Cape May Point - Wednesday May 11th 2011

This morning's walk gave us an exciting insight into bird movements at Cape May Point, as we watched skeins of Double-crested Cormorants coming in from Delaware, a Parasitic Jaeger harrying the Forster's Terns out in The Rips, small parties of shorebirds heading north and a whole array of swallows and martins over the pools. For me though, the highlight was watching (and listening to) an Osprey as it 'roller-coastered' across the sky high, high above us, displaying to its mate.

Location: Cape May Point SP
Observation date: 5/11/11
Number of species: 67

Canada Goose 6
Mute Swan 12
Gadwall 3
Mallard 4
Black Scoter 1
Northern Gannet 14
Double-crested Cormorant 145
Great Egret 1
Snowy Egret 1
Green Heron 1
Black Vulture 2
Turkey Vulture 10
Osprey 3
Bald Eagle 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
Broad-winged Hawk 1
Piping Plover 2
Killdeer 1
American Oystercatcher 3
Solitary Sandpiper 1
Greater Yellowlegs 1
Lesser Yellowlegs 1
Semipalmated Sandpiper 1
Least Sandpiper 6
Dunlin 4
Laughing Gull 10
Herring Gull (American) 2
Glaucous Gull 1
Great Black-backed Gull 6
Least Tern 12
Forster's Tern 150
Parasitic Jaeger 1
Rock Pigeon 8
Mourning Dove 3
Chimney Swift 5
Great Crested Flycatcher 1
Eastern Kingbird 4
Blue Jay 12
Fish Crow 10
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 10
Purple Martin 45
Tree Swallow 2
Bank Swallow 4
Barn Swallow 10
Cliff Swallow 1
Carolina Chickadee 4
Tufted Titmouse 1
Carolina Wren 2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2
Eastern Bluebird 1
American Robin 10
Gray Catbird 1
Northern Mockingbird 2
European Starling 2
Yellow Warbler 1
Pine Warbler 2
Common Yellowthroat 3
Song Sparrow 2
Northern Cardinal 3
Indigo Bunting 1
Red-winged Blackbird 15
Common Grackle 10
Brown-headed Cowbird 8
Orchard Oriole 3
House Finch 4
American Goldfinch 2
House Sparrow 4

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)

From a safe distance, we were able to witness three eggs in one of the American Oystercatcher nests today.

A smart male Eastern Bluebird was an unexpected bonus on the state park walk this morning - though I have no idea what he was doing there right now! [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Good views of Eastern Kingbirds are pretty much guaranteed on our Wednesday walks now [photo by Karl Lukens]

Exploring Cumberland County - Wednesday May 11th 2011

Location:     Maurice River Bridge
Observation date:     5/11/11
Notes:     CMBO Exploring Cumberland walk, Karen Johnson and Janet Crawford leaders. 86 species total, with great looks at a lot of birds, including Summer Tananger, both Orchard and Baltimore Orioles, Bank Swallows, Prothonotary Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Indigo Bunting, and Grasshopper Sparrow. We heard Kentucky Warbler and Yellow-throated Warbler. We also saw a Diamond-backed Terrapin, and  Summer Azure and Common Buckeye butterflies.
Number of species:     13

Canada Goose     6
Double-crested Cormorant     2
Snowy Egret     1
Osprey     2
Herring Gull     1
Forster's Tern     2
Purple Martin     2
Tree Swallow     5
European Starling     6
Common Yellowthroat     1
Red-winged Blackbird     4
Common Grackle     1

Location:     James Moore Road
Observation date:     5/11/11
Number of species:     31

Wild Turkey     1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird     1
Red-bellied Woodpecker     1
Hairy Woodpecker     1
Northern Flicker     1
Acadian Flycatcher     1
Great Crested Flycatcher     1
Eastern Kingbird     1
White-eyed Vireo     2
Red-eyed Vireo     2
Carolina Chickadee     3
Tufted Titmouse     1
Carolina Wren     3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher     2
Wood Thrush     2
American Robin     2
Gray Catbird     1
Northern Mockingbird     1
Northern Parula     5
Yellow-throated Warbler     1
Prairie Warbler     2
Black-and-white Warbler     2
Prothonotary Warbler     2
Worm-eating Warbler     1
Ovenbird     4
Common Yellowthroat     1
Chipping Sparrow     2
Summer Tanager     1
Scarlet Tanager     2
Northern Cardinal     2
Blue Grosbeak     1
House Sparrow     2

Location:     Hansey Creek Road
Observation date:     5/11/11
Notes:     Karen Johnson spotted a Seaside Sparrow.
Number of species:     52

Canada Goose     3
Wild Turkey     2
Double-crested Cormorant     3
Great Egret     5
Turkey Vulture     10
Osprey     2
Bald Eagle     1
Northern Harrier     2
Clapper Rail     5
Semipalmated Plover     2
Willet     3
Semipalmated Sandpiper     8
Least Sandpiper     7
Laughing Gull     2
Herring Gull     5
Great Black-backed Gull     2
Mourning Dove     2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird     1
Red-bellied Woodpecker     3
Great Crested Flycatcher     4
Eastern Kingbird     1
White-eyed Vireo     4
Red-eyed Vireo     2
Blue Jay     2
Fish Crow     2
Tree Swallow     15
Barn Swallow     16
Tufted Titmouse     3
Carolina Wren     1
House Wren     2
Marsh Wren     2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher     1
Wood Thrush     1
Northern Mockingbird     2
Brown Thrasher     2
European Starling     20
Yellow Warbler     5
Yellow-throated Warbler     1
Ovenbird     6
Common Yellowthroat     10
Chipping Sparrow     2
Field Sparrow     3
Song Sparrow     1
Northern Cardinal     3
Blue Grosbeak     1
Indigo Bunting     5
Red-winged Blackbird     12
Common Grackle     3
Brown-headed Cowbird     2
Orchard Oriole     5
American Goldfinch     7
House Sparrow     20

Location:     Route 555 between bridge and railroad tracks
Observation date:     5/11/11
Number of species:     16

Mute Swan     1
Killdeer     4
Chimney Swift     2
Red-bellied Woodpecker     1
Great Crested Flycatcher     3
White-eyed Vireo     2
Yellow-throated Vireo     1
Red-eyed Vireo     5
Tufted Titmouse     1
American Robin     4
European Starling     3
Prothonotary Warbler     1
Ovenbird     5
Summer Tanager     2
Blue Grosbeak     2
Brown-headed Cowbird     2

Location:     Railroad Ave.
Observation date:     5/11/11
Number of species:     11

Chimney Swift     3
Eastern Wood-Pewee     1
Acadian Flycatcher     1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow     6
Barn Swallow     5
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher     2
Wood Thrush     1
Yellow-throated Warbler     1
Pine Warbler     1
Prothonotary Warbler     2
Kentucky Warbler     2

Location:     Bevan WMA IBA--Ackley Rd. (Newport Twp.)
Observation date:     5/11/11
Number of species:     15

Wild Turkey     1
Mourning Dove     2
Great Crested Flycatcher     4
Red-eyed Vireo     2
Barn Swallow     6
Tufted Titmouse     2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher     1
Pine Warbler     4
Ovenbird     8
Eastern Towhee     7
Chipping Sparrow     2
Summer Tanager     5
Scarlet Tanager     1
Orchard Oriole     1
American Goldfinch     5

Location:     Buckshutem WMA
Observation date:     5/11/11
Number of species:     14

Turkey Vulture     1
Red-tailed Hawk     1
Killdeer     1
Horned Lark     1
Tree Swallow     10
Barn Swallow     4
Eastern Bluebird     2
European Starling     1
Yellow-breasted Chat     1
Chipping Sparrow     3
Grasshopper Sparrow     4
Indigo Bunting     1
Orchard Oriole     1
Baltimore Oriole     1

Location:     Mauricetown Ponds
Observation date:     5/11/11
Number of species:     13

Turkey Vulture     2
Killdeer     1
Laughing Gull     1
Northern Flicker     1
Eastern Kingbird     1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow     2
Tree Swallow     1
Gray Catbird     1
Northern Mockingbird     1
Prairie Warbler     2
Field Sparrow     1
Indigo Bunting     1
Orchard Oriole     2

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)

Hidden Corners of Belleplain - Tuesday May 10th 2011

Location:     Belleplain State Forest
Observation date:     5/10/11
Notes:     CMBO Hidden Corners of Belleplain walk, Karen Johnson, Janet Crawford, Bert Hixon, and Bill Smythe leaders. We got excellent looks at a very cooperative Hooded Warbler, saw a yellow and red immature Summer Tananger, an adult Summer Tananger, Scarlet Tananger, saw a Prairie Warbler chase an Eastern Wood Pewee out of "its" tree, heard a Black-billed Cuckoo, and had Spicebush Swallowtail and Red-banded Hairstreak butterflies.
Number of species:     49

Black Vulture     11
Turkey Vulture     5
Red-tailed Hawk     1
Mourning Dove     4
Black-billed Cuckoo     1
Red-bellied Woodpecker     8
Eastern Wood-Pewee     6
Acadian Flycatcher     4
Eastern Phoebe     1
Great Crested Flycatcher     10
Eastern Kingbird     2
White-eyed Vireo     8
Red-eyed Vireo     10
Blue Jay     1
American Crow     2
Barn Swallow     6
Carolina Chickadee     8
Tufted Titmouse     12
Carolina Wren     5
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher     6
Wood Thrush     14
American Robin     3
Gray Catbird     6
Northern Mockingbird     3
Brown Thrasher     2
Blue-winged Warbler     1
Northern Parula     1
Yellow-throated Warbler     6
Pine Warbler     10
Prairie Warbler     8
Black-and-white Warbler     18
Worm-eating Warbler     8
Ovenbird     20
Louisiana Waterthrush     2
Common Yellowthroat     1
Hooded Warbler     2
Eastern Towhee     9
Chipping Sparrow     3
Field Sparrow     2
Summer Tanager     3
Scarlet Tanager     1
Northern Cardinal     7
Blue Grosbeak     1
Indigo Bunting     5
Red-winged Blackbird     6
Common Grackle     2
Brown-headed Cowbird     3
Orchard Oriole     3
American Goldfinch     2

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)

E-Z Birding - Tuesday May 10th 2011

Location:  Cape May Point SP
Observation date:  5/10/11
Notes: Sunny,calm,60s. C&MJS, WC.  A pleasant stroll through the park with a good variety of birds.  Great looks at the young male Orchard Oriole, a Piping Plover, and an American Oystercatcher on nest were highlights of the walk.
Number of species:     54

Canada Goose     12
Mute Swan     20
Gadwall     4
Mallard     6
Great Egret     4
Snowy Egret     1
Black Vulture     6
Turkey Vulture     15
Osprey     4
Bald Eagle     2
Sharp-shinned Hawk     1
Broad-winged Hawk     2
Red-tailed Hawk     1
Piping Plover     2
Killdeer     1
American Oystercatcher     1
Greater Yellowlegs     2
Lesser Yellowlegs     1
Least Sandpiper     3
Laughing Gull     20
Great Black-backed Gull     7
Least Tern     10
Forster's Tern     35
Rock Pigeon     6
Mourning Dove     4
Red-headed Woodpecker     1
Great Crested Flycatcher     2
Eastern Kingbird     4
American Crow     6
Fish Crow     10
Northern Rough-winged Swallow     2
Purple Martin     45
Tree Swallow     10
Bank Swallow     2
Barn Swallow     12
Carolina Chickadee     5
Carolina Wren     6
American Robin     10
Gray Catbird     2
Northern Mockingbird     1
European Starling     4
Common Yellowthroat     4
Yellow-breasted Chat     2     heard only
Song Sparrow     5     heard only
Northern Cardinal     8
Blue Grosbeak     1     heard only
Indigo Bunting     2     heard only
Red-winged Blackbird     20
Common Grackle     6
Brown-headed Cowbird     12
Orchard Oriole     2
House Finch     3
American Goldfinch     3     heard only
House Sparrow     8

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(
http://ebird.org)

Heislerville - Monday May 9th 2011

Location:     Heislerville WMA
Observation date:     5/9/11
Notes:     CMBO Heislerville walk, leaders Pete Dunne, Janet Crawford, Warren Cairo, Chuck and Mary Jane Slugg, Mike Hannisian and Nancy Watson. A Peregrine Falcon chased many shorebirds out of the main impoundment, but enough came back to have a good look at Dunlin, White-rumped Sandpiper, Short-billed Dowitcher, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Semipalmated Plover and Black-bellied Plover. There was one Least Tern. Five Ruddy Ducks and three Red-breasted Mergansers remain. An immature Little Blue Heron was in the third impoundment.
Number of species:     40

Canada Goose     4
Mute Swan     2
American Black Duck     5
Mallard     2
Red-breasted Merganser     3
Ruddy Duck     5
Double-crested Cormorant     30
Great Blue Heron     1
Great Egret     65
Snowy Egret     65
Little Blue Heron     1
Black-crowned Night-Heron     30
Turkey Vulture     5
Osprey     3
Peregrine Falcon     1
Black-bellied Plover     40
Semipalmated Plover     50
Killdeer     2
Greater Yellowlegs     40
Lesser Yellowlegs     6
Semipalmated Sandpiper     50
Least Sandpiper     10
White-rumped Sandpiper     1
Dunlin     150
Short-billed Dowitcher     150
Laughing Gull     15
Ring-billed Gull     10
Herring Gull     10
Great Black-backed Gull     1
Least Tern     1
Forster's Tern     35
Black Skimmer     1
Mourning Dove     1
Eastern Kingbird     2
Fish Crow     6
Barn Swallow     15
Marsh Wren     1
European Starling     5
Yellow Warbler     2
Red-winged Blackbird     10

Location:     Thompson's Beach
Observation date:     5/9/11
Number of species:     18

Great Egret     3
Snowy Egret     1
Black-crowned Night-Heron     1
Turkey Vulture     2
Osprey     7
Bald Eagle     2
Northern Harrier     2
Clapper Rail     5
Semipalmated Plover     20
Greater Yellowlegs     8
Willet     3
Semipalmated Sandpiper     10
Dunlin     15
Short-billed Dowitcher     15
Herring Gull     5
Forster's Tern     6
Marsh Wren     1
Red-winged Blackbird     10

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)

South Cape May Meadows - Monday May 9th 2011

Location: South Cape May Meadows
Observation date: 5/9/11
Notes: CMBO Birding the Meadows with Pete
Dunne.-PD,KL,C&MJS,SW,M&LB,+30.Clr,55°,W5. Ducks are scarce with Mallards, a few Gadwall, and two lingering Green-winged Teal. Again the parking lot was productive where we had a singing Blue Grosbeak and a couple of 1st yr. Orchard Orioles sitting up and singing. Piping Plover and American Oystercatchers were on the beach and a very distant Parasitic Jaeger was well offshore chasing terns.
Number of species: 62

Brant 2
Canada Goose 10
Mute Swan 2
Gadwall 3
Mallard 10
Green-winged Teal 2
Common Loon 1
Double-crested Cormorant 50
Great Blue Heron 1
Great Egret 2
Snowy Egret 3
Glossy Ibis 1
Black Vulture 2
Turkey Vulture 10
Osprey 5
Bald Eagle 1
Northern Harrier 2
Semipalmated Plover 6 fly-over seen by a few
Piping Plover 2
Killdeer 1
American Oystercatcher 2
Solitary Sandpiper 1
Greater Yellowlegs 5
Willet 1
Lesser Yellowlegs 3
Least Sandpiper 5
Laughing Gull 20
Herring Gull 5
Great Black-backed Gull 10
Least Tern 23
Forster's Tern 10
Parasitic Jaeger 1 way off shore chasing Terns
Rock Pigeon 2
Mourning Dove 4
Chimney Swift 10
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Eastern Kingbird 1
Red-eyed Vireo 1
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 1
Fish Crow 2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1
Purple Martin 2
Tree Swallow 5
Barn Swallow 10
Carolina Chickadee 1
American Robin 5
Gray Catbird 2
Northern Mockingbird 2
European Starling 5
Yellow-rumped Warbler 2
Common Yellowthroat 5
Northern Cardinal 5
Blue Grosbeak 2
Indigo Bunting 1
Red-winged Blackbird 15
Common Grackle 10
Brown-headed Cowbird 10
Orchard Oriole 3
House Finch 1
American Goldfinch 1
House Sparrow 1

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
 

Birds, Butterflies & Botany at Belleplain - Sunday May 8th 2011

Will Kerling reports:  A delightful sunny Mother’s Day Walk was greeted by a male Kentucky Warbler singing a series of musical notes. Our first glimpse of the bird was among the leaves of the forest floor.  The elusive singing bird was sighted in a small tree, before disappearing completely from view. We then headed down Tom Fields Road. The dirt road was alive with one-brooded spring butterflies, now almost gone for the year. Juvenal’s Duskywings were feeding on Oaks, female Horace’s Duskywings, a Sleepy Duskywing, Brown and Henry’s Elfins and Blueberry and Holly Azures were all active, closing out spring and leaving a new generation behind.
While watching butterflies, we saw a very cooperative male Scarlet Tanager and enjoyed background music from Ovenbirds, a Hooded Warbler, White-eyed Vireos, Great Crested Flycatcher, Tufted Titmouse and other birds from time to time.
Our walk eventually turned to the forest for a possible glimpse of a male Prothonotary Warbler at Savage Run. Immediately we were serenaded by Eastern Towhee, Worm-eating Warbler and a Yellow-throated Warbler. The Blue Corporal dragonfly with corporal stripes on its thorax, graced the trail to the creek. Upon arriving, a male Ruby-throated Hummingbird was perched on top of a dead pine tree. The male Prothonotary Warbler had been singing out even before we arrived at the creek and it continued for most of our visit. The bird was only seen for a few seconds a couple of times during the visit but it was a thrilling sight. Walking back through the forest we heard the Prothonotary Warbler sounding off at the creek once more. This journey afforded us great looks at Great Crested Flycatcher, Yellow-throated Warbler and a surprise sighting of two male Black-and-White Warblers.
Next Sunday this walk will have freshly emerged butterfly species, more flowering plants, and Ebony Jewelwing dragonflies. Hope to see you there.

Higbee's Beach WMA (group 2) - Sunday May 8th 2011

Location:     Cape Island--Higbees Beach SWA
Observation date:     5/8/11
Notes:     A lot of lucky people were at this morning's walk at Higbee so we split into two groups. The Horn-half was treated to close-up views of singing White-eyed vireos and chipping Prairie Warblers. Yellow-breasted Chats could be heard from almost anywhere on the property as they whistled, clicked and chattered from tree tops  in between display flights.
Leaders: K & R Horn, S Bamford

Number of species:     55

Mallard     2
Red-throated Loon     1
Common Loon     1
Northern Gannet     2
Double-crested Cormorant     4
Great Egret     3
Black Vulture     2
Turkey Vulture     3
Osprey     1
Bonaparte's Gull     1
Laughing Gull     12
Herring Gull     8
Great Black-backed Gull     2
Forster's Tern     10
Mourning Dove     6
Yellow-billed Cuckoo     1     Heard only
Chimney Swift     2
Red-bellied Woodpecker     3
Great Crested Flycatcher     5     heard
Eastern Kingbird     3
White-eyed Vireo     7
Red-eyed Vireo     1     heard
Blue Jay     2
American Crow     2
Fish Crow     4
Tree Swallow     3
Barn Swallow     1
Carolina Chickadee     3
Tufted Titmouse     4     heard
Carolina Wren     4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher     4     heard
American Robin     12
Gray Catbird     3
Northern Mockingbird     3
Brown Thrasher     1
European Starling     10
Northern Parula     4     heard
Black-throated Green Warbler     1     heard
Prairie Warbler     7
Common Yellowthroat     5
Yellow-breasted Chat     2     displaying
Eastern Towhee     1     heard
Field Sparrow     4
Song Sparrow     1     heard
White-throated Sparrow     2     heard
Northern Cardinal     6
Rose-breasted Grosbeak     2
Blue Grosbeak     3
Indigo Bunting     8
Red-winged Blackbird     12
Common Grackle     7
Brown-headed Cowbird     13
Orchard Oriole     1     heard
House Finch     2     heard
American Goldfinch     3     heard

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)

Higbee's Beach WMA (group 1) - Sunday May 8th 2011

Location: Higbee Beach
Observation date: 5/8/11
Notes: R&KH, C&MJS, C&SB. The Yellow-breasted Chat sitting, singing, and doing display flight was a treat.  Field sparrows copulating was also a highlight.  Many birds were heard, but not seen. Blue Grosbeaks and Indigo Buntings were also cooperative.
Number of species: 39

Mallard     2
Double-crested Cormorant     12
Great Egret     2
Osprey     1
Laughing Gull     25
Great Black-backed Gull     2
Forster's Tern     5
Mourning Dove     4
Yellow-billed Cuckoo     1     heard only
Ruby-throated Hummingbird     1
Red-bellied Woodpecker     6     heard only
Great Crested Flycatcher     10     heard only
Eastern Kingbird     3
White-eyed Vireo     5
Red-eyed Vireo     3
Blue Jay     3
Tree Swallow     3
Barn Swallow     4
Carolina Chickadee     2     heard only
Tufted Titmouse     3
Carolina Wren     6
American Robin     4
Gray Catbird     4
Northern Mockingbird     1
European Starling     1
Magnolia Warbler     1
Prairie Warbler     8
Common Yellowthroat     10
Yellow-breasted Chat     4
Eastern Towhee     1     heard only
Field Sparrow     4
Song Sparrow     3     heard only
Summer Tanager     1     heard only
Northern Cardinal     14
Blue Grosbeak     3
Indigo Bunting     9
Red-winged Blackbird     12
Common Grackle     10
Brown-headed Cowbird     8

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(
http://ebird.org/)

The Beanery - Saturday May 7th 2011

Location: The Beanery
Observation date: 5/7/11
Notes: CMBO Spring Migrants at the Rea
Farm-KL,C&MJS,K&RH,PR,+20.Clr,55°,WNW8. Good birding at the start from the parking lot with Blue Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting and Orchard Oriole being seen. In the back field a Red-headed Woodpecker put on a good show.
Number of species: 56

Canada Goose 10
Mute Swan 1
Wood Duck 2
Mallard 4
Double-crested Cormorant 2
Great Egret 1
Snowy Egret 2
Green Heron 1
Black-crowned Night-Heron 1
Black Vulture 3
Turkey Vulture 5
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Merlin 1
Killdeer 2
Laughing Gull 30
Herring Gull 3
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Forster's Tern 1
Rock Pigeon 2
Mourning Dove 3
Chimney Swift 5
Red-headed Woodpecker 1 /p
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Great Crested Flycatcher 5
Eastern Kingbird 5
Red-eyed Vireo 1 heard
Blue Jay 1
American Crow 1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 4
Purple Martin 2
Tree Swallow 3
Barn Swallow 10
Carolina Chickadee 3
Tufted Titmouse 2
Carolina Wren 5
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1
American Robin 1
Gray Catbird 2
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 15
Yellow Warbler 1 heard
Prothonotary Warbler 1 heard once willow pond
Common Yellowthroat 5
Yellow-breasted Chat 1 heard
Song Sparrow 1
Northern Cardinal 6
Blue Grosbeak 3
Indigo Bunting 4
Red-winged Blackbird 10
Common Grackle 15
Brown-headed Cowbird 10
Orchard Oriole 4
Baltimore Oriole 1
House Finch 1
American Goldfinch 1
House Sparrow 1

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

Bird Walk For All People (group 2) - Saturday May 7th 2011

Location:     Cape May Point SP
Observation date:     5/7/11
Notes:     The CMBO SP Bird Walk for All People included highlights of Blue Grosbeak, a  bathing Pine Warbler, Indigo Bunting, a distant Piping Plover and a nesting American Oystercatcher who obligingly stood up to re-arrange her/his position and reveal the 3 eggs beneath.
Leaders: K & R Horn, C Bamford
 
Number of species:     60

Canada Goose     12
Mute Swan     17
Mallard     8
Double-crested Cormorant     1
Great Egret     6
Snowy Egret     5
Glossy Ibis     15
Black Vulture     8
Turkey Vulture     25
Osprey     2
Northern Harrier     2
Red-tailed Hawk     1
Piping Plover     1
Killdeer     2
American Oystercatcher     5
Greater Yellowlegs     1
Lesser Yellowlegs     1
Least Sandpiper     11
Laughing Gull     13
Herring Gull     7
Great Black-backed Gull     2
Least Tern     7
Forster's Tern     41
Rock Pigeon     7
Mourning Dove     8
Chimney Swift     15
Red-bellied Woodpecker     1
Great Crested Flycatcher     2
Eastern Kingbird     4
Blue Jay     2
American Crow     2
Fish Crow     5
Northern Rough-winged Swallow     3
Purple Martin     35
Tree Swallow     8
Barn Swallow     14
Carolina Chickadee     4
Tufted Titmouse     2
Red-breasted Nuthatch     2
Carolina Wren     4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher     4
American Robin     20
Gray Catbird     3
Northern Mockingbird     5
Brown Thrasher     1
European Starling     16
Cedar Waxwing     3
Yellow Warbler     1
Pine Warbler     1
Common Yellowthroat     2
Song Sparrow     1
Northern Cardinal     10
Blue Grosbeak     1
Indigo Bunting     2
Red-winged Blackbird     22
Common Grackle     30
Brown-headed Cowbird     8
Orchard Oriole     2
American Goldfinch     9
House Sparrow     4

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)

Bird Walk For All People (group 1) - Saturday May 7th 2011

Location: Cape May Point SP
Observation date: 5/7/11
Notes: Sunny, high 60s, no wind.  C&MJS, K&RH, CB, LB. Highlights include great looks at the Blue
Grosbeak, the Yellow-brested Chat, a fly-over Tricolored Heron, and nesting American Oystercatchers.
Number of species:     54

Canada Goose     10
Mute Swan     8
Gadwall     2
American Black Duck     2
Mallard     6
Northern Gannet     2
Double-crested Cormorant     3
Great Egret     6
Snowy Egret     1
Tricolored Heron     1
Glossy Ibis     14
Black Vulture     6
Turkey Vulture     20
Osprey     2
Cooper's Hawk     1
Red-shouldered Hawk     1
Red-tailed Hawk     1
Killdeer     2
American Oystercatcher     6
Greater Yellowlegs     1
Least Sandpiper     6
Laughing Gull     50
Herring Gull     8
Great Black-backed Gull     12
Least Tern     6
Forster's Tern     30
Rock Pigeon     3
Mourning Dove     3
Eastern Kingbird     12
American Crow     2
Fish Crow     5
Northern Rough-winged Swallow     12
Purple Martin     30
Tree Swallow     6
Barn Swallow     6
Carolina Chickadee     5
Carolina Wren     5
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher     2
American Robin     8
Gray Catbird     1
Northern Mockingbird     4
European Starling     3
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)     1
Pine Warbler     1
Common Yellowthroat     8     heard only
Yellow-breasted Chat     1
Song Sparrow     3
Northern Cardinal     10
Blue Grosbeak     2
Red-winged Blackbird     30
Common Grackle     6
Brown-headed Cowbird     10
American Goldfinch     3
House Sparrow     8

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(
http://ebird.org/)

South Cape May Meadows - Friday May 6th 2011

Location:     Cape Island--CMMBS (Cape May Migratory Bird Sanctuary (Meadows))
Observation date:     5/6/11
Notes:     Sunny, mid 60s, very windy; C&MJSlugg, CHajduk.  Very windy conditions made birding difficult, especially on the beach. The Green-winged Teal seem to have gone but the Least Terns have moved in.  A Piping Plover and American Oystercatchers were crowd-pleasers.
Number of species:     38

Canada Goose     16
Mute Swan     8
Gadwall     14
Mallard     10
Double-crested Cormorant     6
Great Egret     3
Glossy Ibis     1
Turkey Vulture     7
Osprey     5
Cooper's Hawk     1
American Coot     1
Piping Plover     1
Killdeer     3
American Oystercatcher     7
Greater Yellowlegs     3
Least Sandpiper     4
Wilson's Snipe     1
Laughing Gull     50
Herring Gull     8
Glaucous Gull     1
Great Black-backed Gull     16
Least Tern     37
Forster's Tern     20
Rock Pigeon     4
Mourning Dove     2
American Crow     3
Fish Crow     10
Tree Swallow     12
Barn Swallow     14
Marsh Wren     1     heard only
Northern Mockingbird     1
European Starling     2
Common Yellowthroat     3
Savannah Sparrow     3
Northern Cardinal     4
Red-winged Blackbird     20
Common Grackle     4
House Sparrow     2

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(
http://ebird.org)

Higbee's Beach - Friday May 6th 2011

Numbers of migrants were low at Higbee's Beach today, but quality more than made up for it, as we enjoyed
all the colors of the rainbow - Indigo Bunting, Blue Grosbeak, Baltimore Oriole, Prairie Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat; a real craziness of color!
 
Location: Cape Island--Higbees Beach SWA
Observation date: 5/6/11
Number of species: 58
Canada Goose 4
Mallard 2
Wild Turkey 1
Double-crested Cormorant 65
Snowy Egret 4
Turkey Vulture 3
Osprey 2
Bald Eagle 1
Lesser Yellowlegs 1
Laughing Gull 20
Herring Gull (American) 5
Great Black-backed Gull 4
Forster's Tern 4
Mourning Dove 2
Chimney Swift 3
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 3
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Great Crested Flycatcher 4
Eastern Kingbird 3
White-eyed Vireo 5
Red-eyed Vireo 2
Blue Jay 6
American Crow 2
Fish Crow 4
Purple Martin 2
Tree Swallow 2
Barn Swallow 10
Carolina Chickadee 4
Tufted Titmouse 2
Carolina Wren 4
House Wren 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2
American Robin 2
Gray Catbird 6
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 1
Cedar Waxwing 2
Northern Parula 5
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 10
Black-throated Green Warbler 1
Prairie Warbler 3
Ovenbird 2
Common Yellowthroat 1
Yellow-breasted Chat 1
Eastern Towhee 3
Field Sparrow 4
White-throated Sparrow 2
Summer Tanager 1
Northern Cardinal 6
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 2
Blue Grosbeak 3
Red-winged Blackbird 5
Common Grackle 8
Brown-headed Cowbird 8
Baltimore Oriole 2
House Finch 3
American Goldfinch 5

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

Belleplain State Forest - Thursday May 5th 2011

Location: Belleplain State Forest
Observation date: 5/5/11
Notes: CMBO Birds of Belleplain State Forest-JA,KL,BH,PR,Bev,+7.Clr,55°,NW15. Clear, cool and breezy. Good show at the parking lot with three adult Scarlet Tanagers in one Bino field of view as well as a glowing Blackburnian Warbler. Over all had four Summer Tanagers (one was a 1st yr Red & yellow bird) and six Scarlet. Also good looks at Worm-eating and Prothonotary Warblers. As usual the Acadian Flycatcher performed well.
Number of species: 53

Canada Goose 2
Mallard 2
Black Vulture 1
Turkey Vulture 1
Spotted Sandpiper 1
Laughing Gull 15
Herring Gull 10
Mourning Dove 4
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2 heard
Acadian Flycatcher 3
Eastern Phoebe 2
Great Crested Flycatcher 4 heard
Eastern Kingbird 8
White-eyed Vireo 1
Red-eyed Vireo 1
American Crow 1
Fish Crow 1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1
Tree Swallow 1
Barn Swallow 3
Carolina Chickadee 3
Tufted Titmouse 3
Carolina Wren 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1 heard
American Robin 10
Gray Catbird 4
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 3
Northern Parula 2
Blackburnian Warbler 1
Yellow-throated Warbler 8
Pine Warbler 5 heard
Prairie Warbler 6
Black-and-white Warbler 2 heard
Prothonotary Warbler 1
Worm-eating Warbler 2 /p
Ovenbird 12 heard
Kentucky Warbler 1 /p
Eastern Towhee 2 heard
Chipping Sparrow 8
Field Sparrow 1 heard
Summer Tanager 4 /p one 1st yr red & yellow
Scarlet Tanager 6
Northern Cardinal 4
Blue Grosbeak 1
Indigo Bunting 2
Red-winged Blackbird 2
Common Grackle 15
Brown-headed Cowbird 10
Orchard Oriole 3
House Finch 1
American Goldfinch 1

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)

Worm-eating Warblers are common breeders at Belleplain State Forest, but their song is subtle and easily missed, and they spend much time high up in the canopy and not offering good photo opportunities. However, this one took time out from its habitual checking of dead leaves, to give Karl Lukens an unusual; picture angle.

Summer Tanagers are putting on a good show at present; last year's males, returning north for their first breeding season, usually have a rather patchy covering of red, like this one, photographed by Karl Lukens on today's walk.

Cape May Point - Wednesday May 4th 2011

Location: Cape May Point SP
Observation date: 5/4/11
Notes: Cold and wet; heavy rain cut the walk short
Number of species: 52

Canada Goose 12
Mute Swan 11
Gadwall 2
Mallard 6
Surf Scoter 5
Red-throated Loon 3
Pied-billed Grebe 1
Northern Gannet 2
Double-crested Cormorant 15
Great Blue Heron 1
Great Egret 3
Snowy Egret 2
Turkey Vulture 1
Osprey 1
Semipalmated Plover 6
Piping Plover 1
Killdeer 2
American Oystercatcher 4
Greater Yellowlegs 2
Willet 1
Least Sandpiper 20
Short-billed Dowitcher 16
Bonaparte's Gull 1
Laughing Gull 25
Herring Gull (American) 10
Glaucous Gull 1
Great Black-backed Gull 20
Least Tern 1
Common Tern 1
Forster's Tern 80
Black Skimmer 26
Rock Pigeon 8
Chimney Swift 3
Eastern Kingbird 8
White-eyed Vireo 1
Fish Crow 6
Purple Martin 25
Tree Swallow 10
Barn Swallow 10
Carolina Wren 4
American Robin 4
Northern Mockingbird 2
European Starling 2
Common Yellowthroat 3
Song Sparrow 2
Northern Cardinal 4
Red-winged Blackbird 25
Common Grackle 4
Brown-headed Cowbird 2
House Finch 2
American Goldfinch 2
House Sparrow 3

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

Loon and Shorebird Cruise aboard the Osprey 4-30-2011

"CMBO's Loon and Shorebird cruise lived up to its namesake. Five loons were seen in all, the majority of which were in their spectacular breeding plumage. Black-bellied Plovers showed up in their breeding finery as well, not wishing to be left out. Dunlin are massing, and a Tri-colored Heron popped out of the marsh grasses for a brief visit."


Location: Cape May County Back Bay
Observation date: 4/30/11
Notes:
Number of species: 32

Brant 145
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 3
Mallard 5
Red-breasted Merganser 8
Common Loon 5
Double-crested Cormorant 231
Great Blue Heron 2
Great Egret 16
Snowy Egret 9
Tricolored Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 13
Osprey 36
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Peregrine Falcon 1
Clapper Rail 9
Black-bellied Plover 25
American Oystercatcher 8
Greater Yellowlegs 6
Willet (Eastern) 8
Whimbrel 34
Ruddy Turnstone 14
Dunlin 156
Short-billed Dowitcher 64
Laughing Gull 453
Ring-billed Gull 2
Herring Gull 45
Great Black-backed Gull 7
Forster's Tern 27
Rock Pigeon 13
Barn Swallow 8
Seaside Sparrow 3
Red-winged Blackbird 37
Boat-tailed Grackle 18

Hidden Corners of Belleplain - Tuesday May 3rd 2011

Location: Belleplain State Forest
Observation date: 5/3/11
Notes: CMBO Belleplain walk, visiting headquarters, Lake Nummy area, Sunset Bridge area north to Upper Champion Road and looping back to HQ. The other observers were Karen Johnson, Frank, Lynn, Mark, Lee, and others for 13 total. Low-end estimates are used.
Number of species: 70

Canada Goose 7
Wild Turkey 1
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Glossy Ibis 1
Black Vulture 3
Turkey Vulture 3
Osprey 1
Laughing Gull 8
Herring Gull á á 3
Great Black-backed Gull 2
Rock Pigeon 6
Mourning Dove 8
Yellow-billed Cuckoo 1 heard only
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 3
Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
Downy Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 1
Eastern Wood-Pewee 7 singing
Acadian Flycatcher 5 singing
Eastern Phoebe 2 singing
Great Crested Flycatcher 18
Eastern Kingbird 9
White-eyed Vireo 5 singing, heard only
Yellow-throated Vireo 1 singing, heard only
Red-eyed Vireo 28 singing
Blue Jay 5
American Crow 1
Fish Crow 3
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2
Barn Swallow 4
Carolina Chickadee 13 singing
Tufted Titmouse 8 singing
Carolina Wren 3 singing
House Wren 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 26 singing
Eastern Bluebird 1
Wood Thrush 12 singing
American Robin 15 singing
Gray Catbird 5 singing
Northern Mockingbird 1 singing
Blue-winged Warbler 3 singing
Northern Parula 6 singing
Yellow Warbler 1 singing
Yellow-rumped Warbler 6 singing
Black-throated Green Warbler 1 heard only, singing
Yellow-throated Warbler 14 increased and lots of singing
Pine Warbler 8 singing
Prairie Warbler 8 singing
Bay-breasted Warbler 1 singing, a highlight for the whole group!!!
Blackpoll Warbler 1 heard only, singing
Black-and-white Warbler 11 singing
American Redstart 1 singing
Worm-eating Warbler 12 singing
Ovenbird 25 singing
Kentucky 1 heard only, singing
Common Yellowthroat 1 heard only, singing
Hooded Warbler 7 singing
Eastern Towhee 14 singing
Chipping Sparrow 15 singing
White-throated Sparrow 2
Summer Tanager 1 heard only, calling briefly
Scarlet Tanager 7 singing
Northern Cardinal 6 singing
Indigo Bunting 5 singing
Common Grackle 6
Brown-headed Cowbird 16 singing
Orchard Oriole 4 singing
American Goldfinch 6
House Sparrow 1

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(
http://ebird.org)

E-Z Birding - Tuesday May 3rd 2011

Location:     Cape May Point SP
Observation date:     5/3/11
Notes:     Sunny, breezy, low 60s; C&MJ Slugg.  The highlight of the walk was watching a pair of American Oystercatchers do a nest exchange.
Number of species:     49

Canada Goose     20
Mute Swan     14
Gadwall     4
Mallard     10
Red-throated Loon     1
Snowy Egret     1
Green Heron     1
Turkey Vulture     1
Osprey     3
Piping Plover     2
Killdeer     2
American Oystercatcher     2
Greater Yellowlegs     1
Willet     1
Least Sandpiper     1
Laughing Gull     9
Herring Gull     4
Glaucous Gull     1     seen by leaders on beach side of dune by Bunker Pond
Great Black-backed Gull     6
Forster's Tern     35
Rock Pigeon     2
Mourning Dove     2
Eastern Kingbird     5
Blue Jay     1
American Crow     5
Fish Crow     6
Northern Rough-winged Swallow     6
Purple Martin     45
Tree Swallow     2
Barn Swallow     3
Carolina Chickadee     2     heard only
Carolina Wren     5     heard only
House Wren     1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher     5
American Robin     15
Gray Catbird     2
Northern Mockingbird     2
European Starling     4
Common Yellowthroat     7     heard only
Yellow-breasted Chat     2     heard only
Song Sparrow     2     heard only
Northern Cardinal     4
Red-winged Blackbird     30
Common Grackle     6
Boat-tailed Grackle     4
Brown-headed Cowbird     6
Orchard Oriole     3
House Finch     1     heard only
House Sparrow     3

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(
http://ebird.org)

Heislerville - Monday May 2nd 2011

Location:     Heislerville WMA
Observation date:     5/2/11
Notes:     Sunny and breezy; mid 60s; Pete Dunne, C&MJ Slugg, C Bell. Stupendous number of Black-crowned Night Herons, Snowy and Great Egrets; Black-Bellied Plover in full breeding plumage; small group of Red Knots; male Northern Harrier were all highlights of walk. List includes Thompson's Beach.
Number of species:     47

Canada Goose     25
Mute Swan     2
Gadwall     2
American Black Duck     10
Mallard     2
Green-winged Teal     40
Red-breasted Merganser     4
Ruddy Duck     2
Double-crested Cormorant     40
Great Blue Heron     1
Great Egret     25
Snowy Egret     130
Little Blue Heron     1
Green Heron     1
Black-crowned Night-Heron     180
Black Vulture     1
Turkey Vulture     5
Osprey     30
Bald Eagle     5
Northern Harrier     3
Red-tailed Hawk     1
Clapper Rail     15
Black-bellied Plover     40
Killdeer     1
American Oystercatcher     3
Greater Yellowlegs     35
Willet     4
Lesser Yellowlegs     60
Red Knot     5
Sanderling     1
Dunlin     350
Short-billed Dowitcher     450
Laughing Gull     10
Herring Gull     6
Great Black-backed Gull     3
Forster's Tern     10
Mourning Dove     2
Eastern Kingbird     2
Fish Crow     20
Northern Rough-winged Swallow     10
Barn Swallow     25
Marsh Wren     4     heard only
American Robin     2
Northern Mockingbird     1
Red-winged Blackbird     30
Common Grackle     2
Boat-tailed Grackle     8

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(
http://ebird.org)

South Cape May Meadows - Monday May 2nd 2011

Location: South Cape May Meadows
Observation date: 5/2/11
Notes: CMBO Morning walk at the Meadows with Pete
Dunne-PD,KL,C&MJ,CB,BS.Cldy,55°,SE12. Three Blue-winged Teal, three Green-winged Teal and 12 Surf Scoter were among the lingering ducks. Although there are five Plover Exclosures now on the beach; two Piping Plovers and two American Oystercatchers were seen. One vocal Eastern Willet was on a post. We did manage to see a Cliff Swallow, a Least Tern and a Boblink.

Number of species: 53
Canada Goose 8
Mute Swan 6
Gadwall 8
Mallard 10
Blue-winged Teal 3 drake, 2hens
Green-winged Teal 3
Surf Scoter 12
Red-throated Loon 15
Common Loon 2
Northern Gannet 15
Double-crested Cormorant 250
Great Egret 4
Snowy Egret 4
Glossy Ibis 1
Osprey 4
American Coot 2
Semipalmated Plover 2
Piping Plover 2
Killdeer 1
American Oystercatcher 2
Willet 1
Lesser Yellowlegs 3
Least Sandpiper 25
Short-billed Dowitcher 2
Laughing Gull 25
Herring Gull 4
Great Black-backed Gull 8
Least Tern 1
Forster's Tern 10
Mourning Dove 5
Chimney Swift 1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1
Blue Jay 1
American Crow 1
Fish Crow 10
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 12
Purple Martin 1
Tree Swallow 6
Barn Swallow 10
Cliff Swallow 1
Northern Mockingbird 2
European Starling 5
Yellow-rumped Warbler 1
Common Yellowthroat 4
Savannah Sparrow 3
Northern Cardinal 4
Bobolink 1
Red-winged Blackbird 10
Common Grackle 10
Boat-tailed Grackle 4
Brown-headed Cowbird 10
House Finch 1
House Sparrow 1

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

Higbee's Beach - Sunday May 1st 2011

Location:     Higbee Beach
Observation date:     5/1/11
Notes:     C&MJS, S&CB, KL, CB.  Sunny, low 60s, no wind.  Heard both tanagers vocalizing; good looks at Summer Tanager.  Yellow-breasted chats very vocal but
not visible.
Number of species:     46

Canada Goose     6
Wild Turkey     2
Common Loon     1
Double-crested Cormorant     8
Turkey Vulture     3
Bald Eagle     1
Northern Harrier     1
Sharp-shinned Hawk     1
Laughing Gull     20
Herring Gull (American)     2
Great Black-backed Gull     4
Mourning Dove     6
Yellow-billed Cuckoo     1
Black-billed Cuckoo     1
Red-bellied Woodpecker     4
Downy Woodpecker     2
Great Crested Flycatcher     8     heard only
Eastern Kingbird     1
White-eyed Vireo     6
Red-eyed Vireo     1
Blue Jay     5
American Crow     4
Fish Crow     5
Carolina Chickadee     5
Tufted Titmouse     3
Carolina Wren     5     heard only
House Wren     1     heard only
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher     8
Wood Thrush     2     heard only
American Robin     4
Gray Catbird     3
Northern Parula     2
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)     1
Prairie Warbler     6
Common Yellowthroat     6     heard only
Yellow-breasted Chat     3     heard only
Field Sparrow     3
White-throated Sparrow     2     heard only
Summer Tanager     1
Scarlet Tanager     1
Northern Cardinal     6
Blue Grosbeak     2
Indigo Bunting     2
Red-winged Blackbird     20
Common Grackle     3
Brown-headed Cowbird     8

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(
http://ebird.org)

Bird Walk For All People - Saturday April 30th 2011

Location:     Cape May Point SP
Observation date:     4/30/11
Notes:     Sunny and mild with slight breeze; C&MJS, LB, CB.  We began the walk with two Cattle Egrets in breeding plumage and an "in-your-face" Carolina Wren. 
Good looks at a Yellow-breasted Chat, Piping Plover, and American Oystercatcher were also appreciated. A quick look at a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher was exciting
for the group.
Number of species:     49

Canada Goose     30
Mute Swan     16
Mallard     6
Northern Gannet     7
Double-crested Cormorant     20
Great Egret     3
Snowy Egret     2
Cattle Egret     2
Turkey Vulture     4
Osprey     15
American Coot     1
Piping Plover     2     1 in exclosure; 1 feeding in plover pond
Killdeer     1
American Oystercatcher     3
Greater Yellowlegs     1
Lesser Yellowlegs     1
Least Sandpiper     2
Laughing Gull     50
Herring Gull     10
Lesser Black-backed Gull     1
Great Black-backed Gull     15
Forster's Tern     80
Rock Pigeon     4
Mourning Dove     2
Chimney Swift     2
Red-bellied Woodpecker     1
Eastern Kingbird     2
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher     1
American Crow     1
Fish Crow     10
Northern Rough-winged Swallow     6
Purple Martin     40
Tree Swallow     25
Bank Swallow     1
Barn Swallow     20
Carolina Wren     5
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher     3
American Robin     6
Northern Mockingbird     3
European Starling     8
Common Yellowthroat     3     heard only
Yellow-breasted Chat     1
Northern Cardinal     4
Red-winged Blackbird     20
Common Grackle     6
Boat-tailed Grackle     8
Brown-headed Cowbird     10
House Finch     2
House Sparrow     2

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(
http://ebird.org)

The Beanery - Saturday April 30th 2011

Location: The Beanery
Observation date: 4/30/11
Notes: CMBO Spring Migrants at Rea Farm - The
Beanery-KL,C&MJS,PR,+12.Cldy,53°,NW15. Cloudy, cool and breezy morning. Good variety of raptors, Nice looks at adult male, two first-year males and female Orchard Orioles, and a first year and adult male Blue Grosbeaks. Good look at a bright Prothonotary Warbler at the willow pond.
Number of species: 44

Canada Goose 15
Mute Swan 1
Mallard 4
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Great Blue Heron 1
Great Egret 1
Snowy Egret 1
Black-crowned Night-Heron 1
Black Vulture 8
Turkey Vulture 10
Osprey 2
Bald Eagle 1 imm
Cooper's Hawk 1
Broad-winged Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Laughing Gull 15
Herring Gull 1
Forster's Tern 3
Rock Pigeon 2
Mourning Dove 2
Chimney Swift 4
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 1
Great Crested Flycatcher 2
Eastern Kingbird 2
American Crow 10
Fish Crow 3
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1
Barn Swallow 10
Carolina Chickadee 2
Carolina Wren 4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2
American Robin 5
European Starling 5
Prairie Warbler 3
Prothonotary Warbler 1
Common Yellowthroat 3 heard
Northern Cardinal 5
Blue Grosbeak 2 /p
Red-winged Blackbird 10
Common Grackle 15
Brown-headed Cowbird 6
Orchard Oriole 4 ad male, 21st yrM,fem.
House Sparrow 1

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)


Male Blue Grosbeaks at The Beanery today - smart adult above, scruffy first-time breeder below.

South Cape May Meadows - Friday April 29th 2011

Location:     Cape Island--CMMBS (Cape May Migratory Bird Sanctuary (Meadows))
Observation date:     4/29/11
Notes:     C&MJS, CH - Lovely afternoon for a stroll through The Meadows. Highlights of the walk were nesting Piping Plover and American Oystercatchers;
an Osprey chasing a Bald Eagle; and an Oystercatcher chasing first a Piping Plover and then a crow!
Number of species:     49

Canada Goose     30
Mute Swan     12
Gadwall     16
Mallard     14
Blue-winged Teal     3
Green-winged Teal     20
Red-throated Loon     3
Northern Gannet     15
Double-crested Cormorant     31
Great Egret     3
Snowy Egret     1
Black Vulture     2
Turkey Vulture     5
Osprey     7
Bald Eagle     2
American Kestrel     1
American Coot     2
Piping Plover     4     2 in exclosures
Killdeer     3
American Oystercatcher     3
Greater Yellowlegs     5
Willet     1
Lesser Yellowlegs     2
Least Sandpiper     14
Wilson's Snipe     3
Laughing Gull     40
Herring Gull     4
Great Black-backed Gull     34
Forster's Tern     30
Rock Pigeon     3
Mourning Dove     1
Chimney Swift     1
Eastern Kingbird     1
American Crow     5
Fish Crow     24
Purple Martin     6
Tree Swallow     10
Barn Swallow     4
Marsh Wren     1     heard only
American Robin     2
Northern Mockingbird     2
European Starling     3
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)     1
Common Yellowthroat     6     heard only
Northern Cardinal     2
Red-winged Blackbird     20
Common Grackle     10
Brown-headed Cowbird     2
House Sparrow     1     in bluebird box

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)

Higbee's Beach WMA - Friday April 29th 2011

Higbee's Beach WMA was a great place to be this morning; not a mass of birds, but a nice mix. Two notably early Black-billed Cuckoos, two singing Yellow-breasted Chats and a Red-headed Woodpecker were the stars and there was some XXX rated behavior from the Field Sparrows!

Location: Cape Island--Higbees Beach SWA
Observation date: 4/29/11

Number of species: 52
Canada Goose 2
Gadwall 2
Northern Gannet 120
Double-crested Cormorant 95
Little Blue Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 2
Bald Eagle 1
Semipalmated Plover 6
Ruddy Turnstone 5
Sanderling 8
Purple Sandpiper 3
Short-billed Dowitcher 8
Laughing Gull 50
Herring Gull (American) 10
Great Black-backed Gull 6
Forster's Tern 150
Mourning Dove 2
Black-billed Cuckoo 2
Red-headed Woodpecker 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 2
Great Crested Flycatcher 1
Eastern Kingbird 1
White-eyed Vireo 5
Blue Jay 5
American Crow 6
Fish Crow 4
Barn Swallow 2
Carolina Chickadee 6
Tufted Titmouse 2
Carolina Wren 5
House Wren 3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 10
American Robin 4
Gray Catbird 4
Northern Parula 1
Prairie Warbler 6
Black-and-white Warbler 1
Common Yellowthroat 2
Yellow-breasted Chat 2
Eastern Towhee 4
Field Sparrow 3
Song Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 4
Northern Cardinal 5
Indigo Bunting 5
Red-winged Blackbird 10
Common Grackle 4
Brown-headed Cowbird 8
Orchard Oriole 1
House Finch 2
American Goldfinch 4

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

Heislerville - Thursday April 28th 2011

Location:     Heislerville WMA
Observation date:     4/28/11
Notes:     CMBO walk at Heislerville. Leaders Pete Dunne, Janet Crawford. Highlights were a Stilt Sandpiper, courting Eastern Kingbirds, Black Skimmers skimming, a close Green Heron, still a good number of Green-winged Teal and the continuing display of Great Egrets and Snowy Egrets on the island.
Number of species:     47

Canada Goose     6
Mute Swan     4
American Black Duck     8
Green-winged Teal     25
Lesser Scaup     2
Red-breasted Merganser     9
Ruddy Duck     4
Double-crested Cormorant     32
Great Blue Heron     1
Great Egret     52
Snowy Egret     75
Green Heron     1
Black-crowned Night-Heron     33
Glossy Ibis     2
Turkey Vulture     3
Osprey     2
Bald Eagle     3
Black-bellied Plover     12
Semipalmated Plover     4
Killdeer     2
Greater Yellowlegs     96
Willet     1
Lesser Yellowlegs     42
Semipalmated Sandpiper     1
Least Sandpiper     2
Dunlin     48
Stilt Sandpiper     1
Short-billed Dowitcher     136
Laughing Gull     2
Ring-billed Gull     3
Herring Gull     15
Great Black-backed Gull     18
Forster's Tern     22
Black Skimmer     12
Rock Pigeon     1
White-eyed Vireo     2
Barn Swallow     6
Carolina Chickadee     2
Tufted Titmouse     3
Marsh Wren     1
American Robin     1
Gray Catbird     1
European Starling     5
Eastern Towhee     1
Red-winged Blackbird     24
Common Grackle     8
House Sparrow     3
Location:     Thompson's Beach
Observation date:     4/28/11
Number of species:     17

Canada Goose     3
American Black Duck     2
Green-winged Teal     35
Snowy Egret     2
Glossy Ibis     13
Osprey     8
Clapper Rail     6
Greater Yellowlegs     8
Lesser Yellowlegs     2
Laughing Gull     5
Herring Gull     6
Fish Crow     1
Tree Swallow     3
Barn Swallow     4
Marsh Wren     1
Brown Thrasher     1
Red-winged Blackbird     12

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)

Belleplain State Forest - Thursday April 28th 2011

Location: Belleplain State Forest
Observation date: 4/28/11
Notes: CMBO Birds of Belleplain State Forest
Walk-JA,KL,BH,PR,+Dale,Lillian,Glen.PtlySun,68°,S16. Despite fairly strong winds and the threat of afternoon storms the birding was still good. Nice looks at Yellow-throated Warbler and Worm-eating Warbler. Wood Ducks and Pied-billed Grebe on Hands Mill Pond. Good look at Acadian Flycatcher and Great Crested Flycatcher. Also heard Orchard Oriole and saw Baltimore Orioles.
Number of species: 53

Wood Duck 5
Mallard 2
Pied-billed Grebe 1
Double-crested Cormorant 50
Black Vulture 8
Turkey Vulture 4
Osprey 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
American Kestrel 1
Laughing Gull 15
Herring Gull 10
Forster's Tern 1
Mourning Dove 8
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 1 heard by a few
Acadian Flycatcher 3
Eastern Phoebe 3
Great Crested Flycatcher 2
White-eyed Vireo 4
Red-eyed Vireo 1 heard
Blue Jay 2 heard
Fish Crow 1
Tree Swallow 3
Barn Swallow 5
Carolina Chickadee 1
Tufted Titmouse 5
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2
Wood Thrush 8 seen & heard
Gray Catbird 1
Northern Mockingbird 1
Brown Thrasher 1
European Starling 3
Yellow-throated Warbler 5
Pine Warbler 8
Prairie Warbler 5
Black-and-white Warbler 1
Worm-eating Warbler 2 seen & heard
Ovenbird 15 heard
Louisiana Waterthrush 1 heard
Eastern Towhee 1
Chipping Sparrow 5
Summer Tanager 1 heard
Scarlet Tanager 1 heard
Northern Cardinal 2
Indigo Bunting 1
Red-winged Blackbird 4
Common Grackle 10
Brown-headed Cowbird 10
Orchard Oriole 1 heard
Baltimore Oriole 1
House Finch 4
American Goldfinch 1

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

Butterflies, Botany & Birds at Belleplain - Sunday April 24th 2011


Thanks to Tony Leukering for putting together the bird list so I could concentrate on other things! Butterflies were not a major feature of this walk as we were mostly in woodland lots - and those that we did see tended to be azures and duskywings which refused to stay still to be identified to species! Birds were good though and spring botany gave us much to look at, from the sneaky little lawn aliens around the parking lot to a range of early flowering oaks, blueberries and other trees and shrubs.
 
Location:     Belleplain State Forest
Observation date:     4/24/11
Notes:     CMBO field trip; leaders Mike Crewe, Kathy and Roger Horn, Shaun & Cindy Bamford.
Number of species:     33

Double-crested Cormorant     16     one flock N-bound
Black Vulture     4
Turkey Vulture     3
Osprey     3
Northern Harrier     1     brown; high and N-bound
Broad-winged Hawk     2
Red-tailed Hawk     3
Laughing Gull     12
Herring Gull     39
Mourning Dove     1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird     1
Red-bellied Woodpecker     1
Hairy Woodpecker     1
Eastern Kingbird     2
White-eyed Vireo     7     7 singing
Northern Rough-winged Swallow     1
Barn Swallow     1
Carolina Chickadee     4
Tufted Titmouse     5
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher     2     building nest
American Robin     2
Gray Catbird     1
Blue-winged Warbler     1     singing
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)     2
Yellow-throated Warbler (Yellow-lored)     2
Pine Warbler     2     2 singing
Palm Warbler (Yellow)     2
Worm-eating Warbler     1     singing
Ovenbird     6     6 singing
Eastern Towhee     2
Chipping Sparrow     3
Brown-headed Cowbird     1
American Goldfinch     2

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(
http://ebird.org)

Final Peaslee's WMA Walk 4-27-2011

"The Peaslee's WMA walks for 2011 ended with a bang! Two Prothonotary Warblers were seen, and one was even at a nest hole. American Redstarts have moved in in a big way at First Avenue, and a good number of Pine Siskins were hanging around the Dam Road area. Yellow-throated Vireos and Blue Grosbeaks were observed as well."
Karen Johnson, Janet Crawford, Glen Davis, Dave Lord

Location: Lake Nummy Area
Observation date: 4/27/11
Number of species: 35

Canada Goose 1
Laughing Gull 2
Herring Gull 1
Mourning Dove 1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Acadian Flycatcher 1 singing
Eastern Phoebe 3 two singing
Great Crested Flycatcher 1
Eastern Kingbird 2
White-eyed Vireo 1 singing
Red-eyed Vireo 2 both singing
Blue Jay 2
Fish Crow 2
Carolina Chickadee 1 singing
Tufted Titmouse 2 singing
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2 singing
Wood Thrush 3 all singing
American Robin 5 singing
Gray Catbird 5 singing
European Starling 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 1 flyover
Yellow-throated Warbler 2 one singing
Pine Warbler 4 all singing
Prairie Warbler 1
Black-and-white Warbler 2 both singing
Ovenbird 5 all singing
Eastern Towhee 2 singing
Chipping Sparrow 3 singing
White-throated Sparrow 2 singing
Scarlet Tanager 1 singing
Northern Cardinal 2 singing
Common Grackle 5
Baltimore Oriole 1
American Goldfinch 6 singing

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

Location: Peaslee WMA-Head of River
Observation date: 4/27/11
THERE WAS A BIG, DEAD BEAVER AT THE INTERSECTION WITH RTE 49. It was covered with beetles and maggots. Also there was a snapping turtle and a Common musk turtle (stinkpot) --photos--...
Number of species: 55

Wood Duck 2
American Black Duck 1
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 1
Mallard 1
Wild Turkey 2 gobbling
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Black Vulture 2
Turkey Vulture 6
Osprey 4
Herring Gull 5
Rock Pigeon 2
Mourning Dove 2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 2
Acadian Flycatcher 1 singing
Eastern Phoebe 1
Great Crested Flycatcher 2
Eastern Kingbird 2
White-eyed Vireo 4 singing
Red-eyed Vireo 2 singing
Blue Jay 4
American Crow 2
Tree Swallow 1
Barn Swallow 3 singing
Carolina Chickadee 2
Tufted Titmouse 3 singing
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 5 singing
Wood Thrush 1 singing
American Robin 4 singing
Gray Catbird 6 singing
Northern Mockingbird 1 singing
European Starling 2
Blue-winged Warbler 2 singing
Northern Parula 1 singing
Yellow-throated Warbler 1 singing
Prairie Warbler 2 singing
Black-and-white Warbler 3 singing
American Redstart 2 singing
Prothonotary Warbler 2 one singing
Ovenbird 4 singing
Common Yellowthroat 1 singing
Eastern Towhee 1
Chipping Sparrow 3 singing
White-throated Sparrow 1
Northern Cardinal 2 singing
Blue Grosbeak 1 singing
Red-winged Blackbird 1
Common Grackle 3
Brown-headed Cowbird 9
Orchard Oriole 1
Baltimore Oriole 1
House Finch 1
Pine Siskin 10 in sweetgums at head of river triangle, feeders nearby?
American Goldfinch 5

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

Location: Peaslee WMA -- First Ave
Observation date: 4/27/11
Number of species: 41

Wild Turkey 1
Black Vulture 1
Turkey Vulture 2
Broad-winged Hawk 1
Herring Gull 1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 1
Acadian Flycatcher 1 singing
Great Crested Flycatcher 1
White-eyed Vireo 3 singing
Yellow-throated Vireo 3 two singing
Red-eyed Vireo 3 singing
Blue Jay 3
American Crow 1
Barn Swallow 1
Carolina Chickadee 2
Tufted Titmouse 3
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 6 2 nests
Wood Thrush 2 singing
American Robin 3 singing
Gray Catbird 4 singing
Northern Parula 1 singing
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 1 flyover
Yellow-throated Warbler 2 singing
Prairie Warbler 2 singing
Black-and-white Warbler 6 singing
American Redstart 8 7+ singing
Prothonotary Warbler 1 singing
Worm-eating Warbler 2 both singing
Ovenbird 9 all singing
Common Yellowthroat 1 singing
Eastern Towhee 4 singing
Chipping Sparrow 2 singing
Northern Cardinal 1 singing
Common Grackle 2
Brown-headed Cowbird 7 singing
American Goldfinch 4 singing

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

Location: Bellelplain -- Upper Champion Rd and Vine St
Observation date: 4/27/11
Number of species: 36

Common Loon 2
Turkey Vulture 5
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Laughing Gull 2
Herring Gull 2
Mourning Dove 3
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Great Crested Flycatcher 2
White-eyed Vireo 3
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 1
Tufted Titmouse 2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 3
American Robin 2
Gray Catbird 4
Northern Mockingbird 1
Blue-winged Warbler 1
Pine Warbler 2
Prairie Warbler 6
Black-and-white Warbler 4
American Redstart 1
Worm-eating Warbler 3
Ovenbird 6
Common Yellowthroat 1
Eastern Towhee 4
Chipping Sparrow 1
Scarlet Tanager 2
Northern Cardinal 1
Red-winged Blackbird 2
Common Grackle 1
Brown-headed Cowbird 4
Orchard Oriole 3
Baltimore Oriole 1
American Goldfinch 8
House Sparrow 1

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org

Cape May Point - Wednesday April 27th 2011

Someone left a door open in Delaware this morning as the wind rattled in across the bay and seemed to keep migrants off our doorstep. However, a good show of Northern Gannets and Forster's Terns made up for a lack of songbirds and Tom Parsons got lucky with Yellow-breasted Chat and Red-headed Woodpecker whilst waiting for the rest of us to come round to him from the opposite direction!

Location: Cape Island--CMP (Cape May Point)
Observation date: 4/27/11
Notes: Windy weather and a lull between waves of migrants produced a poor show of songbirds
Number of species: 47

Canada Goose 6
Mute Swan 6
Gadwall 5
Mallard 8
Green-winged Teal 2
Surf Scoter 7
Common Loon 3
Northern Gannet 150
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Green Heron 2
Turkey Vulture 3
Osprey 3
Bald Eagle 1
Piping Plover 1
American Oystercatcher 1
Solitary Sandpiper 1
Greater Yellowlegs 1
Willet 1
Laughing Gull 15
Herring Gull (American) 4
Great Black-backed Gull 10
Forster's Tern 120
Rock Pigeon 8
Red-headed Woodpecker 1
Eastern Kingbird 2
American Crow 1
Fish Crow 12
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 5
Purple Martin 30
Tree Swallow 6
Barn Swallow 8
Carolina Chickadee 2
Carolina Wren 5
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2
American Robin 4
Northern Mockingbird 2
European Starling 2
Common Yellowthroat 4
Yellow-breasted Chat 1
Song Sparrow 4
Northern Cardinal 2
Red-winged Blackbird 25
Common Grackle 15
Brown-headed Cowbird 6
House Finch 6
American Goldfinch 3
House Sparrow 2

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

E-Z Birding - Tuesday April 26th 2011

Location:     Cape May Point SP
Observation date:     4/26/11
Notes:     Beautiful spring day! Leaders C&MJ Slugg, T Parsons.  Highlights of the walk included a pair of Orchard Orioles, Piping Plover and American
Oystercatchers.
Number of species:     49

Canada Goose     20
Mute Swan     7     5 cygnets in nest with adult
Mallard     8
Red-throated Loon     1
Northern Gannet     20
Double-crested Cormorant     430
Great Egret     4
Snowy Egret     2
Turkey Vulture     2
Osprey     6
Sharp-shinned Hawk     1
Cooper's Hawk     1
Piping Plover     2
Killdeer     1
American Oystercatcher     6
Laughing Gull     25
American Herring Gull     8
Great Black-backed Gull     4
Forster's Tern     40
Rock Pigeon     5
Mourning Dove     2
Downy Woodpecker     1
Great Crested Flycatcher     1
Eastern Kingbird     1
White-eyed Vireo     1     heard only
American Crow     6
Fish Crow     20
Purple Martin     100
Tree Swallow     12
Barn Swallow     2
Carolina Chickadee     7     heard only
Carolina Wren     8
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher     5
American Robin     8
Northern Mockingbird     1
European Starling     6
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)     8
Prairie Warbler     3
Common Yellowthroat     10     heard only
Eastern Towhee     4     heard only
Song Sparrow     5
Northern Cardinal     2
Red-winged Blackbird     20
Common Grackle     12
Brown-headed Cowbird     6
Orchard Oriole     3
House Finch     1
American Goldfinch     5     heard only
House Sparrow     4

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(
http://ebird.org)

Hidden Corners of Belleplain 4-26-2011

Ideal. That's the best word to sum up this Tuesday Morning's Hidden Corners of Belleplain walk. Excellent views of all the hot item birds were had: Louisana Waterthrush, Worm-eating, Hooded Warbler, you name it, it was probably seen. Interesting behavior was on display as well, as we witnessed two Chipping Sparrows fight and then one partner perform a really bizarre display. Butterflies were a dime a dozen; Azures and Duskywings and Swallowtails. But best of all was the Yellow-throated Warbler with nesting material in its mouth that was clinging to the exit sign as we left the park.

Janet Crawford, Glen Davis, Dave Lord

Location: Belleplain State Forest
Observation date: 4/26/11
Notes: CMBO'S Hidden Corners of Belleplain
Number of species: 48

Canada Goose 6
Wild Turkey 4
Common Loon 1
Double-crested Cormorant 2
Black Vulture 8
Turkey Vulture 6
Bald Eagle 1
Ring-billed Gull 24
Mourning Dove 4
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 8
Downy Woodpecker 1
Hairy Woodpecker 2
Acadian Flycatcher 1
Eastern Phoebe 4
Great Crested Flycatcher 6
Eastern Kingbird 3
White-eyed Vireo 8
Red-eyed Vireo 2
Blue Jay 4
American Crow 5
Carolina Chickadee 8
Tufted Titmouse 5
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 3
Wood Thrush 4
American Robin 16
Gray Catbird 15
Northern Mockingbird 2
Blue-winged Warbler 4
Yellow-throated Warbler 5
Pine Warbler 4
Prairie Warbler 10
Black-and-white Warbler 14
Worm-eating Warbler 10
Ovenbird 32
Louisiana Waterthrush 1
Hooded Warbler 3
Eastern Towhee 9
Chipping Sparrow 5
White-throated Sparrow 1
Scarlet Tanager 2
Northern Cardinal 6
Brown-headed Cowbird X
Orchard Oriole 1
Baltimore Oriole 2
Pine Siskin 1
American Goldfinch 14