Shorebirds at Heislerville with Pete Dunne - Monday, May 21st, 2012

The Heislerville impoundments were filled with Laughing, Ring-billed, and Herring Gulls and Black Skimmers. Shorebirds such as Short-billed Dowitchers, Dunlin, and assorted sandpipers abounded. Nesting Double-crested Cormorants, Black-crowned Night-herons, and both Snowy and Great Egrets were a treat. Leaders:  Pete Dunne, Janet Crawford, Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg.
41 species

Canada Goose  8
Mute Swan  6
American Black Duck  4
Mallard  4
Double-crested Cormorant  20
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  30
Snowy Egret  50
Black-crowned Night-Heron  80
Glossy Ibis  4
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  3
Bald Eagle  3
Black-bellied Plover  8
Semipalmated Plover  30
Killdeer  3
Greater Yellowlegs  5
Willet  6
Semipalmated Sandpiper  85
Least Sandpiper  70
Dunlin  90
Short-billed Dowitcher  25
Laughing Gull  30
Ring-billed Gull  45
Herring Gull  27
Great Black-backed Gull  8
Forster's Tern  16
Black Skimmer  60
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  4
Tree Swallow  15
Barn Swallow  16
Marsh Wren  3
European Starling  5
Common Yellowthroat  1
Yellow Warbler  1
Song Sparrow  3     heard
Red-winged Blackbird  20
Common Grackle  10
Boat-tailed Grackle  5
House Sparrow  6


East Point Road - Highlights were Seaside Sparrows, and Ruddy Turnstones with a few Red Knots.
22 species

Ring-necked Pheasant  1     heard
Great Egret  2
Osprey  2
Black-bellied Plover  2
Willet  2
Ruddy Turnstone  20
Red Knot  6
Sanderling  7
Semipalmated Sandpiper  20
Least Sandpiper  10
Short-billed Dowitcher  9
Laughing Gull  6
Herring Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  3
Forster's Tern  10
Tree Swallow  6
Marsh Wren  5     heard
Seaside Sparrow  10
Song Sparrow  1
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  4
Boat-tailed Grackle  5


Thompson's Beach - Highlights include many Osprey and a very cooperative Clapper Rail.
20 species

Mallard  2
Double-crested Cormorant  3
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  1
Glossy Ibis  3
Osprey  11
Clapper Rail  10
Willet  2
Semipalmated Sandpiper  40
Least Sandpiper  30
Dunlin  10
Short-billed Dowitcher  20
Herring Gull  30
Mourning Dove  3
Downy Woodpecker  1
Tree Swallow  1
Barn Swallow  15
Marsh Wren  2     heard
Red-winged Blackbird  6

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, May 21st, 2012

There was on and off rain drops and east wind but still birdy. Although not numerous, a variety of shore birds were observed including Short-billed Dowitcher, Least and Semipalmated Sandpiper, Semipalmated Plover, and on the beach Piping Plover on nest, 3 pairs of American Oystercatcher one with 3 newly hatched chicks. Off-shore, way out, a few participants got on Sooty Shearwater and a couple of Northern Gannets. There was a nice variety of close swallows including Cliff and Bank. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Steve Weis, and Catherine Busch.
58 species

Canada Goose  5
Mute Swan  10
Gadwall  2
Mallard  10
Sooty Shearwater  2
Northern Gannet  3
Double-crested Cormorant  3
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  2
Little Blue Heron  1
Green Heron  2
Glossy Ibis  4
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  4
Semipalmated Plover  3
Piping Plover  1
Killdeer  1
American Oystercatcher  6     one pair w/3 chicks
Greater Yellowlegs  1     heard
Willet  3
Semipalmated Sandpiper  1
Least Sandpiper  10
Dunlin  2
Short-billed Dowitcher  15
Bonaparte's Gull  1
Laughing Gull  25
Herring Gull  4
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  15
Least Tern  15
Common Tern  10
Forster's Tern  20
Royal Tern  1
Black Skimmer  4
Mourning Dove  6
Chimney Swift  10
Eastern Kingbird  3
Fish Crow  5
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  8
Purple Martin  10
Tree Swallow  15
Bank Swallow  3
Barn Swallow  20
Cliff Swallow  3
Marsh Wren  1     heard by a few
American Robin  1
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  5
Cedar Waxwing  7
Common Yellowthroat  2
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  15
Brown-headed Cowbird  4
American Goldfinch  4
House Sparrow  2

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

American Oystercatcher and newly hatched chick [Photo by Karl Lukens]

...and two more makes three! [Photo by Karl Lukens]

The Ponds of Cape May - Sunday, May 20th, 2012

The Ponds of Cape May Point Walk during Cape MAYgration highlights include Orchard Orioles, Yellow Warblers, House Wrens, Piping Plovers with chicks, American Oystercatchers, Spotted Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, and Semi-palmated Plover. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Beth Ciuzio, and Patty Rourke.
61 species

Canada Goose  16
Mute Swan  10
Gadwall  4
Mallard  10
Double-crested Cormorant  14
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  3
Glossy Ibis  5
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  5
Osprey  4
Semipalmated Plover  1
Piping Plover  8
Killdeer  6
American Oystercatcher  3
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Least Sandpiper  4
Laughing Gull  10
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  8
Least Tern  15
Common Tern  2
Forster's Tern  20
Rock Pigeon  4
Mourning Dove  3
Chimney Swift  10
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  1
Eastern Kingbird  2
American Crow  3
Fish Crow  8
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  8
Purple Martin  20
Tree Swallow  10
Barn Swallow  6
Carolina Chickadee  2
Carolina Wren  2     heard
House Wren  4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1     heard
American Robin  25
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  6
Cedar Waxwing  3
Common Yellowthroat  7
Yellow Warbler  4
Blackpoll Warbler  4
Pine Warbler  2     heard
Yellow-breasted Chat  1     heard
Song Sparrow  3     heard
Northern Cardinal  10
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  12
Boat-tailed Grackle  1
Brown-headed Cowbird  6
Orchard Oriole  2
House Finch  5
American Goldfinch  4
House Sparrow  4

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

Cape May Point State Park - Sunday, May 20th, 2012

The group on this morning's Cape MAYgration State Park walk was treated to the sight of an adult Pine Warbler stripping bark from a tree to gather caterpillars for its young that were chipping nearby. A yellow-breasted chat that had been calling from a distance flew in to chatter on a close tree and at least 3 Piping Plover chicks were observed running on the beach. Leaders:  Mark Garland, Kathy & Roger Horn, and Patty Rourke.
58 species

Canada Goose  13
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  3
Mallard  9
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  1
Glossy Ibis  2
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  2
Semipalmated Plover  2
Piping Plover  7
Killdeer  2
American Oystercatcher  6
Semipalmated Sandpiper  1
Laughing Gull  20
Herring Gull (American)  2
Great Black-backed Gull  15
Least Tern  9
Forster's Tern  8
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  3
Chimney Swift  12
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  1
Eastern Kingbird  9
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  3
Fish Crow  2
Tree Swallow  12
Barn Swallow  6
Carolina Chickadee  1
Tufted Titmouse  1
Carolina Wren  1
House Wren  3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
American Robin  14
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  12
Cedar Waxwing  14
Common Yellowthroat  3
Yellow Warbler  4
Blackpoll Warbler  2
Pine Warbler  2
Yellow-breasted Chat  1
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  3
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  12
Common Grackle  12
Brown-headed Cowbird  8
Orchard Oriole  3
House Finch  1
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  4

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

Salt Marsh Safari on The Skimmer - Saturday, May 19th, 2012

Weekly CMBO trip aboard The Skimmer.  Leaders:  Capt. Ginny & Capt. Ed.
35 species
Brant 2
American Black Duck 1
Common Loon 1
Double-crested Cormorant 5
Great Blue Heron 1
Great Egret 6
Snowy Egret 3
Tricolored Heron 1 1st of the season
Glossy Ibis 1
Turkey Vulture 2
Osprey 12
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Clapper Rail 3 heard not seen
Black-bellied Plover 40
Semipalmated Plover 14
American Oystercatcher 10 had 3 chicks earlier in week
Spotted Sandpiper 2
Willet 12
Whimbrel 7
Ruddy Turnstone 25
Semipalmated Sandpiper 20
Dunlin X
Short-billed Dowitcher 16
Laughing Gull X
Herring Gull 12
Great Black-backed Gull 14
Common Tern 6
Forster's Tern X
Rock Pigeon 8
Mourning Dove 2 in the parking lot
Fish Crow 2
Barn Swallow 14
European Starling 4
Red-winged Blackbird 4
Boat-tailed Grackle 16
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

Birds of Cape May - Saturday, May 19th, 2012

We had a large group for The Birds of Cape May Walk for Cape MAYgration so we split into two groups with Kathy and Roger Horn and Lee Smythe taking half.  Highlights from our part include: Orchard Orioles, Pine Warblers with young, Eastern Kingbirds, Yellow Warblers, Glossy Ibis, Piping Plover with chicks, and American Oystercatchers. Leaders: Chuck and Mary Jane Slugg and Bill Smythe.
52 species

Canada Goose  26
Mute Swan  12
Mallard  12
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  2
Glossy Ibis  6
Turkey Vulture  5
Osprey  3
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Coot  1
Piping Plover  9     2 adults feeding in plover pond behind dune, 1 adult on nest in exclosure, 2 adults with 4 chicks on beach
Killdeer  3
American Oystercatcher  3
Semipalmated Sandpiper  1
Least Sandpiper  2
Laughing Gull  35
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull  12
Great Black-backed Gull  6
Least Tern  20
Forster's Tern  35
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  4
Chimney Swift  5
Northern Flicker  2
Eastern Kingbird  4
American Crow  3
Fish Crow  5
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  2
Purple Martin  20
Tree Swallow  8
Barn Swallow  6
Carolina Chickadee  1
Carolina Wren  3     heard
House Wren  4
American Robin  10
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  8
Common Yellowthroat  5     heard
Yellow Warbler  4
Pine Warbler  4
Yellow-throated Warbler  1
Prairie Warbler  2     heard
Yellow-breasted Chat  1     heard
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  16
Common Grackle  6
Brown-headed Cowbird  4
Orchard Oriole  2
House Sparrow  5

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

Spring Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, May 19th, 2012

A Blue Grosbeak perched atop a tree in the parking lot, Indigo Buntings singing in the bright morning light, a Northern Rough-winged Swallow sitting on some old farm equipment, and a Northern Parula that played hard-(but not impossible)-to-get were highlights of this morning's Cape MAYgration walk at the Rea Farm.
51 species

Canada Goose  8
Mute Swan  2
Mallard  9
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Great Blue Heron  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Black Vulture  8
Turkey Vulture  5
Osprey  3
Red-shouldered Hawk  1
Laughing Gull  12
Herring Gull (American)  3
Forster's Tern  1
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  4
Chimney Swift  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  2
Great Crested Flycatcher  3
Eastern Kingbird  5
American Crow  5
Fish Crow  2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  1
Tree Swallow  5
Barn Swallow  2
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  4
Carolina Wren  3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Eastern Bluebird  1
American Robin  9
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  6
Cedar Waxwing  4
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  3
American Redstart  1
Northern Parula  1
Yellow Warbler  2
Blackpoll Warbler  1
Yellow-breasted Chat  1
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  5
Blue Grosbeak  2
Indigo Bunting  7
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  8
Brown-headed Cowbird  4
Orchard Oriole  3
House Sparrow  3

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

EZ Birding - Friday, May 18th, 2012

Highlights of the EZ Birding Walk for Cape MAYgration include: Orchard Oriole, Canada Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Pine Warbler, several Osprey, two adult Bald Eagles,  Forster's and Least Terns, Green Heron, Piping Plover and American Oystercatchers. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Kathy & Roger Horn, Marc & Lynne Breslow. 62 species

Canada Goose  20
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  3
Mallard  16
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  5
Green Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  12
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  5
Osprey  6
Bald Eagle  2
Red-shouldered Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Semipalmated Plover  2
Piping Plover  4
Killdeer  3
American Oystercatcher  6
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Semipalmated Sandpiper  1
Least Sandpiper  1
Laughing Gull  20
Herring Gull  6
Great Black-backed Gull  8
Least Tern  20
Forster's Tern  40
Rock Pigeon  5
Mourning Dove  2
Chimney Swift  5
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  1
Eastern Kingbird  5
White-eyed Vireo  1
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  10
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  6
Purple Martin  40
Tree Swallow  10
Barn Swallow  8
Carolina Wren  2     heard
House Wren  4
Wood Thrush  1     heard
American Robin  15
Gray Catbird  4
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  6
Cedar Waxwing  2
Common Yellowthroat  6     heard
Yellow Warbler  4
Pine Warbler  3
Yellow-throated Warbler  1
Canada Warbler  1
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  4
Rose-breasted Grosbeak  1
Red-winged Blackbird  30
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  3
Orchard Oriole  3
House Finch  5
House Sparrow  4

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

Cape May Point State Park - Thursday, May 17th, 2012

The Field Trip at the State Park as part of the Cape MAYgration Spring Festival enjoyed beautiful weather and a nice variety of birds. Highlights include hunting Osprey, Forster's, Common, and Least Terns, Piping Plover, American Oystercatchers, Green Heron, Orchard Oriole, Pine and Yellow Warblers, and a Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher nest. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg and Marc Breslow.
56 species

Canada Goose  20
Mute Swan  18
Mallard  20
Great Blue Heron  3
Great Egret  3
Green Heron  2
Glossy Ibis  4
Black Vulture  6
Turkey Vulture  10
Osprey  8
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Cooper's Hawk  2
Red-shouldered Hawk  2
American Coot  1
Piping Plover  2
Killdeer  6
American Oystercatcher  4
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Least Sandpiper  1
Laughing Gull  20
Herring Gull  8
Great Black-backed Gull  6
Least Tern  30
Common Tern  2
Forster's Tern  30
Rock Pigeon  4
Mourning Dove  2
Chimney Swift  4
Eastern Kingbird  5
American Crow  3
Fish Crow  15
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  5
Purple Martin  35
Tree Swallow  6
Barn Swallow  4
Carolina Wren  3     heard
House Wren  1     heard
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1     heard
American Robin  10
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  8
Cedar Waxwing  1
Common Yellowthroat  6     heard
Bay-breasted Warbler  1
Yellow Warbler  4
Pine Warbler  1
Yellow-breasted Chat  1     heard
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  3
Orchard Oriole  2
House Finch  1
House Sparrow  4

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

Nummy Island - Wednesday, May 16th, 2012

This evening's walk was at high tide, mild, with a light breeze. The highlights were great looks at Red Knots and Whimbrel. Leaders:  Warren Cairo, Mike Crewe, Gail Dwyer, and Sean Bamford.
39 species

Canada Goose  4
American Black Duck  2
Surf Scoter  1
Common Loon  2
Double-crested Cormorant  40
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  8
Snowy Egret  66
Tricolored Heron  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  5
Osprey  6
Peregrine Falcon  1
Clapper Rail  4     Heard only
Black-bellied Plover  22
Semipalmated Plover  18
American Oystercatcher  10
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Willet  14
Whimbrel  24
Ruddy Turnstone  2
Red Knot  200
Semipalmated Sandpiper  12
Least Sandpiper  16
Dunlin  42
Short-billed Dowitcher  35
Laughing Gull  120
Herring Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Least Tern  2
Common Tern  2
Forster's Tern  21
Black Skimmer  1
Mourning Dove  1
Fish Crow  2
Barn Swallow  1
Gray Catbird  1
Song Sparrow  2
Red-winged Blackbird  12
Boat-tailed Grackle  14

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

Hidden Corners of Belleplain - Tuesday, May 15th, 2012

Highlights include good looks at Eastern Meadowlark, a male Bobolink, Seaside Sparrow, Acadian Flycatcher, Indigo Bunting and Summer Tanager. Leaders:  Karen Johnson and Janet Crawford.
23 species

Laughing Gull  8
Mourning Dove  3
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee  3
Acadian Flycatcher  2
Great Crested Flycatcher  5
Red-eyed Vireo  4
Carolina Chickadee  1
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  2
Wood Thrush  4
American Robin  6
Gray Catbird  1
Ovenbird  6
Black-and-white Warbler  2
Yellow-throated Warbler  1
Prairie Warbler  2
Chipping Sparrow  2
Summer Tanager  2
Northern Cardinal  4
Indigo Bunting  2
Bobolink  1
Eastern Meadowlark  1

Jake's Landing
5 species

Osprey  2
Clapper Rail  3
Marsh Wren  2
Seaside Sparrow  4
Red-winged Blackbird  4

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

Shorebirds at Heislerville with Pete Dunne - Monday, May 14th, 2012

Highlights included White-faced Ibis, spectacular numbers of shorebirds, and great looks at Clapper Rails. Leaders:  Janet Crawford, Warren Cairo, Chuck and Mary Jane Slugg.
33 species

Canada Goose  6
Mute Swan  3
Ruddy Duck  2     Male and Female in non-breeding plumage
Double-crested Cormorant  80
Great Egret  70
Snowy Egret  60
Black-crowned Night-Heron  80
Glossy Ibis  20
White-faced Ibis  1     Pink facial skin with white outline
Osprey  3
Bald Eagle  1
Black-bellied Plover  30
Semipalmated Plover  200
Killdeer  2
Greater Yellowlegs  50
Willet  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  1
Ruddy Turnstone  1
Semipalmated Sandpiper  600
Least Sandpiper  100
Dunlin  600
Short-billed Dowitcher  600
Laughing Gull  10
Ring-billed Gull  30
Herring Gull  10
Great Black-backed Gull  1
Forster's Tern  30
Black Skimmer  70
Eastern Kingbird  2
Fish Crow  1
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Boat-tailed Grackle  4
House Sparrow  1

Thompson's Beach
6 species

Osprey  20
Clapper Rail  16
Least Sandpiper  30
Short-billed Dowitcher  1
Marsh Wren  1
Red-winged Blackbird  20

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, May 14th, 2012

Numerous shorebirds flying over and some feeding in the flats including Short-billed Dowitcher, Least, Semipalmated, and Spotted Sandpipers, both Yellowlegs, and Killdeer. On the beach were the usual Piping Plovers and American Oystercatchers. Black Skimmers were hanging out with the Terns and Gulls in the shallow areas. Least Terns were numerous and courting on the beach. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck & MJ Slugg, Steve Weis, Warren Cairo, Patty Rourke, Catherine Busch, and Carrie Bell.
54 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  1
Mallard  10
Common Loon  1
Northern Gannet  1
Double-crested Cormorant  3
Great Egret  3
Green Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  2
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  1
Piping Plover  5
Killdeer  2
American Oystercatcher  5
Spotted Sandpiper  3
Greater Yellowlegs  7
Willet  4
Lesser Yellowlegs  2
Sanderling  4
Semipalmated Sandpiper  3
Least Sandpiper  15
Dunlin  10
Short-billed Dowitcher  25
Bonaparte's Gull  1
Laughing Gull  25
Herring Gull  3
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  5
Least Tern  50
Common Tern  1
Forster's Tern  25
Black Skimmer  9
Rock Pigeon  1
Mourning Dove  6
Chimney Swift  5
Eastern Kingbird  4
Fish Crow  8
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  1
Tree Swallow  6
Barn Swallow  10
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  5
Common Yellowthroat  4
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  20
Brown-headed Cowbird  6
House Finch  1
American Goldfinch  4
House Sparrow  5

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

Dunlin [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Back Bay Birding by Boat on The Osprey - Sunday, May 13th, 2012

The Whimbrel apparently moved on, but other shorebirds were still around. Four Black Skimmers made their presence known at the Clam Processing Plant, the first for the year for our boat cruises. Leaders: Dave Lord and Bob Lubberman.
33 species

Brant  23
American Black Duck  4
Mallard  5
Double-crested Cormorant  18
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  15
Snowy Egret  4
Red-tailed Hawk  2
Clapper Rail  7
Black-bellied Plover  45
Semipalmated Plover  8
American Oystercatcher  16
Spotted Sandpiper  8
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Whimbrel  2
Ruddy Turnstone  15
Semipalmated Sandpiper  54
Least Sandpiper  21
Dunlin  254
Short-billed Dowitcher  36
Laughing Gull  8
Herring Gull  8
Great Black-backed Gull  15
Least Tern  1
Common Tern  16
Forster's Tern  34
Black Skimmer  4
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  1
Tree Swallow  6
Barn Swallow  24
Yellow Warbler  1
Red-winged Blackbird  16
Common Grackle  5

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

A Meadows Afternoon - Friday, May 11th, 2012

We couldn't have asked for a nicer evening for our walk at the South Cape May Meadows. Highlights included Forster's and Least Terns, Black Skimmers, Piping Plover, American Oystercatchers, Spotted Sandpipers, Least Sandpipers, and many Ospreys overhead.  Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Marc & Lynne Breslow, and Dave Lord.
49 species

Canada Goose  12
Mute Swan  12
Mallard  26
Northern Gannet  5
Double-crested Cormorant  75
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  1
Black Vulture  6
Turkey Vulture  12
Osprey  8
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Broad-winged Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  6
American Coot  1
Piping Plover  7
American Oystercatcher  8
Spotted Sandpiper  4
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Willet  3
Sanderling  8
Semipalmated Sandpiper  5
Least Sandpiper  24
Laughing Gull  35
Herring Gull  12
Great Black-backed Gull  12
Least Tern  8
Forster's Tern  20
Black Skimmer  37
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  4
American Crow  4
Fish Crow  18
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  2
Purple Martin  8
Tree Swallow  6
Barn Swallow  10
Carolina Wren  2     heard
Marsh Wren  2     heard
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  8
Common Yellowthroat  1     heard
Song Sparrow  5
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  20
Common Grackle  6
Boat-tailed Grackle  3
Brown-headed Cowbird  3
American Goldfinch  2
House Sparrow  6

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

Higbee Beach - Friday, May 11th, 2012

Group 1:  Higbee Beach was warming up nicely for World Series with full-on views of male Summer Tanager, three Yellow-billed Cuckoos and singing Red-eyed Vireo, as well as busy Blackpoll, Black-throated Green and Prairie Warblers and Northern Parulas. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Roger Horn, and Steve Weis.
40 species

Canada Goose  2
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  1
Bald Eagle  1
Laughing Gull  15
Mourning Dove  3
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  3
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Downy Woodpecker  2
Great Crested Flycatcher  2
Eastern Kingbird  3
White-eyed Vireo  4
Red-eyed Vireo  3
Blue Jay  1
Barn Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  6
House Wren  1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  4
American Robin  2
Gray Catbird  2
European Starling  3
Common Yellowthroat  3
Northern Parula  3
Blackpoll Warbler  2
Prairie Warbler  3
Black-throated Green Warbler  2
Wilson's Warbler  1
Yellow-breasted Chat  2
Field Sparrow  4
White-throated Sparrow  1
Summer Tanager  1
Northern Cardinal  5
Blue Grosbeak  5
Indigo Bunting  6
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  4
Brown-headed Cowbird  8
Baltimore Oriole  1

Group 2: Lots of Indigo Buntings and Blue Grosbeaks with good looks at each. Both adult male Orioles next to each other in a Locust Tree and a nice Blackpoll Warbler. Leaders:  Warren Cairo, Karl Lukens, and Patty Rourke.
35 species

Canada Goose  1
Double-crested Cormorant  5
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  5
Laughing Gull  8
Herring Gull  1
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  6
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Eastern Kingbird  12
White-eyed Vireo  5     heard
Red-eyed Vireo  2     heard
American Crow  2
Barn Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  2
Carolina Wren  4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
American Robin  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  5
Cedar Waxwing  4
Black-and-white Warbler  2     heard
Common Yellowthroat  2
Blackpoll Warbler  1
Prairie Warbler  3
Yellow-breasted Chat  2
Eastern Towhee  1     heard
Field Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  6
Blue Grosbeak  6
Indigo Bunting  8
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  15
Brown-headed Cowbird  10

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

Common Yellowthroat [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Shorebirds at Heislerville with Pete Dunne - Thursday, May 10th, 2012

The conditions were sunny with a steady breeze of about 10 knots and a high tide.  The highlight bird was an immature Glaucous Gull. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg and Warren Cairo.
41 species

Canada Goose  8
Mute Swan  4
American Black Duck  4
Mallard  2
Red-breasted Merganser  1     Brightly plumaged drake in north impoundment
Ruddy Duck  2     Male & female in north impoundment
Double-crested Cormorant  150
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  70
Snowy Egret  60
Black-crowned Night-Heron  70
Glossy Ibis  5
Black Vulture  4
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  2
Bald Eagle  2
Peregrine Falcon  1
Black-bellied Plover  3
Semipalmated Plover  45
Semipalmated Sandpiper  85
Dunlin  130
Short-billed Dowitcher  120
Laughing Gull  18
Ring-billed Gull  16
Herring Gull  2
Glaucous Gull  1     All white gull with pink legs, probably 3rd year bird
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Least Tern  1
Forster's Tern  19
Black Skimmer  48
Eastern Kingbird  1
American Crow  9
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  2
Tree Swallow  2
Barn Swallow  8
Marsh Wren  1     Heard only
Northern Mockingbird  1
Yellow Warbler  1
Red-winged Blackbird  8
Common Grackle  10
House Sparrow  6

Thompson's Beach
23 species

Canada Goose  5
American Black Duck  7
Double-crested Cormorant  4
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  8
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  20
Bald Eagle  1
Clapper Rail  6     a few seen briefly
Black-bellied Plover  2
Semipalmated Plover  10
Willet  4
Red Knot  4
Least Sandpiper  10
Dunlin  6
Short-billed Dowitcher  18
Laughing Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Forster's Tern  7
Barn Swallow  12
Seaside Sparrow  1
Red-winged Blackbird  6
Boat-tailed Grackle  6

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

Birds of Belleplain State Forest - Thursday, May 10th, 2012

Nice day and good birding although we heard more than we saw. Good looks at Northern Parula and Yellow-throated, Pine, Worm-eating, and Prairie Warblers. A Yellow-billed Cuckoo was also enjoyed by all. Acadian Flycatchers performed well as usual. Leaders: Jim Armstrong, Bert Hixon, Karl Lukens, Patty Rourke, and Karen Johnson.
46 species

Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  3
Red-tailed Hawk  3
Laughing Gull  5
Herring Gull  1
Mourning Dove  4
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  1     /p
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee  1     heard
Acadian Flycatcher  3
Eastern Phoebe  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  4     heard
White-eyed Vireo  5
Red-eyed Vireo  3
Blue Jay  1     heard
Barn Swallow  10
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  1     heard
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2     heard
Wood Thrush  10     heard
American Robin  2
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
Ovenbird  15     heard
Worm-eating Warbler  1
Black-and-white Warbler  3     heard
Prothonotary Warbler  1     heard
Hooded Warbler  4     heard
Northern Parula  1
Pine Warbler  5
Yellow-throated Warbler  5
Prairie Warbler  4
Yellow-breasted Chat  1
Eastern Towhee  1     heard
Chipping Sparrow  5
Summer Tanager  1     heard
Scarlet Tanager  3     fly-by and heard
Northern Cardinal  3
Blue Grosbeak  1     heard
Indigo Bunting  5
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
Orchard Oriole  3

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

Yellow-billed Cuckoo [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Nummy Island - Wednesday, May 9th, 2012

A foggy evening and low tide at Nummy Island but some great birds. We began with 2 Clapper Rails lying in an open area so everyone enjoyed satisfying looks. Our Peregrine Falcon has returned and we finished with a breeding plumaged Horned Grebe. Leaders: Patty Rourke, Bill & Lee Smythe, and Warren Cairo.
38 species

Brant  8
Canada Goose  6
Mallard  4
Common Loon  2     Nice looks at breeding plumages Common Loons
Horned Grebe  1     Showed nice yellow feathering on head.
Double-crested Cormorant  200
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  3
Black-crowned Night-Heron  6
Osprey  4
Peregrine Falcon  1
Clapper Rail  4
Black-bellied Plover  10
Semipalmated Plover  6
American Oystercatcher  12
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Willet  8
Ruddy Turnstone  2
Least Sandpiper  8
Dunlin  10
Short-billed Dowitcher  32
Laughing Gull  70
Herring Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  6
Common Tern  5
Forster's Tern  12
Royal Tern  2
Black Skimmer  30
Mourning Dove  4
Tree Swallow  1
Barn Swallow  2
Gray Catbird  1
Common Yellowthroat  1
Song Sparrow  2
Red-winged Blackbird  8
Boat-tailed Grackle  20
House Sparrow  4

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, May 9th, 2012

Today's Cape May Point walk was something of a damp squib in the drizzly rain, but the weather did pick up and we were able to enjoy some nice birds. A snazzy Tricolored Heron flew in to Bunker Pond, three Black Skimmers drifted over and a Piping Plover gave great views on the Plover Pond. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Warren Cairo, Karl Lukens, and Steve Weis.
57 species

Canada Goose  18
Mute Swan  11
Gadwall  2
Mallard  4
Double-crested Cormorant  28
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  1
Snowy Egret  2
Tricolored Heron  1
Osprey  6
American Coot  1
Semipalmated Plover  1
Piping Plover  1
Killdeer  4
American Oystercatcher  4
Willet  3
Lesser Yellowlegs  2
Ruddy Turnstone  1
Semipalmated Sandpiper  3
Least Sandpiper  15
Dunlin  7
Short-billed Dowitcher  2
Laughing Gull  20
Great Black-backed Gull  6
Least Tern  4
Forster's Tern  20
Black Skimmer  3
Rock Pigeon  7
Mourning Dove  3
Eastern Kingbird  2
White-eyed Vireo  1
Fish Crow  3
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  4
Purple Martin  50
Tree Swallow  4
Barn Swallow  2
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  3
House Wren  1
American Robin  8
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  5
Cedar Waxwing  18
Common Yellowthroat  3
Yellow Warbler  2
Yellow-breasted Chat  1
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  2
Red-winged Blackbird  12
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  6
Orchard Oriole  3
House Finch  3
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  2

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

Tricolored Heron [Photo by Karl Lukens]

EZ Birding - Tuesday, May 8th, 2012

Today's EZ Birding walk at Cape May Point State Park had nice spring weather, bright sun, mild temperatures and a light breeze.  Highlights of the walk were Parasitic Jaegers pursuing the terns feeding in the 'Rips', a Tricolored Heron, and close up looks at a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher nest.  Leaders: Patty Rourke, Lee Smythe, Catherine Busch, and Warren Cairo.
43 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  2
Mallard  6
Northern Gannet  10
Double-crested Cormorant  55
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  1
Snowy Egret  2
Tricolored Heron  1
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  4
American Coot  1
Killdeer  2
American Oystercatcher  6
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  6
Least Tern  5
Common Tern  1
Forster's Tern  22
Black Skimmer  20     Distant looks back to Cape May beach
Parasitic Jaeger  2
Rock Pigeon  6
Mourning Dove  8
Fish Crow  10
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  5
Purple Martin  35
Tree Swallow  8
Barn Swallow  2
Carolina Wren  3     Heard only
House Wren  2     Both using Blue Bird Boxes apparently for nests
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2     at the nest
American Robin  12
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  6
Common Yellowthroat  2
Song Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  12
Common Grackle  6
Orchard Oriole  1     Heard only
House Sparrow  3

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

Hidden Corners of Belleplain - Tuesday, May 8th, 2012

Great looks at all of our birds including a cooperative Ovenbird. Summer Tanager, Acadian Flycatcher, and a Yellow-throated Warbler also graced our group, with everyone involved getting looks at these Birds of Belleplain. Leaders: Karen Johnson, Glenn Davis, and Dave Lord.
40 species

Ruby-throated Hummingbird  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee  11
Acadian Flycatcher  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  8
White-eyed Vireo  12
Red-eyed Vireo  5
Blue Jay  7
Carolina Chickadee  11
Tufted Titmouse  4
White-breasted Nuthatch  3
Carolina Wren  2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  5
Wood Thrush  9
American Robin  14
Gray Catbird  4
Brown Thrasher  2
Ovenbird  15
Worm-eating Warbler  6
Blue-winged Warbler  1
Black-and-white Warbler  7
Common Yellowthroat  1
Northern Parula  2
Blackpoll Warbler  1
Pine Warbler  12
Yellow-rumped Warbler  1
Yellow-throated Warbler  8
Prairie Warbler  6
Yellow-breasted Chat  1
Eastern Towhee  13
Chipping Sparrow  9
White-throated Sparrow  3
Summer Tanager  2
Scarlet Tanager  1
Northern Cardinal  5
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  4
Orchard Oriole  5

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

Shorebirds at Heislerville with Pete Dunne - Monday, May 7th, 2012

The conditions today were overcast with a steady wind.  Highlights were a King Rail, a White-faced Ibis and nesting Snowy and Great Egrets and Black-crowned Night Herons. Leaders:  Pete Dunne, Chuck Slugg, and Warren Cairo.
39 species

Canada Goose  15
Mute Swan  4
American Black Duck  4
Mallard  2
Double-crested Cormorant  180
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  75
Snowy Egret  80
Black-crowned Night-Heron  75
Glossy Ibis  20
White-faced Ibis  1     Second impoundment
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  6
Osprey  2
Bald Eagle  1
Clapper Rail  1
King Rail  1     Seen from the dike looking out toward the bay.  It ran parallel to the group for a reasonable distance.  Pete Dunne first identified it then a good part of the group saw it.
Black-bellied Plover  15
Semipalmated Plover  2
Killdeer  2
Greater Yellowlegs  35
Lesser Yellowlegs  20
Semipalmated Sandpiper  18
Least Sandpiper  12
Dunlin  30
Stilt Sandpiper  2     Second impoundment
Short-billed Dowitcher  40
Laughing Gull  4
Ring-billed Gull  15
Herring Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  6
Forster's Tern  12
Black Skimmer  32
Fish Crow  6
Tree Swallow  2
Barn Swallow  8
Marsh Wren  2
Red-winged Blackbird  8
Common Grackle  3
Boat-tailed Grackle  6
House Sparrow  8

Thompson's Beach
26 species

Canada Goose  6
American Black Duck  4
Double-crested Cormorant  10
Great Egret  15
Snowy Egret  20
Glossy Ibis  8
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  16
Bald Eagle  1
Clapper Rail  12
Semipalmated Plover  0
Greater Yellowlegs  5
Lesser Yellowlegs  8
Dunlin  3
Short-billed Dowitcher  8
Laughing Gull  4
Ring-billed Gull  6
Herring Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  3
Forster's Tern  8
Tree Swallow  1
Barn Swallow  20
Marsh Wren  1
Seaside Sparrow  2
Red-winged Blackbird  6
Boat-tailed Grackle  8

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, May 7th, 2012

Water in the Meadows is rather high for shorebirds but we still managed Semipalmated Plover, Killdeer, Least Sandpiper and Willet along with the usual beach birds American Oystercatcher and Piping Plover. A flock of Black Skimmers were at the 2nd Ave. jetty. Lots of Osprey overhead. Leaders:  Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Catherine Busch, and Marc & Lynne Breslow.
54 species

Canada Goose  20
Mute Swan  14
Gadwall  2
Mallard  15
Blue-winged Teal  2
Black Scoter  1
Common Loon  3
Northern Gannet  15
Double-crested Cormorant  75
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  4
Green Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  2
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  8
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
American Coot  2
Semipalmated Plover  1
Piping Plover  3
Killdeer  2
American Oystercatcher  4
Willet  3
Sanderling  12
Bonaparte's Gull  4
Laughing Gull  35
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  5
Least Tern  10
Common Tern  3
Forster's Tern  35
Black Skimmer  50     beach 2nd ave.
Mourning Dove  5
Chimney Swift  6
Eastern Kingbird  1
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  8
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  1
Tree Swallow  2
Barn Swallow  10
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  5
Common Yellowthroat  5
Yellow Warbler  1     heard by a few
Song Sparrow  1     heard
Northern Cardinal  6
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  10
Boat-tailed Grackle  1
Brown-headed Cowbird  8
Orchard Oriole  2
House Finch  1
House Sparrow  5

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

American Oystercatcher [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Back Bay Birding by Boat on The Osprey - Sunday, May 6th, 2012

The Whimbrel numbers were spectacular, with nearly 300 seen. The other shorebirds put in a respectable showing as well, with many clouds of Dunlin and Short-billed Dowitchers whirling through the overcast May sky. Leaders: Dave Lord and Bob Lubberman.
33 species

Canada Goose  3
American Black Duck  2
Mallard  6
Red-breasted Merganser  9
Common Loon  2
Double-crested Cormorant  56
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  23
Snowy Egret  18
Black-crowned Night-Heron  3
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  13
Osprey  54
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Clapper Rail  10
Black-bellied Plover  34
American Oystercatcher  23
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Willet  26
Whimbrel  300
Ruddy Turnstone  8
Semipalmated Sandpiper  12
Dunlin  275
Short-billed Dowitcher  27
Laughing Gull  234
Herring Gull  35
Great Black-backed Gull  7
Least Tern  3
Common Tern  6
Forster's Tern  14
Barn Swallow  15
Red-winged Blackbird  7
Boat-tailed Grackle  13

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

Cox Hall Creek WMA - Sunday, May 6th, 2012

Cox Hall Creek WMA was ringing with birdsong throughout this morning's walk. First of season Eastern Wood Peewee sang in the parking lot and several mixed warbler flocks included Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green, Northern Parula, Magnolia, Ovenbird, Blackburnian, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-Rumped, Prairie, Blackpoll and Black-and-White Warblers. Three Red-headed Woodpeckers were quietly feeding in the tall oaks. Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, Shaun Bamford, and Mary Jane & Chuck Slugg.
66 species

Mallard  3
Common Loon  1
Double-crested Cormorant  82
Great Blue Heron  1
Green Heron  1
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  7
Red-shouldered Hawk  1
Laughing Gull  12
Herring Gull (American)  4
Rock Pigeon  1
Mourning Dove  5
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  3
Red-headed Woodpecker  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  5
Downy Woodpecker  3
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee  2
Great Crested Flycatcher  7
Eastern Kingbird  6
Red-eyed Vireo  3
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  2
Purple Martin  4
Tree Swallow  5
Barn Swallow  1
Carolina Chickadee  8
Tufted Titmouse  12
Carolina Wren  3
House Wren  1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1    heard
Eastern Bluebird  5
American Robin  8
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  35
Ovenbird  4
Black-and-white Warbler  5
Common Yellowthroat  1
Northern Parula  3
Blackburnian Warbler  2
Blackpoll Warbler  1    heard
Black-throated Blue Warbler  2
Pine Warbler  2    heard
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  15
Prairie Warbler  2    heard
Black-throated Green Warbler  1
Eastern Towhee  1
Chipping Sparrow  14
Field Sparrow  3
Song Sparrow  3
White-throated Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  3
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  3
Red-winged Blackbird  16
Common Grackle  8
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
Orchard Oriole  6
Baltimore Oriole  1
House Finch  2
American Goldfinch  3

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

First year male Orchard Oriole [Photo by Roger Horn]

Red-headed Woodpecker [Photo by Roger Horn]

Bird Walk for All People - Saturday, May 5th, 2012

The Walk for All People was split into two groups; Group 1 started with the dune and Bunker Pond before we walked through the State Park.  Highlights of the walk include: Northern Gannets, American Oystercatchers, a Piping Plover in the exclosure, and Black Skimmers over Bunker Pond.  As we started across the marsh to go into the park we had an excellent look at a Green Heron.  In the park we had Blue-gray Gnatcatchers at their nest, House Wrens and Tree Swallows in nesting boxes, and Ospreys everywhere. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, and Marc & Lynne Breslow.
60 species

Canada Goose  40
Mute Swan  12
Gadwall  1
Mallard  12
Northern Gannet  5
Double-crested Cormorant  53
Great Blue Heron  3
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  1
Green Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  4
Turkey Vulture  6
Osprey  14
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Piping Plover  1
Killdeer  3
American Oystercatcher  7
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Willet  3
Least Sandpiper  23
Laughing Gull  50
Ring-billed Gull  6
Herring Gull  15
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Forster's Tern  30
Black Skimmer  3
Rock Pigeon  6
Mourning Dove  4
Chimney Swift  8
Eastern Phoebe  1
Blue Jay  4     heard only
American Crow  6
Fish Crow  8
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  12
Purple Martin  40
Tree Swallow  15
Barn Swallow  10
Carolina Chickadee  3
White-breasted Nuthatch  1     heard only
Carolina Wren  3     heard only
House Wren  2     heard only
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  3
American Robin  6
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  4
European Starling  6
Common Yellowthroat  5
Yellow-rumped Warbler  5
Yellow-breasted Chat  1     heard only
Song Sparrow  5
Northern Cardinal  3
Blue Grosbeak  1     heard only
Indigo Bunting  3
Red-winged Blackbird  20
Common Grackle  6
Boat-tailed Grackle  2
Brown-headed Cowbird  3
House Finch  3
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  8

Group 2 - Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, and Shaun Bamford.
53 species

Canada Goose  12
Mute Swan  8
Mallard  6
Double-crested Cormorant  23
Great Blue Heron  1
Snowy Egret  1
Green Heron  1
Black Vulture  4
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  5
Piping Plover  2
American Oystercatcher  6
Lesser Yellowlegs  1
Laughing Gull  14
Herring Gull (American)  2
Forster's Tern  17
Rock Pigeon  5
Mourning Dove  4
Chimney Swift  2
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  2
Great Crested Flycatcher  2
Eastern Kingbird  3
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  5
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  10
Purple Martin  35
Tree Swallow  8
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  3
House Wren  3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
American Robin  7
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  13
Common Yellowthroat  4
Yellow Warbler  5
Blackpoll Warbler  1    heard
Pine Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  18
Yellow-breasted Chat  1    heard
Song Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  12
Common Grackle  9
Brown-headed Cowbird  4
Orchard Oriole  5
House Finch  3
American Goldfinch  5
House Sparrow  2

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

Salt Marsh Safari on the Skimmer - May 5th, 2012

The boat tour aboard the Skimmer was the morning of the "Super Moon" which seemed to have good numbers of birds on the move.
28 species

Brant  X     still strong numbers
Mallard  2
Common Loon  2     located in Intercoastal by Jarvis Sound, both in breeding plumage
Double-crested Cormorant  12
Great Egret  6
Snowy Egret  4
Osprey  18     most are postured on eggs
Clapper Rail  4     2 observed, 2 heard
Black-bellied Plover  45
Semipalmated Plover  3
American Oystercatcher  8
Willet  14
Lesser Yellowlegs  1
Whimbrel  80
Ruddy Turnstone  12
Semipalmated Sandpiper  2
Dunlin  X
Short-billed Dowitcher  20
Laughing Gull  X
Herring Gull  20
Great Black-backed Gull  6
Common Tern  15
Forster's Tern  50
Rock Pigeon  8
Fish Crow  4
Barn Swallow  12     nesting under our dock
Red-winged Blackbird  12
Boat-tailed Grackle  10

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

Spring Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, May 5th, 2012

A couple pockets of warblers and great views of a Blackburnian Warbler in a scope. Two Great Crested Flycatchers investigating a tree cavity in the wet woods and numerous calling. Eastern Kingbirds and an Eastern Bluebird on the winery poles and wires. Good looks at 2 Orchard Orioles, one a first year male singing. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Kathy & Roger Horn.
53 species

Canada Goose  3
Mute Swan  1
Mallard  6
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  1
Red-tailed Hawk  2
Merlin  2
Killdeer  5
Short-billed Dowitcher  5     fly-over
Laughing Gull  8
Herring Gull  1
Forster's Tern  2
Mourning Dove  8
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Red-headed Woodpecker  1     seen by some
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2     heard
Downy Woodpecker  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  6
Eastern Kingbird  6
Red-eyed Vireo  1     heard
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  5
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  8
Tree Swallow  1
Barn Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  1
Carolina Wren  4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1     heard
Eastern Bluebird  1
American Robin  5
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  10
Black-and-white Warbler  1     heard
Prothonotary Warbler  1     heard-seen by by few
Common Yellowthroat  4
Northern Parula  1
Blackburnian Warbler  1
Yellow Warbler  1     heard
Black-throated Blue Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  5
Yellow-breasted Chat  1
Northern Cardinal  6
Bobolink  1
Red-winged Blackbird  8
Common Grackle  15
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
Orchard Oriole  3
House Finch  1     heard
House Sparrow  1

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

One of a pair of Great Crested Flycatchers inspecting a possible nest cavity [Photo by Karl Lukens]

A Meadows Afternoon - Friday, May 4th, 2012

Highlights of the Friday Afternoon at the Meadows Walk include a Caspian Tern, Bonaparte's Gulls, Piping Plover, and American Oystercatchers. Leaders: Chuck and Mary Jane Slugg.
46 species

Canada Goose  25
Mute Swan  14
Mallard  14
Double-crested Cormorant  80
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  4
Black Vulture  12
Turkey Vulture  10
Osprey  5
Broad-winged Hawk  1
American Coot  4     In ponds by west trail close to Sunset Blvd.
Piping Plover  4
Killdeer  5
American Oystercatcher  7
Willet  2
Lesser Yellowlegs  1
Sanderling  1
Least Sandpiper  1     seen by leader only
Bonaparte's Gull  5
Laughing Gull  40
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull  15
Great Black-backed Gull  12
Caspian Tern  1
Forster's Tern  24
Black Skimmer  10
Rock Pigeon  6
Mourning Dove  4
Chimney Swift  3
American Crow  5
Fish Crow  9
Purple Martin  3
Tree Swallow  5
Barn Swallow  10
Marsh Wren  1
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  6
Common Yellowthroat  5
Song Sparrow  2     heard only
Northern Cardinal  2     heard only
Red-winged Blackbird  30
Common Grackle  8
Boat-tailed Grackle  2
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
Baltimore Oriole  1
House Sparrow  2

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

Higbee Beach - Friday, May 4th, 2012

Today's walk was split into two groups. Group 1: Rather slow on warblers after yesterday's warbler fallout, but lots of Indigo Bunting and Blue Grosbeak. Eastern Kingbird and Field Sparrow were also numerous. Leaders: Warren Cairo, Karl Lukens, and Chris Marks.
37 species

Canada Goose  2
Double-crested Cormorant  5
Green Heron  1
Turkey Vulture  2
Laughing Gull  4
Mourning Dove  3
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2     heard
Great Crested Flycatcher  2
Eastern Kingbird  20
White-eyed Vireo  5     heard
Red-eyed Vireo  2     heard
Fish Crow  1
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  1
Carolina Wren  3
House Wren  1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
American Robin  1
Gray Catbird  4
Black-and-white Warbler  3
Common Yellowthroat  3
Northern Parula  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  4
Prairie Warbler  5
Yellow-breasted Chat  2
Eastern Towhee  1     heard
Field Sparrow  6
White-throated Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  8
Blue Grosbeak  7
Indigo Bunting  5
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
Orchard Oriole  1
Baltimore Oriole  5

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

Yellow-breasted Chat [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Group 2: A thin mist coming off the bay suggested that birding might be quiet, but we ended up with a nice selection of birds, many of which showed really well. Our friendly Yellow-breasted Chat from previous years was back on territory and Glen Davies earned his stripes by picking out a Warbling Vireo which sang and fed in full view. The highlight in the second field was close views of an Indigo Bunting and a Blue Grosbeak - both adult males - feeding in the weeds. We finished with a very vocal Blue-winged Warbler but he failed to show himself. Leaders:  Mike Crewe, Roger Horn, and Patty Rourke.

45 species

Canada Goose  2
Mallard  2
Double-crested Cormorant  4
Snowy Egret  1
Green Heron  1
Turkey Vulture  1
Laughing Gull  20
Mourning Dove  6
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  3
Eastern Kingbird  10
White-eyed Vireo  4
Warbling Vireo  1
Red-eyed Vireo  2
American Crow  2
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  5
House Wren  1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
Wood Thrush  1
American Robin  1
Gray Catbird  4
Blue-winged Warbler  1
Black-and-white Warbler  2
Common Yellowthroat  3
Magnolia Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  10
Prairie Warbler  5
Yellow-breasted Chat  1
Eastern Towhee  1
Field Sparrow  2
White-throated Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  5
Rose-breasted Grosbeak  2
Blue Grosbeak  2
Indigo Bunting  4
Red-winged Blackbird  6
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  6
Orchard Oriole  2
American Goldfinch  2

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

Shorebirds at Heislerville with Pete Dunne - Thursday, May 3rd, 2012

Highlights include 2 White-faced Ibis, good looks at Clapper Rails, lots of Snowy and Great Egrets showing off their breeding plumage, 5 immature Bald Eagles and Black Skimmers skimming. Pete Dunne, Warren Cairo, and Janet Crawford.
34 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  8
American Black Duck  2
Double-crested Cormorant  200
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  80
Snowy Egret  80
Black-crowned Night-Heron  70
Glossy Ibis  50
White-faced Ibis  2
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  5
Osprey  2
Bald Eagle  5
Clapper Rail  4
Black-bellied Plover  6
Killdeer  1
Greater Yellowlegs  30
Lesser Yellowlegs  30
Least Sandpiper  6
Dunlin  20
Short-billed Dowitcher  20
Laughing Gull  10
Ring-billed Gull  30
Herring Gull  30
Forster's Tern  25
Rock Pigeon  1
Fish Crow  2
Tree Swallow  1
Barn Swallow  14
Marsh Wren  1
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Boat-tailed Grackle  6
House Sparrow  5

Thompson's Beach
19 species

Great Egret  4
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  1
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  19
Clapper Rail  10
Greater Yellowlegs  10
Willet  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  10
Dunlin  10
Short-billed Dowitcher  6
Laughing Gull  3
Ring-billed Gull  4
Forster's Tern  2
Tree Swallow  20
Barn Swallow  20
Marsh Wren  1
Red-winged Blackbird  20
Boat-tailed Grackle  2

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

Birds of Belleplain State Forest - Thursday, May 3rd, 2012

A nice variety of birds both heard and seen. Of note were good looks at a Prothonotary Warbler as well as a perched and singing Louisiana Waterthrush. Also good looks at Blue-winged  and Prairie Warblers, Yellow-breasted Chat, and Indigo Bunting. Leaders: Jim Armstrong, Bert Hixon, and Karl Lukens.
46 species

Mallard  2
Turkey Vulture  3
Spotted Sandpiper  2
Laughing Gull  2
Mourning Dove  2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1     seen by some
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  1     heard
Eastern Phoebe  4
Great Crested Flycatcher  3
Eastern Kingbird  1
White-eyed Vireo  6
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Fish Crow  1     heard
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  1     heard
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
Eastern Bluebird  2
American Robin  3
Gray Catbird  4
Northern Mockingbird  1     heard
Brown Thrasher  1     heard
Worm-eating Warbler  1     heard
Louisiana Waterthrush  2     /p
Blue-winged Warbler  1     /p
Black-and-white Warbler  3
Prothonotary Warbler  1
Hooded Warbler  2     heard
Pine Warbler  6
Yellow-throated Warbler  5
Prairie Warbler  6
Yellow-breasted Chat  1
Eastern Towhee  1     heard
Chipping Sparrow  3
Summer Tanager  1     /p
Scarlet Tanager  2     heard
Northern Cardinal  4
Rose-breasted Grosbeak  1     female
Indigo Bunting  3
Red-winged Blackbird  1
Common Grackle  12
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
Orchard Oriole  1     sheard by some
Baltimore Oriole  1
American Goldfinch  6

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

Summer Tanager [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Nummy's Island - Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012

Tonight's walk was a little chilly with strong winds and a very high tide.  A good mix of shorebirds including Red Knots and a large flight of Whimbrel that landed very close to where we were parked.  Lots of Clapper Rails heard but none seen.  All in all a pleasant evening's birding.
37 species

Brant  45
Canada Goose  8
American Black Duck  4
Mallard  2
Blue-winged Teal  2
Common Loon  4     In breeding plumage
Double-crested Cormorant  13
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  4
Tricolored Heron  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  2
Glossy Ibis  8
Osprey  5
Clapper Rail  6     Heard only
Black-bellied Plover  22
American Oystercatcher  8
Greater Yellowlegs  6
Willet  11
Lesser Yellowlegs  2
Whimbrel  44
Ruddy Turnstone  7
Red Knot  10
Least Sandpiper  4
Dunlin  75
Short-billed Dowitcher  40
Laughing Gull  120
Ring-billed Gull  4
Herring Gull  6
Great Black-backed Gull  7
Forster's Tern  22
Mourning Dove  4
Fish Crow  11
Barn Swallow  4
American Robin  2
Gray Catbird  4
Red-winged Blackbird  8
Boat-tailed Grackle  16

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

Birding Cumberland - Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012

CMBO Exploring Cumberland first walk. Highlights included 2 Nelson's Sparrows, lots of Orchard Orioles, Blue Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, 2 Bald Eagles, Wilson's Snipe and a Yellow-breasted Chat. Leaders: Karen Johnson, Dave Lord, and Janet Crawford.
Russell Road
12 species

Great Crested Flycatcher  2
Blue-headed Vireo  1
Carolina Chickadee  2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Ovenbird  1
Common Yellowthroat  1
Northern Parula  1
Prairie Warbler  2
Chipping Sparrow  3
Field Sparrow  1
Blue Grosbeak  2
Indigo Bunting  1

Hansey Creek Road
56 species

Canada Goose  3
American Black Duck  4
Common Loon  1
Snowy Egret  1
Glossy Ibis  5
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  4
Bald Eagle  2
Northern Harrier  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Clapper Rail  10
Greater Yellowlegs  3
Willet  2
Lesser Yellowlegs  3
Short-billed Dowitcher  4
Wilson's Snipe  5
Laughing Gull  10
Herring Gull  5
Forster's Tern  6
Mourning Dove  3
Great Crested Flycatcher  5
Eastern Kingbird  1
White-eyed Vireo  6
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Tree Swallow  30
Barn Swallow  20
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  8
Carolina Wren  1
House Wren  2
Marsh Wren  2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  4
Wood Thrush  3
American Robin  6
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
Ovenbird  10
Common Yellowthroat  6
Northern Parula  1
Yellow Warbler  4
Yellow-rumped Warbler  3
Yellow-throated Warbler  1
Prairie Warbler  1
Yellow-breasted Chat  1
Eastern Towhee  7
Chipping Sparrow  5
Field Sparrow  3
Nelson's Sparrow  2
Swamp Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  2
Blue Grosbeak  2
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  25
Brown-headed Cowbird  4
Orchard Oriole  8
American Goldfinch  8

Bevan WMA IBA--Ackley Road
23 species

Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  6
Eastern Kingbird  1
White-eyed Vireo  5
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  4
Carolina Wren  1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  4
Wood Thrush  3
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
Brown Thrasher  1
Ovenbird  6
Pine Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler  5
Yellow-throated Warbler  1
Prairie Warbler  1
Eastern Towhee  6
Chipping Sparrow  2
Summer Tanager  1
Northern Cardinal  2
Blue Grosbeak  2
Brown-headed Cowbird  4

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012

This was a walk full of surprises, from the early Least Tern over the beach, the tern-chasing Parasitic Jaeger offshore and the four very smart Bonaparte's Gulls on the railing, to the scruffy Lesser Black-backed Gull and the pugilistic Blue Grosbeaks. A nice selection of shorebirds had replaced pretty much all of the ducks on the ponds and a male Pine Warbler showed off beautifully. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Warren Cairo, Karl Lukens, and Chris Marks.
67 species

Canada Goose  4
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  4
Mallard  6
Common Loon  1
Northern Gannet  30
Double-crested Cormorant  6
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  1
Glossy Ibis  20
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  2
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Coot  1
Semipalmated Plover  3
Piping Plover  1
Killdeer  4
American Oystercatcher  4
Solitary Sandpiper  2
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Willet  12
Lesser Yellowlegs  5
Ruddy Turnstone  1
Sanderling  12
Semipalmated Sandpiper  6
Least Sandpiper  7
Bonaparte's Gull  4
Laughing Gull  50
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull (American)  15
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  6
Least Tern  1
Forster's Tern  200
Parasitic Jaeger  1
Rock Pigeon  6
Mourning Dove  4
Chimney Swift  10
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  2
Eastern Kingbird  6
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  8
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  8
Purple Martin  50
Tree Swallow  20
Barn Swallow  15
Cliff Swallow  1
Carolina Chickadee  2
Carolina Wren  2
House Wren  3
American Robin  2
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  8
Common Yellowthroat  2
Pine Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler  15
Song Sparrow  3
White-throated Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  3
Red-winged Blackbird  20
Common Grackle  8
Brown-headed Cowbird  4
House Finch  2

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

Hidden Corners of Belleplain - May 1st, 2012

Highlights include good looks at Yellow-throated Vireo, Prothonotary Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Worm-eating Warbler,  2 Scarlet Tanagers, White-eyed Vireo, Great Crested Flycatcher and Acadian Flycatcher.
42 species

Wood Duck  2
Great Egret  1
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  1
Laughing Gull  6
Mourning Dove  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Acadian Flycatcher  2
Eastern Phoebe  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  6
Eastern Kingbird  1
White-eyed Vireo  10
Yellow-throated Vireo  1
Blue-headed Vireo  2
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  1
Carolina Chickadee  6
Tufted Titmouse  12
Carolina Wren  4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  8
Wood Thrush  6
American Robin  5
Gray Catbird  1
Brown Thrasher  1
Ovenbird  12
Worm-eating Warbler  10
Louisiana Waterthrush  2
Black-and-white Warbler  9
Prothonotary Warbler  1
Hooded Warbler  2
Pine Warbler  3
Yellow-throated Warbler  6
Eastern Towhee  6
Chipping Sparrow  7
White-throated Sparrow  3
Summer Tanager  1
Scarlet Tanager  2
Northern Cardinal  5
Common Grackle  4
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
American Goldfinch  3

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

EZ Birding - Tuesday, May 1st, 2012

Despite gloomy skies and rain at starting time the EZ Birding Walk turned out to be great! We began with Killdeer copulation on the path to the dune, saw Piping Plover and American Oystercatchers on the beach, and had a Wilson's Snipe walking with us along Bunker Pond.  As we walked the trails through the park we enjoyed looks at nesting House Wrens and Tree Swallows, a very cooperative Carolina Wren, a beautiful male Scarlet Tanager, a male Indigo Bunting, and a young male and a female Orchard Oriole. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg and Warren Cairo.
64 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  10
Gadwall  4
Mallard  12
Red-throated Loon  2
Common Loon  1
Double-crested Cormorant  190
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  5
Snowy Egret  1
Green Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  1
Turkey Vulture  6
Osprey  5
Bald Eagle  2
American Coot  1
Piping Plover  1
Killdeer  6
American Oystercatcher  6
Solitary Sandpiper  2
Greater Yellowlegs  3
Lesser Yellowlegs  1
Wilson's Snipe  1
Bonaparte's Gull  3
Laughing Gull  12
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Forster's Tern  35
Rock Pigeon  7
Mourning Dove  6
Chimney Swift  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  1
Eastern Kingbird  1
White-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  8
Fish Crow  12
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  10
Purple Martin  45
Tree Swallow  10
Barn Swallow  4
Carolina Wren  4
House Wren  4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  3
American Robin  10
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  5
Common Yellowthroat  5
Yellow-rumped Warbler  10
Eastern Towhee  2     heard
Song Sparrow  3
White-throated Sparrow  15
Scarlet Tanager  1
Northern Cardinal  6
Indigo Bunting  2
Red-winged Blackbird  30
Common Grackle  15
Boat-tailed Grackle  1
Brown-headed Cowbird  9
Orchard Oriole  3
House Finch  4
American Goldfinch  2
House Sparrow  7

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

Shorebirds at Heislerville with Pete Dunne - Monday, April 30th, 2012

Highlights include a Green Heron, 4 Spotted Sandpipers, Black Skimmers skimming, the world's most cooperative Clapper Rail and a Merlin. Leaders Pete Dunne, Janet Crawford, Warren Cairo, and Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg.
36 species

Canada Goose  8
Mute Swan  2
American Black Duck  6
Red-breasted Merganser  1
Ruddy Duck  1
Double-crested Cormorant  90
Great Egret  40
Snowy Egret  40
Green Heron  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  80
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  5
Bald Eagle  1
Clapper Rail  1
Black-bellied Plover  10
Killdeer  2
Spotted Sandpiper  4
Greater Yellowlegs  30
Willet  5
Lesser Yellowlegs  20
Semipalmated Sandpiper  12
Dunlin  250
Short-billed Dowitcher  80
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull  6
Great Black-backed Gull  4
Forster's Tern  30
Black Skimmer  30
Tree Swallow  1
Barn Swallow  3
European Starling  3
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  4
Boat-tailed Grackle  6
House Sparrow  3

Thompson's Beach
12 species

Canada Goose  2
Double-crested Cormorant  4
Great Egret  5
Snowy Egret  2
Glossy Ibis  1
Osprey  30
Merlin  1
Clapper Rail  10
Dunlin  30
Laughing Gull  6
Red-winged Blackbird  20
Boat-tailed Grackle  6

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

Back Bay Birding by Boat on The Osprey - Monday, April 30th, 2012

CMBO's first Back Bay Birding by Boat this spring. Awesome numbers of Whimbrels passing through, a large flock of Red-breasted Mergansers, and a couple of Tri-colored Herons to welcome us back to the back bays of Cape May. Leaders: Dave Lord and Bob Lubberman.
31 species

Canada Goose  12
Mallard  6
Red-breasted Merganser  20
Common Loon  3
Double-crested Cormorant  45
Great Blue Heron  4
Great Egret  13
Snowy Egret  6
Tricolored Heron  2
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  15
Osprey  29
Northern Harrier  1
Black-bellied Plover  13
Semipalmated Plover  1
American Oystercatcher  23
Willet  17
Whimbrel  26
Semipalmated Sandpiper  1
Dunlin  275
Short-billed Dowitcher  28
Laughing Gull  189
Herring Gull  15
Great Black-backed Gull  30
Common Tern  4
Forster's Tern  16
Fish Crow  3
Tree Swallow  13
Barn Swallow  23
Red-winged Blackbird  21
Boat-tailed Grackle  14

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, April 30th, 2012

No large numbers of birds, but a variety of waders and shorebirds including Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, a number of Willets, and of course, American Oystercatcher and Piping Plover on the beach. Adult and sub-adult Bald Eagles were enjoyed by all. From the parking lot at the start we had perched Blue Grosbeak singing and a perched female Orchard Oriole. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Catherine Busch, Bill Smythe, and Carrie Bell.
49 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  8
Wood Duck  1
Gadwall  4
Mallard  15
Common Loon  2
Double-crested Cormorant  25
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  5
Green Heron  2
Glossy Ibis  10
Turkey Vulture  10
Osprey  5
Bald Eagle  2
Red-tailed Hawk  2
American Coot  8
Piping Plover  2
American Oystercatcher  3
Greater Yellowlegs  2
Willet  5
Lesser Yellowlegs  2
Bonaparte's Gull  1
Laughing Gull  15
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  1
Common Tern  5
Forster's Tern  30
Mourning Dove  6
Chimney Swift  5
American Crow  4
Fish Crow  2
Purple Martin  30
Tree Swallow  10
Bank Swallow  1
Carolina Wren  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  5
Yellow-rumped Warbler  8
Savannah Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  15
Boat-tailed Grackle  2
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
Orchard Oriole  1
American Goldfinch  3
House Sparrow  2

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

Piping Plover [Photo by Karl Lukens]