
Ring-billed Gull  6
Herring Gull (American)  12
Great Black-backed Gull  8
Forster's Tern  4
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  4
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  8
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  4
Purple Martin  14
Tree Swallow  10
Barn Swallow  20
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  4
American Robin  20
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  20
Common Yellowthroat  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  20
Eastern Towhee  1
Field Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  2
White-throated Sparrow  6
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  12
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  12
House Finch  6
House Sparrow  6

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

Great Egret [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Virginia Rail [Photo by Karl Lukens]

EZ Birding - Tuesday, April 10th, 2012

EZ Birding highlights include many Osprey overhead (most with fish or eels), close Northern Gannets from the dune, Purple Martins and Tree, Northern Rough-winged, and Barn Swallows. We also enjoyed excellent scope views of Wilson's Snipe along the banks of the ponds. Leaders: Chuck & MJ Slugg, Warren Cairo.
51 species

Canada Goose  20
Mute Swan  16
Gadwall  8
Mallard  12
Green-winged Teal  8
Black Scoter  10
Red-throated Loon  3
Northern Gannet  20
Double-crested Cormorant  50
Great Blue Heron  4
Great Egret  8
Snowy Egret  4
Glossy Ibis  1
Turkey Vulture  15
Osprey  12
Northern Harrier  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Merlin  1
American Coot  30
Piping Plover  2
Killdeer  3
American Oystercatcher  4
Wilson's Snipe  4
Laughing Gull  10
Herring Gull  8
Great Black-backed Gull  3
Forster's Tern  15
Rock Pigeon  6
Mourning Dove  3
Belted Kingfisher  1     heard only
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  6
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  8
Purple Martin  40
Tree Swallow  20
Barn Swallow  5
Carolina Wren  2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
American Robin  5
Northern Mockingbird  4
Yellow-rumped Warbler  1
Savannah Sparrow  2
Song Sparrow  3
White-throated Sparrow  2     heard only
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  8
Common Grackle  4
Boat-tailed Grackle  2
Brown-headed Cowbird  6
House Finch  3

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

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

We were greeted at the parking lot by a singing Brown Thrasher sitting up high. Ducks were still good with a couple of Ring-necks, a breeding plumage Ruddy Duck drake, as well as Northern Shovelers, Green-winged Teal, and numerous although far off Scoters. We had several Red-throated Loons in the surf, many Northern Gannets, and 7 fly-over Common Loons. Raptors included American Kestrel, 2 Northern Harriers, a Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red-tail Hawk, and Bald Eagle. The beach held 1 wind blown Piping Plover, and 5 American Oystercatchers. We did see a close Horned Lark, an early Chimney Swift, and had 2 singing Common Yellowthroats. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Marc & Lynne Breslow, Steve Weis, Catherine Busch, and Chris Marks.
66 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  20
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  10
Mallard  120
Northern Shoveler  8
Green-winged Teal  15
Ring-necked Duck  2
Black Scoter  10
scoter sp.  75
Red-breasted Merganser  10
Ruddy Duck  2
Red-throated Loon  4
Common Loon  7
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Northern Gannet  30
Double-crested Cormorant  800
Great Blue Heron  11
Great Egret  5
Snowy Egret  4
Glossy Ibis  6
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  8
Osprey  5
Bald Eagle  1
Northern Harrier  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Kestrel  1
American Coot  18
Piping Plover  1
Killdeer  5
American Oystercatcher  5
Greater Yellowlegs  2
Least Sandpiper  3
Wilson's Snipe  14
Bonaparte's Gull  20
Laughing Gull  25
Ring-billed Gull  4
Herring Gull  10
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  3
Forster's Tern  8
Rock Pigeon  5
Mourning Dove  6
Chimney Swift  1
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  5
Horned Lark  2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  1
Purple Martin  1
Tree Swallow  8
Barn Swallow  1
Carolina Wren  2
Marsh Wren  1
Northern Mockingbird  2
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  10
Common Yellowthroat  2     heard
Yellow-rumped Warbler  8
Savannah Sparrow  1
Swamp Sparrow  1     heard
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  20
Common Grackle  5
Boat-tailed Grackle  4
House Sparrow  5

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

Brown Thrasher [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Horned Lark [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Maurice River Cruise for Bald Eagles Aboard the Osprey - Sunday, April 8th, 2012

A Pied-billed Grebe made its expected annual appearance, and a Barn Swallow was flying around the Fowser Road Boat Landing, a first of season for many. The number of Forster's Terns continues to grow, as does the population of Osprey, many of which are busy making repairs on their nests. Leaders: Bob Lubberman and Dave Lord.
29 species

Canada Goose  23
Mute Swan  6
American Black Duck  8
Green-winged Teal  16
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Double-crested Cormorant  15
Great Blue Heron  3
Snowy Egret  1
Turkey Vulture  15
Osprey  37
Bald Eagle  9
Northern Harrier  2
Red-tailed Hawk  3
Greater Yellowlegs  15
Laughing Gull  25
Ring-billed Gull  43
Herring Gull  13
Forster's Tern  12
Belted Kingfisher  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  1
Purple Martin  13
Tree Swallow  24
Barn Swallow  1
American Robin  5
White-throated Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  35

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