Loons and Shorebirds Cruise on The Osprey - Saturday, March 26th, 2016

Leader: Kyle Chelius.
26 species

Brant  300
American Black Duck  4
Mallard  2
White-winged Scoter  1
Bufflehead  50
Red-breasted Merganser  24
Common Loon  15
Horned Grebe  10     Several groups were seen at the same time; at least one group had seven horned grebes in it; 10 is a conservative number.
Double-crested Cormorant  8
Great Cormorant  5
Black Vulture  5
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  10     It was a 10 mile back bay boat trip in the salt marshes of Cape May County NJ.  Osprey have returned in large numbers this week. There was at least one bird, sometime two, on many of the nesting platforms; they were also on some of the marker channels.
Bald Eagle  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Oystercatcher  10
Dunlin  25
Purple Sandpiper  1
Black-headed Gull  1
Herring Gull  20
Great Black-backed Gull  8
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  4
Belted Kingfisher  1
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  10
Boat-tailed Grackle  3

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

Brant [Photo by Kyle Chelius]

Long-tailed Duck [Photo by Kyle Chelius]

Osprey checking out a nest [Photo by Kyle Chelius]

Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, March 26th, 2016

It was a nice surprise this morning to see two Purple Martins, first-of-season birds for most of us, perched on the poles that will soon hold the martin houses in which they’ll breed. Other early migrants included Rough-winged and Tree Swallow, Osprey and Laughing Gull. Northern Gannets were putting on a show over the water close to land and three male Blue-winged Teal, much less common here than Green-winged Teal, showed off their breeding finery. Leaders: Kathy Horn, Karl Lukens, & Kyle Chelius.
44 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  8
Mute Swan  12
Gadwall  55
American Wigeon  1
Mallard  12
Blue-winged Teal  3
Northern Shoveler  8
Northern Pintail  1
Green-winged Teal (American)  11
Bufflehead  10
Hooded Merganser  2
Northern Gannet  12
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Black Vulture  7
Turkey Vulture  12
Osprey  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Greater/Lesser Yellowlegs  2     Seen in flight; brown-backed shorebirds with long yellow legs and long bill
Laughing Gull  1
Herring Gull (American)  7
Great Black-backed Gull  8
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  5
Mourning Dove  3
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  2
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  4
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  1     Perched in good view,  brown - backed swallow without neck band
Purple Martin  2     Early arrivals perched on nest box poles
Tree Swallow  18     Swallow with clean white underside,  dark upper;  calling
Carolina Chickadee  6
Carolina Wren  4
American Robin  14
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  7
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  10
Field Sparrow  4
White-throated Sparrow  4
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  5
Red-winged Blackbird  18
Common Grackle  9
Brown-headed Cowbird  3
House Finch  1

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

Osprey [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, March 19th, 2016

Very chilly, cloudy morning with a light breeze. An Osprey overhead greeted us as we started the walk. Northern Gannets were flying over the dune. We saw Horned Grebes in the ocean and American Oystercatchers flying along the beach. Ducks have started to leave although we had numerous Gadwall. Leaders: Chuck Slugg & Karl Lukens.
42 species

Canada Goose 15
Mute Swan 12
Gadwall 50
Mallard 8
Northern Shoveler 13
Green-winged Teal 4
Surf Scoter 1
Black Scoter 7
Horned Grebe 2
Northern Gannet 14
Double-crested Cormorant 2
Great Egret 1
Black Vulture 3
Turkey Vulture 16
Osprey 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
American Coot 1
American Oystercatcher 8
Herring Gull 5
Great Black-backed Gull 3
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 11
Mourning Dove 6
Northern Flicker 1
Blue Jay 4
American Crow 2
Fish Crow 3
Tree Swallow 2
Barn Swallow 1 Flying over parking lot at State Park with Tree Swallow; seen and identified by both leaders.
Carolina Chickadee 6
Carolina Wren 5
Golden-crowned Kinglet 2
American Robin 23
Northern Mockingbird 2
European Starling 35
Yellow-rumped Warbler 15
Dark-eyed Junco 4
Northern Cardinal 5
Red-winged Blackbird 12
Common Grackle 40
Brown-headed Cowbird 11
House Finch 5
House Sparrow 9

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

Nightfall at Jakes Landing - Sunday, March 13th, 2016

Intermittent light rain did not deter this intrepid group from enjoying Northern Harriers hunting and American Woodcocks displaying.  The Bald Eagle show continues as we watched the eagle on the nest.  A Wilson’s Snipe surprised and delighted us all with a close fly-by. Leaders: Chris Marks, Bert Hixon, BJ Pinnock, and Mary Watkins.
20 species

Canada Goose  8
American Black Duck  24
Mallard  4
Green-winged Teal  8
Common Merganser  2     In flight
Great Blue Heron  2
Northern Harrier  7     Actively hunting over marsh
Bald Eagle  5
Red-tailed Hawk  3
Dunlin  34
Wilson's Snipe  1
American Woodcock  5
Ring-billed Gull  8
Herring Gull  12
Carolina Wren  2
American Robin  5
White-throated Sparrow  6
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  18

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

Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, March 12th, 2016

There was quite a cacophony in the State Park this morning, though not at all an unpleasant one. Following two days in the mid-70s, it was 46 degrees when we started out and felt much more like a March morning. But the birds 'know' the days are getting longer and they're busy singing, chasing and displaying. Ducks are on the move with 13 species seen today, including a lingering female Canvasback and some Blue-winged Teal. Red-winged Blackbirds are everywhere throughout the park, most visibly males sitting atop grasses, calling and displaying their brilliant wing patches, or epaulets. Leaders: Kathy Horn, Roger Horn, and Karl Lukens
46 species

Canada Goose  8
Mute Swan  16
Tundra Swan  1
Gadwall  16
American Wigeon  9
American Black Duck  4
Mallard  17
Blue-winged Teal  3
Northern Shoveler  13
Northern Pintail  1
Green-winged Teal (American)  13
Canvasback  1
Ring-necked Duck  5
Black Scoter  8
Bufflehead  8
Red-throated Loon  1
Northern Gannet  9
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Black Vulture  20
Turkey Vulture  15
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Coot  2
Killdeer  4
Ring-billed Gull  3
Herring Gull (American)  6
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  2
Mourning Dove  8
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  1
American Crow  5
Fish Crow  2
Tree Swallow  12
Carolina Chickadee  2
Winter Wren  1
Carolina Wren  2
Hermit Thrush  1
American Robin  5
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  12
Song Sparrow  2
Swamp Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  3
Red-winged Blackbird  60
Common Grackle  4

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

Red-winged Blackbird [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Tundra Swan [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Nightfall at Jakes Landing - Sunday, March 6th, 2016

The mild weather made for perfect conditions for bird viewing.  Eagles and Harriers were everywhere providing everyone with great looks.  Two Short-eared Owls excited everyone as they hunted close to the creek.  We ended the evening with Woodcocks displaying. Leaders: Chris Marks, Bert Hixon, BJ Pinnock, & Mary Watkins.
22 species

Snow Goose  850
Canada Goose  18
Gadwall  8
American Black Duck  28
Northern Shoveler  4
Northern Pintail  8
Green-winged Teal  35
Bufflehead  4
Hooded Merganser  2
Great Blue Heron  2
Northern Harrier  6     Hunting over marshes
Bald Eagle  7     4 adults including one on nest 3 immature
Red-tailed Hawk  3
Dunlin  450
American Woodcock  3
Ring-billed Gull  14
Herring Gull (American)  26
Short-eared Owl  2
Peregrine Falcon  1
White-throated Sparrow  8
Song Sparrow  2
Red-winged Blackbird  18

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

Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, March 5th, 2016

Cold with some wind; partly sunny. There was a good mix of ducks on Bunker Pond. As we walked through the Point, we found many House Finches, a Hermit Thrush, some White-throated Sparrows, and the usual mix of House Sparrows and Starlings. One Red-tailed Hawk flew over Lighthouse Pond where we found a Belted Kingfisher. Leaders: Chuck Slugg & Karl Lukens.
41 species

Canada Goose 20
Mute Swan 8
Gadwall 40
American Wigeon 30
Mallard 16
Northern Shoveler 14
Green-winged Teal 2
Ring-necked Duck 2
Hooded Merganser 8
Red-breasted Merganser 6
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Turkey Vulture 20
Red-tailed Hawk 1
American Coot 1
Killdeer 2
Ruddy Turnstone 3
Ring-billed Gull 8
Herring Gull 14
Lesser Black-backed Gull 1
Great Black-backed Gull 5
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 9
Mourning Dove 4
Belted Kingfisher 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 4
American Crow 4
Fish Crow 3
Carolina Chickadee 10
Carolina Wren 4 heard
Hermit Thrush 1
American Robin 30
Northern Mockingbird 7
European Starling 35
Yellow-rumped Warbler 20
White-throated Sparrow 4
Song Sparrow 2
Northern Cardinal 10
Red-winged Blackbird 8
Common Grackle 25
House Finch 8
House Sparrow 6

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

Nightfall at Jakes Landing - Sunday, February 28th, 2016

Almost spring-like weather blessed us for tonight’s walk. We were thrilled to see two Short-eared Owls as well as a number of Northern Harriers. Our evening ended with a Great Horned Owl perched against the pink tinged sky and Woodcocks displaying in the upland portion. Leaders: Chris Marks, Bert Hixon, BJ Pinnock, Mark Watkins, & Carrie Bell.
26 species

Snow Goose  55
Canada Goose  16
Gadwall  4
American Black Duck  185
Mallard  12
Northern Shoveler  8
Green-winged Teal  250  
Hooded Merganser  4
Common Merganser  2     Pair in creek
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Great Blue Heron  10  
Turkey Vulture  1
Northern Harrier  7
Bald Eagle  6     2 immature 3 adult one on nest
Red-tailed Hawk  3
Black-bellied Plover  3
Dunlin  1200
American Woodcock  2
Ring-billed Gull  5
Herring Gull (American)  22
Great Horned Owl  1
Short-eared Owl  2
Marsh Wren  1
Song Sparrow  1
Red-winged Blackbird  50
Common Grackle  25

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

Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, February 27th, 2016

There was a good variety of ducks on Bunker Pond including Northern Shovelers, Greater Scaup, Red-breasted and Hooded Mergansers, Green-winged Teal, Gadwall, American Wigeons, and Mallards. In the dunes, we had Savannah Sparrows and an Ipswich Sparrow. Over the ocean, we saw Surf and Black Scoters. As we walked through the Point, we saw Fox and White-throated Sparrows. Leaders: Chuck Slugg, Karl Lukens, & Steve Rodan.
52 species

Canada Goose 12
Mute Swan 6
Gadwall 26
Eurasian Wigeon 1
American Wigeon 30
Mallard 14
Northern Shoveler 20
Green-winged Teal 9
Ring-necked Duck 2
Greater Scaup 1
Surf Scoter 7
Black Scoter 8
Hooded Merganser 10
Red-breasted Merganser 10
Double-crested Cormorant 6
Great Blue Heron 1
Black Vulture 7
Turkey Vulture 2
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Killdeer 4
Ruddy Turnstone 1
Purple Sandpiper 4
Bonaparte's Gull 8
Ring-billed Gull 7
Herring Gull 3
Great Black-backed Gull 2
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 7
Mourning Dove 5
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Blue Jay 6
American Crow 4
Fish Crow 2 heard only
Carolina Chickadee 7
Tufted Titmouse 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 1 heard
Carolina Wren 5 heard
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 heard
American Robin 20
Northern Mockingbird 7
European Starling 25
Yellow-rumped Warbler 23
Fox Sparrow 1
Dark-eyed Junco 1
White-throated Sparrow 6
Savannah Sparrow 2
Song Sparrow 2
Northern Cardinal 8
Red-winged Blackbird 15
Common Grackle 20
Brown-headed Cowbird 1
House Finch 5
House Sparrow 5

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

Nightfall at Jake's Landing - Sunday, February 21st, 2016

Highlights of our first Jake’s Landing walk were a perched Great Horned Owl and the woodcocks that were displaying in the upland portion. Spotty rain kept many of the raptors perched, but we had great views of Red-tailed Hawks and Bald Eagles. Leaders: Chris Marks, Bert Hixon, & Mary Watkins.
25 species

Snow Goose  100     heard only
Canada Goose  50
Gadwall  18
American Black Duck  25
Mallard  20
Northern Shoveler  8
Northern Pintail  10
Green-winged Teal  20
Bufflehead  2
Hooded Merganser  2
Common Merganser  2     male and female in creek
Great Blue Heron  1
Northern Harrier  4
Bald Eagle  4
Red-tailed Hawk  5
Dunlin  150
American Woodcock  4     displaying in upland portion
Ring-billed Gull  18
Herring Gull (American)  10
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Great Horned Owl  2     one calling in upland portion, one perched in marsh
American Robin  4
White-throated Sparrow  8
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  18

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

Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, February 20th, 2016

 A cold, sunny, windy start that got nicer as the wind died down. The birding was very good with a large number of ducks including a Lesser Scaup, Ruddy Duck, and Ring-necked Duck, a Peregrine Falcon swooping at an American Crow, and a Great Blue Heron and Great Egret. Leaders: Chuck Slugg, Karl Lukens, Steve Rodan, and Kyle Chelius.
40 species

Canada Goose 30
Mute Swan 4
Gadwall 14
American Wigeon 18
American Black Duck 2
Mallard 10
Northern Shoveler 10
Ring-necked Duck 1
Lesser Scaup 1
Surf Scoter 5
Black Scoter 16
Hooded Merganser 8
Red-breasted Merganser 1
Ruddy Duck 1
Double-crested Cormorant 6
Great Blue Heron 1
Great Egret 1
Turkey Vulture 3
American Coot 5
Killdeer 3
Bonaparte's Gull 2
Ring-billed Gull 6
Herring Gull 8
Great Black-backed Gull 10
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 7
Mourning Dove 5
Peregrine Falcon 1
American Crow 6
Carolina Chickadee 6
Carolina Wren 5 heard only
American Robin 30
Northern Mockingbird 7
European Starling 20
Yellow-rumped Warbler 15
White-throated Sparrow 4
Northern Cardinal 10
Common Grackle 15
Brown-headed Cowbird 35
House Finch 5
House Sparrow 10

Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, January 16th, 2016

The weather was foggy over the ocean and feeders were not being used. So we decided to go walk Cape May Point State Park. Looking out over Bunker pond we had a single Snow Goose sleeping amongst the Canada geese. The number of Gadwall had increased since last weekend. It was quite impressive. Also a lone male Red-breasted Merganser was diving about. Seemed an odd place for him. Usually they are seen in the back bay areas. Lastly, there was another single duck on "Al's Pond" in the back, along the blue/yellow trail--a female Blue-winged Teal. She stood out amongst the American Wigeon, Mallards and Northern Shovelers as the smallest duck on the pond. Leaders: Roger Horn and Karl Lukens.
41 species (+1 other taxa)

Snow Goose  1
Canada Goose  175
Mute Swan  12
Tundra Swan  1
Gadwall  150
American Wigeon  12
American Black Duck  20
Mallard  125
Blue-winged Teal  1
Northern Shoveler  30
Northern Pintail  3
Ring-necked Duck  9
Lesser Scaup  3
Surf Scoter  2
Surf/Black Scoter  7
Bufflehead  6
Hooded Merganser  12
Red-breasted Merganser 1
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Great Blue Heron  4
Turkey Vulture  1
Northern Harrier  1
American Coot  30
Bonaparte's Gull  1
Ring-billed Gull  3
Herring Gull (American)  6
Great Black-backed Gull  17
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  12
Mourning Dove  50
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  1
American Crow  4
Carolina Wren  6
Hermit Thrush  1
American Robin  60
Northern Mockingbird  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  16
Song Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  5
Common Grackle  2
Purple Finch  6

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

Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, January 9th, 2016

The weather was mild in the high 40's. Lily Lake sported some Ring-necked Ducks, Double-crested Cormorant, and Great Blue Heron. The local texting bird alert told us there were two American White Pelicans and an American Bittern on the second plover pond at the State Park. These are unusual birds this time of year so we headed over and found them with a Tundra Swan. Leaders: Roger Horn and Karl Lukens.
42 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  12
Mute Swan  2
Tundra Swan  1
Gadwall  17
American Wigeon  40
Mallard  18
Northern Shoveler  10
Ring-necked Duck  16
Surf Scoter  1
White-winged Scoter  1
Black Scoter  14
Surf/Black Scoter  4
Bufflehead  6
Hooded Merganser  8
Double-crested Cormorant  1
American Bittern  1
Great Blue Heron  5
Northern Harrier  1
Red-shouldered Hawk  1
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull (American)  1
Great Black-backed Gull  1
Mourning Dove  9
Merlin  1
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  4
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  1
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  4
Hermit Thrush  1
American Robin  36
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  20
Cedar Waxwing  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  30
White-throated Sparrow  7
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  5
Red-winged Blackbird  60
Common Grackle  75
House Finch  20
House Sparrow  20

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

White Pelicans [Photo by Karl Lukens] 

Tundra Swan [Photo by Karl Lukens]

American Bittern [Photo by Roger Horn]

Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, January 2nd, 2016

Day 2 of 2016. Starting off the new year adding to our freshly started 2016 species list. It was a beautiful, sunny, cold day with low wind. The ducks were in their usual finery at Lake Lily, Lighthouse and Bunker ponds. Along the dunes, Lesser Black-backed Gull and a Herring Gull were side by side.  The jetty at St. Mary's afforded some nice looks at Ruddy Turnstones feeding. Its diet when breeding is predominantly insects, but this time of year their foods are extremely diverse, ranging from coastal invertebrates to small fish, carrion, and human garbage.  Leaders: Roger Horn and Karl Lukens.
41 species (+2 other taxa)

Canada Goose  35
Mute Swan  5
Gadwall  14
American Wigeon  18
Mallard  45
Northern Shoveler  50
Green-winged Teal (American)  2
Ring-necked Duck  12
Lesser Scaup  2
Greater/Lesser Scaup  1
White-winged Scoter  1
Surf/Black Scoter  3
Bufflehead  2
Hooded Merganser  8
Red-throated Loon  1
Common Loon  1
Northern Gannet  9
Great Blue Heron  1
Turkey Vulture  5
American Coot  20
Ruddy Turnstone  3
Ring-billed Gull  12
Herring Gull (American)  18
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  6
Mourning Dove  10
Northern Flicker(Yellow-shafted) 5
Blue Jay  1
Carolina Chickadee  9
Carolina Wren  5
American Robin  80
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  12
Cedar Waxwing  16
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)40
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)  3
White-throated Sparrow  2
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  7
Red-winged Blackbird  2
House Finch  12
American Goldfinch  4
House Sparrow  15

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

Bufflehead [Photo by Roger Horn]

Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, December 19th, 2015

It was a cold morning with little crystals of ice along Lake Lily's edge. We did see 41 species of birds, with the huge flock of European Starlings creating a murmuration. Two Bald Eagles, one adult, one first year, came around flying low. The ducks raised into the air scattering in all directions. Eventually the adult Eagle landed atop a telephone pole and surveyed the area. Leaders: Roger Horn, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, and Mary Watkins.
41 species

Canada Goose  32
Mute Swan  9
Gadwall  36
American Wigeon  24
Mallard  30
Northern Shoveler  18
Northern Pintail  14
Green-winged Teal (American)  12
Ring-necked Duck  20
Greater Scaup  1
Surf Scoter  1
Long-tailed Duck  1
Bufflehead  2
Hooded Merganser  10
Northern Gannet  9
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Great Blue Heron  2
Turkey Vulture  4
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  2
American Coot  14
Ring-billed Gull  12
Herring Gull (American)  7
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  5
Mourning Dove  6
American Crow  4
Carolina Chickadee  1
Carolina Wren  4
Golden-crowned Kinglet  1
American Robin  38
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  907
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  22
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)  7
White-throated Sparrow  6
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  3
Common Grackle (Purple)  1
Brown-headed Cowbird  20
House Sparrow  8

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

Bald Eagle [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, December 12th, 2015

It is definitely December, even though it was 60 degrees at 10 am. We had 14 species of ducks, which is to be expected in December. It is a time when they are gathering and looking quite spiffy in their winter plumage.  They can be seen feeding and preening, on the freshwater ponds and the ocean waters. Leaders: Roger Horn, Karl Lukens, and Steve Weis.
47 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  16
Mute Swan  5
Gadwall  32
Eurasian Wigeon  1
American Wigeon  21
Mallard  45
Northern Shoveler  8
Northern Pintail  18
Green-winged Teal (American)  27
Redhead  2
Ring-necked Duck  24
Surf Scoter  12
White-winged Scoter  2
Black Scoter  39
Long-tailed Duck  1
Bufflehead  1
Northern Gannet  1
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Great Blue Heron  1
Red-shouldered Hawk  2
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull (American)  9
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  16
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  10
Mourning Dove  16
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  0
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)1
Blue Jay  3
Carolina Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  1
Carolina Wren  5
Golden-crowned Kinglet  3
American Robin  200
Northern Mockingbird  5
European Starling  20
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)14
Fox Sparrow (Red)  4
White-throated Sparrow  4
Song Sparrow  6
Northern Cardinal  9
Red-winged Blackbird  5
Common Grackle  5
Common Grackle (Purple)  1
Brown-headed Cowbird  1
Baltimore Oriole  1
House Finch  25
House Sparrow  7

These reports were generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

Eurasian Wigeon (top left) [Photo by Roger Horn]

Baltimore Oriole [Photo by Roger Horn]

Harlequin Romance - Saturday, December 5th, 2015

Saturday's trip to Barnegat Light proved to be spectacular. CMBO Program Director, Mike Crewe, was joined by a wonderful group of participants and assistants. The weather was stunning, the birds were cooperative, and the people were joyful. We were greeted by some Boat-tailed Grackles and House Finches right in the parking lot. The walk out the jetty gave us close looks (and by close I mean right next to us) at Ruddy Turnstones, lots of Dunlin, and a handful of Purple Sandpipers. The seabird movement was impressive with large flocks of Black Scoters and Northern Gannets plunge diving right off-shore. We had two Black-legged Kittiwakes (a lifer for a lot of people on the trip) feeding in and out of the inlet! The immature Kittiwake gave us incredible looks, with it's double collar and black 'M' on it's wings. 

A close flock of Black Scoters as they flew over the jetty at Barnegat Light. Just one of a handful of seabird species that were spotted moving past the island in good numbers. [Photo by Sam Wilson.]

An immature Black-legged Kittiwake. One of two individuals that was spotted working it's way back and forth feeding across the opening of the inlet. This was a life bird for quite a few people on the trip. [Photo by Sam Wilson.]

It was while we were out on the end of the jetty that we got our first flyby Harlequin Duck, quickly followed by another pair! A small flock of Harlequin Ducks was spotted near the small jetty southwest of the main jetty. A quick walk down the beach put us in a prime location to sort through the mixed waterbird flock. The bulk of the birds were Common Eiders and Black Scoters, but a handful of Long-tailed Ducks, Surf Scoters, and Harlequin Ducks were picked out. A resting White-winged Scoter completed our Scoter trifecta! A Common Loon was feeding alongside a couple Red-throated Loons which allowed us a great side-by-side comparison.

A male Harlequin Duck gave us incredible looks as it flew past the north side of the jetty. These plumage of these ducks can be hard to believe, and pictures don't do them justice! Being the main target species of this trip, participants were thrilled with the views we got. [Photo by Sam Wilson.]

After a sunny, picnic lunch, the group traveled down to 25th Street & Bayview Avenue to check out the bayshore. Over a 1,000 Brant were feeding on Eel Grass in the harbor, with some being quite close. A male Northern Pintail, in all his courtship plumage glory, was also a nice treat. 

Another quick jaunt down the island to Harvey Cedars Recreation Area provided a handful of Red-breasted Mergansers, a smattering of Mallards and Black Ducks, and a distant Northern Harrier hunting over the marsh. A couple Common Goldeneyes were picked out amongst a group of Buffleheads and a single Greater Scaup. Two distant Peregrine Falcons were spotted resting on an Osprey nesting platform and a Northern Flicker came to land on a nearby tree.

A mixed waterbird flock in the bay. Species include Buffleheads, a few Red-breasted Mergansers (including the bird in flight), and Common Goldeneyes. [Photo by Sam WIlson.]

Overall it was a delightful day full of sunshine and a total of 44 species of bird. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Megan Crewe, Catherine Busch, Chris Marks, Margeaux Maerz, Sam Wilson, Mary Watkins, and Joe Demko.


Barnegat Lighthouse State Park:
34 species

Brant (Atlantic)  50
Canada Goose  9
American Black Duck  2
Common Eider  12
Harlequin Duck  10 
Surf Scoter  12
White-winged Scoter  1
Black Scoter  450
Long-tailed Duck  18
Bufflehead  1
Red-throated Loon  18
Common Loon  2
Northern Gannet  X  
Double-crested Cormorant  4
Northern Harrier  1
Ruddy Turnstone  8
Sanderling  X
Dunlin  X 
Purple Sandpiper  9
Black-legged Kittiwake  2  (1 adult and 1 first cycle - both seen in and out of inlet)
Laughing Gull  2
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull (American)  X
Great Black-backed Gull  X
American Crow  5
Carolina Wren  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  X
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  3
White-throated Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  3
Boat-tailed Grackle  12
House Finch  6
House Sparrow  X


High Bar Harbor/Harvey Cedars:
20 species

Brant (Atlantic)  1500
Canada Goose  150
American Black Duck  25
Mallard  20
Northern Pintail  7
Greater Scaup  1
Bufflehead  X
Common Goldeneye  15
Red-breasted Merganser  35
Common Loon  2
Great Blue Heron  1
Northern Harrier  1
Herring Gull (American)  X
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  8
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  2
Peregrine Falcon  2
American Crow  6
Song Sparrow  2
House Sparrow  X

These reports were generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, December 5th, 2015

A crisp morning with no wind and sunny. There were large numbers of American Robins flying overhead. Yellow-rumped Warblers were actively flitting through the cedars at Northwood Center. As we walked towards the State Park, Song Sparrows and White-throated Sparrows chipped at us along the edges of Lily Lake. On Lighthouse Pond we were treated to a male Eurasian Wigeon and two male Redheads. Karl described their heads as "glowing in the sun." Scott Whittle alerted us to a couple of Common Eider near the jetty at St. Peters dune crossing. When we got there two juvenal White-winged Scoters had joined them. As we returned back towards the Northwood Center, a Red-breasted Nuthatch was picking through a tree covered with lichen. He was "liken the lichen".... Leaders: Roger Horn and Karl Lukens.
54 species

Canada Goose  6
Mute Swan  9
Gadwall  32
Eurasian Wigeon  1
American Wigeon  28
Mallard  40
Blue-winged Teal  1
Northern Shoveler  8
Northern Pintail  12
Green-winged Teal (American)  10
Redhead  3
Ring-necked Duck  6
Common Eider  2
Surf Scoter  9
White-winged Scoter  2
Black Scoter  90
Bufflehead  1
Red-throated Loon  5
Northern Gannet  1
Double-crested Cormorant  5
Great Blue Heron  2
Black Vulture  20
Turkey Vulture  15
Northern Harrier  2
Bald Eagle  1
Red-shouldered Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Coot  2
Ring-billed Gull  30
Herring Gull (American)  40
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Mourning Dove  9
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Blue Jay  5
American Crow  3
Carolina Chickadee  5
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  2
Golden-crowned Kinglet  1
Eastern Bluebird  2
American Robin  200
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  15
Cedar Waxwing  7
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  30
White-throated Sparrow  5
Song Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  1
Common Grackle (Purple)  1
House Finch  7
American Goldfinch  3
House Sparrow  8

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, November 23rd, 2015

A cold and breezy morning with a good variety of ducks on the ponds, including Gadwall, Mallard, Black Duck, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, and Ruddy Duck. Unusual were three Long-billed Dowitchers feeding along one of the islands in the pond. One leader (KL), lagging behind, saw the Brown Booby (reported headed south from the CMBO Seawatch) briefly before it disappeared. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Chuck Slugg, Karl Lukens, Janet Crawford, and Mary Watkins.
45 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  100
Mute Swan  4
Wood Duck  1
Gadwall  15
American Wigeon  10
American Black Duck  8
Mallard  20
Northern Shoveler  8
Northern Pintail  12
Green-winged Teal  75
Surf Scoter  1
scoter sp.  10
Bufflehead  2
Hooded Merganser  2
Ruddy Duck  10
Red-throated Loon  1
Brown Booby  1     Seen by 1 leader only
Northern Gannet  1
Double-crested Cormorant  4
Great Blue Heron  1
Black Vulture  4
Turkey Vulture  8
Sharp-shinned Hawk  3
Cooper's Hawk  1
American Coot  10
Killdeer  1
Long-billed Dowitcher  3
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull  15
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  25
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  2
Mourning Dove  5
Northern Flicker  1
American Crow  1
Tree Swallow  25
Carolina Chickadee  1
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  50
American Pipit  4
Yellow-rumped Warbler  3
White-throated Sparrow  1
Red-winged Blackbird  15
House Finch  8
American Goldfinch  15
House Sparrow  20

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

Fall Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, November 21st, 2015

This was our last walk for Fall Migrants at the Rea Farm for this season. The morning air was brisk, with remnants of frost across the field. As the sun came up warming the shrubs and grasses, we came upon a Yellow-rumped Warbler sleeping. It sat in a Multiflora Rose bush with its head tucked under it's wing. Yellow shoulder spot glowing in the sun. Unusual and delightful at the same time. The winds from the night before brought in several more Savannah, Swamp, and Song sparrows. They were leaping and fluttering short distances ahead of us as we eased along the field edges. Occasionally sitting up on a weed or branch for us to observe. Additionally, there were Red-shouldered Hawks about; one sat for us several times reddish breast blazing. The others flying displayed their light crescents near the end of the wings as they soared over head. A lovely morning walk. Leaders Roger Horn, Karl Lukens, Deb Payson, and Steve Rodan.
35 species

Canada Goose  24
Mallard  16
Black Vulture  4
Turkey Vulture  5
Red-shouldered Hawk  3
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  1
Mourning Dove  4
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  4
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  1
Blue Jay  3
American Crow  6
Carolina Chickadee  2
Carolina Wren  6
Eastern Bluebird  3
American Robin  75
Gray Catbird  1
Brown Thrasher  2
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  3
American Pipit  4
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  9
Field Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  4
Savannah Sparrow  12
Song Sparrow  8
Swamp Sparrow  7
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  30
Common Grackle  1
Baltimore Oriole  1
House Finch  4
American Goldfinch  10
House Sparrow  2

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

Savannah Sparrow [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, November 16th, 2015

A nice variety and number of ducks were seen including Gadwall, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Northern Pintail, Ruddy Duck, and close Surf Scoters. Over head there were at least ten Cave Swallows. The beach held at least three Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Steve Weis, Karl Lukens, Janet Crawford, and Mary Watkins,
49 species

Canada Goose  150
Mute Swan  7
Wood Duck  1
Gadwall  30
American Wigeon  10
Mallard  30
Northern Shoveler  10
Northern Pintail  20
Green-winged Teal  20
Surf Scoter  8
Ruddy Duck  8
Double-crested Cormorant  30
White-faced Ibis  1     continuing-
Turkey Vulture  1
Northern Harrier  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Coot  25
Laughing Gull  1
Ring-billed Gull  10
Herring Gull  15
Lesser Black-backed Gull  3
Great Black-backed Gull  30
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  1
Mourning Dove  20
Northern Flicker  1
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  4
Tree Swallow  2
Cave Swallow  10
Carolina Wren  1
Eastern Bluebird  1     heard
American Robin  25
Brown Thrasher  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  15
Cedar Waxwing  25
Palm Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  30
Savannah Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  1
Swamp Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  25
House Finch  3
Purple Finch  6
American Goldfinch  25
House Sparrow  5

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

Cave Swallow [Photo by Karl Lukens] 

Hawks, Trails, and Beach - Saturday, November 14th, 2015

It was brisk, windy weather for our final walk of the season. We started with a few Northern Gannnets offshore and a mix of gulls on the beach. There was still a huge number of Tree Swallows staging. On the ponds, there was a mix of ducks including Mallards, Northern Shovelers, Gadwalls, American Wigeon, Northern Pintails, Ruddy Ducks, Green-wing Teal, and Wood Ducks. The walk ended with a huge movement of American Robins overhead. Leaders:  Chuck Slugg, Barb Bassett.
26
species

Canada Goose  30
Mute Swan  7
Wood Duck  8
Gadwall  25
American Wigeon  20
Mallard  30
Northern Shoveler  8
Northern Pintail  8
Green-winged Teal  7
Black Scoter  3
Ruddy Duck  10
Red-throated Loon  1
Northern Gannet  8
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Great Egret  3
Black Vulture  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
American Coot  16
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  20
Tree Swallow  75
American Robin  250
Yellow-rumped Warbler  1     heard
Northern Cardinal  2

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

Fall Migrants at the Rea Farm, Saturday, November 14th, 2015

After working for every bird we saw along the way, all of a sudden we were surrounded. Eastern Bluebird, Purple Finch, Pine Siskin, Rusty Blackbird, American Pipits in the puddle, Eastern Phoebe and Western Kingbird - all in view from the same spot!  It was quite a sight, especially amidst the fall colors; the yellow of the Western Kingbird with the blue and orange of the bluebirds in the red sumac leaves was really quite spectacular. Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, Karl Lukens, and Deb Payson.
45 species (+1 other taxa) total

Wood Duck  5
Gadwall  10
Mallard  12
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  3
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Killdeer  2
Short-billed/Long-billed Dowitcher  4
Laughing Gull  4
Herring Gull (American)  3
Mourning Dove  14
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  3
Merlin  1
Eastern Phoebe  1
Western Kingbird  1
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  9
Tree Swallow  2
Cave Swallow  2
Carolina Chickadee  2
Carolina Wren  2
Golden-crowned Kinglet  2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
Eastern Bluebird  19
American Robin  75
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  35
American Pipit  4
Cedar Waxwing  20
Palm Warbler (Western)  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  6
White-throated Sparrow  5
Savannah Sparrow  3
Song Sparrow  3
Swamp Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  28
Rusty Blackbird  5
Common Grackle  8
Purple Finch  1
Pine Siskin  1
American Goldfinch  18

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, November 11th, 2015

It was a wonderful morning for our last Birding Cape May Point walk of the season. The large Robin movement we have been enjoying the past few days continued as we explored the point. There was a migration of Great-blue Herons, with 16 spotted throughout the walk, and many of those heading out over the Delaware Bay. Up at the Coral Avenue beach access we had great looks at close Northern Gannets, Surf & Black Scoters, Red-throated Loons, flyover Common Loons, as well as close Cave Swallows and a young, male Common Eider. On our walk to Lake Lily we had a Wilson's Snipe flyover, as well as a small group of Pine Siskins and American Pipits. Our last stop at Lighthouse Pong gave us the usual smattering of ducks, along with an Eastern Meadowlark, a hunting Northern Harrier, and foraging Kinglets.
A huge thank you to our participants who have made this fall so memorable and to our fearless volunteer leaders who made it so fun!
Leaders: Margeaux Maerz, Mike Crewe, Chris Marks, Catherine Busch, Steve Weis, Mary Watkins, and Sam Wilson.
64 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  26
Mute Swan  5
Gadwall  38
Eurasian Wigeon  1
American Wigeon  34
Mallard  28
Northern Pintail  6
Green-winged Teal  8
Ring-necked Duck  45
Greater Scaup  4
Common Eider  1
Surf Scoter  84
Black Scoter  120
Ruddy Duck  6
Red-throated Loon  3
Common Loon  5
Northern Gannet  26
Double-crested Cormorant  12
Great Blue Heron  16
Turkey Vulture  3
Northern Harrier  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  5
Cooper's Hawk  2
American Coot  9
Killdeer  3
Sanderling  8
Dunlin  4
Purple Sandpiper  3
Semipalmated/Western Sandpiper  1  
Wilson's Snipe  1
Parasitic Jaeger  1
Laughing Gull  X
Ring-billed Gull  X
Herring Gull  X
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  X
Royal Tern  4
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  12
Mourning Dove  6
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  2
American Crow  4
Tree Swallow  8
Cave Swallow  3
Carolina Chickadee  2
Carolina Wren  1
Golden-crowned Kinglet  1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
American Robin  35
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  X
American Pipit  2
Cedar Waxwing  65
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  6
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)  8
White-throated Sparrow  4
Song Sparrow  1
Swamp Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  X
Eastern Meadowlark  1
House Finch  6
Pine Siskin  4
American Goldfinch  28
House Sparrow  X

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, November 9th, 2015

We had a nice variety of ducks including Gadwall, Northern Pintail, Mallard, many Green-winged Teal, and the continuing female Redhead. On the beach, we had at least four Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Other birds of interest were the three continuing Long-billed Dowitchers, a late Stilt Sandpiper, and a dozen Dunlin. Leaders: Chuck Slugg, Karl Lukens, Janet Crawford, and Mary Watkins.
50 species

Canada Goose  8
Mute Swan  8
Gadwall  20
American Wigeon  2
American Black Duck  6
Mallard  25
Northern Shoveler  6
Northern Pintail  15
Green-winged Teal  40
Redhead  1     continuing female
Ruddy Duck  6
Common Loon  4     fly over
Northern Gannet  5
Double-crested Cormorant  100
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  1
White-faced Ibis  1     continuing juvenile
Black Vulture  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  10
Cooper's Hawk  3
American Coot  10
Killdeer  3
Stilt Sandpiper  1
Dunlin  12
Long-billed Dowitcher  3     continuing
Laughing Gull  10
Ring-billed Gull  3
Herring Gull  10
Lesser Black-backed Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  25
Forster's Tern  5
Mourning Dove  5
Northern Flicker  6
Blue Jay  1
Fish Crow  5
Tree Swallow  20
Carolina Wren  2     heard
Eastern Bluebird  2     heard
American Robin  50
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  1
Cedar Waxwing  15
Yellow-rumped Warbler  20
Savannah Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  4
Swamp Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  20
American Goldfinch  10
House Sparrow  2

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

Lesser Black-backed Gull [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Bayshore Birding at Its Best - Sunday, November 8th, 2015

It was a beautiful November day, and we saw lots of birds, including Bald Eagles, Northern Harriers, Dunlin, both Yellowlegs, and Black-bellied Plovers. We heard Sandhill Cranes. The highlights of the day were an amazingly cooperative Sora that strolled past the entire group and walked between Mary Watkins' legs and a nice look at a flock of American Pipits. Leaders: Janet Crawford, Chris Marks, Chuck and Mary Jane Slugg and Mary Watkins.
Green Swamp, Cumberland
13 species

American Black Duck  3
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  16
Northern Harrier  3
Bald Eagle  7
Red-tailed Hawk  3
Ring-billed Gull  4
Herring Gull  4
Mourning Dove  2
Belted Kingfisher  1
Dark-eyed Junco  6
Song Sparrow  4
Red-winged Blackbird  35

Husted Landing
16 species

American Black Duck  3
Great Blue Heron  1
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  4
Northern Harrier  2
Bald Eagle  4
Red-tailed Hawk  3
Sora  1
Greater Yellowlegs  2
Dunlin  20
Laughing Gull  7
Ring-billed Gull  X
Herring Gull  X
Great Black-backed Gull  4
Mourning Dove  6
European Starling  30

Sheppard Davis Road
20 species

American Black Duck  4
Double-crested Cormorant  10
Black Vulture  6
Turkey Vulture  14
Northern Harrier  3
Cooper's Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  1
Red-tailed Hawk  2
Sandhill Crane  3     Heard only. Part of the flock of cranes that winter at Husted Landing.
Ring-billed Gull  X
Herring Gull  X
Mourning Dove  5
American Pipit  12
Dark-eyed Junco  8
White-throated Sparrow  4
Savannah Sparrow  4
Song Sparrow  3
Swamp Sparrow  6
Red-winged Blackbird  100
Eastern Meadowlark  4

Glades Wildlife Refuge--Turkey Pt.
13 species

Canada Goose  21
Mute Swan  5
Pied-billed Grebe  2
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  1
Bald Eagle  1
Black-bellied Plover  4
Greater Yellowlegs  4
Lesser Yellowlegs  3
Dunlin  550
Ring-billed Gull  X
Herring Gull  X
Yellow-rumped Warbler  6

Bivalve--High St
9 species

Canada Goose  30
American Black Duck  10
Northern Pintail  6
Green-winged Teal  50
Black-bellied Plover  10
Greater Yellowlegs  20
Dunlin  100
Herring Gull  6
Song Sparrow  3

Heislerville WMA
14 species

American Black Duck  10
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  1
Snowy Egret  1
Osprey  1
Bald Eagle  3
Black-bellied Plover  8
Greater Yellowlegs  10
Dunlin  80
Ring-billed Gull  X
Herring Gull  X
Great Black-backed Gull  X
Forster's Tern  6

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

Cox Hall Creek WMA - Sunday, November 8th, 2015

There are parking lot puddles at the back entrance to CHC WMA and that's where the birds were playing today. Eastern Bluebirds, Cedar Waxwings, Chipping Sparrows and House Finches bathed and drank while Eastern Meadowlarks, Purple Finches and Eastern Phoebe hung out in nearby trees. A Sharp-shinned Hawk caught a bird mid-air and the Golden-crowned Kinglets put on a really close show. Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, Shaun Bamford, Deb Payson, and Joe Demko.
45 species

Canada Goose  1
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Turkey Vulture  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Mourning Dove  11
Red-bellied Woodpecker  4
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  6
Eastern Phoebe  1
Blue Jay  4
American Crow  20
Carolina Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  4
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
Brown Creeper  1
Carolina Wren  1
Golden-crowned Kinglet  4
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
Eastern Bluebird  12
Hermit Thrush  2
American Robin  150
Gray Catbird  1
Brown Thrasher  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
Cedar Waxwing  65
Black-throated Blue Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  35
Chipping Sparrow  3
Field Sparrow  2
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)  9
White-throated Sparrow  9
Savannah Sparrow  2
Song Sparrow  4
Swamp Sparrow  2
Eastern Towhee  6
Northern Cardinal  3
Red-winged Blackbird  25
Eastern Meadowlark  3
Common Grackle  40
Brown-headed Cowbird  21
House Finch  5
Purple Finch  2
American Goldfinch  18
House Sparrow  6

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

Hermit Thrush [Photo by Roger Horn]

Hawks, Trails, and Beach - Saturday, November 7th, 2015

It was a chilly, drizzly afternoon, but from the dune we had a decent Northern Gannet show and a mix of gulls. The Black Swan continues in Bunker Pond with the usual Mute Swans and Canada Geese. We did find the Eurasian Wigeon and American Coot. Little birds were scarce but we did find Yellow-rumped Warblers. Leader: Chuck Slugg.
33 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  20
Mute Swan  9
Gadwall  14
Eurasian Wigeon  1
American Wigeon  20
Mallard  15
Blue-winged Teal  2
Northern Shoveler  12
Northern Pintail  10
Green-winged Teal  25
scoter sp.  35
Ruddy Duck  8
Northern Gannet  30
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  1
Turkey Vulture  2
Northern Harrier  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
American Coot  7
Ring-billed Gull  3
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  25
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  2
Mourning Dove  3
Tree Swallow  25
Carolina Wren  2  heard
American Robin  2     heard
Northern Mockingbird  1    heard
Yellow-rumped Warbler  20
Savannah Sparrow  2
Song Sparrow  1
Swamp Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  2     heard

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

Fall Migrants at The Rea Farm - Saturday, November 7th, 2015

We had two very popular sightings at the Rea Farm this morning. First a Vesper Sparrow, after playing hard to get in the grasses and phrags along a field edge, settled down in the bare dirt and proceeded to feed on the fallen seed there for quite some time. Later, in an (improved) repeat performance of last week's walk, mobbing crows chased a Great Horned Owl from one side of the field to the other, to the great delight of us all. Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, Karl Lukens, Deb Payson, and Catherine Busch.
41 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  15
Mute Swan  2
Gadwall  2
Mallard  11
Double-crested Cormorant  41
Turkey Vulture  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Herring Gull (American)  3
Great Black-backed Gull  3
Mourning Dove  19
Great Horned Owl  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  4
Downy Woodpecker  3
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  4
Blue Jay  3
American Crow  9
Carolina Chickadee  2
Carolina Wren  4
Golden-crowned Kinglet  1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
American Robin  48
Gray Catbird  3
Brown Thrasher  1
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  18
Cedar Waxwing  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  15
Field Sparrow  4
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)  2
White-crowned Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  3
Vesper Sparrow  1
Savannah Sparrow  9
Song Sparrow  4
Swamp Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  75
Common Grackle  35
blackbird sp.  50
American Goldfinch  6

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

Vesper Sparrow [Photo by Roger Horn]