Birds of Belleplain - Thursday, May 30th, 2013

Good weather and some singing birds, but hard to find. We did get good looks at Acadian Flycatcher, brief looks at Louisiana Waterthrush, OK looks at Prothonotary, and Blue-winged Warbler, and saw a hen Wild Turkey with at least 2 poults. We did start off the trip with a pair of Summer Tanagers at the parking lot. Raptors were 2 Broad-winged Hawks and an accipitor--probably a small Cooper's Hawk. Leaders: Bert Hixon, Karl Lukens, Shaun Bamford, and Bill Schul.
51 species

Wild Turkey  3     Hen and at least 2 poults
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  4
Cooper's Hawk  1
Broad-winged Hawk  2
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Laughing Gull  10
Mourning Dove  5
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  1     heard
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee  2     heard
Acadian Flycatcher  4
Eastern Phoebe  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  3
White-eyed Vireo  4
Red-eyed Vireo  3     heard
Blue Jay  2
Fish Crow  2
Barn Swallow  2
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  3
Carolina Wren  1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Eastern Bluebird  3
Wood Thrush  10
American Robin  5
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  1
Brown Thrasher  3
European Starling  2
Cedar Waxwing  4
Ovenbird  15     heard
Worm-eating Warbler  1     heard
Louisiana Waterthrush  1
Blue-winged Warbler  1
Prothonotary Warbler  1
Hooded Warbler  1     heard
Pine Warbler  6
Yellow-throated Warbler  3     heard
Prairie Warbler  3
Eastern Towhee  1     heard
Chipping Sparrow  8
Summer Tanager  2     M & F
Scarlet Tanager  1     heard
Northern Cardinal  4
Indigo Bunting  3
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
Orchard Oriole  1
American Goldfinch  4

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

Acadian Flycatcher [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Cedar Waxwings [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, May 29th, 2013

Nice weather and some good birds. Waders included Great Blue and Green Heron, Great and Snowy Egret, and Glossy Ibis. On the beach we had a pair of American Oystercatchers with at least 1 chick, and a Piping Plover on nest. Shorebirds included Semipalmated Sandpiper and Plover, Short-billed Dowitcher, and Eastern Willet. We also had a brief look at Blue Grosbeak, 2 Cedar Waxwings, and Common Yellowthroat.  Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Warren Cairo, and Chris Marks.
57 species

Canada Goose  75
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  1
Mallard  8
Common Loon  2
Double-crested Cormorant  10
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  1
Green Heron  2
Glossy Ibis  5
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  5
Semipalmated Plover  1
Piping Plover  3
Killdeer  5
American Oystercatcher  5
Willet  3
Semipalmated Sandpiper  5
Short-billed Dowitcher  1
Laughing Gull  25
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  15
Least Tern  75
Forster's Tern  10
Rock Pigeon  2
Eurasian Collared-Dove  2     Fly-by Lighthouse before walk
Mourning Dove  6
Chimney Swift  2
Eastern Kingbird  1
White-eyed Vireo  1     heard
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  8
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  3
Purple Martin  100
Tree Swallow  5
Barn Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  4
House Wren  3
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  8
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  6
Cedar Waxwing  2
Common Yellowthroat  5
Yellow Warbler  1     heard
Yellow-breasted Chat  2     heard
Song Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  1     heard
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
House Sparrow  1

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

Cedar Waxwing [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Green Heron [Photo by Karl Lukens]

House Wren [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Piping Plover [Photo by Karl Lukens]

EZ Birding - Tuesday, May 28th, 2013

Rainy weather for EZ Birding didn't stop us from seeing good birds! Highlights include: American Oystercatcher feeding two chicks; Piping Plover and Semipalmated Plover next to each other at Plover Pond for good comparison opportunity; limping Short-billed Dowitcher; and Osprey fishing in Bunker Pond. Leader: Chuck Slugg.
55 species

Canada Goose  23
Mute Swan  14
Mallard  12
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  3
Green Heron  3
Glossy Ibis  4
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  5
Semipalmated Plover  5
Piping Plover  2
Killdeer  6
American Oystercatcher  8
Semipalmated Sandpiper  5
Least Sandpiper  7
Short-billed Dowitcher  1
Laughing Gull  20
Ring-billed Gull  3
Herring Gull  6
Great Black-backed Gull  20
Least Tern  50
Forster's Tern  25
Black Skimmer  12
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  4
Chimney Swift  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Eastern Kingbird  4
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  11
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  6
Purple Martin  55
Tree Swallow  4
Barn Swallow  8
Carolina Chickadee  2
House Wren  3
Carolina Wren  2
American Robin  6
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  4
European Starling  4
Cedar Waxwing  2
Common Yellowthroat  8
Yellow Warbler  3
Yellow-breasted Chat  1     heard
Song Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  6
Blue Grosbeak  1     heard
Indigo Bunting  1     heard
Red-winged Blackbird  14
Common Grackle  6
Brown-headed Cowbird  4     heard
Orchard Oriole  2
House Sparrow  4

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (/content/nj)

Birding the Meadows - Monday, May 27th, 2013

Nice weather and some interesting birds. From the parking lot we had singing Blue Grosbeak and Indigo Bunting in one scope view, also Orchard Oriole, and heard a Yellow-breasted Chat. There were some shorebirds including Least and Semipalmated Sandpiper, Semipalmated Plover, Killdeer, Willets, and Spotted Sandpiper. On the beach were numerous Least Terns, and a nesting American Oystercatcher. Off shore we had 1 Northern Gannet and about 100 Scoters. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Steve Weis, Catherine Busch, and Shaun Bamford.
61 species

Canada Goose  5
Mute Swan  10
Gadwall  3
Mallard  10
Surf Scoter  1
Black Scoter  100
Common Loon  1
Northern Gannet  1
Double-crested Cormorant  100
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  4
Glossy Ibis  8
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  5
Osprey  4
Bald Eagle  2
Semipalmated Plover  6
Killdeer  4
American Oystercatcher  5
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Willet  3
Semipalmated Sandpiper  1
Least Sandpiper  4
Laughing Gull  25
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  15
Least Tern  100
Common Tern  1
Forster's Tern  25
Royal Tern  1
Black Skimmer  2
Mourning Dove  5
Chimney Swift  2
Eastern Kingbird  2
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  5
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  3
Purple Martin  2
Tree Swallow  5
Barn Swallow  5
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  3
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  3
Cedar Waxwing  3
Common Yellowthroat  4
Yellow Warbler  2
Yellow-breasted Chat  1     heard
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  5
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  6
Boat-tailed Grackle  1
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
Orchard Oriole  2
House Finch  1
House Sparrow  1

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

Blue Grosbeak [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Least Terns courting [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Cox Hall Creek Bird Walk - Sunday, May 26th, 2013

Highlights: Although still fairly windy, some birds were sitting up at the CHC WMA this morning. Blue Grosbeak and Indigo Bunting, Chipping Sparrows and Bluebirds were seen well but a Swallow-tailed Kite was seen only briefly and only by a few. Pine, Black-throated Green and Black-throated Blue Warblers were heard along with several Great-crested Flycatchers.
52 species

Canada Goose  6
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Green Heron  1
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  4
Swallow-tailed Kite  1    Observed well by several
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Laughing Gull  6
Herring Gull  2
Mourning Dove  3
Chimney Swift  3
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  5
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  2
Eastern Wood-Pewee  2
Eastern Phoebe  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  7
Eastern Kingbird  6
Red-eyed Vireo  3
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  10
Purple Martin  10
Tree Swallow  10
Barn Swallow  12
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  6
House Wren  2
Carolina Wren  3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Eastern Bluebird  5
American Robin  12
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  5
Common Yellowthroat  2
Black-throated Blue Warbler  1
Pine Warbler  1
Black-throated Green Warbler  1
Chipping Sparrow  8
Field Sparrow  2
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  3
Indigo Bunting  6
Red-winged Blackbird  20
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  8
Orchard Oriole  2
Baltimore Oriole  1
House Finch  2
American Goldfinch  4

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

Bird Walk for All People - Saturday, May 25th, 2013

The Bird Walk for All People split into two groups today with Roger and Kathy Horn leading the second group. Highlights of our part include: freshly hatched American Oystercatcher chicks being fed by their parents; Piping Plover doing a nest exchange; variety of shorebirds including Short-billed Dowitchers, Semipalmated Plover and Sandpipers, and Least Sandpipers; and Least Terns establishing nesting pairs. Leaders: Chuck Slugg, Cindy Bamford, Lynne Breslow, and Deb Payson.
52 species

Canada Goose  24
Mute Swan  14
Mallard  8
Double-crested Cormorant  19
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  3
Glossy Ibis  4
Turkey Vulture  5
Osprey  7
Bald Eagle  1
Semipalmated Plover  6
Piping Plover  2
American Oystercatcher  7
Semipalmated Sandpiper  5
Least Sandpiper  10
Short-billed Dowitcher  2
Laughing Gull  30
Ring-billed Gull  4
Herring Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  25
Least Tern  40
Common Tern  1
Forster's Tern  35
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  4
Chimney Swift  6
Eastern Kingbird  2
American Crow  4
Fish Crow  20
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  6
Purple Martin  43
Tree Swallow  6
Barn Swallow  8
Carolina Chickadee  2
House Wren  2
Carolina Wren  3     heard
American Robin  10
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  3
Common Yellowthroat  2     heard
Pine Warbler  1     heard
Yellow-breasted Chat  1     heard
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  12
Brown-headed Cowbird  6
Orchard Oriole  2
House Finch  3
American Goldfinch  2     heard
House Sparrow  4

Group 2. Leaders: Kathy and Roger Horn
62 species

Canada Goose  20
Mute Swan  8
Mallard  8
Double-crested Cormorant  4
Great Egret  5
Snowy Egret  6
Green Heron  1
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  6
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Semipalmated Plover  1
Piping Plover  5
Killdeer  2
American Oystercatcher  6
Semipalmated Sandpiper  8
Least Sandpiper  2
Short-billed Dowitcher  2
Laughing Gull  60
Herring Gull  12
Great Black-backed Gull  3
Least Tern  45
Common Tern  1
Forster's Tern  30
Rock Pigeon  1
Mourning Dove  3
Chimney Swift  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  1
Eastern Kingbird  5
White-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  3
Fish Crow  5
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  2
Purple Martin  40
Tree Swallow  10
Bank Swallow  1
Barn Swallow  10
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  1
House Wren  2
Carolina Wren  3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
American Robin  5
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  4
Cedar Waxwing  3
Common Yellowthroat  1
Pine Warbler  1
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  5
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  24
Common Grackle  6
Brown-headed Cowbird  6
Orchard Oriole  3
House Finch  4
House Sparrow  2

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (/content/nj)

Spring Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, May 25th, 2013

Cold, clear, and very windy. We did manage to get good scope views of Eastern Kingbird, Great Crested Flycatcher, and Indigo Bunting. Numerous Swallows, Tree, Barn, Northern Rough-winged, and Purple Martin. The highlight of the walk however, was a flock of 7 Mississippi Kites pretty close, and one a little behind totaling EIGHT!! Other later sightings of 1, 2, 3, birds made total sightings ~ 13. Fabulous!! Leaders: Karl Lukens, Kathy & Roger Horn, and Catherine Busch.
42 species

Canada Goose  2
Mallard  2
Double-crested Cormorant  8
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  2
Green Heron  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  3
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  8
Osprey  5
Mississippi Kite  8     in flock 7 + 1 close behind. Total sightings 12+
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Killdeer  3
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull  3
Forster's Tern  1
Mourning Dove  5
Chimney Swift  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  2
Eastern Kingbird  4
American Crow  5
Fish Crow  1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  3
Purple Martin  1
Tree Swallow  10
Barn Swallow  20
Carolina Chickadee  2
House Wren  2
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  2
European Starling  10
Common Yellowthroat  1
Northern Cardinal  5
Indigo Bunting  4
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
Orchard Oriole  1
House Finch  8
American Goldfinch  2

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

Eastern Kingbird [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Mississippi Kite [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Higbee Beach Bird Walk - Friday, May 24th, 2013

A little slow birding on a cloudy, muggy morning. We did manage a few warblers, i.e., 4 Prairie Warblers, 1 Redstart, and 2 Yellow-breasted Chats which provided good scope views. Also we had good views of Indigo Buntings, both male and female, as well as male and female Blue Grosbeaks, and Orchard Orioles. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Warren Cairo, Roger Horn, Catherine Busch, and Chris Marks.
36 species

Common Loon  1
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Snowy Egret  1
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  2
Laughing Gull  10
Herring Gull  3
Forster's Tern  2
Mourning Dove  4
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  1     heard
Chimney Swift  2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  1     heard
Eastern Kingbird  2
White-eyed Vireo  1     heard
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  3
Purple Martin  4
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
European Starling  1
Cedar Waxwing  5
American Redstart  1
Prairie Warbler  4
Yellow-breasted Chat  2
Field Sparrow  3
White-throated Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  3
Indigo Bunting  5
Red-winged Blackbird  5
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  8
Orchard Oriole  3

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

Indigo Bunting [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Birds of Belleplain - Thursday, May 23rd, 2013

A breezy morning and the trees leaved out made for some difficulty in finding birds. We heard a number including Louisiana Waterthrush, Red-eyed Vireo, Yellow-throated, Prairie, and Kentucky Warbler. We did however see Prothonotary, Black-and-white, and Pine Warblers, as well as Eastern Wood-Pewee, Eastern Phoebe, Acadian Flycatcher, Great Crested Flycatcher, and Indigo Bunting. Leaders: Bert Hixon, Shaun Bamford, Karl Lukens.
46 species

Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  3
Bald Eagle  1
Broad-winged Hawk  2
Laughing Gull  5
Mourning Dove  1
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  1     heard
Chimney Swift  2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Eastern Wood-Pewee  3
Acadian Flycatcher  2
Eastern Phoebe  4
Great Crested Flycatcher  3
White-eyed Vireo  3
Red-eyed Vireo  3     heard
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  2
Barn Swallow  2
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  2     heard
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Wood Thrush  10     one on nest at bridge
American Robin  5
Gray Catbird  2
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  1
Cedar Waxwing  5
Ovenbird  15     heard
Worm-eating Warbler  1     heard
Louisiana Waterthrush  1
Black-and-white Warbler  2
Prothonotary Warbler  2
Kentucky Warbler  1     heard
Hooded Warbler  1     heard after walk by leader
Pine Warbler  6
Yellow-throated Warbler  5     heard
Prairie Warbler  4
Chipping Sparrow  1
Summer Tanager  1     seen after walk by leader
Scarlet Tanager  1     seen by leader only
Northern Cardinal  4
Indigo Bunting  2
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
Orchard Oriole  1     heard

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

Prothonotary Warbler [Photo by Karl Lukens]

White-eyed Vireo [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Exploring Cumberland - Wednesday, May 22nd, 2013

Highlights include a Blue-grey Gnatcatcher feeding young, an Easten Kingbird building a nest, Pied-billed Grebe, Prothonotary Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Bank Swallow and lots of Dunlin, Short-billed Dowitchers, Semipalmated Sandpipers and Least Sandpipers. Leaders: Janet Crawford, Dave Lord, and Cindy Bamford.

Maurice River Bridge
3 species

Common Loon  2
Laughing Gull  10
Red-winged Blackbird  12

Maurice River WMA
8 species

Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  2
Prairie Warbler  1
Chipping Sparrow  3
Field Sparrow  2
Common Grackle  5
Orchard Oriole  1
American Goldfinch  2

Hansey Creek Road
50 species

American Black Duck  2
Wild Turkey  5
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  1
Snowy Egret  1
Green Heron  2
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Osprey  3
Clapper Rail  4
Greater Yellowlegs  3
Willet  6
Semipalmated Sandpiper  50
Least Sandpiper  10
Dunlin  50
Short-billed Dowitcher  50
Laughing Gull  10
Forster's Tern  1
Mourning Dove  2
Chimney Swift  6
Northern Flicker  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  4
Eastern Kingbird  3
White-eyed Vireo  1
Red-eyed Vireo  3
Blue Jay  1
Fish Crow  1
Purple Martin  3
Tree Swallow  20
Barn Swallow  10
Tufted Titmouse  2
House Wren  1
Marsh Wren  1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  3
Eastern Bluebird  2
Wood Thrush  5
Ovenbird  3
Common Yellowthroat  4
Yellow Warbler  3
Yellow-breasted Chat  1
Eastern Towhee  1
Chipping Sparrow  1
Field Sparrow  2
Seaside Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  2
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  4
Boat-tailed Grackle  3
Orchard Oriole  3
American Goldfinch  2

Bevan WMA
10 species

Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  2
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
Eastern Bluebird  2
Louisiana Waterthrush  1
Prothonotary Warbler  1
Yellow-throated Warbler  2
Brown-headed Cowbird  2

Commercial Township, 1010 Spring Garden Road
8 species

Canada Goose  4
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Chimney Swift  6
Eastern Kingbird  2
Bank Swallow  6
Barn Swallow  1
Prairie Warbler  1
Indigo Bunting  1

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, May 22nd, 2013

A warm and muggy morning. Waders seen were Green Heron, Great Egret, Black-crowned Night-Heron, and Glossy Ibis. We had a nice comparison of the Piping Plover and Semipalmated Plover when the came together at one of the Plover Ponds. Also had Least and Semipalmated Sandpipers, and 3 Short-billed Dowitchers. On the beach, were 2 American Oystercatchers and 1 Piping Plover on nest. Other birds of interest were numerous Common Yellowthroats, and 2 Yellow-breasted Chats. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, Warren Cairo, and Chris Marks.

54 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  3
Mallard  8
Common Loon  2
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Great Egret  2
Green Heron  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  8
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  1
Semipalmated Plover  1
Piping Plover  2
American Oystercatcher  6
Semipalmated Sandpiper  1
Least Sandpiper  1
Short-billed Dowitcher  3
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  5
Least Tern  30
Forster's Tern  15
Black Skimmer  8
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  6
Chimney Swift  2
Eastern Kingbird  4
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  5
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  2
Purple Martin  75
Tree Swallow  5
Barn Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  2
House Wren  3
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  3
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  1
Common Yellowthroat  8
Yellow-breasted Chat  2
Song Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  6
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
Orchard Oriole  1
House Finch  2
American Goldfinch  2
House Sparrow  5

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

House Wren [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Piping Plover [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Short-billed Dowitchers [Photo by Karl Lukens]

EZ Birding - Tuesday, May 21st, 2013

Beautiful weather and good birds at the State Park this morning. Highlights include: Yellow-breasted Chat; Yellow-billed Cuckoo; Orchard Oriole; American Oystercatchers on nest; Black Skimmers stretched out on the beach; and Least Terns courting. Leader: Chuck Slugg.
60 species

Canada Goose  30
Mute Swan  12
Gadwall  6
Mallard  10
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  2
Glossy Ibis  2
Turkey Vulture  6
Osprey  4
Semipalmated Plover  2
Piping Plover  1
Killdeer  3     heard
American Oystercatcher  6
Greater Yellowlegs  1     heard
Laughing Gull  20
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull  6
Great Black-backed Gull  20
Least Tern  25
Forster's Tern  30
Black Skimmer  8
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  4
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  1
Chimney Swift  3     heard
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Willow Flycatcher  1     heard
Eastern Kingbird  10
White-eyed Vireo  2
American Crow  8
Fish Crow  6
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  8
Purple Martin  50
Tree Swallow  4
Barn Swallow  4
Carolina Chickadee  3     heard
Tufted Titmouse  2
House Wren  2
Carolina Wren  4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1     heard
American Robin  12
Gray Catbird  4
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  6
Cedar Waxwing  6
Common Yellowthroat  6
Yellow Warbler  4
Pine Warbler  1     heard
Yellow-breasted Chat  2
Eastern Towhee  1     heard
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  6
Blue Grosbeak  1     heard
Indigo Bunting  2     heard
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  8
Brown-headed Cowbird  4
Orchard Oriole  3
House Sparrow  5

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (/content/nj)

Hidden Corners of Belleplain - Tuesday, May 21st, 2013

The highlight of the walk was great looks at a singing Kentucky Warbler. Leaders: Karen Johnson, Dave Lord, Chris Marks, Janet Crawford.
32 species

Broad-winged Hawk  2
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  3
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee  6
Acadian Flycatcher  5
Eastern Phoebe  3
Great Crested Flycatcher  8
White-eyed Vireo  1
Red-eyed Vireo  3
Fish Crow  1
Carolina Chickadee  1
Tufted Titmouse  1
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  4
Wood Thrush  4
Gray Catbird  5
Ovenbird  10
Worm-eating Warbler  1
Louisiana Waterthrush  2
Blue-winged Warbler  1
Black-and-white Warbler  3
Kentucky Warbler  1
Hooded Warbler  1
Blackpoll Warbler  3
Pine Warbler  1
Yellow-throated Warbler  4
Eastern Towhee  2
Chipping Sparrow  2
Summer Tanager  1
Scarlet Tanager  1
Northern Cardinal  2

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

Shorebirds at Heislerville - Monday, May 20th, 2013

Among the thousands of Dunlin, Short-billed Dowitchers and Semipalmated Sandpipers, we managed to find a Curlew Sandpiper. We also enjoyed a Bald Eagle feeding her chick, a look at a Clapper Rail, lots of Horseshoe Crabs and a Red Knot. Leaders: Janet Crawford, Warren Cairo, Chuck and Mary Jane Slugg, Cindy and Shaun Bamford.
31 species

Canada Goose  3
American Black Duck  8
Ruddy Duck  4
Double-crested Cormorant  120
Great Egret  60
Snowy Egret  40
Green Heron  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  100
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  5
Bald Eagle  2
Clapper Rail  1
Black-bellied Plover  6
Semipalmated Plover  200
Greater Yellowlegs  3
Willet  2
Ruddy Turnstone  6
Semipalmated Sandpiper  3000
Dunlin  3000
Curlew Sandpiper  1     Dunlin size, male, brick red head and breast.
Short-billed Dowitcher  1500
Laughing Gull  3
Ring-billed Gull  12
Herring Gull  15
Great Black-backed Gull  8
Forster's Tern  16
Black Skimmer  20
Barn Swallow  6
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Boat-tailed Grackle  7
House Sparrow  1

East Point Lighthouse
9 species

Double-crested Cormorant  3
Glossy Ibis  1
Willet  2
Ruddy Turnstone  20
Red Knot  1
Semipalmated Sandpiper  30
Short-billed Dowitcher  8
Laughing Gull  30
Boat-tailed Grackle  10

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

Birding the Meadows - Monday, May 20th, 2013

Some fog early, but still good birding even at the outset from the parking lot area. From there we had a perched and singing Blue Grosbeak, and an unusually plumaged Orchard Oriole, partly 1st year and partly adult male plumage. Some good Willet activity in the air and sitting on posts. American Oystercatchers were on the beach, one on nest, and lots of Least Terns presenting minnows to prospective mates. Unusual for this time of year were Blue-winged Teal, and Pied-billed Grebe.  Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Steve Weis, Warren Cairo, Catherine Busch, and Carrie Bell.
50 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  15
Gadwall  3
Mallard  15
Blue-winged Teal  1
Common Loon  1
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  2
Glossy Ibis  6
Osprey  6
Semipalmated Plover  1
Killdeer  2
American Oystercatcher  4
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Willet  3
Least Sandpiper  2
Laughing Gull  20
Herring Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  15
Least Tern  50
Common Tern  1
Forster's Tern  15
Rock Pigeon  1
Mourning Dove  5
Chimney Swift  5
Northern Flicker  1
Eastern Kingbird  4
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  1
Purple Martin  1
Tree Swallow  8
Barn Swallow  8
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  2
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  5
Cedar Waxwing  9
Common Yellowthroat  6
Yellow Warbler  3
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  1
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  2
Orchard Oriole  1     between 1st yr. and adult male
House Sparrow  3

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

Blue Grosbeak [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Unusually plumaged Orchard Oriole [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Snowy Egret [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Exploring Cumberland - Wednesday, May 15th, 2013

Highlights include a flyover Common Loon, Blue Grosbeak, Baltimore and Orchard Orioles, Northern Parula, Black-throated Green Warbler, Prothonotary Warbler, and Blackpoll Warbler. Leaders: Karen Johnson and Janet Crawford.
9 species

Double-crested Cormorant  5
Osprey  1
Greater Yellowlegs  3
Laughing Gull  2
Herring Gull  1
Eastern Kingbird  1
Barn Swallow  1
Red-winged Blackbird  8
Boat-tailed Grackle  2

Maurice River WMA
14 species

Common Loon  1
Snowy Egret  1
Green Heron  1
Greater Yellowlegs  1
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
Northern Mockingbird  2
Prairie Warbler  1
Chipping Sparrow  2
Field Sparrow  1
Blue Grosbeak  1
Common Grackle  2
Orchard Oriole  3
Baltimore Oriole  1
American Goldfinch  2

Hansey Creek Road
31 species

Great Blue Heron  1
Clapper Rail  8
Willet  3
Semipalmated Sandpiper  50
Least Sandpiper  12
Dunlin  10
Short-billed Dowitcher  40
Laughing Gull  2
Herring Gull  1
Forster's Tern  4
Mourning Dove  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  3
White-eyed Vireo  1
Tree Swallow  30
Barn Swallow  10
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  2
Marsh Wren  1
Wood Thrush  4
Ovenbird  3
Worm-eating Warbler  3
Common Yellowthroat  2
Northern Parula  1
Pine Warbler  1
Black-throated Green Warbler  1
Nelson's Sparrow  1
Seaside Sparrow  2
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  20
Common Grackle  3
Boat-tailed Grackle  4

Railroad Ave./ Ackley Road
19 species

Great Blue Heron  1
Bald Eagle  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee  3
Great Crested Flycatcher  1
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  3
Gray Catbird  1
Cedar Waxwing  1
Ovenbird  6
Prothonotary Warbler  2
Blackpoll Warbler  1
Yellow-throated Warbler  1
Black-throated Green Warbler  1
Chipping Sparrow  3
Summer Tanager  1
Red-winged Blackbird  2
Brown-headed Cowbird  1

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, May 15th, 2013

Cool and breezy, but a few shorebirds were seen including Least Sandpiper, Killdeer, Short-billed Dowitcher, and nesting on the beach, an American Oystercatcher, and a Piping Plover. Other interesting birds were a single fly-over Bonaparte's Gull, 1 Black Skimmer, and a late staying White-crowned Sparrow.  Leaders: Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, Warren Cairo, and Chris Marks.
51 species

Canada Goose  15
Mute Swan  10
Gadwall  4
Mallard  10
Double-crested Cormorant  6
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  2
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  3
Piping Plover  1
Killdeer  2
American Oystercatcher  2
Spotted Sandpiper  2
Willet  3
Least Sandpiper  2
Short-billed Dowitcher  1
Bonaparte's Gull  1
Laughing Gull  25
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Least Tern  20
Common Tern  1
Forster's Tern  10
Black Skimmer  1
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  2
Chimney Swift  1
White-eyed Vireo  1     heard
Fish Crow  10
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  6
Purple Martin  50
Tree Swallow  2
Barn Swallow  10
Carolina Chickadee  3
House Wren  2
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  8
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  10
Common Yellowthroat  8
Yellow Warbler  2
Prairie Warbler  1     seen by afew
Song Sparrow  5
White-crowned Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  5
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  10
Orchard Oriole  1
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  3

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

Least Sandpiper [Photo by Karl Lukens]

White-crowned Sparrow [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Hidden Corners of Belleplain - Tuesday, May 14th, 2013

Highlights include both Summer and Scarlet Tanagers, Broad-winged Hawks, Acadian Flycatcher, Veery, Prothonotary Warbler, Hooded Warbler, Northern Parula, Prairie Warbler, and Orchard and Baltimore Orioles. Leaders: Karen Johnson, Janet Crawford, Dave Lord, and Chris Marks.
49 species

Turkey Vulture  2
Broad-winged Hawk  2
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Laughing Gull  4
Mourning Dove  3
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  4
Eastern Wood-Pewee  5
Acadian Flycatcher  2
Eastern Phoebe  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  8
Eastern Kingbird  3
White-eyed Vireo  6
Red-eyed Vireo  6
Blue Jay  2
Barn Swallow  7
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  8
White-breasted Nuthatch  3
Carolina Wren  1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  4
Veery  1
Wood Thrush  4
American Robin  4
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
Brown Thrasher  1
Ovenbird  8
Black-and-white Warbler  2
Prothonotary Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  3
Hooded Warbler  1
Northern Parula  3
Pine Warbler  5
Yellow-rumped Warbler  4
Yellow-throated Warbler  3
Prairie Warbler  2
Black-throated Green Warbler  2
Yellow-breasted Chat  1
Chipping Sparrow  6
Summer Tanager  1
Scarlet Tanager  1
Northern Cardinal  3
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  1
Orchard Oriole  2
Baltimore Oriole  1
American Goldfinch  2

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

EZ Birding - Tuesday, May 14th, 2013

Cool, breezy, sunny weather greeted participants for EZ Birding this morning. Highlights of the walk include: Northern Parula; Prairie Warbler; Common Yellow-throated Warbler; Myrtle Warblers; and a kleptoparasitic Bald Eagle chasing an Osprey to steal its fish. Leaders: Chuck Slugg and Catherine Busch.
62 species

Canada Goose  15
Mute Swan  23
Gadwall  3
Mallard  8
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Great Egret  5
Snowy Egret  3
Glossy Ibis  26
Black Vulture  7
Turkey Vulture  10
Osprey  4
Cooper's Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  3
Red-shouldered Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  5
Piping Plover  3
Killdeer  2
American Oystercatcher  4
Least Sandpiper  3
Short-billed Dowitcher  13
Laughing Gull  35
Herring Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  16
Least Tern  20
Forster's Tern  43
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  4
Chimney Swift  15
Eastern Kingbird  3
White-eyed Vireo  2
Blue Jay  1     heard
American Crow  8
Fish Crow  10
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  12
Purple Martin  45
Tree Swallow  10
Barn Swallow  8
Carolina Chickadee  5
Tufted Titmouse  1     heard
House Wren  3
Carolina Wren  6     heard
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2     heard
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
American Robin  12
Gray Catbird  2
European Starling  6
Common Yellowthroat  5
Northern Parula  1
Yellow Warbler  4     heard
Black-throated Blue Warbler  1
Pine Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler  4
Prairie Warbler  3
Yellow-breasted Chat  1     heard
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  16
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  4     heard
Baltimore Oriole  1
American Goldfinch  3
House Sparrow  4

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (/content/nj)

Shorebirds at Heislerville - Monday, May 13th, 2013

Highlights included Peregrine Falcon, Bald Eagle, Osprey, Red Knot, Ruddy Turnstone, Black-bellied Plover, a lingering Bonaparte's Gull, Clapper Rails and lots of Dunlin and Short-billed Dowitchers. Leaders: Janet Crawford, Warren Cairo and Shaun Bamford.
28 species

Canada Goose  4
American Black Duck  3
Double-crested Cormorant  80
Great Egret  30
Snowy Egret  12
Green Heron  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  52
Osprey  1
Bald Eagle  1
Clapper Rail  2
Black-bellied Plover  4
Semipalmated Plover  20
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Ruddy Turnstone  5
Red Knot  3
Semipalmated Sandpiper  30
Dunlin  200
Short-billed Dowitcher  200
Laughing Gull  10
Ring-billed Gull  10
Herring Gull  3
Forster's Tern  4
Black Skimmer  30
Rock Pigeon  1
Peregrine Falcon  1
Barn Swallow  10
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Boat-tailed Grackle  1

East Point Lighthouse
4 species

Willet  1
Bonaparte's Gull  1
Laughing Gull  300
Herring Gull  40

Thompson's Beach
7 species

Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  12
Clapper Rail  10
Greater Yellowlegs  2
Semipalmated Sandpiper  12
Least Sandpiper  12
Marsh Wren  1

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

Birding the Meadows - Monday, May 13th, 2013

A cold and breezy morning with a perched and singing Blue Grosbeak at the parking lot. Birds of interest were 3 Piping Plover (one pair looked like nest building) and 4 Oystercatchers on the beach as well as lots of Least Terns. Other birds were several Willets, Eastern Kingbirds, an immature Bald Eagle, and a Tricolored Heron. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Steve Weis, Warren Cairo, and Catherine Busch.
50 species

Canada Goose  15
Mute Swan  10
Gadwall  3
Mallard  15
Double-crested Cormorant  15
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  2
Tricolored Heron  1
Green Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  4
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  8
Cooper's Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  1     imm.
Red-tailed Hawk  2
Semipalmated Plover  4
Piping Plover  3
American Oystercatcher  4
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Willet  2
Lesser Yellowlegs  1
Short-billed Dowitcher  1
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  5
Least Tern  25
Common Tern  5
Forster's Tern  20
Mourning Dove  3
Chimney Swift  5
Eastern Kingbird  3
Fish Crow  5
Purple Martin  3
Tree Swallow  5
Barn Swallow  10
American Robin  5
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  5
Common Yellowthroat  6
Yellow Warbler  1
Savannah Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  3
Blue Grosbeak  1
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
Orchard Oriole  1
House Sparrow  5

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

Piping Plover nesting [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Piping Plover courting [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Tricolored Heron [Photo by Karl Lukens]

A Meadows Afternoon - Friday, May 10th, 2013

It was a beautiful late afternoon in The Meadows. Highlights of the walk include Tri-colored Heron, Green Herons, Least Terns, American Oystercatchers, and Common Yellow-throats. Leaders: Chuck and Mary Jane Slugg.
42 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  19
Gadwall  4
Mallard  8
Common Loon  1
Double-crested Cormorant  75
Great Egret  2
Tricolored Heron  2
Green Heron  2
Turkey Vulture  5
Osprey  7
Killdeer  1
American Oystercatcher  7
Willet  1
Laughing Gull  35
Herring Gull  8
Great Black-backed Gull  20
Least Tern  25
Common Tern  1
Forster's Tern  20
Mourning Dove  2
American Crow  4
Fish Crow  2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  3
Purple Martin  10
Tree Swallow  2
Barn Swallow  5
Carolina Wren  1     heard
American Robin  1
Gray Catbird  1
European Starling  4
Common Yellowthroat  7
Yellow Warbler  2     heard
Eastern Towhee  1     heard
Song Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  3
Indigo Bunting  1     heard
Red-winged Blackbird  14
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  1
American Goldfinch  3
House Sparrow  4

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (/content/nj)

Higbee Beach Bird Walk - Friday, May 10th, 2013

A super day for all migrants! 13 species of warblers, tanagers, orioles, it was real good birding and just in time for the World Series of Birding. Other birds of interest were 2 fly-over Red-headed Woodpeckers; Eastern Wood-Pewees; Blue-headed, Red-eyed, White-eyed, and Yellow-throated Vireos, and a couple of Chats singing in territory.  Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, Warren Cairo, Roger Horn, Catherine Busch, Lisa Ryan, and Hugh Simmons.
63 species

Mallard  2
Common Loon  1
Double-crested Cormorant  100
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  2
Black-bellied Plover  1     heard
American Oystercatcher  1
Bonaparte's Gull  1
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull  1
Mourning Dove  5
Chimney Swift  4
Red-headed Woodpecker  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  1     heard
Eastern Wood-Pewee  2
Great Crested Flycatcher  1
Eastern Kingbird  6
White-eyed Vireo  5
Yellow-throated Vireo  1
Blue-headed Vireo  2
Red-eyed Vireo  5
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  1
Purple Martin  1
Barn Swallow  10
Carolina Chickadee  5
Tufted Titmouse  3
Carolina Wren  5
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
Veery  1
Wood Thrush  2     heard
American Robin  4
Gray Catbird  8
European Starling  5
Black-and-white Warbler  3
Common Yellowthroat  6
American Redstart  2
Northern Parula  10
Magnolia Warbler  5
Blackburnian Warbler  1
Yellow Warbler  5
Chestnut-sided Warbler  6
Black-throated Blue Warbler  4
Yellow-rumped Warbler  10
Prairie Warbler  6
Black-throated Green Warbler  3
Yellow-breasted Chat  2
Chipping Sparrow  2
Field Sparrow  2
White-throated Sparrow  1
Scarlet Tanager  6
Northern Cardinal  8
Rose-breasted Grosbeak  1
Blue Grosbeak  2
Indigo Bunting  2
Red-winged Blackbird  5
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  8
Baltimore Oriole  3
American Goldfinch  2

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

Chestnut-sided Warbler [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Scarlet Tanager [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Birds, Beasts & Botany - Thursday, May 9th, 2013

Comparing members of the pea (Fabaceae), rose (Rosaceae) and dandelion (Asteraceae) families and how to tell the difference was discussed as we heard green frogs, cricket frogs and many migrant bird species. Wonderful sights and sounds were appreciated by all. Leaders:  Mike Crewe, Cindy Bamford, Steve Weiss, and Chris Marks.
31 species

Green Heron  1
Osprey  1
Laughing Gull  9
Chimney Swift  1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee  3
Acadian Flycatcher  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  2
Blue Jay  1
Fish Crow  2
Carolina Chickadee  6
Tufted Titmouse  3
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
Eastern Bluebird  2
American Robin  8
Gray Catbird  4
European Starling  5
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Northern Parula  5
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  8
Chipping Sparrow  8
Northern Cardinal  4
Rose-breasted Grosbeak  3
Red-winged Blackbird  6
Common Grackle  8
Baltimore Oriole  3
House Sparrow  4

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

Birds of Belleplain - Thursday, May 9th, 2013

A birdy morning with good views of a singing Scarlet Tanager at the Visitor Center parking lot. Also here we had a very cooperative Black-throated Blue Warbler. A little later at the Boy Scout camp, we had great views of a singing Summer Tanager. Other birds of interest were 2 highly visible Worm-eating Warblers, numerous Prairie Warblers, Pine, and Yellow-throated Warblers, heard Hooded, and Louisiana Waterthrush, and 1 singing, perched Blue-winged Warbler. Leaders: Bert Hixon, Karl Lukens, and Shaun Bamford.
54 species

Canada Goose  6
Wild Turkey  1
Common Loon  1
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  3
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull  1
Mourning Dove  2
Chimney Swift  4
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2     heard
Acadian Flycatcher  1
Eastern Phoebe  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  2     heard
White-eyed Vireo  4
Red-eyed Vireo  5
Fish Crow  1
Tree Swallow  5
Barn Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  3
Eastern Bluebird  2
Wood Thrush  15
American Robin  5
Gray Catbird  4
Northern Mockingbird  1
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  2
Ovenbird  15
Worm-eating Warbler  3
Louisiana Waterthrush  1
Blue-winged Warbler  1
Black-and-white Warbler  1     heard
Prothonotary Warbler  1     heard
Hooded Warbler  2
Northern Parula  1     heard
Black-throated Blue Warbler  1
Pine Warbler  8
Yellow-throated Warbler  5
Prairie Warbler  7
Eastern Towhee  1
Chipping Sparrow  8
Savannah Sparrow  1
Summer Tanager  2
Scarlet Tanager  1
Northern Cardinal  5
Rose-breasted Grosbeak  1
Eastern Meadowlark  1
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
American Goldfinch  5
House Sparrow  2

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

Prairie Warbler [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Summer Tanager [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Nummy's Island Bird Walk - Wednesday, May 8th, 2013

Great comparison studies of Dunlin, Black-bellied Plover, Least Sandpipers, Short-billed Dowitchers & Semipalmated Plovers. Leaders: Warren Cairo, Gail Dwyer, Shaun & Cindy Bamford, Lee & Bill Smythe, Hugh Simmons, and Chris Marks.
39 species

Brant  80
Canada Goose  3
American Black Duck  4
Mallard  3
Common Loon  4
Double-crested Cormorant  25
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  4
Osprey  4
Bald Eagle  1
Clapper Rail  4
Black-bellied Plover  50
Semipalmated Plover  4
American Oystercatcher  6
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Willet (Eastern)  20
Whimbrel  4
Ruddy Turnstone  8
Red Knot  10
Sanderling  50
Semipalmated Sandpiper  5
Least Sandpiper  4
Dunlin  100
Short-billed Dowitcher  50
Laughing Gull  500
Herring Gull  100
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Forster's Tern  15
Rock Pigeon  6
Mourning Dove  3
Merlin  1
Peregrine Falcon  3     not unusual for this location
White-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  2
Fish Crow  5
Barn Swallow  3
American Robin  3
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Boat-tailed Grackle  8

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, May 8th, 2013

A foggy day with some rain and some sunshine and surprisingly good birding. Lots of low swallows and swifts, and the warblers included several Yellow, Yellow-rumps, and an Ovenbird. FOY for many were the numerous Least Terns, a perched, singing adult male Orchard Oriole, and a perched, singing Blue Grosbeak. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, Warren Cairo, and Chris Marks.
55 species

Canada Goose  20
Mute Swan  10
Gadwall  3
Mallard  6
Common Loon  4
Double-crested Cormorant  1300
Great Egret  1
Glossy Ibis  1
Turkey Vulture  1
Piping Plover  3
Killdeer  3
American Oystercatcher  4
Greater Yellowlegs  8
Willet  1
Whimbrel  3
Least Sandpiper  3
Short-billed Dowitcher  6
Wilson's Snipe  1
Laughing Gull  20
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Least Tern  10
Forster's Tern  15
Mourning Dove  1
Chimney Swift  12
Eastern Kingbird  2
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  1
Purple Martin  30
Tree Swallow  6
Barn Swallow  10
Carolina Chickadee  1
Tufted Titmouse  1
House Wren  4
Carolina Wren  3
American Robin  5
Gray Catbird  4
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  4
Ovenbird  1
Common Yellowthroat  10     heard
Yellow Warbler  3
Yellow-rumped Warbler  5
Song Sparrow  3
Swamp Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  5
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  4
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
Orchard Oriole  1
American Goldfinch  2
House Sparrow  5

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

EZ Birding - Tuesday, May 7th, 2013

Chilly, foggy, drizzly weather greeted walkers for EZ Birding. In spite of this we saw some good birds. Highlights include: Blue Grosbeak and Indigo Bunting sitting next to each other on the ground and Eastern Bluebird in a tree (a clean sweep for "The Blues Brothers"); Glossy Ibis; flying flocks of shorebirds such as Short-billed Dowitchers, Willets, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, and Least Sandpipers; American Oystercatchers on nest; Piping Plover in exclosure and one feeding at a plover pond; and Forster's Terns everywhere. Leader: Chuck Slugg.
51 species

Canada Goose  14
Mute Swan  6
Mallard  6
Common Loon  1
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  5
Snowy Egret  3
Glossy Ibis  5
Osprey  3
Cooper's Hawk  1
Piping Plover  2
Killdeer  1
American Oystercatcher  4
Greater Yellowlegs  12
Willet  23
Lesser Yellowlegs  9
Least Sandpiper  1
Short-billed Dowitcher  20
Wilson's Snipe  1
Laughing Gull  10
Herring Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  12
Least Tern  2
Forster's Tern  28
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  2
American Crow  4
Fish Crow  10
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  14
Purple Martin  30
Tree Swallow  12
Barn Swallow  8
Carolina Chickadee  3
House Wren  2
Carolina Wren  7
Eastern Bluebird  1
American Robin  15
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  3
Common Yellowthroat  8
Yellow Warbler  5     heard
Pine Warbler  2     heard
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  6
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  12
Common Grackle  20
Brown-headed Cowbird  2
American Goldfinch  3
House Sparrow  4

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (/content/nj)

Birding the Meadows - Monday, May 6th, 2013

A cold, windy, misty day but still a few interesting birds. Fly-over shorebirds included 11 Willets, 3 Red Knots, 2 Black-bellied Plover, and 2 Whimbrel. Two of the Willets hung around and landed a few times indicating possible breeders in the area. A perched, singing Blue Grosbeak made for a nice start of the walk at the parking lot. Offshore we had 1 Northern Gannet and both loons. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Steve Weis, and Catherine Busch.
38 species

Canada Goose  5
Mute Swan  12
Gadwall  2
Mallard  6
Green-winged Teal  2
Red-throated Loon  2
Common Loon  1
Northern Gannet  1
Double-crested Cormorant  6
Great Egret  1
Snowy Egret  2
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  1
Black-bellied Plover  2
American Oystercatcher  3
Willet  12
Whimbrel  2
Red Knot  3
Sanderling  8
Laughing Gull  10
Herring Gull  8
Great Black-backed Gull  20
Forster's Tern  10
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  4
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  5
Tree Swallow  3
Barn Swallow  1
European Starling  2
Common Yellowthroat  3     heard
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  2
Blue Grosbeak  1
Red-winged Blackbird  20
Common Grackle  10
House Finch  1
House Sparrow  6

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

Belleplain Wildlife - Sunday, May 5th, 2013

A cool and cloudy spring day at the Tarkiln Pond area of Belleplain State Forest found more birds than insects flying about. The group enjoyed good looks at American Redstart, Eastern Phoebe, and Wood Duck. Flowering plants included Canadian Toadflax and Lowbush Blueberries. Leaders:  Mike Crewe, Chris Marks, Lisa Ryan, and Catherine Busch.

Fowler's Toad [Photo by Catherine Busch] 

Cox Hall Creek Bird Walk - Sunday, May 5th, 2013

Gusty winds and an overcast sky made it a good day for birding by ear at Cox Hall Creek WMA. Chipping Sparrows, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Tufted Titmouse and Pine Warblers were frequently heard. Northern Rough-winged, Barn and Tree Swallows hunted low over the fields and ponds, providing excellent views. Leaders: Kathy Horn, Cindy & Shaun Bamford, and Steve Weis.
47 species

Canada Goose  4
Mallard  3
Double-crested Cormorant  3
Green Heron  2
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  6
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Killdeer  2
Laughing Gull  8
Herring Gull  3
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  4
Downy Woodpecker  2
Eastern Phoebe  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  7
Eastern Kingbird  1
White-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  5
American Crow  7
Fish Crow  2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  2
Tree Swallow  4
Barn Swallow  16
Carolina Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  9
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
House Wren  2
Carolina Wren  5
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  9
Eastern Bluebird  5
American Robin  35
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  14
Common Yellowthroat  1
Pine Warbler  4
Chipping Sparrow  14
Field Sparrow  2
Song Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  8
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  8
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
House Finch  2
American Goldfinch  7
House Sparrow  2

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

Bird Walk for All People - Saturday, May 4th, 2013

Highlights from the Walk for All People include: great looks at a Prairie Warbler; American Oystercatchers doing a nest exchange; close look at a Piping Plover; and Least Sandpipers feeding at Plover Pond. Leaders: Chuck Slugg, Cindy Bamford, and Catherine Busch.
48 species

Canada Goose  12
Mute Swan  10
Gadwall  4
Mallard  12
Double-crested Cormorant  6
Great Egret  5
Snowy Egret  2
Turkey Vulture  6
Osprey  2
Piping Plover  1
Killdeer  2
American Oystercatcher  6
Greater Yellowlegs  2     heard
Least Sandpiper  4
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull  3
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Forster's Tern  30
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  2
Chimney Swift  13
Blue Jay  1     heard
American Crow  4
Fish Crow  3
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  10
Purple Martin  35
Tree Swallow  15
Barn Swallow  8
Carolina Chickadee  2     heard
House Wren  2     heard
Carolina Wren  6     heard
Eastern Bluebird  3
American Robin  14
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  3
Common Yellowthroat  2     heard
Pine Warbler  2     heard
Yellow-rumped Warbler  2
Prairie Warbler  1
Eastern Towhee  1     heard
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  16
Brown-headed Cowbird  2
House Finch  2
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  2

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

Birds of Belleplain - Saturday, May 4th, 2013

Leaders: Bert Hixon, Shaun Bamford, BJ Pinnock, and Chris Marks.
39 species

Canada Goose  3
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Laughing Gull  8
Chimney Swift  2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Downy Woodpecker  2
American Kestrel  2
Acadian Flycatcher  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  3
Eastern Kingbird  2
White-eyed Vireo  5
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  9
American Crow  2
Purple Martin  3
Tree Swallow  2
Tufted Titmouse  3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
Eastern Bluebird  1
Wood Thrush  1
Brown Thrasher  2
Ovenbird  5
Worm-eating Warbler  2
Blue-winged Warbler  1
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Prothonotary Warbler  1
Hooded Warbler  4
Northern Parula  1
Pine Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler  2
Yellow-throated Warbler  3
Prairie Warbler  1
Eastern Towhee  1
Chipping Sparrow  1
Field Sparrow  2
Summer Tanager  4
Eastern Meadowlark  3
Common Grackle  2
Orchard Oriole  1

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

Spring Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, May 4th, 2013

Nice weather (except for East wind) but the birding was rather slow. We did manage to get a singing Blue Grosbeak for good scope views. Singing Common Yellowthroats were not easily seen. We did have 4 Wilson's Snipe fly off, and good looks at a Solitary Sandpiper. We did hear 1, possibly 2 Prothonotary Warblers, but could not get a view of the bird. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Roger Horn, and Catherine Busch.
42 species

Canada Goose  4
American Black Duck  2
Mallard  4
Double-crested Cormorant  75
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  5
Black Vulture  5
Turkey Vulture  10
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Killdeer  3
Solitary Sandpiper  1
Wilson's Snipe  4
Laughing Gull  10
Herring Gull  1
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  5
Chimney Swift  5
Downy Woodpecker  3
Eastern Phoebe  1
Great-crested Flycatcher  1    heard
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  1
Purple Martin  5
Tree Swallow  1
Barn Swallow  8
Carolina Chickadee  1
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
American Robin  3
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  5
Prothonotary Warbler  1     heard
Common Yellowthroat  6
Eastern Towhee  1     heard
White-throated Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  5
Blue Grosbeak  1
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
American Goldfinch  2

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

A Meadows Afternoon - Friday, May 3rd, 2013

A beautiful, but windy, afternoon at The Meadows yielded some interesting birds. Highlights include: three Swallow-tailed Kites in one binocular view; a Ruddy Duck; a Tricolored Heron; a number of American Oystercatchers with one on nest; both Common and Red-throated Loons; and a Piping Plover calling but not seen. Leader: Chuck Slugg.
43 species

Canada Goose  7
Mute Swan  16
Gadwall  4
Mallard  10
Ruddy Duck  1
Red-throated Loon  4
Common Loon  2
Double-crested Cormorant  3
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  2
Tricolored Heron  1
Turkey Vulture  6
Osprey  2
Swallow-tailed Kite  3     Seen over western trail high over the dune toward the lighthouse; all in group saw all three birds.
Piping Plover  1     heard
American Oystercatcher  10
Sanderling  9
Laughing Gull  8
Herring Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  12
Common Tern  2
Forster's Tern  23
Mourning Dove  3
Chimney Swift  5
American Crow  4
Fish Crow  2     heard
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  4
Purple Martin  15
Tree Swallow  14
Barn Swallow  8
Cave Swallow  1     over east pond in Meadows in mixed flock of swallows; seen by some, but not all, of group
Carolina Chickadee  1     heard
Carolina Wren  1     heard
American Robin  3
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  4
Common Yellowthroat  3     heard
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  12
Common Grackle  6
Brown-headed Cowbird  4
American Goldfinch  2     heard

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