Breeding Birds at the Rea Farm - Saturday, June 14th, 2014

A beautiful day with good breeding birds to view. Some of the breeders seen were multiple Indigo Buntings, Blue Grosbeak, Yellow-breasted Chat, Orchard Oriole, Great Crested Flycatcher, and Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Additionally we had several fly-over Wood Ducks, a perched Black-Crowned Night-Heron, and a Bald Eagle. We also had brief, but good, looks at a singing Prothonotary Warbler. Leaders: Warren Cairo, Karl Lukens, Carrie Bell, Cindy Bamford, and Claudia Burns.
51 species

Canada Goose  20
Wood Duck  3
Mallard  5
Double-crested Cormorant  15
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  2
Green Heron  4
Black-crowned Night-Heron  2
Glossy Ibis  7
Black Vulture  4
Turkey Vulture  6
Bald Eagle  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Laughing Gull  10
Herring Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Least Tern  2
Forster's Tern  2
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  2
Mourning Dove  10
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  1
Chimney Swift  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1     heard
Downy Woodpecker  1
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  3
Eastern Kingbird  2
American Crow  5
Fish Crow  1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  3
Purple Martin  5
Barn Swallow  3
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  1
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  15
Prothonotary Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  3
Yellow-breasted Chat  1
Field Sparrow  2     heard
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  6
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  4
Red-winged Blackbird  5
Common Grackle  15
Brown-headed Cowbird  6
Orchard Oriole  1
House Finch  3
American Goldfinch  3
House Sparrow  5

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

Black-crowned Night-Heron [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Blue Grosbeak [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Orchard Oriole [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Bird Walk for All People - Thursday, June 12th, 2014

Even though it was overcast, foggy, and humid we had a good walk. Highlights include: finding the nest of a pair of Yellow-throated Warblers, a bird that has not been known to nest in the state park recently; Piping Plover pair chasing five American Oystercatchers on the beach so they may be trying to renest; American Oystercatcher chicks; Short-billed Dowitchers; Killdeer with chicks; Orchard Orioles; and an abundance of Yellow-breasted Chats calling. Leaders: Chuck Slugg and Warren Cairo.
58 species

Canada Goose  45
Mute Swan  20
Mallard  10
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  5
Tricolored Heron  1
Green Heron  3
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  4
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  9
Cooper's Hawk  1
American Oystercatcher  10
Piping Plover  2
Killdeer  4
Short-billed Dowitcher  2
Laughing Gull  20
Herring Gull  3
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  15
Least Tern  18
Common Tern  16
Forster's Tern  14
Black Skimmer  1
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  2
Mourning Dove  4
Chimney Swift  6
Willow Flycatcher  1
Eastern Kingbird  2
Fish Crow  8
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  10
Purple Martin  25
Tree Swallow  8
Barn Swallow  8
Carolina Chickadee  2
House Wren  3
Carolina Wren  5
American Robin  3
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  6
Cedar Waxwing  10
Common Yellowthroat  3
Yellow Warbler  1
Yellow-throated Warbler  4
Yellow-breasted Chat  4     heard simultaneoulsy
Field Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  3
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  3     heard
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  12
Brown-headed Cowbird  4
Orchard Oriole  2
House Finch  6
American Goldfinch  6
House Sparrow  5

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, June 11th, 2014

A misty, cloudy morning ending with rain did not prevent us from seeing some interesting birds. Off shore we had a close, immature Northern Gannet and a Black Scoter both lingering beyond their usual time. A nice sighting was two Piping Plovers at the first Plover Pond as well as a pair of Killdeer with one chick. On the beach we had at least two Lesser Black-backed Gulls, Black Skimmers, and Least and Common Terns. Other good birds were scope views of Blue Grosbeak, Orchard Oriole, and Eastern Kingbird. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Chris Marks, and Warren Cairo.
46 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  4
Mallard  10
Black Scoter  1
Northern Gannet  1     imm.
Great Egret  1
Snowy Egret  1
Green Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  5
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  2
American Oystercatcher  4
Piping Plover  2
Killdeer  3
Willet  2
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull  1
Lesser Black-backed Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  20
Least Tern  15
Common Tern  10
Forster's Tern  15
Black Skimmer  12
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  3
Mourning Dove  5
Chimney Swift  2
Eastern Kingbird  2
Fish Crow  1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  5
Purple Martin  100
Tree Swallow  1
Barn Swallow  10
American Robin  1
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  10
Field Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  2
Blue Grosbeak  1
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
Orchard Oriole  1     ad male
House Finch  1
House Sparrow  5

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

Forster's Tern and Common Tern [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Gray Catbird [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, June 9th, 2014

It was a cool, cloudy, breezy morning. Interesting birds were a fly-over Black-Crowned Night Heron, a pair of American Oystercatchers with three chicks, and two Black Scoters. Shorebirds were four Willets, 60 Semi-palmated Sandpipers, and seven Short-billed Dowitchers. The parking lot area again proved the place to be where we saw Indigo Bunting, Cedar Waxwing, Orchard Orioles building a nest, and heard two Yellow-breasted Chats. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, and Catherine Busch.
47 species

Canada Goose  15
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  1
Mallard  20
Black Scoter  2
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  1
Osprey  4
American Oystercatcher  8
Killdeer  1
Willet  4
Semipalmated Sandpiper  60
Short-billed Dowitcher  7
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull  5
Lesser Black-backed Gull  3
Great Black-backed Gull  15
Least Tern  10
Common Tern  2
Forster's Tern  20
Black Skimmer  5
Mourning Dove  5
Northern Flicker  3
Eastern Kingbird  1
Fish Crow  1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  1
Tree Swallow  3
Barn Swallow  4
American Robin  1
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  10
Cedar Waxwing  5
Common Yellowthroat  5
Prairie Warbler  1
Yellow-breasted Chat  2     heard
Eastern Towhee  1
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  2
Indigo Bunting  2
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
Orchard Oriole  3     nest
House Finch  2
American Goldfinch  5
House Sparrow  5

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

Eastern Towhee [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Lesser Black-backed Gull [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Breeding Birds at the Rea Farm - Saturday, June 7th, 2014

Perched, scope-able birds are a treat and several were so obliging on this morning's walk. Several - including Indigo Bunting, Common Yellowthroat, Field Sparrow and Yellow-breasted Chat - sang as we watched. We had to re-trace our steps when the Prothonotary Warbler suddenly sang in the wet woods behind us, interrupting our viewing of the Mississippi Kite. Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, Karl Lukens, Cindy Bamford, and Carrie Bell.
52 species

Wood Duck  2
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  1
Snowy Egret  1
Green Heron  4  
Glossy Ibis  9
Black Vulture  4
Turkey Vulture  5
Mississippi Kite  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Killdeer  1
Laughing Gull  8
Herring Gull  5
Forster's Tern  3
Mourning Dove  8
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  1
Chimney Swift  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  1
Hairy Woodpecker  2
Great Crested Flycatcher  5
Eastern Kingbird  1
White-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  4
American Crow  6
Purple Martin  5
Tree Swallow  3
Barn Swallow  7
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  2
House Wren  3
Carolina Wren  4
American Robin  8
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  6
Prothonotary Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  3
Yellow-breasted Chat  2
Field Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  6
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  8
Red-winged Blackbird  9
Common Grackle  12
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
House Finch  1
American Goldfinch  4
House Sparrow  5

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

Sunset Birding at the Meadows - Friday, June 6th, 2014

Good weather except for the gnats! Highlights of the walk include: three American Oystercatcher chicks being fed mole crabs by adult; Black Skimmers skimming; Green Heron flyover; Black-crowned Night Heron perched on bridge; mixed flock of sandpipers, mostly Semipalmated Sandpipers; and a perched Red-tailed Hawk being harassed by Red-winged Blackbirds. Leaders: Chuck Slugg, Kathy and Roger Horn, Michael McCabe, and Carrie Bell.
48 species

Canada Goose  28
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  2
Mallard  38
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  3
Green Heron  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  6
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Oystercatcher  10
Semipalmated Plover  4
Killdeer  2
Spotted Sandpiper  1
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Willet  4
Dunlin  4     in mixed flock of shorebirds in east pond
Least Sandpiper  1
Semipalmated Sandpiper  160     about 50 in east pond and large group in air
Short-billed Dowitcher  3
Laughing Gull  10
Herring Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  8
Least Tern  14
Common Tern  1
Forster's Tern  10
Black Skimmer  8
Mourning Dove  7
Chimney Swift  5
Eastern Kingbird  1     heard
Fish Crow  3
Purple Martin  7
Tree Swallow  6
Barn Swallow  5
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  5
Common Yellowthroat  4     heard only
Yellow-breasted Chat  1     heard
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  2
Indigo Bunting  2
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  12
Orchard Oriole  1
House Finch  1     heard
House Sparrow  3

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, June 4th, 2014

Along the beach waters, we had about a dozen lingering Black Scoters and three Surf Scoters. Fly-overs were Great Blue Heron, Great Egrets, Snowy Egret. and Glossy Ibis. On the beach, we had a couple dozen Black Skimmers, American Oystercatchers, and a Piping Plover on nest. We also had good looks at Great Crested Flycatchers, Eastern Kingbirds, and Cedar Waxwings, and brief looks at Yellow-breasted Chat, and a Yellow-throated Warbler. Finally, we had a distant  look at a Mississippi Kite. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Warren Cairo, Chris Marks, Mary Watkins, and Michael McCabe.
56 species

Canada Goose  75
Mute Swan  4
Mallard  6
Surf Scoter  3
Black Scoter  12
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  5
Snowy Egret  1
Glossy Ibis  10
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  5
Mississippi Kite  1
American Oystercatcher  4     one on nest
Piping Plover  2     one on nest
Killdeer  1
Semipalmated Sandpiper  8
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  25
Least Tern  25
Common Tern  1
Forster's Tern  25
Black Skimmer  25
Mourning Dove  10
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  4
Eastern Kingbird  3
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  3
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  5
Purple Martin  100
Tree Swallow  5
Barn Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  1
Tufted Titmouse  1
House Wren  2
Carolina Wren  2     heard
American Robin  10
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  5
Cedar Waxwing  4
Common Yellowthroat  5
Yellow Warbler  2     heard
Yellow-throated Warbler  1
Yellow-breasted Chat  2     heard , seen briefly
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  5
Indigo Bunting  2     heard , seen briefly by a few
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
House Finch  2
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  5

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

Black Skimmers [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Cedar Waxwing [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Piping Plover on nest [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Semipalmated Sandpiper [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, June 2nd, 2014

It was a nice day and we had good birds. Waders included three flyover Green Herons, Glossy Ibis, and Great and Snowy Egrets. On the beach we had a pair of American Oystercatchers with three chicks (less than 1 week old). Shorebirds included Semipalmated Sandpiper and Plover, a few Dunlin, Short-billed Dowitchers, and Greater Yellowlegs. The parking lot again produced good birds with Blue Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, and Orchard Oriole being seen.  Leaders: Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Steve Weis, Warren Cairo, Catherine Busch, and Mary Watkins.
57 species

Canada Goose  50
Mute Swan  20
American Black Duck  3
Mallard  6
Surf Scoter  2
Black Scoter  1
Double-crested Cormorant  5
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  2
Green Heron  3
Glossy Ibis  8
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  5
Osprey  4
American Oystercatcher  7     3 chicks
Semipalmated Plover  1
Killdeer  1
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Willet (Eastern)  1
Dunlin  1
Least Sandpiper  1
Semipalmated Sandpiper  50
Short-billed Dowitcher  25
Laughing Gull  10
Herring Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  8
Least Tern  20
Forster's Tern  15
Black Skimmer  12
Mourning Dove  5
Chimney Swift  4
Eastern Kingbird  1
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  1
Purple Martin  3
Tree Swallow  5
Barn Swallow  10
Carolina Chickadee  1
Tufted Titmouse  1
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  5
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  5
Cedar Waxwing  4
Common Yellowthroat  5
Yellow Warbler  1
Eastern Towhee  1
Song Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  2
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  6
Orchard Oriole  3     ad. male, 1st yr male, female
House Finch  2
American Goldfinch  3
House Sparrow  5

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

American Oystercatcher chicks [Photo by Karl Lukens]
American Oystercatcher feeding chick [Photo by Catherine Busch]
Eastern Towhee [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Bird Walk for All People - Saturday, May 31st, 2014

The weather was beautiful with temperatures in the low 70s, sun with a few clouds, and a light wind, but the birds, especially in the woods were quiet. Highlights of the walk include: Yellow-throated Warbler; Blue Grosbeak; good looks at a Tricolored Heron; many Osprey overhead; a Dunlin in the Plover Pond; quite a few American Oystercatchers; and Black Skimmers on the beach. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Cindy Bamford, Marc & Lynne Breslow, and Tom Baxter.
55 species

Canada Goose  25
Mute Swan  11
Mallard  8
Double-crested Cormorant  3
Great Egret  3
Tricolored Heron  2
Glossy Ibis  3
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  7
Osprey  16
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Oystercatcher  10
Semipalmated Plover  1
Sanderling  1
Dunlin  1
Least Sandpiper  2
Semipalmated Sandpiper  6
Laughing Gull  30
Herring Gull  6
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  55
Least Tern  12
Common Tern  12
Forster's Tern  30
Black Skimmer  14
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  7
Downy Woodpecker  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  1     heard only
Eastern Kingbird  2
American Crow  3
Fish Crow  8
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  1
Purple Martin  35
Tree Swallow  8
Bank Swallow  1
Barn Swallow  3
Carolina Chickadee  8
House Wren  2
Carolina Wren  3     heard only
American Robin  5
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  7
Cedar Waxwing  2
Common Yellowthroat  5     heard only
Yellow-throated Warbler  1
Yellow-breasted Chat  1     heard only
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  3
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  3     heard only
Red-winged Blackbird  12
Common Grackle  20
Brown-headed Cowbird  2     heard only
House Sparrow  5

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

Spring Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, May 31st, 2014

Good fly-over birds today including Green Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, both vultures, Osprey, two immature Bald Eagles, a Red-tailed and, surprisingly, a Red-shouldered Hawk. The best of the bunch was one Mississippi Kite. We also had good looks at Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat, Prothonotary Warbler, and Indigo Bunting. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Warren Cairo, and David Lord.
48 species

Canada Goose  12
Mallard  2
Green Heron  2
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  1
Black Vulture  5
Turkey Vulture  15
Osprey  2
Mississippi Kite  1
Bald Eagle  2     1st yr., 2nd/3rd tr.
Red-shouldered Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Laughing Gull  5
Herring Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  5
Mourning Dove  5
Chimney Swift  6
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Downy Woodpecker  1
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee  1     heard
Great Crested Flycatcher  3     heard
Eastern Kingbird  3
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  2
Purple Martin  1
Tree Swallow  3
Barn Swallow  4
Tufted Titmouse  4
House Wren  1     heard
Carolina Wren  3     heard
American Robin  3
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  5
Prothonotary Warbler  2     1 heard and 1 seen, both singing.
Common Yellowthroat  5
Yellow-breasted Chat  1
Field Sparrow  2
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  2
Indigo Bunting  4
Red-winged Blackbird  5
Common Grackle  15
Brown-headed Cowbird  8
House Finch  3
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  1

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

Immature Bald Eagle [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Eastern Box Turtle [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Eastern Kingbird [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Higbee Beach Bird Walk - Friday, May 30th, 2014

Higbee Beach did us proud with a nice range of very showy, local breeding birds on today's walk. Two pairs of Yellow-billed Cuckoos called, and one gave us great views as it hopped around seeking insects in the canopy. Indigo Buntings and Blue Grosbeaks fed in the fields and gave great scope views and a Yellow-breasted Chat graced the edge of the parking lot. We finished with brief but good views of a Mississippi Kite which headed north overhead. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Catherine Busch, Chris Marks, and Mary Watkins.
42 species

Gadwall  3
Mallard  2
Common Loon  2
Snowy Egret  1
Green Heron  2
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  7
Osprey  2
Mississippi Kite  1
Bald Eagle  1
Laughing Gull  10
Forster's Tern  2
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  4
Chimney Swift  2
Downy Woodpecker  2
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Least Flycatcher  1     Small empid with relatively large head, bright eyering and short primary projection. Behaviorly, mostly hunting within canopy of scrubby trees.
Great Crested Flycatcher  5
Eastern Kingbird  1
White-eyed Vireo  2
Red-eyed Vireo  2
American Crow  2
Purple Martin  5
Barn Swallow  4
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  2
Brown Thrasher  1
Cedar Waxwing  15
Common Yellowthroat  2
Prairie Warbler  3
Yellow-breasted Chat  1
Field Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  X
Blue Grosbeak  3
Indigo Bunting  8
Red-winged Blackbird  6
Common Grackle  12
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
Orchard Oriole  2
Baltimore Oriole  1
House Finch  2
American Goldfinch  4

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

Birds of Belleplain - Thursday, May 29th, 2014

A very cool and breezy morning and the birds were somewhat quiet. We did track down a female Summer Tanager doing it's "Pik-i-tuk" call, and later had a distant view of a Scarlet Tanager. We also tracked down a Hooded Warbler and were able to view it. We had nice looks at Eastern Bluebirds a couple of which attacked the car's mirrors. We also had good views of an Acadian Flycatcher, and a distant view of a singing Blue Grosbeak. Leaders: Bert Hixon, Shaun Bamford, and Karl Lukens.
37 species

Laughing Gull  10
Mourning Dove  2
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2
Northern Flicker  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee  2
Acadian Flycatcher  2
Eastern Phoebe  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  4     heard
White-eyed Vireo  2     heard
Red-eyed Vireo  2     heard
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  1
Barn Swallow  2
Carolina Chickadee  1
Tufted Titmouse  3
White-breasted Nuthatch  2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
Eastern Bluebird  5
Wood Thrush  5     heard
American Robin  10
Brown Thrasher  4
Northern Mockingbird  1
Louisiana Waterthrush  1     heard by a few
Hooded Warbler  3
Pine Warbler  1
Yellow-throated Warbler  1
Prairie Warbler  3
Summer Tanager  2     1 seen, 1 heard
Scarlet Tanager  2     1 seen, 1 heard
Northern Cardinal  3
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  2
Common Grackle  15
Brown-headed Cowbird  8
Baltimore Oriole  1     heard
American Goldfinch  3

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

Eastern Bluebird [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, May 28th, 2014

It was an interesting morning along the dunes/beach and ponds. There was still a pair of lingering Black Scoter off shore. We also had five flyover Black-crowned Night-Herons and a Glossy Ibis. The beach had an American Oystercatcher and a Piping Plover on nest. With the gulls, there was one young Lesser Black-backed Gull. The Bunker Pond railing had a Common Tern with the Forster's Terns for a nice side-by-side comparison. Warblers included Common Yellowthroat and Yellow. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Megan Crewe, Karl Lukens, and Chris Marks.
45 species

Canada Goose  30
Mute Swan  10
Mallard  5
Black Scoter  2
Great Egret  5
Snowy Egret  2     flyover
Black-crowned Night-Heron  5     flyover
Glossy Ibis  1     flyover
Turkey Vulture  6
Osprey  6
American Oystercatcher  2     on nest
Piping Plover  2     1 on nest & 1 at Plover Pond
Killdeer  2
Semipalmated Sandpiper  8
Laughing Gull  25
Herring Gull  4
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  20
Common Tern  3
Forster's Tern  20
Black Skimmer  20
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  1
Mourning Dove  8
Eastern Kingbird  2
Blue Jay  6
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  5
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  3
Purple Martin  100
Tree Swallow  2
Barn Swallow  5
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  5
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  10
Common Yellowthroat  4
Yellow Warbler  2
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  5
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  4
American Goldfinch  4
House Sparrow  5

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

Lesser Black-backed Gull [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Semipalmated Sandpiper [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Shorebirds at Heislerville with Mike Crewe - Tuesday, May 27th, 2014

It may be getting toward the end of the shorebird season, but Heislerville still managed to be spectacular today. Many of the shorebirds have moved already, such that Semipalmated Sandpipers in their thousands dominated the whole scene at the impoundment today. Though many birds had moved on, all the usual species were nevertheless still present and we particularly enjoyed a group of nine White-rumped Sandpipers along the north side of the main pool.

After getting an up close and personal demonstration of New Jersey Audubon’s semipalmated Sandpiper research project – and enjoying White-rumped Sandpiper in the hand! – we briefly visited East Point, where the heaving mass of shorebirds along the tideline was easily one of the most spectacular sights of the entire spring. Oh yes, wonderful out-in-the-open views of preening Clapper Rail and singing Seaside Sparrow were also on the highlight list.

Leaders: Mike Crewe, Megan Crewe, Mary Watkins, and Deb Payson.

EZ Birding at Cape May Point - Tuesday, May 27th, 2014

We had a good array of local breeders and lingering migrants on a beautiful, late-spring day. This was the last EZ Birding walk until we start again in August. Leaders: Chris Marks, Catherine Busch, Lynne Breslow, and Nancy Watson.
42 species

Canada Goose  X
Mute Swan  X
Mallard  X
Black Scoter  X
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  1
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  4
American Oystercatcher  2
Semipalmated Sandpiper  6
Laughing Gull  X
Least Tern  X
Common Tern  2
Forster's Tern  X
Black Skimmer  10
Mourning Dove  3
Chimney Swift  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee  1
Eastern Kingbird  1
White-eyed Vireo  2
Fish Crow  X
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  X
Purple Martin  X
Tree Swallow  X
Barn Swallow  X
Carolina Chickadee  X
Carolina Wren  X
American Robin  X
Gray Catbird  4
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  X
Cedar Waxwing  6
Common Yellowthroat  X
Yellow Warbler  1
Yellow-breasted Chat  3
Field Sparrow  2
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  X
Red-winged Blackbird  X
Common Grackle  X
Brown-headed Cowbird  X
American Goldfinch  1

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, May 26th, 2014

Nice birding day starting at the parking lot with singing Blue Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, and both Baltimore and Orchard Orioles. Waders were also good with Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Little Blue Heron, Glossy Ibis and a fly-over Tricolored Heron. Still lots of shorebirds around including Semipalmated Plover and Sandpipers, Least Sandpipers, both yellowlegs, Dunlin, Willet and many Short-billed Dowitchers. Best of all was the appearance of Two adult Virginia Rails with at least five tiny black chicks! Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Steve Weis, Catherine Busch, and Marc & Lynne Breslow.
56 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  10
American Black Duck  2
Mallard  6
Common Loon  2
Double-crested Cormorant  20
Snowy Egret  5
Little Blue Heron  1
Tricolored Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  1
Osprey  5
Virginia Rail  7     /p 2 adults, 5 chicks
American Oystercatcher  5
Semipalmated Plover  5
Killdeer  1
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Willet  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  1
Dunlin  15
Least Sandpiper  15
Semipalmated Sandpiper  30
Short-billed Dowitcher  50
Laughing Gull  20
Herring Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  15
Least Tern  25
Common Tern  1
Forster's Tern  3
Black Skimmer  15
Mourning Dove  6
Chimney Swift  3
Northern Flicker  1
Eastern Kingbird  2
White-eyed Vireo  1
American Crow  5
Fish Crow  3
Tree Swallow  5
Barn Swallow  10
American Robin  3
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  10
Cedar Waxwing  6
Common Yellowthroat  5
Yellow Warbler  1
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  2
Indigo Bunting  2
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  15
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
Orchard Oriole  3
Baltimore Oriole  1
House Finch  3
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  5

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

First year Orchard Oriole male [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Virginia Rail [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Virginia Rail and chick [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Cox Hall Creek Bird Walk - Sunday, May 25th, 2014

The Great Crested Flycatcher is the only eastern flycatcher that nests in cavities and we spent some time this morning observing a pair in and around what may be their nest hole during the Cox Hall Creek (CHC) WMA walk. This was the last CMBO walk of the season at CHC but Indigo Buntings, Eastern Bluebirds, Eastern Wood-Pewees and Chipping Sparrows should continue to be good there throughout the season.  Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, Cindy & Shaun Bamford, Deb Payson, and Hugh Simmons.
53 species

Mallard  3
Double-crested Cormorant  13
Great Blue Heron  1
Green Heron  1
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  2
Bald Eagle  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Killdeer  2
Semipalmated Sandpiper  10
Laughing Gull  8
Herring Gull (American)  2
Forster's Tern  3
Mourning Dove  5
Chimney Swift  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  4
Downy Woodpecker  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee  4
Great Crested Flycatcher  5
Eastern Kingbird  8
White-eyed Vireo  1
Red-eyed Vireo  3
Blue Jay  4
American Crow  3
Fish Crow  3
Purple Martin  2
Tree Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  3
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
House Wren  3
Carolina Wren  4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Eastern Bluebird  5
American Robin  X
Gray Catbird  2
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  10
Cedar Waxwing  2
Prothonotary Warbler  1
Yellow Warbler  2
Yellow-breasted Chat  1
Chipping Sparrow  10
Field Sparrow  3
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  7
Indigo Bunting  5
Red-winged Blackbird  X
Common Grackle  8
Brown-headed Cowbird  X
Orchard Oriole  2
House Sparrow  X

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

Great Crested Flycatcher on nest? [Photo by Roger Horn]

Bird Walk for All People - Saturday, May 24th, 2014

Beautiful spring weather and good birds today such as: Yellow-throated Warbler; Carolina and House Wrens; Black-and-white Warbler; Orchard Oriole; Piping Plover; Black Skimmers; nesting American Oystercatchers; Semipalmated Plover; and Least Sandpiper. Leaders: Chuck Slugg, Cindy Bamford, Marc & Lynne Breslow, Deb Payson, and Tom Baxter.
54 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  20
Mute Swan  11
Mallard  5
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  2
Glossy Ibis  2
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  7
Mississippi Kite  1     see by a few after walk ended
Bald Eagle  2
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Oystercatcher  5
Semipalmated Plover  1
Piping Plover  1
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Least Sandpiper  1
Laughing Gull  35
Herring Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  5
Least Tern  10
Forster's Tern  35
Black Skimmer  6
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  2
Mourning Dove  3
Chimney Swift  3
Empidonax sp.  1
Red-eyed Vireo  1
American Crow  5
Fish Crow  20
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  2
Purple Martin  55
Tree Swallow  7
Barn Swallow  8
Carolina Chickadee  3     heard
House Wren  2     heard
Carolina Wren  4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
American Robin  3
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  3
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  2     heard
Yellow Warbler  1     heard
Yellow-throated Warbler  2
Song Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  3
Indigo Bunting  3     heard
Red-winged Blackbird  10
Common Grackle  12
Brown-headed Cowbird  3
Orchard Oriole  1
House Finch  3     heard
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  5

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

Spring Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, May 24th, 2014

It was a good day for looking up. We had two Bald Eagles, three Red-tailed Hawks, both vultures, five Osprey, two Wood Ducks, egrets, and best of all, six Mississippi Kites. Other good birds were Great-crested Flycatchers, Eastern Kingbirds, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Common Yellowthroats, Yellow Warbler, and Yellow-breasted Chat. We also heard two Prothonotary Warblers, and a Northern Waterthrush. We had good looks at Indigo Bunting and Blue Grosbeak. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Kathy & Roger Horn, Warren Cairo, Carrie Bell, Hugh Simmons, and Rob & Lisa Fanning.
57 species

Canada Goose  2
Wood Duck  2     fly over
Mallard  4
Double-crested Cormorant  25
Great Egret  4
Green Heron  1
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  8
Osprey  5
Mississippi Kite  6
Bald Eagle  2
Red-tailed Hawk  3
Killdeer  1
Laughing Gull  10
Herring Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  1
Forster's Tern  3
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  2
Mourning Dove  6
Chimney Swift  8
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  3
Eastern Wood-Pewee  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  6
Eastern Kingbird  5
White-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  4
American Crow  10
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  3
Purple Martin  1
Tree Swallow  3
Barn Swallow  10
Carolina Chickadee  2
Carolina Wren  2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
American Robin  5
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  8
Northern Waterthrush  1     heard
Prothonotary Warbler  2     heard
Common Yellowthroat  5
Yellow Warbler  2
Blackpoll Warbler  1     heard by a few
Yellow-rumped Warbler  4
Yellow-breasted Chat  1
Chipping Sparrow  1
Field Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  6
Blue Grosbeak  3
Indigo Bunting  3
Red-winged Blackbird  5
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
Orchard Oriole  2
House Finch  3
American Goldfinch  3
House Sparrow  2

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

Mississippi Kite [Photo by Karl Lukens]

A Meadows Afternoon - Friday, May 23rd, 2014

The late afternoon light and broad mudflat edges made for some spectacular looks at shorebirds during today's Meadows walk. Dunlin, Short-billed Dowitchers, Semipalmated Plovers and Semipalmated Sandpipers were close and plentiful, allowing for good comparisons. Least, Forster and a single Common Tern were seen and two American Oystercatchers appear to be nesting on the beach. Leaders: Kathy Horn, Warren Cairo, and Hugh Simmons.
49 species

Canada Goose  X
Mute Swan  7
Gadwall  2
Mallard  X
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Great Egret  7
Snowy Egret  4
Little Blue Heron  1
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  3
American Oystercatcher  4
Semipalmated Plover  21
Killdeer  2
Greater Yellowlegs  5
Lesser Yellowlegs  3
Dunlin  X
Least Sandpiper  X
White-rumped Sandpiper  2
Semipalmated Sandpiper  X
Short-billed Dowitcher  X
Laughing Gull  X
Herring Gull  7
Great Black-backed Gull  14
Least Tern  7
Common Tern  1
Forster's Tern  35
Mourning Dove  2
Eastern Kingbird  2
Blue-headed Vireo  1
Fish Crow  8
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  1
Purple Martin  3
Tree Swallow  3
Barn Swallow  6
Carolina Chickadee  1
Carolina Wren  2
American Robin  6
Gray Catbird  1
European Starling  X
Common Yellowthroat  4
Yellow Warbler  4
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  2
Indigo Bunting  1     Heard
Red-winged Blackbird  X
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  X
House Sparrow  3

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

Higbee Beach Bird Walk - Friday, May 23rd, 2014

A slightly windy start to the day meant a quick look at the beach was in order; though things were a little quiet, we did see one or two birds moving up and down the bay - including an adult male Common Eider which was a complete surprise. In the fields, local breeding birds showed well, including Yellow-breasted Chat, Orchard Oriole, Field Sparrow and Prairie Warbler. Other surprises included a flight of 42 Ruddy Turnstones overhead and a first-summer male Baltimore Oriole. Group 1 - Leaders: Mike Crewe, Catherine Busch, and Hugh Simmons.
35 species

Gadwall  2
Black Scoter  6
Common Eider 1
Double-crested Cormorant  15
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  1
Bald Eagle  1
Ruddy Turnstone  42
Semipalmated Sandpiper  10
Laughing Gull  X
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Forster's Tern  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  2
Eastern Kingbird  1
White-eyed Vireo  2
Purple Martin  1
Tree Swallow  1
Barn Swallow  8
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  X
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Cedar Waxwing  17
Common Yellowthroat  2
Prairie Warbler  4
Yellow-breasted Chat  1
Field Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  X
Indigo Bunting  6
Red-winged Blackbird  X
Brown-headed Cowbird  X
Baltimore Oriole 1
Orchard Oriole  1
American Goldfinch  3

Group 2 - Leaders: Kathy Horn, Warren Cairo, and Claudia Burns.
42 species (+1 other taxa)

Mallard  4
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  1
Laughing Gull  X
Herring Gull  X
Forster's Tern  5
Mourning Dove  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee  2
Great Crested Flycatcher  6
Eastern Kingbird  5
White-eyed Vireo  3
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  2
crow sp.  3
Purple Martin  3
Tree Swallow  2
Barn Swallow  3
Tufted Titmouse  1
Carolina Wren  5
American Robin  9
Gray Catbird  2
European Starling  X
Cedar Waxwing  22
Common Yellowthroat  3
Yellow Warbler  1
Blackpoll Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  1
Prairie Warbler  4
Field Sparrow  6
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  3
Indigo Bunting  8
Red-winged Blackbird  X
Common Grackle  X
Brown-headed Cowbird  X
Orchard Oriole  2
American Goldfinch  5

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

Indigo Bunting [Photo by Catherine Busch]

Birds of Belleplain - Thursday, May 22nd, 2014

A cloudy, misty morning but some good birds here and there. Great looks at a pair of Summer Tanagers calling pik-i-tuk near a partially built nest and also, in another area, a bi-colored first year male. We also had nice looks at a male Scarlet Tanager singing, and several Yellow-billed Cuckoos. A good view of Blue-gray Gnatcatchers building a nest, and a Wood Thrush on nest. Other birds of interest were Blue Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, and Prairie Warbler. A number of other warblers were heard but not seen. Leaders: Bert Hixon, Shaun Bamford, and Karl Lukens.
43 species

Canada Goose  20
Laughing Gull  15
Mourning Dove  8
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  3
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Eastern Wood-Pewee  2
Acadian Flycatcher  2     heard
Eastern Phoebe  4
Great Crested Flycatcher  10
Eastern Kingbird  1
White-eyed Vireo  1     heard
Red-eyed Vireo  5
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  1
Barn Swallow  1
Carolina Chickadee  1
Tufted Titmouse  4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  8
Eastern Bluebird  2
American Robin  6
Gray Catbird  3
Brown Thrasher  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  3
Ovenbird  15     heard
Louisiana Waterthrush  1     heard
Black-and-white Warbler  2     heard
Hooded Warbler  2     heard
Yellow-rumped Warbler  1     heard
Yellow-throated Warbler  4
Prairie Warbler  4
Chipping Sparrow  5
Summer Tanager  4
Scarlet Tanager  1
Northern Cardinal  5
Blue Grosbeak  3
Indigo Bunting  2
Red-winged Blackbird  1
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
American Goldfinch  5

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

Wood Thrush on nest [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Exploring Cumberland - Wednesday, May 21st, 2014

We had a few warblers and good looks at Prairie Warbler and Pine Warbler. We went to Fortescue Beach where there were thousands of shorebirds (and gnats). We enjoyed Red Knots, Dunlin, Semipalmated Sandpipers, Spotted Sandpipers, Ruddy Turnstones, Short-billed Dowitchers and Willets. Leaders: Karen Johnson, Janet Crawford, and Shaun Bamford.
Tom's Bridge Road
24 species

Canada Goose  3
Wild Turkey  6
Laughing Gull  3
Great Crested Flycatcher  1
White-eyed Vireo  3
Carolina Chickadee  5
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Gray Catbird  5
Brown Thrasher  1
Cedar Waxwing  3
Common Yellowthroat  1
Magnolia Warbler  1
Pine Warbler  3
Prairie Warbler  2
Eastern Towhee  2
Chipping Sparrow  1
Field Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  3
Blue Grosbeak  1
Indigo Bunting  4
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
American Goldfinch  4

Fortescue Beach
16 species

Bald Eagle  1
Spotted Sandpiper  3
Willet  5
Ruddy Turnstone  800
Red Knot  700
Dunlin  800
Semipalmated Sandpiper  6000
Short-billed Dowitcher  100
Laughing Gull  300
Herring Gull  40
Great Black-backed Gull  20
Barn Swallow  10
Northern Mockingbird  1
Common Yellowthroat  1
Red-winged Blackbird  6
Boat-tailed Grackle  4

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, May 21st, 2014

It was a cloudy day, but a few areas of warblers were found. Warblers included Common Yellowthroats, American Redstart, a brief look at Chestnut-sided, several Blackpolls, a Yellow-rump, and nice looks for some of a male Wilson's Warbler. We also had a very vocal Yellow-breasted Chat in the scope. Others of interest were a female Orchard Oriole, and a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher on nest. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, and Chris Marks.
49 species

Canada Goose  5
Mute Swan  5
Mallard  2
Black Scoter  1
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Great Egret  1
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  2
Laughing Gull  10
Herring Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  1
Least Tern  10
Common Tern  5
Forster's Tern  25
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  1
Mourning Dove  5
Chimney Swift  4
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  2
Purple Martin  25
Tree Swallow  1
Barn Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  1
House Wren  2
Carolina Wren  2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1     on nest
American Robin  2
Gray Catbird  1
Brown Thrasher  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  3
Common Yellowthroat  4
American Redstart  1
Chestnut-sided Warbler  1
Blackpoll Warbler  4
Yellow-rumped Warbler  1
Wilson's Warbler  1
Yellow-breasted Chat  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  2
Indigo Bunting  2
Red-winged Blackbird  5
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
Orchard Oriole  1
House Finch  2
American Goldfinch  2
House Sparrow  3

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

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher on nest [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Shorebirds at Heislerville with Mike Crewe - Wednesday, May 20th, 2014

Heislerville was still full of birds this week with Black Skimmers putting on a fine display and providing a nice backdrop to the shorebird show. Short-billed Dowitchers, Dunlins, Semipalmated Sandpipers and Semipalmated Plovers all gave great, close-up views and, after much searching, we managed to find three White-rumped Sandpipers. Three Marsh Wrens were in full song flight and a surprise find was a Western Willet - an unusual bird here at this time of year.

Leaders: Mike Crewe, Warren Cairo, and Mark & Lynne Breslow.

EZ Birding at Cape May Point - Tuesday, May 20th, 2014

Today's walk was exciting due to an overnight influx of warblers! We had good looks at American Redstart, Magnolia, Blackpoll, Canada, and Blackburnian Warblers. Once we cleared the woods and had a view of the open sky, our intrepid raptor spotter, Mark Breslow, served up two Mississippi Kites to the delight of all. Leaders: Catherine Busch, Chris Marks, Lynne & Marc Breslow, and Nancy Watson.
54 species

Canada Goose  X
Mute Swan  X
Black Scoter  40
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  2
Black Vulture  X
Turkey Vulture  X
Osprey  2
Mississippi Kite  2
Cooper's Hawk  1
Broad-winged Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  2
American Oystercatcher  4
Least Sandpiper  1
Laughing Gull  X
Herring Gull (American)  X
Least Tern  X
Forster's Tern  X
Black Skimmer  14
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  X
Mourning Dove  2
Eastern Wood-Pewee  1
White-eyed Vireo  2
Red-eyed Vireo  2
Blue Jay  X
Fish Crow  X
Purple Martin  X
Tree Swallow  X
Carolina Chickadee  X
Tufted Titmouse  X
House Wren  2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
American Robin  X
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  X
Common Yellowthroat  6
American Redstart  12
Magnolia Warbler  6
Blackburnian Warbler  1
Yellow Warbler  2
Blackpoll Warbler  7
Pine Warbler  1     heard only
Prairie Warbler  2     heard only
Canada Warbler  1
Northern Cardinal  X
Blue Grosbeak  1
Red-winged Blackbird  X
Common Grackle  X
Brown-headed Cowbird  X
Baltimore Oriole  1
House Finch  X
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  X

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

Hidden Corners of Belleplain - Tuesday, May 20th, 2014

We had a nice selection of warblers including Blackpoll Warbler. We had good looks at Summer Tanager. We saw a Wood Thrush on nest, a Summer Tanager building a nest, and a Blue-grey Gnatcatcher nest. We got great looks at a Yellow-throated Vireo. Leaders: Karen Johnson, Janet Crawford and Shaun Bamford.
37 species

Turkey Vulture  1
Laughing Gull  4
Mourning Dove  5
Eastern Wood-Pewee  3
Acadian Flycatcher  2
Eastern Phoebe  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  5
Eastern Kingbird  1
White-eyed Vireo  2
Yellow-throated Vireo  1
Red-eyed Vireo  8
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  4
Carolina Wren  1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  5
Eastern Bluebird  3
American Robin  4
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  2
Cedar Waxwing  6
Ovenbird  12
Worm-eating Warbler  1
Black-and-white Warbler  3
Hooded Warbler  1
American Redstart  3
Blackpoll Warbler  2
Pine Warbler  6
Yellow-throated Warbler  2
Prairie Warbler  3
Chipping Sparrow  5
Field Sparrow  1
Savannah Sparrow  1
Summer Tanager  4
Northern Cardinal  4
Indigo Bunting  2
Brown-headed Cowbird  1
Orchard Oriole  1

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, May 19th, 2014

Nice weather for birding. Waders were easy to see and included Great Egret, Snowy Egret, two Little Blue Herons, Green Heron, and Glossy Ibis. Shorebirds were numerous with Spotted Sandpiper, both yellowlegs, Willet, Least and Semipalmated Sandpipers, Semipalmated Plovers, many Short-billed Dowitchers, and one Stilt Sandpiper. Other small birds seen were Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Prairie Warbler, Indigo Bunting, and three Orchard Orioles. Most interesting was a rail that flew across, landed, and disappeared. It possibly/probably was a King Rail! Leaders: Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Steve Weis, Warren Cairo, Catherine Busch, Janet Crawford, Nancy Watson, and Marc & Lynne Breslow.
62 species

Canada Goose  5
Mute Swan  10
Gadwall  2
Mallard  6
Double-crested Cormorant  25
Great Egret  5
Snowy Egret  8
Little Blue Heron  2
Green Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  1
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  5
Cooper's Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  1     before walk
Red-tailed Hawk  1
King Rail  1     Probable - briefly-fly across, called by Karl and Pete.
American Oystercatcher  2
Semipalmated Plover  5
Killdeer  2
Spotted Sandpiper  2
Greater Yellowlegs  4
Willet  4
Lesser Yellowlegs  2
Stilt Sandpiper  1
Least Sandpiper  25
Semipalmated Sandpiper  5
Short-billed Dowitcher  75
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  15
Least Tern  10
Forster's Tern  10
Mourning Dove  6
Chimney Swift  8
Eastern Kingbird  1
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  1
Purple Martin  1
Tree Swallow  1
Barn Swallow  15
Carolina Chickadee  1
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  4
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  10
Common Yellowthroat  5
Yellow Warbler  3
Blackpoll Warbler  1     heard by a few
Prairie Warbler  3
Yellow-breasted Chat  1
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  4
Indigo Bunting  2
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  10
Brown-headed Cowbird  2
Orchard Oriole  3
House Finch  1
American Goldfinch  3
House Sparrow  5

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

Little Blue Heron [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Cox Hall Creek Bird Walk - Sunday, May 18th, 2014

A male Baltimore Oriole was the star of this morning's Cox Hall Creek walk, both because he was so difficult to see - though singing incessantly - and so beautiful when finally seen. Male Blackpoll Warblers are passing through in migration now, singing as they go, and this is always a good place to see Great Crested Flycatchers.  Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, Janet Crawford, Cindy & Shaun Bamford, and Deb Payson.
66 species

Canada Goose  2
American Black Duck  1
Mallard  5
Double-crested Cormorant  9
Great Egret  1
Green Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  3
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  2
Bald Eagle  1
Red-tailed Hawk  2
Laughing Gull  X
Herring Gull  3
Forster's Tern  2
Mourning Dove  2
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  1
Chimney Swift  7
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  2
Eastern Wood-Pewee  3
Great Crested Flycatcher  6
Eastern Kingbird  7
White-eyed Vireo  2
Red-eyed Vireo  2
Blue Jay  5
American Crow  6
Fish Crow  2
Purple Martin  25
Tree Swallow  16
Barn Swallow  9
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  8
House Wren  2
Carolina Wren  7
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  4
Eastern Bluebird  3
American Robin  12
Gray Catbird  4
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  X
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  6
American Redstart  1
Northern Parula  2
Magnolia Warbler  1
Yellow Warbler  1
Blackpoll Warbler  6
Pine Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  3     2 females, 1 male - well seen
Prairie Warbler  1
Eastern Towhee  2
Chipping Sparrow  5
Field Sparrow  3
Song Sparrow  2
Scarlet Tanager  1
Northern Cardinal  8
Indigo Bunting  5
Red-winged Blackbird  X
Common Grackle  X
Brown-headed Cowbird  14
Baltimore Oriole  1
House Finch  1
American Goldfinch  5
House Sparrow  X

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

Baltimore Oriole [Photo by Roger Horn]

Birds of Belleplain - Saturday, May 17th, 2014

What a celebration of May birds in Belleplain today! The group was serenaded by Wood Thrush, Ovenbirds, & Great Crested Flycatchers with great looks at Acadian Flycatcher and tanagers. Leaders: Bert Hixon, Chris Marks, Alan Mart, BJ Pinnock, Shaun Bamford, Todd Klein, & Janet Crawford.
59 species

Canada Goose  X
Black Vulture  X
Turkey Vulture  X
Bald Eagle  1
Broad-winged Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  2
Laughing Gull  X
Mourning Dove  8
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee  3
Acadian Flycatcher  2
Great Crested Flycatcher  5
Eastern Kingbird  4
White-eyed Vireo  2
Red-eyed Vireo  2
Blue Jay  4
American Crow  2
Tree Swallow  4
Barn Swallow  4
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  6
Eastern Bluebird  2
Wood Thrush  4
American Robin  6
Gray Catbird  8
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  X
Ovenbird  8
Worm-eating Warbler  2
Black-and-white Warbler  2
Hooded Warbler  1
American Redstart  4
Northern Parula  2
Yellow Warbler  2
Blackpoll Warbler  2
Pine Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  4
Prairie Warbler  2
Eastern Towhee  1
Chipping Sparrow  4
Field Sparrow  2
Savannah Sparrow  1
Summer Tanager  2
Scarlet Tanager  2
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  2
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  X
Eastern Meadowlark  2
Common Grackle  8
Brown-headed Cowbird  X
Orchard Oriole  2
House Finch  2
American Goldfinch  4

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

Spring Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, May 17th, 2014

Good birding! Lots of Great Crested Flycatchers, plus Indigo Buntings and Blue Grosbeaks. Only a few warblers, i.e., Yellow-rumped, Northern Parula, and Common Yellowthroats. We had a nice view of three Mississippi Kites and a Bald Eagle overhead, and we also had good looks at Prothonotary Warblers at the Willow Pond. Leaders: Group 1 - Karl Lukens and Warren Cairo. Group 2 -Louise Zemaitis, Carrie Bell, Deb Payson, and Claudia Burns.
51 species

Canada Goose  15
Mallard  4
Great Egret  1
Snowy Egret  2
Green Heron  2
Black-crowned Night-Heron  2
Black Vulture  4
Turkey Vulture  6
Osprey  2
Mississippi Kite  3
Bald Eagle  1
Red-tailed Hawk  2
Killdeer  3
Lesser Yellowlegs  1
Laughing Gull  20
Mourning Dove  4
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  1     heard
Chimney Swift  5
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Great Crested Flycatcher  10
Eastern Kingbird  2
Red-eyed Vireo  3
Blue Jay  3
American Crow  10
Fish Crow  1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  1
Purple Martin  1
Tree Swallow  1
Barn Swallow  10
Carolina Chickadee  1
Tufted Titmouse  1
Carolina Wren  2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
American Robin  3
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  5
Prothonotary Warbler  2
Common Yellowthroat  6
Northern Parula  1
Yellow Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  1
Yellow-breasted Chat  2
Field Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  3
Indigo Bunting  5
Red-winged Blackbird  4
Common Grackle  8
Brown-headed Cowbird  2
Orchard Oriole  1
House Sparrow  2

This morning's bright sun really brought out the birds following yesterday's dark & stormy weather. Though some birds were 'heard only', the group got great looks at Indigo Bunting, Northern Waterthrush, Mississippi Kite , & Northern Parula with Prothonotary and Blackpoll Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat and Yellow-billed Cuckoo in the scopes!   Leaders: Group 3 - Kathy & Roger Horn, and Catherine Busch.
70 species

Canada Goose  7
Mallard  9
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  1
Green Heron  2
Black-crowned Night-Heron  2
Black Vulture  4
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  2
Mississippi Kite  3
Bald Eagle  1
Broad-winged Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Semipalmated Plover  7
Lesser Yellowlegs  2
Wilson's Snipe  2
Laughing Gull  12
Herring Gull (American)  4
Great Black-backed Gull  1
Forster's Tern  2
Mourning Dove  8
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  2
Chimney Swift  20
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Downy Woodpecker  2
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  2
Great Crested Flycatcher  6
Eastern Kingbird  5
White-eyed Vireo  1
Red-eyed Vireo  2
Blue Jay  3
American Crow  4
Fish Crow  1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  3
Purple Martin  9
Tree Swallow  6
Barn Swallow  9
Carolina Chickadee  1
Tufted Titmouse  1
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  7
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  3
American Robin  10
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  8
Northern Waterthrush  2
Prothonotary Warbler  2
Common Yellowthroat  7
American Redstart  1
Northern Parula  3
Magnolia Warbler  1
Yellow Warbler  5
Blackpoll Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  1
Prairie Warbler  1
Yellow-breasted Chat  1
Field Sparrow  2
Song Sparrow  2
Scarlet Tanager  1
Northern Cardinal  6
Indigo Bunting  7
Red-winged Blackbird  6
Common Grackle  18
Brown-headed Cowbird  6
Orchard Oriole  1
American Goldfinch  8
House Sparrow  4

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

Black-crowned Night Heron [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Mississippi Kite [Photo by Karl Lukens}

Yellow-breasted Chat [Photo by Roger Horn]

Prothonotary Warbler [Photo by Roger Horn]