Birding the Meadows - Monday, May 13th, 2013

A cold and breezy morning with a perched and singing Blue Grosbeak at the parking lot. Birds of interest were 3 Piping Plover (one pair looked like nest building) and 4 Oystercatchers on the beach as well as lots of Least Terns. Other birds were several Willets, Eastern Kingbirds, an immature Bald Eagle, and a Tricolored Heron. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Steve Weis, Warren Cairo, and Catherine Busch.
50 species

Canada Goose  15
Mute Swan  10
Gadwall  3
Mallard  15
Double-crested Cormorant  15
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  2
Tricolored Heron  1
Green Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  4
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  8
Cooper's Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  1     imm.
Red-tailed Hawk  2
Semipalmated Plover  4
Piping Plover  3
American Oystercatcher  4
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Willet  2
Lesser Yellowlegs  1
Short-billed Dowitcher  1
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  5
Least Tern  25
Common Tern  5
Forster's Tern  20
Mourning Dove  3
Chimney Swift  5
Eastern Kingbird  3
Fish Crow  5
Purple Martin  3
Tree Swallow  5
Barn Swallow  10
American Robin  5
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  5
Common Yellowthroat  6
Yellow Warbler  1
Savannah Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  3
Blue Grosbeak  1
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
Orchard Oriole  1
House Sparrow  5

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

Piping Plover nesting [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Piping Plover courting [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Tricolored Heron [Photo by Karl Lukens]

A Meadows Afternoon - Friday, May 10th, 2013

It was a beautiful late afternoon in The Meadows. Highlights of the walk include Tri-colored Heron, Green Herons, Least Terns, American Oystercatchers, and Common Yellow-throats. Leaders: Chuck and Mary Jane Slugg.
42 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  19
Gadwall  4
Mallard  8
Common Loon  1
Double-crested Cormorant  75
Great Egret  2
Tricolored Heron  2
Green Heron  2
Turkey Vulture  5
Osprey  7
Killdeer  1
American Oystercatcher  7
Willet  1
Laughing Gull  35
Herring Gull  8
Great Black-backed Gull  20
Least Tern  25
Common Tern  1
Forster's Tern  20
Mourning Dove  2
American Crow  4
Fish Crow  2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  3
Purple Martin  10
Tree Swallow  2
Barn Swallow  5
Carolina Wren  1     heard
American Robin  1
Gray Catbird  1
European Starling  4
Common Yellowthroat  7
Yellow Warbler  2     heard
Eastern Towhee  1     heard
Song Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  3
Indigo Bunting  1     heard
Red-winged Blackbird  14
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  1
American Goldfinch  3
House Sparrow  4

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (/content/nj)

Higbee Beach Bird Walk - Friday, May 10th, 2013

A super day for all migrants! 13 species of warblers, tanagers, orioles, it was real good birding and just in time for the World Series of Birding. Other birds of interest were 2 fly-over Red-headed Woodpeckers; Eastern Wood-Pewees; Blue-headed, Red-eyed, White-eyed, and Yellow-throated Vireos, and a couple of Chats singing in territory.  Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, Warren Cairo, Roger Horn, Catherine Busch, Lisa Ryan, and Hugh Simmons.
63 species

Mallard  2
Common Loon  1
Double-crested Cormorant  100
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  2
Black-bellied Plover  1     heard
American Oystercatcher  1
Bonaparte's Gull  1
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull  1
Mourning Dove  5
Chimney Swift  4
Red-headed Woodpecker  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  1     heard
Eastern Wood-Pewee  2
Great Crested Flycatcher  1
Eastern Kingbird  6
White-eyed Vireo  5
Yellow-throated Vireo  1
Blue-headed Vireo  2
Red-eyed Vireo  5
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  1
Purple Martin  1
Barn Swallow  10
Carolina Chickadee  5
Tufted Titmouse  3
Carolina Wren  5
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
Veery  1
Wood Thrush  2     heard
American Robin  4
Gray Catbird  8
European Starling  5
Black-and-white Warbler  3
Common Yellowthroat  6
American Redstart  2
Northern Parula  10
Magnolia Warbler  5
Blackburnian Warbler  1
Yellow Warbler  5
Chestnut-sided Warbler  6
Black-throated Blue Warbler  4
Yellow-rumped Warbler  10
Prairie Warbler  6
Black-throated Green Warbler  3
Yellow-breasted Chat  2
Chipping Sparrow  2
Field Sparrow  2
White-throated Sparrow  1
Scarlet Tanager  6
Northern Cardinal  8
Rose-breasted Grosbeak  1
Blue Grosbeak  2
Indigo Bunting  2
Red-winged Blackbird  5
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  8
Baltimore Oriole  3
American Goldfinch  2

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

Chestnut-sided Warbler [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Scarlet Tanager [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Birds, Beasts & Botany - Thursday, May 9th, 2013

Comparing members of the pea (Fabaceae), rose (Rosaceae) and dandelion (Asteraceae) families and how to tell the difference was discussed as we heard green frogs, cricket frogs and many migrant bird species. Wonderful sights and sounds were appreciated by all. Leaders:  Mike Crewe, Cindy Bamford, Steve Weiss, and Chris Marks.
31 species

Green Heron  1
Osprey  1
Laughing Gull  9
Chimney Swift  1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee  3
Acadian Flycatcher  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  2
Blue Jay  1
Fish Crow  2
Carolina Chickadee  6
Tufted Titmouse  3
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
Eastern Bluebird  2
American Robin  8
Gray Catbird  4
European Starling  5
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Northern Parula  5
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  8
Chipping Sparrow  8
Northern Cardinal  4
Rose-breasted Grosbeak  3
Red-winged Blackbird  6
Common Grackle  8
Baltimore Oriole  3
House Sparrow  4

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

Birds of Belleplain - Thursday, May 9th, 2013

A birdy morning with good views of a singing Scarlet Tanager at the Visitor Center parking lot. Also here we had a very cooperative Black-throated Blue Warbler. A little later at the Boy Scout camp, we had great views of a singing Summer Tanager. Other birds of interest were 2 highly visible Worm-eating Warblers, numerous Prairie Warblers, Pine, and Yellow-throated Warblers, heard Hooded, and Louisiana Waterthrush, and 1 singing, perched Blue-winged Warbler. Leaders: Bert Hixon, Karl Lukens, and Shaun Bamford.
54 species

Canada Goose  6
Wild Turkey  1
Common Loon  1
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  3
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull  1
Mourning Dove  2
Chimney Swift  4
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2     heard
Acadian Flycatcher  1
Eastern Phoebe  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  2     heard
White-eyed Vireo  4
Red-eyed Vireo  5
Fish Crow  1
Tree Swallow  5
Barn Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  3
Eastern Bluebird  2
Wood Thrush  15
American Robin  5
Gray Catbird  4
Northern Mockingbird  1
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  2
Ovenbird  15
Worm-eating Warbler  3
Louisiana Waterthrush  1
Blue-winged Warbler  1
Black-and-white Warbler  1     heard
Prothonotary Warbler  1     heard
Hooded Warbler  2
Northern Parula  1     heard
Black-throated Blue Warbler  1
Pine Warbler  8
Yellow-throated Warbler  5
Prairie Warbler  7
Eastern Towhee  1
Chipping Sparrow  8
Savannah Sparrow  1
Summer Tanager  2
Scarlet Tanager  1
Northern Cardinal  5
Rose-breasted Grosbeak  1
Eastern Meadowlark  1
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
American Goldfinch  5
House Sparrow  2

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

Prairie Warbler [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Summer Tanager [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Nummy's Island Bird Walk - Wednesday, May 8th, 2013

Great comparison studies of Dunlin, Black-bellied Plover, Least Sandpipers, Short-billed Dowitchers & Semipalmated Plovers. Leaders: Warren Cairo, Gail Dwyer, Shaun & Cindy Bamford, Lee & Bill Smythe, Hugh Simmons, and Chris Marks.
39 species

Brant  80
Canada Goose  3
American Black Duck  4
Mallard  3
Common Loon  4
Double-crested Cormorant  25
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  4
Osprey  4
Bald Eagle  1
Clapper Rail  4
Black-bellied Plover  50
Semipalmated Plover  4
American Oystercatcher  6
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Willet (Eastern)  20
Whimbrel  4
Ruddy Turnstone  8
Red Knot  10
Sanderling  50
Semipalmated Sandpiper  5
Least Sandpiper  4
Dunlin  100
Short-billed Dowitcher  50
Laughing Gull  500
Herring Gull  100
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Forster's Tern  15
Rock Pigeon  6
Mourning Dove  3
Merlin  1
Peregrine Falcon  3     not unusual for this location
White-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  2
Fish Crow  5
Barn Swallow  3
American Robin  3
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Boat-tailed Grackle  8

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, May 8th, 2013

A foggy day with some rain and some sunshine and surprisingly good birding. Lots of low swallows and swifts, and the warblers included several Yellow, Yellow-rumps, and an Ovenbird. FOY for many were the numerous Least Terns, a perched, singing adult male Orchard Oriole, and a perched, singing Blue Grosbeak. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, Warren Cairo, and Chris Marks.
55 species

Canada Goose  20
Mute Swan  10
Gadwall  3
Mallard  6
Common Loon  4
Double-crested Cormorant  1300
Great Egret  1
Glossy Ibis  1
Turkey Vulture  1
Piping Plover  3
Killdeer  3
American Oystercatcher  4
Greater Yellowlegs  8
Willet  1
Whimbrel  3
Least Sandpiper  3
Short-billed Dowitcher  6
Wilson's Snipe  1
Laughing Gull  20
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Least Tern  10
Forster's Tern  15
Mourning Dove  1
Chimney Swift  12
Eastern Kingbird  2
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  1
Purple Martin  30
Tree Swallow  6
Barn Swallow  10
Carolina Chickadee  1
Tufted Titmouse  1
House Wren  4
Carolina Wren  3
American Robin  5
Gray Catbird  4
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  4
Ovenbird  1
Common Yellowthroat  10     heard
Yellow Warbler  3
Yellow-rumped Warbler  5
Song Sparrow  3
Swamp Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  5
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  4
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
Orchard Oriole  1
American Goldfinch  2
House Sparrow  5

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

EZ Birding - Tuesday, May 7th, 2013

Chilly, foggy, drizzly weather greeted walkers for EZ Birding. In spite of this we saw some good birds. Highlights include: Blue Grosbeak and Indigo Bunting sitting next to each other on the ground and Eastern Bluebird in a tree (a clean sweep for "The Blues Brothers"); Glossy Ibis; flying flocks of shorebirds such as Short-billed Dowitchers, Willets, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, and Least Sandpipers; American Oystercatchers on nest; Piping Plover in exclosure and one feeding at a plover pond; and Forster's Terns everywhere. Leader: Chuck Slugg.
51 species

Canada Goose  14
Mute Swan  6
Mallard  6
Common Loon  1
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  5
Snowy Egret  3
Glossy Ibis  5
Osprey  3
Cooper's Hawk  1
Piping Plover  2
Killdeer  1
American Oystercatcher  4
Greater Yellowlegs  12
Willet  23
Lesser Yellowlegs  9
Least Sandpiper  1
Short-billed Dowitcher  20
Wilson's Snipe  1
Laughing Gull  10
Herring Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  12
Least Tern  2
Forster's Tern  28
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  2
American Crow  4
Fish Crow  10
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  14
Purple Martin  30
Tree Swallow  12
Barn Swallow  8
Carolina Chickadee  3
House Wren  2
Carolina Wren  7
Eastern Bluebird  1
American Robin  15
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  3
Common Yellowthroat  8
Yellow Warbler  5     heard
Pine Warbler  2     heard
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  6
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  12
Common Grackle  20
Brown-headed Cowbird  2
American Goldfinch  3
House Sparrow  4

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (/content/nj)

Birding the Meadows - Monday, May 6th, 2013

A cold, windy, misty day but still a few interesting birds. Fly-over shorebirds included 11 Willets, 3 Red Knots, 2 Black-bellied Plover, and 2 Whimbrel. Two of the Willets hung around and landed a few times indicating possible breeders in the area. A perched, singing Blue Grosbeak made for a nice start of the walk at the parking lot. Offshore we had 1 Northern Gannet and both loons. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Steve Weis, and Catherine Busch.
38 species

Canada Goose  5
Mute Swan  12
Gadwall  2
Mallard  6
Green-winged Teal  2
Red-throated Loon  2
Common Loon  1
Northern Gannet  1
Double-crested Cormorant  6
Great Egret  1
Snowy Egret  2
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  1
Black-bellied Plover  2
American Oystercatcher  3
Willet  12
Whimbrel  2
Red Knot  3
Sanderling  8
Laughing Gull  10
Herring Gull  8
Great Black-backed Gull  20
Forster's Tern  10
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  4
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  5
Tree Swallow  3
Barn Swallow  1
European Starling  2
Common Yellowthroat  3     heard
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  2
Blue Grosbeak  1
Red-winged Blackbird  20
Common Grackle  10
House Finch  1
House Sparrow  6

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

Belleplain Wildlife - Sunday, May 5th, 2013

A cool and cloudy spring day at the Tarkiln Pond area of Belleplain State Forest found more birds than insects flying about. The group enjoyed good looks at American Redstart, Eastern Phoebe, and Wood Duck. Flowering plants included Canadian Toadflax and Lowbush Blueberries. Leaders:  Mike Crewe, Chris Marks, Lisa Ryan, and Catherine Busch.

Fowler's Toad [Photo by Catherine Busch] 

Cox Hall Creek Bird Walk - Sunday, May 5th, 2013

Gusty winds and an overcast sky made it a good day for birding by ear at Cox Hall Creek WMA. Chipping Sparrows, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Tufted Titmouse and Pine Warblers were frequently heard. Northern Rough-winged, Barn and Tree Swallows hunted low over the fields and ponds, providing excellent views. Leaders: Kathy Horn, Cindy & Shaun Bamford, and Steve Weis.
47 species

Canada Goose  4
Mallard  3
Double-crested Cormorant  3
Green Heron  2
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  6
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Killdeer  2
Laughing Gull  8
Herring Gull  3
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  4
Downy Woodpecker  2
Eastern Phoebe  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  7
Eastern Kingbird  1
White-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  5
American Crow  7
Fish Crow  2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  2
Tree Swallow  4
Barn Swallow  16
Carolina Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  9
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
House Wren  2
Carolina Wren  5
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  9
Eastern Bluebird  5
American Robin  35
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  14
Common Yellowthroat  1
Pine Warbler  4
Chipping Sparrow  14
Field Sparrow  2
Song Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  8
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  8
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
House Finch  2
American Goldfinch  7
House Sparrow  2

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

Bird Walk for All People - Saturday, May 4th, 2013

Highlights from the Walk for All People include: great looks at a Prairie Warbler; American Oystercatchers doing a nest exchange; close look at a Piping Plover; and Least Sandpipers feeding at Plover Pond. Leaders: Chuck Slugg, Cindy Bamford, and Catherine Busch.
48 species

Canada Goose  12
Mute Swan  10
Gadwall  4
Mallard  12
Double-crested Cormorant  6
Great Egret  5
Snowy Egret  2
Turkey Vulture  6
Osprey  2
Piping Plover  1
Killdeer  2
American Oystercatcher  6
Greater Yellowlegs  2     heard
Least Sandpiper  4
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull  3
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Forster's Tern  30
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  2
Chimney Swift  13
Blue Jay  1     heard
American Crow  4
Fish Crow  3
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  10
Purple Martin  35
Tree Swallow  15
Barn Swallow  8
Carolina Chickadee  2     heard
House Wren  2     heard
Carolina Wren  6     heard
Eastern Bluebird  3
American Robin  14
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  3
Common Yellowthroat  2     heard
Pine Warbler  2     heard
Yellow-rumped Warbler  2
Prairie Warbler  1
Eastern Towhee  1     heard
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  16
Brown-headed Cowbird  2
House Finch  2
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  2

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

Birds of Belleplain - Saturday, May 4th, 2013

Leaders: Bert Hixon, Shaun Bamford, BJ Pinnock, and Chris Marks.
39 species

Canada Goose  3
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Laughing Gull  8
Chimney Swift  2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Downy Woodpecker  2
American Kestrel  2
Acadian Flycatcher  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  3
Eastern Kingbird  2
White-eyed Vireo  5
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  9
American Crow  2
Purple Martin  3
Tree Swallow  2
Tufted Titmouse  3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
Eastern Bluebird  1
Wood Thrush  1
Brown Thrasher  2
Ovenbird  5
Worm-eating Warbler  2
Blue-winged Warbler  1
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Prothonotary Warbler  1
Hooded Warbler  4
Northern Parula  1
Pine Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler  2
Yellow-throated Warbler  3
Prairie Warbler  1
Eastern Towhee  1
Chipping Sparrow  1
Field Sparrow  2
Summer Tanager  4
Eastern Meadowlark  3
Common Grackle  2
Orchard Oriole  1

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

Spring Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, May 4th, 2013

Nice weather (except for East wind) but the birding was rather slow. We did manage to get a singing Blue Grosbeak for good scope views. Singing Common Yellowthroats were not easily seen. We did have 4 Wilson's Snipe fly off, and good looks at a Solitary Sandpiper. We did hear 1, possibly 2 Prothonotary Warblers, but could not get a view of the bird. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Roger Horn, and Catherine Busch.
42 species

Canada Goose  4
American Black Duck  2
Mallard  4
Double-crested Cormorant  75
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  5
Black Vulture  5
Turkey Vulture  10
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Killdeer  3
Solitary Sandpiper  1
Wilson's Snipe  4
Laughing Gull  10
Herring Gull  1
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  5
Chimney Swift  5
Downy Woodpecker  3
Eastern Phoebe  1
Great-crested Flycatcher  1    heard
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  1
Purple Martin  5
Tree Swallow  1
Barn Swallow  8
Carolina Chickadee  1
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
American Robin  3
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  5
Prothonotary Warbler  1     heard
Common Yellowthroat  6
Eastern Towhee  1     heard
White-throated Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  5
Blue Grosbeak  1
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
American Goldfinch  2

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

A Meadows Afternoon - Friday, May 3rd, 2013

A beautiful, but windy, afternoon at The Meadows yielded some interesting birds. Highlights include: three Swallow-tailed Kites in one binocular view; a Ruddy Duck; a Tricolored Heron; a number of American Oystercatchers with one on nest; both Common and Red-throated Loons; and a Piping Plover calling but not seen. Leader: Chuck Slugg.
43 species

Canada Goose  7
Mute Swan  16
Gadwall  4
Mallard  10
Ruddy Duck  1
Red-throated Loon  4
Common Loon  2
Double-crested Cormorant  3
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  2
Tricolored Heron  1
Turkey Vulture  6
Osprey  2
Swallow-tailed Kite  3     Seen over western trail high over the dune toward the lighthouse; all in group saw all three birds.
Piping Plover  1     heard
American Oystercatcher  10
Sanderling  9
Laughing Gull  8
Herring Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  12
Common Tern  2
Forster's Tern  23
Mourning Dove  3
Chimney Swift  5
American Crow  4
Fish Crow  2     heard
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  4
Purple Martin  15
Tree Swallow  14
Barn Swallow  8
Cave Swallow  1     over east pond in Meadows in mixed flock of swallows; seen by some, but not all, of group
Carolina Chickadee  1     heard
Carolina Wren  1     heard
American Robin  3
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  4
Common Yellowthroat  3     heard
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  12
Common Grackle  6
Brown-headed Cowbird  4
American Goldfinch  2     heard

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

Higbee Beach Bird Walk - Friday, May 3rd, 2013

A cold morning with persistant easterly winds made for some quiet birding. Offshore at the bay was good, with a couple of low flying Common Loons in breeding plumage, 5 Surf Scoters, some Northern Gannets, 3 fly-by American Oystercatchers, and a group of Purple Sandpipers on the close, moss covered remains of a jetty. Also there were 2 flying Parasitic Jaegers. Otherwise Prairie Warbler and White-eyed Vireos were the most common birds. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Catherine Busch, Chris Marks, Lisa Ryan, and Shaun Bamford.
41 species

Mallard  3
Surf Scoter  5
Common Loon  2
Northern Gannet  6
Double-crested Cormorant  150
Snowy Egret  1
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  5
Osprey  5
Bald Eagle  2     ad & 2nd yr
American Oystercatcher  3
Sanderling  1
Purple Sandpiper  6
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull  3
Great Black-backed Gull  4
Forster's Tern  10
Parasitic Jaeger  2
Mourning Dove  3
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
American Kestrel  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  1
White-eyed Vireo  6     heard
Blue Jay  1     heard
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  1     heard
Purple Martin  4
Barn Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  1
House Wren  1     heard
Carolina Wren  4     heard
American Robin  2
European Starling  2
Common Yellowthroat  3     heard
Prairie Warbler  7
Field Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  10
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  2
Common Grackle  4
Brown-headed Cowbird  6

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

Prairie Warbler [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Shorebirds at Heislerville - Thursday, May 2nd, 2013

Highlights include an Adult Bald Eagle chasing a second year Bald Eagle, two clapper rails crossing the creek, a Wilson's Phalarope, 3 Bonaparte's Gulls, and some lingering ducks, including Red-breasted Merganser, American Wigeon, and Green-winged Teal. Leaders Janet Crawford, Shaun Bamford, and Gail Dwyer.
33 species

Canada Goose  6
Mute Swan  4
American Wigeon  1
American Black Duck  8
Green-winged Teal  12
Red-breasted Merganser  3
Double-crested Cormorant  50
Great Egret  40
Snowy Egret  8
Black-crowned Night-Heron  30
Turkey Vulture  10
Osprey  4
Bald Eagle  2
Black-bellied Plover  10
Greater Yellowlegs  50
Lesser Yellowlegs  20
Dunlin  30
Short-billed Dowitcher  10
Wilson's Phalarope  1
Laughing Gull  3
Ring-billed Gull  6
Herring Gull  30
Great Black-backed Gull  1
Forster's Tern  12
White-eyed Vireo  2
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Tree Swallow  6
Barn Swallow  6
Yellow Warbler  1
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  2
Boat-tailed Grackle  8
House Sparrow  1

East Point Lighthouse, Cumberland
10 species

Double-crested Cormorant  6
Snowy Egret  1
Willet  2
Bonaparte's Gull  2
Laughing Gull  40
Ring-billed Gull  1
Forster's Tern  3
Song Sparrow  1
Red-winged Blackbird  2
Boat-tailed Grackle  10

Thompsons Beach, Cumberland
7 species

Snowy Egret  1
Osprey  20
Clapper Rail  8
Willet  1
Herring Gull  3
Tree Swallow  10
Barn Swallow  10

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

Birds of Belleplain - Thursday, May 2, 2013

A good day for newcomers to the forest. We found  Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Great Crested Flycatcher, Acadian Flycatcher, many singing Wood Thrushes, Worm-eating Warbler, Prothonotary Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, Hooded Warbler, and both Tanagers. Also had American Kestrel and Eastern Meadowlark as good scope views. Leaders: Bert Hixon, Karl Lukens, and Shaun Bamford.
50 species

Canada Goose  8
Wild Turkey  2
Common Loon  1
Great Blue Heron  1
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  6
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull  1
Mourning Dove  4
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
American Kestrel  1
Acadian Flycatcher  1     heard
Great Crested Flycatcher  1
White-eyed Vireo  5
Blue Jay  4
Fish Crow  5
Barn Swallow  4
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  3
Carolina Wren  1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  3
Wood Thrush  10
American Robin  6
Northern Mockingbird  2
Brown Thrasher  2
European Starling  10
Ovenbird  15
Worm-eating Warbler  1
Louisiana Waterthrush  1
Black-and-white Warbler  2
Prothonotary Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  1     heard
Hooded Warbler  2     heard
Pine Warbler  8
Yellow-throated Warbler  5
Prairie Warbler  5
Eastern Towhee  1
Chipping Sparrow  1
Field Sparrow  1     heard
White-throated Sparrow  3
Summer Tanager  2
Scarlet Tanager  1     heard
Northern Cardinal  4
Eastern Meadowlark  1
Common Grackle  15
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
American Goldfinch  4

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

Prothonotary Warbler [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Summer Tanager [Photo by Karl Lukens]

White-eyed Vireo [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Exploring Cumberland - Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Highlights include good looks at Prothonotary Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, and Orchard Oriole. We also saw 1 Bald Eagle, 3 Northern Harriers and a Seaside Sparrow. Leaders: Karen Johnson and Janet Crawford.

Maurice River Bridge - 6 species

Bald Eagle  1
Killdeer  1
Herring Gull  7
Rock Pigeon  1
Common Yellowthroat  1
Red-winged Blackbird  4

Noble Street - 6 species

Downy Woodpecker  1
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Carolina Wren  1
Ovenbird  1
Louisiana Waterthrush  1
Yellow-throated Warbler  2

James Moore Road - 11 species

Canada Goose  1
Turkey Vulture  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Laughing Gull  6
White-eyed Vireo  1
Fish Crow  1
Brown Thrasher  1
Prairie Warbler  3
Eastern Towhee  1
Chipping Sparrow  1
Field Sparrow  1

Hansey Creek Road - 36 species

American Black Duck  4
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Great Egret  1
Snowy Egret  2
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  1
Northern Harrier  3
Bald Eagle  1
Clapper Rail  6
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Willet  3
Laughing Gull  8
Forster's Tern  4
Eastern Kingbird  2
White-eyed Vireo  7
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Tree Swallow  20
Carolina Chickadee  1
Tufted Titmouse  1
House Wren  1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
American Robin  5
Northern Mockingbird  1
Worm-eating Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  9
Yellow Warbler  3
Yellow-breasted Chat  1
Chipping Sparrow  2
Field Sparrow  6
Seaside Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  2
Blue Grosbeak  1
Red-winged Blackbird  40
Common Grackle  2
Brown-headed Cowbird  4
Orchard Oriole  10

Railroad Ave./ Ackley Road - 13 species

Eastern Phoebe  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  1
Tufted Titmouse  1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  4
Ovenbird  4
Prothonotary Warbler  3
Yellow-throated Warbler  2
Summer Tanager  1
Scarlet Tanager  1
Indigo Bunting  1
American Goldfinch  3

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, May 1, 2013

A nice day weather wise and some good birds here and there. Offshore there were a few Northern Gannets and on the beach were 2 pair of American Oystercatchers on nest, and 1 Piping Plover on nest in an "exclosure". Three other Piping Plover were at the Plover ponds. Lots of swallows flying about including 1 Bank Swallow. A pair of bluebirds were using one of the bird boxes in the park, as were a pair of Tree Swallows. House wrens were close by hoping to get one of the boxes. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Warren Cairo, and Steve Weis.
50 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  12
Gadwall  2
Mallard  6
Northern Gannet  5
Double-crested Cormorant  300
Great Egret  1
Snowy Egret  3
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  6
Osprey  2
Piping Plover  4
Killdeer  2
American Oystercatcher  4
Willet  1
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Forster's Tern  10
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  5
Chimney Swift  6
White-eyed Vireo  1     heard
American Crow  5
Fish Crow  3
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  10
Purple Martin  50
Tree Swallow  10
Bank Swallow  1
Barn Swallow  20
Carolina Chickadee  2
House Wren  3
Carolina Wren  2
Eastern Bluebird  2
American Robin  10
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  10
Common Yellowthroat  6
Yellow-rumped Warbler  3
Field Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  4
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
House Finch  4
American Goldfinch  2
House Sparrow  2

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

Piping Plover [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Tree Swallows [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Beach nesters [Photo by Karl Lukens]

EZ Birding - Tuesday, April 30th, 2013

Highlights include American Oystercatchers on nest; Piping Plover feeding at edge of Plover Pond; good looks at both Forster's and Common Terns; great looks at bat-like flight of Chimney Swifts; Pied-billed Grebe on Lighthouse Pond East; and several Osprey. Leader: Chuck Slugg.
54 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  10
Gadwall  4
Mallard  12
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Double-crested Cormorant  7
Great Egret  8
Snowy Egret  4
Glossy Ibis  6
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  5
Osprey  4
Piping Plover  1
Killdeer  2
American Oystercatcher  4
Wilson's Snipe  1
Laughing Gull  10
Herring Gull  6
Great Black-backed Gull  8
Common Tern  2
Forster's Tern  24
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  2
Chimney Swift  4
Downy Woodpecker  1     heard only
Eastern Kingbird  1     heard only
Blue Jay  4
American Crow  5
Fish Crow  10
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  20
Purple Martin  50
Tree Swallow  16
Barn Swallow  6
Carolina Chickadee  4
House Wren  2
Carolina Wren  6
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1     heard only
American Robin  8
Northern Mockingbird  5
European Starling  6
Common Yellowthroat  5
Yellow Warbler  2
Pine Warbler  1     heard only
Yellow-rumped Warbler  6
Eastern Towhee  3     heard only
Song Sparrow  3
White-throated Sparrow  2     heard only
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  12
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  8
House Finch  2     heard only
American Goldfinch  4
House Sparrow  4

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

Hidden Corners of Belleplain - Tuesday, April 30th, 2013

Highlights included good looks at Acadian Flycatcher, Summer Tanager, Eastern Bluebird, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Northern Parula, Worm-eating Warbler and Blue-winged Warbler. Leaders Karen Johnson, Janet Crawford, and Chris Marks.
40 species

Wild Turkey  3
Osprey  1
Herring Gull  2
Mourning Dove  1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  1
Acadian Flycatcher  2
Eastern Phoebe  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  3
White-eyed Vireo  3
Blue-headed Vireo  1
Red-eyed Vireo  2
Blue Jay  5
Fish Crow  2
Carolina Chickadee  7
Tufted Titmouse  10
Carolina Wren  2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  4
Eastern Bluebird  1
Wood Thrush  2
American Robin  6
Gray Catbird  1
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  2
Ovenbird  20
Worm-eating Warbler  3
Blue-winged Warbler  1
Black-and-white Warbler  2
Northern Parula  1
Pine Warbler  6
Yellow-throated Warbler  3
Eastern Towhee  3
Chipping Sparrow  7
White-throated Sparrow  3
Summer Tanager  2
Northern Cardinal  1
Brown-headed Cowbird  8
Orchard Oriole  1
American Goldfinch  6

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

Shorebirds at Heislerville - Monday, April 29th, 2013

Despite the steady rain, we saw a  good number of birds, including Ruddy Ducks, one in breeding plumage, a bathing Clapper Rail, Red-breasted Mergansers, lots of Black-crowned Night-Herons, a Green Heron and a Lesser Black-backed Gull. There were more Semipalmated Sandpipers present today. Leaders: Janet Crawford, Warren Cairo, Chuck Slugg and Shaun Bamford.
33 species

Canada Goose  3
Mute Swan  2
Gadwall  3
American Black Duck  6
Mallard  2
Green-winged Teal  20
Red-breasted Merganser  2
Ruddy Duck  3
Double-crested Cormorant  50
Great Egret  30
Snowy Egret  20
Green Heron  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  30
Osprey  6
Clapper Rail  3
Black-bellied Plover  5
Semipalmated Plover  3
Killdeer  2
Greater Yellowlegs  40
Lesser Yellowlegs  10
Semipalmated Sandpiper  12
Dunlin  300
Short-billed Dowitcher  40
Bonaparte's Gull  3
Laughing Gull  2
Herring Gull  30
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  12
Forster's Tern  10
Eastern Kingbird  1
European Starling  5
Red-winged Blackbird  6
Common Grackle  4

Thompson's Beach, Cumberland
8 species

Green-winged Teal  10
Double-crested Cormorant  5
Snowy Egret  2
Osprey  8
Clapper Rail  6
Greater Yellowlegs  8
Herring Gull  30
Tree Swallow  6

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

Birds of Peaslee - Monday, April 29th, 2013

We had a good number of birds on this very rainy day, including American Redstart, Prairie Warbler,  Blue-winged Warbler, Worm-eating Warbler, Yellow-throated Vireo, Blue-headed Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, and a fly over Wood Duck. Leaders Karen Johnson and Janet Crawford.
25 species

Wood Duck  1
Yellow-throated Vireo  4
Blue-headed Vireo  1
Red-eyed Vireo  1
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  2
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  6
American Robin  2
European Starling  2
Ovenbird  7
Worm-eating Warbler  2
Blue-winged Warbler  1
Black-and-white Warbler  3
Common Yellowthroat  1
American Redstart  3
Pine Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler  3
Yellow-throated Warbler  1
Eastern Towhee  6
Chipping Sparrow  5
White-throated Sparrow  6
Northern Cardinal  2

Tarkiln Pond area
6 species

Eastern Kingbird  1
White-eyed Vireo  1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  1
Tree Swallow  5
Barn Swallow  4
Carolina Wren  1

Belleplain State Forest
10 species

Chimney Swift  1
Eastern Phoebe  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  1
Tufted Titmouse  3
Carolina Wren  2
Ovenbird  4
Prairie Warbler  3
Chipping Sparrow  3
White-throated Sparrow  5
American Goldfinch  4

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

Cox Hall Creek Bird Walk - Sunday, April 28th, 2013

An early highlight of this morning's Cox Hall Creek walk was the cooperative Red-headed Woodpecker that perched long enough for scope views for everyone. The late highlight was the gorgeous male Scarlet Tanager that was flitting from tree to tree in the parking lot at the end of the walk, as if showing off his finery for all to see. In between we had Palm, Prairie, Black-and-white, Yellow, Yellow-rumped (now looking fine!), Pine and Northern Parula Warblers plus Blue-headed and White-eyed Vireos and 3 close fly-over Green Herons. Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, Janet Crawford, Chuck Slugg, Cindy & Shaun Bamford, Joe Demko, and Steve Weis.
62 species

Canada Goose  1
Mallard  6
Common Loon  2
Double-crested Cormorant  21
Great Egret  1
Green Heron  3  
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  2
Bald Eagle  1
Red-tailed Hawk  2
Lesser Yellowlegs  1
Laughing Gull  10
Herring Gull  1
Mourning Dove  2
Chimney Swift  2
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-headed Woodpecker  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  4
Downy Woodpecker  3
Northern Flicker  4
Great Crested Flycatcher  4
Eastern Kingbird  3
White-eyed Vireo  3
Blue-headed Vireo  4  
Blue Jay  6
American Crow  5
Fish Crow  3
Purple Martin  2
Tree Swallow  12
Barn Swallow  3
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  12
Red-breasted Nuthatch  2
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  9
Eastern Bluebird  4
American Robin  10
Northern Mockingbird  2
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  7
Black-and-white Warbler  4
Northern Parula  1
Yellow Warbler  2
Palm Warbler  4
Pine Warbler  5
Yellow-rumped Warbler  22
Prairie Warbler  1
Eastern Towhee  6
Chipping Sparrow  30
Field Sparrow  6
Song Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  18
Scarlet Tanager  1
Northern Cardinal  8
Blue Grosbeak  2
Red-winged Blackbird  25
Common Grackle  14
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
House Finch  2
American Goldfinch  5

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

Scarlet Tanager [Photo by Roger Horn]

Bird Walk for All People - Saturday, April 27th, 2013

Beautiful spring weather was enjoyed by all on the Walk for All People. Highlights of the walk include: pair of American Oystercatchers doing a nest exchange and turning 2 eggs at the nest closest to the Bunker; Prairie Warblers in our faces; both Eastern and Western Palm Warblers; quick look at a Yellow Warbler; American Wigeon and Blue-winged Teal; and several Ospreys. Leaders: Chuck Slugg, Cindy Bamford.
56 species

Canada Goose  4
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  4
American Wigeon  2     seen on Lighthouse Pond East
Mallard  10
Blue-winged Teal  2
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Northern Gannet  20
Double-crested Cormorant  8
Great Egret  6
Snowy Egret  2
Turkey Vulture  6
Osprey  5
Northern Harrier  1
American Coot  5
Piping Plover  1
Killdeer  2
American Oystercatcher  4
Laughing Gull  20
Herring Gull  6
Great Black-backed Gull  12
Forster's Tern  30
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  4
Chimney Swift  3
Downy Woodpecker  1
Eastern Kingbird  2
American Crow  6
Fish Crow  2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  12
Purple Martin  30
Tree Swallow  12
Barn Swallow  4
Carolina Chickadee  6
House Wren  2
Carolina Wren  5
Eastern Bluebird  1
American Robin  10
Northern Mockingbird  4
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  6
Common Yellowthroat  6     heard only
Yellow Warbler  1
Palm Warbler  3
Pine Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler  8
Prairie Warbler  3
Song Sparrow  2
White-throated Sparrow  5
Northern Cardinal  3
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  12
House Finch  4
American Goldfinch  4
House Sparrow  4

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

Birds of Belleplain - Saturday, April 27th, 2013

A beautiful spring morning in Belleplain with as many birders as birds singing. Pine Warblers, Hooded Warblers, Yellow-throated warblers, Ovenbirds, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Louisiana Waterthrush and Prothonotary warblers were in full song. Leaders: Bert Hixon, Shaun Bamford, and Chris Marks.
47 species

Canada Goose  3
Wild Turkey  2
Black Vulture  10
Turkey Vulture  13
Bald Eagle  2
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull  10
Mourning Dove  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  1
Eastern Phoebe  4
Eastern Kingbird  1
White-eyed Vireo  6
Blue Jay  5
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  3
Tree Swallow  2
Barn Swallow  4
Carolina Chickadee  5
Tufted Titmouse  5
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  6
Eastern Bluebird  2
American Robin  8
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  2
Brown Thrasher  2
European Starling  5
Ovenbird  5
Louisiana Waterthrush  2
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Prothonotary Warbler  1
Hooded Warbler  2
Yellow Warbler  3
Yellow-rumped Warbler  2
Prairie Warbler  3
Eastern Towhee  2
Chipping Sparrow  8
Song Sparrow  2
White-throated Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  4
Eastern Meadowlark  1
Common Grackle  4
American Goldfinch  4

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

Spring Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, April 27th, 2013

A beautiful birdy kind of day. Started with a perched, singing male Blue Grosbeak with good scope views. Waders included Snowy Egret, and 6 perched Black-crowned Night-Herons. Raptors were a Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, several Kestrels, and  a perched Merlin. Near the ponds were 1 Solitary Sandpiper, and 4 Wilson's Snipe. Warblers included Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-rumped, Prairie, and a singing and finally seen Prothonotary Warbler. Highlight was a good look at Red-headed Woodpecker. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Kathy & Roger Horn, Warren Cairo, Claudia Burns, and Catherine Busch.
56 species

Canada Goose  2
Mallard  6
Double-crested Cormorant  150
Snowy Egret  2
Black-crowned Night-Heron  6
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  8
Osprey  2
Cooper's Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Coot  2
Killdeer  4
Solitary Sandpiper  1
Wilson's Snipe  4
Laughing Gull  8
Herring Gull  1
Forster's Tern  2
Rock Pigeon  1
Mourning Dove  10
Chimney Swift  15
Red-headed Woodpecker  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  3
American Kestrel  2
Merlin  1
Great-crested Flycatcher  1  heard
White-eyed Vireo  3
Blue-headed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  5
Barn Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  2
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
American Robin  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  10
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Prothonotary Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  6
Palm Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  2
Prairie Warbler  2
Eastern Towhee  1
Field Sparrow  1
Savannah Sparrow  3
Song Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  5
Northern Cardinal  6
Blue Grosbeak  1
Red-winged Blackbird  5
Common Grackle  6
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
House Sparrow  2

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

Red-headed Woodpecker [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Savannah Sparrow  [Photo by Karl Lukens]

A Meadows Afternoon - Friday, April 26th, 2013

Highlights of the Friday afternoon at the Meadows include:  a large flock of Glossy Ibis; Greater and Snowy Egrets; Horned Grebe; American Coot; swallows including Tree, Barn, and Cliff; Northern Harrier; and a Long-tailed Duck off the 2nd St. jetty. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg.
50 species

Canada Goose  8
Mute Swan  16
Gadwall  6
Mallard  12
Green-winged Teal  6
Long-tailed Duck  1
Red-throated Loon  1
Common Loon  4
Horned Grebe  1
Northern Gannet  12
Great Egret  8
Snowy Egret  2
Green Heron  2
Glossy Ibis  21
Black Vulture  5
Turkey Vulture  18
Osprey  2
Northern Harrier  2
Cooper's Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Coot  4
Killdeer  1     heard
American Oystercatcher  3
Greater Yellowlegs  3
Laughing Gull  40
Herring Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  5
Forster's Tern  15
Mourning Dove  2
Chimney Swift  2
American Crow  5
Fish Crow  3
Purple Martin  6
Tree Swallow  20
Barn Swallow  12
Cliff Swallow  1
American Robin  3
Gray Catbird  1     heard
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  4
Common Yellowthroat  4     heard
Yellow-rumped Warbler  1
Eastern Towhee  2     heard
Savannah Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  3
Blue Grosbeak  1
Red-winged Blackbird  8
Common Grackle  3
Brown-headed Cowbird  3     heard
House Sparrow  3

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

Higbee Beach Bird Walk - Friday, April 26th, 2013

Not many migrants around yet, but Prairie Warblers are quite visible and vocal as were a couple of White-eyed Vireos. Still a good number of Northern Gannets in the bay as well as a few Scoters, and 1 Common Tern and an American Oystercatcher with Purple Sandpipers on the ferry jetty. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Warren Cairo, Chris Marks, Catherine Busch, and Patty Rourke.
50 species

Brant  2
Canada Goose  1
Mallard  3
Surf Scoter  15
Wild Turkey  1
Northern Gannet  25
Double-crested Cormorant  75
Great Egret  1
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  10
Osprey  1
American Oystercatcher  1
Sanderling  20
Purple Sandpiper  20
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Common Tern  1
Mourning Dove  8
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  1
Hairy Woodpecker  1
White-eyed Vireo  6
Blue Jay  3
American Crow  5
Tree Swallow  1
Bank Swallow  1
Barn Swallow  4
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  2
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1     heard
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  5
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  8
American Robin  1
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  10
Common Yellowthroat  1
Prairie Warbler  4
Chipping Sparrow  1
Field Sparrow  2
Savannah Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  12
Northern Cardinal  5
Red-winged Blackbird  2
Common Grackle  4
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
American Goldfinch  5

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

Shorebirds at Heislerville - Thursday, April 25th, 2013

Highlights include a Wilson's Phalarope, 2 Glaucous Gulls, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, lots of Dunlin with some Short-billed Dowitchers, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs and Black-bellied Plovers mixed in, and some lingering ducks, including Green-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler and Northern Pintail. Leaders Janet Crawford, Warren Cairo, Shaun and Cindy Bamford.
38 species

Canada Goose  6
Mute Swan  3
American Black Duck  12
Northern Shoveler  6
Northern Pintail  1
Green-winged Teal  120
Double-crested Cormorant  50
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  30
Snowy Egret  8
Glossy Ibis  9
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  4
Cooper's Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  2
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Clapper Rail  6
Black-bellied Plover  10
Killdeer  1
Greater Yellowlegs  60
Willet  2
Lesser Yellowlegs  20
Dunlin  400
Short-billed Dowitcher  30
Wilson's Phalarope  1
Laughing Gull  8
Ring-billed Gull  6
Herring Gull  50
Lesser Black-backed Gull  2
Glaucous Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Forster's Tern  20
Eastern Kingbird  1
Fish Crow  2
Tree Swallow  6
Barn Swallow  6
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  1

Thompsons Beach, Cumberland
10 species

Green-winged Teal  1
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  14
Northern Harrier  1
Clapper Rail  10
Greater Yellowlegs  4
Willet  3
Fish Crow  3
Tree Swallow  12
Red-winged Blackbird  20

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

Birds of Belleplain - Thursday, April 25th, 2013

Cool and breezy and the birds were somewhat quiet. However we did hear and see several Yellow-throated Warblers, one we even looked down on as it foraged on the ground. Pine Warblers were also visible and vocal. A few did see a very quiet Louisiana Waterthrush. Nice looks at 3 Savannah Sparrows and 2 Brown Thrashers. Overhead we had 1 Red-tailed Hawk, both vultures, an Osprey and 2 adult Bald Eagles. Leaders: Shaun Bamford and Karl Lukens.
47 species

Canada Goose  1
Wild Turkey  6
Double-crested Cormorant  10
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  8
Osprey  1
Bald Eagle  2
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Laughing Gull  30
Herring Gull  2
Mourning Dove  5
Barred Owl  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3     heard
Downy Woodpecker  1     heard
Eastern Phoebe  6
White-eyed Vireo  4
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  3
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  1
Carolina Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  3
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  8
American Robin  15
Northern Mockingbird  5
Brown Thrasher  2
Ovenbird  15     heard
Louisiana Waterthrush  1     seen by a few
Black-and-white Warbler  3
Common Yellowthroat  1
Palm Warbler  1
Pine Warbler  8
Yellow-rumped Warbler  4
Yellow-throated Warbler  4
Prairie Warbler  1
Eastern Towhee  1     heard
Chipping Sparrow  15
Savannah Sparrow  3
Song Sparrow  1
Swamp Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  4
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
American Goldfinch  4

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

Barred Owl [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Nummy's Island Bird Walk - Wednesday, April 24th, 2013

Not optimal birding weather, but this intrepid group got good looks at Eastern Willet, Black-crowned and Yellow-crowned Night herons, as well as a number of hunkered down shorebirds. Leaders: Warren Cairo, Shaun & Cindy Bamford, Lee & Bill Smythe, Patty Rourke, and Chris Marks.
25 species (+1 other taxa)

Brant 75
American Black Duck 8
Mallard 1
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 1
Red-breasted Merganser 1
Double-crested Cormorant 10
Great Egret 1
Snowy Egret 1
Tricolored Heron 1
Black-crowned Night-Heron 8
Osprey 6
Clapper Rail 2
Black-bellied Plover 25
American Oystercatcher 10
Willet (Eastern) 15
Whimbrel 10
Dunlin 50
Short-billed Dowitcher 20
Laughing Gull 1500
Herring Gull 30
Great Black-backed Gull 2
Mourning Dove 2
Fish Crow 2
Red-winged Blackbird 3
Common Grackle 2
Boat-tailed Grackle 2

Avalon Dunes
2 species

Black-crowned Night-Heron  4
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron  5

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, April 24th, 2013

Another great off-shore flight with Northern Gannets, Scoters, Loons, and even 8 Brant. Waders included Great Egret, Snowy Egrets, Glossy Ibis, and Green Heron. Piping Plover and Least Sandpiper were at the 1st Plover Pond. Lots of Swallows including 1 perched Cliff Swallow. Warblers included Yellow-rumped, Pine, a heard Yellow-throated, and Common Yellowthroats. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, Warren Cairo, Chris Marks, and Lisa Ryan.
58 species

Brant  8
Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  2
Mallard  8
Ring-necked Duck  1
Surf Scoter  25
Red-throated Loon  6
Common Loon  1
Northern Gannet  100
Double-crested Cormorant  100
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  2
Green Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  1
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  5
Piping Plover  2
Killdeer  4
Least Sandpiper  5
Bonaparte's Gull  1
Laughing Gull  25
Herring Gull  3
Great Black-backed Gull  3
Forster's Tern  8
Rock Pigeon  1
Mourning Dove  4
Northern Flicker  1     heard
American Kestrel  1
Eastern Kingbird  1
American Crow  5
Fish Crow  1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  8
Purple Martin  50
Tree Swallow  10
Barn Swallow  10
Cliff Swallow  1
Carolina Chickadee  2
House Wren  2
Carolina Wren  2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
Eastern Bluebird  1
American Robin  10
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  10
Common Yellowthroat  8
Pine Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  3
Yellow-throated Warbler  1     heard
Eastern Towhee  1
Savannah Sparrow  3
Song Sparrow  4
White-throated Sparrow  5     heard
Northern Cardinal  4
Rose-breasted Grosbeak  1
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  8
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
House Sparrow  2

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

Bonaparte's Gull [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Cliff Swallow [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Yellow-rumped Warbler [Photo by Karl Lukens]

EZ Birding - Tuesday, April 23rd, 2013

Highlights of the EZ Birding Walk include many swallows sitting in the parking lot and behind the dune, including Purple Martins, Tree Swallows and Barn Swallows; mixed flock of shorebirds on Plover Pond including Sanderlings, Semi-palmated Sandpipers, and Least Sandpipers; a late Ring-necked Duck on Bunker Pond; and many Ospreys. Leader: Chuck Slugg.
51 species

Canada Goose  8
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  4
Mallard  10
Ring-necked Duck  1
Northern Gannet  30
Double-crested Cormorant  6
Great Egret  4
Glossy Ibis  22
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  6
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Killdeer  4
American Oystercatcher  4
Sanderling  18
Semipalmated Sandpiper  2     In a mixed flock of Sanderling and Least Sandpipers, same size as Least with black legs, feeding at Plover Pond, more gray than the brown Leasts.
Least Sandpiper  10
Laughing Gull  6
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  4
Forster's Tern  6
Rock Pigeon  2
American Crow  3
Fish Crow  6
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  15
Purple Martin  60
Tree Swallow  25
Barn Swallow  15
Cave Swallow  1     By Bunker Pond, less rufous that Barn Swallows, no swallow tail, pale under throat, and forehead patch.
Carolina Chickadee  6
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  5
Eastern Bluebird  4
American Robin  10
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  6
Common Yellowthroat  4     heard
Yellow Warbler  1     heard
Pine Warbler  2     heard
Yellow-rumped Warbler  4
Eastern Towhee  1     heard
Song Sparrow  2
White-throated Sparrow  3
Dark-eyed Junco  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  6
Common Grackle  6
Brown-headed Cowbird  14
House Finch  3     heard
American Goldfinch  8
House Sparrow  4

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

Hidden Corners of Belleplain - Tuesday, April 23rd, 2013

Highlights included good looks at a pair of Wood Ducks, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Yellow-throated Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Pine Warbler and Prairie Warbler. Leaders Karen Johnson, Chris Marks, Shaun Bamford, and Janet Crawford.
32 species

Canada Goose  1
Wood Duck  2
Osprey  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
Laughing Gull  6
Red-bellied Woodpecker  4
Downy Woodpecker  1
Eastern Phoebe  2
Eastern Kingbird  3
White-eyed Vireo  1
Blue-headed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  6
American Crow  5
Fish Crow  2
Carolina Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  4
American Robin  6
European Starling  3
Ovenbird  8
Black-and-white Warbler  2
Common Yellowthroat  1
Pine Warbler  7
Yellow-throated Warbler  1
Prairie Warbler  3
Eastern Towhee  6
Chipping Sparrow  6
White-throated Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  1
Brown-headed Cowbird  6
American Goldfinch  15

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

Shorebirds at Heislerville - Monday, April 22nd, 2013

Highlights include great looks at Clapper Rails, Dunlin, Short-billed Dowitchers and Black-bellied Plovers coming into breeding plumage, 2 Bald Eagles, lots of Osprey, Green-winged Teal and Glossy Ibis, a very late American Wigeon and a Eurasian Green-winged Teal. Leaders Janet Crawford, Warren Cairo, Chuck Slugg and Shaun Bamford.
34 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  6
Mute Swan  2
Gadwall  4
American Wigeon  1
American Black Duck  8
Mallard  2
Blue-winged Teal  4
Northern Shoveler  4
Green-winged Teal  200
Green-winged Teal (Eurasian)  1     continuing bird
Double-crested Cormorant  100
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  30
Snowy Egret  20
Glossy Ibis  40
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  5
Bald Eagle  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Clapper Rail  1
Black-bellied Plover  30
Killdeer  1
Greater Yellowlegs  80
Lesser Yellowlegs  30
Dunlin  30
Short-billed Dowitcher  10
Laughing Gull  3
Ring-billed Gull  15
Herring Gull  50
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Forster's Tern  18
Barn Swallow  8
Boat-tailed Grackle  1
House Sparrow  2

Thompsons Beach, Cumberland
15 species

American Black Duck  2
Green-winged Teal  150
Double-crested Cormorant  4
Snowy Egret  2
Glossy Ibis  5
Osprey  16
Northern Harrier  2
Bald Eagle  1
Clapper Rail  10
Greater Yellowlegs  20
Willet  6
Laughing Gull  6
Herring Gull  10
Forster's Tern  6
Red-winged Blackbird  6

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

Birding the Meadows - Monday, April 22nd, 2013

Cold and windy but a few birds were still found. A few ducks are still present including Gadwall, Northern Shoveler, and Green-winged Teal. Off shore and on the beach we had, numerous Northern Gannets way off, a few very close, 4 American Oystercatchers, and 1 Piping Plover. Waders included Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Glossy Ibis, as well as both Yellowlegs. After the walk we all went to the Concrete Ship to look for a reported Red-throated Loon in breeding plumage, and fortunately it was there for good scope looks! Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Warren Cairo, and Catherine Busch.
43 species

Canada Goose  2
Mute Swan  10
Gadwall  2
Mallard  8
Northern Shoveler  3
Green-winged Teal  1
Red-throated Loon  10     After walk at Concrete Ship, 1 in breeding plumage
Northern Gannet  50     A few close, many way off
Double-crested Cormorant  10
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  3
Glossy Ibis  15
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  15
Osprey  4
American Coot  1
Piping Plover  1
Killdeer  1
American Oystercatcher  4
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  3
Sanderling  20
Wilson's Snipe  3
Laughing Gull  10
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  5
Forster's Tern  10
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  5
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  1
Tree Swallow  5
Barn Swallow  3
European Starling  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler  1
Savannah Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  3
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
House Sparrow  5

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

Greater Yellowlegs [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Piping Plover [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Red-throated Loon in breeding plumage! [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Belleplain Wildlife - Sunday, April 21st, 2013

This week's foray took us to the Hunter's Mill Road area where Cape May, Cumberland, and Atlantic Counties meet. Botanical highlights included Tiny Bluets and Spicebush in flower, and the first bloom of Golden Club (an aquatic plant). We also examined the differences in two Club Mosses (see below), plants which are found in large clumps due to their spreading underground by rhizomes. Two early dragonflies were found - Springtime Darner and Uhler's Sundragon, and despite the cold temperature, a few butterflies were seen - Blueberry Azure and Henry's Elfin. The group got good looks at Black-and-white, Pine, and Yellow-throated Warblers, and Chipping Sparrow as well. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Catherine Busch, Chris Marks, Lisa Ryan, and Warren Cairo.

Mike Crewe demonstrates the difference between Obscure Club Moss (left) and Fan Club Moss [Photo by Catherine Busch]