Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, April 3rd, 2017

A beautiful birding day. Numbers and variety of ducks has diminished, but we still had Northern Shovelers, Gadwall, Green-winged Teal, and Bufflehead on the ponds, as well as Black and Surf Scoter off shore. A few Tree Swallows were over head. First of year for several people were Snowy Egret and Glossy Ibis. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Steve Weis, Warren Cairo, Pat Perkins, and Marc & Lynne Breslow.
50 species

Canada Goose  30
Mute Swan  11
Wood Duck  2     fly-over before walk
Gadwall  10
American Black Duck  5
Mallard  25
Northern Shoveler  12
Green-winged Teal  8
Surf Scoter  7
Black Scoter  18
Bufflehead  2
Red-throated Loon  15
Common Loon  1     fly-over before walk
Northern Gannet  200
Double-crested Cormorant  60
Great Blue Heron  3
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  1
Glossy Ibis  8
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  3
Northern Harrier  1
American Coot  3
American Oystercatcher  6
Killdeer  1
Wilson's Snipe  2
Lesser Yellowlegs  2
Laughing Gull  15
Herring Gull  6
Great Black-backed Gull  8
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  1
Mourning Dove  6
Northern Flicker  1
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  2
Tree Swallow  8
Carolina Chickadee  1
American Robin  5
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  5
Yellow-rumped Warbler  5
Field Sparrow  3
Savannah Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  2
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
House Finch  1
House Sparrow  1

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

American Oystercatcher [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Laughing Gulls [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Northern Gannet [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Red-winged Blackbird [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Snowy Egret [Photo by Karl Lukens]

E-Z Birding at Northwood - Sunday, April 2nd, 2017

It was a beautiful spring morning for a walk around Cape May Point. We headed first along Lake Lily (where we startled a Wilson's Snipe) to Coral Avenue dune crossover to observe and learn about the Springwatch volunteer migration count. Northern Gannets were in abundance, and we also had Bonaparte's Gull, Ruddy Turnstone, American Oystercatcher, and Red-throated Loon at close range. We witnessed a single Osprey arriving from Delaware. Lighthouse Pond and Lake Lily yielded a variety of ducks as well as the first Tree Swallows of the season. We ended by surveying the newly restored backyard habitat behind Northwood. Leaders: Catherine Busch, Mary Watkins, and Carrie Bell.
51 species

Canada Goose  2
Mute Swan  2
Gadwall  4
American Wigeon  2
Mallard  6
Northern Shoveler  1
Green-winged Teal  2
Ring-necked Duck  20
Bufflehead  6
Red-throated Loon  2
Northern Gannet  X
Double-crested Cormorant  5
Great Blue Heron  1
Black Vulture  X
Turkey Vulture  X
Osprey  5
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  3
Ruddy Turnstone  2
Wilson's Snipe  1
Bonaparte's Gull  2
Laughing Gull  X
Ring-billed Gull  X
Herring Gull  X
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  X
Mourning Dove  10
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  2
Blue Jay  4
American Crow  6
Fish Crow  1
Tree Swallow  4
Carolina Chickadee  3
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1
White-breasted Nuthatch  2
Carolina Wren  3
American Robin  X
Northern Mockingbird  5
European Starling  X
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  12
Dark-eyed Junco  1
White-throated Sparrow  12
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  10
Red-winged Blackbird  X
Common Grackle  X
Brown-headed Cowbird  X
House Finch  6
House Sparrow  X

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

Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, April 1st, 2017

Northern Gannets have been on the move all week and were putting on quite a show as we watched from the top of the dune at the state park this morning. Elegant in stark white and black, a cloud of them fed not far from shore. Gannets winter off the Atlantic and Gulf coasts and are now making their way north to breed off the extreme northeastern coast of Canada. A couple small flocks of Glossy Ibis were first-of-season birds and Ospreys and Eastern Phoebes are on the move. Leaders: Kathy Horn and Michael McCabe.
55 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  15
Mute Swan  6
Tundra Swan  2
Gadwall  11
American Wigeon  9
Mallard (Northern)  8
Northern Shoveler  8
Green-winged Teal (American)  23
Surf Scoter  6
Black Scoter  13
Surf/Black Scoter  10
Bufflehead  4
Hooded Merganser  2
Red-throated Loon  2
Northern Gannet  428
Double-crested Cormorant  25
Great Blue Heron (Blue form)  1
Great Egret  1
Glossy Ibis  11
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey (carolinensis)  2
Northern Harrier (American)  1
Killdeer  3
Bonaparte's Gull  5
Ring-billed Gull  3
Herring Gull (American)  7
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Mourning Dove  4
Downy Woodpecker (Eastern)  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  3
Eastern Phoebe  1
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  5
Tree Swallow  2
Carolina Chickadee  4
Carolina Wren  7
Golden-crowned Kinglet  1
Hermit Thrush  2
American Robin  21
Gray Catbird  2
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  5
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  32
Field Sparrow  5
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)  4
White-throated Sparrow  11
Song Sparrow  4
Swamp Sparrow  1
Eastern Towhee  2
Northern Cardinal  3
Red-winged Blackbird 10
Common Grackle  2
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
House Finch  2
House Sparrow  2

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

POOR MAN'S PELAGIC - March 25, 2017

Thirty participants turned out for a very rewarding Special Field Trip on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. Ably led by Karen Johnson, Brian Johnson, Janet Crawford and Barb Bassett, there was lots to see and the weather was beautiful. There were many highlights, including hundreds of Black and Surf Scoters, lines of Northern Gannets passing, Red-throated Loons, Iceland Gull, American Oystercatchers, Purple Sandpipers, Peregrine Falcon, seals, dolphins, and more!!! A full list of the 36 species observed appears below.

For those looking to see more of the same, join the Springwatch counters at the Coral Ave. dune crossing in Cape May Point, every morning into May, follow the count at Trektellen.org, or sign up for the Cape May School of Birding Springwatch Workshop with Tom Reed on April 15 - Cape May School of Birding.

Black Scoters

Northern Gannets

Surf Scoter

Northern Gannets

Harbor Seal and Great Black-backed Gulls

Cape May Inversion

Field Trip Checklist:

Brant - 28

Mute Swan - 1

American Black Duck - 3

Surf Scoter - 500+

Black Scoter - 500+

Bufflehead - 9

Red-breasted Merganser - 1

Red-throated Loon - 50+

Common Loon - 3

Horned Grebe - 3

Northern Gannet - 100+

Double-crested Cormorant - 37

Great Blue Heron - 3

Great Egret - 1

Black Vulture - 1

Turkey Vulture - 26

Osprey - 1

Northern Harrier - 1

Bald Eagle - 2

American Oystercatcher - 2

Sanderling - 2

Purple Sandpiper - 2

Bonaparte's Gull - 9

Laughing Gull - 38

Ring-billed Gull - 3

Herring Gull - 250+

Iceland Gull - 1

Lesser Black-backed Gull - 1

Great Black-backed Gull - 35

Rock Pigeon - 17

Peregrine Falcon - 1

Fish Crow - 5

Tree Swallow - 2

Carolina Wren - 1

European Starling - 10

House Sparrow - 2

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, March 27, 2017

Still a good variety of ducks both on the ponds and offshore. At least three pairs of American Oystercatchers were on the beach. First of the year for many were an Osprey hovering over the ponds and two breeding plumage Laughing Gulls. Also had three Wilson's Snipe. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, Janet Crawford, Warren Cairo, and Chuck Slugg.
46 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  8
American Black Duck  4
Mallard  60
Northern Pintail  6
Green-winged Teal  10
Surf Scoter  6
Black Scoter  10
Bufflehead  2
Red-throated Loon  1
Northern Gannet  48
Double-crested Cormorant  8
Great Blue Heron  3
Great Egret  3
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  1
Northern Harrier  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
American Coot  3
American Oystercatcher  6
Killdeer  4
Wilson's Snipe  6
Laughing Gull  2
Herring Gull  6
Great Black-backed Gull  5
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  3
Mourning Dove  8
Northern Flicker  3
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  5
Fish Crow  1
Carolina Wren  1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  2
Field Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  1
House Finch  2
Purple Finch  1
House Sparrow  6

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

Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, March 25th, 2017

Birds were on the move overnight and the State Park was hoppin'! Golden-crowned Kinglets seemed to be everywhere, with little groups of them feeding in budding trees, calling and flitting close to us. An American Woodcock was seen briefly before it walked out of sight behind a shrub and we scared up three Wilson's Snipe along the boardwalk. A Merlin, perhaps having recently crossed the bay, rested on the beach long enough to give good scope views, then took off in typical merlin fashion to harass the pigeons. Last night's favorable conditions also brought us Pine Warblers and they could be both seen and heard throughout the park. The Northern Gannet show was pretty good, with several close birds wheeling over the water in the morning light. Leaders: Kathy Horn, Roger Horn, Karl Lukens, Kyle Chelius, and Michael McCabe.
Number of Taxa: 52

11 Canada Goose
3 Mute Swan
6 Gadwall
6 American Wigeon
2 American Black Duck
10 Mallard
4 Northern Shoveler
1 Northern Pintail
9 Green-winged Teal (American)
7 Surf Scoter
9 Black Scoter
8 Northern Gannet
37 Double-crested Cormorant
3 Great Blue Heron (Blue form)
1 Great Egret
2 Black Vulture
3 Turkey Vulture
1 Bald Eagle
3 Killdeer
3 Wilson's Snipe
1 American Woodcock
3 Herring Gull (American)
7 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
4 Mourning Dove
1 Belted Kingfisher
1 Red-bellied Woodpecker
1 Downy Woodpecker (Eastern)
5 Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)
1 Merlin
4 Eastern Phoebe
2 Blue Jay
7 American Crow
1 Tree Swallow
4 Carolina Chickadee
1 Tufted Titmouse
8 Carolina Wren
13 Golden-crowned Kinglet
1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet (heard)
1 Hermit Thrush
17 American Robin
1 Northern Mockingbird
3 European Starling
1 Orange-crowned Warbler
7 Pine Warbler
18 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)
1 Chipping Sparrow
4 White-throated Sparrow
3 Song Sparrow
7 Northern Cardinal
10 Red-winged Blackbird
2 Brown-headed Cowbird
1 House Finch

Hermit Thrush [Photo by Roger Horn]

Merlin [Photo by Roger Horn]

Golden-crowned Kinglet [Photo by Roger Horn]

Pine Warbler [Photo by Roger Horn]

Great Egret [Photo by Roger Horn]

Pine Warbler [Photo by Roger Horn]

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, March 20th, 2017

Nice numbers and variety of ducks including two flyover Wood Ducks. Red-winged Blackbirds were sitting up and singing. Over the ocean we saw Northern Gannets, Black and Surf Scoters as well as a Red-throated Loon and a Common Loon. The usual gulls were seen and one Bonaparte's Gull flew very close for a good view. Lots of Yellow-rumped Warblers were also present. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Steve Weis, Janet Crawford, Barbara Bassett, and Chuck Slugg.
44 species

Canada Goose  11
Mute Swan  9
Tundra Swan  1
Wood Duck  2
Gadwall  10
American Wigeon  1
American Black Duck  4
Mallard  30
Northern Shoveler  10
Northern Pintail  6
Green-winged Teal  15
Ring-necked Duck  1
Surf Scoter  4
Black Scoter  8
Bufflehead  12
Red-throated Loon  1
Common Loon  1
Horned Grebe  1
Northern Gannet  10
Black Vulture  4
Turkey Vulture  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
American Coot  1
American Oystercatcher  8
Killdeer  1
Wilson's Snipe  2
Bonaparte's Gull  1
Herring Gull  8
Great Black-backed Gull  15
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  3
Mourning Dove  3
Northern Flicker  2
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  4
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  3
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  3
Yellow-rumped Warbler  12
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  4
House Sparrow  2

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

American Oystercatcher [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Red-winged Blackbird [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Bayshore Birds - Sunday, March 19th, 2017

Spring was in the air and so were the Bald Eagles and Northern Harriers.  After exciting views of the raptors, we moved to the upland area of Jake’s Landing to witness the nuptial flight of the American Woodcock. Leaders:  Chris Marks, Bert Hixon, BJ Pinnock, & Mary Watkins.
22 species

Snow Goose  1500     not unusual
Canada Goose  8
Gadwall  12
American Black Duck  18
Mallard (Northern)  6
Northern Pintail  6
Green-winged Teal  85
Hooded Merganser  4
Ruddy Duck (Ruddy)  2
Great Cormorant  2
Great Blue Heron (Blue form)  1
Turkey Vulture  4
Northern Harrier  5
Bald Eagle  8     careful count  multiple pairs with one observed on nest
Red-tailed Hawk  3
Killdeer  2
Dunlin  38
Greater Yellowlegs  4
Ring-billed Gull  3
Herring Gull  8
American Robin  18
Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged)  26

Jake's Landing--forest/upland, Cape May, New Jersey, US

American Woodcock  4
Great Horned Owl  1
American Robin  35
Brown Thrasher  1
White-throated Sparrow  12
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged)  12

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

Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, March 18th, 2017

Purple Finches have been few and far between this winter but a pair of females showed up on this morning's walk. Though easily overlooked, female Purple Finches have a broad light eyestripe that contrasts strongly with their solid ear-patch; they're a bit bulkier than our more common House Finch, too. Purple Finches are an irruptive species so we only see them in winters when their northern conifer cones are in short supply. Leaders: Kathy Horn, Roger Horn, Karl Lykens, Kyle Chelius, and Michael McCabe.
44 species

Canada Goose  21
Mute Swan  4
Gadwall  2
American Wigeon  2
American Black Duck  2
Mallard  10
Ring-necked Duck  10
Black Scoter  6
Bufflehead  1
Northern Gannet  8
Great Blue Heron  1
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  1
American Oystercatcher  5
Killdeer  18
Ring-billed Gull  3
Herring Gull (American)  4
Great Black-backed Gull  1
Mourning Dove  8
Downy Woodpecker (Eastern)  2
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  1
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  5
Carolina Chickadee  3
Red-breasted Nuthatch  2
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren (Northern)  8
Eastern Bluebird  1
American Robin  26
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  8
Cedar Waxwing  30
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  4
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)  6
White-throated Sparrow  10
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  7
Red-winged Blackbird  22
Common Grackle  36
House Finch  12
Purple Finch  2
American Goldfinch  2
House Sparrow  8

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

Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, March 11th, 2017

How often have you seen a Virginia Rail at the State Park in March? It wasn't on our list of expected birds today but there it was, leisurely feeding in the marsh grasses along the blue trail. We walked slowly along the boardwalk as it went in and out of view just a few feet away. The Tundra Swans are still in the third plover pond and we had a first-of-season Semipalmated Plover in the first plover pond but that cooperative Virginia Rail was everyone's favorite bird of the day!  Leaders: Kathy Horn, Roger Horn, and Michael McCabe.
42 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  16
Mute Swan  6
Tundra Swan  4
Gadwall  45
American Wigeon  3
Mallard (Northern)  15
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid)  2
Northern Shoveler  22
Northern Pintail  2
Green-winged Teal (American)  26
Bufflehead  3
Northern Gannet  7
Great Blue Heron (Blue form)  2
Black Vulture  7
Turkey Vulture  4
Virginia Rail  1
American Coot  1
Semipalmated Plover  1
Killdeer  2
Lesser Yellowlegs  1
Ring-billed Gull  6
Herring Gull (American)  2
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  3
Mourning Dove  2
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  2
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  2
Carolina Chickadee  1
Carolina Wren  7
American Robin  3
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  13
Orange-crowned Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  11
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)  2
White-throated Sparrow  5
Swamp Sparrow  1
Eastern Towhee  2
Northern Cardinal  5
Red-winged Blackbird  5
Eastern Meadowlark (Eastern)  1
Common Grackle  4

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

Bayshore Birds - Sunday, March 5th, 2017

Everyone was treated to an eagle show of birds interacting over the marsh. Three of our participants got their “lifer” looks at a Short-eared Owl hunting over the marsh. The American Woodcocks put on their mating display for an appreciative audience. Leaders: Chris Marks, Bert Hixon, BJ Pinnock, and Mary Watkins.
23 species

Gadwall  4
American Black Duck  14
Mallard  4
Green-winged Teal  85
Bufflehead  3
Hooded Merganser  3
Red-necked Grebe  1
Great Blue Heron  4
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  3
Northern Harrier  4
Bald Eagle  11     5 immature 6 adult including one on nest
Red-tailed Hawk  4
Dunlin  350
Ring-billed Gull  12
Herring Gull  25
Short-eared Owl  1
Peregrine Falcon  1
American Crow  3
Song Sparrow  2
Red-winged Blackbird  6
Eastern Meadowlark  5
Common Grackle  3

Jakes Landing  Forest Upland

Bald Eagle  2     Immature
American Woodcock  4
Mourning Dove  2
Great Horned Owl  1
American Robin  35
Brown Thrasher  1
White-throated Sparrow  8
Northern Cardinal  4

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

Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, March 4th, 2017

Red-breasted Nuthatches showed up for this morning's walk, giving their toy horn "yank, yank" calls. Though similar in many ways to our resident White-breasted Nuthatches, Red-breasteds differ in some ways. They prefer fir and spruce forests while our White-breasted Nuthatches prefer deciduous forests. And they're unique among nuthatches in the irruptive movements that result when winter food is scarce on their breeding grounds. This year is a good year to see them. Leaders: Kathy Horn, Roger Horn, Karl Lukens, Kyle Chelius, and Michael McCabe.
47 species

Canada Goose 19
Mute Swan  2
Gadwall  6
American Wigeon  2
Mallard (Northern)  28
Northern Shoveler  14
Green-winged Teal (American)  10
Ring-necked Duck  4
Greater Scaup  1
Bufflehead  1
Ruddy Duck (Ruddy)  2
Northern Gannet  5
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Great Blue Heron (Blue form)  1
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  12
Red-tailed Hawk (borealis)  2
Wilson's Snipe  1
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull (American)  2
Great Black-backed Gull  4
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  1
Mourning Dove  7
Belted Kingfisher  1
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  5
Fish Crow  1
Carolina Chickadee  7
Tufted Titmouse  1
Red-breasted Nuthatch  2
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren (Northern)  5
American Robin  12
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  9
Cedar Waxwing  15
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  7
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)  25
White-throated Sparrow  8
Song Sparrow  6
Northern Cardinal  6
Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged)  6
Common Grackle (Purple)  13
Brown-headed Cowbird  4
House Finch  8
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  7

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

Mourning Dove [Photo by Roger Horn]

Red-breasted Nuthatch [Photo by Roger Horn]

American Robin [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Bayshore Birds - Sunday, February 26th, 2017

On a brisk, cool evening, the raptors were actively hunting over the marsh. Everyone was treated to fabulous views of a hunting Short-eared Owl as well as multiple Northern Harriers. Bald Eagles appeared to be everywhere at once and close enough to discuss the ages of the birds based on plumage. Leaders: Chris Marks, Bert Hixon, BJ Pinnock, and Mary Watkins.
22 species

Snow Goose  500
American Black Duck  18
Green-winged Teal  12
Great Blue Heron (Blue form)  1
Turkey Vulture  12
Northern Harrier (American)  4
Bald Eagle  5     Not unusual
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Clapper Rail  8
Dunlin  45
Ring-billed Gull  4
Herring Gull  8
Mourning Dove  2
Short-eared Owl  1
American Kestrel  1
American Crow  3
Carolina Chickadee  2
American Robin  65
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  24
Common Grackle  4

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

Sunday Morning at Turkey Point - Sunday, February 26th, 2017

Leaders:  Chris Marks, Karen Johnson, and Mary Watkins.
24 species

Snow Goose  500
Canada Goose  12
Mute Swan  15
American Wigeon  8
American Black Duck  16
Mallard (Northern)  8
Northern Shoveler  6
Green-winged Teal  125
Bufflehead  12
Common Merganser  6
Great Blue Heron (Blue form)  2
Turkey Vulture  8
Northern Harrier (American)  9
Bald Eagle  22     Careful count
Bonaparte's Gull  100     Low estimate
Ring-billed Gull  8
Herring Gull  12
American Crow  6
Carolina Chickadee  3
Carolina Wren  2
European Starling  8
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  8
Swamp Sparrow  1
Red-winged Blackbird  5

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

Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, February 25th, 2017

Fairly warm and sometimes some sun, but lots of fog made it difficult to see off shore. We did manage some Red-throated Loons, scoter, and two Northern Gannets. Lots of American Robins and Common Grackles. Leaders: Michael McCabe, Karl Lukens, & Kyle Chelius.
39 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  4
Mallard  15
Green-winged Teal  7
Ring-necked Duck  6
Greater Scaup  1
Surf Scoter  1
Black Scoter  12
Bufflehead  2
Ruddy Duck  3
Red-throated Loon  10
Northern Gannet  2
American Oystercatcher  3
Killdeer  5
Herring Gull  10
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  5
Mourning Dove  6
Belted Kingfisher  1
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  1
Carolina Chickadee  5
Carolina Wren  3
American Robin  125
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  10
Cedar Waxwing  5
Yellow-rumped Warbler  4
Dark-eyed Junco  1
White-throated Sparrow  6
Northern Cardinal  8
Red-winged Blackbird  8
Common Grackle  35
Brown-headed Cowbird  2
House Finch  8
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  3

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

Birdwalk for Beginners - Monday, February 20th, 2017

Leaders: Catherine Busch, Marc & Lynne Breslow.
Cape Island--CMPSP (Cape May Point SP)
33 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  X
Mute Swan  X
Gadwall  X
American Wigeon  X
Mallard  X
Northern Shoveler  X
Green-winged Teal  3
Ring-necked Duck  X
Bufflehead  4
Hooded Merganser  2
Ruddy Duck  1
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Great Blue Heron  3
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  X
Red-tailed Hawk  4
Killdeer  4
Ring-billed Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  1
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  2
Mourning Dove  2
Belted Kingfisher  1     heard only
crow sp.  2
Carolina Chickadee  12
Carolina Wren  7
Golden-crowned Kinglet  1     heard only
American Robin  1
Northern Mockingbird  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  10
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged)  5
Common Grackle  6
House Finch  2

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

Bayshore Birds - Sunday, February 19th, 2017

A spring-like outing for our first Bayshore Birds. We headed for Jakes Landing and were treated to multiple Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks and Short-eared Owls as well as Seaside Sparrows and Marsh Wrens. Leaders:  Chris Marks, BJ Pinnock, and Mary Watkins.
19 species

Canada Goose  18
American Black Duck  16
Mallard  6
Green-winged Teal  38
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Great Blue Heron  3
Turkey Vulture  3
Northern Harrier  6
Cooper's Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  4     Not unusual at this location
Red-tailed Hawk  3
Clapper Rail  8
Ring-billed Gull  8
Herring Gull (American)  12
Short-eared Owl  3
Marsh Wren  2
American Robin  38
Seaside Sparrow  3
Red-winged Blackbird  14

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

Sunday Morning at Turkey Point - Sunday, February 19th, 2017

Glades Wildlife Refuge--Turkey Pt., Cumberland
Leaders Janet Crawford, Karen Johnson, Chris Marks, & Mary Watkins.
40 species

Snow Goose  120
Canada Goose  34
Mute Swan  15
Gadwall  200     Careful count by tens.
American Wigeon  29
American Black Duck  12
Mallard  12
Northern Shoveler  4
Northern Pintail  3
Green-winged Teal  650     Careful count by tens.
Bufflehead  12
Common Goldeneye  18
Common Merganser  6
Ruddy Duck  201
Great Blue Heron  4
Turkey Vulture  1
Northern Harrier  9
Bald Eagle  32     Actual count
Bonaparte's Gull  12
Herring Gull  12
Mourning Dove  6
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  2
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  12
Carolina Chickadee  6
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  6
Golden-crowned Kinglet  1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
American Robin  150
European Starling  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler  36
White-throated Sparrow  5
Swamp Sparrow  5
Eastern Towhee  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  26
Common Grackle  12
American Goldfinch  3

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

Sundays at Northwood - Sunday, February 19th, 2017

Leader: Catherine Busch.
CMBO Northwood Center
19 species

Mute Swan  2
Mallard  3
Ring-necked Duck  2
Bufflehead  3
Cooper's Hawk  1
Mourning Dove  10
Downy Woodpecker  2
Blue Jay  5
Carolina Chickadee  6
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1
White-breasted Nuthatch  2
Carolina Wren  2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
American Robin  35
White-throated Sparrow  12
Northern Cardinal  8
Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged)  2
Common Grackle  5
Purple Finch  1

Cape Island--Cape May Pt.
35 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  3
Mallard  12
Green-winged Teal  2
Ring-necked Duck  2
Bufflehead  3
Ruddy Duck  2
Red-throated Loon  1
Northern Gannet  9
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Turkey Vulture  1
Killdeer  1
Ruddy Turnstone  1
Herring Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Mourning Dove  20
Blue Jay  6
Carolina Chickadee  7
Tufted Titmouse  1
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  5
Golden-crowned Kinglet  1
American Robin  400
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  15
Yellow-rumped Warbler  2
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)  1
White-throated Sparrow  20
Song Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  6
Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged)  5
Common Grackle  12
House Finch  15
House Sparrow  10

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

Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, February 18th, 2017

It felt more like spring than winter this morning and it seemed the birds thought so, too; flocks were moving around the Point in pleasantly noisy groups. The Point has many native trees and shrubs, and Cedar Waxwings and American Robins were taking full advantage, busily traveling from tree to tree, stripping the branches of berries. Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, regular winter visitors here, were busy making the rounds at their sap wells. Sapsuckers are "famous", among birders and birds alike, for these sap wells which provide food in the form of both sap and attracted insects. Many species, including warblers and hummingbirds, come to these sap rings to feed. Look for them in the large trees in the circle at the Point. Leaders: Kathy Horn, Roger Horn, Karl Lukens, Kyle Chelius, & Michael McCabe.

41 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  12
Mute Swan  4
Gadwall  3
American Wigeon  6
Mallard (Northern)  14
Northern Shoveler  2
Green-winged Teal (American)  2
Ring-necked Duck  6
Surf/Black Scoter  15
Bufflehead  4
Hooded Merganser  2
Red-breasted Merganser  2
Ruddy Duck  1
Northern Gannet  1
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Turkey Vulture  3
Sharp-shinned Hawk (Northern)  1
Killdeer  5
Herring Gull (American)  12
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  1
Mourning Dove  12
Belted Kingfisher  1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  2
Blue Jay  4
Tree Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  3
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  28
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  6
Cedar Waxwing  8
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  8
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)  7
White-throated Sparrow  6
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  2
Common Grackle  6
Brown-headed Cowbird  13
House Finch  5
House Sparrow  6

Common Grackle [Photo by Roger Horn]

Cedar Waxwing [Photo by Roger Horn]

Red-bellied Woodpecker [Photo by Roger Horn]

Killdeer [Photo by Roger Horn]

Sunday Morning at Turkey Point - Sunday, February 12th

Glades Wildlife Refuge--Turkey Pt., Cumberland
Leaders: Janet Crawford, Karen Johnson, Chris Marks, & Mary Watkins.

29 species (+1 other taxa)
Snow Goose  400
Canada Goose  6
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  20
American Wigeon  15
American Black Duck  50
Mallard  18
Green-winged Teal  6
Canvasback  1
Long-tailed Duck  6     Actual count
Bufflehead  200
Common Goldeneye  35
Common Merganser (North American)  60
Ruddy Duck  80
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  1
Turkey Vulture  2
Northern Harrier  27     Actual count
Sharp-shinned/Cooper's Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  23     Actual count
Bonaparte's Gull  35
Ring-billed Gull  8
Herring Gull  12
Mourning Dove  3
American Crow  2
American Robin  12
Northern Mockingbird  1
Song Sparrow  1
Swamp Sparrow  1
Red-winged Blackbird  6

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

Sundays at Northwood - Sunday, February 12th, 2017

Since it was over cast and rain possibly to come later in the walk, we ventured out into town first by birding along Lake Lily, through the Point, and down to the ocean. A variety of ducks were seen on the lake and in the ocean including Mallards, American Wigeon, Ring-necked Ducks, and Black and Surf Scoters. Songbirds seen and heard along the way included Cedar Waxwings, Purple Finch, Yellow-rumped Warblers, and hundreds of American Robins. Back behind the Northwood Center, we had good views of White-breasted Nuthatch, Fox and White-throated Sparrows among others. Much time was spent discussing bird-friendly backyard habitat. Leaders: Catherine Busch and Bert Hixon.

Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, February 11th, 2017

Thirteen duck species? It must be winter, at least if you see them in Cape May. The ducks are plentiful again, with lots of open water, and they're looking fine, from the flashy Long-tails and Hoodies (Hooded Mergansers) to the subtlety beautiful Gadwalls. Carolina Wrens were also plentiful and in full-throated song, and at least a few of the very late-lingering Tree Swallows have made it through the winter so far. Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, Karl Lukens, and Kyle Chelius.

45 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  35

Mute Swan  4

Tundra Swan (Whistling)  7

Gadwall  58

American Wigeon  8

Mallard  65

Northern Shoveler  20

Northern Pintail  6

Green-winged Teal (American)  17

Ring-necked Duck  8

Black Scoter  22

Surf/Black Scoter  6

Long-tailed Duck  6

Bufflehead  6

Hooded Merganser  12

Red-breasted Merganser  2

Red-throated Loon  1

Great Blue Heron (Blue form)  2

Turkey Vulture  2

Northern Harrier (American)  1

Red-shouldered Hawk  1

Ring-billed Gull  2

Herring Gull (American)  5

Great Black-backed Gull  1

Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  19

Mourning Dove  2

Downy Woodpecker (Eastern)  2

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  5

Blue Jay  1

American Crow  3

Tree Swallow  4

Carolina Chickadee  2

Carolina Wren (Northern)  11

American Robin  5

Brown Thrasher  1

Northern Mockingbird  1

European Starling  13

Cedar Waxwing  22

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  18

Field Sparrow  1

Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)  3

White-throated Sparrow  12

Song Sparrow  1

Northern Cardinal  5

Common Grackle  1

House Finch  9

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

Sundays at Northwood - Sunday, February 5th, 2017

Despite a very windy and mostly overcast day, our group had an enjoyable morning birding behind the Northwood Center and around Cape May Point. Highlights included both nuthatches, three Fox Sparrows, a single female Eastern Towhee, an unexpected Snow Goose on Lake Lily along with a rare for this time of year female Blue-winged Teal. Close flyovers of adult Bald Eagle were a treat as always. Leaders: Catherine Busch & Mary Watkins.

Cape Island--CMP--CMBO Northwood Center, Cape May, New Jersey, US
20 species

Bald Eagle  1
Mourning Dove  25
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  5
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Blue Jay  1
Carolina Chickadee  2
White-breasted Nuthatch  2
Carolina Wren  2
American Robin  35
European Starling  30
Fox Sparrow (Red)  3
White-throated Sparrow  20
Eastern Towhee  1
Northern Cardinal  8
Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged)  15
Common Grackle  16
Brown-headed Cowbird  30
House Finch  6
American Goldfinch  4

Cape Island--Cape May Pt., Cape May, New Jersey, US
35 species (+1 other taxa)

Snow Goose  1
Canada Goose  15
Mute Swan  4
American Wigeon  3
Mallard  8
Blue-winged Teal  1     Female
Ring-necked Duck  5
scoter sp.  10
Long-tailed Duck  1
Turkey Vulture  1
Bald Eagle  1
Ring-billed Gull  5
Herring Gull  3
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  15
Mourning Dove  10
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Blue Jay  5
Tree Swallow  9     Uncommon
Carolina Chickadee  12
Tufted Titmouse  1
Red-breasted Nuthatch  2
Golden-crowned Kinglet  1
American Robin  75
Brown Thrasher  1
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  15
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  25
Dark-eyed Junco  12
White-throated Sparrow  8
Song Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  8
Common Grackle  12
Brown-headed Cowbird  10
House Finch  10
American Goldfinch  6
House Sparrow  12

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

Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, February 4th, 2017

With ponds mostly frozen, duck numbers were low this morning so we headed to feeders around the Point.  Along the way, we had quite a few Yellow-rumped Warblers, Dark-eyed Juncos and White-throated Sparrows. A lone Tree Swallow was spotted over the beach and a beautiful male Purple Finch was found hanging out near a feeder at the Circle.  Leaders: Kathy Horn, Karl Lukens, and Michael McCabe.
36 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  32
Mute Swan  2
Gadwall  2
Mallard  8
Ring-necked Duck  6
Surf/Black Scoter  6
Bufflehead  1
Hooded Merganser  2
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  1
Bald Eagle  1
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull (American)  2
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  5
Mourning Dove  4
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  4
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  2
Tree Swallow  1
Carolina Chickadee  2
Carolina Wren  9
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
American Robin  2
Northern Mockingbird  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  16
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)  15
White-throated Sparrow  15
Song Sparrow  5
Northern Cardinal  6
Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged)  3
House Finch  2
Purple Finch  1
American Goldfinch  6
House Sparrow  5

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

Sundays at Northwood - Sunday, January 29th, 2017

A bright, sunny morning brought out the birds behind Northwood, and participants enjoyed feeding White-thoated and Fox Sparrows (the latter a lifer for one participant!), White-breasted Nuthatches, and Downy Woodpeckers. An adult Bald Eagle flew over at close range. After enjoying waterfowl on Lake Lily, we did some seawatching at St. Peter's beach where we say loons, scoters, gannets, and gulls. Join us next week for a walk around Cape May Point! Leaders: Catherine Busch, Bert Hixon, and Catherine Busch.

Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, January 28th, 2017

We had a Yellow-rumped Warbler phenomenon on this morning's walk. Streams of yellow-rumps were flying through, moving from one tree to the next in front of us. There were so many, we had a discussion of how to get a reliable count for eBird entry. The Cornell eBird Team does provide guidance on this (http://ebird.org/content/ebird/news/counting-101) and it gets easier with practice; we came up with 120 yellow-rumps with subtle plumage differences indicating their age and sex. A Ruby-crowned Kinglet was cooperatively chipping and feeding and a Purple Finch posed briefly atop a leafless tree. Leaders: Kathy Horn, Roger Horn, Karl Lukens, and Kyle Chelius.
41 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  140
Mute Swan  4
Tundra Swan  8
Gadwall  12
American Wigeon  8
American Black Duck  4
Mallard (Northern)  16
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid)  1
Northern Shoveler  4
Northern Pintail  2
Canvasback  1
Ring-necked Duck  9
Bufflehead  8
Hooded Merganser  13
Red-breasted Merganser  1
Red-throated Loon  1
Great Blue Heron (Blue form)  2
Turkey Vulture  2
Northern Harrier (American)  1
Bald Eagle  1
Ring-billed Gull  6
Herring Gull (American)  5
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  14
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker (Eastern)  2
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  4
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  2
Tree Swallow  17     Actual count of birds that have been lingering in the area
Carolina Chickadee  2
Carolina Wren (Northern)  4
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  2
American Robin  25
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  12
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  120
White-throated Sparrow  8
Song Sparrow  1
Eastern Towhee  1
Northern Cardinal  1
Purple Finch (Eastern)  1

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

Birding Cape May Point - Saturday, January 21st, 2017

Tundra Swans and ducks were birds of the day, largely because they sit low and you can get close enough to see them through the fog. The Red-shouldered Hawk made himself evident by repeated calling but we couldn't see him across the foggy pond. One of our participants asked about the derivation of the name "wigeon". A quick search shows the word has been in use since the early 1500s but there's no clear provenance. It does make for a handy link though to help remember that wigeon is the duck with the white head stripe, whatever the word's origin. Leaders: Kathy Horn, Roger Horn, Karl Lukens, and Kyle Chelius.
28 species

Canada Goose  19"
Gadwall  12
American Wigeon  7
American Black Duck  4
Mallard  22
Northern Shoveler  6
Northern Pintail  13
Ring-necked Duck  15
Bufflehead  11
Great Blue Heron (Blue form)  1
Turkey Vulture  3
Red-shouldered Hawk (lineatus Group)  1
Herring Gull (American)  3
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  3
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  2
Carolina Chickadee  4
Winter Wren  1
Carolina Wren (Northern)  9
American Robin  14
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  6
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  30
White-throated Sparrow  6
Song Sparrow  2
Eastern Towhee  1
Northern Cardinal  2

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

Bird Walk for Beginners - Monday, January 16th, 2017

Though this was billed as a "bird walk for beginners," we encountered a bird so unusual that many experienced birders have never seen one! It was an almost totally leucistic American Robin. Leucism is a partial loss of color due to a genetic mutation that prevents melanin and other pigments from being deposited in the feathers. In this case, it was a robin that was almost totally white except for some patches of 'robin red' in the breast. You wonder how long such a bird will survive since he practically glowed amidst the dark leaves of the holly tree he was feeding in. Speaking with the property owners, who are helping birds make it through the winter by providing a bird bath for bathing and drinking, we found that the bird had already been there for two weeks so he's evaded the local Cooper's hawks and goshawks so far. Other favorites this morning included a perched Red-shouldered Hawk, feeding Fox Sparrow and a very cooperative Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.
Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, and Karl Lukens.
42 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  4
Gadwall  11
American Wigeon  4
American Black Duck  6
Mallard (Northern)  15
Northern Shoveler  8
Ring-necked Duck  8
Black Scoter  1
Bufflehead  6
Red-throated Loon  1
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Great Blue Heron  1
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  14
Red-shouldered Hawk  1
Ring-billed Gull  3
Herring Gull (American)  10
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  20
Mourning Dove  5
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1
Downy Woodpecker (Eastern)  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  1
Blue Jay  7
American Crow  3
Tree Swallow  3
Carolina Chickadee  5
White-breasted Nuthatch (Eastern)  2
Carolina Wren  7
American Robin  4     Leucistic bird found; mostly white with  patches of red feathers in breast
Northern Mockingbird  6
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  5
Fox Sparrow (Red)  1
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)  2
White-throated Sparrow  3
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  1
House Finch  9
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  3

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

Leucistic American Robin [Photo by Roger Horn]

Northern Mockingbird [Photo by Roger Horn]

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker [Photo by Roger Horn]

Kick Off Your Year List - Sunday, January 1st, 2017

We KICKED the year off right on our January 1st field trip. Twenty-five enthusiastic birders covered a number of sites around the Cape May area, including Cape May Point State Park, Lake Lily, Northwood Center, Sunset Beach, Meadows, Two Mile Beach, and Sunset Lake. We turned up 78 species for the day, including Tundra Swan, 16 species of duck, Red-throated and Common Loon, Horned Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Great Cormorant, Red-shouldered Hawk, Purple Sandpiper, Barred Owl, and Yellow-breasted Chat. An unexpected treat was a lingering Monarch Butterfly. A great day to be out!!!!!! Leaders: Brett Ewald, Catherine Busch, Bill Boyle, Karen Thompson, Warren Cairo, and Steve Weis.

Cape Island--Cape May Pt.
60 species

Canada Goose  X
Mute Swan  9
Gadwall  X
American Wigeon  X
American Black Duck  30
Mallard  X
Northern Shoveler  9
Northern Pintail  2
Green-winged Teal  1
Ring-necked Duck  X
Black Scoter  12
Long-tailed Duck  5
Bufflehead  X
Hooded Merganser  X
Ruddy Duck  X
Red-throated Loon  X
Northern Gannet  1
Double-crested Cormorant  5
Great Blue Heron  3
Turkey Vulture  7
Northern Harrier  1
Cooper's Hawk  2
Bald Eagle  1     Immature
Red-shouldered Hawk  2
American Coot  1
Ruddy Turnstone  4
Sanderling  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  7     In flight over dunes towards DE - id'ed in scope by Brett Ewald
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull  X
Great Black-backed Gull  1
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  X
Mourning Dove  5
Barred Owl  1     Seen by a few chased by crows across lake
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  1
Blue Jay  5
American Crow  X
Carolina Chickadee  5
Red-breasted Nuthatch  3
Carolina Wren  4
American Robin  X
Gray Catbird  1
Brown Thrasher  3
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  X
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  X
Yellow-breasted Chat  1     Seen across lighthouse pond east through scope. Presumably same bird seen by Scott Whittle on 12/29
Dark-eyed Junco  2
White-throated Sparrow  X
Song Sparrow  1
Eastern Towhee  1     heard only
Northern Cardinal  6
Red-winged Blackbird  X
Common Grackle  X
Brown-headed Cowbird  X
House Finch  X
House Sparrow  X

Cape Island--CMP--CMBO Northwood Center
22 species

Canada Goose  X
Gadwall  X
Mallard  X
Ring-necked Duck  X
Greater Scaup  1
Hooded Merganser  X
Ruddy Duck  X
Cooper's Hawk  1
Mourning Dove  X
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Carolina Chickadee  X
Tufted Titmouse  X
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  X
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  X
White-throated Sparrow  X
Northern Cardinal  X
Common Grackle  X
Purple Finch  2     seen by a few
American Goldfinch  1

Cape Island--Sunset Beach/Concrete Ship
8 species

Black Scoter  X
Red-throated Loon  2
Double-crested Cormorant  X
Sanderling  X
Purple Sandpiper  3
Bonaparte's Gull  2
Herring Gull  X
Great Black-backed Gull  X

Cape Island--CMMBR (Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge (Meadows))
27 species

Canada Goose  X
Mute Swan  X
Tundra Swan  3
Gadwall  X
Mallard  X
Northern Shoveler  X
Green-winged Teal  X
Black Scoter  X
Bufflehead  X
Hooded Merganser  X
Double-crested Cormorant  X
Great Blue Heron  1
Turkey Vulture  X
Ruddy Turnstone  X
Sanderling  X
Bonaparte's Gull  X
Herring Gull  X
Great Black-backed Gull  X
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  X
Mourning Dove  X
Tree Swallow  10
Carolina Wren  1
American Robin  X
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  X
White-throated Sparrow  X
Song Sparrow  X
House Sparrow  X

Cape Island--Cape May Harbor--Delaware Ave.
5 species

Brant (Atlantic)  X
Bufflehead  X
Red-breasted Merganser  X
Common Loon  X
Double-crested Cormorant  X

Cape May NWR--Two Mile Unit
16 species

Surf Scoter  X
Black Scoter  X
Long-tailed Duck  X
Common Loon  X
Great Cormorant  1
Double-crested Cormorant  X
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Ruddy Turnstone  2
Sanderling  X
Dunlin  X
Herring Gull (American)  X
Great Black-backed Gull  X
American Robin  X
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  X
White-throated Sparrow  X
Song Sparrow  X

Sunset Lake
14 species

Brant (Atlantic)  X
American Black Duck  X
Bufflehead  X
Hooded Merganser  X
Common Loon  X
Horned Grebe  4
Red-necked Grebe  1    Long neck & bill, pale cheek and flanks.
Double-crested Cormorant  X
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  4     exact count - flying together through scope view
Northern Harrier  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
Herring Gull (American)  X
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  X

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