Cox Hall Creek WMA - Sunday, September 16th, 2012

It was hard to proceed far down the path at CHC this morning because there were so many birds on all sides. American Kestrels, Merlin, Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks all vied for snag perches while Blue Jays screeched for them to leave. Mixed flocks moved through containing American Redstarts, Northern Parula; Black-and-white, Chestnut-sided, and Yellow-rumped Warblers; Common Yellowthroat, Philadelphia and Red-eyed Vireos, Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Blue Grosbeaks, Indigo Bunting and Eastern Bluebirds. Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, Janet Crawford, Mary Jane & Chuck Slugg, Cindy & Shaun Bamford, Dave Lord, Steve Weiss, and Joe Demko.
61 species

Mute Swan  2
American Black Duck  3
Mallard  18
Osprey  3
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
American Coot  1
Laughing Gull  4
Mourning Dove  8
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  6
Downy Woodpecker  5
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  8
American Kestrel  5
Merlin  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee  1
Eastern Phoebe  2
Great Crested Flycatcher  1
Philadelphia Vireo  1
Red-eyed Vireo  6
Blue Jay  10
American Crow  14
Fish Crow  2
Carolina Chickadee  7
Tufted Titmouse  10
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  8
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Eastern Bluebird  7
Veery  1
American Robin  8
Gray Catbird  4
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  8
Cedar Waxwing  11
Black-and-white Warbler  4
Common Yellowthroat  3
American Redstart  4
Northern Parula  2
Chestnut-sided Warbler  1
Palm Warbler (Western)  2
Palm Warbler (Yellow)  1
Pine Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  1
Black-throated Green Warbler  1
Chipping Sparrow  8
Song Sparrow  3
Summer Tanager  1
Northern Cardinal  5
Blue Grosbeak  5
Indigo Bunting  1
Bobolink  7
Red-winged Blackbird  4
Common Grackle  12
House Finch  1
American Goldfinch  3

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

American Kestrel [Photo by Roger Horn]

Hawks, Trails, and Beach - Saturday, September 15th, 2012

The Hawks, Trails, and Beach Walk enjoyed beautiful weather and a great American Kestrel show as we wound our way through the State Park. In addition to flying and perched Kestrels we watched Merlins eating dragonflies on the wing, and a young Bald Eagle circling overhead. Other highlights include a Pied-billed Grebe and an assortment of ducks, some coming into breeding plumage. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Cindy Bamford, and Lynne Breslow.
47 species

Canada Goose  64
Mute Swan  9
Gadwall  2
American Wigeon  8
Mallard  16
Northern Shoveler  6
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Brown Pelican  6
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  2
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  6
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  1
American Oystercatcher  2
Laughing Gull  50
Ring-billed Gull  3
Herring Gull  10
Great Black-backed Gull  60
Forster's Tern  20
Royal Tern  6
Black Skimmer  100
Rock Pigeon  8
Mourning Dove  10
Belted Kingfisher  1
Northern Flicker  1
American Kestrel  16
Merlin  4
Peregrine Falcon  1
Red-eyed Vireo  2
Blue Jay  2     heard
American Crow  6
Fish Crow  1     heard
Purple Martin  2
Tree Swallow  35
Carolina Chickadee  2
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  3     heard
American Robin  1     heard
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  6
European Starling  8
American Redstart  1     leaders only
Northern Cardinal  3
Blue Grosbeak  1
Red-winged Blackbird  14

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

Photo Walks with Mike Hannisian - Saturday, September 15th, 2012

As can occur even in Cape May, there are Autumn days without large numbers of birds, and today was one of them. Regardless, it would be a rare Autumn day in Cape May without something good to shoot and today was not an exception. Butterflies and dragonflies were present in good numbers. Likewise, there remain a number of flowers still in bloom, and there is always the old reliable, our lighthouse.

Blue Dasher [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Cape May Point Lighthouse [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Cloudless Sulphur [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Saltmarsh Fleabane [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Fall Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, September 15th, 2012

A little slow on migrants this morning, but we did run into apparently 2 families of Blue Grosbeaks totaling at least 7 birds. A few raptors were overhead including Osprey, Sharp-shinned, and Cooper's Hawks, and at least 3 adult Bald eagles. We also had a brief look at an empidonax flycatcher, and good looks at a pair of Great Crested Flycatchers. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Warren Cairo, Claudia Burns, Roger & Kathy Horn, and Elizabeth Errickson.
41 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  5
Mute Swan  2
Wood Duck  2
Mallard  5
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Great Egret  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  8
Osprey  3
Sharp-shinned Hawk  2
Cooper's Hawk  2
Bald Eagle  3     adults
Herring Gull  2
Mourning Dove  10
Chimney Swift  1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  5
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  2
American Kestrel  2
Empidonax sp.  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  2
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  15
Fish Crow  1
Tree Swallow  50
Carolina Chickadee  1
Red-breasted Nuthatch  5
Carolina Wren  5
American Robin  6
Gray Catbird  1
European Starling  15
Common Yellowthroat  2
Northern Cardinal  2
Blue Grosbeak  7
Bobolink  10
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  3
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  1

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

Great Crested Flycatcher [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Twelve-spotted Skimmer [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Sunset Birding at the Meadows - Friday, September 14th, 2012

A nice array of ducks with a few waders and a couple shorebirds. The highlight was at the end when about a dozen and a half Common Nighthawks flew over and circled the meadows, some rather close. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Kathy & Roger Horn, Dave Lord, and Erin Lehnert.
37 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  3
American Black Duck  1
Mallard  30
Blue-winged Teal  7
Northern Shoveler  6
Green-winged Teal  15
Pied-billed Grebe  2
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  1
Osprey  1
Northern Harrier  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
American Oystercatcher  3
Least Sandpiper  2
Pectoral Sandpiper  1
Laughing Gull  100
Ring-billed Gull  6
Herring Gull  20
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  50
Caspian Tern  1
Common Tern  50
Forster's Tern  5
Royal Tern  4
Black Skimmer  300
Mourning Dove  5
Common Nighthawk  18
Belted Kingfisher  1
American Crow  3
Carolina Wren  1
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  25
Northern Cardinal  4
House Sparrow  5

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

Higbee Beach Birding - Friday, September 14th, 2012

Group 1:  A rather quiet Higbee Beach faced us this morning, but in September, even a quiet day can be good! Red-throated Vireos performed acrobatics in the treetops and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds showed well at times. Red-breasted Nuthatches continue to arrive from the north and we finished with a fly-by Bald Eagle.  Leaders: Mike Crewe and Chris Marks.
40 species

Double-crested Cormorant  1
Osprey  2
Bald Eagle  1
Laughing Gull  1
Rock Pigeon  5
Mourning Dove  2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  2
Hairy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  1
Merlin  1
Alder Flycatcher  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  1
White-eyed Vireo  2
Red-eyed Vireo  20
Blue Jay  4
American Crow  6
Tree Swallow  4
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  4
Red-breasted Nuthatch  3
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  8
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Veery  3
Gray Catbird  5
Brown Thrasher  2
Cedar Waxwing  1
Northern Waterthrush  1
Black-and-white Warbler  3
Common Yellowthroat  12
American Redstart  4
Northern Parula  1
Yellow Warbler  1
Palm Warbler  10
Field Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  10
Red-winged Blackbird  4
Common Grackle  3

Group 2:  Lots of birds but most at the beginning of the first field. Most numerous was Red-eyed Vireo, but others included, Nashville, Yellow, Blackpoll, Black-and-white, Canada, and Prairie Warblers, Common Yellowthroat, Northern Waterthrush, Northern Parula, and Philadephia Vireo. Leaders: Karl Lukens and Patty Rourke.
38 species (+1 other taxa)

Turkey Vulture  1     seen after walk by leader.
Laughing Gull  1
Herring Gull  1
Mourning Dove  5
Chimney Swift  1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  1
Empidonax sp.  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  1
White-eyed Vireo  5     heard
Philadelphia Vireo  1
Red-eyed Vireo  25
Blue Jay  4
American Crow  1
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  1
Carolina Wren  4     heard
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  4
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
Veery  5
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Waterthrush  1
Black-and-white Warbler  4
Nashville Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  5
American Redstart  1
Northern Parula  2
Yellow Warbler  3
Blackpoll Warbler  1
Palm Warbler  4
Prairie Warbler  3
Canada Warbler  1
Northern Cardinal  5
Indigo Bunting  3
Red-winged Blackbird  5
Common Grackle  2
Baltimore Oriole  3

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

Great Crested Flycatcher [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Bird Walk for All People - Thursday, September 13th, 2012

Beautiful weather continues and the Walk for All People appreciated it! In addition to scads of Monarch butterflies we saw Pied-billed Grebes, Osprey, Northern Harrier, and Great Blue Herons. Ducks are beginning to return and we found Mallards, of course, as well as Gadwall, Northern Shovelers, American Wigeon, and both Blue- and Green-winged Teal. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Cindy Bamford, Patty Rourke and Alyssia Church.
44 species

Canada Goose  40
Mute Swan  9
Gadwall  6
American Wigeon  8
American Black Duck  1
Mallard  16
Blue-winged Teal  8
Northern Shoveler  3
Green-winged Teal  2
Pied-billed Grebe  3
Double-crested Cormorant  31
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  2
Turkey Vulture  5
Osprey  2
Northern Harrier  2
Laughing Gull  32
Herring Gull  8
Great Black-backed Gull  20
Common Tern  1
Forster's Tern  2
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  7
Merlin  1
Eastern Phoebe  1
White-eyed Vireo  3
Red-eyed Vireo  2
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  3
Tree Swallow  50
Carolina Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  1     heard
Carolina Wren  4
American Robin  2     heard
Gray Catbird  5
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  3
Cedar Waxwing  27
Common Yellowthroat  1
American Redstart  5
Yellow Warbler  1
Prairie Warbler  3
Northern Cardinal  3
Bobolink  6     heard

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

Twilight Watch at the Meadows - Wednesday, September 12th, 2012

Leaders: Patty Rourke and Chuck Slugg
36 species

Canada Goose  X
Mute Swan  X
Wood Duck  2
Gadwall  X
American Wigeon  X
Mallard  X
Blue-winged Teal  X
Northern Shoveler  X
Green-winged Teal  X
Pied-billed Grebe  X
Great Blue Heron  X
Great Egret  X
Snowy Egret  X
Osprey  X
Cooper's Hawk  X
American Oystercatcher  X
Spotted Sandpiper  X
Sanderling  X
Semipalmated Sandpiper  X
Stilt Sandpiper  X
Laughing Gull  X
Herring Gull  X
Great Black-backed Gull  X
Caspian Tern  X
Common Tern  X
Forster's Tern  X
Royal Tern  X
Black Skimmer  X
Belted Kingfisher  X
American Crow  X
Northern Mockingbird  X
European Starling  X
Palm Warbler  X
Song Sparrow  X
American Goldfinch  X
House Sparrow  X

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, September 12th, 2012

Good looks at terns including Gull-billed, Caspian, and Royal. Four Brown Pelicans flew in and sat on the water right in front of the group. Palm and Yellow Warblers were along the dune path as well as several Common Yellowthroats. Raptors included Red-tailed, Sharp-shinned, and Cooper's Hawk, American Kestrel and Merlin. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, Chris Marks, Patty Rourke, Erin Lehnert, and Megan Crewe.
61 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  1
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  2
American Wigeon  10
Mallard  25
Blue-winged Teal  6
Northern Shoveler  5
Pied-billed Grebe  3
Double-crested Cormorant  8
Brown Pelican  5
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  1
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  5
Northern Harrier  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  2
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Killdeer  2
Laughing Gull  30
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull  8
Great Black-backed Gull  5
Gull-billed Tern  1
Caspian Tern  2
Common Tern  15
Forster's Tern  15
Royal Tern  3
Black Skimmer  30
Rock Pigeon  10
Mourning Dove  8
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Belted Kingfisher  1
American Kestrel  4
Merlin  1
Empidonax sp.  1
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  1
Tree Swallow  40
Barn Swallow  10
Carolina Chickadee  1
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  15
Northern Waterthrush  2
Common Yellowthroat  3
American Redstart  1
Yellow Warbler  4
Black-throated Blue Warbler  1
Palm Warbler  6
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  2
Bobolink  10
Red-winged Blackbird  30
Common Grackle  5
American Goldfinch  3
House Sparrow  4

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

Brown Pelicans [Photo by Karl Lukens]

EZ Birding - Tuesday, September 11th, 2012

Cool, sunny weather for EZ Birding brought a nice variety of raptors overhead and many Monarchs as well as other butterfly species nectaring on plants throughout the State Park. Raptor highlights include: many Osprey, Broad-winged Hawks, Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks, Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier, American Kestrels, and Peregrine Falcon. A lone Spotted Sandpiper by Bunker Pond ended the walk. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Janet Crawford, Bill & Lee Smythe.
54 species

Canada Goose  45
Mute Swan  9
Gadwall  1
American Wigeon  4
American Black Duck  1
Mallard  16
Blue-winged Teal  7
Northern Shoveler  4
Green-winged Teal  2
Pied-billed Grebe  2
Double-crested Cormorant  15
Great Egret  3
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  6
Osprey  11
Northern Harrier  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  1
Red-shouldered Hawk  2     circling over Lighthouse Pond
Broad-winged Hawk  3
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Laughing Gull  60
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  25
Forster's Tern  7
Royal Tern  2
Black Skimmer  X     on beach at 2nd St. jetty; too far to count individuals
Rock Pigeon  6
Mourning Dove  5
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  3
Belted Kingfisher  1
American Kestrel  7
Peregrine Falcon  1
American Crow  6
Tree Swallow  40
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  3
White-breasted Nuthatch  3
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
American Robin  3     heard
Gray Catbird  5
Northern Mockingbird  10
European Starling  7
American Redstart  3
Yellow Warbler  3
Palm Warbler  1
Northern Cardinal  2     heard
Red-winged Blackbird  13
American Goldfinch  3
House Sparrow  4

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, September 10th, 2012

Northerly winds seemed to have brought some migrants with a number of warblers and other passerines flying about. Warblers included American Redstarts, Yellow, Common Yellowthroats, and Palm. Lots of Bobolinks overhead. Raptors were good with Northern Harrier, Cooper's Hawk, Broad-wings, Merlin, and numerous American Kestrel. Ducks included both Teal and Northern Shoveler. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Steve Weis, Catherine Busch, Carrie Bell, and Janet Crawford.
57 species

Canada Goose  30
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  2
American Black Duck  1
Mallard  30
Blue-winged Teal  7
Northern Shoveler  3
Green-winged Teal  10
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Double-crested Cormorant  10
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  2
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  5
Osprey  7
Northern Harrier  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
Broad-winged Hawk  4
American Oystercatcher  3
Sanderling  10
Semipalmated Sandpiper  8
Laughing Gull  100
Ring-billed Gull  5
Herring Gull  10
Lesser Black-backed Gull  3
Great Black-backed Gull  30
Forster's Tern  3
Royal Tern  15
Black Skimmer  200     Far at 2nd ave. jetty beach
Rock Pigeon  6
Mourning Dove  10
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  3
Belted Kingfisher  1
American Kestrel  12
Merlin  2
American Crow  3
Tree Swallow  75
Barn Swallow  25
Carolina Wren  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  30
Tennessee Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  3
American Redstart  7
Yellow Warbler  2
Black-throated Blue Warbler  1
Palm Warbler  4
Scarlet Tanager  1
Northern Cardinal  2
Indigo Bunting  1
Bobolink  25
Red-winged Blackbird  50
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
House Finch  1
House Sparrow  5

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

Black Duck [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Blue-winged Teal [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Lesser Black-backed Gull [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Tennessee Warbler [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Cox Hall Creek WMA - Sunday, September 9th, 2012

The Cox Hall Creek WMA Walk enjoyed cooler weather and a variety of birds this morning. Highlights include: many Osprey (most with fish); great looks at a male Blue Grosbeak; Pied-billed Grebe; many sightings of Eastern Bluebirds; a fly-over Yellow-billed Cuckoo; and several Eastern Phoebes. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Janet Crawford, Shaun & Cindy Bamford, Steve Weis, Carrie Bell, Marc & Lynne Breslow, Dave Lord, with Libby Errickson and Alyssia Church, Seasonal Naturalists.
46 species

Mallard  5
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Osprey  6
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Laughing Gull  3
Herring Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  4
Mourning Dove  12
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  3
Belted Kingfisher  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  6
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  5
Eastern Phoebe  5     Two working low brush pile behind large pond; three in one tree along north path; one bird vocalizing; clear lemony chest and no wingbars.
Eastern Kingbird  5
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  15
American Crow  8
Carolina Chickadee  6
Tufted Titmouse  10
Red-breasted Nuthatch  3
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  6
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Eastern Bluebird  10     Part of resident flock of approximately 25 Bluebirds; birds were seen by group and heard vocalizing.
Veery  2
American Robin  17
Gray Catbird  9
Northern Mockingbird  5
Cedar Waxwing  26
Common Yellowthroat  5
American Redstart  3
Northern Parula  2
Yellow Warbler  1
Palm Warbler  4
Chipping Sparrow  16
Northern Cardinal  2
Blue Grosbeak  3
Bobolink  15
Red-winged Blackbird  20
Common Grackle  3
Baltimore Oriole  2
House Finch  7
American Goldfinch  5

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

Hawks, Trails, and Beach - Saturday, September 8th, 2012

The Hawks, Trails, and Beach Walk had a beautiful, but windy, afternoon in the State Park. We saw a variety of terns on the beach and Bunker Pond including Common, Forster's, Royal, and Black Terns. We had excellent looks at both male and female Blue Grosbeaks. We ended with a family of American Kestrels hunting and perching along Lighthouse Pond. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Cindy Bamford, and Lynne Breslow.
39 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  70
Mute Swan  9
Mallard  20
Northern Shoveler  1
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  1
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  2
American Oystercatcher  4
Sanderling  10
Laughing Gull  70
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  120
Black Tern  3
Common Tern  50
Forster's Tern  15
Royal Tern  20
Black Skimmer  150
Rock Pigeon  4
Mourning Dove  28
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2
American Kestrel  5
White-eyed Vireo  1
Red-eyed Vireo  2
crow sp.  6
Carolina Chickadee  2     heard
Carolina Wren  2     heard
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  10
Black-and-white Warbler  1
American Redstart  3
Yellow Warbler  1
Palm Warbler  1
Prairie Warbler  1
Northern Cardinal  3
Blue Grosbeak  3
Red-winged Blackbird  12
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  1

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

Fall Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, September 8th, 2012

Birding was slow starting after a light rain which stopped as we started. We did manage to get 7 Red-eyed Vireo, 3 Red-breasted Nuthatches, 5 Northern Waterthrushes, 1 Black-and-white and 4 Yellow Warblers, 5 Common Yellowthroats, and 2 American Redstarts. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Catherine Busch, Chris Marks, Carrie Bell, and Dave Lord.
45 species

Mallard  10
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  1
Green Heron  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  2
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  4
Killdeer  1
Laughing Gull  5
Herring Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  8
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  10
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  5
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Eastern Kingbird  20
Red-eyed Vireo  7
American Crow  20
Tree Swallow  2
Barn Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  1
Red-breasted Nuthatch  3
Carolina Wren  3
American Robin  1
Gray Catbird  2
European Starling  15
Northern Waterthrush  5
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  5
American Redstart  2
Northern Parula  1
Yellow Warbler  4
Palm Warbler  3
Northern Cardinal  3
Indigo Bunting  1
Bobolink  25
Red-winged Blackbird  5
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  8
Baltimore Oriole  3
House Sparrow  2

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

Sunset Birding at the Meadows - Friday, September 7th, 2012

Ducks were interesting with 2 Gadwall, 2 Blue-winged Teal, 18 Green-winged Teal, and numerous Mallards. Shorebirds were scarce but we did manage 1 American Oystercatcher and many Sanderlings on the beach. The beach also held 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 4 Black Terns. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Dave Lord, and Catherine Busch.
33 species

Canada Goose  220
Mute Swan  7
Gadwall  2
Mallard  30
Blue-winged Teal  2
Green-winged Teal  18
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  3
Green Heron  2
Turkey Vulture  1
American Oystercatcher  1
Sanderling  25
Laughing Gull  100
Ring-billed Gull  3
Herring Gull  10
Lesser Black-backed Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  50
Black Tern  4
Common Tern  75
Royal Tern  5
Black Skimmer  250
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  6
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  4
Carolina Wren  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  8
Yellow Warbler  2
Palm Warbler  4
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  2
Baltimore Oriole  1
House Sparrow  10

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

Higbee Beach Birding - Friday, September 7th, 2012

It was an active day at Higbee today. Raptors included 2 Norther Harriers, one interacting with a Cooper's Hawk, plus 6 Osprey. There were numerous Eastern Kingbirds, a Yellow-billed Cuckoo, and 2 Philadelphia Vireos. Fourteen species of warblers were seen including 2 Tennessee, 2 Nashville, and 2 Magnolia. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Warren Cairo, Chris Marks, and Catherine Busch.
59 species

Double-crested Cormorant  6
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  6
Northern Harrier  2
Cooper's Hawk  1
Killdeer  1
Laughing Gull  3
Herring Gull  1
Rock Pigeon  10
Mourning Dove  6
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  5
Downy Woodpecker  1
American Kestrel  1
Merlin  2
Eastern Wood-Pewee  1
Alder Flycatcher  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  2
Eastern Kingbird  35
White-eyed Vireo  4
Philadelphia Vireo  2
Red-eyed Vireo  15
American Crow  1
Purple Martin  1
Barn Swallow  1
Red-breasted Nuthatch  2
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Veery  5
Gray Catbird  3
Brown Thrasher  2
European Starling  10
Cedar Waxwing  15
Ovenbird  1
Northern Waterthrush  5
Blue-winged Warbler  1
Black-and-white Warbler  6
Tennessee Warbler  2
Nashville Warbler  2
Common Yellowthroat  5
American Redstart  15
Northern Parula  6
Magnolia Warbler  2
Yellow Warbler  3
Black-throated Blue Warbler  1
Palm Warbler  1
Yellow-breasted Chat  1
Field Sparrow  2
Scarlet Tanager  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  2
Bobolink  1
Red-winged Blackbird  25
Common Grackle  3
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
Baltimore Oriole  5
American Goldfinch  2

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

Walk for All People - Thursday, September 6th, 2012

The Walk for All People endured some rain and monster mosquitos to find a treasure chest of birds in the State Park. Highlights included: hundreds of Bobolinks overhead, lots of American Redstarts, Northern Parulas, Black-throated Blue Warblers, Yellow, Prairie, and Palm Warblers, and Blue Grosbeaks.  We also had a small movement of raptors including Peregrine Falcon, American Kestrel, Red-shouldered Hawk, and a Bald Eagle. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, and Cindy Bamford.
62 species

Canada Goose  50
Mute Swan  12
Wood Duck  3     flying, seen by leader only
Gadwall  3
Mallard  12
Double-crested Cormorant  40
Great Blue Heron  6
Great Egret  7
Snowy Egret  1
Green Heron  3
Osprey  1
Bald Eagle  1
Red-shouldered Hawk  1     perched in tree by Lighthouse Pond, small buteo, streaky chest, russet on shoulder
American Oystercatcher  5
Sanderling  3
Laughing Gull  50
Herring Gull  12
Great Black-backed Gull  45
Royal Tern  13
Black Skimmer  120     seen through scope at 2nd St. jetty
Rock Pigeon  8
Mourning Dove  26
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  4
Belted Kingfisher  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1     heard
Downy Woodpecker  1
American Kestrel  6
Peregrine Falcon  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  2
Eastern Kingbird  25
White-eyed Vireo  5
Yellow-throated Vireo  2     in mixed flock in wooded area on Red Trail, yellow throat and spectacles, distinct wing-bars, white belly
Red-eyed Vireo  3
American Crow  10
Fish Crow  4
Purple Martin  1
Tree Swallow  50
Barn Swallow  6
Carolina Chickadee  2
Carolina Wren  9
American Robin  3
Gray Catbird  5
Northern Mockingbird  10
Brown Thrasher  1     heard
European Starling  6
Northern Waterthrush  1
Black-and-white Warbler  15
American Redstart  40
Northern Parula  5
Yellow Warbler  10
Black-throated Blue Warbler  4
Palm Warbler  13
Pine Warbler  1
Prairie Warbler  1
Northern Cardinal  5
Blue Grosbeak  5
Bobolink  350
Red-winged Blackbird  30
Baltimore Oriole  1
House Finch  1
American Goldfinch  3
House Sparrow  6

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

Twilight Watch at the Meadows - Wednesday, September 5th, 2012

The target bird on tonight's Meadows walk was a Lark Sparrow.  It had been reported earlier in the day and we were fortunate enough, with Lesley's help, to locate it.   It was very close and remained on the ground in dense grass making it difficult to see, but everyone did get a good look at the bird.  Leaders: Warren Cairo and Bill Smythe.
32 species

Canada Goose  8
Mute Swan  2
American Wigeon  1
Mallard  20
Blue-winged Teal  8
Northern Shoveler  3
Green-winged Teal  14
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  2
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
American Oystercatcher  2
Lesser Yellowlegs  22
Sanderling  10
Least Sandpiper  1
Pectoral Sandpiper  8
Ring-billed Gull  6
Herring Gull  18
Lesser Black-backed Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  25
Common Tern  7
Forster's Tern  4
Rock Pigeon  4
Mourning Dove  6
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Merlin  1
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  4
Tree Swallow  6
Barn Swallow  2
Lark Sparrow  1

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, September 5th, 2012

We spent most of our time looking at the Gulls, Terns, Ducks, etc., around Bunker Pond and the Plover Ponds. American Wigeon and Northern Shoveler were new ducks for the season for many. Several Lesser Black-backed Gulls were on the beach. Good looks at Forster's and Common Terns on the pond pier railing. Most shorebirds were fly-overs. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Chris Marks, Steve Weis, Warren Cairo and Nancy Watson.
45 species

Canada Goose  75
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  3
American Wigeon  2
Mallard  35
Blue-winged Teal  3
Northern Shoveler  3
Double-crested Cormorant  5
Brown Pelican  1
Great Egret  1
Snowy Egret  2
Osprey  2
Killdeer  2
American Oystercatcher  5
Lesser Yellowlegs  40
Sanderling  15
Semipalmated Sandpiper  3
Least Sandpiper  5
Pectoral Sandpiper  4
Laughing Gull  75
Ring-billed Gull  4
Herring Gull  20
Lesser Black-backed Gull  3
Great Black-backed Gull  50
Caspian Tern  1
Common Tern  10
Forster's Tern  115
Royal Tern  10
Black Skimmer  15
Rock Pigeon  8
Mourning Dove  10
Eastern Kingbird  50
American Crow  1
Tree Swallow  25
Barn Swallow  20
Carolina Wren  1
Northern Mockingbird  4
European Starling  25
Palm Warbler  2
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  1
Blue Grosbeak  1
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  1
House Sparrow  3

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

Sunset Birding at Stone Harbor Point - Tuesday, September 4th, 2012

Tonight's Stone Harbor walk was a beautiful summer evening for 8 enthusiastic birders.  We walked all the way to the point while enjoying great looks at our target birds.  We had close looks at Red Knots, (some still showing there red breast), adult Lesser-backed Gulls, American Oystercatchers, Caspian and Royal Terns. We finished with a beautiful sunset too.  Leaders: Warren Cairo and Chris Marks.
25 species

Double-crested Cormorant  8
Brown Pelican  4
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  2
Osprey  3
Black-bellied Plover  30
Semipalmated Plover  45
Piping Plover  10
American Oystercatcher  100
Ruddy Turnstone  12
Red Knot  36
Sanderling  120
Semipalmated Sandpiper  4
Laughing Gull  70
Ring-billed Gull  35
Herring Gull  40
Lesser Black-backed Gull  8
Great Black-backed Gull  45
Caspian Tern  12
Common Tern  16
Forster's Tern  4
Royal Tern  14
Tree Swallow  30
Song Sparrow  4
House Sparrow  4

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

Red Knots [Photo by Hugh Simmons]

American Oystercatchers [Photo by Hugh Simmons]

EZ Birding - Tuesday, September 4th, 2012

EZ Birding enjoyed some excellent birds in spite of high humidity and overcast skies. We had great looks at Blue Grosbeaks, American Redstarts, and Yellow Warblers. On the beach, we had Great Black-backed and Lesser Black-backed Gulls sitting next to each other. We had great scope looks at Buff-breasted Sandpipers and an American Golden Plover. We also had a Brown Pelican and many Black Skimmers fly by.  Leaders: Chuck & MJ Slugg, Lee Smythe, Janet Crawford, and Warren Cairo.
46 species

Canada Goose  60
Mute Swan  5
American Black Duck  1
Mallard  15
Blue-winged Teal  2
Brown Pelican  1
Great Egret  4
Osprey  5
American Golden-Plover  1
Killdeer  1
American Oystercatcher  2
Sanderling  7
Buff-breasted Sandpiper  4     Seen on beach at second dune crossover; seen & confirmed by Tom Johnson.
Short-billed Dowitcher  8
Laughing Gull  60
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull  5
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  75
Common Tern  1
Forster's Tern  2
Royal Tern  4
Black Skimmer  70
Rock Pigeon  5
Mourning Dove  20
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  3
Belted Kingfisher  1
Northern Flicker  1
Peregrine Falcon  1
American Crow  12
Fish Crow  7
Tree Swallow  18
Barn Swallow  2
Carolina Chickadee  5
Carolina Wren  7
American Robin  4
Gray Catbird  4
Northern Mockingbird  6
European Starling  7
American Redstart  5
Yellow Warbler  3
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  1
Red-winged Blackbird  20
American Goldfinch  3
House Sparrow  5

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, September 3rd, 2012

A little rain did not seem to bother the birds. Good views of both Blue- and Green-winged Teal. High water and not much shorebird habitat, but there were fly-overs including 1 Buff-breasted Sandpiper. Lots of gulls on the beach including 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Raptors were 2 Merlin and 2 Northern Harriers. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Steve Weis, Warren Cairo, Catherine Busch, Janet Crawford, and Marc & Lynne Breslow.
48 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  100     Fly out seen from carpark
Mute Swan  6
Mallard  30
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid)  1
Blue-winged Teal  12
Green-winged Teal  10
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Double-crested Cormorant  9
Brown Pelican  1
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  5
Snowy Egret  13
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Northern Harrier  2
Black-bellied Plover  1
American Oystercatcher  4
Ruddy Turnstone  1
Sanderling  20
Semipalmated Sandpiper  5
Least Sandpiper  5
Pectoral Sandpiper  1
Buff-breasted Sandpiper  1     fly over
Laughing Gull  50
Ring-billed Gull  5
Herring Gull  15
Lesser Black-backed Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  40
Royal Tern  10
Black Skimmer  30
Rock Pigeon  8
Mourning Dove  8
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  5
Merlin  2
American Crow  5
Tree Swallow  20
Barn Swallow  4
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  4
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  30
Northern Waterthrush  1
Yellow Warbler  1
Northern Cardinal  2
Bobolink  150
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  5
House Finch  5
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  5

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

Cox Hall Creek WMA - Sunday, September 2nd, 2012

Overcast skies created a slow start this morning at Cox Hall Creek WMA but we had a good variety of birds. The highlight of the walk was a very cooperative Lark Sparrow that gave participants scope views. Other highlights include several Ospreys with fish, Eastern Bluebirds, Blue Grosbeaks, and Pie-billed Grebes.  Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Janet Crawford, Shaun & Cindy Bamford,  Chris Marks, Marc & Lynne Breslow, Steve Weis, Catherine Busch, and Joe Demko.
46 species

Mallard  5
Pied-billed Grebe  2
Osprey  8
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Laughing Gull  4
Herring Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  6
Mourning Dove  20
Chimney Swift  3
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2
Belted Kingfisher  1     heard
Red-bellied Woodpecker  4
Downy Woodpecker  1     heard
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  4
American Kestrel  3
Eastern Wood-Pewee  2     heard
Great Crested Flycatcher  3
Eastern Kingbird  4
White-eyed Vireo  2
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  8
American Crow  12
Barn Swallow  2
Tufted Titmouse  6
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1     heard
Carolina Wren  5     heard
Eastern Bluebird  8
American Robin  20
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  5
Cedar Waxwing  12
Black-and-white Warbler  1
American Redstart  2
Yellow Warbler  1
Chipping Sparrow  8
Lark Sparrow  2     In tree by large pond near radio tower; distinct facial pattern with color visible; clear chest with black spot; profiled in spotting scope
Northern Cardinal  3
Blue Grosbeak  8
Bobolink  6     heard
Common Grackle  4
Brown-headed Cowbird  1
Baltimore Oriole  1
House Finch  1

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

Lark Sparrow [Photo by Hugh Simmons]

Photo Walk with Mike Hannisian - Saturday, September 1st, 2012

The sun played hide-and-seek with us today, but the soft light and presence of birds, butterflies, flowers, and even a floating feather made for a very nice photo walk. Leaders: Mike Hannisian and Nancy Watson.

Blue-winged Teal [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Common Buckeye [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Eastern Tailed Blue [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Giant Sunflower [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Least Skipper [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Monarch [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Feather [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Fall Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, September 1st, 2012

Still a few warblers here and there with Redstarts and Yellow Warblers being the most numerous, an early Yellow-rumped Warbler, and good looks at Northern Waterthrush. We also had good looks at a family of Blue Grosbeaks. Up to 4 American Kestrels were seen in the back fields near the winery. Both Orioles were seen and the Willow Pond produced a Green Heron and 4 Black-crowned Night-Herons. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Catherine Busch, and Chris Marks.
44 species

Canada Goose  4
Mute Swan  2
Wood Duck  2
Mallard  5
Snowy Egret  1
Green Heron  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  4
Cooper's Hawk  1
Semipalmated Plover  12     fly over
Laughing Gull  5
Herring Gull  3
Great Black-backed Gull  1
Rock Pigeon  4
Mourning Dove  10
Chimney Swift  3
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  5
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Downy Woodpecker  4
Northern Flicker  3
American Kestrel  4
American Crow  15
Purple Martin  5
Barn Swallow  2
Carolina Chickadee  2
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  5
American Robin  2
Gray Catbird  4
European Starling  40
Northern Waterthrush  3
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  3
American Redstart  5
Yellow Warbler  7
Yellow-rumped Warbler  1
Northern Cardinal  3
Blue Grosbeak  5
Bobolink  25
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  8
Brown-headed Cowbird  15
Orchard Oriole  2
Baltimore Oriole  10
House Sparrow  3

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

Sunset Birding at the Meadows - Friday, August 31st, 2012

Only a few shore birds were seen due to high water levels. Ducks, however, are coming back with both Blue - and Green- winged Teal present. Ruddy Turnstones and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls were on the beach as well as a fly-by Brown Pelican. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg.
40 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  6
Mallard  30
Blue-winged Teal  10
Green-winged Teal  5
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Brown Pelican  1
Great Blue Heron  3
Great Egret  5
Snowy Egret  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
American Oystercatcher  5
Lesser Yellowlegs  3
Ruddy Turnstone  3
Sanderling  25
Semipalmated Sandpiper  5
Least Sandpiper  5
Pectoral Sandpiper  1
Short-billed Dowitcher  2
Laughing Gull  100
Ring-billed Gull  4
Herring Gull  5
Lesser Black-backed Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  5
Common Tern  10
Forster's Tern  2
Black Skimmer  50
Mourning Dove  5
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  5
American Crow  2
Barn Swallow  2
Carolina Chickadee  1
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  10
Prairie Warbler  1
Field Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  3
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  5
House Sparrow  10

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

Higbee Beach Birding - Friday, August 31st, 2012

Not a fall-out type day, but lots of Eastern Kingbirds, and Red-eyed Vireos. Warblers included Redstarts, Northern Parula, Black-and-white, and Yellow. Numerous Baltimore Orioles were also seen perched and flying. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Warren Cairo, Steve Weis, Patty Rourke, Catherine Busch, and Chris Marks.
45 species

Turkey Vulture  1
Semipalmated Sandpiper  4     fly over, leader only
Laughing Gull  4
Herring Gull  1
Rock Pigeon  8
Mourning Dove  8
Chimney Swift  2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  5
Belted Kingfisher  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Downy Woodpecker  3
Northern Flicker  1
Least Flycatcher  2
Great Crested Flycatcher  1
Eastern Kingbird  165
White-eyed Vireo  5
Red-eyed Vireo  15
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  5
Purple Martin  8
Barn Swallow  2
Carolina Chickadee  2
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  5
Veery  1     heard
American Robin  2
Gray Catbird  3
Brown Thrasher  2
European Starling  35
Ovenbird  1
Northern Waterthrush  4
Black-and-white Warbler  3
Common Yellowthroat  4
American Redstart  5
Northern Parula  2
Yellow Warbler  5
Prairie Warbler  1
Field Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  4
Bobolink  8
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  4
Brown-headed Cowbird  15
Baltimore Oriole  25
House Finch  1

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

Bird Walk for All People - Thursday, August 30th, 2012

The Bird Walk for All People got off to a great start with a squadron of 7 Brown Pelicans flying over the dune toward the parking lot. Species on the beach included Great Black-back and Herring Gulls, Forster's, Common, and Royal Terns with a few Sanderlings and American Oystercatchers. The ponds were still full of water from the recent rain so shorebirds were scarce. In the wooded areas we saw Blue Grosbeak, Eastern Kingbirds, and both White- and Red-breasted Nuthatches. We also had several flocks of Bobolinks flying overhead. Leaders:  Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Cindy Bamford, and Patty Rourke.
53 species

Canada Goose  25
Mute Swan  9
Gadwall  2
American Black Duck  2
Mallard  18
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Brown Pelican  13     7 flying together north over dune and parking lot; 4 flying north over 2nd St. jetty; 2 sitting in water seen from top of 3rd dune.
crossover.
Great Egret  2
Green Heron  1
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  7
American Oystercatcher  4
Lesser Yellowlegs  1
Sanderling  20
Semipalmated Sandpiper  1
Least Sandpiper  1
Laughing Gull  50
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  30
Common Tern  4
Forster's Tern  10
Royal Tern  2
Black Skimmer  60
Rock Pigeon  4
Mourning Dove  6
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  3
Northern Flicker  1
American Kestrel  5     2 flying over dune toward lighthouse; 2 perched in tree and 1 flying over field at back of park between park and Seagrove.
Eastern Kingbird  8
American Crow  3
Fish Crow  4
Tree Swallow  15
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  1
Red-breasted Nuthatch  2
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  5
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  3
American Robin  2     heard
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  4
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  9
Black-and-white Warbler  1
American Redstart  3
Prairie Warbler  2
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  2
Blue Grosbeak  1
Bobolink  60
Red-winged Blackbird  20
Common Grackle  1
House Sparrow  5

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, August 29th, 2012

Shorebirds were hard to find due to high water levels on Bunker Pond. We did get the usual waders, gulls and terns. Six Black and 8 Royal Terns were resting on the beach. The woods had American Redstarts, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, and Yellow Warblers and a Prairie Warbler. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Chris Marks, Patty Rourke, Nancy Watson, and Steve Weis.
65 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  4
Mallard  12
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Double-crested Cormorant  15
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  4
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  6
Northern Harrier  4
Cooper's Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  2     immatures
Semipalmated Plover  1
Killdeer  2
Semipalmated Sandpiper  15
Laughing Gull  20
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull  5
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Black Tern  6
Common Tern  20
Forster's Tern  15
Royal Tern  8
Black Skimmer  4
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  8
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  5
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1     heard
American Kestrel  3
Merlin  1
Least Flycatcher  1
Eastern Kingbird  1
White-eyed Vireo  1
Red-eyed Vireo  2
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  1
Purple Martin  1
Tree Swallow  5
Barn Swallow  10
Carolina Chickadee  2
Red-breasted Nuthatch  5
Carolina Wren  4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  3
Gray Catbird  2     heard
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  25
Northern Waterthrush  1
American Redstart  8
Yellow Warbler  6
Prairie Warbler  1
Yellow-breasted Chat  1
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  2
Blue Grosbeak  1
Bobolink  25     a few perched
Red-winged Blackbird  75
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  15
Orchard Oriole  1
Baltimore Oriole  1
American Goldfinch  4
House Sparrow  5

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

Black Tern [Photo by Karl Lukens]

EZ Birding - Tuesday, August 28th, 2012

EZ Birding got rained on and "sunned" on and enjoyed some good birds as well. Highlights include: Royal and Common Terns on the beach, Black Skimmers skimming and loafing, American Oystercatcher families with the dark tips on the bills of the young visible, large flocks of both Tree and Barn Swallows gathering in preparation for migration, and several flocks of Bobolinks binking overhead. Leaders:  Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Janet Crawford, Lee Smythe, and Warren Cairo.
49 species

Canada Goose  30
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  3
Mallard  16
Double-crested Cormorant  3
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  8
Snowy Egret  3
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  1
Semipalmated Plover  2
American Oystercatcher  6
Lesser Yellowlegs  1
Sanderling  12
Semipalmated Sandpiper  2
Laughing Gull  40
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  40
Common Tern  20
Forster's Tern  12
Royal Tern  7
Black Skimmer  11
Rock Pigeon  11
Mourning Dove  15
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Belted Kingfisher  1
Eastern Kingbird  60
American Crow  2     heard
Fish Crow  8
Purple Martin  1
Tree Swallow  150
Barn Swallow  36
Carolina Wren  3     heard
American Robin  6
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  12
European Starling  120
Cedar Waxwing  6
Northern Waterthrush  1
Yellow Warbler  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  1
Bobolink  20
Red-winged Blackbird  85
Common Grackle  10
House Finch  1     heard
American Goldfinch  3
House Sparrow  6

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, August 27th, 2012

High water due to heavy rains left little room for shorebirds, but there were still a few, including Semipalmated and Pectoral Sandpiper, and Lesser Yellowlegs. The first large group of Green-winged Teal of the season were feeding along with the shorebirds. The beach held 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 9 American Oystercatchers, Ruddy Turnstone, and numerous Sanderling. Least Terns were conspicuously absent. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Warren Cairo, Janet Crawford, and Catherine Busch.
50 species

Canada Goose  8
Mute Swan  8
Mallard  25
Green-winged Teal  20
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  10
Snowy Egret  1
Green Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  2
Osprey  3
Semipalmated Plover  1
American Oystercatcher  9
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  10
Ruddy Turnstone  1
Sanderling  50
Semipalmated Sandpiper  10
Pectoral Sandpiper  1
Short-billed Dowitcher  1
Laughing Gull  15
Ring-billed Gull  5
Herring Gull  10
Lesser Black-backed Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  40
Common Tern  2
Royal Tern  10
Black Skimmer  75
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  15
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  6
Belted Kingfisher  1
Eastern Kingbird  30
American Crow  2
Purple Martin  1
Tree Swallow  50
Barn Swallow  20
Carolina Wren  2
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  5
Northern Waterthrush  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  1
Bobolink  6
Red-winged Blackbird  10
American Goldfinch  2
House Sparrow  8

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

Bobolink [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Cox Hall Creek WMA - Sunday, August 26th, 2012

Following a night of heavy rain, lightining and thunder that stopped at about 6:30 this morning, the birds were hungry and active. Many birds provided an oportunity to study them in the scopes including Bobolink, Blue Grosbeak, Belted Kingfisher, Indigo Bunting, Pine Warbler, Cedar Waxwing, and even a high-in-a-tree Northern Waterthrush.  Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, Janet Crawford, Mary Jane & Chuck Slugg, Steve Weis, and Catherine Busch.
48 species

Mallard  7
Osprey  4
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Black-bellied Plover  1    Heard
Laughing Gull  5
Rock Pigeon  1
Mourning Dove  11
Chimney Swift  6
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  8
Belted Kingfisher  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  7
Downy Woodpecker  4
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  7    Adults with young
Eastern Wood-Pewee  3
Great Crested Flycatcher  2
Eastern Kingbird  10
Blue Jay  3
American Crow  6
Purple Martin  8
Tree Swallow  2
Barn Swallow  2
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  7
White-breasted Nuthatch  3
Carolina Wren  10
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  3
Eastern Bluebird  13    Adults with young
American Robin  8
Gray Catbird  4
European Starling  3
Cedar Waxwing  25
Northern Waterthrush  1
Black-and-white Warbler  2
American Redstart  2
Yellow Warbler  1
Palm Warbler (Yellow)  1
Pine Warbler  4
Chipping Sparrow  25
Field Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  4
Indigo Bunting  4
Bobolink  8
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Brown-headed Cowbird  7
Baltimore Oriole  5
House Finch  7
American Goldfinch  4

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

Blue Grosbeak [Photo by Roger Horn]

Eastern Bluebird [Photo by Roger Horn]

Slaty Skimmer [Photo by Roger Horn]

Bobolink [Photo by Roger Horn]

Photo Walks with Mike Hannisian - Saturday, August 25th, 2012

The weather gods caught up with us this morning, but it actually provided some nice light to shoot flowers such as Partridge Pea, Sumac, and Clematis. In addition, we were reminded that while we can go indoors in bad weather, birds do not have this option, even if they are injured. The classic example today was a Greater Yellowlegs missing almost all of its left foot.

Sweet Autumn Clematis [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Greater Yellowlegs  [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Partridge Pea  [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Winged Sumac  [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Sunset Birding at the Meadows - Friday, August 24th, 2012

There were enough waders and shorebirds to make for some interesting viewing. Lots of Semipalmated Plover and Sandpipers to examine while looking for an oddity. Several of the Least and Semi-Sandpipers were in bright juvenile plumage. The beach held many Sanderling, American Oystercatchers, a couple of Ruddy Turnstones, and 5 Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Kathy & Roger Horn.
43 species

Canada Goose  30
Mute Swan  5
Gadwall  8
Mallard  25
Brown Pelican  2
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  8
Little Blue Heron  1
Green Heron  1
Osprey  1
Semipalmated Plover  30
Killdeer  1
American Oystercatcher  6
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  1
Ruddy Turnstone  2
Sanderling  50
Semipalmated Sandpiper  25
Least Sandpiper  3
Pectoral Sandpiper  1
Wilson's Snipe  1
Laughing Gull  50
Ring-billed Gull  4
Herring Gull  10
Lesser Black-backed Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  25
Common Tern  15
Royal Tern  10
Black Skimmer  20
Mourning Dove  30
Chimney Swift  2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  6
Eastern Kingbird  1
Purple Martin  10
Barn Swallow  10
American Robin  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  5
Northern Cardinal  3
Red-winged Blackbird  10
House Finch  1
American Goldfinch  2
House Sparrow  10

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

American Goldfinch [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Wilson's Snipe [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Juvenile Little Blue Heron [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Sunset at the Meadows [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Higbee Beach Birding - Friday, August 24th, 2012

A fairly quiet morning at Higbees with one good pocket of activity where we found Redstarts, Red-eyed Vireos, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and Black-and-white Warblers. Toward the end of the walk we had numerous Eastern Kingbirds. A distant perched Yellow-billed Cuckoo provided good scope looks. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Chris Marks, Warren Cairo, Patty Rourke, Catherine Busch, and Carrie Bell.
45 species

Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  1
Semipalmated Plover  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  1
Ruddy Turnstone  2
Sanderling  40
Semipalmated Sandpiper  3
Laughing Gull  15
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  1
Forster's Tern  2
Royal Tern  1
Rock Pigeon  5
Mourning Dove  5
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  1
Chimney Swift  6
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  3
Alder Flycatcher  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  1
Eastern Kingbird  15
White-eyed Vireo  1
Red-eyed Vireo  4
American Crow  1
Purple Martin  10
Barn Swallow  10
Carolina Chickadee  5
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  5
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
American Robin  2
Gray Catbird  3
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  2
Cedar Waxwing  3
Black-and-white Warbler  7
American Redstart  6
Yellow Warbler  1
Black-throated Green Warbler  1
Northern Cardinal  5
Bobolink  9
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Brown-headed Cowbird  10

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