Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, June 26th, 2013

Nice morning for birding and we got the usual suspects for a late June day. Of note was a 1st year male Wood Duck on Bunker Pond and an adult Little Blue Heron passed by as we viewed the duck. Other birds of interest were perched and singing Blue Grosbeak, Orchard Oriole, and Indigo Bunting as well as Eastern Kingbirds. Other fly-bys included several Glossy Ibis, Osprey, and 2 Willets and a Least Sandpiper, probably the first of Fall Migration. The beach had Black Skimmers and American Oystercatchers. Leaders: Mike Crewe and Karl Lukens.
44 species

Canada Goose  75
Mute Swan  10
Wood Duck  1
Gadwall  2
Mallard  10
Little Blue Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  8
Osprey  3
Killdeer  2
American Oystercatcher  6
Willet  2
Least Sandpiper  1
Laughing Gull  25
Herring Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Least Tern  10
Forster's Tern  15
Black Skimmer  8
Rock Pigeon  1
Mourning Dove  8
Chimney Swift  1
Eastern Kingbird  4
Fish Crow  8
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  3
Purple Martin  100
Tree Swallow  5
Barn Swallow  2
Carolina Chickadee  1
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  5
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  10
Cedar Waxwing  4
Common Yellowthroat  4
Song Sparrow  5
Northern Cardinal  5
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  2
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  8
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
Orchard Oriole  3
House Sparrow  5

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

Indigo Bunting [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Birding the Meadows - Monday, June 24th, 2013

A nice morning and good birds right from the parking lot. They included a Killdeer in the lot sitting on 4 eggs, singing Indigo Bunting, Blue Grosbeak, and Orchard Oriole, plus an Eastern Kingbird, Mockingbird. On the beach were several pair of American Oystercatchers with 1 chick, and a pair of Piping Plover on nest. A Willow Flycatcher gave us a nice view. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Warren Cairo, Catherine Busch, and Janet Crawford.
43 species

Canada Goose  100
Mute Swan  10
Gadwall  2
Mallard  10
Red-throated Loon  1     Winter plumage. Had us thinking Pacific Loon?
Great Egret  1
Green Heron  2
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  1
Osprey  3
Piping Plover  2
Killdeer  2     one on nest in parking lot.
American Oystercatcher  9     one chick
Laughing Gull  30
Great Black-backed Gull  5
Least Tern  10
Forster's Tern  5
Black Skimmer  20
Mourning Dove  8
Chimney Swift  4
Northern Flicker  1
Willow Flycatcher  1
Eastern Kingbird  1
Fish Crow  2
Purple Martin  10
Tree Swallow  2
Barn Swallow  5
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  1
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  5
Cedar Waxwing  4
Common Yellowthroat  4
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  5
Blue Grosbeak  2
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  10
Orchard Oriole  3     ad. male, 1st yr male, female
American Goldfinch  2
House Sparrow  5

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

American Oystercatcher and chick [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Eastern Kingbird [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Killdeer on nest [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Orchard Oriole [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Belleplain Wildlife - Sunday, June 23rd, 2013

Today we surveyed the end results of the cicada visitation returning to a field where just two weeks before, the sound was deafening, and this week was largely silent. We also visited an area where the few remaining males were singing and an array of vegetative habitats meet. Wildlife highlights include Green and Leopard Frogs, a crab spider, Eyed Click Beetle, Swamp Darner, Ebony Jewelwing, and Eastern Pondhawk, Spicebush and Eastern Swallowtails, Eastern Towhee, Ovenbird, and Pronthonotary and Worm-eating Warblers. Both Swamp Azalea and Magnolia (aka Sweetbay) were in bloom. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Chris Marks, Catherine Busch, Bert Hixon, Megan Crewe, Hugh Simmons, Mike Hannisian, and Nancy Watson.

Branch tip damage from cicada egg-laying [Photo by Catherine Busch]

Eyed Click Beetle [Photo by Catherine Busch] 

Spicebush Swallowtail instar [Photo by Catherine Busch]

Photo Walks with Mike Hannisian - Saturday, June 22nd, 2013

It was another fine day for a photo walk at Cape May Point State Park. A number of the local birds are feeding young, such as the American Robin who posed nicely for us. Similarly, the Purple Martins seem to have fledged many, if not all, of their young so the adults are not quite so tied to their nest boxes; and the Hedge Bindweed are still in bloom. Also present were many Eastern Cottontails, and a nice variety of odonates such as Blue Dasher and Rambur's Forktail.

American Robin [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Blue Dasher [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Eastern Cottontail [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Hedge Bindweed [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Purple Martin [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Rambur's Forktail [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Breeding Birds at the Rea Farm - Saturday, June 22nd, 2013

Good morning for the local breeders. Numerous singing Indigo Buntings, a couple of Yellow-breasted Chats, 1 perched and singing in the scope, and a good scope view of a male Blue Grosbeak. Saw and heard 1 Prothonotary Warbler at the RR Tracks in the wet woods, and 2 more at the back of the back field near the water. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Kathy & Roger Horn, Catherine Busch, and Chris Marks.
37 species

Wood Duck  1
Mallard  5
Great Egret  2
Glossy Ibis  4
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  2
Killdeer  2
Laughing Gull  30
Forster's Tern  2
Rock Pigeon  1
Mourning Dove  5
Chimney Swift  1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Downy Woodpecker  2
Eastern Kingbird  1
American Crow  10
Purple Martin  6
Tree Swallow  2
Barn Swallow  4
Carolina Chickadee  2
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  1
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  10
Prothonotary Warbler  3
Common Yellowthroat  5
Yellow-breasted Chat  2
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  6
Red-winged Blackbird  8
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  6
House Finch  25
House Sparrow  2

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

Indigo Bunting [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Yellow-breasted Chat [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Sunset Birding at the Meadows - Friday, June 21st, 2013

A pleasant evening with a few nice birds. Perched and scoped birds included Cedar Waxwings, Common Yellowthroat, American Goldfinch, and Orchard Oriole. On the beach we had a Piping Plover still on nest, and 9 adult American Oystercatchers with 1 chick. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, and Tom Baxter.
38 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  4
Mallard  5
Great Egret  1
Glossy Ibis  7
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  1
Piping Plover  1
Killdeer  2
American Oystercatcher  10
Laughing Gull  20
Herring Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  12
Least Tern  15
Common Tern  5
Forster's Tern  20
Black Skimmer  18
Rock Pigeon  1
Mourning Dove  10
Chimney Swift  10
Eastern Kingbird  2
Purple Martin  5
Tree Swallow  10
Barn Swallow  8
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  100
Cedar Waxwing  2
Common Yellowthroat  4
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  3
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  2
Orchard Oriole  1
American Goldfinch  2
House Sparrow  5

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

Black Skimmers [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Great Egret [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Bird Walk for All People - Thursday, June 20th, 2013

The Bird Walk for All People enjoyed beautiful, sunny weather for the stroll through the State Park. Highlights of the walk include: Piping Plover, young, male Orchard Oriole, huge flock of Black Skimmers on beach, and very vocal American Oystercatchers. Leader: Chuck Slugg.
50 species

Canada Goose  20
Mute Swan  28
Gadwall  4
Mallard  9
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  1
Glossy Ibis  13
Turkey Vulture  7
Osprey  2
Cooper's Hawk  1
Piping Plover  1
Killdeer  3
American Oystercatcher  7
Laughing Gull  25
Herring Gull  6
Great Black-backed Gull  25
Least Tern  9
Forster's Tern  24
Black Skimmer  26
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  5
Chimney Swift  2
Eastern Kingbird  2
American Crow  2     heard
Fish Crow  10
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  3
Purple Martin  55
Tree Swallow  4
Barn Swallow  2
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  1     heard
House Wren  2     heard
Carolina Wren  4     heard
American Robin  10
Gray Catbird  4
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  6
Cedar Waxwing  3
Common Yellowthroat  4
Yellow Warbler  2     heard
Yellow-breasted Chat  3     heard
Song Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  6
Indigo Bunting  3     heard
Red-winged Blackbird  12
Common Grackle  63
Orchard Oriole  4
House Finch  5
American Goldfinch  3
House Sparrow  6

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, June 19th, 2013

Rather slow summer type birding this morning. We did get good looks at swallows, including Northern Rough-winged, Tree, Barn, 1 Bank,  and Purple Martins. American Oystercatchers and Black Skimmers were on the beach. We had a pair of Orchard Orioles along the trails as well as hearing 3 Yellow-breasted Chats, several House and Carolina Wrens, and a couple of Eastern Kingbirds. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Warren Cairo, and Chris Marks.
45 species

Canada Goose  20
Mute Swan  20
Gadwall  2
Mallard  10
Ruddy Duck  1
Great Egret  3
Green Heron  1
Osprey  2
Killdeer  4
American Oystercatcher  6
Laughing Gull  40
Herring Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  5
Least Tern  10
Forster's Tern  8
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  8
Chimney Swift  10
Great Crested Flycatcher  1     heard
Eastern Kingbird  2
Fish Crow  5
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  5
Purple Martin  50
Tree Swallow  10
Bank Swallow  1
Barn Swallow  10
House Wren  2
Carolina Wren  3
American Robin  5
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  5
Cedar Waxwing  2
Common Yellowthroat  5
Yellow-breasted Chat  3     heard
Song Sparrow  5
Northern Cardinal  6
Indigo Bunting  3
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  15
Brown-headed Cowbird  8
Orchard Oriole  2
House Finch  2
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  5

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

Great Egret [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Song Sparrow [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Birding the Meadows - Monday, June 17th, 2013

We enjoyed some good birding from the parking lot this morning where we had Blue Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Orchard Oriole, and Yellow-breasted Chat all perched and singing for nice scope views. On the beach we had 3 pairs of American Oystercatchers and 1 chick as well as 2 Piping Plover with 1 on nest, and a few Least Terns. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Catherine Busch, Janet Crawford, and Carrie Bell.
46 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  10
Gadwall  6
Mallard  12
scoter sp.  1
Great Egret  6
Green Heron  1
Osprey  4
Piping Plover  2     on nest
Killdeer  2
American Oystercatcher  7     one chick
Willet  2
Laughing Gull  20
Herring Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  15
Least Tern  15
Common Tern  1
Forster's Tern  8
Black Skimmer  26
Rock Pigeon  1
Mourning Dove  12
Chimney Swift  5
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1     by leader only
Eastern Kingbird  2
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  8
Purple Martin  5
Tree Swallow  8
Barn Swallow  5
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  1
Gray Catbird  4
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  2
Common Yellowthroat  5
Yellow-breasted Chat  1
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  5
Blue Grosbeak  2
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  6
Orchard Oriole  2
American Goldfinch  5
House Sparrow  8

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

Common Yellowthroat [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Yellow-breasted Chat [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Belleplain Wildlife - Sunday, June 16th, 2013

Periodical Cicadas were again a focus of today's walk. As we examined some of the dead and dying males littering the ground, Laughing Gulls were feasting on those still alive over the treetops. Later, we observed three of the reported Mississippi Kites from the bridge over Lake Nummy. Up to 17 kites had been reported in the area also feeding on cicadas. Other wildlife of interest today were clustered Harvestmen (aka Daddy Long Legs), Five-lined Skink, and Spicebush Swallowtail, Red-spotted Purple, and Striped Hairstreak butterflies. Dragonflies included Blue Corporal, Slaty Skimmer, and Banded Pennant. Botanical highlights included the several members of the heath family in bloom and newly emerged Indian Pipe. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Chris Marks, Catherine Busch, Bert Hixon, Tom Baxter, Mike Hannisian, and Nancy Watson.

Indian Pipe [Photo by Catherine Busch] 

Photo Walks with Mike Hannisian - Saturday, June 15th, 2013

This week's Saturday Photo Walk took place under clear skies and with mild temperatures. The storms of earlier in the week may, nonetheless, have affect us as many of the birds present were lying low. However, our breeding Purple Martins and Common Grackles showed themselves nicely. Likewise, damselflies, such as the Rambur's Forktail were present as was a new moth for me, an Orange-patched Smoky Moth. Finally, it is the time of year when our Cattails are flowering and thus photographable.

Cattail [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Common Grackle [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Orange-patched Smoky Moth [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Purple Martin [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Rambur's Forktail [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Breeding Birds at the Rea Farm - Saturday, June 15th, 2013

Lots of singing Indigo Buntings in good view. Also a brief view of a pair of Blue Grosbeaks. Prothonotary Warbler was heard in the back wet woods near the RR Tracks. Good close view of Black-crowned Nighr-Heron at the Willow Pond. Highlight of the day was 2 Mississippi Kites overhead at the parking lot. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Catherine Busch, and Chris Marks.
50 species

Mallard  2
Double-crested Cormorant  10
Great Egret  5
Snowy Egret  4
Black-crowned Night-Heron  4
Glossy Ibis  1
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  6
Osprey  4
Mississippi Kite  2
Killdeer  2
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull  5
Forster's Tern  1
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  6
Great Horned Owl  2     brief looks at adult and young through the trees.
Mobbed by crows
Chimney Swift  8
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2     heard
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  1     heard
Eastern Kingbird  1
American Crow  5
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  4
Purple Martin  5
Tree Swallow  5
Barn Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  2
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  2
American Robin  3
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  10
Cedar Waxwing  4
Prothonotary Warbler  1     heard
Common Yellowthroat  4
Yellow Warbler  1     heard
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  6
Blue Grosbeak  2
Indigo Bunting  8
Red-winged Blackbird  8
Common Grackle  8
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
Orchard Oriole  2
House Finch  30
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  5

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

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

Black Saddlebags [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Indigo Bunting [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Mississippi Kite [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Needham's Skimmer (female)[Photo by Karl Lukens]

Sunset Birding at the Meadows - Friday, June 14th, 2013

Rain for most of walk. Good views of American Oystercatchers, one pair with chick, and still one Piping Plover on nest. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, and Carrie Bell.
44 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  10
Gadwall  4
Mallard  4
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  1
Cattle Egret  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  3
Osprey  3
Killdeer  1
American Oystercatcher  7
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  5
Least Tern  50
Common Tern  1
Forster's Tern  10
Black Skimmer  30
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  5
Chimney Swift  5
Northern Flicker  1
Eastern Kingbird  1
Fish Crow  1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  1
Purple Martin  2
Barn Swallow  4
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  1
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  6
Cedar Waxwing  2
Common Yellowthroat  4
Yellow Warbler  1
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  5
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  2
Orchard Oriole  1
House Sparrow  2

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

Great Egret [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, June 12th, 2013

Just the breeders and usual suspects this morning. On the beach we did have 1 Piping Plover on nest, 4 American Oystercatchers, and about 35 Black Skimmers maybe looking for a nesting site. We started off at the parking lot with scope views of a singing Blue Grosbeak and an Eastern Kingbird. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, and Chris Marks.
47 species

Canada Goose  75
Mute Swan  15
Mallard  10
Great Egret  4
Glossy Ibis  10
Osprey  4
Piping Plover  1
Killdeer  4
American Oystercatcher  4
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull  3
Great Black-backed Gull  15
Least Tern  10
Forster's Tern  10
Black Skimmer  35
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  8
Chimney Swift  2
Eastern Kingbird  3
White-eyed Vireo  1
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  3
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  3
Purple Martin  75
Tree Swallow  5
Barn Swallow  5
House Wren  2
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  10
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  2
Cedar Waxwing  2
Common Yellowthroat  5
Yellow Warbler  3
Pine Warbler  1
Yellow-breasted Chat  1
Song Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  5
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  1     heard
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
Orchard Oriole  1
House Finch  3
House Sparrow  5

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

Birding the Meadows - Monday, June 10th, 2013

Visibility and bird activity were low due to the fog. On the beach we had 2 adults and a chick American Oystercatcher, and a Piping Plover on nest. From the parking lot area we had scope views of Blue Grosbeak and Indigo Bunting. Of note were 3 different Willow Flycatchers, 2 with scope views, all doing "Fitz-Bew". Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Warren Cairo, Catherine Busch, Carrie Bell, and Tom Reed.
38 species

Canada Goose  15
Mute Swan  12
Gadwall  2
Mallard  6
Great Egret  2
Glossy Ibis  3
Osprey  1
Piping Plover  1
American Oystercatcher  3
Willet  1
Laughing Gull  10
Herring Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  20
Least Tern  15
Forster's Tern  10
Black Skimmer  4
Mourning Dove  3
Willow Flycatcher  3
Eastern Kingbird  1
Fish Crow  2
Purple Martin  2
Tree Swallow  5
Barn Swallow  2
Gray Catbird  3
European Starling  1
Common Yellowthroat  3
Yellow Warbler  1
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  2
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  2
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  2
Orchard Oriole  1
House Finch  2
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  5

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

Willow Flycatcher [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Belleplain Wildlife - Sunday, June 9th, 2013

The insect world was buzzing today with spectacular moths, dragonflies and damselflies, and the continuing exhibition of periodical cicadas. For the latter, we went to a field where there was a deafening concentration of cicadas flying about and laying eggs on small oak saplings. We also saw a Swamp Darner catch and eat a cicada. Courtesy of Mike Crewe's wildlife catching skills, we inspected a Carpenter Frog, a Garter Snake, and a Mourning Cloak caterpillar. We also had close-up views of many moths, including Imperial, Io, Wavy-lined Flannel, Rosy Maple, and Southern Pine Sphinx. Dragonflies and Damselflies at Tar Kiln Pond included Slaty Skimmer, Blue Dasher, Lilypad Forktail, and Violet Dancer. Despite our best efforts not to focus on birds, the following insisted on being noticed by singing or perching in full-view: Summer Tanager, Great-crested Flycatcher, Indigo Bunting, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and Eastern Bluebird. Join us next week before the Cicada phenomena ends! Leaders:  Mike Crewe, Bert Hixon, Chris Marks, Catherine Busch, Hugh Simmons, Mike Hannisian, and Lisa Ryan.

Imperial Moth [Photo by Catherine Busch]

Mike Crewe and a Garter Snake [Photo by Catherine Busch]

Periodical Cicada [Photo by Catherine Busch]

Photo Walks with Mike Hannisian - Saturday, June 8th, 2013

This week's Saturday Photo Walk took place under mostly cloudy skies with the sun peeking through on occasion. To many this may not seem to be ideal photo conditions, but it really is very good for certain subjects such as the flowers and plants that are now quite conspicuous in Cape May Point State Park. The Hedge Bindweed and Large Blue Flag Iris were among these today. Also present in fair numbers were Eastern Kingbirds and Northern Rough-winged Swallows. The former often can be fairly easy to shoot, but the latter can be difficult although today one posed nicely for us. When the sun showed itself an Eastern Painted Turtle hauled out on a Muskrat mound to soak up the rays. The beach contained the usual summer suspects including an American Oystercatcher trying to out run our cameras.

American Oystercatcher [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Eastern Kingbird [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Eastern Painted Turtle [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Hedge Bindweed [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Large Blue Flag Iris [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Northern Rough-winged Swallow [Photo by Mike Hannisian] 

Breeding Birds at the Rea Farm - Saturday, June 8th, 2013

Just the breeding birds and other usual suspects this morning. Good scope views of Indigo Bunting and Blue Grosbeak as well as Black-crowned Night-Heron. Interesting sighting was an adult and a juvenile Great Horned Owl being mobbed by American Crows seen in the scope. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Warren Cairo, and Hugh Simmons.
36 species

Mallard  4
Great Egret  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  2
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Killdeer  3
Laughing Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  1
Forster's Tern  2
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  5
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  1     heard
Great Horned Owl  2     ad. & juv. mobbed by crows
Chimney Swift  2
Great Crested Flycatcher  3
Eastern Kingbird  2
White-eyed Vireo  1     heard
Red-eyed Vireo  1     heard
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  10
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  1
Barn Swallow  2
Tufted Titmouse  1
House Wren  2     heard
Carolina Wren  1     heard
Common Yellowthroat  2
Yellow-breasted Chat  1     heard
Northern Cardinal  6
Blue Grosbeak  2
Indigo Bunting  6
Red-winged Blackbird  5
Common Grackle  2
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
House Finch  75
House Sparrow  3

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

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

Bird Walk for All People - Thursday, June 6th, 2013

We had nice weather and interesting birds. Highlights include: American Oystercatchers feeding a single chick; Piping Plover doing a nest exchange with 3 eggs visible in nest; Black Skimmers loafing on beach; a variety of swallows; and a River Otter at the back of Bunker Pond. Leader: Chuck Slugg.
55 species

Canada Goose  30
Mute Swan  24
Gadwall  5
Mallard  10
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  4
Glossy Ibis  14
Turkey Vulture  7
Osprey  6
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Piping Plover  4
Killdeer  3
American Oystercatcher  8
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Laughing Gull  12
Herring Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  14
Least Tern  50
Forster's Tern  25
Black Skimmer  14
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  4
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Eastern Kingbird  7
Red-eyed Vireo  3
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  15
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  3
Purple Martin  65
Tree Swallow  4
Barn Swallow  2
Carolina Chickadee  2
House Wren  4
Carolina Wren  5     heard
American Robin  8
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  4
Cedar Waxwing  7
Common Yellowthroat  5
Yellow Warbler  3
Yellow-breasted Chat  3     heard
Song Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  6
Indigo Bunting  2     heard
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  8
Brown-headed Cowbird  3
Orchard Oriole  3     heard
Baltimore Oriole  1
House Finch  6
American Goldfinch  3
House Sparrow  8

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, June 5th, 2013

All resident and breeding birds this morning. Waders consisted of Great and Snowy Egrets, and Glossy Ibis. Raptors included 4 Osprey, and a kettle of Black and Turkey Vultures, with 3 Red-tailed Hawks. Shorebirds were 1 Semipalmated Plover, 2 Piping Plover (one on nest), and 6 American Oystercatchers including a pair with 2 chicks. About a dozen Black Skimmers were on the beach. Also had good looks at Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Leader: Karl Lukens.
54 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  10
Mallard  8
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  2
Glossy Ibis  10
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  15
Osprey  4
Red-tailed Hawk  3
Semipalmated Plover  1
Piping Plover  2
Killdeer  4
American Oystercatcher  6
Laughing Gull  25
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  8
Least Tern  100
Forster's Tern  20
Black Skimmer  15
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  10
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  2
Chimney Swift  3
Downy Woodpecker  1
Eastern Kingbird  2
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  2
Purple Martin  100
Tree Swallow  10
Barn Swallow  1
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  1
House Wren  2
Carolina Wren  2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
American Robin  10
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  2
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  15
Cedar Waxwing  10
Common Yellowthroat  5
Yellow Warbler  3
Yellow-breasted Chat  3
Song Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  6
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  6
Orchard Oriole  1     heard
House Finch  3
House Sparrow  5

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

Piping Plover [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Semipalmated Plover [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Yellow-billed Cuckoo [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Photo Walks with Mike Hannisian - Saturday, June 1st, 2013

The first of the Summer season Saturday Photo Walks was greeted with lovely weather and a good variety of subjects. A Holly Azure started the walk as we left the CMPSP parking lot. The beach produced with a nice group of Black Skimmers as well as scores of Least Terns. Remember, the summer walks start at 7:30 a.m. from in front of the Hawk Watch platform.

Black Skimmer [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Holly Azure [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Least Tern [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Least Tern [Photo by Mike Hannisian]