Our January trip to Edwin B. Forsythe NWR and Motts Creek had a number of great birds. It was a beautiful day, mild for January, and we had a plethora of duck species including: Common, Hooded, and Red-breasted Mergansers; Gadwall; Bufflehead; Northern Pintails; American Wigeon; Mallards; and scaup (sp). There were great looks at Tundra Swans, Snow Geese (with a few Blue Geese in the mix), and a Snowy Owl that was dive-bombed by a Northern Harrier. We had a perched Rough-legged Hawk in all the scopes, distant looks at a Golden Eagle, the usual pair of Peregrine Falcons perched on the hacking tower, and Bald Eagles spooking large flocks of Snow Geese.
While Forsythe was spectacular, Motts Creek was breathtaking! Thanks to the generosity of the bar/restaurant we were able to set up scopes on their deck. Close Short-eared Owls were in abundance with three in the air simultaneously, and at least six different owls in total. There were several Rough-legged Hawks-- one perched on a post about 40 yards away from us. The magic moment came near dusk when a Peregrine Falcon streaked across the marsh almost in the grass right in front of us. It kicked up a flock of Black Ducks and picked off the trailing duck. They tumbled down into the spartina grass. We watched the death struggle as they fought in the grass. Moments after the Peregrine had dispatched the duck a Rough-legged Hawk swooped in and stole the Peregrine's dinner. The disgruntled Peregrine made several passes at the hawk and then perched on a sign in the marsh glaring at his rival. As the hawk ripped into the duck, a Bald Eagle began to dive at it. The Rough-legged Hawk prevailed and the eagle flew off. What a grand end to a special day! Leaders: Karen Johnson, Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Chris Marks, Mary Watkins, and Barb Bassett.
Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Wildlife Drive
37 species (+1 other taxa)
Snow Goose 2000
Canada Goose 150
Mute Swan 6
Tundra Swan 100 conservative estimate
Gadwall 30
American Wigeon 10
American Black Duck 250
Mallard 60
Blue-winged Teal 1 Continuing
Northern Shoveler 5
Northern Pintail 85
Canvasback 20
Ring-necked Duck 10
Greater/Lesser Scaup 20
Bufflehead 40
Hooded Merganser 45
Common Merganser 10
Red-breasted Merganser 2
Great Blue Heron 3
Turkey Vulture 6
Golden Eagle 1 sub-adult Found by Tom Reed
Northern Harrier 5
Cooper's Hawk 1
Bald Eagle 2
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Rough-legged Hawk 1
Dunlin 30
Herring Gull (American) 75
Great Black-backed Gull 8
Mourning Dove 1
Snowy Owl 1 continuing female
Peregrine Falcon 2
Blue Jay 1
Carolina Wren 1
American Tree Sparrow 1
Seaside Sparrow 2
Red-winged Blackbird 4
Common Grackle 1
Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Motts Creek
14 species
Canada Goose 30
Mute Swan 2
Tundra Swan 4
American Black Duck 6
Great Blue Heron 2
Northern Harrier 6
Bald Eagle 1
Rough-legged Hawk 2
Herring Gull (American) 4
Great Black-backed Gull 2
Mourning Dove 6
Short-eared Owl 5 not unusual for this location
Peregrine Falcon 1
European Starling 25
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)
Winter Wednesday Wanderings - Wednesday, January 28th, 2015
Today's walk demonstrated just what winter can be like at Cape May Point. We missed the "Blizzard of the Century" having only gotten a dusting of snow earlier in the week but we did get the wind and it continued today. When we started the walk, the 'feels like' temperature was in the single digits largely due to a steady 20 mph wind. Lake Lily was the largest fresh water open area, and it had the usual birds plus a lone Snow Goose which brought back memories of last year's Ross' Goose. But after a close examination it remained a Snow goose. The highlight was at the parking lot at the entrance to the State Park where there was a very close (about 50') Red-shouldered Hawk perched about three feet off the ground in a nice sheltered spot. Then the Yellow-breasted Chat hopped up in the vegetation between us and the hawk, and he stayed in view until the resident Northern Mockingbird decided to chase him off. Most of the ponds in the state park were frozen over but each had a pair of Mute Swans in the very small patches of water. The third plover pond had more open water and the five Tundra Swan were still there. All in all it was a pleasant walkabout so the next time it's cold like this, dress warm and come on out and join me. Leader: Warren Cairo.
53 species
Snow Goose 1
Canada Goose 40
Mute Swan 12
Tundra Swan 5
Gadwall 20
American Wigeon 8
American Black Duck 8
Mallard 12
Northern Shoveler 4
Ring-necked Duck 2
Surf Scoter 12
Black Scoter 6
Long-tailed Duck 2
Bufflehead 8
Hooded Merganser 2
Ruddy Duck 1
Double-crested Cormorant 2
Black Vulture 4
Turkey Vulture 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 2
American Coot 1
Ruddy Turnstone 2
Purple Sandpiper 4
Bonaparte's Gull 1
Ring-billed Gull 4
Herring Gull 20
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 5
Mourning Dove 8
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 2
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 4
Tree Swallow 4
Carolina Chickadee 6
Tufted Titmouse 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 1
American Robin 20
Northern Mockingbird 4
European Starling 15
Yellow-rumped Warbler 2
Yellow-breasted Chat 1
Fox Sparrow (Red) 4
White-throated Sparrow 12
Dark-eyed Junco 2
Northern Cardinal 8
Common Grackle 5
Brown-headed Cowbird 4
House Finch 2
House Sparrow 10
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)
53 species
Snow Goose 1
Canada Goose 40
Mute Swan 12
Tundra Swan 5
Gadwall 20
American Wigeon 8
American Black Duck 8
Mallard 12
Northern Shoveler 4
Ring-necked Duck 2
Surf Scoter 12
Black Scoter 6
Long-tailed Duck 2
Bufflehead 8
Hooded Merganser 2
Ruddy Duck 1
Double-crested Cormorant 2
Black Vulture 4
Turkey Vulture 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 2
American Coot 1
Ruddy Turnstone 2
Purple Sandpiper 4
Bonaparte's Gull 1
Ring-billed Gull 4
Herring Gull 20
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 5
Mourning Dove 8
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 2
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 4
Tree Swallow 4
Carolina Chickadee 6
Tufted Titmouse 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 1
American Robin 20
Northern Mockingbird 4
European Starling 15
Yellow-rumped Warbler 2
Yellow-breasted Chat 1
Fox Sparrow (Red) 4
White-throated Sparrow 12
Dark-eyed Junco 2
Northern Cardinal 8
Common Grackle 5
Brown-headed Cowbird 4
House Finch 2
House Sparrow 10
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)
Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, January 24th, 2015
We saw a lot of 'every day' winter birds on this morning's walk. But one of our walkers was from Washington State and he helped us re-see the beauty of the Northern Cardinal and the Blue Jay, both of which are largely absent in the American West. We also had stunning looks at a Northern Gannet that was close enough to see its yellowish nape and pale blue bill. Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn.
41 species
Canada Goose 28
Mute Swan 4
Gadwall 11
American Wigeon 22
American Black Duck 4
Mallard 10
Ring-necked Duck 4
Surf Scoter 16
Hooded Merganser 2
Red-throated Loon 2
Northern Gannet 1
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Great Blue Heron 1
Black Vulture 2
Turkey Vulture 3
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 1
Herring Gull (American) 2
Forster's Tern 2
Mourning Dove 15
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 3
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 4
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 3
Carolina Chickadee 8
Tufted Titmouse 3
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Carolina Wren 5
American Robin 30
Northern Mockingbird 4
European Starling 40
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 4
Fox Sparrow (Red) 1
Song Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow 21
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 12
Northern Cardinal 6
Common Grackle 3
House Finch 7
House Sparrow 16
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (/content/nj)
41 species
Canada Goose 28
Mute Swan 4
Gadwall 11
American Wigeon 22
American Black Duck 4
Mallard 10
Ring-necked Duck 4
Surf Scoter 16
Hooded Merganser 2
Red-throated Loon 2
Northern Gannet 1
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Great Blue Heron 1
Black Vulture 2
Turkey Vulture 3
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 1
Herring Gull (American) 2
Forster's Tern 2
Mourning Dove 15
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 3
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 4
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 3
Carolina Chickadee 8
Tufted Titmouse 3
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Carolina Wren 5
American Robin 30
Northern Mockingbird 4
European Starling 40
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 4
Fox Sparrow (Red) 1
Song Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow 21
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 12
Northern Cardinal 6
Common Grackle 3
House Finch 7
House Sparrow 16
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (/content/nj)
Winter Wednesday Wanderings - Wednesday, January 21st, 2014
This week's Winter Wednesday Wanderings walk was another successful adventure. One of our participants had four life birds on this walk and the Black-headed Gull at the concrete ship (Sunset Beach) just prior to the walk. Today we visited three sites beginning and ending at the Northwood’s Center and traveling to the concrete ship and Two Mile beach. We missed the Black-headed Gull but more than made up for that miss at Two Mile beach. The highlights were good looks at the Harlequin Ducks, Great Cormorants and a close look at a flock of Red Knots. Leader: Warren Cairo.
Cape Island--Sunset Beach/Concrete Ship
19 species
Surf Scoter 20
Black Scoter 8
Long-tailed Duck 6
Bufflehead 4
Red-throated Loon 10
Horned Grebe 3
Turkey Vulture 3
Ruddy Turnstone 4
Sanderling 8
Bonaparte's Gull 6
Ring-billed Gull 8
Herring Gull 12
Great Black-backed Gull 2
Forster's Tern 2
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 5
Mourning Dove 2
Northern Flicker 1
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 6
Cape May NWR--Two Mile Unit
30 species
Harlequin Duck 2 both females
Surf Scoter 40
Black Scoter 20
Long-tailed Duck 20
Bufflehead 8
Red-breasted Merganser 1
Ruddy Duck 4
Red-throated Loon 12
Common Loon 1
Pied-billed Grebe 1
Horned Grebe 2
Great Cormorant 5
Turkey Vulture 2
American Oystercatcher 5
Black-bellied Plover 2
Ruddy Turnstone 6
Red Knot 40
Sanderling 20
Dunlin 120
Bonaparte's Gull 2
Ring-billed Gull 2
Herring Gull 6
Great Black-backed Gull 12
Mourning Dove 2
American Crow 2
Northern Mockingbird 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 5
Song Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 2
Dark-eyed Junco 1
CMBO Northwood Center
17 species
Mute Swan 2
Mallard 4
Ruddy Duck 5
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 4
Mourning Dove 8
Downy Woodpecker 2
Tufted Titmouse 2
American Robin 12
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 8
Yellow-rumped Warbler 4
Song Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow 6
Northern Cardinal 6
House Finch 10
American Goldfinch 4
House Sparrow 6
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (/content/nj)
Cape Island--Sunset Beach/Concrete Ship
19 species
Surf Scoter 20
Black Scoter 8
Long-tailed Duck 6
Bufflehead 4
Red-throated Loon 10
Horned Grebe 3
Turkey Vulture 3
Ruddy Turnstone 4
Sanderling 8
Bonaparte's Gull 6
Ring-billed Gull 8
Herring Gull 12
Great Black-backed Gull 2
Forster's Tern 2
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 5
Mourning Dove 2
Northern Flicker 1
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 6
30 species
Harlequin Duck 2 both females
Surf Scoter 40
Black Scoter 20
Long-tailed Duck 20
Bufflehead 8
Red-breasted Merganser 1
Ruddy Duck 4
Red-throated Loon 12
Common Loon 1
Pied-billed Grebe 1
Horned Grebe 2
Great Cormorant 5
Turkey Vulture 2
American Oystercatcher 5
Black-bellied Plover 2
Ruddy Turnstone 6
Red Knot 40
Sanderling 20
Dunlin 120
Bonaparte's Gull 2
Ring-billed Gull 2
Herring Gull 6
Great Black-backed Gull 12
Mourning Dove 2
American Crow 2
Northern Mockingbird 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 5
Song Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 2
Dark-eyed Junco 1
CMBO Northwood Center
17 species
Mute Swan 2
Mallard 4
Ruddy Duck 5
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 4
Mourning Dove 8
Downy Woodpecker 2
Tufted Titmouse 2
American Robin 12
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 8
Yellow-rumped Warbler 4
Song Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow 6
Northern Cardinal 6
House Finch 10
American Goldfinch 4
House Sparrow 6
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (/content/nj)
Bird Walk for All People - Monday, January 19th, 2015
The weather was partly sunny, a little breezy, but not too cold for our holiday family walk which included an activity for children after the first hour while adults could continue the walk. The start of the walk was slow since Bunker Pond was frozen over but we did spot Tundra Swans. From the top of the dune we saw Great Black-backed, Ring-billed, and Herring Gulls and a line of scoter. Lighthouse Pond East had more open water so we added American Wigeon, Mallards, Hooded Mergansers, and Ring-billed Ducks. Small birds were scarce in the state park, but we did spot Carolina Chickadees and Yellow-rumped Warblers. As we continued through the Point we added Dark-eyed Juncos, White-throated Sparrows, and numerous Northern Cardinals. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Kathy Horn, Marc & Lynne Breslow.
40 species (+1 other taxa)
Canada Goose 35
Mute Swan 3
Tundra Swan 3
Gadwall 4
American Wigeon 8
Mallard 6
Northern Shoveler 4
Ring-necked Duck 4
scoter sp. 25
Hooded Merganser 6
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Turkey Vulture 3
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Wilson's Snipe 1
Ring-billed Gull 2
Herring Gull 25
Great Black-backed Gull 3
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 4
Mourning Dove 5
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 heard only
Northern Flicker 2
Blue Jay 3 heard only
American Crow 4
Tree Swallow 4
Carolina Chickadee 10
Tufted Titmouse 3
Carolina Wren 2 heard only
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
American Robin 10
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 4
Yellow-rumped Warbler 5 heard only
White-throated Sparrow 5
Dark-eyed Junco 4
Northern Cardinal 7
Red-winged Blackbird 6
Common Grackle 30
House Finch 2
House Sparrow 6
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (/content/nj)
40 species (+1 other taxa)
Canada Goose 35
Mute Swan 3
Tundra Swan 3
Gadwall 4
American Wigeon 8
Mallard 6
Northern Shoveler 4
Ring-necked Duck 4
scoter sp. 25
Hooded Merganser 6
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Turkey Vulture 3
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Wilson's Snipe 1
Ring-billed Gull 2
Herring Gull 25
Great Black-backed Gull 3
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 4
Mourning Dove 5
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 heard only
Northern Flicker 2
Blue Jay 3 heard only
American Crow 4
Tree Swallow 4
Carolina Chickadee 10
Tufted Titmouse 3
Carolina Wren 2 heard only
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
American Robin 10
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 4
Yellow-rumped Warbler 5 heard only
White-throated Sparrow 5
Dark-eyed Junco 4
Northern Cardinal 7
Red-winged Blackbird 6
Common Grackle 30
House Finch 2
House Sparrow 6
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (/content/nj)
Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, January 17th, 2015
It was a beautiful, sunny, and cold morning. The ponds were mostly frozen but the open water held seasonal waterfowl. The ocean, jetties, and streets of the Point, including several feeders, yielded many species. The highlights were a flock of 25 Common Redpolls at the dunes near Whildin Ave., a brief look at a Yellow-breasted Chat, and both kinglets showing their colors. A large kettle formed with Turkey Vultures, Black Vultures, and three Bald Eagles (two adults and one immature). The hot coffee at the warm Northwood Center helped all thaw out while reviewing the list. Come on out and enjoy the winter fun next Saturday! Leaders: Warren Cairo, Steve Weis, Chris Marks, Michael McCabe, Catherine Busch, and Barb Bassett.
51 species (+1 other taxa)
Canada Goose 20
Mute Swan 4
Gadwall 2
American Wigeon 2
Mallard 6
Northern Shoveler 2
Ring-necked Duck 5
Surf Scoter 1
Black Scoter 20
Surf/Black Scoter 200
Ruddy Duck 2
Black Vulture 10
Turkey Vulture 12
Northern Harrier 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
Bald Eagle 3
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Ruddy Turnstone 1
Purple Sandpiper 3
Herring Gull 20
Great Black-backed Gull 6
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 8
Mourning Dove 14
Downy Woodpecker 1 male
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 5
Tree Swallow 1
Carolina Chickadee 10
Tufted Titmouse 4
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Brown Creeper 1
Carolina Wren 4
Golden-crowned Kinglet 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2
Hermit Thrush 1
American Robin 30
Northern Mockingbird 4
European Starling 30
Yellow-rumped Warbler 2
Yellow-breasted Chat 1 seen briefly near state park entrance
Fox Sparrow (Red) 1
Song Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 10
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 10
Northern Cardinal 2
Red-winged Blackbird 1
Brown-headed Cowbird 40
House Finch 10
Common Redpoll 25
American Goldfinch 2
House Sparrow 20
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)
51 species (+1 other taxa)
Canada Goose 20
Mute Swan 4
Gadwall 2
American Wigeon 2
Mallard 6
Northern Shoveler 2
Ring-necked Duck 5
Surf Scoter 1
Black Scoter 20
Surf/Black Scoter 200
Ruddy Duck 2
Black Vulture 10
Turkey Vulture 12
Northern Harrier 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
Bald Eagle 3
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Ruddy Turnstone 1
Purple Sandpiper 3
Herring Gull 20
Great Black-backed Gull 6
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 8
Mourning Dove 14
Downy Woodpecker 1 male
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 5
Tree Swallow 1
Carolina Chickadee 10
Tufted Titmouse 4
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Brown Creeper 1
Carolina Wren 4
Golden-crowned Kinglet 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2
Hermit Thrush 1
American Robin 30
Northern Mockingbird 4
European Starling 30
Yellow-rumped Warbler 2
Yellow-breasted Chat 1 seen briefly near state park entrance
Fox Sparrow (Red) 1
Song Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 10
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 10
Northern Cardinal 2
Red-winged Blackbird 1
Brown-headed Cowbird 40
House Finch 10
Common Redpoll 25
American Goldfinch 2
House Sparrow 20
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)
Winter Wednesday Wanderings - Wednesday, January 14th, 2014
Today's Winter Wednesday's Wanderings really looked wintery with a fresh coating of snow. Most of the ponds were frozen but a number of feeders gave us plenty of birds to study. The highlights were back at the Northwood Center with the Common Redpoll at the feeders and a great cup of hot coffee to go with it! Come on out and enjoy the winter fun next week.
47 species
Canada Goose 12
Mute Swan 5
Gadwall 2
American Black Duck 1
Mallard 5
Northern Shoveler 6
Ring-necked Duck 8
Surf Scoter 10
Black Scoter 6
Ruddy Duck 3
Red-throated Loon 3
Horned Grebe 1
Great Blue Heron 2
Turkey Vulture 3
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
Sanderling 7
Bonaparte's Gull 10
Ring-billed Gull 6
Herring Gull 12
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 5
Mourning Dove 12
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 2
Carolina Chickadee 4
Tufted Titmouse 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 4
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
American Robin 12
Northern Mockingbird 3
European Starling 30
Yellow-rumped Warbler 5
Field Sparrow 7
Fox Sparrow 4
Song Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow 10
Dark-eyed Junco 16
Northern Cardinal 6
Red-winged Blackbird 50
Common Grackle 20
House Finch 10
Purple Finch 8
Common Redpoll 1
American Goldfinch 4
House Sparrow 12
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)
47 species
Canada Goose 12
Mute Swan 5
Gadwall 2
American Black Duck 1
Mallard 5
Northern Shoveler 6
Ring-necked Duck 8
Surf Scoter 10
Black Scoter 6
Ruddy Duck 3
Red-throated Loon 3
Horned Grebe 1
Great Blue Heron 2
Turkey Vulture 3
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
Sanderling 7
Bonaparte's Gull 10
Ring-billed Gull 6
Herring Gull 12
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 5
Mourning Dove 12
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 2
Carolina Chickadee 4
Tufted Titmouse 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 4
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
American Robin 12
Northern Mockingbird 3
European Starling 30
Yellow-rumped Warbler 5
Field Sparrow 7
Fox Sparrow 4
Song Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow 10
Dark-eyed Junco 16
Northern Cardinal 6
Red-winged Blackbird 50
Common Grackle 20
House Finch 10
Purple Finch 8
Common Redpoll 1
American Goldfinch 4
House Sparrow 12
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)
Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, January 10th, 2015
Today’s walk was a little on the brisk side, nonetheless, those of us who braved the wind and cold were rewarded with some nice birds. Most of the ponds were frozen over to the point there were people playing hockey on Lighthouse Pond. We had a Brown Thrasher feeding near us and it seems that because of the cold, his focus was more on food than us. We had good looks at an Orange-crowned Warbler near the entrance to the State Park. All in all, a good morning of birding. Leaders: Warren Cairo, Steve Weis, and Michael McCabe.
40 species
Canada Goose 45
Mute Swan 7
Gadwall 2
Mallard 6
Ring-necked Duck 12
Black Vulture 8
Turkey Vulture 4
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Bald Eagle 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Killdeer 1
American Woodcock 1
Ring-billed Gull 10
Herring Gull 4
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Eurasian Collared-Dove 1 Perched
Mourning Dove 8
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 1
Blue Jay 5
Tree Swallow 8
Carolina Chickadee 4
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Carolina Wren 2
American Robin 4
Brown Thrasher 1
Northern Mockingbird 2
European Starling 20
Orange-crowned Warbler 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 6
Fox Sparrow 6
Song Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 15
Northern Cardinal 8
Red-winged Blackbird 100
Common Grackle 200
Brown-headed Cowbird 4
House Finch 5
House Sparrow 14
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)
40 species
Canada Goose 45
Mute Swan 7
Gadwall 2
Mallard 6
Ring-necked Duck 12
Black Vulture 8
Turkey Vulture 4
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Bald Eagle 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Killdeer 1
American Woodcock 1
Ring-billed Gull 10
Herring Gull 4
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Eurasian Collared-Dove 1 Perched
Mourning Dove 8
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 1
Blue Jay 5
Tree Swallow 8
Carolina Chickadee 4
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Carolina Wren 2
American Robin 4
Brown Thrasher 1
Northern Mockingbird 2
European Starling 20
Orange-crowned Warbler 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 6
Fox Sparrow 6
Song Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 15
Northern Cardinal 8
Red-winged Blackbird 100
Common Grackle 200
Brown-headed Cowbird 4
House Finch 5
House Sparrow 14
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)
Winter Wednesday Wanderings - Wednesday, January 7th, 2015
Today was the initial Wednesday’s Winter Wanderings which begins at CMBO’s Northwood Center! We were greeted warmly by the CMBO staff members, Mike, Jessica and Brian, very good hot coffee and very much appreciated on this blustery day. When we started it was 27 degrees with about 20 mph winds. When we finished the wind was still blowing, but the temperature had dropped to 24 degrees. But our band of hardy souls ventured out into the wilds of Cape May Point and were rewarded with 50 species of birds. The highlight was an American Pipit that was walking down the middle of Harvard Avenue and continued to move down the road in front of us for probably five minutes. All in all it was a fun morning! Come out next week and join in the fun!
50 species
Snow Goose 25
Brant 1
Canada Goose 30
Mute Swan 4
Gadwall 20
American Wigeon 10
American Black Duck 4
Mallard 6
Northern Shoveler 4
Northern Pintail 6
Ring-necked Duck 4
Black Scoter 1
Bufflehead 4
Hooded Merganser 6
Pied-billed Grebe 1
Double-crested Cormorant 2
Turkey Vulture 1
American Coot 12
Purple Sandpiper 2
American Woodcock 1
Ring-billed Gull 6
Herring Gull 8
Great Black-backed Gull 8
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 1
Mourning Dove 6
Belted Kingfisher 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 2
Blue Jay 1
American Crow 2
Tree Swallow 4
Carolina Chickadee 3
Tufted Titmouse 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Hermit Thrush 1
American Robin 6
Northern Mockingbird 3
European Starling 8
American Pipit 1
Fox Sparrow 4
Song Sparrow 3
Swamp Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow 8
Dark-eyed Junco 2
Northern Cardinal 3
Red-winged Blackbird X
Common Grackle X
Brown-headed Cowbird 2
American Goldfinch 2
House Sparrow 10
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)
50 species
Snow Goose 25
Brant 1
Canada Goose 30
Mute Swan 4
Gadwall 20
American Wigeon 10
American Black Duck 4
Mallard 6
Northern Shoveler 4
Northern Pintail 6
Ring-necked Duck 4
Black Scoter 1
Bufflehead 4
Hooded Merganser 6
Pied-billed Grebe 1
Double-crested Cormorant 2
Turkey Vulture 1
American Coot 12
Purple Sandpiper 2
American Woodcock 1
Ring-billed Gull 6
Herring Gull 8
Great Black-backed Gull 8
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 1
Mourning Dove 6
Belted Kingfisher 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 2
Blue Jay 1
American Crow 2
Tree Swallow 4
Carolina Chickadee 3
Tufted Titmouse 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Hermit Thrush 1
American Robin 6
Northern Mockingbird 3
European Starling 8
American Pipit 1
Fox Sparrow 4
Song Sparrow 3
Swamp Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow 8
Dark-eyed Junco 2
Northern Cardinal 3
Red-winged Blackbird X
Common Grackle X
Brown-headed Cowbird 2
American Goldfinch 2
House Sparrow 10
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)
Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, January 4th, 2015
Now’s the time of year to look at seaducks and the Point is a great place to do it. A Common Eider has been working the waters off St. Mary’s and it’s long, sloping bill makes it easy to distinguish from nearby scoters. The scoters, too - Black and Surf - can be distinguished from each other by their bill shapes, with the relatively small bill of the Black Scoter and the heavy triangular bill of the Surf Scoter. A small flock of Purple Sandpipers flew in as we we're watching the sea ducks, too...always a nice winter treat. Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, Steve Weis, and Chris Marks.
50 species (+1 other taxa)
Canada Goose 2
Mute Swan 2
Gadwall 22
American Wigeon 15
Mallard 15
Northern Shoveler 2
Ring-necked Duck 8
Common Eider 1
Surf Scoter 8
Black Scoter 20
Surf/Black Scoter 20
Long-tailed Duck 3
Bufflehead 9
Ruddy Duck 9
Red-throated Loon 2
Pied-billed Grebe 2
Northern Gannet 6
Great Blue Heron 1
Osprey (American) 1 Lingering late bird
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 1
American Coot 30
Purple Sandpiper 2
Herring Gull (American) 36
Great Black-backed Gull 3
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 2
Eurasian Collared-Dove 1
Mourning Dove 25
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1
Blue Jay 4
American Crow 4
Carolina Chickadee 4
Tufted Titmouse 1
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 4
American Robin 15
Brown Thrasher 1
Northern Mockingbird 2
European Starling 26
Fox Sparrow (Red) 1
Song Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 9
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 3
Northern Cardinal 7
Red-winged Blackbird 7
House Finch 5
House Sparrow 5
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)
50 species (+1 other taxa)
Canada Goose 2
Mute Swan 2
Gadwall 22
American Wigeon 15
Mallard 15
Northern Shoveler 2
Ring-necked Duck 8
Common Eider 1
Surf Scoter 8
Black Scoter 20
Surf/Black Scoter 20
Long-tailed Duck 3
Bufflehead 9
Ruddy Duck 9
Red-throated Loon 2
Pied-billed Grebe 2
Northern Gannet 6
Great Blue Heron 1
Osprey (American) 1 Lingering late bird
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 1
American Coot 30
Purple Sandpiper 2
Herring Gull (American) 36
Great Black-backed Gull 3
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 2
Eurasian Collared-Dove 1
Mourning Dove 25
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1
Blue Jay 4
American Crow 4
Carolina Chickadee 4
Tufted Titmouse 1
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 4
American Robin 15
Brown Thrasher 1
Northern Mockingbird 2
European Starling 26
Fox Sparrow (Red) 1
Song Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 9
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 3
Northern Cardinal 7
Red-winged Blackbird 7
House Finch 5
House Sparrow 5
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)