Bird Walk for All People - Saturday, April 26th, 2014

A beautiful, warm spring afternoon provided the setting for our walk and many birds were taking advantage of it. Highlights include: numerous Osprey; lots of swallows including Purple Martins, Tree, Barn, and Northern Rough-winged; warblers including Palm, Pine, Common Yellowthroat, and Myrtle in splendid plumage; adult and sub-adult Bald Eagle; and some very vocal American Oystercatchers. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Cindy Bamford, Deb Payson, Marc & Lynne Breslow, Catherine Busch, and Chris Marks.
48 species

Canada Goose  26
Mute Swan  13
Gadwall  1
American Wigeon  1     back of Bunker Pond
Mallard  12
Blue-winged Teal  4
Double-crested Cormorant  65
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  2
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  10
Osprey  12
Bald Eagle  2
American Oystercatcher  7
Killdeer  1
Laughing Gull  20
Herring Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  7
Forster's Tern  14
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  4
Mourning Dove  2
American Crow  5
Fish Crow  25
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  15
Purple Martin  50
Tree Swallow  10
Barn Swallow  6
Carolina Chickadee  6
House Wren  2     heard
Carolina Wren  3     heard
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
Hermit Thrush  1
American Robin  7
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  10
Common Yellowthroat  4
Palm Warbler  1
Pine Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler  18
Savannah Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  4
White-throated Sparrow  6
Northern Cardinal  5
Red-winged Blackbird  20
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  4     heard
House Finch  4

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

Birds of Belleplain - Saturday, April 26th, 2014

Leaders:  Bert Hixon, BJ Pinnock, Shaun Bamford & Chris Marks.
47 species

Canada Goose  4
Green-winged Teal  2
Wild Turkey  2
Black Vulture  4
Turkey Vulture  6
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Laughing Gull  43
Herring Gull (American)  4
Great Black-backed Gull  1
Mourning Dove  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Eastern Phoebe  6
Eastern Kingbird  2
White-eyed Vireo  5
Yellow-throated Vireo  1
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  2
Fish Crow  4
Barn Swallow  2
Carolina Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  6
Carolina Wren  3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  8
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
Eastern Bluebird  5
American Robin  6
Brown Thrasher  3
Northern Mockingbird  2
Ovenbird  5
Worm-eating Warbler  2
Black-and-white Warbler  4
Prothonotary Warbler  1
Palm Warbler  1
Pine Warbler  5
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  12
Yellow-throated Warbler  2
Prairie Warbler  4
Eastern Towhee  1
Chipping Sparrow  8
Field Sparrow  3
White-throated Sparrow  6
Northern Cardinal  4
Eastern Meadowlark  2
Common Grackle  4
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
Orchard Oriole  1
American Goldfinch  4

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

Spring Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, April 26th, 2014

Cool and breezy morning with some bird activity. The Willow Pond had four Black-Crowned Night-Herons and an adult Little Blue Heron. Smaller birds consisted of Blue-headed, and White-eyed Vireos, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Palm, and Yellow-rumped Warblers, and two Prothonotary Warblers--one singing. Savannah and Field Sparrows were also present. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Catherine Busch, Carrie Bell, Deb Payson, and Michael McCabe.
43 species

Canada Goose  10
American Black Duck  3
Mallard  6
Great Egret  2
Little Blue Heron  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  4
Black Vulture  5
Turkey Vulture  8
Osprey  1
Red-tailed Hawk  2
Killdeer  1
Wilson's Snipe  1
Laughing Gull  10
Mourning Dove  5
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
White-eyed Vireo  1     heard
Blue-headed Vireo  1
American Crow  5
Fish Crow  2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  5
Tree Swallow  5
Barn Swallow  10
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  1
Carolina Wren  3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  6
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
European Starling  2
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Prothonotary Warbler  2
Common Yellowthroat  4
Palm Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  15
Field Sparrow  5
Savannah Sparrow  5
Song Sparrow  5
Swamp Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  8
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  8
House Sparrow  2

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

Blue-headed Vireo [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Prothonotary Warbler [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Higbee Beach Bird Walk - Friday, April 25th, 2014

A slightly more spritely Higbee Beach this week produced Purple Sandpiper and a flight of 10 Willets over the bay, a close encounter with a fish-carrying Bald Eagle and an increase in the number of Field Sparrows in song. Newly arrived migrants included Black-and-white and Prairie Warblers, Blue-headed Vireo and at least 10 Hermit Thrushes. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Chris Marks, and Catherine Busch.
46 species

Canada Goose  2
Mallard  2
Black Scoter  3
Red-throated Loon  1
Northern Gannet  12
Double-crested Cormorant  55
Great Egret  1
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  6
Osprey  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  1
Willet  10
Ruddy Turnstone  1
Sanderling  12
Purple Sandpiper  1
Laughing Gull  20
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull  10
Great Black-backed Gull  6
Forster's Tern  10
Mourning Dove  2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Downy Woodpecker  3
Merlin  1
White-eyed Vireo  4
Blue-headed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  2
Purple Martin  2
Barn Swallow  6
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  X
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  6
Hermit Thrush  10     Overnight arrival of northbound migrants
American Robin  3
Brown Thrasher  2
Black-and-white Warbler  3
Prairie Warbler  4
Eastern Towhee  1
Field Sparrow  5
White-throated Sparrow  15
Northern Cardinal  5
Red-winged Blackbird  X
Common Grackle  4
Brown-headed Cowbird  10

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

Shorebirds with Heislerville with Pete Dunne - Thursday, April 24th, 2014

We observed the breeding colony of Double-crested Cormorants and Great Egrets, saw Bonaparte's Gulls in all stages of molt into breeding plumage, and enjoyed the antics of a fourth year Bald Eagle as it chased everything in the back impoundment. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Janet Crawford, Shaun Bamford, Michael McCabe and Nancy Watson.
28 species

Canada Goose  2
Mute Swan  2
American Black Duck  7
Northern Shoveler  30
Red-breasted Merganser  3
Double-crested Cormorant  100
Great Egret  38
Snowy Egret  18
Glossy Ibis  26
Black Vulture  4
Turkey Vulture  5
Osprey  6
Bald Eagle  3
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Greater Yellowlegs  100
Willet  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  23
Dunlin  18
Short-billed Dowitcher  6
Bonaparte's Gull  16
Laughing Gull  20
Ring-billed Gull  10
Herring Gull  100
Great Black-backed Gull  16
Forster's Tern  2
Tree Swallow  30
Barn Swallow  6
Red-winged Blackbird  10

East Point Lighthouse
5 species

Double-crested Cormorant  2
Willet  2
European Starling  10
Red-winged Blackbird  6
Boat-tailed Grackle  3

Thompson's Beach
10 species

Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  4
Glossy Ibis  14
Osprey  20
Northern Harrier  1
Clapper Rail  2
Greater Yellowlegs  20
Forster's Tern  1
Barn Swallow  6
Red-winged Blackbird  4

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

Birds of Belleplain - Thursday, April 24th, 2014

A cold (47 deg.) and windy morning probably kept the the birds quiet and honkered in. We did manage some good birds including Eastern Bluebirds, Eastern Meadowlark, American Kestrel, Brown Thrasher singing in the scope, Broad-winged Hawk, and Prairie Warbler. Leaders: Bert Hixon, Karl Lukens, and Shaun Bamford.
43 species

American Black Duck  1
Mallard  2
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  1
Broad-winged Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Greater Yellowlegs  3
Laughing Gull  25
Herring Gull  5
Mourning Dove  8
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
American Kestrel  1
Eastern Phoebe  2
White-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  3
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  10
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  3
Tree Swallow  1
Barn Swallow  10
Carolina Chickadee  1
Tufted Titmouse  1
Carolina Wren  1
Golden-crowned Kinglet  1
Eastern Bluebird  3
American Robin  5
Brown Thrasher  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  2
Ovenbird  5
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Pine Warbler  2
Prairie Warbler  2
Eastern Towhee  1
Chipping Sparrow  10
Field Sparrow  2
White-throated Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  5
Eastern Meadowlark  3
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
American Goldfinch  6

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

Eastern Bluebird [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, April 23rd, 2014

A cold and very windy (20-30 mph) morning made birding somewhat difficult. We did manage to find a nice pair of Blue-winged Teal, and offshore numerous Northern Gannets. Lots of swallows were about, mostly Barn, Tree, a few Northern Rough-winged among Purple Martins. We also had a flyover Willet. The woods contained singing House and Carolina Wrens, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, a Blue-headed Vireo, as well as Common Yellowthroat, and Palm, Pine, Prairie, and Yellow-rumped Warblers.  Leaders: Mike Crewe, Megan Crewe, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, and Chris Marks.
49 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  15
Mute Swan  10
Gadwall  2
Mallard  6
Blue-winged Teal  2
Green-winged Teal  2
Surf Scoter  10
scoter sp.  20
Red-throated Loon  2
Common Loon  1
Northern Gannet  30
Double-crested Cormorant  50
Great Egret  3
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  10
Osprey  3
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Killdeer  1
Willet  1
Laughing Gull  100
Herring Gull  3
Great Black-backed Gull  3
Forster's Tern  5
Mourning Dove  5
Merlin  1
Blue-headed Vireo  1
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  2
Purple Martin  50
Tree Swallow  10
Barn Swallow  20
Carolina Chickadee  5
House Wren  3
Carolina Wren  1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  3
American Robin  5
European Starling  5
Common Yellowthroat  1
Palm Warbler  4
Pine Warbler  3
Yellow-rumped Warbler  6
Prairie Warbler  1
Song Sparrow  4
White-throated Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  6
House Sparrow  5

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

Blue-winged Teal [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Pine Warbler [Photo by Karl Lukens]

EZ Birding at Cape May Point - Tuesday, April 22nd, 2014

EZ Birding at the State Park enjoyed beautiful spring weather and a nice variety of birds this morning. Highlights of the walk include: a number of Brown Thrashers, both visible and heard; Glossy Ibis flying overhead; an Eurasian Wigeon with both Blue- and Green-winged Teal; Killdeer; and American Oystercatchers on the beach. Leaders: Chuck Slugg and Nancy Watson.
51 species

Canada Goose  15
Mute Swan  10
Gadwall  2
Eurasian Wigeon  1     Still on Bunker Pond!
American Wigeon  6     On Bunker Pond with other ducks
Mallard  14
Blue-winged Teal  4
Green-winged Teal  4
Northern Gannet  5
Double-crested Cormorant  65
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  2
Glossy Ibis  9
Turkey Vulture  5
Osprey  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Oystercatcher  4
Killdeer  2
Laughing Gull  10
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Forster's Tern  10
Chimney Swift  1
American Crow  10
Fish Crow  15
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  6
Purple Martin  35
Tree Swallow  20
Barn Swallow  1
Carolina Chickadee  5
House Wren  2
Carolina Wren  5
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
American Robin  11
Brown Thrasher  7
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  3
Cedar Waxwing  1
Common Yellowthroat  7     heard
Pine Warbler  3     heard
Yellow-rumped Warbler  1
Field Sparrow  1     heard
Song Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  3
Red-winged Blackbird  20
Common Grackle  8
Brown-headed Cowbird  4
House Finch  6
American Goldfinch  2

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

Hidden Corners of Belleplain - Tuesday, April 22nd, 2014

We enjoyed good looks at Yellow-throated Warbler, Pine Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Prairie Warbler, White-eyed Vireo and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. Leaders: Karen Johnson, Janet Crawford, Chris Marks, Michael McCabe and Shaun Bamford.
31 species

Wood Duck  2
Wild Turkey  1
Turkey Vulture  2
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Laughing Gull  8
Mourning Dove  2
Downy Woodpecker  1
Eastern Phoebe  3
White-eyed Vireo  10
Blue Jay  6
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  1
Barn Swallow  1
Carolina Chickadee  5
Tufted Titmouse  8
Carolina Wren  1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  10
American Robin  2
European Starling  2
Ovenbird  3
Black-and-white Warbler  7
Pine Warbler  6
Yellow-throated Warbler  14
Prairie Warbler  6
Eastern Towhee  2
Chipping Sparrow  2
Field Sparrow  2
White-throated Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  3
Brown-headed Cowbird  6
American Goldfinch  2

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, April 21st, 2014

Still cold for an April morning, but we had a few different ducks including two each Blue-winged and Green-winged Teal, and Northern Shoveler. Offshore, we had numerous Northern Gannets, Red-throated Loons, and scoters. On the beach there were at least three pair of American Oystercatchers. Common Yellowthroats were singing in several areas and one or two Marsh Wrens sang loudly and close by the trail. Overhead were Tree, Barn, Northern Rough-winged Swallows, and Purple Martins as well as two Boat-tailed Grackles. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Steve Weis, Janet Crawford, Mark & Lynn Breslow.
43 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  15
Gadwall  6
Mallard  8
Blue-winged Teal  2
Northern Shoveler  2
Green-winged Teal  2
Black Scoter  8
Red-throated Loon  20
Common Loon  1
Northern Gannet  12
Double-crested Cormorant  30
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  2
Green Heron  2
Black Vulture  4
Turkey Vulture  8
American Oystercatcher  6
Wilson's Snipe  1
Laughing Gull  20
Herring Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  3
Forster's Tern  1
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  1
Mourning Dove  5
Fish Crow  10
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  1
Purple Martin  8
Tree Swallow  10
Barn Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  1
Marsh Wren  2
European Starling  2
Common Yellowthroat  3
Yellow-rumped Warbler  1
Savannah Sparrow  3
Song Sparrow  5
Northern Cardinal  5
Red-winged Blackbird  25
Common Grackle  3
Boat-tailed Grackle  2
Brown-headed Cowbird  2
House Sparrow  1

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

American Oystercatcher [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Cox Hall Creek Bird Walk - Sunday, April 20th, 2014

Though the wind was strong enough to keep many birds hunkered down at Cox Hall Creek WMA this morning, there was ample opportunity to bird by ear. A vocalizing Yellow-throated Warbler foraged high in a pine close to a silent Pine Warbler. In other areas, Pine Warblers trilled softly compared to the louder, longer songs of the many Chipping Sparrows. A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker whirred softly as it dove into a cavity and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers challenged the group to hear their airy buzzes. Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, Janet Crawford, Cindy & Shaun Bamford.
45 species

Wood Duck  2
Mallard  6
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  1
Red-tailed Hawk  3
Laughing Gull  7
Herring Gull  3
Mourning Dove  6
Red-bellied Woodpecker  5
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1
Downy Woodpecker  2
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  2
Blue Jay  12
American Crow  5
Fish Crow  5
Tree Swallow  6
Carolina Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  8
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  8
Eastern Bluebird  5
American Robin  19
Brown Thrasher  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  12
Pine Warbler  3
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  3
Yellow-throated Warbler  1
Eastern Towhee  2
Chipping Sparrow  12
Field Sparrow  2
Song Sparrow  2
White-throated Sparrow  6
Dark-eyed Junco  2
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  6
Rusty Blackbird  2
Common Grackle  3
Brown-headed Cowbird  22
American Goldfinch  4
House Sparrow  2

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

Bird Walk for All People - Saturday, April 19th

Partly cloudy with a slight breeze. Highlights of the walk include: perched Belted Kingfisher; drake Eurasian Wigeon; Blue-winged Teal; Pine Warbler; Common Yellow-throat; Brown Thrasher; Sharp-shinned Hawk; Osprey; and Forster's Terns. Leaders: Chuck Slugg, Cindy Bamford, Marc & Lynne Breslow.
42 species

Canada Goose  20
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  6
Eurasian Wigeon  1     Seen in Cape May Point State Park on Bunker Pond
American Wigeon  8
Mallard  12
Blue-winged Teal  6
Green-winged Teal  6
Bufflehead  5
Red-throated Loon  1
Great Egret  6
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  8
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
American Oystercatcher  2
Laughing Gull  15
Great Black-backed Gull  3
Forster's Tern  15
Mourning Dove  3
Belted Kingfisher  1
Northern Flicker  2
American Crow  5
Fish Crow  13
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  10
Purple Martin  30
Tree Swallow  20
Barn Swallow  12
Carolina Wren  3     heard
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
American Robin  5
Brown Thrasher  1
Northern Mockingbird  3
Common Yellowthroat  1
Pine Warbler  3
Song Sparrow  5
White-throated Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  20
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  1
House Finch  2     heard

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

Birds of Belleplain - Saturday, April 19th, 2014

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

Canada Goose  6
American Black Duck  2
Mallard  2
Wild Turkey  2
Great Blue Heron  1
Snowy Egret  1
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  4
Bald Eagle  1
Broad-winged Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Greater Yellowlegs  2
Laughing Gull  16
Herring Gull (American)  8
Mourning Dove  2
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  1
American Kestrel  3
Eastern Phoebe  4
White-eyed Vireo  5
Blue Jay  4
American Crow  5
Fish Crow  8
Tree Swallow  2
Carolina Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  6
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  8
Eastern Bluebird  3
American Robin  16
Brown Thrasher  2
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  X
Ovenbird  2
Worm-eating Warbler  1
Louisiana Waterthrush  1
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Pine Warbler  6
Yellow-throated Warbler  8
Prairie Warbler  2
Eastern Towhee  1
Chipping Sparrow  16
Field Sparrow  2
Song Sparrow  2
White-throated Sparrow  10
Northern Cardinal  2
Eastern Meadowlark  2
Common Grackle  20
Brown-headed Cowbird  X
American Goldfinch  4

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

Spring Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, April 19th, 2014

Still early for most migrants but we did have a good flyover of waders including Great Blue Heron, Great and Snowy Egrets, Green and Tricolored Herons and 4 perched Black-Crowned Night-Herons. Warblers are still not here in numbers, but there were numerous Blue-gray Gnatcatchers and Yellow-rumped Warbler, the latter singing, and also a Common Yellowthroat. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Kathy & Roger Horn, Catherine Busch, and Nancy Watson.
41 species

Canada Goose  5
Mallard  6
Common Loon  1
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  1
Tricolored Heron  1     after walk
Green Heron  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  4
Black Vulture  2     after walk
Turkey Vulture  2     after walk
Red-tailed Hawk  1     after walk carrying vole
Killdeer  3
Laughing Gull  10
Herring Gull  1
Forster's Tern  2     after walk
Mourning Dove  10
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Downy Woodpecker  1
American Kestrel  1
American Crow  5
Fish Crow  2
Tree Swallow  3
Barn Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  1
Carolina Wren  5
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  7
European Starling  5
Common Yellowthroat  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  20
Eastern Towhee  1
Song Sparrow  3
White-throated Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  5
Red-winged Blackbird  8
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  6
American Goldfinch  2
House Sparrow  1

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

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

A Meadows Afternoon - Friday, April 18th, 2014

A fun walk at The Meadows, with much of the bird activity being overhead. Red-tailed and Cooper's Hawks, a fine male Northern Harrier and several Ospreys milled around, many swallows and martins and fly-catching Bonaparte's Gulls were all highlights. Leaders: Gail Dwyer, Tom Reed, and Mike Crewe.
33 species

Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  4
Mallard  6
Northern Shoveler  2
Green-winged Teal  4
Black Scoter  2
Northern Gannet  4
Double-crested Cormorant  12
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  2
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  5
Osprey  3
Northern Harrier  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  2
American Coot  5
Bonaparte's Gull  10
Laughing Gull  20
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Forster's Tern  12
Mourning Dove  2
Chimney Swift  2
Fish Crow  8
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  6
Purple Martin  15
Tree Swallow  10
Barn Swallow  6
Song Sparrow  1
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  4

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

Higbee Beach Bird Walk - Friday, April 18th, 2014

The late spring meant that Higbee Beach was not overly blessed with migrants today, but that just meant that we had more time to enjoy the activity over the bay. Northern Gannets were diving for fish, Ospreys fished along the shore and Sanderlings were fattening up on the tideline. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Chris Marks, Catherine Busch, Mary Watkins, and Megan Crewe.
38 species (+1 other taxa)

Brant  22
Canada Goose  7
Mallard  4
Black Scoter  5
Surf/Black Scoter  40
Wild Turkey  1     heard calling
Red-throated Loon  6
Northern Gannet  150
Double-crested Cormorant  30
Great Egret  1
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  5
American Oystercatcher  3
Sanderling  48
Bonaparte's Gull  1
Laughing Gull  9
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull  6
Great Black-backed Gull  4
Forster's Tern  4
Mourning Dove  4
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  1
Eastern Kingbird  2
Blue Jay  2
Tree Swallow  3
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  X
Hermit Thrush  1
American Robin  X
Field Sparrow  2
White-throated Sparrow  6
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  X
Common Grackle  X
Brown-headed Cowbird  6
American Goldfinch  2

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

Shorebirds at Heislerville with Pete Dunne - Thursday, April 17th, 2014

Highlights included a Black-headed Gull, Stilt Sandpiper, an immature Bald Eagle, lots of Glossy Ibis, and lots of Osprey. The Double-crested Cormorants, Great Egrets and Snowy Egrets are starting to build nests on the island in the impoundment. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Janet Crawford, Shaun Bamford, and Michael McCabe.
35 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  3
American Black Duck  4
Mallard  2
Green-winged Teal  30
Lesser Scaup  4
Bufflehead  2
Hooded Merganser  3
Red-breasted Merganser  3
Double-crested Cormorant  75
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  14
Snowy Egret  9
Green Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  44
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  5
Bald Eagle  0
Greater Yellowlegs  120
Lesser Yellowlegs  12
Stilt Sandpiper  1
Dunlin  1
Least Sandpiper  70
Bonaparte's Gull  4
Ring-billed Gull  10
Herring Gull  60
Great Black-backed Gull  8
Forster's Tern  40
Fish Crow  2
Purple Martin  8
Tree Swallow  50
Barn Swallow  1
European Starling  2
Red-winged Blackbird  20
Boat-tailed Grackle  7

East Point Lighthouse
8 species

Double-crested Cormorant  1
Willet  3
Bonaparte's Gull  20
Black-headed Gull  1     Continuing bird. Full breeding plumage
Laughing Gull  3
Forster's Tern  4
Red-winged Blackbird  4
Boat-tailed Grackle  1

Thompson's Beach
5 species

Green-winged Teal  30
Osprey  19
Northern Harrier  1
Bald Eagle  1
Greater Yellowlegs  20

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

Birds of Belleplain - Thursday, April 17th, 2014

A cold morning, 30 degrees at start, and rather quiet. We did finally find a few Pine, Yellow-throated, and Black-and-white Warblers singing as well as numerous Chipping Sparrows, nest gathering Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, and a White-eyed Vireo. We also found a few Eastern Phoebes and a couple of Eastern Kingbirds. Wild Turkeys were seen twice, and there were a couple of American Kestrels perched for scope views. Leaders: Bert Hixon, Karl Lukens, Shaun Bamford, Tom Baxter, and Michael McCabe.
48 species

American Black Duck  1
Mallard  4
Ring-necked Duck  1
Wild Turkey  4
Common Loon  1
Great Egret  1
Snowy Egret  1
Glossy Ibis  1
Black Vulture  8
Turkey Vulture  15
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  2
Laughing Gull  15
Mourning Dove  4
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  2
American Kestrel  2
Eastern Phoebe  4
Eastern Kingbird  2
White-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  6
Tree Swallow  2
Barn Swallow  3
Carolina Chickadee  1
Tufted Titmouse  4
Brown Creeper  1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  6
Eastern Bluebird  1
American Robin  30
Brown Thrasher  3
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  2
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Palm Warbler  1
Pine Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler  3
Yellow-throated Warbler  2
Eastern Towhee  1
Chipping Sparrow  10
White-throated Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  5
Red-winged Blackbird  2
Common Grackle  20
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
American Goldfinch  8

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

Pine Warbler [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Nummy's Island Bird Walk - Wednesday, April 16th, 2014

Leaders: Gail Dwyer, Tom Reed, Chris Marks, Bill & Lee Smythe, and Patty Rourke.
46 species

Brant  190
Canada Goose  3
Mallard  4
Surf Scoter  1
Black Scoter  2
Long-tailed Duck  2
Bufflehead  4
Red-breasted Merganser  3
Red-throated Loon  1
Common Loon  6
Northern Gannet  30
Double-crested Cormorant  20
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  2
Tricolored Heron  3     not exceptional
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  8
Northern Harrier  1
American Oystercatcher  10
Black-bellied Plover  20
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Willet (Eastern)  1
Whimbrel  57     *actual count -- photos
Ruddy Turnstone  1
Red Knot  1     should be added to filter for this date
Dunlin  2000
Short-billed Dowitcher  15
Laughing Gull  2500
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull  60
Great Black-backed Gull  15
Forster's Tern  5
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  2
Mourning Dove  2
Peregrine Falcon  1
Fish Crow  4
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  3
Chipping Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  1
Red-winged Blackbird  20
Boat-tailed Grackle  40

Avalon Dunes
1 species
 
4 Yellow-Crowned Night Heron

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, April 16th, 2014

A very cold and breezy morning so we decided to check the feeders and ponds around the point and also the Coral Ave. dune crossover. The latter produced some good birds including two Lesser Black-backed Gulls, and fly-by Pectoral Sandpiper, Willet, and Cliff Swallow. A Wilson's Snipe popped up briefly on the edge of Lighthouse Pond. A flock of Cedar Waxwings were feeding on juniper berries at Lily Lake, and at the parking lot a Merlin flew over. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Megan Crewe, and Chris Marks.
53 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  2
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  2
Mallard  8
Green-winged Teal  3
Surf Scoter  1
Black Scoter  1
Surf/Black Scoter  8
Long-tailed Duck  8
Red-throated Loon  2
Common Loon  1
Northern Gannet  6
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Snowy Egret  4
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  4
Willet  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  2
Pectoral Sandpiper  1
Wilson's Snipe  1
Laughing Gull  25
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull  8
Lesser Black-backed Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  5
Forster's Tern  5
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  3
Mourning Dove  5
Northern Flicker  2
Merlin  1
American Crow  5
Fish Crow  5
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  1
Purple Martin  15
Tree Swallow  1
Barn Swallow  8
Cliff Swallow  1
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  20
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  10
Cedar Waxwing  30
Chipping Sparrow  4
Song Sparrow  2
White-throated Sparrow  8
Northern Cardinal  5
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
House Finch  8
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  15

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

Cedar Waxwings [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Hidden Corners of Belleplain - Tuesday, April 15th, 2014

Leaders: Karen Johnson. Chris Marks, Mary Watkins, and Nancy Watson.
28 species

Canada Goose  6
Double-crested Cormorant  38
Turkey Vulture  3
Laughing Gull  25
Mourning Dove  6
Barred Owl  2     heard
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  1
Eastern Phoebe  1     heard
White-eyed Vireo  3     heard
Fish Crow  4
Carolina Chickadee  6
Tufted Titmouse  6
Carolina Wren  2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  12
Ovenbird  1     heard
Louisiana Waterthrush  3     2 heard, 1 seen
Black-and-white Warbler  10
Common Yellowthroat  2
Pine Warbler  19
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  2
Yellow-throated Warbler  12
Chipping Sparrow  6
White-throated Sparrow  6
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)  2
Northern Cardinal  4
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
American Goldfinch  6

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, April 14th, 2014

Numbers and variety of ducks are diminishing with Mallard, Gadwall and Northern Shovelers most common. A pair of Blue-winged Teal gave nice scope views. Off-shore, scoters, loons and Northern Gannets were seen. A few shorebirds were seen including Short-billed Dowitcher, Killdeer, American Oystercatchers, and Greater Yellowlegs. Waders included one Snowy Egret and a couple of Great Egrets--the latter in high breeding plumage with bright green lores.  Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Catherine Busch, Chris Marks, Marc & Lynn Breslow, and Nancy Watson.
45 species

Canada Goose  6
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  12
Mallard  10
Blue-winged Teal  2
Northern Shoveler  8
Green-winged Teal  4
Surf Scoter  30
Black Scoter  30
Red-throated Loon  5
Common Loon  3
Northern Gannet  10
Double-crested Cormorant  25
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  1
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  5
Osprey  4
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
American Coot  5
American Oystercatcher  8
Killdeer  3
Greater Yellowlegs  3
Sanderling  3
Short-billed Dowitcher  6
Laughing Gull  25
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  4
Forster's Tern  6
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  1
Mourning Dove  4
American Crow  3
Fish Crow  5
Tree Swallow  10
Barn Swallow  1
Carolina Chickadee  5
Marsh Wren  1     heard
European Starling  2
Savannah Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  25
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  1
House Finch  4
House Sparrow  1

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

Great Egret [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Red-throated Loon [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Cox Hall Creek Bird Walk - Sunday, April 13th, 2014

Warm spring weather and cooperative birds made for a pleasant first walk of the season. Some wintering birds still present included two Red-necked Grebes on the lake, a Golden-crowned Kinglet, and flyover Common Loons in breeding plumage. Early spring arrivals included Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Palm Warbler, flyover Glossy Ibis, and a very cooperative White-eyed Vireo. Good looks at Cedar Waxwings and Brown Thrasher were nice, as well as a pair of Eastern Bluebirds inspecting a nest box. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Catherine Busch, and Chris Marks.
45 species

Canada Goose  6
Mallard  5
Common Loon  3     flyovers
Red-necked Grebe  2     continuing, acquiring breeding plumage
Double-crested Cormorant  15
Glossy Ibis  3     flyovers
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  2
Laughing Gull  10
Herring Gull  2
Mourning Dove  4
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  1
White-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  4
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  10
Tree Swallow  2
Barn Swallow  1
Carolina Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  8
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  4
Golden-crowned Kinglet  1
Eastern Bluebird  2
American Robin  10
Brown Thrasher  2
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  3
Cedar Waxwing  20
Palm Warbler  1
Eastern Towhee  3
Chipping Sparrow  12
Field Sparrow  2
Song Sparrow  2
White-throated Sparrow  6
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  2
Common Grackle  6
Brown-headed Cowbird  6
House Finch  4
American Goldfinch  6
House Sparrow  8

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

Spring Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, April 12th, 2014

It was a nice morning with no need for winter clothes. A few new birds for the year were seen including three Eastern Meadowlarks (2 fly-overs, 1 perched at the end of the walk), and an early Prothonotary Warbler in the back field along the water at Pond Creek Farm. We had four Black-crowned Night-Herons in the Willow Pond and a brief look as two Wood Ducks flew out. Also nice looks at very yellow Palm Warblers and 2 mating Killdeer!  Leaders: Karl Lukens, Catherine Busch, and Chris Marks.
41 species

Canada Goose  10
Wood Duck  2
Mallard  8
Common Loon  1
Double-crested Cormorant  3
Black-crowned Night-Heron  4
Black Vulture  8
Turkey Vulture  12
Osprey  1
Killdeer  4     pair mating
Wilson's Snipe  1
Laughing Gull  5
Herring Gull  5
Mourning Dove  4
Red-bellied Woodpecker  4
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  1
American Kestrel  1
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  5
Fish Crow  3
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  1
Tree Swallow  3
Tufted Titmouse  3
Carolina Wren  5
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  4
Gray Catbird  1
European Starling  10
Prothonotary Warbler  1
Palm Warbler  3
Yellow-rumped Warbler  6
Eastern Towhee  1
Field Sparrow  6
Song Sparrow  8
White-throated Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  5
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Eastern Meadowlark  3
Rusty Blackbird  1
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  5

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

Mating Killdeer [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Palm Warbler [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Higbee Beach Bird Walk - Friday, April 11th, 2014

Though the fields at Higbee Beach were a little quiet, the bay bustled with great activity. The biggest Northern Gannet flight of the year so far was taking place, accompanied by a good movement of Black and Surf Scoters. Though quiet, the fields held Eastern Phoebes, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers and singing Field Sparrows. Leaders:  Mike Crewe, Chris Marks, Catherine Busch, and Michael McCabe.
43 species

Mallard  2
Surf Scoter  60
Black Scoter  35
Long-tailed Duck  2
Red-throated Loon  15
Northern Gannet  200
Double-crested Cormorant  20
Snowy Egret  12
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  4
American Oystercatcher  1
Willet  3     Flyovers
Sanderling  9
Bonaparte's Gull  2
Laughing Gull  12
Ring-billed Gull  4
Herring Gull  15
Great Black-backed Gull  8
Forster's Tern  6
Mourning Dove  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  3
Eastern Phoebe  3
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  1
Purple Martin  1
Carolina Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  4
Carolina Wren  6
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  4
Brown Thrasher  3
Yellow-rumped Warbler  2
Field Sparrow  4
Song Sparrow  6
White-throated Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  3
Red-winged Blackbird  4
Common Grackle  10
Boat-tailed Grackle  2
Brown-headed Cowbird  6

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

Nummy's Island Bird Walk - Wednesday, April 9th, 2014

Leaders:  Gail Dwyer, Tom Reed, Chris Marks, Bill & Lee Smythe, Patty Rourke, Michael McCabe, Lynne & Marc Breslow.
29 species

Brant (Atlantic)  85
American Black Duck  6
Black Scoter  2
Long-tailed Duck  1
Bufflehead  10
Red-breasted Merganser  1
Common Loon  4
Double-crested Cormorant  7
Great Cormorant  1
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  4
Tricolored Heron  2
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  6
Northern Harrier  2
American Oystercatcher  6
Black-bellied Plover  20
Greater Yellowlegs  2
Whimbrel  5     flew in to Stone Harbor Point
Red Knot  1
Dunlin  75
Laughing Gull  800
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull (American)  20
Mourning Dove  6
American Kestrel  1
Fish Crow  12
Red-winged Blackbird  14
Boat-tailed Grackle  25

Avalon Dunes

Black-crowned Night-Heron 4
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron 14
Mourning Dove 4
Fish Crow 4
Carolina Chickadee 2
Northern Cardinal 2
Red-winged Blackbird 4

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, April 9th, 2014

A nice morning with a good variety of ducks including two Blue-winged Teal, Ring-necked, Lesser Scaup, and Red-breasted Merganser. Unusual with the ducks on Bunker Pond was a Red-throated Loon. Off-shore were scoters, Northern Gannets and more Red-throated Loons. We also had Ospreys overhead, and a group of Black Vultures perched in a tree. There were numerous Tree, Northern Rough-winged, and Barn Swallows plus Purple Martins. Warblers included one Palm, several Pine, and a couple Yellow-rumped Warblers. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Chris Marks, Mike Hannisian, and Mary Watkins.
52 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  10
American Black Duck  4
Mallard  10
Blue-winged Teal  2
Green-winged Teal  10
Ring-necked Duck  1
Lesser Scaup  3
Black Scoter  25
Bufflehead  7
Red-breasted Merganser  1
Red-throated Loon  10
Northern Gannet  25
Double-crested Cormorant  22
Black Vulture  9
Turkey Vulture  12
Osprey  5
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  1
Red-tailed Hawk  2
American Oystercatcher  5
Wilson's Snipe  1
Laughing Gull  35
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  1
Mourning Dove  5
Northern Flicker  3
American Crow  15
Fish Crow  5
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  5
Purple Martin  5
Tree Swallow  10
Barn Swallow  3
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  5
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  10
Palm Warbler  1
Pine Warbler  3
Yellow-rumped Warbler  2
Chipping Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  8
Northern Cardinal  6
Red-winged Blackbird  25
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
House Finch  5
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  1

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

Black Vultures [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Red-tailed Hawk [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, April 7th, 2014

A cloudy, cold morning with some rain drops, but there were still a few ducks to see including Ring-necked, Bufflehead, Northern Shovelers, Green-winged Teal and a pair of Blue-winged Teal. Off-shore were a few Surf, numerous Black, and four White-winged Scoters, as well as one very close Red-necked Grebe. Raptors included two Northern Harriers and one Red-tailed Hawk. A nice adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was on the beach, while Red-winged Blackbirds were singing in the marshes. A couple of Palm Warblers were also seen. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Mike Hannisian, Catherine Busch, and Chris Marks.
45 species

Canada Goose  5
Mute Swan  5
Gadwall  15
American Black Duck  4
Mallard  10
Blue-winged Teal  2
Northern Shoveler  10
Green-winged Teal  5
Ring-necked Duck  3
Surf Scoter  5
White-winged Scoter  4
Black Scoter  20
Bufflehead  4
Red-throated Loon  1
Northern Gannet  8
Double-crested Cormorant  10
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  3
Turkey Vulture  10
Osprey  3
Northern Harrier  2
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Coot  3
American Oystercatcher  3
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Wilson's Snipe  1
Bonaparte's Gull  1
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull  3
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  5
Mourning Dove  5
American Crow  3
Fish Crow  2
Tree Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  2
Carolina Wren  1
European Starling  5
Palm Warbler  3
Song Sparrow  5
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  20
Common Grackle  5
House Finch  1
House Sparrow  1

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

Blue-winged Teal [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Red-throated Loon [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Maurice River Bald Eagle Cruise - Sunday, April 6th, 2014

There were more Bald Eagles feeding eaglets in their nests, as well as many Rough-winged Swallows hunting the river. The Double-crested Cormorants were in high breeding plumage, and great amounts of Green-winged Teal were still found on the river. The highlight would have to be the Red-necked Grebe we found further down the river toward Mauricetown. Leaders: Dave Lord and Mary Watkins.
22 species

Canada Goose  45
American Black Duck  23
Green-winged Teal  210
Red-necked Grebe  1
Double-crested Cormorant  120
Great Blue Heron  4
Snowy Egret  13
Turkey Vulture  12
Osprey  52
Bald Eagle  9
Red-shouldered Hawk  1
Greater Yellowlegs  5
Laughing Gull  10
Ring-billed Gull  24
Forster's Tern  4
Belted Kingfisher  3
Eastern Phoebe  1
Fish Crow  13
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  21
Tree Swallow  16
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  5

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

Spring Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, April 5th, 2014

A great day for Great Egrets with a total of 71 flying overhead in groups of two, five, and ten. We also had four perched Black-crowned Night-Herons and a couple of Great Blue Heron. A few interesting ducks on the willow pond included three pair of Ring-necked, and a pair of Wood Ducks. Both Tree and Barn Swallows were around the ponds. Other small birds were Golden-crowned Kinglets, Pine, Palm, and Yellow-rumped Warblers as well as at least five Eastern Phoebes. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chris Marks, and Nancy Watson.
46 species

Canada Goose  12
Wood Duck  2
Mallard  6
Ring-necked Duck  6
Common Loon  1
Double-crested Cormorant  25
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  71
Black-crowned Night-Heron  4
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  2
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Killdeer  2
Greater Yellowlegs  1     calling
Wilson's Snipe  2
Herring Gull  5
Mourning Dove  4
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  3
Eastern Phoebe  5
American Crow  5
Fish Crow  5
Tree Swallow  3
Barn Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  1
Carolina Wren  3
Golden-crowned Kinglet  6
American Robin  30     1 partial leucistic
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  5
Palm Warbler  3
Pine Warbler  6
Yellow-rumped Warbler  5
Eastern Towhee  1     heard
Chipping Sparrow  3
Field Sparrow  1
Savannah Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  8
White-throated Sparrow  2
Dark-eyed Junco  3
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  25
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  15

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

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

Eastern Phoebe [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Higbee Beach Bird Walk - Friday, April 4th, 2014

A chilly and blustery Higbee Beach was not overly inviting this morning, but this is Cape May and the birds were there to be found! A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker eventually settled for all to get good views and three Eastern Phoebes were early migrants in the fields, but the beach and bay produced the best activity today. A Piping Plover was a nice surprise on the beach, two Horned Grebes included a nice close bird that was almost in full breeding plumage and we witnessed Great Egrets and a Great Blue Heron struggling in right over our heads. Bonaparte's Gulls still hung out at the jetty and displaying Red-breasted Mergansers were a treat to watch. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Chris Marks, Catherine Busch, and Mary Watkins.
41 species

Canada Goose  5
Mallard  3
Surf Scoter  10
Black Scoter  35
Red-breasted Merganser  23
Red-throated Loon  6
Horned Grebe  2
Northern Gannet  25
Double-crested Cormorant  4
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  4
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  2
American Oystercatcher  5
Piping Plover  1
Sanderling  1
Dunlin  5
Bonaparte's Gull  5
Laughing Gull  3
Ring-billed Gull  4
Herring Gull  6
Great Black-backed Gull  1
Forster's Tern  3
Mourning Dove  3
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  1
Eastern Phoebe  3
Blue Jay  X
American Crow  1
Carolina Chickadee  X
Tufted Titmouse  X
Carolina Wren  X
American Robin  X
Eastern Towhee  X
Field Sparrow  2
Song Sparrow  3
White-throated Sparrow  X
Red-winged Blackbird  2
Common Grackle  X
Brown-headed Cowbird  8

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

Nummy's Island Bird Walk - Wednesday, April 2nd, 2014

Tonight’s walk was very enjoyable. We had a number of ’new’ birders and some old friends. The weather was pleasant and we had some nice birds, perhaps the finest was a Horned Grebe in close to full breeding plumage. We also traveled to Avalon to enjoy looks at a Yellow-crowned Night-heron. Leaders: Warren Cairo, Gail Dwyer, and Shaun Bamford.
24 species

Brant  50
Canada Goose  10
Mallard  6
Black Scoter  1
Long-tailed Duck  18
Red-breasted Merganser  8
Red-throated Loon  6
Common Loon  12
Horned Grebe  6
Double-crested Cormorant  40
Great Cormorant  1
Snowy Egret  2
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron 1
Osprey  1
American Oystercatcher  20
Black-bellied Plover  4
Greater Yellowlegs  3
Dunlin  6
Laughing Gull  100
Herring Gull  10
Great Black-backed Gull  12
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  5
Peregrine Falcon  2
Mourning Dove  2
American Robin  2
Song Sparrow  1
Boat-tailed Grackle  10

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, April 2nd, 2014

There was some good offshore viewing with numerous Northern Gannets, Surf and Black Scoter, Red-throated Loons, and a fly-over Common Loon. The ponds contained two Tundra Swans, as well as Ring-necked Ducks, Bufflehead, Lesser Scaup, one Northern Pintail, and ten Green-winged Teal one of which was an Eurasian Teal. A good number of Great Blue Heron were seen, either fly-overs or in the ponds, with one Little Blue Heron on Bunker Pond. In with the Tree Swallows were a couple of Northern Rough-winged Swallows and a Purple Martin. The back woods contained at least four Pine Warblers--some of them singing. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Megan Crewe, Steve Weis, Warren Cairo, Chris Marks, and Hugh Simmons.
60 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  10
Tundra Swan  2
Gadwall  8
American Wigeon  1
Mallard  10
Northern Shoveler  8
Northern Pintail  1
Green-winged Teal  10
Green-winged Teal (Eurasian)  1
Ring-necked Duck  5
Lesser Scaup  3
Surf Scoter  15
Black Scoter  15
Long-tailed Duck  2
Bufflehead  5
Red-breasted Merganser  1     female type
Red-throated Loon  10
Common Loon  1
Northern Gannet  12
Double-crested Cormorant  50
Great Blue Heron  20
Great Egret  1
Little Blue Heron  1     adult
Glossy Ibis  1
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  3
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Coot  1
American Oystercatcher  6
Wilson's Snipe  1
Laughing Gull  15
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  4
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  4
Mourning Dove  5
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  5
Eastern Phoebe  4
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  6
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  2
Purple Martin  1
Tree Swallow  10
Carolina Chickadee  10
Carolina Wren  2
American Robin  10
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  10
Pine Warbler  4
Yellow-rumped Warbler  1
Song Sparrow  5
White-throated Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  20
Common Grackle  8
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
House Finch  5

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

Tundra Swan [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, March 31st, 2014

Not so nice weather, but good birding. Still a good variety of ducks, five species of gulls, and at least three FOY (first of year) birds for many. The latter were Tricolored Heron, Snowy Egret, and Piping Plover. Three pair of American Oystercatchers were on the beach probably looking to set-up nesting sites. Several groups of Wilson's Snipe flying over were nice to see. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Steve Weis, Janet Crawford, Warren Cairo, and Mike Hannisian.
54 species

Canada Goose  12
Mute Swan  6
Tundra Swan  2
Gadwall  15
American Wigeon  4
Mallard  10
Northern Shoveler  6
Green-winged Teal  2
Canvasback  1
Redhead  3
Ring-necked Duck  2
Surf Scoter  1
Black Scoter  30
Long-tailed Duck  3
Bufflehead  2
Red-breasted Merganser  4
Red-throated Loon  2
Common Loon  1
Horned Grebe  1
Double-crested Cormorant  8
Great Blue Heron  4
Snowy Egret  1
Tricolored Heron  1
Black Vulture  4
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  5
Northern Harrier  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  1
Red-tailed Hawk  3
American Oystercatcher  6
Piping Plover  1
Greater Yellowlegs  3
Dunlin  6
Wilson's Snipe  18
Bonaparte's Gull  3
Laughing Gull  4
Ring-billed Gull  3
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  6
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  2
Mourning Dove  3
Northern Flicker  3
American Crow  10
Fish Crow  5
Tree Swallow  3
Carolina Chickadee  1
European Starling  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  1
Savannah Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  2
Brown-headed Cowbird  3

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

Winter Evenings at the Meadows - Friday, March 28th, 2014

Still good for ducks which included two Canvasbacks, three Redheads, two Buffleheads, and a Ruddy Duck. Finished the evening at the parking lot with at least three peenting American Woodcock and one displaying overhead. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chris Marks, Mike Hannisian, and Tom Baxter.
29 species

Brant  6
Canada Goose  25
Mute Swan  3
Gadwall  40
Mallard  20
Northern Shoveler  12
Green-winged Teal  10
Canvasback  2
Redhead  3
Ring-necked Duck  2
Lesser Scaup  2
Black Scoter  10
Bufflehead  2
Ruddy Duck  1
Northern Gannet  20
Osprey  2
Cooper's Hawk  1
American Coot  2
American Oystercatcher  4
Sanderling  20
American Woodcock  3
Bonaparte's Gull  1
Herring Gull  5
Mourning Dove  3
Northern Flicker  2
European Starling  2
Savannah Sparrow  2
Red-winged Blackbird  1
Common Grackle  1

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

American Oystercatchers [Photo by Karl Lukens]