Fall Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, October 5th, 2013

Birds overhead included numerous Blue Jays and Northern Flickers, as well as Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks, a couple of American Kestrels, a Broad-winged Hawk and a Northern Harrier. The Willow Pond area had two Black-crowned Night-Herons, many Yellow-rumped Warblers, as well as Prairie and Black-and-white Warblers, and a few Red-eyed Vireos. Woodpeckers included Red-bellied, Hairy, Downy, and three Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers. Other birds were Savannah, Swamp, and one White-crowned Sparrow, and three Indigo Bunting. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Kathy & Roger Horn, Catherine Busch, and Deb Payson.
49 species

Canada Goose  10
Mallard  7
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  2
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  5
Northern Harrier  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  5
Cooper's Hawk  2
Broad-winged Hawk  1
Herring Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  5
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  12
Red-bellied Woodpecker  5
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  3
Downy Woodpecker  1
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  12
American Kestrel  3
Red-eyed Vireo  6
Blue Jay  15
American Crow  20
Fish Crow  1
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  4
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
American Robin  25
Gray Catbird  3
European Starling  15
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  3
American Redstart  2
Northern Parula  1
Yellow Warbler  1
Palm Warbler  3
Yellow-rumped Warbler  30
Prairie Warbler  1
Savannah Sparrow  10
Swamp Sparrow  2
White-crowned Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Indigo Bunting  3
Red-winged Blackbird  5
House Finch  1
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  1

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

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

Hairy Woodpecker [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Red-spotted Purple [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Savannah Sparrows [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Sunset Birding at the Meadows - Friday, October 4th, 2013

Good shorebirds, and waders in the center area between the main and east paths and with good light. Shore birds included Killdeer, Semipalmated Plover, both Yellowlegs, and the star of the evening, a juvenile American Golden Plover. Among the Egrets was a nice Tricolored Heron. Other birds of interest were Palm Warblers, Savannah Sparrows, and fly-over Blue Jays and Flickers. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Kathy & Roger Horn, Carrie Bell, and Jesse Amesbury.
43 species

Canada Goose  30
Mute Swan  8
American Wigeon  10
Mallard  30
Blue-winged Teal  4
Northern Pintail  6
Surf Scoter  4
Black Scoter  6
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  8
Little Blue Heron  1
Tricolored Heron  1
Green Heron  1
Glossy Ibis  4
Turkey Vulture  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
American Golden-Plover  1
Semipalmated Plover  8
Killdeer  8
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  1
Sanderling  4
Semipalmated Sandpiper  4
Laughing Gull  20
Ring-billed Gull  5
Herring Gull  10
Lesser Black-backed Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  75
Caspian Tern  2
Forster's Tern  2
Royal Tern  6
Black Skimmer  4
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  8
Merlin  4
European Starling  10
Palm Warbler  4
Yellow-rumped Warbler  1
Savannah Sparrow  6
Song Sparrow  1
Swamp Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  1
House Sparrow  1

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

American Golden Plover [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Snowy Egret and Tricolored Heron [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Higbee Beach Birding - Friday, October 4th, 2013

Stop, look and listen at three locations yielded high-flying warblers, Northern Flickers flying every which way, and large numbers of Blue Jays occupying the skies and trees. The group got good looks at Black-and-white, Common Yellowthroat, Northern Parula, and Yellow-rumped Warblers, and a Brown Thrasher obligingly perched high for scope views. Three Eastern Meadowlarks flying close overhead were a special treat. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Chris Marks, Catherine Busch, Deb Payson, Kathy Horn, Roger Horn, Warren Cairo, and Carrie Bell.
39 species

Double-crested Cormorant  1
Osprey  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  4
Wilson's Snipe  2
Herring Gull (American)  2
Great Black-backed Gull  6
Mourning Dove  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  4
Hairy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  45
American Kestrel  4
Merlin  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee  1
White-eyed Vireo  2
Red-eyed Vireo  8
Blue Jay  30
American Crow  2
Carolina Chickadee  5
Tufted Titmouse  3
Carolina Wren  6
Golden-crowned Kinglet  5     Heard
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
American Robin  12
Gray Catbird  12
Brown Thrasher  6
Northern Mockingbird  2
Cedar Waxwing  13
Black-and-white Warbler  3
Common Yellowthroat  12
American Redstart  1
Northern Parula  5
Blackpoll Warbler  3
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  50
White-throated Sparrow  12
Northern Cardinal  10
Rose-breasted Grosbeak  1     Heard
Red-winged Blackbird  40
Eastern Meadowlark  3
Brown-headed Cowbird  4

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

Bird Walk for All People - Thursday, October 3rd, 2013

Beautiful weather continues for the Walk for All People. Highlights of today's walk include: American Avocet; juvenile Little Blue Herons; Black-crowned Night  Heron; Solitary Sandpiper; Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs; several Peregrine Falcons; Osprey; and Sharp-shinned, Cooper's, and Broad-winged Hawks. Leaders: Chuck Slugg, Patty Rourke, and Cindy Bamford.
53 species

Canada Goose  49
Mute Swan  32
American Wigeon  20
American Black Duck  3
Mallard  35
Blue-winged Teal  2
Northern Shoveler  8
Northern Pintail  3
Green-winged Teal  20
Double-crested Cormorant  14
Great Blue Heron  5
Great Egret  9
Snowy Egret  4
Little Blue Heron  3
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Turkey Vulture  3
Osprey  9
Sharp-shinned Hawk  7
Cooper's Hawk  5
Broad-winged Hawk  2
American Avocet  1
Killdeer  3     heard
Solitary Sandpiper  1
Greater Yellowlegs  2
Lesser Yellowlegs  11
Laughing Gull  50
Herring Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  6
Caspian Tern  14
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  6
Belted Kingfisher  1
Northern Flicker  35
Merlin  3
Peregrine Falcon  2
Blue Jay  30
American Crow  10
Fish Crow  2
Tree Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  3     heard
Carolina Wren  5     heard
American Robin  1
Gray Catbird  4
Brown Thrasher  1     heard
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  8
Cedar Waxwing  9
Palm Warbler  7
Savannah Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  20
American Goldfinch  3
House Sparrow  6

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

Twilight Watch at the Meadows (Cape May Point State Park) - Wednesday, October 2nd, 2013

Twilight Watch at the Meadows was moved to Cape May Point State Park because they were actively spraying herbicides. Cape May Point was a very good alternative. We had great looks at an American Avocet, Stilt Sandpipers, Eurasian Wigeon and an American Bittern. Leaders: Warren Cairo, Patty Rourke, and Bill Smythe.
58 species

Canada Goose  30
Mute Swan  12
Gadwall  4
American Wigeon  8
Eurasian Wigeon. 1
American Black Duck  4
Mallard  20
Blue-winged Teal  12
Northern Shoveler  8
Northern Pintail  6
Green-winged Teal  25
Double-crested Cormorant  8
American Bittern  1
Great Blue Heron  4
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  2
Little Blue Heron  2
Black-crowned Night-Heron  4
Glossy Ibis  2
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  2
Cooper's Hawk  1
American Avocet  1     Seen in Bunker pond from the trail behind the dune
American Oystercatcher  1
Solitary Sandpiper  1
Greater Yellowlegs  6
Lesser Yellowlegs  8
Stilt Sandpiper  3
Laughing Gull  30
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull  10
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  50
Caspian Tern  1
Forster's Tern  2
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  1
Northern Flicker  6
American Kestrel  1
Merlin  1
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  2
Fish Crow  4
Carolina Chickadee  2
Carolina Wren  2
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  6
Black-and-white Warbler  2
Common Yellowthroat  3
Yellow Warbler  2
Palm Warbler  6
Yellow-rumped Warbler  15
Black-throated Green Warbler  1
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  2
Common Grackle  2
American Goldfinch  2

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, October 2nd, 2013

Lots of ducks to study such as Mallards, Black Duck, both Teal, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, and a rather rare Eurasian Wigeon drake. Waders seen were Great and Snowy Egret, Great Blue, Little Blue, and Green Heron, and Black-crowned Night-Heron. Raptors overhead were Sharp-shinned, and Cooper's Hawks, Northern Harrier, American Kestrel, and Merlin. Shorebirds included Killdeer, Solitary and Stilt Sandpiper, and both Yellowlegs. Warblers seen were Yellow, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-rumped, Prairie, and Blackpoll. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Karl Lukens, Warren Cairo, Steve Weis, and Chris Marks.
74 species

Canada Goose  35
Mute Swan  12
Wood Duck  4
Gadwall  2
Eurasian Wigeon  1     from eclipse to breeding plumage
American Wigeon  15
American Black Duck  1
Mallard  30
Blue-winged Teal  15
Northern Shoveler  8
Northern Pintail  4
Green-winged Teal  15
Double-crested Cormorant  5
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  5
Little Blue Heron  1
Green Heron  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Turkey Vulture  5
Osprey  2
Northern Harrier  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  15
Cooper's Hawk  2
Killdeer  6
Solitary Sandpiper  3
Greater Yellowlegs  2
Lesser Yellowlegs  8
Stilt Sandpiper  4
Least Sandpiper  1
Laughing Gull  20
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull  5
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Caspian Tern  4
Forster's Tern  1
Royal Tern  6
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  10
Belted Kingfisher  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1
Northern Flicker  10
American Kestrel  5
Merlin  2
Eastern Phoebe  2
Blue Jay  15
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  1
Tree Swallow  30
Carolina Wren  1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
American Robin  6
Gray Catbird  1
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  15
American Pipit  1     fly-over
Northern Waterthrush  1     fly-over
Common Yellowthroat  1
Yellow Warbler  6
Blackpoll Warbler  3
Palm Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  8
Prairie Warbler  1
Savannah Sparrow  5
Swamp Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  2
Indigo Bunting  2
Dickcissel  1     fly-over
Red-winged Blackbird  40
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  6
American Goldfinch  3
House Sparrow  2

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

Eurasian Wigeon [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Green Heron [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Stilt Sandpipers [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Sunset Birding at Stone Harbor Point - Tuesday, October 1st, 2013

The Stone Harbor Point walk tonight was quite enjoyable with mild temperatures, sunny skies and great birds. We started out with too many people on the beach, with dogs running loose, just enough to flush all the close birds. But when we got further down the beach, we had good looks at most of the species. The highlight was watching the Parasitic Jaeger chasing terns in the channel between Stone Harbor Point and Nummy Island and then landing on Stone Harbor Point providing great scope views for all participants.  Leaders: Warren Cairo, Gail Dwyer and Shaun Bamford.
27 species

Canada Goose  8
Black Scoter  4
Double-crested Cormorant  75
Brown Pelican  1
Great Egret  2
American Oystercatcher  50
Black-bellied Plover  20
Semipalmated Plover  20
Piping Plover  2
Sanderling  45
Dunlin  20
Semipalmated Sandpiper  10
Western Sandpiper  35
Parasitic Jaeger  1
Ring-billed Gull  5
Herring Gull  15
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  45
Caspian Tern  1
Royal Tern  14
Merlin  1
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  6
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  5
Savannah Sparrow  4
Boat-tailed Grackle  6

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, September 30th, 2013

Good weather and good birds on this morning's walk. Lots of ducks including American Wigeon, Northern Pintail, both Teal, and of course Mallards, as well as a Black Duck. Lots of Snowy Egrets and a few Great Egrets. Shorebirds included Killdeer, Semipalmated Plover and Sandpiper, Least and Solitary Sandpiper, and both Yellowlegs. Among the many usual gulls on the beach were at least three Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Overhead there were a few Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks, Osprey, as well as Northern Flickers and Blue Jays.  Leaders: Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Steve Weis, Janet Crawford, Catherine Busch, Carrie Bell, and Mike Hannisian.
51 species

Canada Goose  75
Mute Swan  6
American Wigeon  20
American Black Duck  2
Mallard  30
Blue-winged Teal  6
Northern Pintail  10
Green-winged Teal  2
Double-crested Cormorant  3
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  10
Osprey  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  5
Cooper's Hawk  3
Semipalmated Plover  5
Killdeer  8
Solitary Sandpiper  1
Greater Yellowlegs  3
Lesser Yellowlegs  4
Sanderling  15
Least Sandpiper  10
Semipalmated Sandpiper  4
Laughing Gull  25
Ring-billed Gull  6
Herring Gull  15
Lesser Black-backed Gull  3
Great Black-backed Gull  60
Forster's Tern  4
Royal Tern  3
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  10
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Northern Flicker  4
American Kestrel  1
Blue Jay  8
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  1
Tree Swallow  5
Barn Swallow  1
Carolina Wren  2
American Robin  5
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  30
Common Yellowthroat  2
Palm Warbler  1
Savannah Sparrow  5
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  30
Baltimore Oriole  1     seen by a few
House Sparrow  1

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

Blue-winged Teal [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Savannah Sparrow [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Cox Hall Creek WMA - Sunday, September 29th, 2013

The Cox Hall Creek WMA Blue Jays 'ganged up' on a migrating Merlin as it tried to perch on one snag after another, chasing and being chased in turn. Brown Thrashers 'kissed' loudly from the thickets before perching to be scoped. Warbler numbers were low with only American Redstart, Black-and-white and Common Yellowthroat seen. Woodpeckers included Hairy, Downy, Red-bellied and many Northern Flickers. Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, Cindy & Shaun Bamford, Janet Crawford, Steve Weis & Jesse Amesbury.
43 species

Canada Goose  8
Mallard  24
Turkey Vulture  1
Osprey  3
Sharp-shinned Hawk  4
Cooper's Hawk  3
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Killdeer  2    Heard
Herring Gull  2
Mourning Dove  8
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Belted Kingfisher  1    Heard
Red-bellied Woodpecker  7
Downy Woodpecker  3
Hairy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  11
Merlin  3
Eastern Phoebe  1
Red-eyed Vireo  4
Blue Jay  10
American Crow  12
Tree Swallow  4
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  12
Carolina Wren  6
Eastern Bluebird  5    Heard
American Robin  18
Gray Catbird  12
Brown Thrasher  2
Northern Mockingbird  1    Heard
European Starling  1
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  4
American Redstart  2
Palm Warbler  2    Heard
Chipping Sparrow  14
Savannah Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  7
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  6
Common Grackle  2
House Finch  3

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

Hawks, Trails, and Beach Walk - Saturday, September 28th, 2013

The Hawks, Trails, and Beach Walk enjoyed many raptors as well as other birds on pond and trail. Highlights include: multiple Merlins perched and flying overhead; Peregrine Falcon; American Kestrel; Sharp-shinned, Cooper's, and  Red-tailed Hawks; Osprey; an assortment of ducks including Blue- and Green-winged Teal, Mallards, both American and Eurasian Wigeon, and Black Ducks;  American Bittern; Black-crowned Night Herons; and Glossy Ibis. Leaders: Chuck & Mary Jane Slugg, Marc & Lynne Breslow, and Deb Payson.
49 species

Canada Goose  45
Mute Swan  37
Eurasian Wigeon  1     On Lighthouse Pond East; drake in almost breeding plumage
American Wigeon  6
American Black Duck  2
Mallard  36
Blue-winged Teal  14
Green-winged Teal  24
Double-crested Cormorant  90
American Bittern  1
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  5
Snowy Egret  28
Little Blue Heron  2
Green Heron  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  2
Glossy Ibis  7
Black Vulture  1
Turkey Vulture  7
Osprey  3
Sharp-shinned Hawk  3
Cooper's Hawk  2
Red-tailed Hawk  2
Killdeer  1     heard
Solitary Sandpiper  3
Lesser Yellowlegs  16
Laughing Gull  48
Herring Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  8
Forster's Tern  2
Royal Tern  4     heard
Mourning Dove  6
Belted Kingfisher  1
Northern Flicker  4
American Kestrel  3
Merlin  18
Peregrine Falcon  5
Blue Jay  2     heard
American Crow  3     heard
Fish Crow  18
Tree Swallow  80
Barn Swallow  2
Carolina Wren  1     heard
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  7
Palm Warbler  7
Red-winged Blackbird  12
American Goldfinch  2

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

Fall Migrants at the Rea Farm - Saturday, September 28th, 2013

Seemed like the day of American Kestrel and Blue Jay, with both overhead or perched most of the time. Merlins were also present with Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks, and one adult Bald Eagle. Warblers were scarce with a few Common Yellowthroats, a couple of American Redstarts, and Yellow-rumped Warblers. We did have a nice close look at a vocal Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Kathy & Roger Horn, Deb Payson, and Patty Rourke.
46 species

Canada Goose  15
Mallard  4
Double-crested Cormorant  7
Great Egret  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  6
Osprey  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  7
Cooper's Hawk  2
Bald Eagle  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Killdeer  1
Laughing Gull  1
Herring Gull  1
Mourning Dove  20
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  12
American Kestrel  6
Merlin  3
Blue Jay  15
American Crow  15
Tree Swallow  25
Carolina Chickadee  1
Tufted Titmouse  1
Carolina Wren  3
American Robin  3
Gray Catbird  4
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  15
Cedar Waxwing  4
Common Yellowthroat  2
American Redstart  2
Palm Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  4
Chipping Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  3
Indigo Bunting  4
Bobolink  5
Red-winged Blackbird  2
Brown-headed Cowbird  5
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  3

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

American Kestrel [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Northern Flicker [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Sunset Birding at the Meadows - Friday, September 27th, 2013

A good variety of ducks with many Mallards, a few Gadwall, American Wigeon, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, and both Teal. Waders included Great Blue Heron (one standing on the beach with Gulls!), Great and Snowy Egrets. Still some shorebirds around, Semipalmated Plover and Sandpiper, Least and Pectoral Sandpiper, and both Yellowlegs. The beach had 4 Lesser Black-backed Gulls. The highlight was the perched Great Horned Owl in great light. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Kathy Horn, Roger Horn, Carrie Bell, Deb Payson, and Jesse Amesbury.
50 species

Canada Goose  10
Mute Swan  6
Gadwall  2
American Wigeon  2
American Black Duck  1
Mallard  35
Blue-winged Teal  6
Northern Shoveler  2
Northern Pintail  3
Green-winged Teal  4
Double-crested Cormorant  3
Great Blue Heron  4
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  15
Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  1
American Oystercatcher  5
Semipalmated Plover  6
Killdeer  1
Greater Yellowlegs  2
Lesser Yellowlegs  5
Sanderling  10
Least Sandpiper  15
Pectoral Sandpiper  8
Semipalmated Sandpiper  4
Laughing Gull  25
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull  5
Lesser Black-backed Gull  4
Great Black-backed Gull  50
Royal Tern  2
Mourning Dove  15
Great Horned Owl  1
Belted Kingfisher  1
Northern Flicker  1
Merlin  9
Peregrine Falcon  1
Blue Jay  3
American Crow  1
Tree Swallow  15
Barn Swallow  1
Carolina Wren  1
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  35
Northern Waterthrush  1
Common Yellowthroat  1
Savannah Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  1
House Sparrow  5

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

American Oystercatcher [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Great Blue Heron and Great Black-backed Gulls [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Great Horned Owl [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Least and Pectoral Sandpipers [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Higbee Beach Birding - Friday, September 27th, 2013

Migrants were on the move today as we were greeted just off the parking lot by a flurry of warblers, mostly Northern Parulas, Blackpoll, & American Redstart. In the first field, we had Black-and-white and Yellow Warblers along with Cedar Waxwings and Indigo Buntings. Red-eyed Vireos were present throughout the walk. A highlight was the sight of eight Brown Thrashers perched high together for scope views. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Chris Marks, Catherine Busch, Megan Crewe, and Warren Cairo.
43 species

Canada Goose  10
Mallard  2
Double-crested Cormorant  45
Great Blue Heron  1
Osprey  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  5
Herring Gull (American)  2
Mourning Dove  5
Chimney Swift  1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  2
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  10
Eastern Wood-Pewee  1
Least Flycatcher  1
Eastern Phoebe  2
Red-eyed Vireo  15
Blue Jay  10
Tree Swallow  200
Carolina Chickadee  6
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  2
Veery  1
Gray Catbird  12
Brown Thrasher  12
Northern Mockingbird  1
Cedar Waxwing  50
Black-and-white Warbler  4
Common Yellowthroat  25
American Redstart  6
Northern Parula  12
Magnolia Warbler  2
Yellow Warbler  4
Blackpoll Warbler  6
Palm Warbler  2
Scarlet Tanager  2
Northern Cardinal  6
Indigo Bunting  15
Bobolink  5
Common Grackle  1

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

Bird Walk for All People - Thursday, September 26th, 2013

Highlights of the Walk for All People include: great looks at American Bittern; juvenile Little Blue Herons; nice assortment of raptors including Osprey, Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks, Broad-winged Hawk, and Peregrine Falcon; Solitary Sandpiper; all three mimids (Northern Mockingbird, Catbird, and Brown Thrasher); Bobolinks overhead; and a good mix of ducks including Northern Pintails which have just come in. Leaders: Chuck Slugg, Patty Rourke, Cindy Bamford, Marc and Lynne Breslow.
53 species

Canada Goose  85
Mute Swan  32
American Wigeon  10
Mallard  28
Blue-winged Teal  14
Northern Shoveler  16
Northern Pintail  2
Green-winged Teal  18
Double-crested Cormorant  1
American Bittern  1
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  5
Snowy Egret  10
Little Blue Heron  2
Green Heron  1
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  2
Northern Harrier  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  10
Cooper's Hawk  8
Broad-winged Hawk  2
Solitary Sandpiper  3
Lesser Yellowlegs  14
Laughing Gull  35
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Royal Tern  3     heard
Rock Pigeon  3
Mourning Dove  4
Chimney Swift  3     leader only
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Belted Kingfisher  2     heard
Northern Flicker  3
Peregrine Falcon  2
Eastern Phoebe  1
White-eyed Vireo  1
Red-eyed Vireo  8
Blue Jay  6
American Crow  4
Fish Crow  18
Tree Swallow  250
Carolina Wren  5     heard
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
Gray Catbird  6
Brown Thrasher  3     heard
Northern Mockingbird  4
European Starling  8
Cedar Waxwing  6     heard
Common Yellowthroat  3
Yellow Warbler  1
Palm Warbler  4
Bobolink  12     heard
Red-winged Blackbird  4
American Goldfinch  4     heard

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

Twilight Watch at the Meadows - Wednesday, September 25th, 2013

A pleasant evening for a walk. We began with many Laughing gulls swarming and circling eventually heading off to the south. A nice mix of shorebirds but the highlight was the opportunity for great looks at a perched Merlin.  Leaders: Warren Cairo, Patty Rourke, Bill Smythe, and Deb Payson.
45 species

Canada Goose  24
Mute Swan  5
American Wigeon  1
Mallard  20
Blue-winged Teal  5
Northern Pintail  1
Green-winged Teal  4
Double-crested Cormorant  6
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  3
Snowy Egret  6
Little Blue Heron  1
Osprey  1
Northern Harrier  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
American Oystercatcher  2
Semipalmated Plover  9
Killdeer  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  10
Least Sandpiper  12
White-rumped Sandpiper  2
Pectoral Sandpiper  2
Semipalmated Sandpiper  2
Wilson's Snipe  3
Laughing Gull  120
Ring-billed Gull  4
Herring Gull  8
Great Black-backed Gull  20
Common Tern  2
Forster's Tern  5
Royal Tern  2
Black Skimmer  75
Rock Pigeon  5
Mourning Dove  6
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Merlin  2     Nice looks at a perched bird
Tree Swallow  6
Gray Catbird  1
European Starling  12
Common Yellowthroat  6
Palm Warbler  15
Savannah Sparrow  5
Northern Cardinal  1
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  4

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

Birding Cape May Point - Wednesday, September 25th, 2013

There are more ducks today, numbers and species, with numerous Mallards, at least six Wood Ducks, Northern Shoveler, American Pintail, both Teal, American Wigeon and one Eurasian Wigeon drake. We started out immediately with an Alder Flycatcher, and Eastern Phoebe, working a dune area with Common Yellowthroat, Yellow, Palm, Prairie, Blackpoll, and Black-throated Green Warblers. Shorebirds included both Yellowlegs, Solitary, Least, and one Pectoral Sandpiper. Raptors included Northern Harrier, Osprey, Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawk, Kestrel, Merlin, and Peregrine Falcon. All this under a cloud of at least 2500 Tree Swallows. Leaders: Karl Lukens, Megan Crewe, Warren Cairo, Chris Marks, and Jesse Amesbury.
73 species

Canada Goose  15
Mute Swan  15
Wood Duck  7
American Wigeon  4
American Black Duck  1
Mallard  30
Blue-winged Teal  12
Northern Shoveler  8
Northern Pintail  2
Green-winged Teal  4
Pied-billed Grebe  2
Double-crested Cormorant  2
American Bittern  1
Great Egret  5
Snowy Egret  10
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Turkey Vulture  4
Osprey  4
Northern Harrier  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  2
Cooper's Hawk  1
Killdeer  2
Solitary Sandpiper  1
Greater Yellowlegs  4
Lesser Yellowlegs  15
Least Sandpiper  1
Pectoral Sandpiper  1
Semipalmated Sandpiper  1
Laughing Gull  35
Ring-billed Gull  2
Herring Gull  5
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  25
Common Tern  1
Forster's Tern  20
Royal Tern  6
Rock Pigeon  4
Mourning Dove  10
Chimney Swift  1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  3
Belted Kingfisher  1
Northern Flicker  1
American Kestrel  1
Merlin  2
Peregrine Falcon  2
Alder Flycatcher  1
Eastern Phoebe  1
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  1
Fish Crow  10
Horned Lark  1
Tree Swallow  2500
Barn Swallow  5
Carolina Wren  1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Gray Catbird  1
Brown Thrasher  2
Northern Mockingbird  4
European Starling  10
Cedar Waxwing  7
Common Yellowthroat  1
American Redstart  1
Yellow Warbler  5
Blackpoll Warbler  1
Palm Warbler  5
Prairie Warbler  1
Black-throated Green Warbler  1
Savannah Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  2
Blue Grosbeak  1     fem.
Bobolink  10
Red-winged Blackbird  20
Common Grackle  2
House Sparrow  1

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

American Bittern [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Horned Lark [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Solitary Sandpiper [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Tree Swallows [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Sunset Birding at Stone Harbor Point - Tuesday, September 24th, 2013

We began our walk at Stone Harbor Point with great expectations having heard promising reports from a group just finishing their walk. However, it appeared that the falcons they reported had cleared the beach. We moved on to Nummy island which proved to be very good. The highlight was seeing three Clapper Rails casually bathing and preening and providing great looks for all.  Leaders: Warren Cairo, Gail Dywer, and Shaun Bamford.
22 species (+1 other taxa)

Double-crested Cormorant  12
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  1
Osprey  2
Black-bellied Plover  2
Semipalmated Plover  45
Sanderling  75
Dunlin  8
Least Sandpiper  4
Semipalmated Sandpiper  10
Western Sandpiper  35
Laughing Gull  20
Ring-billed Gull  6
Herring Gull  15
Great Black-backed Gull  35
Caspian Tern  12
Forster's Tern  12
Sterna sp.  16
Royal Tern  4
Northern Mockingbird  1
Song Sparrow  1
Boat-tailed Grackle  6

Nummy Island
28 species

Brant  1     Lone bird flew over on the toll bridge side
Double-crested Cormorant  250
Great Blue Heron  5
Great Egret  20
Snowy Egret  12
Little Blue Heron  2
Tricolored Heron  2
Black-crowned Night-Heron  10
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron  3
Osprey  2
Clapper Rail  4
American Oystercatcher  175
Black-bellied Plover  45
Laughing Gull  35
Ring-billed Gull  20
Herring Gull  30
Great Black-backed Gull  20
Forster's Tern  20
Royal Tern  25
Belted Kingfisher  2
American Crow  6
Tree Swallow  4
Barn Swallow  2
Gray Catbird  1
Palm Warbler  2
Prairie Warbler  1
Red-winged Blackbird  20
Boat-tailed Grackle  100

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

EZ Birding - Tuesday, September 24th, 2013

EZ Birding started this morning on the Hawkwatch Platform with an Eurasian Wigeon, Tricolored Heron, and American Bittern. Other highlights include: an assortment of raptors such as Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks, Broad-winged Hawk, Northern Harrier, and Osprey; Pied-billed Grebes; Solitary Sandpiper; Yellow-shafted Flickers; and Belted Kingfisher. Leaders: Chuck Slugg, Janet Crawford, and Mary Jane Slugg.
61 species

Canada Goose  65
Mute Swan  33
Eurasian Wigeon  1     Seen on Bunker Pond and verified by Tom Reed and Tom Magarian
American Wigeon  12
Mallard  28
Blue-winged Teal  14
Northern Shoveler  6
Green-winged Teal  9
Pied-billed Grebe  2
Double-crested Cormorant  2
American Bittern  1
Great Blue Heron  2
Great Egret  12
Snowy Egret  22
Little Blue Heron  2
Tricolored Heron  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  16
Osprey  4
Northern Harrier  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  8
Cooper's Hawk  8
Bald Eagle  1
Broad-winged Hawk  2
Killdeer  1     heard
Solitary Sandpiper  3
Greater Yellowlegs  1
Lesser Yellowlegs  2
Laughing Gull  40
Herring Gull  3
Great Black-backed Gull  6
Royal Tern  3     heard
Rock Pigeon  1
Mourning Dove  3
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  8
Eastern Phoebe  1
White-eyed Vireo  1
Red-eyed Vireo  2
Blue Jay  6
American Crow  2     heard
Fish Crow  12
Tree Swallow  120
Barn Swallow  3
Carolina Chickadee  3     heard
Tufted Titmouse  1
Carolina Wren  5     heard
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Gray Catbird  6
Brown Thrasher  5
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  8
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  2
American Redstart  1
Magnolia Warbler  1
Palm Warbler  7
Bobolink  10     heard
American Goldfinch  10

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

Birding the Meadows with Pete Dunne - Monday, September 23rd, 2013

Good ducks including Mallard, both Teal, American Wigeon, and one Northern Pintail. Lots of waders with many Snowy Egrets, a few Great Egrets, and one Glossy Ibis. Raptors included Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks, Merlin with a bird in talons, and one Broad-winged Hawk. Shorebirds were both Yellowlegs, Least and Pectoral Sandpipers, Killdeer, and one juvenile American Golden Plover. The beach had the usual gulls and terns and two Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Numerous Northern Flickers flew overhead and Common Yellowthroats, Prairie, Palm, and Magnolia Warblers were in the weeds and shrubs. Leaders: Pete Dunne, Karl Lukens, Chuck Slugg, Janet Crawford, Catherine Busch, Carrie Bell, and Marc & Lynne Breslow.
61 species

Canada Goose  100
Mute Swan  10
Wood Duck  3
American Wigeon  20
Mallard  40
Blue-winged Teal  10
Northern Pintail  1
Green-winged Teal  8
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  15
Glossy Ibis  1
Black Vulture  6
Turkey Vulture  7
Osprey  5
Northern Harrier  1
Sharp-shinned Hawk  3
Cooper's Hawk  2
Broad-winged Hawk  1
American Golden-Plover  1     juv
Killdeer  1
Greater Yellowlegs  2
Lesser Yellowlegs  1
Sanderling  10
Least Sandpiper  3
Pectoral Sandpiper  3
Laughing Gull  25
Ring-billed Gull  1
Herring Gull  15
Lesser Black-backed Gull  2
Great Black-backed Gull  75
Royal Tern  10
Rock Pigeon  2
Mourning Dove  15
Belted Kingfisher  1
Northern Flicker  8
American Kestrel  4
Merlin  2
Eastern Phoebe  1
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  5
Fish Crow  15
Tree Swallow  2000
Barn Swallow  10
Carolina Chickadee  1
Carolina Wren  2
American Robin  1
Gray Catbird  1
Brown Thrasher  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  50
Cedar Waxwing  1
Common Yellowthroat  3
Magnolia Warbler  1
Palm Warbler  5
Prairie Warbler  1
Northern Cardinal  2
Bobolink  X
Red-winged Blackbird  2
Brown-headed Cowbird  2
House Sparrow  1

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

Juvenile American Golden Plover [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Cooper's Hawk [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Merlin and prey [Photo by Karl Lukens]

Cox Hall Creek WMA - Sunday, September 22nd, 2013

Despite low warbler numbers on today's Cox Hall Creek WMA walk, we had satisfying looks at Prairie Warblers, Blue Grosbeaks, an immature Bald Eagle flying low over the main pond and many Northern Flickers. Leaders: Kathy & Roger Horn, Janet Crawford, and Cindy & Shaun Bamford.
42 species

Canada Goose  7
Mallard  23
Double-crested Cormorant  4
Great Blue Heron  1
Green Heron  2
Turkey Vulture  2
Osprey  3
Sharp-shinned Hawk  3
Bald Eagle  1
Herring Gull  2
Mourning Dove  8
Chimney Swift  2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Belted Kingfisher  1    Heard
Red-bellied Woodpecker  8
Downy Woodpecker  3
Hairy Woodpecker  1    Heard
Northern Flicker  15
Merlin  2
Eastern Wood-Pewee  1
Eastern Phoebe  2
White-eyed Vireo  1    Heard
Blue Jay  9
American Crow  12
Tree Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  5
Tufted Titmouse  9
Carolina Wren  5
Gray Catbird  9
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  25
Cedar Waxwing  2    Heard
Blue-winged Warbler  1
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  2    Heard
Prairie Warbler  2
Chipping Sparrow  5
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  2
Bobolink  2    Heard
Red-winged Blackbird  18
Common Grackle  5

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