Hidden Corners of Belleplain - Tuesday, April 19th, 2016

Leaders: Janet Crawford, Shaun Bamford, and Bert Hixon.
38 species

Wild Turkey  3
Turkey Vulture  1
Ring-billed Gull  6
Mourning Dove  4
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  2
Eastern Phoebe  4
White-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  4
Fish Crow  3
Tree Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  6
Tufted Titmouse  7
Carolina Wren  1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  8
American Robin  9
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  3
Ovenbird  1
Worm-eating Warbler  3
Louisiana Waterthrush  1
Black-and-white Warbler  5
Prothonotary Warbler  1
Hooded Warbler  1
Pine Warbler  5
Yellow-rumped Warbler  2
Yellow-throated Warbler  3
Prairie Warbler  2
Chipping Sparrow  12
Field Sparrow  7
Dark-eyed Junco  1
White-throated Sparrow  12
Eastern Towhee  2
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  2
Common Grackle  7
Brown-headed Cowbird  4
American Goldfinch  6

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

E-Z Birding - Tuesday, April 19th, 2016

It was a gorgeous spring morning to explore Cape May Point State Park. Many first of the year returning migrants were heard and seen actively migrating. It was a spectacle to see. Leaders: Chris Marks, Marc and Lynn Breslow.
45 species

Canada Goose  18
Mute Swan  12
Mallard  8
Northern Pintail  1     Late
Red-throated Loon  1
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Great Egret  6
Snowy Egret  2
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  3
Sharp-shinned Hawk  2
American Oystercatcher  2
Killdeer  4
Laughing Gull  16
Herring Gull (American)  6
Great Black-backed Gull  3
Forster's Tern  6
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  2
Mourning Dove  6
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  6
Purple Martin  22
Tree Swallow  12
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  2
House Wren  1
Marsh Wren  1
Carolina Wren  3
Hermit Thrush  1
American Robin  3
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  6
Common Yellowthroat  3
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  4
Field Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  6
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  14
Common Grackle  12
Brown-headed Cowbird  8
House Finch  2
American Goldfinch  2

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, April 18th, 2016

A nice day for birding with several Yellow Palm Warblers joining the ever present Yellow-rumped Warblers. American Oystercatchers were on the beach and numerous Northern Gannets off shore. A nice sighting was one, then two, Bald Eagles chasing an Osprey with a fish. FOY for many was a Green Heron and an odd sighting for the Meadows was a Hermit Thrush near the east path bridge. Leaders: Chuck Slugg, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, Pat Perkins, and Barb Bassett.
53 species

Brant  2
Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  3
Gadwall  6
Mallard  10
Blue-winged Teal  2
Northern Shoveler  2
Green-winged Teal  4
Ring-necked Duck  2
Bufflehead  2
Red-throated Loon  2
Common Loon  1
Northern Gannet  25
Double-crested Cormorant  250
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  1
Green Heron  1
Black Vulture  9
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  15
Northern Harrier  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  2
American Coot  3
American Oystercatcher  7
Killdeer  2
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Wilson's Snipe  3
Bonaparte's Gull  5
Laughing Gull  3
Herring Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  1
Forster's Tern  3
Mourning Dove  5
American Crow  5
Fish Crow  5
Tree Swallow  10
Marsh Wren   1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
Hermit Thrush  1
American Robin  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
Palm Warbler  5
Yellow-rumped Warbler  8
Chipping Sparrow  1
Field Sparrow  3
White-throated Sparrow  1
Savannah Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  3
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  2
House Finch  1
House Sparrow  2

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

American Oystercatcher [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Green Heron [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Cox Hall Creek WMA - Sunday, April 17th, 2016

With all the standing trees, both live and dead, at Cox Hall Creek WMA, cavity nesters are always present in good numbers. This includes not only chickadees and titmice, but several species of woodpeckers, such as Northern Flickers, and Red-bellied, Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, all seen on today's walk. Wood Ducks are also cavity nesters and two flew close overhead, clearly showing their exquisitely "painted" faces and long, broad tails. This year, one of the cavity nests that housed Red-bellied Woodpeckers last year seems to be occupied by a family of squirrels; they look awfully cute when they peak out of their narrow tree cavity. Leaders: Kathy Horn, Roger Horn, Janet Crawford, and Cindy Bamford.
36 species

Canada Goose  2
Wood Duck  2
Mallard  4
Double-crested Cormorant  29
Great Blue Heron  1
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  2
Bald Eagle  1
Red-tailed Hawk  2
Laughing Gull  8
Herring Gull (American)  4
Mourning Dove  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Downy Woodpecker  3
Hairy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  1
Blue Jay  4
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  5
Tree Swallow  8
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  8
Carolina Wren  5
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  4
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  10
Chipping Sparrow  8
Field Sparrow  6
White-throated Sparrow  20
Eastern Towhee  6
Northern Cardinal  8
Red-winged Blackbird  5
Rusty Blackbird  1
Common Grackle  4
Brown-headed Cowbird  8
House Finch  2
House Sparrow  2

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

Field Sparrow [Photo by Roger Horn]

Tree Swallow [Photo by Roger Horn]

Gray Squirrel [Photo by Roger Horn]

Spring Migrants at The Rea Farm - Saturday, April 16, 2016

"Wet woods" is an abundant habitat type at the Rea Farm and is preferred habitat for Prothonotary warblers (which should be in any day now), winter wrens, and waterthrush - none of which were seen or heard this morning. Rusty Blackbirds, however, are also wet woods birds and highly sought since their population has declined by 85% since 1966. They were at the Beanery this morning, in good view and calling. Though some Yellow-rumped Warblers spend the winter in Cape May, their numbers have increased of late and we often had stereo "Yump" chips surrounding us, as well as occasional songs. Leaders: Kathy Horn, Roger Horn, Karl Lukens, and Michael McCabe.
36 species

Canada Goose  12
Mallard  5
Blue-winged Teal  2
Black Vulture  6
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  4
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Killdeer  1
Laughing Gull  5
Mourning Dove  4
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Downy Woodpecker  6
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  1
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  5
Fish Crow  8
Barn Swallow  1
Carolina Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  7
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  7
American Robin  14
Gray Catbird  2
Brown Thrasher  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  12
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  15
White-throated Sparrow  14
Song Sparrow  2
Eastern Towhee  1
Northern Cardinal  9
Red-winged Blackbird  18
Rusty Blackbird  12     Actual count seen well
Common Grackle  6
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
American Goldfinch  1

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

Carolina Wren [Photo by Roger Horn]

A Meadows Afternoon - Friday, April 16th, 2016

A very nice group of folks joined CMBO naturalists for the season's first installment of " A Meadows Afternoon." We enjoyed a number of swallows feeding low over the ponds, including a single Cliff Swallow and a bonus Chimney Swift. A dwindling collection of waterfowl remain on the ponds, and newly-arrived shorebird migrants included Greater Yellowlegs, Least Sandpiper, and Spotted Sandpiper. Passerine highlights included Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Brown Thrasher, and prolonged views of a singing Field Sparrow. Leaders: Gail Dwyer, Barb Bassett, Marc & Lynn Breslow, and Tom Reed.
64 species

Canada Goose  30
Mute Swan  5
Gadwall  25
American Black Duck  1
Mallard  30
Northern Shoveler  9
Green-winged Teal  20
Surf Scoter  1
Black Scoter  1
Bufflehead  4
Red-throated Loon  1
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Northern Gannet  30
Double-crested Cormorant  5
Great Egret  3
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  5
Osprey  8
Northern Harrier  2
Cooper's Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  3
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Coot  4
American Oystercatcher  6
Killdeer  2
Spotted Sandpiper  1     *medium-small, brown/white shorebird with spots on underparts, stiff/shallow wingbeats. expected on this date.
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Least Sandpiper  2
Wilson's Snipe  1
Laughing Gull  60
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull  30
Great Black-backed Gull  6
Forster's Tern  3
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  1
Mourning Dove  2
Chimney Swift  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  1
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  5
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  4
Purple Martin  30
Tree Swallow  35
Barn Swallow  15
Cliff Swallow  1
Carolina Chickadee  2
Carolina Wren  2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
American Robin  3
Brown Thrasher  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  5
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  3
Field Sparrow  2
White-throated Sparrow  2
Song Sparrow  4
Eastern Towhee  1
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  25
Common Grackle  3
Brown-headed Cowbird  1
House Finch  2
House Sparrow  3

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

Higbee Beach Bird Walk - Friday, April 15th, 2016

Generally the critter with the highest "Cuteness Factor" on spring birding walks is the piping plover. Not so today. Today's cuteness award definitely went to the harbor seal sunning itself atop some old pilings off Higbee Beach, checking us out with those big dark eyes as we checked him out from the shore. Early season migrants included Prairie Warbler, White-eyed Vireo, Purple Martin and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. Hermit Thrush numbers seem to be building as they move through headed for northern breeding grounds; now is the time to listen for their beautiful ethereal song. Leaders: Kathy Horn, Roger Horn, Catherine Busch, Chris Marks, and Steve Rodan.
38 species

Canada Goose  4
Wood Duck  2
Mallard  5
Double-crested Cormorant  14
Great Egret  1
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  4
Bald Eagle  2
Red-tailed Hawk  2
Laughing Gull  6
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull (American)  5
Mourning Dove  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  3
Hairy Woodpecker  1
White-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  2
Fish Crow  3
Purple Martin  2
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  5
Carolina Wren  7
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  9
Hermit Thrush  5
American Robin  8
Brown Thrasher  4
Northern Mockingbird  2
Prairie Warbler  1
Yellow-breasted Chat  1     Continuing
Field Sparrow  14
White-throated Sparrow  16
Song Sparrow  4
Eastern Towhee  4
Northern Cardinal  8
Red-winged Blackbird  9
Brown-headed Cowbird  12

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

Harbor Seal [Photo by Roger Horn]

Bald Eagles [Photo by Roger Horn]

Hermit Thrush [Photo by Roger Horn]

Shorebirds at Heislerville with Pete Dunne - Thursday, April 14th, 2016

Leaders: Pete Dunne, Janet Crawford, Shaun Bamford, Marc and Lynne Breslow.
26 species

Canada Goose  8
Gadwall  9
American Black Duck  3
Mallard  2
Blue-winged Teal  4
Northern Shoveler  30
Green-winged Teal  120
Red-breasted Merganser  1
Double-crested Cormorant  200
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  25
Snowy Egret  14
Turkey Vulture  5
Osprey  7
Bald Eagle  2
Greater Yellowlegs  50
Lesser Yellowlegs  2
Dunlin  50
Laughing Gull  4
Ring-billed Gull  7
Herring Gull  1
Forster's Tern  20
Tree Swallow  10
Barn Swallow  2
European Starling  5
Red-winged Blackbird  12

Glade Rd./Thompson's Beach
13 species

Canada Goose  2
Green-winged Teal  50
Red-breasted Merganser  1
Snowy Egret  30
Glossy Ibis  2
Osprey  15
Bald Eagle  3
Black-bellied Plover  10
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Willet  1
Herring Gull  20
Great Black-backed Gull  1
Great Horned Owl  1

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

Nummy's Island - Wednesday, April 13th, 2016

Tonight's Nummy island was a little chilly but we had great looks at a Little Blue Heron and a number of Tricolored Herons. We had lots of Laughing Gulls as well as a number of Brant. Leaders: Gail Dwyer, Shaun Bamford, Warren Cairo, Kathy & Roger Horn.
33 species

Brant  100
Canada Goose  12
American Black Duck  16
Mallard  8
Bufflehead  4
Red-breasted Merganser  6
Red-throated Loon  4
Common Loon  1
Horned Grebe  2
Double-crested Cormorant  20
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  6
Snowy Egret  1
Little Blue Heron  1
Tricolored Heron  3     Seen well
Osprey  2
Northern Harrier  1
American Oystercatcher  10
Black-bellied Plover  3
Greater Yellowlegs  7
Dunlin  40
Laughing Gull  120
Herring Gull  5
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  9
Forster's Tern  20
Mourning Dove  6
Fish Crow  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  8
Chipping Sparrow  1
Dark-eyed Junco  1
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Boat-tailed Grackle  16

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

Little Blue Heron [Photo by Roger Horn]

Midweek at the Meadows - Wednesday, April 13th, 2016

Ducks were the usual suspects including Ring-necked, both teal, and Bufflehead. We had fair looks at several Wilson's Snipe and good views of American Oystercatchers, and a singing Field Sparrow. Overhead we had both vultures and a pair of adult Bald Eagles. Leaders: Don Freiday, Karl Lukens, Chris Marks, Mary Watkins, Catherine Busch, and Warren Cairo.
45 species

Canada Goose  20
Mute Swan  5
Gadwall  8
Mallard  15
Blue-winged Teal  2
Northern Shoveler  10
Green-winged Teal  6
Ring-necked Duck  1
Surf Scoter  1
Black Scoter  1
Bufflehead  10
Northern Gannet  15
Double-crested Cormorant  3
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  1
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  5
Bald Eagle  2
American Coot  1
American Oystercatcher  8
Killdeer  2
Wilson's Snipe  3
Laughing Gull  4
Herring Gull  5
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  15
Mourning Dove  6
American Crow  5
Fish Crow  1
Purple Martin  2
Tree Swallow  8
Barn Swallow  1
Carolina Wren  1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
American Robin  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  3
Field Sparrow  2
Savannah Sparrow  2
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  2
House Finch  2
House Sparrow  2

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

American Oystercatcher [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, April 12th, 2016

A few ducks still around including Blue- and Green-winged Teal and Buffleheads. The continuing Iceland Gull put in a brief appearance. Brief looks at a Spotted and a Least Sandpiper. Osprey was on the nest platform. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Chuck Slugg, Karl Lukens, Janet Crawford, & Pat Perkins.
43 species

Canada Goose  50
Mute Swan  2
Gadwall  8
Mallard  12
Blue-winged Teal  2
Northern Shoveler  6
Green-winged Teal  12
Black Scoter  1
Bufflehead  6
Common Loon  1
Northern Gannet  10
Double-crested Cormorant  10
Great Egret  1
Snowy Egret  5
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  3
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
American Coot  1
American Oystercatcher  2
Killdeer  1
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Least Sandpiper  1
Wilson's Snipe  2
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull  2
Iceland Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Forster's Tern  1
Mourning Dove  5
American Crow  8
Fish Crow  1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  1
Tree Swallow  8
Yellow-rumped Warbler  1
Field Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  3
Brown-headed Cowbird  1
House Finch  2
House Sparrow  1

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

Cox Hall Creek WMA - Sunday, April 10th, 2016

Despite the chill at the beginning of the walk, early spring migrants were out feeding and calling, including White-eyed Vireo, Eastern Phoebe, Pine and Palm Warblers, Tree Swallow and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. The Red-headed Woodpecker that's been at the WMA all winter is now in full breeding - or alternate - plumage, sporting a stunning ruby head. Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, Janet Crawford, Cindy & Shaun Bamford.
43 species

Canada Goose  2
Mallard  3
Double-crested Cormorant  8
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  2
American Coot  3
Laughing Gull  4
Herring Gull (American)  5
Red-headed Woodpecker  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  4
Downy Woodpecker  1
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  3
Eastern Phoebe  1
White-eyed Vireo  2
Blue Jay  5
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  2
Tree Swallow  1
Carolina Chickadee  8
Tufted Titmouse  12
Carolina Wren  4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  3
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
Hermit Thrush  1
American Robin  40
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  6
Palm Warbler  1
Pine Warbler  3
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  5
Chipping Sparrow  6
Field Sparrow  2
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)  2
White-throated Sparrow  15
Eastern Towhee  15
Northern Cardinal  7
Red-winged Blackbird  2
Common Grackle  3
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
American Goldfinch  2

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

Midweek at the Meadows - Wednesday, April 6th, 2016

Ducks are thinning out with mostly Mallards, Gadwall, and Northern Shovelers, and a few Green-winged Teal. We also had five Glossy Ibis and a fly-over of 13 Snowy Egrets. Off shore, we had a nice show of Northern Gannets, some Black Scoters a couple of Forster's Terns, and a fly-by Iceland Gull. Overhead we had 6-7 Ospreys and two immature Bald Eagles. The Osprey were building the nest on the platform east of the East Trail. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chris Marks, Mary Watkins, and Catherine Busch.
40 species

Canada Goose  15
Mute Swan  5
Gadwall  12
Mallard  25
Northern Shoveler  4
Green-winged Teal  6
Ring-necked Duck  2
Black Scoter  15
Bufflehead  10
Red-throated Loon  3
Northern Gannet  30
Double-crested Cormorant  6
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  13     fly-over
Glossy Ibis  5
Black Vulture  11
Turkey Vulture  7
Osprey  7
Bald Eagle  2     imm.
American Coot  5
American Oystercatcher  8
Killdeer  2
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Herring Gull  2
Iceland Gull  1 continuing pale immature
Great Black-backed Gull  6
Forster's Tern  3
Mourning Dove  5
Fish Crow  5
Tree Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  2
American Robin  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  8
Field Sparrow  2
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  3
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  2
Boat-tailed Grackle  1
Brown-headed Cowbird  1
House Sparrow  3

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, April 4th, 2016

A cold and windy day! Not many ducks, but we did find Mallard, Gadwall, Buffleheads, and a couple of Blue-winged and Green-winged Teal. In spite of the wind, we did have a good Northern Gannet show. Overhead we had several Osprey with one on the nest platform, a Sharp-shinned Hawk, as well as both Black and Turkey Vultures. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Chuck Slugg, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, Janet Crawford, and Pat Perkins.
38 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  4
Gadwall  8
Mallard  15
Blue-winged Teal  2     seen by a few
Northern Shoveler  8
Green-winged Teal  2
Black Scoter  5
Bufflehead  8
Common Loon  1
Northern Gannet  40
Double-crested Cormorant  6
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  2
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  5
Osprey  3
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
American Coot  1
Killdeer  1     heard
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Wilson's Snipe  1
Laughing Gull  6
Herring Gull  8
Great Black-backed Gull  1
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  1
Mourning Dove  6
American Crow  10
Purple Martin  2
Tree Swallow  8
Carolina Wren  3
Northern Mockingbird  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  15
Field Sparrow  2
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  2
Brown-headed Cowbird  3
House Sparrow  1

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

Laughing Gull [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, April 2nd, 2016

The birds and birders were undeterred by this morning's teeming rain. The Tundra Swan is still playing "Find the Different Swan" in the second plover pond, the Red-winged Blackbirds are perched up and singing. A couple of female Hooded Mergansers had their "hair" all slicked down by the rain and the Purple Martins - last week perched atop the empty martin house poles - now have the (newly replaced) martin houses to sit on. Leaders: Kathy Horn & Kyle Chelius.
32 species

Canada Goose  17
Mute Swan  18
Tundra Swan  1     Continuing
Gadwall  24
Mallard  11
Blue-winged Teal  2
Northern Shoveler  4
Bufflehead  5
Hooded Merganser  2
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  2
Osprey  4
Killdeer  1
Herring Gull (American)  1
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  0
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  1
Purple Martin  2
Tree Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  1
Carolina Wren  2
American Robin  11
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  56
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  1
White-throated Sparrow  3
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  18
Common Grackle  33
Brown-headed Cowbird  15
House Finch  4

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

Midweek at the Meadows - Wednesday, March 30th, 2016

Although the number and variety of ducks is dwindling, we did manage to see Mallard, Gadwall, Ring-necked Ducks, Bufflehead, and both teal. Black and Surf Scoters were seen off shore as well as numerous Northern Gannets, and a couple of Red-throated Loons. Also of interest were two Wilson's Snipe trying to hide in the marsh, and a very cooperative Field Sparrow sitting in a bush singing. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chris Marks, Mary Watkins, and Catherine Busch.
44 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  14
Mallard  14
Blue-winged Teal  4
Northern Shoveler  8
Green-winged Teal  6
Ring-necked Duck  2
Surf Scoter  8
Black Scoter  10
Bufflehead  10
Red-throated Loon  2
Northern Gannet  25
Great Egret  1
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  20
Osprey  3
Northern Harrier  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
American Coot  1
American Oystercatcher  4
Sanderling  2
Wilson's Snipe  3
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull  8
Great Black-backed Gull  4
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  2
Mourning Dove  10
Fish Crow  4
Tree Swallow  4
Carolina Chickadee  1
Carolina Wren  3
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler  15
Field Sparrow  2
White-throated Sparrow  2
Savannah Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  3
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  2
House Sparrow  3

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

Wilson's Snipe [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, March 28th, 2016

Some rain and fog made distant viewing difficult, but we still found some birds. Ducks were mainly Mallard, and Gadwall, with several Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, and Buffleheads in the mix. Swallows overhead were Tree, Barn, Northern Rough-winged, and Purple Martins. Visibility was good enough to see 4 Black Scoters and a Red-throated Loon. Osprey, Bald Eagle, and Sharp-shinned Hawk were also seen. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Chuck Slugg, and Karl Lukens.
37 species

Snow Goose  1
Canada Goose  20
Mute Swan  3
Gadwall  15
Mallard  15
Blue-winged Teal  2
Northern Shoveler  2
Green-winged Teal  10
Black Scoter  4
Bufflehead  8
Red-throated Loon  1
Osprey  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  1
American Coot  1
American Oystercatcher  7
Killdeer  2
Wilson's Snipe  1
Herring Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  5
Mourning Dove  5
American Crow  3
Fish Crow  4
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  5
Purple Martin  5
Tree Swallow  8
Barn Swallow  5
American Robin  3
European Starling  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler  15
Field Sparrow  3
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  8
Brown-headed Cowbird  4
House Finch  2
House Sparrow  2

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

American Oystercatcher [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Loons and Shorebirds Cruise on The Osprey - Saturday, March 26th, 2016

Leader: Kyle Chelius.
26 species

Brant  300
American Black Duck  4
Mallard  2
White-winged Scoter  1
Bufflehead  50
Red-breasted Merganser  24
Common Loon  15
Horned Grebe  10     Several groups were seen at the same time; at least one group had seven horned grebes in it; 10 is a conservative number.
Double-crested Cormorant  8
Great Cormorant  5
Black Vulture  5
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  10     It was a 10 mile back bay boat trip in the salt marshes of Cape May County NJ.  Osprey have returned in large numbers this week. There was at least one bird, sometime two, on many of the nesting platforms; they were also on some of the marker channels.
Bald Eagle  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Oystercatcher  10
Dunlin  25
Purple Sandpiper  1
Black-headed Gull  1
Herring Gull  20
Great Black-backed Gull  8
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  4
Belted Kingfisher  1
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  10
Boat-tailed Grackle  3

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

Brant [Photo by Kyle Chelius]

Long-tailed Duck [Photo by Kyle Chelius]

Osprey checking out a nest [Photo by Kyle Chelius]

Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, March 26th, 2016

It was a nice surprise this morning to see two Purple Martins, first-of-season birds for most of us, perched on the poles that will soon hold the martin houses in which they’ll breed. Other early migrants included Rough-winged and Tree Swallow, Osprey and Laughing Gull. Northern Gannets were putting on a show over the water close to land and three male Blue-winged Teal, much less common here than Green-winged Teal, showed off their breeding finery. Leaders: Kathy Horn, Karl Lukens, & Kyle Chelius.
44 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  8
Mute Swan  12
Gadwall  55
American Wigeon  1
Mallard  12
Blue-winged Teal  3
Northern Shoveler  8
Northern Pintail  1
Green-winged Teal (American)  11
Bufflehead  10
Hooded Merganser  2
Northern Gannet  12
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Black Vulture  7
Turkey Vulture  12
Osprey  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Greater/Lesser Yellowlegs  2     Seen in flight; brown-backed shorebirds with long yellow legs and long bill
Laughing Gull  1
Herring Gull (American)  7
Great Black-backed Gull  8
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  5
Mourning Dove  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  2
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  4
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  1     Perched in good view,  brown - backed swallow without neck band
Purple Martin  2     Early arrivals perched on nest box poles
Tree Swallow  18     Swallow with clean white underside,  dark upper;  calling
Carolina Chickadee  6
Carolina Wren  4
American Robin  14
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  7
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  10
Field Sparrow  4
White-throated Sparrow  4
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  5
Red-winged Blackbird  18
Common Grackle  9
Brown-headed Cowbird  3
House Finch  1

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

Osprey [Photo by Karl Lukens]