Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, July 27th, 2013

Good looks at terns on the beach in large numbers. They included adults in basic and alternate plumage as well as juveniles of most species. The terns were predominantly Forster's and Common, with a sprinkling of Least and 4 Royal. An interesting duck on Bunker Pond was a Ruddy Duck male in breeding plumage (except it had a black bill). We had numerous Orchard Orioles in the woods as well as Cedar Waxwings building nests in two areas, and an adult and juvenile Pine Warbler. An early Palm Warbler migrant was a surprise. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Kathy & Roger Horn.
53 species

Canada Goose  60
Mute Swan  15
Wood Duck  3
Gadwall  2
Mallard  20
Ruddy Duck  1     ad male
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  6
Little Blue Heron  1
Osprey  2
Killdeer  1
American Oystercatcher  6
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  2
Least Sandpiper  8
Short-billed Dowitcher  1
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  50
Least Tern  10     several juv.
Common Tern  25
Forster's Tern  50
Royal Tern  4
Black Skimmer  8
Mourning Dove  10
Chimney Swift  6
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  3
Northern Flicker  1
Eastern Kingbird  1
Purple Martin  100
Tree Swallow  15
Bank Swallow  6
Barn Swallow  10
Carolina Chickadee  1
Tufted Titmouse  1
Carolina Wren  2
American Robin  8
Northern Mockingbird  4
European Starling  15
Cedar Waxwing  6
Common Yellowthroat  6
Palm Warbler  1
Pine Warbler  2
Song Sparrow  6
Northern Cardinal  5
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  2
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
Orchard Oriole  8
House Finch  5
American Goldfinch  3
House Sparrow  2

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

Cedar Waxwing [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Female Orchard Oriole [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Ruddy Duck [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Song Sparrow [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Gray Treefrog [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Sunset Birding at the Meadows - Friday, July 26th, 2013

We started at the east path first and were rewarded with many shorebirds both close and scope views on the large mudflats and shallow water east of the path. These birds included Semipalmated and Least Sandpipers, even a Stilt Sandpiper, lots of both Yellowlegs, Willets, Short-billed Dowitchers, Killdeer, and Semipalmated Plover. Amongst these birds were 30+ Snowy Egrets, a half dozen Great Egrets, and 6 Glossy Ibis. On the drier flats were at least 100 Terns, adults and juvenile Forster's, Common and a few Least. On the beach we had American Oystercatchers and Black Skimmers.  Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, and Jesse Amesbury.
51 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  8
Mallard  10
Great Egret  8
Snowy Egret  30
Little Blue Heron  1
Green Heron  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  6
Osprey  1
Semipalmated Plover  6
Killdeer  2
American Oystercatcher  9
Spotted Sandpiper  2
Greater Yellowlegs  7
Willet  3
Lesser Yellowlegs  18
Sanderling  50
Semipalmated Sandpiper  40
Least Sandpiper  70
Stilt Sandpiper  1
Short-billed Dowitcher  5
Laughing Gull  30
Ring-billed Gull  3
Herring Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  40
Least Tern  8
Common Tern  15
Forster's Tern  50
Royal Tern  1
Black Skimmer  25
Mourning Dove  15
Chimney Swift  4
Northern Flicker  1
Eastern Kingbird  3
American Crow  3
Purple Martin  15
Tree Swallow  10
Barn Swallow  8
Gray Catbird  1
European Starling  10
Common Yellowthroat  6
Song Sparrow  5
Northern Cardinal  3
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  8
Brown-headed Cowbird  2
House Finch  2
American Goldfinch  2
House Sparrow  3

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

Forster's Tern adult and juvenile [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Immature Little Blue Heron [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Short-billed Dowitcher and Snowy Egret [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Snowy Egrets and Ibis [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Stilt Sandpiper [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Willets [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, July 24th, 2013

A nice morning with lots of Terns to look at. We spent a good deal of time viewing and dicussing the various plumages of the Common, Forster's, Least, and Royal Terns, both adult and juvenile birds. Also good numbers of Swallows as well as the ever present (until September) Purple Martins. A juvenile Little Blue Heron and 3 close Yellow Warblers made for good viewing. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, Warren Cairo, Chris Marks, Shaun Bamford, and Jesse Amesbury.
43 species

Canada Goose  80
Mute Swan  15
Wood Duck  1
Gadwall  6
Mallard  6
Great Egret  1
Little Blue Heron  1     juv.
Glossy Ibis  19
Osprey  3
Killdeer  6
American Oystercatcher  6
Spotted Sandpiper  2
Sanderling  15
Semipalmated Sandpiper  8
Least Sandpiper  10
Short-billed Dowitcher  5
Laughing Gull  25
Herring Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Least Tern  5
Common Tern  40
Forster's Tern  50
Royal Tern  3
Black Skimmer  1
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  8
Chimney Swift  1
Eastern Kingbird  1
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  1
Purple Martin  80
Tree Swallow  25
Barn Swallow  10
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  10
Common Yellowthroat  2
Yellow Warbler  3
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  5
House Finch  2
House Sparrow  2

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

Forster's, Royal, and Common Terns [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Forster's and Common Terns [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Juvenile Little Blue Heron [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, July 22nd, 2013

A foggy day but lots of interesting birds. Waders included Great and Snowy Egrets, Glossy Ibis, and Green Heron. Shorebirds seen were Semipalmated Plover and Sandpiper, Spotted, Least and Stilt Sandpipers, Willet, both Yellowlegs, and Short-billed Dowitcher. Also of interest were Eastern Kingbirds feeding 3 nestlings, a singing Blue Grosbeak, and a distant fly-in and fly-out Black-necked Stilt. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Steve Weis, Warren Cairo, Catherine Busch, Carrie Bell, and Jesse Amesbury.
53 species

Canada Goose  50
Mute Swan  8
Mallard  10
Great Egret  1
Snowy Egret  6
Green Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  68
Osprey  4
Semipalmated Plover  2
Killdeer  2
Black-necked Stilt  1     flew into far end 3rd Plover Pond then out toward Lighthouse.
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Greater Yellowlegs  5
Willet  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  25
Sanderling  1
Semipalmated Sandpiper  20
Least Sandpiper  50
Stilt Sandpiper  1
Short-billed Dowitcher  9
Laughing Gull  25
Ring-billed Gull  5
Herring Gull  3
Great Black-backed Gull  25
Least Tern  10
Common Tern  3
Forster's Tern  15
Black Skimmer  3
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  8
Chimney Swift  1
Eastern Kingbird  6     nest w/3young 2 adults
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  4
Purple Martin  10
Tree Swallow  2
Barn Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  1
American Robin  1
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  10
Cedar Waxwing  3
Common Yellowthroat  5
Song Sparrow  5
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  1
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  4
Orchard Oriole  2
House Finch  6
House Sparrow  5

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

Black Skimmer [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Lesser Yellowlegs [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Swamp Darner [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Belleplain Wildlife - Sunday, July 21st, 2013

After examining a Southern Flannel and various geometer moths, one of our party captured a young tree frog hopping at the base of the shed (see picture). We then hiked through the woods to Lake Nummy stopping for a close look at a Fence Lizard. We had brief looks at Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Pine Warbler, and Ovenbird. Many dragonflies were seen today: Swamp Darner, Slaty Skimmer, Blue Dasher, Eastern Pondhawk, Fragile Forktail, Eastern Amberwing, and Carolina Saddlebags. We had more butterflies than last week including Eastern Tiger and Spicebush Swallowtails, Silver-spotted and Least Skipper, and a fresh Variegated Fritillary. A highlight was a Henry's Marsh Moth caterpillar on a cattail. Leaders: Bert Hixon, Catherine Busch, Chris Marks, and Tom Baxter.

Young tree frog [Photo by Catherine Busch]

Henry's Marsh Moth caterpillar [Photo by Catherine Busch] 

Back Bay Birding by Boat on the Osprey - Sunday, July 21st, 2013

Surf and Black scoters still remain in Cape May Harbor, and two Common Loons can still be found passing time in Jarvis Sound.
32 species

Canada Goose  5
Mallard  2
Surf Scoter  1
Black Scoter  1
Common Loon  2     One Non-breeding adult and one presumed first calendar year
Double-crested Cormorant  36
Great Blue Heron  6
Great Egret  22
Snowy Egret  19
Black-crowned Night-Heron  2
Glossy Ibis  32
Black Vulture  4
Turkey Vulture  6
Osprey  43
Clapper Rail  5
American Oystercatcher  13
Spotted Sandpiper  9
Greater Yellowlegs  13
Willet  3
Least Sandpiper  15
Short-billed Dowitcher  7
Laughing Gull  1234
Herring Gull  32
Great Black-backed Gull  23
Least Tern  11
Common Tern  32
Forster's Tern  15
Purple Martin  4
Barn Swallow  7
Saltmarsh Sparrow  1
Red-winged Blackbird  7
Boat-tailed Grackle  2

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

Photo Walks with Mike Hannisian - Saturday, July 20th, 2013

We're a month into Summer and things, they are a changin'. Dragonflies are in, and in good numbers. In addition to our other late July regulars, both male and female Blue Dashers and Four-spotted Pennants are plentiful. Our breeding Forster's Terns are again lining up along the railing on on the south side of Bunker Pond, and Eastern Kingbirds can be heard and seen around almost every bend. With the change in the weather, next weekend suggests a promise of things to come. Leaders: Mike Hannisian and Nancy Watson.

Blue Dasher female [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Blue Dasher male [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Eastern Kingbird [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Forster's Tern [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Four-spotted Pennant male [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Four-spotted Pennant female [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, July 20th, 2013

A hot morning but some good birding at the Point. Just a few shorebirds, mostly fly-bys, including both Yellowlegs, and Least and Spotted Sandpipers. We had good looks at terns on the beach and the pier railing on Bunker Pond, including Least, Common, Forster's and Royal Terns in various plumages. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Kathy & Roger Horn, and Catherine Busch.
48 species

Canada Goose  100
Mute Swan  10
Gadwall  7
Mallard  15
Glossy Ibis  18
Osprey  4
American Oystercatcher  4
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  9
Sanderling  3
Least Sandpiper  6
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  30
Least Tern  4
Common Tern  15
Forster's Tern  35
Royal Tern  4
Black Skimmer  2
Rock Pigeon  1
Mourning Dove  10
Chimney Swift  2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2
Eastern Kingbird  2
White-eyed Vireo  1     heard
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  1
Purple Martin  95
Tree Swallow  15
Barn Swallow  5
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  2
American Robin  6
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  20
Cedar Waxwing  1
Common Yellowthroat  5
Yellow-breasted Chat  1     heard
Song Sparrow  6
Northern Cardinal  4
Indigo Bunting  2     heard
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  2
Brown-headed Cowbird  1
House Finch  2
House Sparrow  2

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

Sunset Birding at the Meadows - Friday, July 19th, 2013

A nice evening for birding. Waders were Glossy Ibis, Great Egret, Black-crowned Night-Heron, and Green Heron. Shorebirds included Semipalmated Sandpiper and Plover, Killdeer, Spotted, Least, and Pectoral Sandpiper, both Yellowlegs, and Short-billed Dowitcher. On the beach we had Black Skimmer, American Oystercatcher, and a Lesser Black-backed Gull. Other birds of interest were 2 Orchard Orioles and an Eastern Kingbird feeding young in a nest. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, and Jesse Amesbury.
49 species

Canada Goose  15
Mute Swan  15
Gadwall  2
Mallard  8
Great Egret  1
Green Heron  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  2
Osprey  3
Semipalmated Plover  3
Killdeer  2
American Oystercatcher  7
Spotted Sandpiper  2
Greater Yellowlegs  2
Lesser Yellowlegs  4
Semipalmated Sandpiper  3
Least Sandpiper  25
Pectoral Sandpiper  1
Short-billed Dowitcher  4
Laughing Gull  30
Ring-billed Gull  4
Herring Gull  3
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  100
Least Tern  5
Common Tern  10
Forster's Tern  30
Black Skimmer  3
Mourning Dove  15
Chimney Swift  4
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2
Eastern Kingbird  4
Fish Crow  4
Purple Martin  5
Barn Swallow  3
Carolina Wren  1
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  20
Cedar Waxwing  3
Common Yellowthroat  5
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  2
Orchard Oriole  2
House Finch  2
American Goldfinch  2
House Sparrow  3

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

Eastern Kingbird and nestlings [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, July 17th, 2013

A hot and humid morning with some good birds to look at. Off shore we had 2 Brown Pelicans, and on the beach and Bunker Pond there were many terns in various plumages. They included Least, Forster's, Common, and Royal Terns. Waders seen were Great Egret, a juvenile (white) Little Blue Heron, and several groups of Glossy Ibis overhead. Also overhead were several groups of Least Sandpipers, and Short-billed Dowitchers.We had the usual swallows plus a Bank Swallow. A highlight was a singing Yellow-breasted Chat with good scope views. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, and Chris Marks.
50 species

Canada Goose  75
Mute Swan  20
Gadwall  6
Mallard  10
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Brown Pelican  2
Great Egret  1
Little Blue Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  28
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  5
Killdeer  5
American Oystercatcher  4
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Least Sandpiper  15
Short-billed Dowitcher  9
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull  2
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  20
Least Tern  8
Common Tern  15
Forster's Tern  25
Royal Tern  2
Mourning Dove  10
Chimney Swift  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Eastern Kingbird  3
Fish Crow  1
Purple Martin  75
Tree Swallow  1
Bank Swallow  1
Barn Swallow  4
Carolina Chickadee  1
Tufted Titmouse  1
House Wren  2
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  10
Common Yellowthroat  5     heard
Yellow-breasted Chat  1
Song Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  4
Indigo Bunting  2
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  2
Brown-headed Cowbird  2
House Finch  2
House Sparrow  5

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

Lesser Black-backed Gull [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Juvenile Little Blue Heron [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Yellow-breasted Chat [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, July 15th, 2013

Very foggy for the first part of the walk but some good birds were observed, i.e., Indigo Bunting, Blue Grosbeak, 3 Orchard Orioles, Common Yellowthroat, and an Eastern Kingbird on a nest with young. On the beach we had the usual Gulls plus a Lesser Black-backed Gull, and 9 American Oystercatchers. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Steve Weis, Janet Crawford, Catherine Busch, Carrie Bell, and Tom Baxter.
54 species

Canada Goose  30
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  1
American Black Duck  10
Mallard  15
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  2
Green Heron  6
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  20
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  6
Killdeer  1
American Oystercatcher  9
Spotted Sandpiper  2
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Semipalmated Sandpiper  2
Least Sandpiper  4
Short-billed Dowitcher  9
Laughing Gull  20
Ring-billed Gull  5
Herring Gull  5
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  20
Least Tern  8
Forster's Tern  10
Royal Tern  1
Black Skimmer  1
Rock Pigeon  1
Mourning Dove  10
Chimney Swift  4
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  3
Northern Flicker  1     heard
Eastern Kingbird  3     on nest w/young
Fish Crow  5
Purple Martin  10
Tree Swallow  4
Barn Swallow  6
American Robin  5
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  15
Common Yellowthroat  4
Yellow-breasted Chat  1     heard before walk
Song Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  3
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  2
Orchard Oriole  3
House Finch  3
House Sparrow  5

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

Eastern Kingbird nestlings [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Indigo Bunting [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Orchard Oriole [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Ring-billed Gull

Belleplain Wildlife - Sunday, July 14th, 2013

First stop was the moth shed where we found Virginia Tiger, Banded Tussock, and Painted Lichen moths, and an annual cicada. In pursuit of shade on a very hot day, we then hiked the Goosekiln Trail to the bridge at Lake Nummy where we enjoyed the breeze off the water. Bert Hixon gave us an overview of the trees and shrubs along the way. Dragonflies were abundant today: Slaty, Painted, and Widow Skimmers; Halloween Pennant; Blue Dasher; Swamp Darner; Eastern Pondhawk; and Blue Dasher. Butterflies included Eastern-tailed Blue, Spicebush Swallowtail, and Silver-spotted Skipper. But the highlight of the day was when we stumbled upon newly metamorphosed treefrogs of unknown species perched on cattail leaves. We learned by consulting with our absent leader, Mike Crewe, that the juveniles of our three treefrog species in the county (Northern Gray, Southern Gray, and Pine Barrens) are nearly identical in appearance. Leaders: Bert Hixon, Chris Marks, Catherine Busch, Mike Hannisian, and Dave Lord.

Juvenile treefrog [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Painted Lichen Moth [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, July 13th, 2013

Morning started with dense fog but we were able to see the terns on the beach and pier railing in Bunker Pond. There were many Forster's, a good number of Common, and 5 Royal Terns all in varying plumage. Waders included Glossy Ibis, Great Egrets, and a fly-by Black-crowned Night-Heron. A few shorebirds were seen including American Oystercatchers, one Semipalmated Sandpiper, and a couple of Least and Spotted Sandpipers. Highlights were great looks at two Yellow-breasted Chats, and a first summer Orchard Oriole bringing food to its nest. Also a very good dragonfly day. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Kathy & Roger Horn.
50 species

Canada Goose  30
Mute Swan  10
Gadwall  2
Mallard  10
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Great Egret  4
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  33
Osprey  1
Killdeer  3
American Oystercatcher  5
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Semipalmated Sandpiper  1
Least Sandpiper  3
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  5
Least Tern  5
Common Tern  15
Forster's Tern  75
Royal Tern  5
Black Skimmer  1
Rock Pigeon  1
Mourning Dove  10
Chimney Swift  1
Eastern Kingbird  3
American Crow  1
Purple Martin  75
Tree Swallow  5
Barn Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  1
House Wren  3
Carolina Wren  2
American Robin  10
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  15
Cedar Waxwing  2
Common Yellowthroat  6
Yellow-breasted Chat  3
Song Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  5
Indigo Bunting  2
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  4
Orchard Oriole  2     1st summer male feeding young at nest
House Finch  6
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  5

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

Forster's and Common Terns [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Eastern Kingbird [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Four-spotted Pennant [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Rambur's Forktail [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Swamp Darner [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Yellow-breasted Chat [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, July 10th, 2013

As expected for the summer time, the birding was rather slow, but enough was about to keep us interested. A number of Glossy Ibis and Osprey were overhead as well as a small group of Lesser Yellowlegs and Short-billed Dowitchers. A western Willet landed on the beach for a short while. Terns were on the beach and the pier railing on Bunker Pond giving us good views of Common and Forster's Terns in various plumages. With these terns were a few Royals including a juvenile, and also Least Terns. Of note was a Cedar Waxwing bringing nest material to a nest, as well as a first summer Orchard Oriole male bringing food to its nest. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Chris Marks, Steve Weis & Jesse Amesbury.
55 species

Canada Goose  100
Mute Swan  15
Wood Duck  1
Gadwall  1
Mallard  15
Brown Pelican  2
Great Egret  1
Glossy Ibis  10
Osprey  5
Killdeer  3
American Oystercatcher  10
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Willet (Western)  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  5
Short-billed Dowitcher  4
Laughing Gull  20
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  25
Least Tern  8
Common Tern  10
Forster's Tern  20
Royal Tern  8
Black Skimmer  3
Rock Pigeon  1
Mourning Dove  5
Chimney Swift  3
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Downy Woodpecker  2
Fish Crow  2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  2
Purple Martin  75
Tree Swallow  1
Barn Swallow  8
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  1
House Wren  2
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  5
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  15
Cedar Waxwing  3
Common Yellowthroat  3
Pine Warbler  1
Yellow-breasted Chat  2
Song Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  3
Indigo Bunting  1     heard
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  6
Brown-headed Cowbird  2
Orchard Oriole  2     at nest
House Finch  1
American Goldfinch  2
House Sparrow  5

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

Common, Forster's and Royal Terns [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Yellow-breasted Chat [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, July 8th, 2013

Pete was back with us again and we had some good birding. From the parking lot area we had Indigo Bunting, Blue Grosbeak, Common Yellowthroat, and briefly a Yellow-breasted Chat. Waders were Great Egret, Glossy Ibis, Green Heron and Black-crowned Night-Heron. Some shorebirds were present including both Yellowlegs, Least and Spotted Sandpiper, and one Solitary Sandpiper. On the beach we had American Oystercatchers with one fledged chick, and a few Black Skimmers. A Willow Flycatcher in the shrubs was a nice find. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Steve Weis, Catherine Busch, and Janet Crawford.
55 species

Canada Goose  20
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  8
Mallard  12
Double-crested Cormorant  9
Great Egret  2
Green Heron  2
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  10
Black Vulture  1
Osprey  4
Killdeer  5
American Oystercatcher  6
Spotted Sandpiper  3
Solitary Sandpiper  1
Greater Yellowlegs  2
Lesser Yellowlegs  5
Least Sandpiper  6
Pectoral Sandpiper  1
Laughing Gull  20
Herring Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  15
Least Tern  10
Common Tern  1
Forster's Tern  15
Black Skimmer  2
Mourning Dove  10
Chimney Swift  5
Northern Flicker  1
Willow Flycatcher  1
Eastern Kingbird  2
Fish Crow  6
Purple Martin  5
Tree Swallow  3
Barn Swallow  4
Tufted Titmouse  1
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  5
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  25
Cedar Waxwing  2
Common Yellowthroat  6
Yellow-breasted Chat  1
Song Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  4
Brown-headed Cowbird  4
Orchard Oriole  2
House Finch  2
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  5

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

Blue Grosbeak [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Common Yellowthroat [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Orchard Oriole [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Belleplain Wildlife - Sunday, July 7th, 2013

We started with an array of moths at park headquarters:  Huckleberry Sphinx, Southern Flannel, Painted Lichen Moth, and Banded Tussock. We then went to Tarkiln Pond and Head of River in search of dragonflies and damselflies. At Tarkiln, we had Eastern Pondhawk, Slaty Skimmer, Four-spotted Pennant, Blue Dasher, Rambur's Forktail, Dragonhunter, and Violet Dancer. At Head of River, we added Common Sanddragon, Sparkling Jewelwing, and Attentuated Bluet. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Chris Marks, Catherine Busch, Bert Hixon, Megan Crewe, and Mike Hannisian.

Huckleberry Sphinx [Photo by Catherine Busch]

Painted Lichen Moth [Photo by Catherine Busch]

Photo Walks with Mike Hannisian - Saturday, July 6th, 2013

The weather for this week's Saturday Photo Walk was clear and warm. Given the time of year and weather, the photo subjects were rather predictable. These included Forster's Terns lined up on the railing on the south side of Bunker Pond and a Gadwall showing off his white speculum patch. But the real news this week was the number of dragonflies present. Most common among these were Blue Dasher, Four-spotted Pennant, and Needham's Skimmer. If you are interested in learning more about dragonflies and damselflies, keep in mind that next Saturday (July 13) Mike Crewe will be leading a dragonfly workshop. Contact CMBO for the details.

Blue Dasher [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Forster's Tern [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Four-spotted Pennant [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Gadwall [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

 Needham's Skimmer [Photo by Mike Hannisian]