Fall Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, October 6th, 2012

Group 1: Still large numbers of Northern Flickers and Blue Jays, but warbler variety was down. Raptors included several American Kestrels, 2 Bald Eagles and a Peregrine Falcon. The Willow Ponds held numerous Yellow-rumped Warblers, 3 Black-crowned Night-Herons, and a Common Gallinule. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Catherine Busch, and Carrie Bell.
46 species

Mallard  5
Great Egret  2     fly-over
Black-crowned Night-Heron  3
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  5
Sharp-shinned Hawk  5
Cooper's Hawk  2
Bald Eagle  2
Common Gallinule  1     juv.
Killdeer  2     fly over
Herring Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Rock Pigeon  1
Mourning Dove  8
Red-bellied Woodpecker  5
Downy Woodpecker  2
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  30
American Kestrel  4
Peregrine Falcon  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee  1
Eastern Phoebe  10
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  50
American Crow  15
Carolina Chickadee  2
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  3
Golden-crowned Kinglet  2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
American Robin  12
Gray Catbird  4
Northern Mockingbird  1
Brown Thrasher  1     heard
European Starling  100
Cedar Waxwing  3
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  4
Palm Warbler  20
Yellow-rumped Warbler  20
Savannah Sparrow  5
Northern Cardinal  3
Indigo Bunting  2
Red-winged Blackbird  3
Brown-headed Cowbird  10

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

Common Gallinule [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Group 2: Among the many local and migrant birds making good use of all the available 'bird food' at the Rea Farm on this morning's walk, we had nice looks at Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Indigo Buntings, Common Gallinule, Black-crowned Night Herons, Eastern Kingfisher, Eastern Phoebes; Nashville, Magnolia, Palm and Yellow-rumped Warblers; and Brown Thrasher. Leaders: Kathy and Roger Horn.
53 species

Mallard  2
Double-crested Cormorant  3
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  4
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  3
Sharp-shinned Hawk  2
Bald Eagle  1
Common Gallinule  1
Killdeer  2
Herring Gull (American)  3
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  6
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  6
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  19
American Kestrel  2
Eastern Wood-Pewee  2
Eastern Phoebe  7
Red-eyed Vireo  4
Blue Jay  45
American Crow  10
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  1
Red-breasted Nuthatch  4
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  7
Golden-crowned Kinglet  6
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
Swainson's Thrush  1
American Robin  21
Gray Catbird  17
Northern Mockingbird  1
Brown Thrasher  2
European Starling  55
Cedar Waxwing  8
Nashville Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  5
Magnolia Warbler  2
Palm Warbler (Western)  50
Palm Warbler (Yellow)  8
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  8
Field Sparrow  3
Savannah Sparrow  8
White-throated Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  5
Rose-breasted Grosbeak  4
Indigo Bunting  2
Red-winged Blackbird  1
House Finch  4

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

Rose-breasted Grosbeak [Photo by Roger Horn]

Savannah Sparrow [Photo by Roger Horn]

Sunset Birding at the Meadows - Friday, October 5th, 2012

A nice variety of ducks were seen including Pintail, N. Shoveler, and both Teal. A number of Merlin passed overhead during the evening. Highlights were at sunset when we found at least 5 Sora, and 1 Common Gallinule, and an American Bittern. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Kathy & Roger Horn, and Carrie Bell.
50 species

Canada Goose  20
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  8
Mallard  35
Blue-winged Teal  12
Northern Shoveler  8
Northern Pintail  6
Green-winged Teal  25
Ruddy Duck  4
Pied-billed Grebe  2
Double-crested Cormorant  6
American Bittern  1
Great Blue Heron  3
Great Egret  3
Cooper's Hawk  1
Sora  5
Common Gallinule  1
American Oystercatcher  2
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Sanderling  30
Pectoral Sandpiper  5
Laughing Gull  10
Ring-billed Gull  10
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  3
Forster's Tern  5
Royal Tern  3
Black Skimmer  75
Rock Pigeon  1
Mourning Dove  5
Northern Flicker  3
Merlin  9
Eastern Phoebe  2
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  5
Carolina Chickadee  2
Carolina Wren  1
Gray Catbird  1
European Starling  10
Common Yellowthroat  1
Palm Warbler  8
Yellow-rumped Warbler  20
Savannah Sparrow  3
Swamp Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  2
Indigo Bunting  1
Bobolink  1
Red-winged Blackbird  3
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  5

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

Higbee Beach Birding - Friday, October 5th, 2012

Group 1:  Great fall-out day for passerines. We only got 1/4 way into the 1st field and stayed. Twelve species of Warbler, plus Woodpeckers, Phoebes, Pewees, and Vireos all around. Waxwings, Flickers, and Blue Jays overhead. NICE!  Leaders: Karl Lukens, Warren Cairo, Kathy Horn, and Patty Rourke.
51 species

Osprey  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  5
Bald Eagle  1
Herring Gull  2
Mourning Dove  8
Red-bellied Woodpecker  5
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  3
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  35
Merlin  2
Eastern Wood-Pewee  4
Eastern Phoebe  8
White-eyed Vireo  2
Blue-headed Vireo  2
Red-eyed Vireo  4
Blue Jay  100
American Crow  20
Carolina Chickadee  4
Red-breasted Nuthatch  8
White-breasted Nuthatch  3
Brown Creeper  1
Carolina Wren  3
Golden-crowned Kinglet  8
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  4
Veery  1
American Robin  10
Gray Catbird  6
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  50
Cedar Waxwing  125
Black-and-white Warbler  3
Nashville Warbler  2
Common Yellowthroat  4
Northern Parula  2
Magnolia Warbler  3
Yellow Warbler  1
Blackpoll Warbler  1
Black-throated Blue Warbler  1
Palm Warbler  12
Pine Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  75
Black-throated Green Warbler  4
White-throated Sparrow  1
Dark-eyed Junco  1
Summer Tanager  1
Northern Cardinal  3
Rose-breasted Grosbeak  2
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  50
American Goldfinch  1

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

Nashville Warbler [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Group 2:  Wow!!! Higbee Beach at its best!! Higbee's fields were awesome this morning, with countless flocks of warblers flashing overhead, Cedar Waxwings trilling everywhere and a madness of all kinds of birds! In among all this activity were special treats that included Red-headed Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, a Rose-breasted Grosbeak that perched for ages, some smart male Black-throated Blue and Black-throated Green Warblers and the first good push of Golden-crowned Kinglets. Some of us finished with a perched party of Pine Siskins. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Catherine Busch, Roger Horn, Chris Marks, Elizabeth Errickson, and Erin Lehnert.
69 species (+1 other taxa)

Double-crested Cormorant  2
Osprey  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  6
Cooper's Hawk  2
Bald Eagle  2
Broad-winged Hawk  1
American Golden-Plover  3
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  15
Red-headed Woodpecker  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  18
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  4
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  50
Merlin  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee  3
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher  1
Empidonax sp.  1
Eastern Phoebe  20
White-eyed Vireo  1
Red-eyed Vireo  20
Blue Jay  35
American Crow  12
Tree Swallow  45
Barn Swallow  1
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  2
Red-breasted Nuthatch  15
Brown Creeper  1
Carolina Wren  6
Golden-crowned Kinglet  45
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  10
Gray-cheeked Thrush  1
American Robin  10
Gray Catbird  15
Brown Thrasher  4
Cedar Waxwing  120
Northern Waterthrush  2
Black-and-white Warbler  4
Tennessee Warbler  2
Common Yellowthroat  25
American Redstart  2
Northern Parula  15
Magnolia Warbler  6
Yellow Warbler  1
Blackpoll Warbler  10
Black-throated Blue Warbler  6
Palm Warbler  300
Pine Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  500
Black-throated Green Warbler  3
Eastern Towhee  2
Chipping Sparrow  20
Field Sparrow  1
Savannah Sparrow  2
Song Sparrow  20
Swamp Sparrow  10
Dark-eyed Junco  3
Scarlet Tanager  1
Northern Cardinal  10
Rose-breasted Grosbeak  3
Indigo Bunting  10
Red-winged Blackbird  50
Common Grackle  35
Boat-tailed Grackle  9
Brown-headed Cowbird  4
Baltimore Oriole  1
House Finch  50
Pine Siskin  15
American Goldfinch  15

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

Bird Walk for All People - Thursday, October 4th, 2012

In spite of lingering fog and spotty rain the Walk for All People enjoyed some good birding. A dramatic moment came when we watched a young Bald Eagle chasing an Osprey with a fish through the air. After some desperate maneuvering the Osprey  dropped the fish and the Bald Eagle missed it! Other highlights include large numbers of migrating Blue Jays, lots of Northern Flickers, several Red-breasted Nuthatches, and a young Caspian Tern begging an adult for food. We also had a perched Baltimore Oriole by Lighthouse Pond. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Cindy Bamford, and Patty Rourke.
52 species

Canada Goose  75
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  3
Mallard  10
Blue-winged Teal  4
Northern Shoveler  6
Pied-billed Grebe  9
Great Blue Heron  3
Great Egret  4
Osprey  7
Sharp-shinned Hawk  3
Cooper's Hawk  3
Bald Eagle  3
Common Gallinule  2     1 seen by leader only; 1 heard by group
Laughing Gull  5
Herring Gull  11
Great Black-backed Gull  120
Caspian Tern  2
Common Tern  1
Forster's Tern  12
Royal Tern  3
Rock Pigeon  6
Mourning Dove  4
Belted Kingfisher  1     heard only
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  20
Peregrine Falcon  1
Eastern Phoebe  4
Red-eyed Vireo  2
Blue Jay  93
American Crow  14
Tree Swallow  40
Carolina Chickadee  5
Red-breasted Nuthatch  5
Carolina Wren  7
American Robin  3
Gray Catbird  16
Northern Mockingbird  9
Brown Thrasher  3
European Starling  15
Cedar Waxwing  3     heard
Common Yellowthroat  8
American Redstart  3
Palm Warbler  7
Yellow-rumped Warbler  5
Savannah Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  4
Bobolink  3     heard
Red-winged Blackbird  21
Baltimore Oriole  1
House Finch  1
American Goldfinch  5     heard

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

Hidden Valley Bird Walk - October 4th, 2012

The first Hidden Valley walk of the season started quiet but soon picked up. Parties of Savanna and Swamp Sparrows, Common Yellowthroats and American Goldfinches worked the fields, Yellow-billed Cuckoo and Yellow-breasted Chat were both seen briefly. The Northern Flicker flight was a real treat!  Leaders: Mike Crewe and Chris Marks.
42 species

Wild Turkey  X
Great Blue Heron  1
Green Heron  1
Osprey  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  2
Killdeer  2
Mourning Dove  35
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  8
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  55
Eastern Phoebe  5
Red-eyed Vireo  4
Blue Jay  6
American Crow  15
Red-breasted Nuthatch  3
House Wren  3
Carolina Wren  4
Swainson's Thrush  1
American Robin  15
Gray Catbird  45
Northern Mockingbird  10
Brown Thrasher  7
European Starling  15
Cedar Waxwing  7
Northern Waterthrush  2
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  25
American Redstart  2
Palm Warbler  3
Yellow-breasted Chat  1
Eastern Towhee  X
Field Sparrow  2
Savannah Sparrow  6
Song Sparrow  6
Swamp Sparrow  12
Northern Cardinal  6
Indigo Bunting  20
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
American Goldfinch  12
House Sparrow  3

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

Twilight Watch at the Meadows - Wednesday, October 3rd, 2012

Leaders: Patty Rourke and Bill Smythe.
44 species

Canada Goose  X
American Wigeon  X
Mallard  X
Blue-winged Teal  X
Northern Shoveler  X
Green-winged Teal  X
Ruddy Duck  3
Pied-billed Grebe  3
Great Blue Heron  X
Great Egret  X
Snowy Egret  X
Green Heron  3
Osprey  3
Sharp-shinned Hawk  X
Bald Eagle  2
Sora  2
Common Gallinule  1
Greater Yellowlegs  X
Sanderling  X
Laughing Gull  X
Ring-billed Gull  X
Herring Gull  X
Great Black-backed Gull  X
Royal Tern  X
Black Skimmer  X
Mourning Dove  X
Downy Woodpecker  X
Merlin  X
Peregrine Falcon  X
Blue Jay  X
American Crow  X
Marsh Wren  X
American Robin  X
Gray Catbird  X
Northern Mockingbird  X
Common Yellowthroat  X
American Redstart  X
Black-throated Blue Warbler  X
Palm Warbler  X
Song Sparrow  X
Northern Cardinal  X
House Finch  X
American Goldfinch  X
House Sparrow  X

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, October 3rd, 2012

In spite of the fog there were some good birds to be found. Ducks are getting more numerous including Northern Shovelers, both Teal, and American Wigeon, also lots of Pied-billed Grebes. Overhead were many Northern Flickers, as well as Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks. Highlights were a flock of Pine Siskins/American Goldfinch and a perched Lark Sparrow in the dead tree near the 1st bridge. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, Patty Rourke, and Chris Marks.
53 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  8
American Wigeon  20
Mallard  20
Blue-winged Teal  10
Northern Shoveler  20
Green-winged Teal  15
Ruddy Duck  2
Pied-billed Grebe  10
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Great Blue Heron  11
Great Egret  2
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  6
Cooper's Hawk  2
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Sanderling  30
Laughing Gull  50
Ring-billed Gull  5
Herring Gull  10
Great Black-backed Gull  15
Royal Tern  8
Black Skimmer  75
Rock Pigeon  8
Mourning Dove  8
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  20
Peregrine Falcon  1
Eastern Phoebe  1
Red-eyed Vireo  4
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  2
Carolina Chickadee  5
Carolina Wren  3
American Robin  8
Gray Catbird  10
Northern Mockingbird  5
Brown Thrasher  3
European Starling  20
Common Yellowthroat  2
Palm Warbler  3
Yellow-rumped Warbler  1
Lark Sparrow  1
Savannah Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  1
Pine Siskin  10
American Goldfinch  5
House Sparrow  5

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

EZ Birding - Tuesday, October 2nd, 2012

EZ Birding switched to Two Mile Beach Unit of US Fish & Wildlife Refuge today. It was pretty quiet but we saw plenty of Ospreys, Catbirds, Northern Flickers, Black Ducks, Double-crested Cormorants, and Great Egrets. Leaders: Chuck & MJ Slugg, Janet Crawford, and Lee Smythe.
50 species (+1 other taxa)

American Black Duck  5
Mallard  8
scoter sp.  35
Northern Gannet  4
Double-crested Cormorant  20
Brown Pelican  4
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  13
Green Heron  1
Osprey  10
Sharp-shinned Hawk  2
Cooper's Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  1
Semipalmated Plover  4
Greater Yellowlegs  4
Lesser Yellowlegs  4
Sanderling  11
Dunlin  2
Short-billed Dowitcher  8
Laughing Gull  5
Ring-billed Gull  4
Herring Gull  7
Great Black-backed Gull  24
Caspian Tern  1
Forster's Tern  12
Royal Tern  4
Rock Pigeon  4
Mourning Dove  13
Belted Kingfisher  1
Northern Flicker  15
Peregrine Falcon  1
Eastern Phoebe  1
American Crow  4
Tree Swallow  70
Carolina Chickadee  5
House Wren  1     heard
Carolina Wren  2
American Robin  3
Gray Catbird  18
Northern Mockingbird  2
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  25
Common Yellowthroat  1
Palm Warbler  3
Eastern Towhee  5     heard
Savannah Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  1     heard
Red-winged Blackbird  3
Boat-tailed Grackle  3
House Finch  1
American Goldfinch  1

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, October 1st, 2012

Lots of raptors overhead along with many Northern Flickers and Blue Jays. A few scattered warblers with many of them Palm or Yellow-rumped. Other birds of interest were 2 Caspian Terns, a couple of perched Bobolinks, 2 small flocks of Black Scoter, and a Sora that called a couple times. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Catherine Busch, and Janet Crawford.
73 species

Canada Goose  8
Mute Swan  6
Wood Duck  1
Gadwall  2
American Wigeon  4
American Black Duck  1
Mallard  20
Blue-winged Teal  12
Northern Shoveler  4
Northern Pintail  4
Green-winged Teal  15
Black Scoter  24
Pied-billed Grebe  2
Double-crested Cormorant  12
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  6
Snowy Egret  13
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  5
Northern Harrier  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  6
Cooper's Hawk  4
Broad-winged Hawk  5
Sora  1     heard
Killdeer  1
Solitary Sandpiper  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  1
Sanderling  50
Pectoral Sandpiper  4     fly over
Laughing Gull  100
Ring-billed Gull  8
Herring Gull  10
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Caspian Tern  2
Common Tern  1
Forster's Tern  1
Royal Tern  6
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  15
Red-bellied Woodpecker  10
Northern Flicker  20
American Kestrel  5
Peregrine Falcon  1     seen by few
Eastern Phoebe  1
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  30
American Crow  1
Tree Swallow  30
Carolina Chickadee  1
Red-breasted Nuthatch  3
Carolina Wren  1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  2
American Robin  2
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  8
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  20
Common Yellowthroat  3
American Redstart  1
Blackpoll Warbler  1
Palm Warbler  15
Yellow-rumped Warbler  10
Savannah Sparrow  5
Swamp Sparrow  2
Scarlet Tanager  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Indigo Bunting  2
Bobolink  8
Red-winged Blackbird  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
House Finch  5
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  5

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

Savannah Sparrows [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Scarlet Tanager [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Solitary Sandpiper [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Cox Hall Creek WMA - Sunday, September 30th, 2012

The tall grasses covering former greens at the Cox Hall Creek WMA are full of chipping Palm Warblers and Common Yellowthroats at this seaon. Indigo Buntings are numerous in the sunflower field on the east side. Our first-of-season Ruby-crowned Kinglets fed in a group with Northern Parulas, Magnolia and Nashville Warblers and Red-eyed Vireos. And Red-breasted Nuthatches have joined the resident White-breasted Nuthatches, with both calling in trees not far from the main parking lot. Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, Janet Crawford, Mary Jane & Chuck Slugg, Cindy & Shaun Bamford, and Joe Demko.
62 species

Canada Goose  9
Gadwall  1
American Black Duck  3
Mallard  32
Great Blue Heron  3
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  3
Cooper's Hawk  2
Herring Gull (American)  2
Great Black-backed Gull  1
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  5
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  9
Downy Woodpecker  4
Hairy Woodpecker  1     heard
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  23
American Kestrel  3
Eastern Wood-Pewee  2
Eastern Phoebe  20     Influx overnight. Many feeding in this ideal habitat.
Red-eyed Vireo  13
Blue Jay  15
American Crow  8
Tree Swallow  12
Carolina Chickadee  8
Tufted Titmouse  12
Red-breasted Nuthatch  6
White-breasted Nuthatch  5     Resident
Carolina Wren  8
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  4
Eastern Bluebird  16     Not unusual for this site
American Robin  10
Gray Catbird  11
Northern Mockingbird  1
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  4
Cedar Waxwing  7
Black-and-white Warbler  4
Nashville Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  10
American Redstart  3
Northern Parula  3
Magnolia Warbler  1
Palm Warbler  40     heard
Palm Warbler (Western)  40
Palm Warbler (Yellow)  5
Pine Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  2
Black-throated Green Warbler  2
Eastern Towhee  3     heard
Chipping Sparrow  6
Savannah Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  1
Swamp Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  5
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  7
Red-winged Blackbird  4
Common Grackle  1
American Goldfinch  9

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

Osprey [Photo by Roger Horn]

Eastern Phoebe [Photo by Roger Horn]

Hawks, Trails, and Beach - Saturday, September 29th, 2012

The Hawks, Trails, and Beach Walk certainly had its share of raptors this afternoon.  Heading toward Lighthouse Pond we had 3 Bald Eagles, Merlins, and American Kestrels. Northern Harriers and Osprey added to the count. Pockets of warblers in the park and ducks on Bunker Pond rounded out the species count. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, and Cindy Bamford.
52 species

Canada Goose  70
Mute Swan  14
Gadwall  6
American Wigeon  8
Mallard  20
Blue-winged Teal  12
Northern Shoveler  2
Northern Pintail  1
Green-winged Teal  3
Pied-billed Grebe  7     6 on Bunker Pond and 1 on Lighthouse Pond East
Great Egret  2
Turkey Vulture  5
Osprey  2
Northern Harrier  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  6
Cooper's Hawk  3
Bald Eagle  6
Laughing Gull  10
Herring Gull  15
Great Black-backed Gull  20
Black Skimmer  75     in air over 2nd St. jetty
Rock Pigeon  4
Mourning Dove  5
Belted Kingfisher  2
Northern Flicker  17
American Kestrel  5
Merlin  3
Peregrine Falcon  3
Eastern Wood-Pewee  1
Eastern Phoebe  2
Red-eyed Vireo  2
Blue Jay  20
American Crow  5     heard
Tree Swallow  50
Carolina Chickadee  3
Red-breasted Nuthatch  2
Carolina Wren  7
American Robin  1     heard
Gray Catbird  8
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  6
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Tennessee Warbler  1
American Redstart  7
Magnolia Warbler  1
Blackpoll Warbler  4
Black-throated Blue Warbler  1
Palm Warbler  8
Pine Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  2
Savannah Sparrow  2
American Goldfinch  3

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

Photo Walks with Mike Hannisian - Saturday, September 29th, 2012

The weather broke an hour or so before our walk began this week allowing Cape May to work its Autumn magic. There was a decent land bird migration with Palm Warbler the most prominent species. Locals and other migrants were also present, such as Pied-billed Grebe and Carolina Wren. Likewise, butterflies, such as Monarch, American Lady, and Viceroy, put in an appearance; and there are still a nice variety of flowers, such as Marsh Fleabane. One can only assume that there will be more great subjects to shoot as CMBO's Saturday Photo Walks continue for another month.

American Lady [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Carolina Wren [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Saltmarsh Fleabane [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Monarch [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Palm Warbler [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Pied-billed Grebe [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Viceroy [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Fall Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, September 29th, 2012

Group 1:  Slow starting but several areas of good birds including 3 Bald Eagles, a Yellow-billed Cuckoo, 1 Hairy Woodpecker, 3 Empidonax flycatchers, 10 species of warbler and the highlight, a Gray-cheeked Thrush in good view. An American Kestrel also sat up for all to see. Leaders: Karl Lukens and Catherine Busch.
62 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  8
Wood Duck  1
Mallard  5
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Great Blue Heron  2
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  8
Osprey  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  5
Cooper's Hawk  3
Bald Eagle  3
Killdeer  1
Greater Yellowlegs  8
Herring Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Rock Pigeon  5
Mourning Dove  15
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  1
Chimney Swift  4
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  4
Downy Woodpecker  2
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  20
American Kestrel  3
Merlin  1
Peregrine Falcon  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee  3
Alder Flycatcher  1
Least Flycatcher  1
Empidonax sp.  1
Eastern Phoebe  3
Red-eyed Vireo  4
Blue Jay  30
American Crow  10
Tree Swallow  10
Carolina Chickadee  5
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  5
Veery  1
Gray-cheeked Thrush  1
Gray Catbird  10
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  100
Black-and-white Warbler  2
Common Yellowthroat  6
American Redstart  4
Northern Parula  4
Magnolia Warbler  1
Blackpoll Warbler  2
Palm Warbler  15
Yellow-rumped Warbler  1
Prairie Warbler  1
Black-throated Green Warbler  1
Song Sparrow  1
Swamp Sparrow  1
Scarlet Tanager  1
Northern Cardinal  6
Indigo Bunting  3
Red-winged Blackbird  5
Baltimore Oriole  1
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  1

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

American Kestrel [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Group 2:  Following an overnight influx of birds, the Beanery was loaded with Palm Warblers, Common Yellowthroats and Catbirds. There was also a good mix of other birds, including Blackpoll, Magnolia Warbler, Northern Parula and Black-throated Green and Black-throated Blue Warblers. Wood Ducks and Black-crowned Night Herons were cooperative on the pond. We were also treated to great scope views of a perched Yellow-throated Vireo. Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn
70 species (+1 other taxa)

Wood Duck  5
Mallard  2
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  2
Black-crowned Night-Heron  4
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  7
Osprey  3
Sharp-shinned Hawk  3
Cooper's Hawk  7
Bald Eagle  3
Broad-winged Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Common Gallinule  1
Killdeer  2
Herring Gull (American)  3
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Rock Pigeon  7
Mourning Dove  6
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  5
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  4
Downy Woodpecker  2
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  6
American Kestrel  4
Merlin  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee  1
Alder/Willow Flycatcher (Traill's Flycatcher)  2    dark-backed, long-billed, no eyering, plain breast
Eastern Phoebe  1
Yellow-throated Vireo  1
Red-eyed Vireo  6
Blue Jay  9
American Crow  12
Tree Swallow  30
Carolina Chickadee  7
Tufted Titmouse  2
Red-breasted Nuthatch  2
Carolina Wren  8
American Robin  5
Gray Catbird  20
Northern Mockingbird  1
Brown Thrasher  2
European Starling  58
Northern Waterthrush  1    heard
Black-and-white Warbler  3
Nashville Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  30
American Redstart  5
Northern Parula  2
Magnolia Warbler  2
Blackpoll Warbler  12
Black-throated Blue Warbler  1
Palm Warbler (Western)  45
Palm Warbler (Yellow)  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  2
Black-throated Green Warbler  3
Chipping Sparrow  2
Field Sparrow  2
Savannah Sparrow  2
Song Sparrow  1
Dark-eyed Junco  1
Northern Cardinal  5
Rose-breasted Grosbeak  1
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  5
Red-winged Blackbird  16
Common Grackle  4
Baltimore Oriole  1
American Goldfinch  2

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

Brown Thrasher [Photo by Roger Horn]

Common Gallinule [Photo by Roger Horn]

Sunset Birding at the Meadows - Friday, September 28th, 2012

Good numbers of ducks and waders including both Teal, Northern Pintail, both Egrets and Green Heron. The beach held 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, and 4 Merlin and 2 Peregrine were overhead. Highlight was 2 Sora seen briefly wandering in the weed edges. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, and Roger Horn.
37 species

Canada Goose  50
Mute Swan  10
Gadwall  3
Mallard  30
Blue-winged Teal  15
Northern Shoveler  8
Northern Pintail  6
Green-winged Teal  15
Pied-billed Grebe  3
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  1
Green Heron  1
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Sora  2     Seen by some briefly
American Oystercatcher  3
Sanderling  25
Laughing Gull  30
Ring-billed Gull  5
Herring Gull  10
Lesser Black-backed Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  25
Forster's Tern  15
Black Skimmer  300
Mourning Dove  5
Merlin  4
Peregrine Falcon  2
Blue Jay  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  30
Common Yellowthroat  4
Palm Warbler  2
Savannah Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  2
House Sparrow  1

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

Higbee Beach Birding - Friday, September 28th, 2012

Rather slow with southerly wins and no new influx of birds. Lots of Northern Flickers perched and flying about as well as numerous Blue Jays. We did manage a couple of Indigo Buntings, a Blue Grosbeak, Magnolia and Black-and-white Warblers, and many Carolina Wrens heard. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Patty Rourke, Roger Horn, and Catherine Busch.
37 species

Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  4
Cooper's Hawk  3
Herring Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  6
Mourning Dove  3
Chimney Swift  1
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  4
Downy Woodpecker  2     heard
Northern Flicker  40
White-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  15
American Crow  5
Tree Swallow  50
Carolina Chickadee  1
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1     seen by a few
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  8     heard
American Robin  5
Gray Catbird  10
Brown Thrasher  3
European Starling  25
Cedar Waxwing  3
Northern Waterthrush  1     heard
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  5
Magnolia Warbler  1
Palm Warbler  2
Field Sparrow  1     heard
Northern Cardinal  6
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  2
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
Baltimore Oriole  1     seen by a few

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

Bird Walk for All People - Thursday, September 27th, 2012

Lots of Blue Jays and Northern Flickers overhead greeted birders on the Bird Walk for All People this morning. Other highlights include perched Merlins, a perched young Red-tailed Hawk, Eastern Phoebes, and a Veery seen by some. We ended with a young Lincoln's Sparrow in the bayberry by Bunker Pond. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Cindy Bamford, and Patty Rourke.
56 species

Canada Goose  30
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  6
American Wigeon  12
Mallard  14
Blue-winged Teal  8
Northern Shoveler  10
Northern Pintail  6
Green-winged Teal  1
Pied-billed Grebe  9     8 on Bunker Pond; 1 in Lighthouse Pond East
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Great Egret  3
Osprey  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  2
Cooper's Hawk  2
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Common Gallinule  1     heard
Laughing Gull  8
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull  10
Great Black-backed Gull  70
Common Tern  12
Forster's Tern  12
Royal Tern  2
Rock Pigeon  6
Mourning Dove  4
Chimney Swift  2
Belted Kingfisher  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  14
American Kestrel  2
Merlin  6
Eastern Phoebe  3
Red-eyed Vireo  4
Blue Jay  50     One large flock and several small flocks flying north; several trees with 5 or more perched birds; 70 is a conservative number
American Crow  3
Fish Crow  6
Tree Swallow  25
Carolina Chickadee  4
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  6
Veery  1     seen by only a few
American Robin  4
Gray Catbird  16
Northern Mockingbird  7
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  15
Common Yellowthroat  3
American Redstart  4
Yellow Warbler  2
Palm Warbler  10
Lincoln's Sparrow  1
Bobolink  7
Red-winged Blackbird  11
Baltimore Oriole  1
American Goldfinch  4     heard

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

Twilight Watch at the Meadows - Wednesday, September 26th, 2012

Leaders: Patty Rourke and Bill Smythe.
33 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  X
Mute Swan  X
Mallard  X
Blue-winged Teal  X
Northern Shoveler  X
Green-winged Teal  X
Pied-billed Grebe  X
Double-crested Cormorant  X
Great Blue Heron  X
Great Egret  X
Snowy Egret  X
Turkey Vulture  X
Osprey  X
Cooper's Hawk  X
Sora  X
American Oystercatcher  X
Laughing Gull  X
Ring-billed Gull  X
Herring Gull  X
Great Black-backed Gull  X
Forster's Tern  X
Black Skimmer  X
Mourning Dove  X
Northern Flicker  X
Peregrine Falcon  X
American Crow  X
Marsh Wren  X
American Robin  X
Gray Catbird  X
Northern Mockingbird  X
Common Yellowthroat  X
Palm Warbler  X
sparrow sp.  X
House Sparrow  X

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, September 26th, 2012

Very breezy which did not help in finding song birds, although we did manage Red-eyed and Philadelphia Vireo, as well as American Redstart, Common Yellowthroat and the ever present Palm Warbler. Lots of close gulls and terns (3 Parasitic Jeagers were seen after the walk) as well as 2 Northern Gannets. Raptors included 2 Peregrine Falcons and several Merlin. Highlight was at the brush pile where we found the continuing Clay-colored Sparrow and an elusive Lincoln's Sparrow!  Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, Warren Cairo, Patty Rourke, and Chris Marks.
52 species

Canada Goose  50
Mute Swan  10
Gadwall  3
American Wigeon  20
Mallard  15
Blue-winged Teal  6
Northern Shoveler  10
Green-winged Teal  8
Pied-billed Grebe  6
Northern Gannet  2
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Great Egret  2
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  4
Sharp-shinned Hawk  5
Cooper's Hawk  2
Common Gallinule  1     juv.
Killdeer  1
Laughing Gull  20
Ring-billed Gull  5
Herring Gull  10
Great Black-backed Gull  25
Forster's Tern  25
Royal Tern  4
Rock Pigeon  4
Mourning Dove  5
Belted Kingfisher  1
Northern Flicker  12
American Kestrel  1
Merlin  3
Peregrine Falcon  2
Eastern Kingbird  1
Philadelphia Vireo  1
Blue Jay  5
American Crow  5
Tree Swallow  20
Carolina Chickadee  2
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  4
European Starling  15
Common Yellowthroat  2
American Redstart  1
Yellow Warbler  1
Palm Warbler  8
Clay-colored Sparrow  1     /p brushpile
Lincoln's Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  10
House Sparrow  5

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

Clay-colored Sparrow [Photo by Karl Lukens]

EZ Birding - Tuesday, September 25th, 2012

EZ Birding had a great variety of birds this morning. Highlights include: a Wood Duck and Common Gallinule on Lighthouse Pond; Kestrels, Merlins, Sharp-shinned Hawks, Cooper's Hawks, and Osprey overhead; and lots of Palm Warblers along the dune. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Lee Smythe, Janet Crawford, and Warren Cairo.
53 species

Canada Goose  50
Mute Swan  10
Wood Duck  1
Gadwall  4
American Wigeon  10
American Black Duck  1
Mallard  14
Blue-winged Teal  8
Northern Shoveler  6
Northern Pintail  2
Pied-billed Grebe  2
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  2
Turkey Vulture  11
Osprey  5
Sharp-shinned Hawk  6
Cooper's Hawk  2
Common Gallinule  1
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull  10
Great Black-backed Gull  70
Royal Tern  2
Black Skimmer  200     seen throiugh scope at 2nd St. jetty
Rock Pigeon  4
Mourning Dove  3
Northern Flicker  15
American Kestrel  5
Merlin  3
Eastern Phoebe  7     3 perched in same tree along field edge at back of state
park; 2 flying over and 2 more perched in wooded area
White-eyed Vireo  4
Red-eyed Vireo  6
Blue Jay  20
American Crow  7
Fish Crow  3
Tree Swallow  25
Carolina Chickadee  5
Carolina Wren  6
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Gray Catbird  8
Northern Mockingbird  12
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  6
Black-and-white Warbler  2
Common Yellowthroat  4
American Redstart  2
Northern Parula  1
Palm Warbler  15
Yellow-rumped Warbler  2
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  2
Dickcissel  1
Red-winged Blackbird  35
American Goldfinch  2

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, September 24th, 2012

Lots of flyover and perched song birds, including Yellow-rumped, and Palm Warblers, and White- and Red-eyed Vireos. "Thousands" of Tree Swallows were overhead and on the dunes as well as numerous Northern Flickers. Two Lesser Black-backed Gulls were on the beach. Raptors included Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned, Cooper's and Broad-winged Hawks. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Steve Weis, Warren Cairo, Catherine Busch, Janet Crawford.
64 species

Canada Goose  30
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  1
American Wigeon  2
Mallard  25
Blue-winged Teal  10
Northern Shoveler  5
Northern Pintail  1
Green-winged Teal  5
Pied-billed Grebe  2
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  3
Osprey  4
Northern Harrier  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  3
Cooper's Hawk  2
Broad-winged Hawk  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  3
Sanderling  25
Least Sandpiper  4
Pectoral Sandpiper  2
Laughing Gull  20
Ring-billed Gull  8
Herring Gull  10
Lesser Black-backed Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  15
Common Tern  5
Forster's Tern  15
Royal Tern  2
Black Skimmer  200     2nd ave. beach
Rock Pigeon  4
Mourning Dove  5
Chimney Swift  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  4
Northern Flicker  15
American Kestrel  3
Merlin  2
Eastern Phoebe  1
Eastern Kingbird  1
White-eyed Vireo  1
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  5
American Crow  5
Fish Crow  1
Tree Swallow  1200
Barn Swallow  6
Carolina Wren  3     heard
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Swainson's Thrush  1
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  30
Common Yellowthroat  3
Palm Warbler  5
Yellow-rumped Warbler  4
Savannah Sparrow  5
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  2
Indigo Bunting  2
Bobolink  12
Red-winged Blackbird  3
Common Grackle  4
House Sparrow  5

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

Bobolink [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Lesser Yellowlegs [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Cox Hall Creek WMA - Sunday, September 23rd, 2012

Blue Grosbeaks were more numerous than Eastern Bluebirds at Cox Hall Creek today, at least, among birds seen. Two adult and 2 immature Bald Eagles soared in the morning's bright blue sky, as well as Cooper's, Sharp-shinned and Red-tailed Hawks, Merlin and Kestrels. Warblers were sparse with Palm, Black-and-white, Common Yelllowthroat and American Redstarts seen.   Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, Janet Crawford, Cindy & Shaun Bamford, David Lord, Steve Weis, Mark & Lynne Breslow, Mary Jane & Chuck Slugg.
55 species

Canada Goose  2
Mute Swan  2
American Black Duck  2
Mallard  37
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  3
Sharp-shinned Hawk  2
Cooper's Hawk  2
Bald Eagle  4
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Laughing Gull  1
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull (American)  2
Rock Pigeon  7
Mourning Dove  6
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  7
Downy Woodpecker  5
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  9
American Kestrel  1
Merlin  2
Red-eyed Vireo  2
Blue Jay  13
American Crow  12
Carolina Chickadee  6
Tufted Titmouse  6
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
House Wren  2
Carolina Wren  7
Eastern Bluebird  4
American Robin  15
Gray Catbird  4
Northern Mockingbird  1
Brown Thrasher  2
European Starling  10
Cedar Waxwing  15
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  2
American Redstart  2
Palm Warbler (Western)  7
Palm Warbler (Yellow)  1
Chipping Sparrow  7
Field Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  6
Rose-breasted Grosbeak  1
Blue Grosbeak  7
Indigo Bunting  1
Bobolink  3
Red-winged Blackbird  12
Common Grackle  26
Baltimore Oriole  1
House Finch  3
American Goldfinch  2

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

Cedar Waxwing [Photo by Roger Horn]

Rose-breasted Grosbeak [Photo by Roger Horn]

Downy Woodpecker [Photo by Roger Horn]

Hawks, Trails, and Beach - Saturday, September 22nd, 2012

Windy conditions kept many of the small birds hunkered down but the saw an impressive number of Merlins flying, eating dragonflies on the wing, and perched along the ponds. Other highlights include Peregrine Falcons, several young Osprey, and an assortment of terns. Leaders:  Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Lynne Breslow, and Chris Marks.
37 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  60
Mute Swan  10
American Wigeon  12
American Black Duck  2
Mallard  20
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid)  1
Blue-winged Teal  20
Northern Shoveler  8
Green-winged Teal  2
Pied-billed Grebe  2
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Great Egret  2
Osprey  4
Sanderling  1
Laughing Gull  40
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull  15
Great Black-backed Gull  100
Caspian Tern  1
Common Tern  16
Forster's Tern  15
Royal Tern  2
Black Skimmer  X     seen through scope at 2nd St. jetty
Rock Pigeon  11
Mourning Dove  2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
American Kestrel  1
Merlin  8
Peregrine Falcon  2
Blue Jay  5
Tree Swallow  35
Carolina Wren  3
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  6
American Redstart  2
Palm Warbler  2
Northern Cardinal  1     heard

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

Photo Walks with Mike Hannisian - Saturday, September 22nd, 2012

Late September in Cape May is hard to beat! There was not much of a land bird wave today (the front is due by Sunday), but waterfowl, such as Northern Pintail, are arriving to join our resident Mallards. We also still have a good variety of butterflies and dragonflies, such as American Lady, Eastern Comma, and Blue Dasher. With any luck, it will be even better during the next month or so. Hope to see you at The Point!

American Lady [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Blue Dasher [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Eastern Comma [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Mallard [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Northern Pintail [Photo by Mike Hannisian]

Fall Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, September 22nd, 2012

Started and ended the walk with Blue Grosbeaks in the scope. Rather slow for passerines, but a few raptors including a perched Merlin helped fill in the day. Four Black-crowned Night-Herons, 2 adult and 2 immature, provided good scope looks at the Willow Pond. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Kathy & Roger Horn, Warren Cairo, and Catherine Busch.
34 species

Canada Goose  15
Mute Swan  2
Wood Duck  2     fly over
Mallard  8
Great Egret  2
Black-crowned Night-Heron  4
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  8
Osprey  3
Sharp-shinned Hawk  5
Cooper's Hawk  1
Laughing Gull  2
Herring Gull  1
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  10
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1     heard
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  3
American Kestrel  1
Merlin  3
Blue Jay  3
American Crow  30
Tree Swallow  30
Tufted Titmouse  3
Carolina Wren  3
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  10
Connecticut Warbler  1     seen by 1 person
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  4
Bobolink  2
Red-winged Blackbird  2

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

Juvenile Black-crowned Night-Heron [Photo by Roger Horn]

Sunset Birding at the Meadows - Friday, September 21st, 2012

Nice array of ducks, and a few shore birds and waders. A few warblers including Common Yellowthroat, Yellow and Palm. Highlight was the 40 (plus or minus) Common Nighthawks overhead at dusk. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Kathy Horn, Warren Cairo, Elizabeth Errickson, and Alyssia Church.
39 species

Canada Goose  50
Mute Swan  8
Mallard  20
Blue-winged Teal  10
Northern Shoveler  3
Green-winged Teal  6
Pied-billed Grebe  2
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  2
Willet  1     * inornata (Western)
Sanderling  25
Pectoral Sandpiper  3
Dunlin  3
Wilson's Snipe  2
Laughing Gull  50
Ring-billed Gull  3
Herring Gull  10
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  8
Common Tern  20
Forster's Tern  20
Royal Tern  5
Black Skimmer  20
Mourning Dove  4
Common Nighthawk  40
Merlin  3
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  100
Common Yellowthroat  2
American Redstart  2
Yellow Warbler  2
Palm Warbler  10
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  2
House Sparrow  2

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

Higbee Beach Birding - Friday, September 21st, 2012

Group 1:  Higbee Beach was a little quiet by September standards today, but that gave us time to spend a little longer on the birds that we found. A Philadelphia Vireo right next to two Red-eyed Vireos, a very showy White-eyed Vireo and a perched Yellow-billed Cuckoo all made for nice highlights.  Leaders Mike Crewe, Chris Marks, and Catherine Busch.
37 species

Mallard  3
Osprey  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  2
Bald Eagle  2
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Mourning Dove  3
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  1
Chimney Swift  1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  4
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  8
Eastern Wood-Pewee  1
White-eyed Vireo  2
Philadelphia Vireo  1
Red-eyed Vireo  10
Blue Jay  6
American Crow  5
Tree Swallow  30
Carolina Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  3
Red-breasted Nuthatch  9
Carolina Wren  8
Gray Catbird  12
Brown Thrasher  6
Cedar Waxwing  7
Northern Waterthrush  5
Black-and-white Warbler  4
Common Yellowthroat  15
American Redstart  4
Northern Parula  2
Yellow Warbler  1
Palm Warbler  2
Northern Cardinal  12
Rose-breasted Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  6
Red-winged Blackbird  20

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

Group 2:  A fairly quiet morning but with little patches of birds here and there. Warblers included Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Northern Waterthrush, Black-and-white, and Yellow. Large numbers (~18) of Brown Thrashers were visible and vocal. Three adult Bald Eagles and 2 Sharp-shinned Hawks were seen overhead. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Warren Cairo, and Patty Rourke.
37 species

Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  3
Sharp-shinned Hawk  2
Bald Eagle  3
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Laughing Gull  3
Mourning Dove  5
Chimney Swift  2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  5
Alder Flycatcher  1
Least Flycatcher  1
White-eyed Vireo  2     heard
Blue Jay  5
American Crow  1
Tree Swallow  25
Carolina Chickadee  1     heard
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1     heard
Carolina Wren  5
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
Gray Catbird  5
Brown Thrasher  18
Northern Waterthrush  1
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  4
American Redstart  3
Yellow Warbler  2
Field Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  1
Baltimore Oriole  1

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

Yellow Warblers [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Bird Walk for All People - Thursday, September 20th, 2012

The Bird Walk for All People enjoyed a variety of birds this morning. Raptors included American Kestrel, Osprey, Broad-winged Hawk, and Bald Eagles. One Bald Eagle flew past at eye level being chased by American Crows. Other birds included Caspian, Common, and Forster's Terns, Belted Kingfisher, and a variety of ducks on Bunker Pond. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Cindy Bamford, and Patty Rourke.
59 species

Canada Goose  80
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  3
American Wigeon  6
American Black Duck  1
Mallard  26
Blue-winged Teal  7
Northern Shoveler  8
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  2
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  6
Osprey  10
Sharp-shinned Hawk  2
Cooper's Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  3
Broad-winged Hawk  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  1
Sanderling  16
Laughing Gull  12
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull  8
Great Black-backed Gull  15
Caspian Tern  2
Common Tern  12
Forster's Tern  7
Black Skimmer  250     at 2nd St. jetty; scope views only
Rock Pigeon  4
Mourning Dove  6
Chimney Swift  1
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  10
American Kestrel  2
White-eyed Vireo  2     heard
Red-eyed Vireo  5
Blue Jay  8
American Crow  7
Tree Swallow  50
Carolina Chickadee  5
Red-breasted Nuthatch  3
Carolina Wren  6     heard
Gray Catbird  5
Northern Mockingbird  12
European Starling  2
Cedar Waxwing  1
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  1
American Redstart  3
Northern Parula  1
Yellow Warbler  1
Palm Warbler  7
Yellow-rumped Warbler  2
Northern Cardinal  5
Bobolink  10
Red-winged Blackbird  3
American Goldfinch  6

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

Twilight Walk at the Meadows - Wednesday, September 19th, 2012

Leaders: Patty Rourke and Bill Smythe.
36 species

Canada Goose  X
Mallard  X
Blue-winged Teal  X
Northern Shoveler  X
Green-winged Teal  X
Double-crested Cormorant  X
Great Blue Heron  X
Great Egret  X
Snowy Egret  X
Turkey Vulture  X
Osprey  X
Northern Harrier  X
Bald Eagle  X
American Oystercatcher  X
Lesser Yellowlegs  X
Laughing Gull  X
Ring-billed Gull  X
Herring Gull  X
Lesser Black-backed Gull  X
Great Black-backed Gull  X
Common Tern  X
Forster's Tern  X
Black Skimmer  X
Mourning Dove  X
Common Nighthawk  2
Merlin  X
American Crow  X
Tree Swallow  X
Gray Catbird  X
Northern Mockingbird  X
Common Yellowthroat  X
Palm Warbler  X
Song Sparrow  X
Northern Cardinal  X
American Goldfinch  X
House Sparrow  X

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, September 19th, 2012

Good ducks and gulls but slow on passerines. Numerous Blue- and Green-winged Teal, Northern Shovelers, American Wigeon, and Gadwall, plus 6 Pied-billed Grebes. Some warblers around the "brush pile" including Common Yellowthroat, Yellow, and Palm Warblers. A few raptors overhead as well as lots (44) of Great Blue Herons! Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, Chris Marks, Patty Rourke, and Nancy Watson.
56 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  6
American Wigeon  10
Mallard  25
Blue-winged Teal  10
Northern Shoveler  12
Green-winged Teal  10
Pied-billed Grebe  6
Double-crested Cormorant  1
American Bittern  1     seen by a few
Great Blue Heron  44
Great Egret  1
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  5
Northern Harrier  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  4
Cooper's Hawk  2
Bald Eagle  1
American Oystercatcher  1
Laughing Gull  10
Ring-billed Gull  5
Herring Gull  10
Lesser Black-backed Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  50
Common Tern  5
Forster's Tern  5
Royal Tern  5
Black Skimmer  300     2nd ave beach
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  8
Belted Kingfisher  1     heard
Northern Flicker  12
Merlin  2
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  1
Tree Swallow  50
Barn Swallow  2
Carolina Wren  5
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
American Robin  5
Gray Catbird  4
Northern Mockingbird  5
Brown Thrasher  5
European Starling  15
Common Yellowthroat  5
Yellow Warbler  3
Palm Warbler  8
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  4
Bobolink  10
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Brown-headed Cowbird  6
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  5

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

EZ Birding - Tuesday, September 18th, 2012

Blustery winds made birding difficult for the EZ Birding walk. We enjoyed a variety of ducks on Bunker Pond including Mallards, Northern Shovelers, American Wigeon, Blue-winged Teal, and Gadwall. We also had good looks at Pied-billed Grebes. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg.
39 species

Canada Goose  25
Mute Swan  7
Gadwall  6
American Wigeon  10
Mallard  16
Blue-winged Teal  8
Northern Shoveler  12
Pied-billed Grebe  3
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  1
Turkey Vulture  6
Osprey  5
Northern Harrier  1
American Oystercatcher  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  9
Least Sandpiper  7
Laughing Gull  35
Herring Gull  20
Great Black-backed Gull  100
Common Tern  3
Forster's Tern  1
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  7
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
American Crow  3
Fish Crow  2
Tree Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  5
Carolina Wren  4     heard
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  8
European Starling  8
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  5
Palm Warbler  9
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  10

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, September 17th, 2012

A few nice warblers along the main path and dunes, including Tennessee and Blackburnian, with numerous Palm Warblers. Lesser Black-backed Gull and 1 Piping Plover were on the beach. Blue- and Green-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Northern Pintail were among the ducks. Highlight was a brief look at an adult Sora along the east path. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Steve Weis, Catherine Busch, and Janet Crawford.
70 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  5
American Wigeon  1
American Black Duck  1
Mallard  25
Blue-winged Teal  10
Northern Shoveler  1
Northern Pintail  2
Green-winged Teal  10
scoter sp.  50
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Double-crested Cormorant  6
Brown Pelican  3
Great Blue Heron  11
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  6
Green Heron  1
Osprey  3
Northern Harrier  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Sora  1     adult
Piping Plover  1
Killdeer  2
Sanderling  50
Least Sandpiper  10
Pectoral Sandpiper  1
Laughing Gull  50
Ring-billed Gull  5
Herring Gull  15
Lesser Black-backed Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  25
Common Tern  10
Forster's Tern  30
Royal Tern  6
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  6
Chimney Swift  1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Belted Kingfisher  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  1
American Kestrel  1
Merlin  1
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  3
Fish Crow  1
Tree Swallow  50
Barn Swallow  1
Carolina Chickadee  1
Carolina Wren  3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  10
Northern Waterthrush  1
Tennessee Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  6
American Redstart  3
Blackburnian Warbler  1
Yellow Warbler  6
Palm Warbler  10
Prairie Warbler  1
Savannah Sparrow  3
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  3
Indigo Bunting  2
Bobolink  50
Red-winged Blackbird  5
Common Grackle  1
House Sparrow  5

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

Herring Gull [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Lesser Black-backed Gull [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Ring-billed Gull [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Piping Plover [Photo by Karl Lukens]