Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, July 25th, 2015

We finally found a Cedar Waxwing nest! All through the spring and summer, Cedar Waxwings have been present back in the northwest corner of the State Park; in previous years, we've found nests in the pines there. Today a bird carrying nesting material alerted us to the nest in the same area. Cedar Waxwings are among the birds that typically have only one brood per season and generally start to nest midsummer, later than multi-brood birds. We'll be keeping an eye on that nest in coming weeks. Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, Karl Lukens, Deb Payson, and Cindy Bamford.
51 species

Canada Goose  85
Mute Swan  38
Mallard  22
Great Egret  1
Green Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  7
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  4
American Oystercatcher  3
Killdeer  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  2
Least Sandpiper  3
Semipalmated Sandpiper  8
Laughing Gull  36
Herring Gull (American)  6
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Least Tern  32
Common Tern  5
Forster's Tern  16
Black Skimmer  28
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  2
Mourning Dove  3
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  1
Eastern Kingbird  5
White-eyed Vireo  2
Fish Crow  2
Purple Martin  35
Tree Swallow  2
Barn Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  2
House Wren  2
Carolina Wren  3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
American Robin  5
Gray Catbird  5
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  2
Cedar Waxwing  5
Common Yellowthroat  6
Yellow Warbler  1
Yellow-breasted Chat  1
Song Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  5
Blue Grosbeak  3
Indigo Bunting  3
Red-winged Blackbird  18
House Finch  2
American Goldfinch  3
House Sparrow  6

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

Blue Grosbeak [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Glossy Ibis [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Sunset Birding at The Meadows - Friday, July 25th, 2015

We had a Blue Grosbeak singing from the parking lot again and American Goldfinches flying overhead. Purple Martins were at the martin house and an Indigo Bunting was calling. The adult Ospreys were feeding their chick and Black Skimmers were skimming on the East Ponds. Shorebird migration continues with Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Semipalmated Sandpiper and Plover, Killdeer, Stilt Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpiper, and Short-billed Dowitchers. On the beach there were a number of American Oystercatchers and we were able to find one of the older chicks. We spotted our first of the year for this walk Sanderlings fly in and begin to feed on the beach. Leader: Chuck Slugg.
52 species

Canada Goose  65
Mute Swan  9
Gadwall  4
Mallard  18
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  5
Green Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  2
Osprey 5
American Oystercatcher  12
Semipalmated Plover  4
Killdeer  3
Spotted Sandpiper  2
Greater Yellowlegs  3
Lesser Yellowlegs  7
Stilt Sandpiper  2
Sanderling  8
Semipalmated Sandpiper  3
Short-billed Dowitcher  4
Laughing Gull  25
Ring-billed Gull  6
Herring Gull  8
Great Black-backed Gull  15
Least Tern  12
Forster's Tern  7
Black Skimmer  14
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  3
Mourning Dove  14
Chimney Swift  5
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  5
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  1
Purple Martin  20
Tree Swallow  3
Barn Swallow  8
American Robin  7
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  15
Common Yellowthroat  5     heard
Yellow Warbler  2
Field Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  2     heard
Red-winged Blackbird  18
Common Grackle  3
Brown-headed Cowbird  6
American Goldfinch  15
House Sparrow  7

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

Bird Walk for All People - Thursday, July 23rd, 2015

It was a warm but pleasant morning in the State Park. On the beach, there were several Forster's Terns and Royal Terns with Least Terns flying around the Bunker. Also on the beach, there were Laughing, Ring-billed and Herring Gulls. There were several fly-over Yellow Warblers and Common Yellowthroat warblers singing loudly. Swallows included Tree, Barn, and Northern Rough-winged as well as Purple Martins. Bunker Pond yielded a few eclipse-plumaged Mallards and many Mute Swans, including a family that had both "Polish" and "Royal" cygnets. At the first cross-over, we had American Oystercatchers and a large number of Black Skimmers along with Least Terns with chicks. In the woods we heard many birds but didn't see them. We did have good looks at an audacious House Wren. Leader: Chuck Slugg.
50 species

Canada Goose  40
Mute Swan  43
Gadwall  2
Mallard  10
Great Egret  1
Glossy Ibis  2
Black Vulture  9
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  4
American Oystercatcher  6
Killdeer  3
Greater Yellowlegs  2
Least Sandpiper  8
Laughing Gull  30
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull  8
Great Black-backed Gull  9
Least Tern  20
Forster's Tern  5
Royal Tern  2
Black Skimmer  84
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  2
Mourning Dove  5
Eastern Kingbird  1
Fish Crow  2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2
Purple Martin  35
Tree Swallow  4
Barn Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee 2
House Wren  3
Carolina Wren  2     heard
American Robin  8
Gray Catbird  2 heard
Northern Mockingbird  5
European Starling  10
Cedar Waxwing  3    heard
Common Yellowthroat  7     heard
Yellow Warbler  2
Yellow-breasted Chat 3     heard
Field Sparrow  1     heard
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  2
Blue Grosbeak  1     heard
Indigo Bunting  2     heard
Red-winged Blackbird 15
Common Grackle  3
Brown-headed Cowbird  1     heard
American Goldfinch  2 heard
House Sparrow  4

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

Sundowner by Boat - Tuesday, July 21st, 2015

It was a beautiful evening aboard The Osprey! The Osprey chicks are getting ready to fledge, many shorebirds are returning from their breeding grounds, and the Laughing Gull chicks are begging loudly. It was great seeing the Whimbrels have returned too, many individuals and large groups flying in. All topped off with a beautiful sunset!  Leader: Warren Cairo.
31 species

American Black Duck  1
Black Scoter  1
Double-crested Cormorant  12
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  10
Snowy Egret  8
Tricolored Heron  1
Green Heron  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  1
Osprey  20
Clapper Rail  3
American Oystercatcher  12
Semipalmated Plover  4
Spotted Sandpiper  8
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Willet  2
Whimbrel  26
Least Sandpiper  4
Semipalmated Sandpiper  6
Short-billed Dowitcher  10
Laughing Gull  100
Herring Gull  8
Great Black-backed Gull  12
Common Tern  18
Forster's Tern  12
Black Skimmer  3
American Crow  1
Barn Swallow  2
Boat-tailed Grackle  10

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

E-Z Birding - Tuesday, July 21st, 2015

Highlights of today's walk included a large flock of Black Skimmer on the beach and good looks at a few skimming the plover ponds, a singing Blue Grosbeak along the marsh path followed shortly by a singing Indigo Bunting allowing good comparisons for these two species, and singing Common Yellowthoat warblers. A Yellow Warbler was briefly seen by a few, and just before the walk formally began, 20 Glossy Ibis flew over apparently in migration. Leaders: Catherine Busch, Steve Weis, and Chuck Slugg.
44 species

Canada Goose  X
Mute Swan  43
Mallard  X
Black Scoter  2
Great Egret  1
Glossy Ibis  20
Osprey  5
American Oystercatcher  5
Killdeer  2
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Least Sandpiper  6
Laughing Gull  X
Herring Gull  X
Great Black-backed Gull  X
Common Tern  3
Forster's Tern  X
Black Skimmer  86
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  2
Mourning Dove  4
Chimney Swift  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  2
Purple Martin  X
Tree Swallow  X
Barn Swallow  3
Carolina Chickadee  5
House Wren  2
Carolina Wren  2
American Robin  X
Gray Catbird  4
Northern Mockingbird  4
European Starling  X
Cedar Waxwing  X     heard
Common Yellowthroat  4
Yellow Warbler  1
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  2
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  2
Red-winged Blackbird  X
Common Grackle  X
Brown-headed Cowbird  X
House Finch  1
House Sparrow  X

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, July 20th, 2015

A Blue Grosbeak serenaded us in the parking lot and gave us good looks as well. Other birds of interest were two American Oystercatchers and a fledgling, a Lesser Black-backed Gull, and a number of shorebirds including a Sanderling and three Stilt Sandpipers. The Ospreys were feeding their chick at the nearby nest. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Chuck Slugg, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, Janet Crawford, Carrie Bell, Mary Watkins, Deb Payson, and Pat Perkins.
53 species

Canada Goose  75
Mute Swan  2
Gadwall  2
Mallard  15
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  1
Snowy Egret  3
Green Heron  3
Glossy Ibis  14
Osprey  3
American Oystercatcher  8
Semipalmated Plover  1
Killdeer  4
Greater Yellowlegs  3
Lesser Yellowlegs  4
Stilt Sandpiper  3
Sanderling  1
Least Sandpiper  8
Semipalmated Sandpiper  1
Short-billed Dowitcher  7
Laughing Gull  30
Ring-billed Gull  6
Herring Gull  8
Lesser Black-backed Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  15
Least Tern  10
Common Tern  2
Forster's Tern  10
Royal Tern  2
Black Skimmer  10
Mourning Dove  15
Chimney Swift  5
Eastern Kingbird  2
Fish Crow  2
Purple Martin  10
Tree Swallow  5
Barn Swallow  2
American Robin  1
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  3
Common Yellowthroat  8
Field Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  2
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  2
Orchard Oriole  2
House Finch  3
American Goldfinch  6
House Sparrow  5

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

American Oystercatcher (juvenile on left) [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Great Egret and Snowy Egret [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Stilt Sandpiper [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, July 18th, 2015

Although summer isn't the height of longitudinal bird migration, it is a time when young birds "migrate" from nest sites to surrounding areas, allowing us to study different ages and their plumages. At the State Park, Laughing Gulls on the beach now may be adults, 2nd year birds - hatched last summer - or "birds of the year" - this year's fledgling. The 'older' young American Oystercatchers are almost the size of the parents but sport a shorter bill with a dark tip. Young Forster's Terns have started showing up and are as easy as non-breeding adult Forster's Terns to identify since they too have the distinctive black eye patch. Green Herons in flight, a close singing Blue Grosbeak and lots of Purple Martins flying overhead added to our interesting morning. Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, and Karl Lukens.
53 species

Canada Goose  72
Mute Swan  25
Mallard  15
Great Egret  2
Green Heron  2
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  1
American Oystercatcher  6
Killdeer  2
Least Sandpiper  5
Short-billed Dowitcher  1
Laughing Gull  42
Herring Gull (American)  3
Great Black-backed Gull  8
Least Tern  26
Common Tern  10
Forster's Tern  14
Royal Tern  1
Black Skimmer  21
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  9
Mourning Dove  11
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  1
Chimney Swift  3
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  3
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  1
Eastern Kingbird  2
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  3
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  2
Purple Martin  54
Tree Swallow  2
Barn Swallow  3
Carolina Chickadee  2
House Wren  3
Carolina Wren  5
American Robin  14
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  5
European Starling  9
Cedar Waxwing  3
Common Yellowthroat  6
Yellow-breasted Chat  1
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  2
Indigo Bunting  3
Red-winged Blackbird  20
Common Grackle  6
Brown-headed Cowbird  9
American Goldfinch  2
House Sparrow  3

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

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

Common Yellowthroat [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Sunset Birding at The Meadows - Friday, July 17th, 2015

As usual, our sightings began in the parking lot with a Blue Grosbeak and scope views of the Osprey pair feeding their chick. American Goldfinches bounced over our heads as we started out and a small flock of European Starlings appeared. Black Skimmers were skimming; the huge algae-covered Snapping Turtle is still there; and the lingering American Wigeon in full molt made an appearance. Fall migration has started and we saw sandpipers including Spotted, Least, and Semipalmated. There were Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Short-billed Dowitchers, and young-of-the-year Killdeer. On the beach, we were able to find the two American Oystercatcher chicks, one of which has been eluding us for the past few weeks and we also had another chick by the west trail. Leaders:  Chuck Slugg and Carrie Bell.
49 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose 46
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  6
American Wigeon  1     Has been seen since winter; in almost full molt at present
Mallard  28
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid)  2
Great Egret  3
Green Heron  1
Osprey  4
American Oystercatcher 12
Killdeer  5
Spotted Sandpiper  3
Greater Yellowlegs  2
Lesser Yellowlegs  3
Least Sandpiper  23
Semipalmated Sandpiper  3
Short-billed Dowitcher 15
Laughing Gull  20
Herring Gull  25
Great Black-backed Gull  15
Least Tern 8
Common Tern  7
Forster's Tern  3
Black Skimmer  9
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  2
Mourning Dove  10
Chimney Swift  4
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2
Eastern Kingbird  2
Fish Crow  3
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  1
Purple Martin  20
Tree Swallow  2
Barn Swallow  6
American Robin  6
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  26
Common Yellowthroat  10
Field Sparrow  2     heard
Song Sparrow  2     heard
Northern Cardinal  2
Blue Grosbeak  2
Indigo Bunting  1     heard
Red-winged Blackbird  20
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  1
Orchard Oriole  1
American Goldfinch  3
House Sparrow  5

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

Bird Walk for All People - Thursday, June 16th, 2015

A Gray Catbird greeted us with a cheery song and a good look; a Northern Mockingbird flew over so we could compare two of our mimids. There was a large flock of Laughing Gulls which were joined by a group of Common Terns. A Common Yellowthroat was singing and sitting up where we could see it. Bunker Pond was filled with Mute Swans. Walking through the wooded area we heard both Blue Grosbeak and Indigo Bunting. We also saw a group of Yellow Warblers. There was a large flock of Black Skimmers loafing on the beach. Leaders: Chuck Slugg and Chris Marks.
50 species

Canada Goose  20
Mute Swan  27
Mallard  14
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  1
Glossy Ibis  32
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  1     heard only
American Oystercatcher  5
Killdeer  5
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  2
Least Sandpiper  1
Laughing Gull  30
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull  3
Great Black-backed Gull  5
Least Tern  12
Common Tern  23
Forster's Tern  3
Black Skimmer  22
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  3
Mourning Dove  7
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Northern Flicker  2     heard only
American Kestrel  1
Eastern Kingbird  2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  3
Purple Martin  45
Tree Swallow  2
Barn Swallow  3
Carolina Chickadee  1   heard
House Wren  2
Carolina Wren  3
American Robin  11
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  4
European Starling  11
Cedar Waxwing  1    heard
Common Yellowthroat  12
Yellow Warbler  5
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  3
Blue Grosbeak  1     heard
Indigo Bunting  1     heard
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  4
American Goldfinch  2
House Sparrow  5

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

E-Z Birding - Tuesday, July 14th, 2015

Migration and post-breeding dispersal was evident today with the addition of new species to our weekly walk - Great Blue Heron, Greater Yellowlegs, Short-billed Dowitcher, and the welcome sight of two Piping Plover on the beach. The growing group of Black Skimmer continues to demonstrate courting behavior. The summering Black Scoter had gathered in a raft offshore, and there was one Ring-billed Gull on the beach with the Laughing Gulls and terns. Leaders: Catherine Busch, Chris Marks, and Steve Weis.
45 species

Canada Goose  48
Mute Swan  29
Mallard  16
Black Scoter  14     Continuing
Great Blue Heron  1
Osprey  3
American Oystercatcher  4
Piping Plover  2
Killdeer  2
Greater Yellowlegs  2
Short-billed Dowitcher  5
Laughing Gull  42
Ring-billed Gull  1
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  5
Least Tern  24
Forster's Tern  12
Royal Tern  3
Black Skimmer  26
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  3
Mourning Dove  5
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2
Northern Flicker  2
Eastern Kingbird  3
American Crow  3
Purple Martin  48
Tree Swallow  6
Barn Swallow  8
Carolina Chickadee  4
House Wren  2
American Robin  8
Gray Catbird  4
Northern Mockingbird  4
European Starling  6
Cedar Waxwing  2
Yellow-breasted Chat  2     Heard only
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  3
Blue Grosbeak  1     heard
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  18
Common Grackle  2
Brown-headed Cowbird  3
House Finch  3
American Goldfinch  6

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

Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, July 11th, 2015

It was quite a birdy morning at the State Park. Shorebirds are starting to show up, after their brief breeding stint in the north, and we saw both Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, as well as Least Sandpipers and Short-billed Dowitchers. Locally bred young-of-the-year are starting to be seen as well. Hatch-year birds included Laughing Gull, American Oystercatcher, Red-bellied Woodpecker, American Robin and White-eyed Vireo. And this is just the beginning! Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, Karl Lukens, Deb Payson, and Cindy Bamford.
63 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  68
Mute Swan  34
American Black Duck  3
Mallard  25
Black Scoter  11
Great Egret  1
Snowy Egret  2
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  1
American Oystercatcher  6
Killdeer  2
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  1
Least Sandpiper  2
Short-billed Dowitcher  46
Laughing Gull  25
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull  7
Herring Gull (American)  3
Least Tern  35
Common Tern  5
Forster's Tern  11
Black Skimmer  13
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  3
Mourning Dove  15
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  1
Chimney Swift  1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  2
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  4
Eastern Kingbird  2
White-eyed Vireo  1
Fish Crow  2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  5
Purple Martin  45
Tree Swallow  5
Barn Swallow  8
Carolina Chickadee  7
House Wren  6
Carolina Wren  5
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
American Robin  18
Gray Catbird  4
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  23
Cedar Waxwing  8
Common Yellowthroat  8
Yellow Warbler  2
Pine Warbler  1
Yellow-breasted Chat  2
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  2
Indigo Bunting  3
Red-winged Blackbird  24
Common Grackle  4
Brown-headed Cowbird  4
Orchard Oriole  2
House Finch  2
House Sparrow  4

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

Sunset Birding at The Meadows - Friday, July 10th, 2015

In the parking lot, we were met by a Blue Grosbeak, an Indigo Bunting, a Mockingbird imitating several birds, and an American Goldfinch. Along the Eastern Trail, we saw a chick being fed by an Osprey on the platform which confirms that the nest is viable. There were a number of shorebirds including Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Killdeer, Least Sandpiper, Short-billed Dowitchers, and Spotted Sandpipers. Out on the beach, the American Oystercatchers were giving their alarm call because a Red-tailed Hawk was sitting in a tree on the dune line. There were Black Scoter in the surf and a number of Least Terns "honeymoon feeding" up the beach. Leader: Chuck Slugg.
45 species

Canada Goose  90
Mute Swan  7
Gadwall  6
Mallard  23
Black Scoter 2
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  3
Glossy Ibis  16
Osprey  6
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Oystercatcher  11
Killdeer  3
Spotted Sandpiper  3
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  1
Least Sandpiper  5
Short-billed Dowitcher  65
Laughing Gull  14
Herring Gull  8
Great Black-backed Gull  15
Least Tern  14
Forster's Tern  7
Black Skimmer  9
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  3
Mourning Dove  17
Chimney Swift  5
Eastern Kingbird  2
American Crow  2
Purple Martin 14
Tree Swallow  2
Barn Swallow  5
Carolina Wren  2     heard only
American Robin  12
Gray Catbird  5
Northern Mockingbird  6
European Starling  19
Common Yellowthroat  6     heard only
Eastern Towhee  2     heard only
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  3
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  3
Red-winged Blackbird  25
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  6

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

Bird Walk for All People - Thursday, July 8th, 2015

It was warm and muggy for our guests from Hawaii and Canada. On the beach, we were greeted by terns such as Least and Forster's and gulls such as Laughing, Herring, and Great Black-backed. We also saw some Northern Rough-winged Swallows around the Bunker and had some Glossy Ibis fly over. Bunker Pond had several Common Terns flying over and Black Skimmers in the air and on the beach. There was a plethora of Mute Swans and Canada Geese on the ponds as well as a Gadwall hen with ducklings. We heard a number of Yellow-breasted Chats calling and saw one perched in the morning sun glowing like a neon light. Leader: Chuck Slugg.
48 species

Canada Goose  85
Mute Swan  39
Gadwall  7
Mallard  10
Great Egret  1
Glossy Ibis  23
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  6
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Oystercatcher  6
Killdeer  5
Lesser Yellowlegs 2
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  15
Least Tern  12
Common Tern  2
Forster's Tern  8
Black Skimmer  16
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  3
Mourning Dove  6
Chimney Swift  5
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Eastern Kingbird  3     heard only
American Crow  4
Fish Crow  3     heard only
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  4
Purple Martin  42
Tree Swallow  3
Barn Swallow  4
Carolina Chickadee  2     heard only
House Wren  3
Carolina Wren  2     heard only
American Robin  7
Gray Catbird  4
Northern Mockingbird  4
European Starling  12
Cedar Waxwing  3
Common Yellowthroat  4
Yellow-breasted Chat  3
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  2     heard only
Indigo Bunting  3
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  2
Orchard Oriole  2
House Sparrow  4

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

E-Z Birding - Tuesday, July 7th, 2015

It was a sultry summer day with a good representation of local breeders including a young American Oystercatcher chick on the beach. Highlights for today's group of fairly new birders included good looks at Black Skimmer, Indigo Bunting, and a Black-crowned Night-Heron on Al's Pond. Newly fledged spotted American Robin were seen throughout the wooded areas of the park. Leaders: Catherine Busch and Chris Marks.

42 species

Canada Goose  88
Mute Swan  16
Gadwall  1
Mallard  6
Great Egret  2
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  5
Osprey  3
American Oystercatcher  6     1 chick observed
Killdeer  2
Laughing Gull  X
Herring Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  3
Common Tern  2
Forster's Tern  4
Black Skimmer  18
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  3
Mourning Dove  4
Chimney Swift  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  1
White-eyed Vireo  1    heard
American Crow  2
Purple Martin  35
Tree Swallow  3
Carolina Chickadee  3
House Wren  2
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  8
Gray Catbird  4
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  6
Common Yellowthroat  5      heard
Yellow-breasted Chat  1       heard
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  4
Indigo Bunting  3
Red-winged Blackbird  X
Common Grackle  8
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
House Finch  5
American Goldfinch  3

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, July 6th, 2015

From the parking lot, we had an Orchard Oriole and a Green Heron. Purple Martins were using the martin house as well as a House Sparrow. Walking toward the beach, we had Black-crowned Night Herons fly over. As we approached the top of the East Trail, there was a Red-tailed Hawk perched on a fence post being harassed by American Crows. As we watched, American Oystercatchers began making an unusual call and we found one of the fledged chicks hiding from the hawk in a hollow log on the beach. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Janet Crawford, Chuck Slugg, Steve Weis, Deb Payson, and Mary Watkins.
49 species

Canada Goose  39
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  4
Mallard  15
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  2
Green Heron  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  3
Glossy Ibis  14
Osprey  5
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Oystercatcher  9
Killdeer  4
Lesser Yellowlegs  5
Short-billed Dowitcher  5
Laughing Gull  19
Herring Gull  11
Lesser Black-backed Gull  6
Great Black-backed Gull  18
Least Tern  5
Forster's Tern 7
Black Skimmer  4
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  3
Mourning Dove  7
Chimney Swift  2
Eastern Kingbird  2
White-eyed Vireo  1     heard only
American Crow 7
Fish Crow  1     heard only
Purple Martin  10
Tree Swallow  2
Barn Swallow 5
Carolina Chickadee  2     heard only
American Robin  11
Gray Catbird  4
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  45
Cedar Waxwing  3
Common Yellowthroat  3
Yellow-breasted Chat  2     heard only
Field Sparrow  1    heard only
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  5
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  2     heard only
Red-winged Blackbird  14
Common Grackle  3
Orchard Oriole  2
House Sparrow  4

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

Birding Cape May Meadows - Saturday, July 4th, 2015

We changed the venue for this morning's walk from the State Park to the Meadows in hopes of finding the recently reported sora. The sora didn't appear or call but we did have some interesting finds. Highest on the Cuteness Scale were the four fuzzy, long-legged Killdeer chicks, outranking the American Oystercatcher chicks on the beach that are now approaching adult size. A first-of-fall (if you count as 'fall' the time some birds start their southward journey) bird for all of us was the Spotted Sandpiper working the edge of the plover pond. Glossy Ibis seem to be on the move already also but some birds have resumed singing - we heard Blue Grosbeak, Orchard Oriole and Yellow-breasted Chat - and may be starting second broods.   Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, Cindy Bamford, Catherine Busch and Hugh Simmons.
51 species

Canada Goose  75
Mute Swan  3
Gadwall  3
Mallard  22
Great Egret  1
Snowy Egret  1
Green Heron  2
Glossy Ibis  15
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  4
American Oystercatcher  8
Killdeer  6
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  1
Laughing Gull  12
Herring Gull (American)  6
Lesser Black-backed Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  11
Least Tern  1
Forster's Tern  3
Royal Tern  1
Mourning Dove  11
Chimney Swift  3
Eastern Kingbird  2
Blue Jay  2
Fish Crow  5
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  5
Purple Martin  5
Tree Swallow  8
Barn Swallow  3
Carolina Chickadee  2
Carolina Wren  2
American Robin  3
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  4
European Starling  22
Cedar Waxwing  5
Common Yellowthroat  7
Yellow-breasted Chat  1
Eastern Towhee  1
Field Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  2
Blue Grosbeak  2
Red-winged Blackbird  18
Common Grackle  11
Orchard Oriole  1
House Finch  2
American Goldfinch  2
House Sparrow  10

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

Killdeer and chicks [Photo by Kathy Horn] 

Sunset Birding at The Meadows - Friday, July 3rd, 2015

American Oystercatchers are still on the beach although only two of the three older, just-fledged chicks were seen tonight. Black Scoters were seen off the beach. There was a huge Snapping Turtle in the East Pond. The American Wigeon is still hanging around. We also saw Spotted Sandpipers and a Blue Grosbeak popped up momentarily. Cedar Waxwings flew over and several Eastern Kingbirds were flycatching. Leader: Chuck Slugg.
41 species

Canada Goose  38
Mute Swan  11
Gadwall  4
American Wigeon  1
Mallard  20
Black Scoter  2
Brown Pelican  1
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Osprey  5
American Oystercatcher  14
Killdeer  5
Spotted Sandpiper  2
Laughing Gull  12
Herring Gull  8
Great Black-backed Gull  15
Least Tern  20
Forster's Tern  7
Black Skimmer  7
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  2
Mourning Dove  14
Chimney Swift  7
Eastern Kingbird  3
Purple Martin  15
Tree Swallow  4
Marsh Wren  1
American Robin  10
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  6
European Starling  2
Cedar Waxwing  7
Common Yellowthroat  6     heard only
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  1     heard only
Red-winged Blackbird  25
Common Grackle  3
Brown-headed Cowbird  1
House Sparrow  1

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

Bird Walk for All People - Thursday, July 2nd, 2015

Dark clouds grew more and more ominous and then a deluge with thunder and lightning interrupted our walk. Prior to that, we had Black Skimmers skimming on Bunker Pond and a large group on the beach. In addition, we saw Least, Common, and Forster's Terns and several Killdeer which landed to give us close looks. There were several Yellow-breasted Chats calling but not seen and the Purple Martins are starting to fledge chicks. Leaders: Chuck Slugg and Chris Marks.
38 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  21
Gadwall  2
Mallard  4
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  28
American Oystercatcher  9
 Killdeer  4
Laughing Gull  10
Herring Gull  13
Great Black-backed Gull  5
Least Tern  12
Common Tern  2
Forster's Tern  7
Black Skimmer  23
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  3
Mourning Dove  13
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  4
Purple Martin  45
Tree Swallow  1
Carolina Chickadee  7
American Robin  7
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  7
Cedar Waxwing  2     heard only
Common Yellowthroat  5
Yellow-breasted Chat  3     heard only
Song Sparrow  1     heard only
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  2     heard only
Red-winged Blackbird  23
Common Grackle  2
House Finch  3
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  3

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

E-Z Birding - Tuesday, June 30th, 2015

Highlights of today's walk through Cape May Point State Park included a large flock of Black Skimmers on the beach, close looks at a Blue Grosbeak perched near the marsh trail, as well as Carolina Chickadees for participants visiting from the Northeast.
42 species

Canada Goose  87
Mute Swan  18
Gadwall  2
Mallard  8
Black Scoter  2
Double-crested Cormorant  6
Great Egret  1
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  4
American Oystercatcher  4
Killdeer  3
Laughing Gull  X
Herring Gull  X
Great Black-backed Gull  3
Least Tern  24
Forster's Tern  2
Black Skimmer  27
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  6
Mourning Dove  4
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  1
Blue Jay  1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  2
Purple Martin  60
Tree Swallow  4
Carolina Chickadee  2
House Wren  2
American Robin  8
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  4
European Starling  6
Cedar Waxwing  2
Common Yellowthroat  4
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  3
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  2
Red-winged Blackbird  X
Common Grackle  X
Brown-headed Cowbird  4
Orchard Oriole  1
House Finch  4
House Sparrow  3

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

Blue Grosbeak [Photo by Catherine Busch]

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, June 29th, 2015

It was a beautiful day with some good looks at several birds, including three female type and one adult male Orchard Oriole and a singing Blue Grosbeak. The continuing drake American Wigeon was scoped, an unusual bird at this time of year, as was the male Black Scoter. Among the American Oystercatchers were at least two fledglings. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Chuck Slugg, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, Janet Crawford, Carrie Bell, Mary Watkins, and Pat Perkins.
48 species

Canada Goose  75
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  4
American Wigeon  1
Mallard  15
Black Scoter  1
Double-crested Cormorant  7
Great Egret  1
Green Heron  5
Glossy Ibis  18
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  6
Osprey  4
American Oystercatcher  8
Killdeer  1
Laughing Gull  25
Herring Gull  4
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  8
Least Tern  15
Forster's Tern  10
Mourning Dove  8
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  1
Chimney Swift  5
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Eastern Kingbird  1
Blue Jay  1
Fish Crow  1
Purple Martin  15
Tree Swallow  12
Barn Swallow  4
American Robin  5
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  2
Cedar Waxwing  1
Common Yellowthroat  5
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  1
Orchard Oriole  4
House Finch  1
American Goldfinch  4
House Sparrow  5

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

Song Sparrow [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, June 27th, 2015

It was a quiet morning at the Cape May Point State Park. Overcast. The threat of rain was evident.....The ever present Purple Martins were about with their acrobatic flights of feeding as we headed off down the Red Trail. We moved quickly around Lighthouse Pond as many birds weren't to be seen. As we reached the brown gate, the explosive bubbling chatter song of a House Wren rung out over heads. Its song continued behind us as we found a variety of woodland species foraging amongst the pines and mulberry trees. American Robins, Downy Woodpeckers were most active. To our delight we had a Pine warbler feeding a couple of young. Their begging posture with beaks open and wings fluttering as the parent came in with more food clued us in. A Blue Grosbeak called behind us while Cedar Waxwings krinkled overhead. As we walked on, an Indigo Bunting flew through and a Yellow-Breasted Chat made it's series of three stooges calls. To round out and top off the woodland birds an Orchard Oriole sang for us as we approached the end of the wooded area of the trail.

Onward to the plover ponds and dune overlook. A pair of Gadwall, Mallards and Mute Swans were milling about the ponds while a lone Killdeer patrolled the edge. The overlook showed what I refer to as our usual friends the Black Skimmers, American Oystercatchers, and Least Terns all doing their usual business of feeding, calling, or just loafing on the beach this time of year. While the rain held off, the wind had picked up significantly as we ended the walk feeling fortunate. While in in the parking lot a dozen Glossy Ibis suddenly appeared overhead. They were coming from the ocean as if they maybe had been in Delaware minutes before.  Leaders: Roger Horn, Karl Lukens, and Cindy Bamford.
38 species

Mute Swan  26
Mallard  12
Great Egret  2
Glossy Ibis  12
Osprey  4
American Oystercatcher  6
Killdeer  1
Laughing Gull  36
Herring Gull (American)  5
Great Black-backed Gull  9
Least Tern  30
Forster's Tern  16
Black Skimmer  26
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  1
Mourning Dove  5
Chimney Swift  3
Downy Woodpecker  2
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Purple Martin  40
Tree Swallow  50
Carolina Chickadee  3
House Wren  7
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  14
Gray Catbird  5
Northern Mockingbird  2
Cedar Waxwing  3
Common Yellowthroat  2
Pine Warbler  3
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  5
Blue Grosbeak  2
Indigo Bunting  2
Red-winged Blackbird  11
Common Grackle  8
Brown-headed Cowbird  9
Orchard Oriole  1
House Sparrow  12

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

Sunset Birding at The Meadows - Friday, June 26th, 2015

Purple Martins flying overhead, Indigo Buntings calling, and an Eastern Kingbird flycatching greeted us in the parking lot. We had fleeting glimpses of the Common Gallinule in the cattails and a Lesser Yellowlegs calling. A flock of Cedar Waxwings perched in a bare tree in the sun and on the beach we had five American Oystercatcher chicks, three of which are about to fledge. Just offshore we had Black Scoter. Leader: Chuck Slugg.
45 species

Canada Goose  42
Mute Swan  33
Gadwall  6
Mallard  36
Black Scoter  3
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  1
Green Heron  1
Osprey  6
Common Gallinule  1
American Oystercatcher  15
Killdeer  3     heard only
Lesser Yellowlegs  1     heard only
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull  3
Great Black-backed Gull  14
Least Tern  10
Forster's Tern  10
Black Skimmer  7
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  3
Mourning Dove  9
Chimney Swift  14
Eastern Kingbird  7
American Crow  1   heard only
Fish Crow  3
Purple Martin  15
Tree Swallow  3
Barn Swallow 7
American Robin  7
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  5
Cedar Waxwing  14
Common Yellowthroat  7
Yellow-breasted Chat  2  heard only
Eastern Towhee  1     heard only
Field Sparrow  1     heard only
Song Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  4
Indigo Bunting  3     heard only
Red-winged Blackbird  24
Common Grackle  6
Orchard Oriole  1     heard only
American Goldfinch  3     heard only
House Sparrow  5

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

Bird Walk for All People - Thursday, June 25th, 2015

There was a large group of Purple Martins at the martin houses and some looked like they were fledging chicks. Approaching Bunker Pond, we saw a Gray Catbird and a Northern Mockingbird which was a good comparison of two of our mimics. On Bunker Pond, we had a Great Egret, Mute Swans, Gadwall, and a few Mallards. On the way into the woods we had a Muskrat with a baby, a Box Turtle and several Red Sliders all of which were of interest to the children on the walk. We had a Yellow-breasted Chat that was visible by the second Plover Pond and many others calling.  We also had good looks at one of the numerous Common Yellow-throats that were calling. Leaders: Chuck Slugg and Chris Marks.
44 species

Canada Goose  74
Mute Swan  27
Gadwall  4
Mallard  14
Great Egret  2
Glossy Ibis  23
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  4
American Oystercatcher  7
Killdeer  5
Laughing Gull 7
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Least Tern  16
Forster's Tern  7
Black Skimmer 4
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  6
Mourning Dove  8
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  2     seen by leader only
Eastern Wood-Pewee  2
Eastern Kingbird  1
Fish Crow  3
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  4
Purple Martin  40
Tree Swallow  2
House Wren  3
Carolina Wren  1     heard only
American Robin  10
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  4
European Starling  6
Cedar Waxwing  4
Common Yellowthroat  6
Yellow-breasted Chat  5
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  5
Indigo Bunting  2     heard only
Red-winged Blackbird  12
Common Grackle  8
Brown-headed Cowbird  2
Orchard Oriole  2     heard only
House Finch  2     heard only
House Sparrow  3

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

E-Z Birding - Tuesday, June 23rd, 2015

Highlights today included Black Skimmers on the beach, a first-year male Orchard Oriole, and distant views across East Lighthouse Pond of a displaying Yellow-breasted Chat. Leaders: Catherine Busch, Chris Marks, and Steve Weis.
36 species

Canada Goose  8
Mute Swan  18
Mallard  12
Turkey Vulture  2
American Oystercatcher  6
Killdeer  3
Laughing Gull  X
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Least Tern  22
Forster's Tern  2
Black Skimmer  8
Mourning Dove  4
Chimney Swift  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee  1
American Crow  2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  2
Purple Martin  80
Carolina Chickadee  3
House Wren  3
Carolina Wren  3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
American Robin  6
Northern Mockingbird  2
Cedar Waxwing  3
Common Yellowthroat  5
Yellow-breasted Chat  4
Chipping Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  3
Indigo Bunting  2
Red-winged Blackbird  X
Common Grackle  X
Brown-headed Cowbird  6
Orchard Oriole  1
House Finch  3
American Goldfinch  1

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, June 22nd, 2015

We had beautiful weather and some good birds. From the parking lot, we had good views of Orchard Oriole and Yellow-breasted Chat. Other nice birds were Common Yellowthroat, Willets, American Oystercatchers, a continuing American Wigeon, a Lesser Black-backed Gull, and a few got to see two distant Mississippi Kites. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, Janet Crawford, and Pat Perkins.
49 species

Canada Goose  75
Mute Swan  25
Gadwall  3
American Wigeon  1
Mallard  20
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  2
Green Heron  3
Glossy Ibis  23
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  10
Osprey  4
Mississippi Kite  2
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Common Gallinule  1
American Oystercatcher  6
Killdeer  1
Willet  2
Laughing Gull  25
Herring Gull  3
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  15
Least Tern  5
Forster's Tern  8
Mourning Dove  5
Chimney Swift  4
Fish Crow  3
Purple Martin  10
Tree Swallow  3
Barn Swallow  5
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  1
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  5
Cedar Waxwing  6
Common Yellowthroat  3
Yellow-breasted Chat  1
Field Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  20
Brown-headed Cowbird  2
Orchard Oriole  3
House Finch  2
American Goldfinch  3
House Sparrow  5

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

Purple Martin [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Breeding Birds at the Rea Farm - Saturday, June 20th

Target birds - ya gotta love 'em! This week our Michigan participants really wanted to see a Blue Grosbeak. Ten minutes into the walk, a male and a female grosbeak sat up in a sumac shrub and proceeded to eat last year's berries just a few feet away; they were so close, we didn't need the scopes! One of the Prothonotary Warblers was also very cooperative in the wet woods, feeding on the ground and singing repeatedly. It was a good day for the last of the Breeding Birds of Rea Farm walk before we move the Saturday walk to the State Park next week. Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, Karl Lukens.
43 species

Wood Duck  1
Mallard  2
Great Egret  3
Green Heron  2
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  1
Killdeer  1
Laughing Gull  7
Forster's Tern  3
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  5
Mourning Dove  2
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  2
Great Crested Flycatcher  3
Eastern Kingbird  1
Blue Jay  3
American Crow  3
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  2
Purple Martin  2
Tree Swallow  2
Barn Swallow  1
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  3
Carolina Wren  2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
American Robin  5
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  5
Prothonotary Warbler  2
Common Yellowthroat  3
Yellow-breasted Chat  1
Field Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  7
Blue Grosbeak  4
Indigo Bunting  8
Red-winged Blackbird  11
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  6
House Finch  12
American Goldfinch  5
House Sparrow  2

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

Blue Grosbeak [Photo by Roger Horn]