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19 Nov Fwd: HSR: Ashland Nature Center (19 Nov 2009) 3 Raptors [Cyrus Moqtaderi ] 19 Nov HSR: Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch (19 Nov 2009) 1 Raptors ["Hawkcount.Org Reports" ] 18 Nov HSR: Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch (18 Nov 2009) 2 Raptors ["Hawkcount.Org Reports" ] 18 Nov Fwd: HSR: Ashland Nature Center (18 Nov 2009) 51 Raptors [Cyrus Moqtaderi ] 18 Nov Party at Ashland Hawk Watch- November 29 [Derek Stoner ] 18 Nov Ashland Bird Walk, 11/19 [Derek Stoner ] 18 Nov Brown-headed Engineer? [Maurice Barnhill ] 17 Nov Fwd: HSR: Ashland Nature Center (17 Nov 2009) 69 Raptors [Cyrus Moqtaderi ] 17 Nov HSR: Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch (17 Nov 2009) 38 Raptors ["Hawkcount.Org Reports" ] 17 Nov Prime Hook today- Ash-Throated Flycatcher - NO [Jacob Hall ] 17 Nov Abbott's Mill - no wednesday walk for 2 weeks [Jason Beale ] 16 Nov DOS Meeting Wed 11/18: PA Breeding Bird Atlas [Matthew Sarver ] 16 Nov DOS Meeting Wed 11/18: PA Breeding Bird Atlas [Matthew Sarver ] 16 Nov Ashland Nature Center (16 Nov 2009) 140 Raptors [Derek Stoner ] 17 Nov Prime Hook 11/16/09 part-2 [Charles Fullmer ] 16 Nov HSR: Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch (16 Nov 2009) 11 Raptors ["Hawkcount.Org Reports" ] 16 Nov Ash-throated Flycatcher Prime Hook [Charles Fullmer ] 15 Nov Ashland Nature Center (15 Nov 2009) 116 Raptors [Derek Stoner ] 15 Nov DE/MD Pelagic on Sun, Dec 13 from Lewes, DE ["Paul A. Guris" ] 15 Nov Saturday Sussex Bird Club Fieldtrip ["Bennett Chris (DNREC)" ] 15 Nov Prime Hook Ash-throated Flycatcher [Ed Sigda ] 15 Nov HSR: Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch (15 Nov 2009) 4 Raptors ["Hawkcount.Org Reports" ] 14 Nov Fwd: HSR: Ashland Nature Center (14 Nov 2009) 11 Raptors [Cyrus Moqtaderi ] 14 Nov Chester Co., Bucktoe Creek Preserve [Joe Sebastiani ] 14 Nov No Subject [Rodney Murray ] 13 Nov RBA: Birdline Delaware, November 13th, 2009 [Andy Ednie ] 13 Nov Coastal Delaware Fieldtrip ["Bennett Chris (DNREC)" ] 13 Nov ROBINS, ROBINS EVERYWHERE! [Dennis Brezina ] 12 Nov Fwd: HSR: Ashland Nature Center (12 Nov 2009) 2 Raptors [Cyrus Moqtaderi ] 12 Nov Owl bet it rained today at Ashland [Derek Stoner ] 11 Nov Ashland Bird Walk, 11/12 [Derek Stoner ] 11 Nov Delaware Valley RBA, 11 NOV 2009 [Stephen E Kacir ] 11 Nov 3 Videos and 56 photos on Facebook: I Love Hawk Wacth [Rachael Shapiro ] 10 Nov Pre-Poppy Day Birding [Colin Campbell ] 10 Nov Rick Wright headlines DVOC Banquet on November 19th [Bert Filemyr ] 10 Nov Pileateds at Ashland [Derek Stoner ] 10 Nov HSR: Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch (10 Nov 2009) 27 Raptors ["Hawkcount.Org Reports" ] 10 Nov Fwd: HSR: Ashland Nature Center (10 Nov 2009) 48 Raptors [Cyrus Moqtaderi ] 9 Nov Ashland Nature Center (09 Nov 2009) 52 Raptors [Derek Stoner ] 9 Nov HSR: Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch (09 Nov 2009) Raptors ["Hawkcount.Org Reports" ] 9 Nov HSR: Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch (08 Nov 2009) 23 Raptors ["Hawkcount.Org Reports" ] 9 Nov Ashland Nature Center (08 Nov 2009) 69 Raptors [Derek Stoner ] 8 Nov Glide In, Hang Out: Story [Rachael Shapiro ] 8 Nov Bombay Hook Ross's Goose [Nikolas Haass ] 8 Nov Chester Co., Bucktoe Creek Preserve [Joe Sebastiani ] 7 Nov Great White Heron Still Present [] 7 Nov HSR: Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch (07 Nov 2009) 22 Raptors ["Hawkcount.Org Reports" ] 7 Nov Delaware Dunlins: Bombay Hook Trip report [Derek Stoner ] 7 Nov Fwd: HSR: Ashland Nature Center (07 Nov 2009) 100 Raptors [Cyrus Moqtaderi ] 7 Nov Silver Run Wildlife Area and Baxter Tract Field Trip [John Janowski ] 6 Nov RBA: Birdline Delaware, November 6th, 2009 [Andy Ednie ] 6 Nov Fwd: HSR: Ashland Nature Center (06 Nov 2009) 130 Raptors [Cyrus Moqtaderi ] 6 Nov HSR: Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch (06 Nov 2009) 291 Raptors ["Hawkcount.Org Reports" ] 6 Nov Bombay Hook Photography Exhibit - Larry Husfelt - November 7 & 8, 2009. [tina watson ] 5 Nov Delaware Dunlins Bombay Hook field trip, 11/7 [Derek Stoner ] 5 Nov HSR: Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch (05 Nov 2009) 164 Raptors ["Hawkcount.Org Reports" ] 5 Nov Fwd: HSR: Ashland Nature Center (05 Nov 2009) 140 Raptors [Cyrus Moqtaderi ] 5 Nov Facebook Group Hawk Watch Link [Rachael Shapiro ] 5 Nov yard birds [Steven Graff ] 4 Nov Delaware Valley RBA, 4 NOV 2009 [Stephen E Kacir ] 4 Nov This morning's Bird Walk - CHSP [Forrest Rowland ] 4 Nov Fwd: HSR: Ashland Nature Center (04 Nov 2009) 174 Raptors [Cyrus Moqtaderi ] 4 Nov Bird Walk at Ashland tomorrow, 11/5 [Derek Stoner ] 4 Nov HSR: Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch (04 Nov 2009) 286 Raptors ["Hawkcount.Org Reports" ] 4 Nov Tundra Swans with blue neck bands [James Tyler Bell ] 4 Nov Hawk Watch Facebook Group [Rachael Shapiro ] 3 Nov Fwd: HSR: Ashland Nature Center (03 Nov 2009) 123 Raptors [Cyrus Moqtaderi ] 3 Nov Delaware Valley Ornithological Club (DVOC) Upcoming Meeting (11/5/09) [Bert Filemyr ] 3 Nov Bird Walk CHSP tomorrow morning [Forrest Rowland ] 3 Nov HSR: Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch (03 Nov 2009) 642 Raptors ["Hawkcount.Org Reports" ] 3 Nov Abbott's Mill/Sussex Bird Club - TANAGER [Jason Beale ] 3 Nov Great White Heron photos; second attemp [joe sebastiani ] 3 Nov Great White Heron Photos [joe sebastiani ] 2 Nov Ashland Nature Center (02 Nov 2009) 301 Raptors [Derek Stoner ] 2 Nov Great White Heron in Bethany Beach [] 2 Nov Rare birds in the region [Forrest Rowland ] Subject: Fwd: HSR: Ashland Nature Center (19 Nov 2009) 3 Raptors From: Cyrus Moqtaderi <cyrusmoqtaderi AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:45:33 -0500 Hello, Cyrus here. The epitome of a quiet day on watch here! But, we can hardly complain about one slow, gray day after these incredible late season numbers we've been getting. Plus, tomorrow is looking much nicer, see you there! Cyrus Moqtaderi Ashland Hawk Watch is a joint project by the Delaware Nature Society and the Delmarva Ornithological Society Ashland Nature Center Hockessin, Delaware, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 19, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species            Day's Count    Month Total   Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture                0            284            616 Turkey Vulture               3            408            738 Osprey                       0              4            223 Bald Eagle                   0             32            236 Northern Harrier             0             10             74 Sharp-shinned Hawk           0            219           1398 Cooper's Hawk                0             50            423 Northern Goshawk             0              4              4 Red-shouldered Hawk          0            123            209 Broad-winged Hawk            0              0           7403 Red-tailed Hawk              0            487            750 Rough-legged Hawk            0              0              0 Golden Eagle                 0              6             12 American Kestrel             0              4            422 Merlin                       0             12             57 Peregrine Falcon             0              1             22 Unknown Accipiter            0              3             29 Unknown Buteo                0              8             23 Unknown Falcon               0              0              4 Unknown Eagle                0              1              1 Unknown Raptor               0              2             20 Swallow-tailed Kite          0              0              1 Total:                       3           1658          12665 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end   time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 4.5 hours Official Counter:        Cyrus Moqtaderi Observers:        Bob Strahorn Visitors: Bob Strahorn stopped in post-bird walk for a quick visit. Weather: Gray, cloudy, humid, with drizzle starting in around 11am. Temps at 14C and winds slight from the E. Raptor Observations: 3 Turkey Vultures moved south. That's all, honest! A darnquiet day up top. A few other vultures hung about the horizon briefly, but even they disappeared by 12pm. Non-raptor Observations: Very little activity of any kind, save a flock of Dark-eyed Juncos that were loving the freshly cut grass. Predictions: Better than today! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Cyrus Moqtaderi (hawkwatch AT delawarenaturesociety.org)  information may be found at: www.delawarenaturesociety.org Subject: HSR: Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch (19 Nov 2009) 1 Raptors From: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports AT HAWKCOUNT.ORG> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:11:13 -0400 Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch Lewes, Delaware, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 19, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 95 303 Turkey Vulture 0 453 1113 Osprey 0 5 3063 Bald Eagle 0 22 490 Northern Harrier 0 105 615 Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 443 5393 Cooper's Hawk 0 177 1525 Northern Goshawk 0 2 2 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 24 39 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 333 Red-tailed Hawk 0 144 468 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 2 4 American Kestrel 0 30 1835 Merlin 1 23 1029 Peregrine Falcon 0 19 831 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 12 Unknown Buteo 0 0 14 Unknown Falcon 0 0 12 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 5 44 Swallow-tailed Kite 0 0 0 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 1 Total: 1 1549 17126 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 09:45:00 Observation end time: 10:45:00 Total observation time: 1 hours Official Counter: Susan Gruver Observers: Weather: wind East, force 3, 100% clcv, visb 8-10k, very foggy/hazy, Raptor Observations: one Merlin trying to sneak South down the dunes Non-raptor Observations: nothing, no local vultures, no little birds, very few gulls Predictions: high 59,30% chance of rain,wind WNW/NW 8-13 mph wind direction sounds better, hope a few Raptors agree ======================================================================== Report submitted by Sue Gruver (srgruver AT aol.com) Subject: HSR: Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch (18 Nov 2009) 2 Raptors From: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports AT HAWKCOUNT.ORG> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:11:12 -0400 Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch Lewes, Delaware, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 18, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 95 303 Turkey Vulture 0 453 1113 Osprey 0 5 3063 Bald Eagle 0 22 490 Northern Harrier 1 105 615 Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 443 5393 Cooper's Hawk 0 177 1525 Northern Goshawk 0 2 2 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 24 39 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 333 Red-tailed Hawk 0 144 468 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 2 4 American Kestrel 0 30 1835 Merlin 0 22 1028 Peregrine Falcon 0 19 831 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 12 Unknown Buteo 0 0 14 Unknown Falcon 0 0 12 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 5 44 Swallow-tailed Kite 0 0 0 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 1 Total: 2 1548 17125 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 09:30:00 Observation end time: 10:45:00 Total observation time: 1.25 hours Official Counter: Susan Gruver Observers: Weather: wind EAST, force 3-4,temp 14,clcv 25%,visb 20k Raptor Observations: very little moving, only a very few local vultures flying low to stay out of wind Non-raptor Observations: Predictions: more of the same, with 70% chance of rain high 63, wind E/ESE 9 mph ======================================================================== Report submitted by Sue Gruver (srgruver AT aol.com) Subject: Fwd: HSR: Ashland Nature Center (18 Nov 2009) 51 Raptors From: Cyrus Moqtaderi <cyrusmoqtaderi AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:18:17 -0500 Hello, Cyrus here! A slower flight, but still a great day to be watching birds. Beautiful weather and some good looks, especially at the late day Merlin. Great company on the hill all day, details below. Let's see if we can avoid any of this rain tomorrow, - Cyrus Moqtaderi The Ashland Hawk Watch is a joint program by the Delaware Nature Society and the Delmarva Ornithological Society. Ashland Nature Center Hockessin, Delaware, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 18, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species            Day's Count    Month Total   Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture                8            284            616 Turkey Vulture               5            405            735 Osprey                       0              4            223 Bald Eagle                   3             32            236 Northern Harrier             0             10             74 Sharp-shinned Hawk      8            219           1398 Cooper's Hawk              1             50            423 Northern Goshawk         0              4              4 Red-shouldered Hawk     5            123            209 Broad-winged Hawk        0              0           7403 Red-tailed Hawk             20            487            750 Rough-legged Hawk        0              0              0 Golden Eagle                 0              6             12 American Kestrel           0              4            422 Merlin                       1             12             57 Peregrine Falcon            0              1             22 Unknown Accipiter         0              3             29 Unknown Buteo              0              8             23 Unknown Falcon             0              0              4 Unknown Eagle              0              1              1 Unknown Raptor             0              2             20 Swallow-tailed Kite          0              0              1 Total:                      51           1655          12662 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end   time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours Official Counter:        Cyrus Moqtaderi Observers:        Derek Stoner, Jim White, Joe Sebastiani, Jonathan Stein,                  Molly Daly, Rich Cross Visitors: One good visit after the other today. Rich C. returned to the hill for a morning session of hawk watching, aircraft ID and other such shop talk. Thanks for the greatly-appreciated WaWa coffee run! Charlie T. visited again, sharing some good stories about past adventures and enjoying a few raptors. Terry and Gene back up top for another afternoon of hawk talk & hilltop socializing. Molly Daly returned after a long absence, glad to see you back! Joe S., Jim W., Derek S., and Jon S. all spent a good part of the afternoon keeping watch with me. Great to see lots of familiar faces today. 10 total. Weather: Clear, cool day with plenty of sun. Winds from the NE, shifting southerly as the day progressed. Damp air and a covering of stratus clouds moved in late afternoon and filled the sky. Temps reached 14C. Raptor Observations: Fewer birds than the past two days, as could have been expected after two days of strong post-front migration. Mostly Red-taileds (20) with some vulture passage (8 BV, 5 TV) and another collection of Sharp-shinned Hawks (8). 3 Bald Eagles moved overhead today, showing strong migration behavior. Two others were spotted but these appeared to be local birds. A late day Merlin offered impressive views, scouring the watch area for prey for a good 2-3 minutes. Non-raptor Observations: Predictions: Certainly a chance that we'll get hit with this rain tomorrow. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Cyrus Moqtaderi (hawkwatch AT delawarenaturesociety.org)  information may be found at: www.delawarenaturesociety.org Subject: Party at Ashland Hawk Watch- November 29 From: Derek Stoner <derek AT DELAWARENATURESOCIETY.ORG> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:00:08 -0500 Greetings- Not every day you see the word "party" in a DE-Birds posting, but this is indeed an alert about a real party. Not meaning a group of birders doing a Christmas Count, but an actual celebration of the festive kind. On Sunday, November 29, from 2:00pm to 5:30pm, we will gather at Ashland's Hawk Watch Hill to celebrate the end of another successful season of hawk watching. Come help close out the count atop the hill, and then repair to the lodge for a warm fire and good cheer. Rumors of a Big Sit-worthy food spread are indeed true, and we will have plenty of goodies to feed you. The charcoal grill is still conveniently in place, so we can grill up some venison and heat up a hearty stew. There will also be appearances by appropriate hawk watching beverages, if indeed Red-tail Ale and Peregrine Porter can be procured at local package stores. Celebrate the incredible flight of Broad-winged Hawks(remember September 19?!), the solid showing of the Ashland Big Sit(10th out of 200 teams worldwide this year), and the good times and great sightings(Swallow-tailed Kite and Wood Stork!) shared while scanning the skies from atop the little hill in the Red Clay Valley. Hope you can join us on the 29th to celebrate this most excellent partner project between the Delmarva Ornithological Society and the Delaware Nature Society. Good hawk watching, - Derek Stoner Subject: Ashland Bird Walk, 11/19 From: Derek Stoner <derek AT DELAWARENATURESOCIETY.ORG> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:27:31 -0500 Bob Strahorn will lead the weekly bird walk at Ashland tomorrow morning, Thursday November 19. The walk will begin at 8:00am from the parking lot at Ashland Nature Center in Hockessin. Directions can be found at www.delawarenaturesociety.org. Unlike last week, the rain is not supposed to be falling in the morning. Good birding, Derek Stoner Subject: Brown-headed Engineer? From: Maurice Barnhill <mvb AT UDEL.EDU> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:30:55 -0500 Yesterday, in between two frustratingly negative searches for the Ash-throated Flycatcher, I spent some time in Cape Henlopen State Park. I spent a little time watching the bird feeders at the Nature Center, and noticed a Brown-headed Nuthatch pecking at the piece of wood used to suspend two of the feeders. I thought he was pecking at a seed like Chickadees do and decided to take a picture. When I got home and looked through the photos, I found two of the Nuthatch perched right by the end of the screw that holds the feeder to the support. In the second of these, he appears to be scraping the seed against the end of the screw. That would be tool use! A quick look around the net last night found that Brown-headeds are known to use chips of tree bark to pry food out of crevices, so the Nuthatch can use tools. Unfortunately, in my picture the seed is behind the screw, and while it is obviously close to the screw it is not possible to prove that it is in contact. The two pictures were taken within 3 sec of each other according to the camera data, and in the first there is no seed visible. Hence it is likely that at one point the seed was lying on the wood. Was it just lying there, could it have been wedged under the nut on the screw, or was he regripping it so he could scrape it? There is no sure way to tell. If you go into Cape Henlopen, please look for this guy. He may be doing something very, very interesting. Or he may be doing nothing at all. It would be nice to know which. -- Maurice Barnhill mvb AT udel.edu Department of Physics and Astronomy University of Delaware Newark, DE 19716 Subject: Fwd: HSR: Ashland Nature Center (17 Nov 2009) 69 Raptors From: Cyrus Moqtaderi <cyrusmoqtaderi AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:24:26 -0500 Well, another spectacular day on watch. Birds were lit beautifully by the sun as they passed overhead and weather was perfect. Another strong dose of both Bald and Golden Eagles. Details below, see you tomorrow, - Cyrus Moqtaderi Ashland Hawk Watch is a joint project by the Delaware Nature Society and the Delmarva Ornithological Society Ashland Nature Center Hockessin, Delaware, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 17, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 10 276 608 Turkey Vulture 15 400 730 Osprey 0 4 223 Bald Eagle 5 29 233 Northern Harrier 0 10 74 Sharp-shinned Hawk 14 211 1390 Cooper's Hawk 2 49 422 Northern Goshawk 0 4 4 Red-shouldered Hawk 7 118 204 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 7403 Red-tailed Hawk 13 467 730 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 2 6 12 American Kestrel 0 4 422 Merlin 1 11 56 Peregrine Falcon 0 1 22 Unknown Accipiter 0 3 29 Unknown Buteo 0 8 23 Unknown Falcon 0 0 4 Unknown Eagle 0 1 1 Unknown Raptor 0 2 20 Swallow-tailed Kite 0 0 1 Total: 69 1604 12611 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7.33 hours Official Counter: Cyrus Moqtaderi Observers: Joe Sebastiani, Molly Calderon, Sally O'Byrne Visitors: Great visits again today. Greg I. managed to sneak a few minutes on top between meetings. Lorraine A. and Harriet M. ventured down from Chaddsford for their second visit. Terry H. and Gene M. returned to catch some late day hawks. Sally O. kept watch with me a couple hours this afternoon, spotting that Merlin before he darted out of sight. Molly Calderon made her last visit to the hill to say goodbye before returning home to Trinidad. It was great to have had you here at Ashland Molly, travel safely! 7 visitors total. Weather: Clear, with lots of sun and light winds from the NE. A crisp, cool, beautiful Fall day on top. Temps around 57F Raptor Observations: An excellent hawk watching day. The combination of good birds, stellar lighting, and an evenly-paced raptor movement provided for an exceptionally rewarding day on the hill. Red-taileds (13) and Red-shouldereds (7) passed overhead, most at moderate height and offering great views. Another high Sharp-shinned count (14), many of them chugging along southward with crops full of songbird. Another good look at a fast-moving Merlin this afternoon. Eagles provided some of the most excitement today. A pair of adult Bald Eagles flew in this morning, dropping from high altitude and landing in the Hunter's Field. The pair fed alongside some American Crows for 30 minutes before finding nearby perches. After an hour's rest the eagles lifted off, rose high in the sky and shot southwest. Glad to have caught the pair while they took a rest stop. As they flew south, they briefly shared airspace with a magnificently-lit immature Golden Eagle. The Golden stayed in the area for 20 minutes before disappearing to the SW. A second Golden Eagle showed up at 2pm, but was clearly a separate individual, based on plumage. Terrific birds today. Non-raptor Observations: Predictions: Similar wind and weather, with more clouds gathering in the afternoon. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Cyrus Moqtaderi (hawkwatch AT delawarenaturesociety.org) information may be found at: www.delawarenaturesociety.org Subject: HSR: Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch (17 Nov 2009) 38 Raptors From: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports AT HAWKCOUNT.ORG> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:11:31 -0400 Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch Lewes, Delaware, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 17, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 9 95 303 Turkey Vulture 22 453 1113 Osprey 0 5 3063 Bald Eagle 0 22 490 Northern Harrier 0 104 614 Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 442 5392 Cooper's Hawk 2 177 1525 Northern Goshawk 0 2 2 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 24 39 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 333 Red-tailed Hawk 2 144 468 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 2 4 American Kestrel 0 30 1835 Merlin 0 22 1028 Peregrine Falcon 0 19 831 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 12 Unknown Buteo 0 0 14 Unknown Falcon 0 0 12 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 2 5 44 Swallow-tailed Kite 0 0 0 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 1 Total: 38 1546 17123 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 13:30:00 Total observation time: 4.5 hours Official Counter: Susan Gruver Observers: Kathy Boyd, Lynn Smith Visitors: Maury Barnhill spent some time chatting with me this afternoon, and one other visitor Weather: wind ENE/ E, force 3, temp 12-13c, clcv 20-40%,visb 20k Raptor Observations: Non-raptor Observations: AT 20 N.Gannet,Golden-Crowned Kinglet,8 Brown-Headed Nuthatches,Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Snow Bunting, and all the usual friends Predictions: high 56,partly cloudy, wind ENE/E 9-11 mph....don't like that wind forecast, does not bode well for Raptors at Cape Henlopen ======================================================================== Report submitted by Sue Gruver (srgruver AT aol.com) Subject: Prime Hook today- Ash-Throated Flycatcher - NO From: Jacob Hall <jacob.s.hall AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:56:05 -0500 No luck locating the Ash-Throated Flycatcher this morning at Prime Hook. I spent about 2 hours wandering the Dike and Boardwalk Trails to no avail. I hope that others have more luck. However, it was a gorgeous morning and I had a couple of cool sightings. The highlight was flushing an American Woodcock near the entrance to the boardwalk. Also had White-Crowned Sparrow and Swamp Sparrow among an assortment of Song, White-Throated, and Field Sparrows in the brushy areas along the dike. (I'm sure my sparrow counts are on the low side). Two Marsh Wrens chattered away in the grass in the field at the beginning of the dike, and a Winter Wren called loudly from the nearby brush. Also spotted one Common Yellowthroat (female) associating with a towhee and Yellow-Rumped Warblers on the dike. Flyover geese and ducks in the marsh along the boardwalk. Beautiful, if chilly, morning. In the field across Route 16 at the entrance to the Refuge I spotted a flock of about 10 meadowlarks. On Cods Rd at Fowler Beach Rd a Merlin flew in and startled a large group of starlings. Very cool. -Jake Hall College Park, MD Location: Prime Hook NWR--Headquarters area Observation date: 11/18/09 Number of species: 42 Snow Goose 500 Canada Goose 50 Wood Duck 1 American Black Duck 15 Mallard 2 Green-winged Teal 8 Great Blue Heron 1 Black Vulture 6 Turkey Vulture 3 Bald Eagle 2 Northern Harrier 1 Red-tailed Hawk 1 American Woodcock 1 Ring-billed Gull 1 Belted Kingfisher 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 2 Downy Woodpecker 1 Northern Flicker 2 Blue Jay 1 American Crow 3 Carolina Chickadee 3 Tufted Titmouse 1 Carolina Wren 2 Winter Wren 1 Marsh Wren 2 Eastern Bluebird 2 American Robin 50 Gray Catbird 1 Northern Mockingbird 3 Brown Thrasher 1 European Starling 20 Yellow-rumped Warbler 3 Common Yellowthroat 1 Eastern Towhee 1 Field Sparrow 5 Song Sparrow 50 Swamp Sparrow 1 White-throated Sparrow 30 White-crowned Sparrow 1 Dark-eyed Junco 3 Northern Cardinal 4 Red-winged Blackbird 200 Subject: Abbott's Mill - no wednesday walk for 2 weeks From: Jason Beale <jaybirdbeale AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:42:59 -0500 Hello, There will be no wednesday walks at Abbott's Mill this week or next week. We'll be back on Dec. 2, 9, 16. Recent birds include: Bald Eagle Red-shouldered Hawk Red-tailed Hawk Sharp-shinned Hawk American Kestrel Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Pileated Woodpecker Eastern Phoebe Horned Lark Red-breasted Nuthatch Golden-crowned Kinglet Robins - big, berry-eating flocks Hermit Thrush Yellow-rumped Warbler Savannah Sparrow Field Sparrow Swamp Sparrow and the expected regulars Good birding, Jason Beale Subject: DOS Meeting Wed 11/18: PA Breeding Bird Atlas From: Matthew Sarver <ammodram AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:22:20 -0800 Greetings all, Please join the Delmarva Ornithological Society for our monthly meeting thisWednesday (11/18)at Ashland Nature Centernear Hockessin, DE. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PMwith a social half-hour, followed by Society business at 7:30. Our main program will begin at approximately 8:15. Speaker: Bob Mulvihill Topic: The State of Pennsylvania's Breeding Birds: a preview of the results of the 2nd PBBA. The 2nd Pennsylania Breeding Bird Atlas(PBBA) was completed in 2009, 20 years after the end of the first breeding bird atlas. More than 3,300 volunteers and a dozen paid field staff conducted formal and informal surveys in all 4,937 blocks in the state, submitted over 850,000 records, and documented 219 species. Although the data are still being checked, edited, and analyzed, there already are many interesting and important results that the project Coordinator, Bob Mulvihill, will share with us during this program. The published atlas is a year and a half or two away, so you don't want to miss this sneak preview of coming attractions! I hope to see all of you there! Matt Sarver Vice President and Program Chair Delmarva Ornithological Society Subject: DOS Meeting Wed 11/18: PA Breeding Bird Atlas From: Matthew Sarver <ammodram AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:22:20 -0800 (PST) Greetings all, Please join the Delmarva Ornithological Society for our monthly meeting thisWednesday (11/18)at Ashland Nature Centernear Hockessin, DE. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PMwith a social half-hour, followed by Society business at 7:30. Our main program will begin at approximately 8:15. Speaker: Bob Mulvihill Topic: The State of Pennsylvania's Breeding Birds: a preview of the results of the 2nd PBBA. The 2nd Pennsylania Breeding Bird Atlas(PBBA) was completed in 2009, 20 years after the end of the first breeding bird atlas. More than 3,300 volunteers and a dozen paid field staff conducted formal and informal surveys in all 4,937 blocks in the state, submitted over 850,000 records, and documented 219 species. Although the data are still being checked, edited, and analyzed, there already are many interesting and important results that the project Coordinator, Bob Mulvihill, will share with us during this program. The published atlas is a year and a half or two away, so you don't want to miss this sneak preview of coming attractions! I hope to see all of you there! Matt Sarver Vice President and Program Chair Delmarva Ornithological Society Subject: Ashland Nature Center (16 Nov 2009) 140 Raptors From: Derek Stoner <derek AT DELAWARENATURESOCIETY.ORG> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:39:02 -0500 Greetings: Cyrus and Carol teamed to tally the raptors on this fine fall day. The prediction of a good flight today may be borne out by the 140 birds, and November is always about quality over quantity. Another good count of Red-taileds(39) and a surprising number of late-season Sharp-shinneds(16) passed by the hill today. Six Bald Eagles on a November day is rather noteworthy, too. Good birding, Derek Stoner Ashland Hawk Watch is a joint project by the Delaware Nature Society and the Delmarva Ornithological Society. Ashland Nature Center Hockessin, Delaware, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 16, 2009 ----------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 34 266 598 Turkey Vulture 32 385 715 Osprey 0 4 223 Bald Eagle 6 24 228 Northern Harrier 1 10 74 Sharp-shinned Hawk 16 197 1376 Cooper's Hawk 1 47 420 Northern Goshawk 0 4 4 Red-shouldered Hawk 8 111 197 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 7403 Red-tailed Hawk 39 454 717 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 4 10 American Kestrel 0 4 422 Merlin 2 10 55 Peregrine Falcon 0 1 22 Unknown Accipiter 0 3 29 Unknown Buteo 1 8 23 Unknown Falcon 0 0 4 Unknown Eagle 0 1 1 Unknown Raptor 0 2 20 Swallow-tailed Kite 0 0 1 Total: 140 1535 12542 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 15:45:00 Total observation time: 7.25 hours Official Counters: Carol Majors, Cyrus Moqtaderi Observers: Derek Stoner, Jonathan Stein Visitors: 22 total, including John Chandler from Portland, Oregon. John wins the prize for visitor "most out of range." The volunteer guides visited the hill as part of training for the new educational raptor program offered by the Delaware Nature Society. Weather: Steady winds from the Northeast, with clear sunny skies and temperatures in the 60's. Raptor Observations: A strong day for Bald Eagles(6) this late in the season, and another good showing of Red-taileds, Red-shouldereds and both vultures. Non-raptor Observations: Five Monarchs passed by, still making their way to Mexico! Many flocks of Cedar Waxwings around, and groups of Canada Geese heading south. Predictions: Sunny with light winds from the NE. We'll see what birds this brings... ======================================================================== Report submitted by Derek Stoner (derek AT delawarenaturesociety.org) Information may be found at: www.delawarenaturesociety.org Subject: Prime Hook 11/16/09 part-2 From: Charles Fullmer <cmfullmer AT MCHSI.COM> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:07:29 +0000 Besides the ATFC seen this morning at Prime Hook, the following species were also seen: Common Yellowthroat Yellow breasted Chat Northern Harrier Bald Eagle (imm.) Great Horned Owl Fox, Song, Swamp, Savannah, WThroated, Chip, Field, WCrowned sparrows Hermit Thrush Red Bellied, Downey & Flicker B Kingfisher Both Kinglets Gold & House finches And other typical species Chuck Fullmer Georgetown, DE Subject: HSR: Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch (16 Nov 2009) 11 Raptors From: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports AT HAWKCOUNT.ORG> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:11:49 -0400 Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch Lewes, Delaware, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 16, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 86 294 Turkey Vulture 0 431 1091 Osprey 0 5 3063 Bald Eagle 1 22 490 Northern Harrier 2 104 614 Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 441 5391 Cooper's Hawk 1 175 1523 Northern Goshawk 0 2 2 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 24 39 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 333 Red-tailed Hawk 2 142 466 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 2 4 American Kestrel 0 30 1835 Merlin 0 22 1028 Peregrine Falcon 2 19 831 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 12 Unknown Buteo 0 0 14 Unknown Falcon 0 0 12 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 1 3 42 Swallow-tailed Kite 0 0 0 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 1 Total: 11 1508 17085 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 13:30:00 Total observation time: 4.5 hours Official Counter: Susan Gruver Observers: Lynn Smith Visitors: AT 18, but most weren't visiting us, they were trying to get a better look at the beach storm damage Weather: wind WNW all day force 1, temp was constant 15-16, visb 8-10K, visibilty was extremely difficult all day, haze and or fog the entire day with only small breaks of sun. It looked like Cape May was having the same problem. We never did see Cape May today. Looking toward the South, there was a bit of heat shimmer which didn't help us. Raptor Observations: the Bald Eagle was an immature. Non-raptor Observations: brandt, Blue birds, Junco's, Hermit Thrush, Snow Bunting, all the usual visitors Predictions: high 56, partly cloudy, 7-9 mph wind NE/ENE ======================================================================== Report submitted by Sue Gruver (srgruver AT aol.com) Subject: Ash-throated Flycatcher Prime Hook From: Charles Fullmer <cmfullmer AT MCHSI.COM> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:56:27 +0000 This morning the Ash-throated Flycatcher found by Ken Bass and re-found by Ed Sigda and Bruce Peterjohn along the dike trail in Prime Hook remains in the same location behind the bench donated by “Goldsteinâ€�. The bird was found by its call and perched 40’ in from the path with an occasional edge appearance. Todays photos can be seen at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/allseasonshooter Chuck Fullmer Georgetown, DE Subject: Ashland Nature Center (15 Nov 2009) 116 Raptors From: Derek Stoner <derek AT DELAWARENATURESOCIETY.ORG> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:32:09 -0500 Greetings: Here it is, the middle of November and the thermometer tops out at 74 degrees today! People wearing shorts, butterflies flying around, and all-around summer feeling made it seem like a day at the beach. Bob and Bob, our Sunday Stalwarts, tallied a nice bunch of birds today. Migrant vultures(67 total), Red-shouldered Hawks(10), and Red-tailed Hawks(28) made up the bulk of the total. The Red-tailed Hawk season tally(678) reached today surpasses the 666 observed in 2007. The buteo parade continues apace, and we await the second half of November. Two more weeks left in the hawk watch 2009 season, and still plenty of time to see more Goshawks, Golden Eagles, and maybe even that elusive Rough-legged Hawk! Good birding, Derek Stoner Ashland Hawk Watch is a joint project by the Delaware Nature Society and the Delmarva Ornithological Society. Ashland Nature Center Hockessin, Delaware, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 15, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 46 232 564 Turkey Vulture 21 353 683 Osprey 0 4 223 Bald Eagle 3 18 222 Northern Harrier 0 9 73 Sharp-shinned Hawk 6 181 1360 Cooper's Hawk 2 46 419 Northern Goshawk 0 4 4 Red-shouldered Hawk 10 103 189 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 7403 Red-tailed Hawk 28 415 678 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 4 10 American Kestrel 0 4 422 Merlin 0 8 53 Peregrine Falcon 0 1 22 Unknown Accipiter 0 3 29 Unknown Buteo 0 7 22 Unknown Falcon 0 0 4 Unknown Eagle 0 1 1 Unknown Raptor 0 2 20 Swallow-tailed Kite 0 0 1 Total: 116 1395 12402 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours Official Counters: Bob Rufe, Bob Strahorn Observers: Bob Rufe, Greg Inskip, Jim Lewis Visitors: 26 visitors took advantage of the gorgeous weather to treat themselves to a trip to Hawk Watch Hill. Weather: Mostly sunny, with light northwest winds. A high temperature of 74 degrees! Raptor Observations: A good day for both vultures(67 total) and Red-tailed Hawks(28), along with a nice tally of Red-shouldered Hawks(10). Predictions: Sunny with moderate winds from the Northwest-- the day after a November front comes through is often excellent, so Monday may be one of those days. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Derek Stoner (derek AT delawarenaturesociety.org) Information may be found at: www.delawarenaturesociety.org Subject: DE/MD Pelagic on Sun, Dec 13 from Lewes, DE From: "Paul A. Guris" <lists AT paulagics.com> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:36:49 -0500 See Life Paulagics has a pelagic trip scheduled for Sunday, December 13 out of Lewes, DE. The boat is the 85' Thelma Dale IV, a fast, comfortable boat with a full walk-around, birdable upper deck, and heated cabin with benches. We plan on birding in Delaware and Maryland pelagic waters up to 40-60 miles offshore, and we often run right down the state line for a distance. Target species include Dovekie, Puffin, Razorbill, Fulmar, Greater and Manx Shearwater, Kittiwake, Red Phalarope, Gannets, and other winter seabirds. This is also a good time for cetaceans such as Common Dolphin, Fin Whale, and sometimes Atlantic White-sided Dolphin. The trip is scheduled to run from 6:00 AM to about 6:00 PM. The cost is $170. Contact us by e-mail or phone if you are interested. Hope to see you aboard! -PAG Paul A. Guris See Life Paulagics P.O. Box 161 Green Lane, PA 18054 www.paulagics.com 215-234-6805 info AT paulagics.com Subject: Saturday Sussex Bird Club Fieldtrip From: "Bennett Chris (DNREC)" <Chris.Bennett AT STATE.DE.US> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:45:24 -0500 I was joined by 5 SBC members at the Nature Center at CHSP yesterday morning for the Delaware Coast Fieldtrip - oly to discover the majority of the Delaware shore was inaccessible. The group birded for a few hours within the areas of the Park that were actually vehicle accessible - Fishing Pier, Great Dune and Herring Point. After the group disbanded I walked from the Pier through the Youth Camps and then out to the tip of the point and then back along the shoreline to the pier. There were suprisingly few birds around and the due to the Fort Miles Open House program the Great Dune area was crawling with people. So we had very little to provide excitement. Members of the group saw a single Fox Sparrow at the Nature Center feeders before I arrived. There were at least 3 Brown-headed Nuthatches coming and going to the feeders while we were there. We had a few flocks of flyby Scoters - mostly Surfs with a few Blacks mixed in - and 1 Bonaparte's Gull seen from the Great Dune. There was raft of about 25 - 30 Buffleheads off the end of the Fishing Pier in the afternoon. On my way out to the point I had Peregrine fly by as I was walking from the Officer's Club to the pilot's tower along with a large flock of American Robins and a few Cedar Waxwings. There was a second Peregrine sitting on the east end of the outer breakwater when I got out to the tip of the Point. There were only a few gulls resting on the point that included a single Black Skimmer. A flock of 29 Sanderlings included a single individually marked bird - 3CT. There was a single Common Loon feeding off the tip of the point. I also had a flock of 24 Snow Buntings feeding in the dunes at the very tip of the point. Chris Bennett, Milford, DE Subject: Prime Hook Ash-throated Flycatcher From: Ed Sigda <sigdae AT PRIMEHOOKBIRDING.COM> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:32:20 -0500 While birding the Dike Trail today with Bruce Peterjohn we relocated an Ash-throated Flycatcher that was found on Saturday by Ken Bass. The bird today was found about two thirds of the way out on the Dike Trail in the woods to the left just past the bench. The bird was present for about an hour before all parties left. While watching the bird it called frequently and dropped out of sight every so often as well. I hope to post pictures of the bird later this evening. When found on Saturday the bird was in the woods behind the Headquarters building near the trailer. Ed Sigda Milton, DE www.primehookbirding.com Subject: HSR: Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch (15 Nov 2009) 4 Raptors From: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports AT HAWKCOUNT.ORG> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:11:11 -0400 Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch Lewes, Delaware, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 15, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 86 294 Turkey Vulture 2 431 1091 Osprey 0 5 3063 Bald Eagle 0 21 489 Northern Harrier 1 102 612 Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 439 5389 Cooper's Hawk 0 174 1522 Northern Goshawk 0 2 2 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 24 39 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 333 Red-tailed Hawk 0 140 464 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 2 4 American Kestrel 0 30 1835 Merlin 0 22 1028 Peregrine Falcon 0 17 829 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 12 Unknown Buteo 0 0 14 Unknown Falcon 0 0 12 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 2 41 Swallow-tailed Kite 0 0 0 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 1 Total: 4 1497 17074 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 09:30:00 Observation end time: 14:30:00 Total observation time: 5 hours Official Counter: Susan Gruver Observers: Dennis Foley, Jennie Foley, Lynn Smith Visitors: about 20,,,all walking in as the gates were still closed. Lynn and I got permission to drive in so we could do the hawk watch. Weather: day started out 100% overcast, wind WNW/NE force 1-2,temp 16-17c,visb 8 -15. Clouds finally broke around 11:30 and allowed some peeks of sunshine and blue skies. Raptor Observations: local adult Bald Eagle trying to forage and being harassed by two black- backed gulls. Very disappointing day, we thought after all the rain and rotten weather we would have some decent movement. Not to be. Non-raptor Observations: all the usual regular visitors, Chickadees,Carolina Wrens singing away,Red-breasted Nuthatches,Bluebirds,Junco's and AT 30 Cedar Wax wings hey Forrest,, we miss you already. Seems so quiet on the platform. Predictions: High 63, partly cloudly,wind 7-8mph N, 10% chance of rain. Forecast looks decent,,now let's hope the Raptors agree. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Sue Gruver (srgruver AT aol.com) Subject: Fwd: HSR: Ashland Nature Center (14 Nov 2009) 11 Raptors From: Cyrus Moqtaderi <cyrusmoqtaderi AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:03:15 -0500 Hello, Cyrus here! Back again after some lousy, rainy days, no? Today was pretty gray and slow as well, but managed to catch some close up hawks and perhaps the best (and certainly the closest) Golden Eagle sighting I've ever had. Check below for the details on that one. Good company today as well from Joe, Sarah, the teen naturalists, Marcelo, and Bill. Might be rainy and late in the season but it's still a remarkable pleasure to be on that hill, see you there. - Cyrus Moqtaderi Ashland Hawk Watch is a joint project by the Delaware Nature Society and the Delmarva Ornithological Society Ashland Nature Center Hockessin, Delaware, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 14, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 186 518 Turkey Vulture 4 332 662 Osprey 0 4 223 Bald Eagle 0 15 219 Northern Harrier 0 9 73 Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 175 1354 Cooper's Hawk 1 44 417 Northern Goshawk 0 4 4 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 93 179 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 7403 Red-tailed Hawk 3 387 650 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 1 4 10 American Kestrel 0 4 422 Merlin 0 8 53 Peregrine Falcon 0 1 22 Unknown Accipiter 0 3 29 Unknown Buteo 0 7 22 Unknown Falcon 0 0 4 Unknown Eagle 0 1 1 Unknown Raptor 0 2 20 Swallow-tailed Kite 0 0 1 Total: 11 1279 12286 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7.83 hours Official Counter: Cyrus Moqtaderi Observers: Bill Stewart Visitors: Joe S. and Sarah F. brought up a lively group of teen naturalists for a great time at the watch, recording several video clips and having an all-around good time. My good friend Marcelo F. stopped in for a few hours, his first time at the watch. I made sure to overload him with birding lore (seemed logical, seeing as he is a non-birder). Bill S. made a welcome visit, spending a couple hours on watch and pulling down a late day Cooper's. Good to have some company today! Weather: Cloudy, cool, with a thick fog most of the day. Periods of drizzle and a weak NE wind. Temps around 14C. Raptor Observations: Very little movement today, hardly a vulture in the sky, let alone much else. The few migrant hawks were low and in the trees/just below treeline. A very slow day, with one notable exception. The lowest Golden Eagle of the season (and perhaps the lowest eagle of either species, period) soared past at 11:42am. The bird was a beautiful subadult individual. Appeared to be nearing adult plumage, as the white was fading in the wings and the tail was filling in. Also the golden hackles seemed to be filling in with brighter feathering. The bird circled twice over the hill, no more than 40ft up, displaying several wing postures and scanning the ground. It then sailed SE towards the fields near Barley Mill Rd and lowered below treeline before rising again and taking off. Certainly the most impressive Golden Eagle sighting I've ever had. A nice treat on a slow, wet, gray day. Non-raptor Observations: Many Robins still passing and a flock of 2500 Canada Geese earlier in the morning. Predictions: NW winds on the first clear day in a while. Sounds like a great mix for migration! (what is it with these good Sunday flights? Do the birds know it's my day off??) ======================================================================== Report submitted by Cyrus Moqtaderi (hawkwatch AT delawarenaturesociety.org) information may be found at: www.delawarenaturesociety.org Subject: Chester Co., Bucktoe Creek Preserve From: Joe Sebastiani <bunker17 AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:48:12 -0500 Bird walks are happening tomorrow and Monday at the Bucktoe Creek Preserve. Holly Merker is leading Sunday, and Carol Majors will lead the walk on Monday. Walks start at 8am and directions can be found at http://www.delawarenaturesociety.org/dns_sites.html. If you are not yet a member of the Delaware Nature Society, a 1/2 priced membership can be purchased by attending the walk. This preserve is private property and access is limited to guided walks. Results from last Sunday and Monday are below. Joe Sebastiani, Delaware Nature Society Sunday, November 8, 2009 - Joe Sebastiani leader Canada Goose 20 Great Blue Heron 1 Turkey Vulture 3 Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 Red-shouldered Hawk 1 Red-tailed Hawk 1 American Kestrel 1 Ring-billed Gull 3 Mourning Dove 30 Great Horned Owl 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 15 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1 Downy Woodpecker 8 Hairy Woodpecker 3 Northern Flicker 2 Pileated Woodpecker 2 Blue Jay 10 American Crow 2 Fish Crow 2 Carolina Chickadee 12 Tufted Titmouse 4 White-breasted Nuthatch 12 Brown Creeper 1 Carolina Wren 6 Winter Wren 1 Golden-crowned Kinglet 2 Eastern Bluebird 6 Hermit Thrush 1 American Robin 1 Northern Mockingbird 2 European Starling 15 Cedar Waxwing 20 Eastern Towhee 5 Chipping Sparrow 1 Savannah Sparrow 1 Fox Sparrow 1 Song Sparrow 6 Swamp Sparrow 1 White-throated Sparrow 30 Dark-eyed Junco 8 Northern Cardinal 2 Common Grackle 2 Brown-headed Cowbird 6 House Finch 3 American Goldfinch 6 House Sparrow 1 Monday, November 9, 2009 - Larry Lewis leader Canada Goose 5 Black Vulture 9 Turkey Vulture 15 Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 Cooper's Hawk 2 Red-tailed Hawk 1 American Kestrel 1 Ring-billed Gull 2 Mourning Dove 20 Eastern Screech-Owl 2 Great Horned Owl 3 Red-bellied Woodpecker 5 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 2 Downy Woodpecker 4 Hairy Woodpecker 3 Northern Flicker 2 Blue Jay 15 American Crow 8 Fish Crow 8 Horned Lark 2 Carolina Chickadee 10 Tufted Titmouse 4 White-breasted Nuthatch 12 Brown Creeper 1 Carolina Wren 3 Golden-crowned Kinglet 8 Eastern Bluebird 15 American Robin 100 Northern Mockingbird 3 European Starling 100 American Pipit 1 Cedar Waxwing 100 Eastern Towhee 3 Chipping Sparrow 1 Field Sparrow 4 Song Sparrow 12 White-throated Sparrow 30 Dark-eyed Junco 10 Northern Cardinal 10 Red-winged Blackbird 75 Common Grackle 250 Brown-headed Cowbird 5 Purple Finch 1 House Finch 15 American Goldfinch 8 House Sparrow 1 Subject: No Subject From: Rodney Murray <rodmurray_1999 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 07:40:30 -0800 This morning at 1,000 Acre Marsh 3 Ring-necked Ducks were mixed in with about 50 Green-winged Teals.  Just down the road beyond Grier's Pond 2 male Ring-necked Pheasants trotted across the road (maybe one was a juvenile?).  Rodney Murray, M'town Subject: RBA: Birdline Delaware, November 13th, 2009 From: Andy Ednie <ednieap AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:17:10 -0500 RBA * Delaware * Statewide * November 13, 2009 * DEST0911.13 *Birds mentioned Snow Goose Ross' Goose Cackling Goose Brant Tundra Swan Mute Swan Blue-winged Teal American Wigeon Greater Scaup Ring-necked Duck Common Eider Bufflehead White-winged Scoter Hooded Merganser Red-breasted Merganser Ruddy Duck Common Loon Pied-billed Grebe Great Cormorant Great White Heron Bald Eagle Golden Eagle Northern Goshawk Peregrine Falcon Merlin American Kestrel Virginia Rail Sora American Coot Black-bellied Plover American Avocet Willet Greater Yellowlegs Lesser Yellowlegs Western Sandpiper Dunlin Purple Sandpiper Black-headed Gull Ring-billed Gull Eastern Screech Owl Horned Lark Raven Marsh Wren Eastern Bluebird American Pipit Cedar Waxwing Seaside Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow Baltimore Oriole Purple Finch Hotline: Birdline Delaware Date: Hotline: Birdline Delaware Date: November 13, 2009 Number: 302-658-2747 To Report: Andy Ednie 302-792-9591 (VOICE) Compiler: Andy Ednie (ednieap AT verizon.net) Coverage: Delaware, Delmarva Peninsula, nearby Delaware Valley, Southern New Jersey, Maryland Transcriber: Andy Ednie (ednieap AT verizon.net) For Friday the 13th, this is Birdline Delaware from the Delaware Museum of Natural History in Greenville. The 2009 Unofficial Delaware State Year List now stands at 327 species, with one new addition this week. This evening, a large black bird believed to be a RAVEN was seen at Cauffiel House in Bellview State Park in northern Wilmington. This bird was seen flying up from Fox Point State Park along the Delaware River towards the park. Cauffiel House is located between Governor Printz Boulevard and US Rt 13 (the Philadelphia Pike). The single bird in flight was seen to have a massive bill and a wedge shaped tail. The observer rolled down his car's window to hear the distinctive croak of a RAVEN. In recent years there have been at least three other sightings of RAVEN in the state, all by single observers without any other substantiating evidence. If confirmed, this would be a long overdue first state record. In other news, at least 2 ROSS' GEESE and a CACKLING GOOSE were seen among the SNOW GEESE at Bombay Hook NWR near Smyrna. TUNDRA and a MUTE SWAN were seen at Shearness Pool. Cotttman Field opposite Raymond Pool had a peak count of 130 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS along with several AMERICAN PIPITS and HORNED LARK this week. AMERICAN WIGEON, BLUE-WINGED TEAL, GREATER SCAUP, BUFFLEHEAD, HOODED MERGANSER, and RUDDY DUCKS were seen, along with PIED-BILLED GREBE and good numbers of AMERICAN COOTS this year. AMERICAN AVOCET, GREATER and LESSER YELLOWLEGS, DUNLIN, and WESTERN SANDPIPER along with a MARSH WREN were also reported. The feeders had WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS this weekend. The GREAT WHITE HERON was seen again last weekend along Fred Hudson Road, between Rt 1 and Cedar Neck Road south of Indian River Inlet. That bird was looked for again during the week without success, but at the nearby VFW Hall at Quillen's Point there was a western WILLET, BLACK-BELLED PLOVER, RED-BREASTED MERGANSER, over 300 BRANT and a SEASIDE SPARROW. Both female and immature male COMMON EIDERS were seen at Indian River Inlet. GREAT CORMORANT and PURPLE SANDPIPERS were also seen there. If traveling through the Delaware beaches, be aware that Rt 1 between Dewey and the inlet is closed this weekend. The recent nor'easter with Ida over-washed the barrier island in four different locations. What's bad for highways is good for beach nesters! A BALTIMORE ORIOLE was reported at the Prime Hook NWR headquarters this week. WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS were seen in the fields there. A PEWEE-type flycatcher was reported at the Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch. PURPLE FINCH was also reported there. Very few hawks were reported at Cape Henlopen, but a NORTHERN GOSHAWK was seen and a BALD EAGLE was seen catching and eating a COMMON LOON. WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS were seen offshore. An adult BLACK-HEADED GULL was found at Gordon's Pond near Rehoboth Beach this weekend. BALD EAGLE and PEREGRINE FALCON were seen on the snags around the pond. A MERLIN was seen taking a CEDAR WAXWING at Ashland Nature Center. A gray phase SCREECH OWL was also found at the center. Ashland Nature Center Hawk Watch had 2 GOLDEN EAGLES on Saturday and an immature NORTHERN GOSHAWK on Monday. PURPLE FINCHES were also reported at the hawk watch. The flooded marshes along Delaware Bay had 3 VIRGINIA RAILS and a SORA calling along Corks Point Branch of the Smyrna River near Armstrong's Farm this week. Lots of DUNLIN and RING-BILLED GULLS were in the fields due to the flooding. 2 HOODED MERGANSERS and about 20 RING-NECKED DUCKS were reported at Harry's Pond at Brandywine Town Center this week. Thanks to Amy and Kathleen O'Neal for that report. 45 RING-NECKED DUCKS plus 7 PIED-BILLED GREBES, 2 HOODED MERGANSERS, a BUFFLEHEAD and a MUTE SWAN were seen at Hoopes' Reservoir. Over 100 AMERICAN PIPITS are being seen in the fields at the Middletown Auto Mall next to the Home Depot off Rt 301 west of town. Some of those PIPITS were up in trees. EASTERN BLUEBIRD and AMERICAN KESTREL were also seen there. Now for this week's Special Feature from WILM News Radio: Along the edge of the field a group of sparrows were feeding. Suddenly, a bigger bird popped out of the brush. It was the largest of the North American Sparrows, the TOWHEE. Often mistaken for the robin because of its size and color, the EASTERN TOWHEE sings "Drink your tea" (Towhee SFx) in the spring. During the winter, the first call of the morning is the Towhees familiar "cherwink" (Towhee call note SFx). EASTERN TOWHEES have black backs and chestnut colored flanks, thus their previous name the RUFOUS-SIDED TOWHEE. Birds in our area have a bright red eye, from where they get their Latin name Pipilo erythalthalamus. This species has gone through several name and nomenclature changes. The northern "red eye" EASTERN TOWHEE form and a southeastern "white-eyed "form. Originally thought to be a separate species, the white eyed birds were lumped because they interbreed with the red eyes along the southern Appalachians. The offspring has a yellow "straw-colored" eye. The SPOTTED TOWHEE of the west was also originally lumped into the Rufous-sided group because of interbreeding in western Nebraska. The two species were then re-split in the 1990s, when DNA testing determined there were differences in their chromosomes. Many birders added a new species to their list, without leaving their armchair. Watch your yard as Towhees begin to set up their winter feeding territories. Special thanks this week to Frank Rohrbacher, Bill Stewart, Colin Campbell, Derek Stoner, Armas Hill, and our hawk watchers; Cyrus Moqtaderi and Forrest Rowland for their reports. You can report sightings or add to the State Year List by calling 302-792-9591 or email ednieap AT verizon.net. Until next week, good birding. -end transcript Andy Ednie Claymont, Delaware Subject: Coastal Delaware Fieldtrip From: "Bennett Chris (DNREC)" <Chris.Bennett AT STATE.DE.US> Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:19:08 -0500 Hello, Clearly if you know anything about rainy weather in Delaware you also know that when it rains I'm scheduled to lead a fieldtrip for the Sussex Bird Club. And this Saturday is no exception. The original plan was to meet at Indian River Inlet and then bird our way north along the coast to Gordons Pond at Cape Henlopen. It appears that Mother Nature has decided to alter that plan - and with RT 1 currently closed south of Dewey Beach and the Gordons Pond area of CHSP currently closed - I'll have to change the plan a bit. By 10 am tomorrow - the scheduled start time for the trip - the forecast is for only a 40% chance of rain (after the week we've had so far I can accept that) with 8 MPH winds from the North - so I'm going to plan on running the trip - BUT rather than try to start at the Inlet lets meet at the Nature Center at Cape Henlopen State Park at 10 am. We'll check out the ocean and bay from all the overlooks - Point, Herring Point, Hawk Watch and Great Dune and if the Gordons Pond area of the park is accessible we will head there as well. With luck RT 1 will be open (I hear that Park Staff and DELDOT are currently working towards that end) and we can make our way down to the inlet to end the trip. If you definitely think you are going to make the trip call and leave a message on my home answering machine - (302) 424-1126. I will be out most of the evening so will probably not get messages until late this evening - so you shouldn't expect a return call. Hope to see you tomorrow morning. Chris Milford, DE "The last word in ignorance is the man who says of an animal or plant: 'What good is it?'" Aldo Leopold A Sand County Almanac Subject: ROBINS, ROBINS EVERYWHERE! From: Dennis Brezina <alumanon AT EARTHLINK.NET> Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:03:18 -0500 WOW!!! For the last two mornings, in perhaps a storm-induced event, hundreds of ROBINS swirled around the North Chesapeake City neighborhood while the wind and rain whipped through... This morning most of the action was focused on a loose flock passing by for about ten minutes -- east to west... The count came close to a thousand... Most landed briefly in the trees... A few came down to the ground... I must admit that I am conflicted by all of this... Last February a few hundred very hungry robins descended on my yard and, in feeding frenzy of about an hour, stripped all of the berries off my holly trees, including one that is registered with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources "Big Tree" Program... For February that was perfectly OK... But in this pre-holiday period, the possibility of losing all of the holly berries that have become part of a community "Deck the Halls" project brings out a rare side of my risk-averse nature... The robins have moved on for now... And they are welcome to come back and stay awhile in 2010... Dennis Brezina North Chesapeake City, MD Subject: Fwd: HSR: Ashland Nature Center (12 Nov 2009) 2 Raptors From: Cyrus Moqtaderi <cyrusmoqtaderi AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:05:40 -0500 Hello, Cyrus here! Well, mostly rained out today, but did manage to catch a few interesting birds, including one particularly nice bird that didn't seem to mind the storm too much. Details on that below! Cyrus Ashland Hawk Watch is a joint project by the Delaware Nature Society and the Delmarva Ornithological Society Ashland Nature Center Hockessin, Delaware, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 12, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 186 518 Turkey Vulture 0 328 658 Osprey 0 4 223 Bald Eagle 0 15 219 Northern Harrier 1 9 73 Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 173 1352 Cooper's Hawk 0 43 416 Northern Goshawk 0 4 4 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 93 179 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 7403 Red-tailed Hawk 0 384 647 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 3 9 American Kestrel 0 4 422 Merlin 0 8 53 Peregrine Falcon 1 1 22 Unknown Accipiter 0 3 29 Unknown Buteo 0 7 22 Unknown Falcon 0 0 4 Unknown Eagle 0 1 1 Unknown Raptor 0 2 20 Swallow-tailed Kite 0 0 1 Total: 2 1268 12275 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 10:00:00 Observation end time: 12:00:00 Total observation time: 1.83 hours Official Counter: Cyrus Moqtaderi, Derek Stoner Observers: Visitors: 0 Weather: Rain, with a short break in precipitation (during which the count was taken up). Raptor Observations: Derek Stoner noted a passing Harrier this morning, prompting my return to the hill. I settled in up top, amidst a steadily increasing rain and scanned the horizon. Immediately my glasses caught a fast-moving silhouette bolting across the gray. The bird was scanning for prey below, tilting side-to-side in an unusual manner, which initially jammed my hawk-ID radar. The confusion did not last long; quickly did the taper of the wings and the distinct pumping flight make clear this Peregrine Falcon. The poorly-lit falcon cleared the horizon in short order and disappeared southwest, leaving empty skies in its wake. Glad to have caught this stouthearted hawk as he braved the storm. No other hawks followed and I left as rain became heavy again. Non-raptor Observations: Many grounded songbirds, Robins especially, foraging among the grounds. Merlin and Eastern Screech Owl seen by Derek Stoner this morning, as noted in previous DE-Birds email alert. Predictions: More of this storm it seems ======================================================================== Report submitted by Cyrus Moqtaderi (hawkwatch AT delawarenaturesociety.org) information may be found at: www.delawarenaturesociety.org Subject: Owl bet it rained today at Ashland From: Derek Stoner <derek AT DELAWARENATURESOCIETY.ORG> Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:08:52 -0500 As cold precipitation pelted my rain jacket, I thought again about my statement yesterday. "Don't let the rain deter you," seemed like a silly suggestion on yet another wet and dreary morning. Walking by the nature center towards the parking lot, a feathered mob scene greeted me. A half-dozen Carolina Chickadees, eight Tufted Titmice, three White-breasted Nuthatches, four Blue Jays, and three American Crows were screaming their proverbial heads off and diving into the top of a hemlock tree. By their agitated, aggressive behavior, I knew that a predator must be lurking in the treetops. As I scanned the dark top of the tree, peering through a maze of limbs and needles, my mind jumped to the easy conclusion: there must be a Saw-whet Owl roosting! I found the outline of the bird, 90% obscured by vegetation, and began trying to piece the puzzle together. All I could come up with for sure was that I was looking at a little owl. I wanted it to be a Saw-whet, but wasn't sure what I was really seeing(or not really seeing). Rich Cross arrived for the bird walk, undeterred by the rain, and Joe Sebastiani rolled into work. We grabbed a spotting scope and put it on the bird, perched 20 feet above us and at a pretty steep viewing angle. Gradually details emerged, as we worked with the very dark outline of a bird. A little bit of grayish chest streaking, a hint of a gray face, and a pale undertail gradually revealed the impression of a different bird: Eastern Screech-Owl. Gray-phase. Joe was the first to suggest this identification, and the group of gathered birders(including Cyrus and a gentlemen named Forrest) concurred. We couldn't ever see the top of the head or any ear tufts or even eyes- but it probably had eyes. The bird was really hunkered down, in a compact posture more reminiscent of a Saw-whet and less like the typical upright posture of a perched Screech-owl. But, to be fair, there really is no "typical" with birds. You always see something new and different each time you go out. This screech-owl had picked the tightest cover possible, secreting himself into a protective cave of a hemlock hideout. Kudos to him for trying to hide, but the local songbird patrol caught him sleeping. Enlivened by the owl encounter, Rich and headed out on the trails to pursue more rainy-day birds. As soon as we stepped onto the floodplain near Sharpless Road, a flock of wheeling Cedar Waxwings caught our attention. Below the waxwings flew a Merlin, clutching a Cedar Waxwing in his talons. As the Merlin clutched his prize, he brought the waxwing to his beak and took a bite! The waxwing flock pursued, mirroring the Merlin's movements and following their fallen flockmate(anthropomorphism alert!). Rich and I were excited by this unique sighting. We did find some other nice birds on the rainy walk, including a super look at a Fox Sparrow, Swamp Sparrows, a female Pileated Woodpecker, a couple Red-tailed Hawks, Sharp-shinned, and Cooper's Hawks. We reached the top of Hawk Watch Hill in time to see a juvenile Northern Harrier fly by. I summoned Cyrus to the hill with the suggestion that perhaps a few raptors could be counted today, and he did see a bird. I'll let him tell that story... Good birding, Derek Stoner Ashland Nature Center Hockessin, DE Subject: Ashland Bird Walk, 11/12 From: Derek Stoner <derek AT DELAWARENATURESOCIETY.ORG> Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:57:12 -0500 The weekly Ashland Nature Center bird walk will be held tomorrow, November 12, starting at 8:00am in the parking lot. I will be leading the walk. As we like to say, this walk will be held "rain or shine." The theme lately is of course more rain than shine, but don't let that deter you. The birds are still around, and we will make every attempt to find them. Just wear a rain jacket in case... Good birding, Derek Stoner Ashland Nature Center Hockessin, DE www.delawarenaturesociety.org Subject: Delaware Valley RBA, 11 NOV 2009 From: Stephen E Kacir <rba AT DVOC.ORG> Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:39:05 -0800 - RBA * PA, NJ, DE * Delaware Valley: Southeast PA, Central/Southern NJ & DE * PADV0911.11 * November 11, 2009 - Birds Mentioned Yellow-billed Loon (NY) Great White Heron (DE)+ Pink-footed Goose (NY) Barnacle Goose (NY) Swainson's Hawk (NJ)+ Black-throated Gray Warbler (MD) Painted Bunting (NJ)+ (NJ)+ (Details requested by NJBRC) (PA)+ (Details requested by PORC) (DE)+ (Details requested by DERC) Red-throated Loon Common Loon Horned Grebe Red-necked Grebe Northern Fulmar Cory's Shearwater Greater Shearwater Manx Shearwater Audubon's Shearwater Brown Pelican Great Cormorant American Bittern Cattle Egret Snow Goose Ross's Goose Cackling Goose Brant Tundra Swan Eurasian Wigeon King Eider Common Eider Harlequin Duck Surf Scoter White-winged Scoter Black Scoter Long-tailed Duck Red-breasted Merganser Northern Goshawk Rough-legged Hawk Golden Eagle Ruffed Grouse Virginia Rail Sandhill Crane Western Willet Spotted Sandpiper Hudsonian Godwit Purple Sandpiper Pomarine Jaeger Parasitic Jaeger Black-headed Gull Bonaparte's Gull Iceland Gull Lesser Black-backed Gull Razorbill Short-eared Owl Northern Saw-whet Owl Ruby-throated Hummingbird Rufous Hummingbird Red-headed Woodpecker Pileated Woodpecker Western Kingbird Northern Shrike Common Raven Bank Swallow Cave Swallow Red-breasted Nuthatch Orange-crowned Warbler Nashville Warbler Ipswich Sparrow Nelson's Sparrow Saltmarsh Sparrow Seaside Sparrow Lincoln's Sparrow Lapland Longspur Snow Bunting Rusty Blackbird Baltimore Oriole Purple Finch Pine Siskin - Transcript Hotline: Delaware Valley Rare Bird Alert Email reports to: rba AT dvoc.org Compiler: Steve Kacir, Delaware Valley Ornithological Club Phone: (215) 240-7547 Voice of the Delaware Valley RBA: Cindy Ahern & Win Shafer URL: http://www.dvoc.org/RBA/Current/Active/Index.htm Welcome to the November 11, 2009 edition of the Delaware Valley Rare Bird Alert, a service provided by the joint efforts of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club (DVOC), covering the Delaware Valley Region of Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. I'm Steve Kacir your guide for birding in the Greater Philadelphia Region. This week, we highlight reports of GREAT WHITE HERON in Sussex County, DE; SWAINSON'S HAWK in Cape May County, NJ and PAINTED BUNTING in Monmouth County, NJ. Remember to check out our website for additional content and information: http://www.dvoc.org/RBA/Current/Active/Index.htm -------------------------------------------------------------- FOR NEW JERSEY: Cape May County: A SWAINSON'S HAWK was reported from the Cape May Point State Park Hawk Watch, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge and the Rea Farm on Nov 8. That SWAINSON'S HAWK was seen around the vineyards at the Rea Farm Nov 7-10. The apparent female EURASIAN WIGEON was on Lighthouse Pond at Cape May Point State Park on Nov 6-7. A HUDSONIAN GODWIT and 2 CAVE SWALLOWS flew past the hawk watch platform on Nov 5-6. Another CAVE SWALLOW was seen there on Nov 10. On Nov 6, three COMMON EIDERS were seen from the hawk watch platform. A PARASITIC JAEGER and WHITE-WINGED SCOTER were seen by the Cape May Point State Park Hawk Watch on Nov 5. The Cape May Point State Park Hawk Watch reported NORTHERN GOSHAWKS on Nov 6 & Nov 8, GOLDEN EAGLES on Nov 6-7 and BROAD-WINGED HAWKS on Nov 6-7. A PARASITIC JAEGER was seen from Cape May Point State Park on Nov 11. Other sightings from the state park included AMERICAN BITTERN, BONAPARTE'S GULLS, BANK SWALLOW and PURPLE FINCHES. A VIRGINIA RAIL and NORTHERN GOSHAWK were at TNC Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge on Nov 9, and three River Otters were there on Nov 8. A first winter drake KING EIDER was at the pilings near Poverty Beach on Nov 9-10, and SNOW BUNTINGS were there on Nov 10. COMMON EIDERS have been frequently reported off Cape May Point, with over 29 COMMON EIDERS between St Mary's and St Peter's jetties on Nov 7 and 31 COMMON EIDERS almost in the surf off the St Mary's jetty on Nov 5. Eighteen COMMON EIDERS were off the St Peter's jetty on Nov 9. Two PURPLE SANDPIPERS and 26 COMMON EIDERS were around the jetties at Cape May Point on Nov 11. RUSTY BLACKBIRDS were near the St Mary's jetty on Nov 7. Six PARASITIC JAEGERS were at the rips off Cape May on Nov 10. Two Mile Landing along Ocean Dr had NELSON'S SPARROW, SALTMARSH SPARROW and SEASIDE SPARROW on Nov 7. A VIRGINIA RAIL was at the Rea Farm on Nov 9. A GOLDEN EAGLE was reportedly over the Rea Farm on Nov 6. An ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER and NASHVILLE WARBLERS were at the first field of the Rea Farm on Nov 7. The Rea Farm had RUSTY BLACKBIRD and PINE SISKINS on Nov 10. That day a flock of 40 AMERICAN PIPITS were on a field at Stevens St. Eight NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWLS were banded at Cape May on Nov 6, and a GOLDEN EAGLE and 2 TUNDRA SWANS flew over Cape Island on Nov 7. A PINE SISKIN was at Higbee Beach WMA on Nov 6. Other reports from Higbee mentioned RUSTY BLACKBIRDS. On Nov 8, a WESTERN KINGBIRD was at the northeast corner of the field east of the parking area along Wilson Ave at the Cape Island Preserve. A flock of BALTIMORE ORIOLES was in Seaville on Nov 9. The WESTERN KINGBIRD at the Villas WMA was by the red barn off the east path on Nov 8. The Avalon Sea Watch reported COMMON EIDERS on Nov 5-7 & Nov 9-10, KING EIDER on Nov 6, HARLEQUIN DUCK on Nov 6 and PARASITIC JAEGER on Nov 5, 8 & 10. Other sightings from the Avalon Sea Watch included RED-THROATED LOONS, BROWN PELICAN, GREAT CORMORANTS, HORNED GREBES, all three species of SCOTER (including over 22,000 SCOTERS on Nov 6), LONG-TAILED DUCKS, PURPLE SANDPIPERS, BONAPARTE'S GULLS and SNOW BUNTINGS. The Nov 8 pelagic trip for the Waterbird Society found a PARASITIC JAEGER off of Avalon and a Fin Whale 12 miles off Cape May. Atlantic County: On Nov 5, four CORY'S SHEARWATERS, 65 GREATER SHEARWATERS, 11 MANX SHEARWATERS, an AUDUBON'S SHEARWATER, a NORTHERN FULMAR, 6 RAZORBILLS, 3 POMARINE JAEGERS, a PARASITIC JAEGER, 2 Leatherback Sea Turtles and a Loggerhead Sea Turtle were seen from offshore waters about 25 miles southeast of Atlantic City. An AMERICAN BITTERN was at the Brigantine Division of Edwin B Forsythe NWR. Ocean County: On Nov 10, four hen KING EIDERS, COMMON EIDERS and HARLEQUIN DUCKS were near the lighthouse at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park. On Nov 10, the Barnegat flock of 209 COMMON EIDERS was joined by ten more, for a total of 219 COMMON EIDERS. On Nov 8, Barnegat Lighthouse State Park had COMMON EIDER, PURPLE SANDPIPER and SNOW BUNTING. On Nov 9, a sea watch from Barnegat Inlet noted 250 RED-THROATED LOONS, 8 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS, 36 BONAPARTE'S GULLS, an ICELAND GULL, 2 BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES, 5 PARASITIC JAEGERS, a possible POMARINE JAEGER and 8 SNOW BUNTINGS. That day, a flock of sea ducks over the submerged 8th St jetty held 210 COMMON EIDERS, 2 HARLEQUIN DUCKS, 20 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS and a RED-NECKED GREBE. Monmouth County: On Nov 9-11, a female PAINTED BUNTING was near the bird feeder behind the environmental center at Huber Woods Park in Locust. On Nov 7-8, a hen KING EIDER was with COMMON EIDERS at the end of Sandy Hook's Fisherman's Trail, and more COMMON EIDERS were off C Lot. On Nov 8, WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS were at both those locations, and 2 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS were at the end of Fisherman's Trail. That day, a KING EIDER fed in the surf off the North Beach Pavilion, and a LAPLAND LONGSPUR was between Gunnison and North Beach Pavilion. Eight WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS were off C Lot on Nov 8, while a LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL and a BALTIMORE ORIOLE were at Spermaceti Cove. Two NELSON'S SPARROWS were at Horseshoe Cove on Nov 8. An IPSWICH SPARROW was at the False Hook at Sandy Hook on Nov 4. Burlington County: A SPOTTED SANDPIPER was spotted from the Riverton Yacht Club at the Delaware River. Gloucester County: The cove at the National Park dredge spoils had a BLACK SCOTER and LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL on Nov 10. A RUSTY BLACKBIRD was at the Pedricktown Causeway that day. Riverfront Park in Gibbstown had 3 AMERICAN PIPITS on Nov 10 and a RED-BREASTED MERGANSER on Nov 10- 11. Warren County: A BLACK-HEADED GULL was at the Merrill Creek Reservoir on Nov 5 & Nov 9. On Nov 6, the Raccoon Ridge Hawk Watch reported 4 NORTHERN GOSHAWKS and 5 GOLDEN EAGLES. Other sightings from Raccoon Ridge included COMMON LOONS, COMMON RAVENS, SNOW BUNTING and Black Bears. A GOLDEN EAGLE flew past the Scott's Mountain Hawk Watch on Nov 7. On Nov 8, a WHITE-WINGED SCOTER and RED-NECKED GREBE were spotted from Scott's Mountain. On Nov 9, Scott's Mountain reported a BLACK-HEADED GULL and ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK. Morris County: On Nov 9, the Troy Meadows had 2 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS, a COMMON RAVEN and RUSTY BLACKBIRDS. Union County: On Nov 6, six CACKLING GEESE were on the grass next to the boathouse and the pond at Warinanco Park. -------------------------------------------------------------- FOR DELAWARE: New Castle County: The Ashland Nature Center Hawk Watch reported GOLDEN EAGLES on Nov 6 & Nov 8 and a NORTHERN GOSHAWK on Nov 10. Other sightings from Ashland included PILEATED WOODPECKERS and a Red Bat. Kent County: A ROSS'S GOOSE was at Bombay Hook NWR on Nov 7. That day, a flock of 53 TUNDRA SWANS were at the southern end of Shearness Pool at Bombay Hook, while five CATTLE EGRETS hunted in the flooded grasses at Shearness. Over 10,000 SNOW GEESE were on the water at the Leatherberry Flats opposite Shearness, and two ROSS'S GEESE were opposite Shearness on Nov 10. On Nov 7, the field on the south side of Shearness had AMERICAN PIPITS. PURPLE FINCHES were spotted in Felton. Sussex County: The Bethany Beach GREAT WHITE HERON (Great Blue Heron subspecies) was reported as recently as Nov 7. To reach the spot where the GREAT WHITE HERON was discovered, head south on DE Route 1 past Indian River Inlet until the first traffic light after the inlet. Turn right onto Fred Hudson Rd at the light, and then drive nearly to the end of the road where it meets Cedar Neck Rd at a T- intersection. About 0.1 miles before the intersection, there is a pond on the right side of the road (north of the road) just before the entrance to the Bethany Lakes development. On Nov 10, a WESTERN WILLET was at Quillen's Point on Cedar Neck. Two COMMON EIDERS, PURPLE SANDPIPERS and GREAT CORMORANTS were at Indian River Inlet on Nov 7. On Nov 7, a BLACK-HEADED GULL was at Gordon's Pond in Cape Henlopen State Park. A NORTHERN GOSHAWK and GOLDEN EAGLE flew past the Cape Henlopen State Park Hawk Watch on Nov 6 along with COMMON EIDER and HORNED GREBE. On Nov 5, the Cape Henlopen State Park Hawk Watch reported 89 LONG-TAILED DUCKS and a PARASITIC JAEGER. A WHITE- WINGED SCOTER flew over the hawk watch platform on Nov 9. A very late unidentified Contopus Sp FLYCATCHER was seen at Cape Henlopen State Park on Nov 10. Other sightings from Cape Henlopen State Park included PURPLE FINCHES. A BALTIMORE ORIOLE was at the headquarters area of Prime Hook NWR on Nov 10. PILEATED WOODPECKERS were at Redden State Forest. -------------------------------------------------------------- FOR PENNSYLVANIA: Philadelphia County: On Nov 7, a GOLDEN EAGLE flew over Awbury Arboretum in Germantown. Delaware County: A GOLDEN EAGLE flew past the Rose Tree Park Hawk Watch on Nov 5. Other sightings from Rose Tree Park included COMMON LOON and PURPLE FINCHES. Montgomery County: An unidentified SCOTER, AMERICAN PIPITS and PURPLE FINCHES were at Green Lane Reservoir. Bucks County: Two CACKLING GEESE were at Peace Valley Park on Nov 7. Other sightings from Peace Valley included LINCOLN'S SPARROW and PILEATED WOODPECKER. Thirteen LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS were at Shady Brook Farm off Route 332 (Newtown Bypass) on Nov 8. Churchville Nature Center had RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES. Northampton County: Two BRANT were at a pond off Driftwood Rd on Nov 11. A BALTIMORE ORIOLE was at the Koch property through Nov 5. An adult male RUBY- THROATED HUMMINGBIRD was still on private property in Palmer Twp through Nov 10. Lehigh County: The Bake Oven Knob Hawk Watch reported NORTHERN GOSHAWK on Nov 5 and GOLDEN EAGLES on Nov 6 & Nov 8-9. Other sightings from Bake Oven Knob included COMMON LOONS, COMMON RAVENS and RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH. Berks County: A PINE SISKIN was at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary on Nov 5. Hawk Mountain reported NORTHERN GOSHAWK on Nov 6 & Nov 10 and GOLDEN EAGLES on Nov 6-7 & Nov 9-10, with 7 GOLDEN EAGLES on Nov 6. A SHORT-EARED OWL and RED-HEADED WOODPECKER were seen from Hawk Mountain on Nov 7. Other sightings from Hawk Mountain included COMMON LOONS, SNOW GEESE and RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES. On Nov 6, a NORTHERN GOSHAWK, GOLDEN EAGLE and COMMON RAVENS were at SGL 110. A RUFFED GROUSE flushed from food plot 5 at SGL 110 on Nov 8. Other sightings from SGL 110 included PURPLE FINCHES. The RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD at Harold Lebo's feeder was reported as recently as Nov 5. On Nov 11, RUSTY BLACKBIRDS were at Blue Marsh National Recreation Area. Lancaster County: On Nov 11, flocks of AMERICAN PIPITS were on fields along School Lane off Route 897 in Salisbury Twp. Lebanon County: The SANDHILL CRANE at Lake Duffy in SGL 145 was reported as recently as Nov 10. Three BROAD-WINGED HAWKS flew past the Second Mountain Hawk Watch on Nov 5. Second Mountain reported GOLDEN EAGLES on Nov 4-8 & Nov 10 and NORTHERN GOSHAWKS on Nov 4, Nov 6-7 & Nov 10. Other sightings from Second Mountain included COMMON LOONS and COMMON RAVENS. On Nov 6, two GOLDEN EAGLES were spotted from Goldmine Rd on top of Stoney Mountain. PA Extralimitals: On Nov 8, a NORTHERN SHRIKE was behind the visitor center at Bald Eagle State Park in Centre County. -------------------------------------------------------------- EXTRALIMITAL REPORTS: MARYLAND: On Nov 5, a BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER was at Little Bennett Regional Park in Montgomery County. NEW YORK: On Nov 7, a YELLOW-BILLED LOON was spotted from the closed restaurant at Montauk Point State Park in Suffolk County. A PINK- FOOTED GOOSE and BARNACLE GOOSE were at Kings Park High School in Suffolk County on Nov 11. The PINK-FOOTED GOOSE and BARNACLE GOOSE had previously been seen at athletic fields in Sunken Meadows State Park, Suffolk County through Nov 9. -------------------------------------------------------------- ANNOUNCEMENTS: On Nov 14, Debbie Beer will lead a DVOC Field Trip to Okehocking Preserve in Chester County, PA. The trip will focus on sparrows, raptors and finches. The trip will meet at the main parking lot on Route 3 (West Chester Pike) at 8:00AM. More information about this and other DVOC field trips can be found on the DVOC website: http://www.dvoc.org/ The next meeting of the DVOC will be the DVOC Annual Banquet, which will take place on Nov 19, 2009 at the Sheet Metal Workers' Hall in Philadelphia, when Rick Wright will present "The Most Beautiful of the Whole Beautiful Lot: Wood Warblers of the American Southwest." Reservations are due by Monday, Nov 16. Additional information and a downloadable reservation form can be found on the DVOC website: http://www.dvoc.org/Banquet/Banquet.htm The Delaware Valley Rare Bird Alert is a weekly report on birding in the Delaware Valley Region including Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey. To report birds or significant birding events and planned pelagic trips, please email rba AT dvoc.org. This is Steve Kacir, good birding to you all and thanks for calling, surfing and reporting. - End Transcript Steve Kacir rba AT dvoc.org DVOC Rare Bird Alert Committee Chair Academy of Natural Sciences Delaware Valley Ornithological Club Philadelphia Subject: 3 Videos and 56 photos on Facebook: I Love Hawk Wacth From: Rachael Shapiro <rshapiro AT AWOUS.COM> Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:25:37 -0500 Hello DE and PA Birds, Latest news on Facebook Group: I Love Hawk Watch: Three Video posts, over 50 Photo posts, and nearing 50 members! Lots of Penn State members. Many Hawk Watch official counters, site coordinators and volunteers. Direct link below. http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=171605151251&ref=ts Come and enjoy all the socializing.... that we can not do when we are fast and furious counting our raptors! Glide In-Hang Out, Rachael Shapiro -- ATTENTION: NEW EMAIL ADDRESS: rshapiro AT awous.com Rachael Shapiro, President A Woman of Uncommon Scents, Inc. P.O. Box 103 Roxbury, PA 17251 1-800-377-3685 1-800-ESSENTL Subject: Pre-Poppy Day Birding From: Colin Campbell <delawaretwitcher AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:58:18 -0500 In the post-Sibley days, you know how people, well, birders, a sub-set of /homo sap./, often say, when questioned on a bird identification, "I'll need to look that up in the 'Bible' ". Having gained your attention in that I used no less than 7 commas in that sentence, the Sibley guide has now become the 'Bible' of birders. Imagine my surprise therefore when, browsing through Costco's bookstore (I was actually looking for socks, but got lost), I came across a heap of books which, at first glance, had "The Sible" on the top-most issue. Well, I thought, David is not the shy, retiring, exquisite artist I had thought, but has become an extroverted purveyor of books of artistic merit which even now includes a combination of the already famous name of Sibley with the Good Book - The Sible. Donning my reading spectacles, I was greatly relieved to find that the price sticker had totally obliterated the final "Y" of Sibley, and there, underneath were the smaller words 'Guide to Trees'. I bought 'The Sibley Guide to Trees'. It's looking good. I think I found a Pin Oak today. It didn't fly away. But I digress. Today may have been the last day of 70F weather for some months and, though the auspices from hawkwatches and tropical storm forecasts were none too favorable birding-wise, I decided to head southwards. Although supplied with a perfectably adequate breakfast at 6am, my GPS routed me via Helen's Sausage House, so I had to pause before heading to the really deep south. Bruce and Frank's sightings of the Great White Heron at this tiny pond on Fred Hudson's Road near Bethany were not repeatable this morning - the surrounding grass was being mowed (at 7.30am...!), an adjacent roof was being repaired and the combined noise would have got rid of all but totally deaf birds. Heading up to the VFW station at Quillen's Point on Cedar Neck gave a beautiful view of the inner bay with total calm, overcast skies and no human noises. I scanned the 300+ Brant, whose gurgling voices are so wonderful, but could not find a Black Brant. The ducks were 99% Bufflehead with 4 Red-breasted Mergs. A dozen Common Loons and a ton of DCCormorants (also 200+ at Silver Lake in Rehoboth, nearly all juveniles) rounded out the waterfowl; on the muddy margins were 250+ Dunlin and 30 Black-bellied Plover, a single Western Willet; ashore, 2 Belted Kingfisher, 4 Bluebirds, Song, Savannah (2) and Seaside (1) Sparrows. Heading north, inland for a change, Redden Forest gave just glimpses of Pileated and Hairy Wps, then east to Broadkill where Meta Little told me of a spectacularly-plumaged Baltimore Oriole at the HQ at Prime Hook which, of course was gone when I got there (or I was blind) but good looks at 6 spp of sparrow. Finally at Bombay Hook, the 130 Black-bellied Plovers in the 'Cottman Pool' field had one still in summer plumage, 25 Horned Larks there too. The number of Snow Geese on the bayside at Shearness was awesome (high tide, where were they earlier?) numbering in the five figures. While reading a few yellow neck bands, two Ross's Goose passed through my scope, enabling me to get a photo or two. The rufous-phase Screech-Owl sticking its head out of a Wood Duck box at the Shearness Tower path and the Merlin screaming over the fields at the Wick's potato farm as I stocked up with cauliflower and broccoli ($2 a huge head - go for it!) capped a good day. Colin Campbell PS: The title? Nov 11th is the annual remembrance of those lost in battle for all of us. In the UK, people remembering this wear a red poppy in their lapel - a throw-back to the Normandy battlefields of WW II where the poppy was the only thing of beauty in those dark days. Subject: Rick Wright headlines DVOC Banquet on November 19th From: Bert Filemyr <afilemyr AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:05:49 -0500 The Delaware Valley Ornithological Club (DVOC) is having its Annual Banquet in Philadelphia on November 19th. The keynote speaker is Rick Wright, formerly of ABA and now the Executive Director of Wings. His topic is, "The Most Beautiful of the Whole Beautiful Lot: Wood Warblers of the American Southwest". He is a great birder and a great speaker. It promises to be a memorable evening. Go to www.dvoc.org for complete details, a reservation form, and directions to the banquet facility. The deadline for reservations is Monday, November 16th." << Bert Filemyr >> Treasurer Webmaster ---------------------------------------------------------- www.DVOC.org ---------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Pileateds at Ashland From: Derek Stoner <derek AT DELAWARENATURESOCIETY.ORG> Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:12:36 -0500 Over the past couple days, a very active pair of Pileated Woodpeckers is spending a lot of time investigating ash trees and a grapevine tangle along Wildflower Brook at Ashland. The location is 100 yards past the front door of the nature center, along the trail lined with Black Walnut trees. Just thought I'd mention this in case anyone has a real hankering to get a close look at a Pileated, knowing how tough these birds can be sometimes to view reliably given their wide-ranging daily forays. Never a guarantee, but sometimes birds follow a pattern for a while. Those Pileateds should keep an eye out for another Golden Eagle passing by Ashland tomorrow afternoon! Good birding, Derek Stoner Ashland Nature Center Hockessin, DE Subject: HSR: Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch (10 Nov 2009) 27 Raptors From: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports AT HAWKCOUNT.ORG> Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:11:00 -0400 Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch Lewes, Delaware, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 10, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 2 86 294 Turkey Vulture 6 429 1089 Osprey 0 5 3063 Bald Eagle 0 21 489 Northern Harrier 2 101 611 Sharp-shinned Hawk 8 438 5388 Cooper's Hawk 2 174 1522 Northern Goshawk 0 2 2 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 24 39 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 333 Red-tailed Hawk 2 140 464 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 2 4 American Kestrel 2 30 1835 Merlin 1 22 1028 Peregrine Falcon 2 17 829 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 12 Unknown Buteo 0 0 14 Unknown Falcon 0 0 12 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 2 41 Swallow-tailed Kite 0 0 0 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 1 Total: 27 1493 17070 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours Official Counter: Forrest Rowland Observers: Lynn Smith, Ruth Draper, Susan Gruver Visitors: Few Weather: Overcast, clearing slightly by mid-morning, then becoming foggy with visibility <10K. High of 70F reached around 11am. Winds light and variable, being more NNE than anything. Raptor Observations: SLOW Non-raptor Observations: One very late Contopus sp. (wood-pewee type) that I am very curious about given the date. Also showed some odd characteristics for EAWP. Predictions: High 56F, with a 50% chance of rain all day long. Winds>20mph out of the NNE. Direction is good, wind speed, however, is a bit on the high side. Depends a lot on precipitation occurence, as well. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Forrest Rowland (Rowbird2005 AT Gmail.com) Subject: Fwd: HSR: Ashland Nature Center (10 Nov 2009) 48 Raptors From: Cyrus Moqtaderi <cyrusmoqtaderi AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:24:27 -0500 Hello, Cyrus here. A warm, foggy day up top. Some movement, but a good bit of waiting between birds today. Despite that, I had an exceptional encounter with an immature Northern Goshawk! Certainly been having great luck catching these guys as they pass the hill. Rain ought to clear out by tomorrow morning and we'll have some strong winds following. See you up top! - Cyrus Moqtaderi The Ashland Hawk Watch is a joint program by the Delaware Nature Society and the Delmarva Ornithological Society. Ashland Nature Center Hockessin, Delaware, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 10, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species            Day's Count    Month Total   Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture               14            186            518 Turkey Vulture              14            328            658 Osprey                       0              4            223 Bald Eagle                   0             15            219 Northern Harrier             1              8             72 Sharp-shinned Hawk           5            173           1352 Cooper's Hawk                1             43            416 Northern Goshawk             1              4              4 Red-shouldered Hawk          3             93            179 Broad-winged Hawk            0              0           7403 Red-tailed Hawk              9            384            647 Rough-legged Hawk            0              0              0 Golden Eagle                 0              3              9 American Kestrel             0              4            422 Merlin                       0              8             53 Peregrine Falcon             0              0             21 Unknown Accipiter            0              3             29 Unknown Buteo                0              7             22 Unknown Falcon               0              0              4 Unknown Eagle                0              1              1 Unknown Raptor               0              2             20 Swallow-tailed Kite          0              0              1 Total:                      48           1266          12273 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end   time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours Official Counter:        Cyrus Moqtaderi Observers:        Derek Stoner, Joe Sebastiani Visitors: 4 total. Joe S, Derek S, Christy B. stopped in for short visits. Jill Constantine sat awhile on the hill this morning, bringing her very friendly dog, Brandy. Weather: Misty morning, humid with full cloud cover all day. Fog lingered throughout watch. Temps reached 18 C Raptor Observations: Not much movement today, with a handful of vultures (14 each species), and Red-taileds (9) passing by. A nice push of 3 low Red-shouldereds giving nice looks midday. Activity dropped off after 1pm, but the day ended with an exciting fly-by. A 2:54pm an immature Northern Goshawk exploded from the far treeline and shot past the hill. The bird passed hilltop a mere 10 meters above my head, it's strong wingbeats resonating in the air. It passed like a freight train, with songbirds bursting from the trees in an effort to make way. It was quite an event, perfectly breaking the long lull of inactivity. Non-raptor Observations: Derek spotted a Red Bat fluttering over Sledding Hill this afternoon. Flock of 20+ Dark-eyed Junco on the hill this morning. Predictions: Rain should clear out by morning, giving way to strong NE winds and cloudy skies. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Cyrus Moqtaderi (hawkwatch AT delawarenaturesociety.org)  information may be found at: www.delawarenaturesociety.org Subject: Ashland Nature Center (09 Nov 2009) 52 Raptors From: Derek Stoner <derek AT DELAWARENATURESOCIETY.ORG> Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 22:12:51 -0500 Greetings: Another warm and sultry day on the hill at Ashland, feeling a little like September in November. You almost expect a kettle of Broad-winged Hawks to appear in this type of weather... but they didn't. Sally and Carol managed to find a few raptors pushing through the south wind and moving on. Good birding, Derek Stoner The Ashland Hawk Watch is a joint program by the Delaware Nature Society and the Delmarva Ornithological Society. Ashland Nature Center Hockessin, Delaware, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 09, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 8 172 504 Turkey Vulture 22 314 644 Osprey 0 4 223 Bald Eagle 0 15 219 Northern Harrier 0 7 71 Sharp-shinned Hawk 7 168 1347 Cooper's Hawk 3 42 415 Northern Goshawk 0 3 3 Red-shouldered Hawk 1 90 176 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 7403 Red-tailed Hawk 11 375 638 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 3 9 American Kestrel 0 4 422 Merlin 0 8 53 Peregrine Falcon 0 0 21 Unknown Accipiter 0 3 29 Unknown Buteo 0 7 22 Unknown Falcon 0 0 4 Unknown Eagle 0 1 1 Unknown Raptor 0 2 20 Swallow-tailed Kite 0 0 1 Total: 52 1218 12225 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours Official Counter: Carol Majors, Sally O'Byrne Observers: Joe Sebastiani, Jonathan Stein Visitors: About a dozen folks made it up to the hill today to enjoy the beautiful weather. Weather: Hazy and warm, with very light winds from the South. Raptor Observations: Fairly decent day given the weather, with a smattering of Sharp-shinneds, Red-taileds, and vultures throughout the day. Non-raptor Observations: An Osprey was observed, but not counted because it was the kind with two rotors and an engine. Predictions: Cloudy and winds from the NNE, so perhaps another push of buteos coming through? ======================================================================== Report submitted by Derek Stoner (derek AT delawarenaturesociety.org) Information may be found at: www.delawarenaturesociety.org Subject: HSR: Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch (09 Nov 2009) Raptors From: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports AT HAWKCOUNT.ORG> Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 16:11:53 -0400 Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch Lewes, Delaware, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 09, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 84 292 Turkey Vulture 0 423 1083 Osprey 0 5 3063 Bald Eagle 0 21 489 Northern Harrier 0 99 609 Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 430 5380 Cooper's Hawk 0 172 1520 Northern Goshawk 0 2 2 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 24 39 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 333 Red-tailed Hawk 0 138 462 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 2 4 American Kestrel 0 28 1833 Merlin 0 21 1027 Peregrine Falcon 0 15 827 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 12 Unknown Buteo 0 0 14 Unknown Falcon 0 0 12 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 2 41 Swallow-tailed Kite 0 0 0 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 1 Total: 0 1466 17043 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 13:15:00 Total observation time: 5 hours Official Counter: Forrest Rowland Observers: Susan Gruver Visitors: Few Weather: High temperature 74F reached around 1pm under sunny skies. Winds light and variable, mostly out of the S. Raptor Observations: The worst raptor day of the year for our count Non-raptor Observations: One White-winged Scoter flew right over the hawkwatch platform, as did one beautiful male Purple Finch. Predictions: Winds light and variable all day, shifting from W early to NW to NNE by late afternoon. Should be better than today! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Forrest Rowland (Rowbird2005 AT Gmail.com) Subject: HSR: Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch (08 Nov 2009) 23 Raptors From: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports AT HAWKCOUNT.ORG> Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 16:11:00 -0400 Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch Lewes, Delaware, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 08, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 84 292 Turkey Vulture 8 423 1083 Osprey 1 5 3063 Bald Eagle 0 21 489 Northern Harrier 2 99 609 Sharp-shinned Hawk 4 430 5380 Cooper's Hawk 2 172 1520 Northern Goshawk 1 2 2 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 24 39 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 333 Red-tailed Hawk 5 138 462 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 2 4 American Kestrel 0 28 1833 Merlin 0 21 1027 Peregrine Falcon 0 15 827 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 12 Unknown Buteo 0 0 14 Unknown Falcon 0 0 12 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 2 41 Swallow-tailed Kite 0 0 0 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 1 Total: 23 1466 17043 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 4.75 hours Official Counter: Forrest Rowland Observers: Lynn Smith, Susan Gruver Visitors: few Weather: Sunny, with winds light and variable. High temp of 66F/18C reached around 1pm. Raptor Observations: Very slow, though two nice sightings: One imm. Northern Goshawk came haulgin in off the water and gave lengthy looks as it gained altitude and cavorted with TVs. Perhaps more exciting, an adult Bald Eagle killed a Common Loon, partially consumed it, and flew by the hawkwatch with the remains clutched in its talons! Non-raptor Observations: Fair species diversity including one Purple Finch Predictions: Sunny, high of 75F, perhaps a new high record temp expected. Probably not good at all for raptor movement. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Forrest Rowland (Rowbird2005 AT Gmail.com) Subject: Ashland Nature Center (08 Nov 2009) 69 Raptors From: Derek Stoner <derek AT DELAWARENATURESOCIETY.ORG> Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 15:12:33 -0500 Greetings: A great first week of November concluded on Sunday with two more Golden Eagles being recorded at the Ashland Hawk Watch. After 6 straight days of 100+ raptors, the warm weather and mild winds seemed to have slowed migration down a bit on Sunday- but 69 raptors is still not bad. A good day to work on a tan and watch Golden Eagles! For the first week of November, a total of 364 Red-tailed Hawks and 89 Red-shouldered Hawks was nice. We will see what the remaining three weeks of the hawk watch bring! - Derek Stoner The Ashland Hawk Watch is a joint program by the Delaware Nature Society and the Delmarva Ornithological Society. Ashland Nature Center Hockessin, Delaware, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 08, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 11 164 496 Turkey Vulture 19 292 622 Osprey 0 4 223 Bald Eagle 3 15 219 Northern Harrier 2 7 71 Sharp-shinned Hawk 16 161 1340 Cooper's Hawk 3 39 412 Northern Goshawk 0 3 3 Red-shouldered Hawk 2 89 175 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 7403 Red-tailed Hawk 9 364 627 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 2 3 9 American Kestrel 0 4 422 Merlin 0 8 53 Peregrine Falcon 0 0 21 Unknown Accipiter 1 3 29 Unknown Buteo 0 7 22 Unknown Falcon 0 0 4 Unknown Eagle 1 1 1 Unknown Raptor 0 2 20 Swallow-tailed Kite 0 0 1 Total: 69 1166 12173 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours Official Counters: Bob Rufe, Bob Strahorn Observers: Derek Stoner Visitors: A total of 31 visitors, with folks hailing from New York City, Philadelphia, and southern New Jersey making the trip to the top of the hill to watch raptors. A good number of children visited with their families, and commented on the warm weather! Weather: Clear and sunny with light winds from the NW. The thermometer topped out at 26 degrees C! Raptor Observations: Two more Golden Eagles passing by! The southward movement of vultures continues, with decent numbers of Sharp-shinneds and Red-taileds noted as well. Non-raptor Observations: The warm weather had the butterflies out, with Monarchs, Question Marks, Commas, and Clouded Sulphurs observed. Green Darners and plenty of Honeybees and Yellowjackets as well! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Derek Stoner (derek AT delawarenaturesociety.org) Information may be found at: www.delawarenaturesociety.org Subject: Glide In, Hang Out: Story From: Rachael Shapiro <rshapiro AT AWOUS.COM> Date: Sun, 8 Nov 2009 15:25:25 -0500 I parked the car in my driveway... heard the "Call of The Wild" scream, walked out, looked up over my head, and saw a soaring Red Tail. This after a 2 hour "Raptor" hike which yielded only a TV! Glide in, Hang Out, Rachael Shapiro -- ATTENTION: NEW EMAIL ADDRESS: rshapiro AT awous.com Rachael Shapiro, President A Woman of Uncommon Scents, Inc. P.O. Box 103 Roxbury, PA 17251 1-800-377-3685 1-800-ESSENTL Subject: Bombay Hook Ross's Goose From: Nikolas Haass <nhaass AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 8 Nov 2009 10:33:40 -0800 Hi there, In addition to Derek Stoner's Bombay Hook report, I would like to mention that there was a Ross's Goose in the huge flock of Snow Geese yesterday (Saturday) at around noon. Since I was on a business trip between Boston and Baltimore (and I am just about to fly from Philadelphia via LA back to Sydney), I only had an hour at the Hook and only had my 12x bins. So it was dumb luck to watch a group of three white geese one of which was dwarfed by its two companions and had a faster wing beat. Regards, Nikolas ---------------- Nikolas Haass nhaass AT yahoo.com Sydney, NSW Subject: Chester Co., Bucktoe Creek Preserve From: Joe Sebastiani <bunker17 AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Sun, 8 Nov 2009 05:38:20 -0500 This morning, Andrew Homsey will be leading the bird walk at Bucktoe Creek Preserve near Kennett Square, PA. Larry Lewis will be leading Monday. Both walks start at 8am. Direction can be found at http://www.delawarenaturesociety.org/dns_sites.html. Below is the list from last Monday's walk led by Larry Lewis on November 2. All 7 expected woodpecker species were found. Joe Sebastiani, Delaware Nature Society. Location: Bucktoe Creek Preserve Observation date: 11/2/09 Notes: Monday Bird Walk at Bucktoe led by Larry Lewis Number of species: 54 Snow Goose 30 Canada Goose 100 Wood Duck 3 Common Loon 1 Black Vulture 35 Turkey Vulture 30 Northern Harrier 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk 5 Cooper's Hawk 5 Red-shouldered Hawk 1 Red-tailed Hawk 30 Ring-billed Gull 4 Rock Pigeon 2 Mourning Dove 20 Great Horned Owl 1 Red-headed Woodpecker 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 6 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 2 Downy Woodpecker 4 Hairy Woodpecker 4 Northern Flicker 8 Pileated Woodpecker 1 Blue Jay 30 American Crow 15 Tree Swallow 50 Carolina Chickadee 15 Tufted Titmouse 10 White-breasted Nuthatch 10 Brown Creeper 3 Carolina Wren 7 Winter Wren 2 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 Eastern Bluebird 25 American Robin 200 Northern Mockingbird 1 European Starling 20 Cedar Waxwing 60 Yellow-rumped Warbler 1 Eastern Towhee 4 Chipping Sparrow 4 Field Sparrow 1 Savannah Sparrow 1 Fox Sparrow 1 Song Sparrow 20 Swamp Sparrow 2 White-throated Sparrow 50 Dark-eyed Junco 25 Northern Cardinal 10 Red-winged Blackbird 35 Common Grackle 300 Purple Finch 4 House Finch 15 American Goldfinch 12 House Sparrow 2 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) Subject: Great White Heron Still Present From: ROHRBAF AT AOL.COM Date: Sat, 7 Nov 2009 19:50:58 EST I met up with Bruce Peterjohn at Prime Hook NWR this morning and we drove to the small pond on Fred Hudson Road south of Indian River Inlet, 0.1 miles before the intersection of Cedar Neck Road. Bruce found the Great White Heron there last Sunday and the bird was seen and photographed by at least two people on Tuesday. I went down on Wednesday but I couldn't find it. Today, the bird was right where Bruce left it and it totally ignored me as it hunted minnows in the weeds fifty feet across the narrow pond while I took some pictures. This is the second time a Great White Heron has been found in the state - the first was at Taylor's Gut between November 24, 2001 and January 1, 2002. Considering the distance from and small size of the range of this subspecies of Great Blue Heron in southern Florida, I think finding two in Delaware in less then ten years is pretty amazing. Leaving this bird busily stalking fish, we moved on to Indian River Inlet where we were astonished at the number of boats and fishermen that could be crammed both inside and outside the inlet. Needless to say the number of birds there was small but we did have one female Common Eider working the south jetty and a young male Common Eider about a quarter mile north of the north jetty. A couple of Great Cormorants (who seemed to be catching more fish then the people) and six Purple Sandpipers rounded out the near birds. At Gordon's Pond SP, there was a good selection of duck but nothing exciting. Two Bald Eagles and a Peregrine Falcon sitting in the trees in the small inland in the middle of the pond seemed to keep all the birds on edge. The best bird present was an adult Black-headed Gull. Frank Rohrbacher Wilmington, Delaware Subject: HSR: Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch (07 Nov 2009) 22 Raptors From: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports AT HAWKCOUNT.ORG> Date: Sat, 7 Nov 2009 18:11:51 -0400 Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch Lewes, Delaware, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 07, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 5 84 292 Turkey Vulture 4 415 1075 Osprey 0 4 3062 Bald Eagle 0 21 489 Northern Harrier 4 97 607 Sharp-shinned Hawk 4 426 5376 Cooper's Hawk 3 170 1518 Northern Goshawk 0 1 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 24 39 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 333 Red-tailed Hawk 0 133 457 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 2 4 American Kestrel 0 28 1833 Merlin 0 21 1027 Peregrine Falcon 1 15 827 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 12 Unknown Buteo 0 0 14 Unknown Falcon 0 0 12 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 1 2 41 Swallow-tailed Kite 0 0 0 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 1 Total: 22 1443 17020 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 4 hours Official Counter: Susan Gruver Observers: Lynn Smith Visitors: 12 Weather: wind SW/SE/S,,force 1-2, temp 10c-14c, clcv 25-60%,visb 20k Raptor Observations: Non-raptor Observations: even with the help of Frank Rohrbacher and Bruce Peterjohn we had a hard time finding any Raptors,,not much flying Predictions: clear and sunny, high 63, wind SW/WNW/NNW 7-5 mph,,,,hopefully will be an improvement from today ======================================================================== Report submitted by Sue Gruver (srgruver AT aol.com) Subject: Delaware Dunlins: Bombay Hook Trip report From: Derek Stoner <derekstoner AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 7 Nov 2009 17:48:33 -0500 A super enthusiastic group of youth birders met at Bombay Hook this morning, for the Delaware Dunlins waterfowl watching trip led by Bill Stewart, Judy Montgomery, Kim Steininger, Maurice Barnhill and me. The birds did not disappoint, and the fun-meter just about topped out. At Raymond Pool, newly-arrived Hooded Merganser(2), Bufflehead(6), and Ruddy Ducks(45) swam about amidst the larger numbers of Canada Geese and Northern Pintail. A vocal Marsh Wren chattered away at us, but did not show his face! We found a flock of 53 beautiful Tundra Swans in the southern end of Shearness Pool. An American Wigeon and Blue-winged Teal gave us brief looks, while the funny-looking American Coots allowed us plenty of time to study their chicken-like forms. Green-winged Teal swirled about, and distant flocks of Dunlins winged by. A pair of adult Bald Eagles perched side-by-side, while Northern Harriers skimmed their sweeping routes above the marsh grass. The big surprise here was five Cattle Egrets feeding in the flooded grass. Getting a little late?! Out on Leatherberry Flats(opposite Shearness Pool) a raft of 10,000+ Snow Geese bobbed in the bright blue water, occassionally lifting up in a classic "snowstorm." A Pied-billed Grebe submerged like a submarine as we drove by. At the traditional night-heron roost in Bear Swamp, a Peregrine Falcon zoomed into view, and circled five times directly overhead before rocketing away. As the falcon left, a juvenile Black-crowned Night-heron flushed from the salt marsh. The last big treat of the day was the field on the south side of Bear Swamp, where 21 Killdeer, a few Horned Larks, and American Pipits patrolled the expanse. The pipits provided outstanding scope views as they walked in puddles, living up to their former name of Water Pipit. Our fun morning afield netted 14 species of waterfowl and a whole bunch of life birds for Sarah, Dominic, Charlie, Andy, Arun, and Kathleen. Parents, grandparents, and guides alike enjoyed the contagious excitement of the outing, and we look forward to our next trip together! Good birding, Derek Stoner Subject: Fwd: HSR: Ashland Nature Center (07 Nov 2009) 100 Raptors From: Cyrus Moqtaderi <cyrusmoqtaderi AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 7 Nov 2009 16:51:52 -0500 Hello, Cyrus here! A good number of birds today, though diversity was on the low side. Mostly RTs and Vultures. Good to have so many visitors, especially so many first-timers on the hill. Tomorrow is looking to be darn good, and warm too. I'll be riding to Bombay Hook for some sunrise birding. Good luck on the hill tomorrow! - Cyrus Moqtaderi The Ashland Hawk Watch is a joint program by the Delaware Nature Society and the Delmarva Ornithological Society. Ashland Nature Center Hockessin, Delaware, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 07, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species            Day's Count    Month Total   Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture               12            153            485 Turkey Vulture              32            273            603 Osprey                       0              4            223 Bald Eagle                   1             12            216 Northern Harrier             0              5             69 Sharp-shinned Hawk           9            145           1324 Cooper's Hawk                1             36            409 Northern Goshawk             0              3              3 Red-shouldered Hawk          7             87            173 Broad-winged Hawk            0              0           7403 Red-tailed Hawk             38            355            618 Rough-legged Hawk            0              0              0 Golden Eagle                 0              1              7 American Kestrel             0              4            422 Merlin                       0              8             53 Peregrine Falcon             0              0             21 Unknown Accipiter            0              2             28 Unknown Buteo                0              7             22 Unknown Falcon               0              0              4 Unknown Eagle                0              0              0 Unknown Raptor               0              2             20 Swallow-tailed Kite          0              0              1 Total:                     100           1097          12104 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end   time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours Official Counter:        Cyrus Moqtaderi Observers:        Greg Inskip Visitors: Lots of great first time visitors today, hiking and pausing to check out the watch. Rich Cross returned, bringing his wife Christiane for her first visit. Greg Inskip stayed up top, vigilantly keeping watch for most of the day. Good to have the spotting scope backup for sure! Hal and Kristen stopped in late day looking for hawks and elusive Golden Eagles (maybe next time!). 19 total. Weather: Clear, cool, lots of sun with winds from the S/SW. Raptor Observations: Good movements of buteo again and a steady vulture passage. Birds were high today. One adult Bald Eagle came through midday, but not much diversity otherwise. Most birds were in the morning - noon period today. Non-raptor Observations: Dark-eyed Junco on every branch this morning on the hill. Predictions: WNW winds and clear warm skies. I imagine it'll be pretty good! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Cyrus Moqtaderi (hawkwatch AT delawarenaturesociety.org)  information may be found at: www.delawarenaturesociety.org Subject: Silver Run Wildlife Area and Baxter Tract Field Trip From: John Janowski <jsbirders AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Sat, 7 Nov 2009 14:56:52 -0500 Tomorrow, Sunday Nov. 8 ,DOS will run a 1/2 day trip covering Thousand Acre March, Reedy Point, Ft. DuPont SP, and the above locations. We'll look for late migrants as well as early winter residents. Raptors are very active this time of year and there is always the possibility of western strays. Join me at 7:30 AM at the Augustine Beach parking lot. No fee. John Janowski Port Penn, DE Subject: RBA: Birdline Delaware, November 6th, 2009 From: Andy Ednie <ednieap AT verizon.net> Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2009 22:45:39 -0500 RBA * Delaware * Statewide * November 6, 2009 * DEST0911.06 *Birds mentioned Tundra Swan Wood Duck Ringed Teal (escape) Lesser Scaup Greater Scaup Ring-necked Duck Long-tailed Duck White-winged Scoter Common Eider Bufflehead Hooded Merganser Ruddy Duck Common Loon Pied-billed Grebe Horned Grebe Double-crested Cormorant Great White Heron Great Egret Cattle Egret Sandhill Crane Black Vulture Bald Eagle Golden Eagle Northern Goshawk Sharp-shinned Hawk Cooper's Hawk Red-shouldered Hawk Red-tailed Hawk American Kestrel American Coot Black-bellied Plover American Avocet Western Sandpiper Purple Sandpiper Parasitic Jaeger Lesser Black-backed Gull Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Pileated Woodpecker Western Kingbird Black-capped Chickadee Red-breasted Nuthatch American Pipit American Tree Sparrow Fox Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow Scarlet Tanager Rusty Blackbird Baltimore Oriole Purple Finch Hotline: Birdline Delaware Date: Hotline: Birdline Delaware Date: November 6, 2009 Number: 302-658-2747 To Report: Andy Ednie 302-792-9591 (VOICE) Compiler: Andy Ednie (ednieap AT verizon.net) Coverage: Delaware, Delmarva Peninsula, nearby Delaware Valley, Southern New Jersey, Maryland Transcriber: Andy Ednie (ednieap AT verizon.net) For Friday, November 6th, this is Birdline Delaware from the Delaware Museum of Natural History in Greenville. The 2009 Unofficial Delaware State Year List now stands at 326 species, with one new addition this week. This past week a WESTERN KINGBIRD was found at Ft Miles in Cape Henlopen State Park. That bird was a one-day wonder, not reported again. Another bird, equally rare in Sussex Co was a BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE reported at Cape Henlopen. This is only the second record I know of for the county. RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, FOX SPARROW and a female BALTIMORE ORIOLE were also reported. The best bird at the Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch was a NORTHERN GOSHAWK today. Tuesday was the big day at the watch with 223 SHARP-SHINS, 87 COOPER'S, 9 BALD and 1 GOLDEN EAGLE reported. Fly-by waterfowl this week included both LESSER and GREATER SCAUP, 6 LONG-TAILED DUCKS, WHITE-WINGED SCOTER, COMMON EIDER, HORNED GREBE, PURPLE SANDPIPER and PARASITIC JAEGER. A GREAT WHITE HERON was found this weekend and photographed on Monday on Cedar Neck, between Ocean View and Indian River Inlet. That bird was found in a pond near a new development off Fred Hudson Rd, near Fresh Pond State Park, just before the intersection with Cedar Neck Rd. A SANDHILL CRANE was seen near Raymond Pool in Bombay Hook NWR . Other birds at Bombay Hook included TUNDRA SWANS, the previously reported banded RINGED TEAL, RUDDY DUCK, PIED-BILLED GREBE, AMERICAN COOT and a LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL. A flock of 77 BLACK-BELLED PLOVERS along with 55 AMERICAN AVOCETS and a WESTERN SANDPIPER were also seen at the refuge. An immature GOLDEN EAGLE was seen at the Ashland Nature Center Hawk Watch today. 2 NORTHERN GOSHAWKS were seen at the hawk watch on Wednesday, along with 4 BALD EAGLES. The big flight on Monday also reported a distant GOSHAWK along with 62 BLACK VULTURES, 34 RED-SHOULDERS, 73 RED-TAILS, 53 SHARP-SHINS, and 19 COOPER'S HAWKS. The hawk watch also had several fly-over COMMON LOONS. RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH and PILEATED WOODPECKERS were at the watch on Monday. The later is probably one species that will never be reported at the Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch. Yesterday at Ashland there were 4 AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, a FOX SPARROW and a YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER. A nearby Hoopes' Reservoir, waterfowl there this week included 6 BUFFLEHEADS, 3 RING-NECKED DUCK, 2 HOODED MERGANSERS, 6 WOOD DUCKS, 5 PIED-BILLED GREBES and a DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT. Another RING-NECKED DUCK was seen at Harry's Pond at the Brandywine Town Center on Saturday. A flock of approximately 100 AMERICAN PIPITS were seen at the Middletown Auto Mall of Rt 301, west of Middletown. 2 CATTLE EGRETS were also seen there, along with COOPER'S HAWK and AMERICAN KESTREL. 12 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS were reported at Dragon Run Marsh in Delaware City. GREAT EGRET, BALD EAGLE and 12 WOOD DUCKS were also seen there. A late SCARLET TANAGER was reported at Abbott's Mill Nature Center near Milford. A feeder in Felton had a female PURPLE FINCH plus WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW. Now for this week's Birdline special feature from WILM News Radio: As the winter month's approach, large flocks of CROWS gather along the Delaware River. From Delaware City at sunset, you can watch thousands of these black birds cross the river to their roost in Salem County. Two different species of Crow are found in these flocks. The COMMON CROW is more abundant and vocalizes a harsh "Caw, caw, caw" (Common Crow SFX). Occasionally, you hear the more nasal call of the Common Crow's smaller cousin, the FISH CROW (Fish Crow SFx). Both species are so similar that they are practically inseparable by observation. Birders watch these flocks to find a rare visitor from the north, the COMMON RAVEN, with its harsh croak (Raven SFX.). While reported in Delaware, no Raven sightings have yet been confirmed. This presents the answer to Hempel's question of the RAVEN Paradox "if RAVENS are all black, then all non-black birds are non-RAVENS". This hypothesis is formed by intuition, and violates inductive logic, a cornerstone of the scientific method. If you observe a green apple, it is non-black so must be a non-RAVEN. The paradox is; one hypothesis does not answer all questions. If Hempel was a birder, he would have known the Peterson identification system requires several field marks and that nature has no absolutes. Hempel would have been better off buying a pair of binoculars and walking through Princeton Woods. Special thanks this week to Frank Rohrbacher, Bruce Peterjohn, John Janowski, Rod Murray, Jason Beale, Steven Graff, Kim Steininger, Derek Stoner, and our hawk watchers; Cyrus Moqtaderi and Forrest Rowland for their reports. Also, Jeff and Maurice for the philosophy lesson. You can report sightings or add to the State Year List by calling 302-792-9591 or email ednieap AT verizon.net. Until next week, good birding. -end transcript Andy Ednie Claymont, Delaware Subject: Fwd: HSR: Ashland Nature Center (06 Nov 2009) 130 Raptors From: Cyrus Moqtaderi <cyrusmoqtaderi AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2009 21:54:05 -0500 Hello, Cyrus here! A blustery watch day here at Ashland, but it proved well worth the windburn as we broke 12,000 birds this afternoon. More remarkably, bird 12,000 just happened to be a beautifully soaring immature Golden Eagle. What luck, no? Good buteo movements as well. Plus, an eastern bluebird landed on my head this morning (honest!). Details below, see you up there, - Cyrus Moqtaderi Ashland Hawk Watch is a joint project by the Delaware Nature Society and the Delmarva Ornithological Society Ashland Nature Center Hockessin, Delaware, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 06, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 16 141 473 Turkey Vulture 47 241 571 Osprey 0 4 223 Bald Eagle 0 11 215 Northern Harrier 1 5 69 Sharp-shinned Hawk 16 136 1315 Cooper's Hawk 0 35 408 Northern Goshawk 0 3 3 Red-shouldered Hawk 10 80 166 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 7403 Red-tailed Hawk 38 317 580 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 1 1 7 American Kestrel 0 4 422 Merlin 0 8 53 Peregrine Falcon 0 0 21 Unknown Accipiter 0 2 28 Unknown Buteo 1 7 22 Unknown Falcon 0 0 4 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 2 20 Swallow-tailed Kite 0 0 1 Total: 130 997 12004 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7.75 hours Official Counter: Cyrus Moqtaderi Observers: Derek Stoner, Joe Sebastiani, Jonathan Stein Visitors: 6 visitors total. Can't blame anyone for skipping a visit this morning. The wind was brutal on top! Alicia braved the cold twice, as well as Eric R. Larry G. who stopped in for short visits. Jon Stein, Joe Sebastiani and Derek Stoner all helped keep watch throughout the afternoon. Weather: Clear. Cold morning (4C) with strong winds of 20mph blowing consistently until noon (when temps stabilized around 7C). Winds slowed some, but were still strong and from the NW. Few clouds today. In short, it was cold up there. Raptor Observations: A strong buteo movement today. Every binocular sweep seemed to turn up at least one Red-taileds (36 total) or Red-shouldered (10 total)! Turkey Vultures moved regularly, ending with 47 total. Certainly the most exciting landmark was the recording of bird 12,000 for the season. At 3:22pm, high in the sky, with wings spread sharply into the wind, sailed one spectacular Golden Eagle, marking 12,000 birds for the 2009 Ashland Hawk Watch season. The bird's immature plumage caught the low afternoon sun perfectly and we were afforded a long and luxurious view. A fitting bird for our new record-breaking benchmark! Non-raptor Observations: A bright male Eastern Bluebird landed on my head this morning. He perched for about 3 seconds before I turned my head and scared him off. I was standing up and not keeping particularly still when he showed. Certainly a first for me. Predictions: High of 57F and mostly sunny. Winds will be from the SW, but we'll still see some good birds I reckon. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Cyrus Moqtaderi (hawkwatch AT delawarenaturesociety.org) information may be found at: www.delawarenaturesociety.org Subject: HSR: Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch (06 Nov 2009) 291 Raptors From: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports AT HAWKCOUNT.ORG> Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2009 17:11:14 -0400 Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch Lewes, Delaware, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 06, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 13 79 287 Turkey Vulture 57 411 1071 Osprey 0 4 3062 Bald Eagle 2 21 489 Northern Harrier 38 93 603 Sharp-shinned Hawk 72 422 5372 Cooper's Hawk 32 167 1515 Northern Goshawk 1 1 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 11 24 39 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 333 Red-tailed Hawk 47 133 457 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 1 2 4 American Kestrel 8 28 1833 Merlin 9 21 1027 Peregrine Falcon 0 14 826 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 12 Unknown Buteo 0 0 14 Unknown Falcon 0 0 12 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 1 40 Swallow-tailed Kite 0 0 0 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 1 Total: 291 1421 16998 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 15:45:00 Total observation time: 8.25 hours Official Counter: Forrest Rowland Observers: Diane Kane, Susan Gruver Visitors: Few Weather: Mostly sunny with a high temp of 10C/50F. Winds 20-25mph gusting over 35mph in the morning. In the afternoon the winds diminished somewhat to around 15mph, gusting over 20. Raptor Observations: Difficult day of observation. Thankfully, We managed to scope a lot of birds coming off the Ocean well to the South. Biggest highlights? One of EACH of the winter specials! 1 imm. Northern Goshawk, and 1 juv. Golden Eagle!!! The following Bay-crossing times were observed with cooperation from Doug Gochfeld of Cape May: male Harrier dep CMHW 1248 arr CHHW 1329 imm. Goshawk dep CMHW 1219 arr CHHW 1259 Non-raptor Observations: More Common Eider, a great Gannet show, and FOS Horned Grebe! Predictions: Light SW winds under sunny skies predicted for tomorrow. Could be fairly productive. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Forrest Rowland (Rowbird2005 AT Gmail.com) Subject: Bombay Hook Photography Exhibit - Larry Husfelt - November 7 & 8, 2009. From: tina watson <tinawatsonde AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2009 11:25:51 -0800 If you are birding at Bombay Hook this weekend stop in and view Larry Husfelt's Photography Exhibit. It is in the auditorium from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday and Sunday. Tina Watson Middletown, DE Subject: Delaware Dunlins Bombay Hook field trip, 11/7 From: Derek Stoner <derekstoner AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 22:30:44 -0500 Greetings: This Saturday, November 7, the Delaware Dunlins Youth Birders Club will visit Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge for a waterfowl watching field trip. The group will meet at 9:00am at the visitors center and bird until noon. Lots of Snow Geese, Northern Pintails, Green-winged Teal, and other waterfowl are jammed into the refuge now, along with shorebirds and lingering Great Egrets. Who knows-- maybe the Sandhill Crane will make a re-appearance! We invite anyone interested in a fun and exciting birding experience to join us for the trip, as enthusiasm for birds is the common denominator we all share. Good birding, Derek Stoner Subject: HSR: Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch (05 Nov 2009) 164 Raptors From: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports AT HAWKCOUNT.ORG> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 17:11:11 -0400 Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch Lewes, Delaware, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 05, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 8 66 274 Turkey Vulture 23 354 1014 Osprey 3 4 3062 Bald Eagle 5 19 487 Northern Harrier 15 55 565 Sharp-shinned Hawk 57 350 5300 Cooper's Hawk 21 135 1483 Northern Goshawk 0 0 0 Red-shouldered Hawk 4 13 28 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 333 Red-tailed Hawk 17 86 410 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 1 3 American Kestrel 5 20 1825 Merlin 3 12 1018 Peregrine Falcon 3 14 826 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 12 Unknown Buteo 0 0 14 Unknown Falcon 0 0 12 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 1 40 Swallow-tailed Kite 0 0 0 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 1 Total: 164 1130 16707 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 07:45:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7.25 hours Official Counter: Forrest Rowland Observers: Visitors: Numerous visitors on this fine day. Weather: Winds 5-10mph out of the N to WNW and varying in intensity quite a bit. Clear blue skies with a high of 15C/59F. Visibility great. Raptor Observations: Another fine day for this time a year. Good diversity but most birds high and to the South of the platform. The following Bay-crossing times were observed in coordination with Doug Gochfeld of Cape May: Juv. Bald Eagle dep CMHW 1312 arr CHHW 1334 Non-raptor Observations: 89 species today with FOS Long-tailed Ducks (26)!!! Great diversity of waterfowl and seabirds including one marauding Parasitic Jaeger stealing fish from gulls and chasing terns. Also, one Elf getting her photo taken with a pink Christmas tree and the Marlboro Man, complete with horse and cowboy hat. I swear... Predictions: Sunny, high of 51F. Sounds nice, save for 25-30mph NW winds dying off slightly after noon. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Forrest Rowland (Rowbird2005 AT Gmail.com) Subject: Fwd: HSR: Ashland Nature Center (05 Nov 2009) 140 Raptors From: Cyrus Moqtaderi <cyrusmoqtaderi AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 15:55:43 -0500 Hello! Cyrus here with the day's report. Some cold rain cut us short 45 minutes today, but still a strong flight. Flight was strong the first few hours of watch, with birds high (mostly buteos) and perhaps attempting to pass before this rain. Movement thinned as the day progressed, but we still ended with 140 birds! They just don't stop here at Ashland. Tomorrow is going to be a windy one, details below, - Cyrus Moqtaderi Ashland Hawk Watch is a joint project by the Delaware Nature Society and the Delmarva Ornithological Society Ashland Nature Center Hockessin, Delaware, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 05, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 24 125 457 Turkey Vulture 40 194 524 Osprey 0 4 223 Bald Eagle 1 11 215 Northern Harrier 0 4 68 Sharp-shinned Hawk 11 120 1299 Cooper's Hawk 1 35 408 Northern Goshawk 0 3 3 Red-shouldered Hawk 9 70 156 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 7403 Red-tailed Hawk 52 279 542 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 0 6 American Kestrel 0 4 422 Merlin 2 8 53 Peregrine Falcon 0 0 21 Unknown Accipiter 0 2 28 Unknown Buteo 0 6 21 Unknown Falcon 0 0 4 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 2 20 Swallow-tailed Kite 0 0 1 Total: 140 867 11874 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours Official Counter: Cyrus Moqtaderi Observers: Carol Majors, Joe Sebastiani Visitors: Good visits today! Alicia, Hank, Carol, Karen and Joe all came up after the birdwalk to sit awhile on watch. Jill C. stopped in midday to catch a breather from the daily grind. My sister, Nedda, and my niece, Ada, came up for a great time on the hill. Always makes my day to see my favorite (and only) niece. She's got quite an interest in birds for a 21-month-year-old. Rich Cross stopped in again, making some good calls on passing Red-taileds. Shari E. made her visit up top and Christy B. managed to catch some time on the hill before the rains hit. 11 total. Weather: Clear morning with plenty of sun and a light NW wind. Clouds increased as afternoon pressed on, eventually bringing in damp air and a cold rain at 3pm. Watch was abandoned when rain intensified. Raptor Observations: A strong movement of high-flying birds this morning, mostly Red-taileds (52 total), Red-shouldereds (9 total), and Vultures (24 BV, 40 TV total). The day continued to be a buteo show, but birds lowered and eventually tapered off as cloud cover increased. Two afternoon Merlins, each spent some time pursuing birds and giving a great show. Non-raptor Observations: Many sparrows on the bird walk this morning, including 4 Tree Sparrows on the hill and Fox Sparrow down below. A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker passed over the hill, vocalizing loudly. 2 Monarchs today. Predictions: Clear with NW winds, though it looks like those winds may hit 20mph. Dress warmly if you're stopping in! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Cyrus Moqtaderi (hawkwatch AT delawarenaturesociety.org) information may be found at: www.delawarenaturesociety.org Subject: Facebook Group Hawk Watch Link From: Rachael Shapiro <rshapiro AT AWOUS.COM> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 12:15:56 -0500 Hello DE Birds, Here is the link for the new Facebook Group: I Love Hawk Watch. http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=171605151251&ref=ts We are now at 13 members...some members are site coordinators... And have towards 40 photos .... Most of which show the birds in flight! Very, very helpful!!!! .... And more fun than a guide book¹s black silhouettes! Join us on the platform, Rachael -- ATTENTION: NEW EMAIL ADDRESS: rshapiro AT awous.com Rachael Shapiro, President A Woman of Uncommon Scents, Inc. P.O. Box 103 Roxbury, PA 17251 1-800-377-3685 1-800-ESSENTL Subject: yard birds From: Steven Graff <steven_graff_2004 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 05:38:52 -0800 The bird feeder activity has really picked up in the last week.  Loads of House Finches along with 1 female Purple Finch; Juncos started showing up two days ago; two White-crowned Sparrows with a single White-throated Sparrow.  Bluebirds have been comming in to eat Bayberries.  And the Great-horned Owls have been really hooting it up right after dusk.   Steve Graff Felton, DE Subject: Delaware Valley RBA, 4 NOV 2009 From: Stephen E Kacir <rba AT DVOC.ORG> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 20:27:22 -0800 - RBA * PA, NJ, DE * Delaware Valley: Southeast PA, Central/Southern NJ & DE * PADV0911.04 * November 11, 2009 - Birds Mentioned Pacific Loon (NJ)+ Great White Heron (DE)+ Ash-throated Flycatcher (NJ)+ Western Kingbird (DE)+ (NJ)+ (Details requested by NJBRC) (PA)+ (Details requested by PORC) (DE)+ (Details requested by DERC) Red-throated Loon Common Loon Horned Grebe Red-necked Grebe Brown Pelican Great Cormorant American Bittern Tricolored Heron Yellow-crowned Night-heron Cackling Goose Brant Tundra Swan Eurasian Wigeon King Eider Common Eider Harlequin Duck Surf Scoter White-winged Scoter Black Scoter Long-tailed Duck Common Goldeneye Northern Goshawk Golden Eagle Peregrine Falcon Northern Bobwhite Virginia Rail Common Moorhen Sandhill Crane American Golden-plover American Avocet Spotted Sandpiper Marbled Godwit Red Knot Western Sandpiper White-rumped Sandpiper Purple Sandpiper Long-billed Dowitcher Parasitic Jaeger Black-headed Gull Iceland Gull Lesser Black-backed Gull Forster's Tern Black Skimmer Common Nighthawk Ruby-throated Hummingbird Rufous Hummingbird Red-headed Woodpecker Western Kingbird Northern Shrike White-eyed Vireo Common Raven Cliff Swallow Cave Swallow Black-capped Chickadee Red-breasted Nuthatch Marsh Wren American Pipit Orange-crowned Warbler Magnolia Warbler Prairie Warbler Blackpoll Warbler Scarlet Tanager Clay-colored Sparrow Vesper Sparrow Lark Sparrow Seaside Sparrow Lincoln's Sparrow Lapland Longspur Snow Bunting Indigo Bunting Dickcissel Yellow-headed Blackbird Rusty Blackbird Baltimore Oriole Purple Finch - Transcript Hotline: Delaware Valley Rare Bird Alert Email reports to: rba AT dvoc.org Compiler: Steve Kacir, Delaware Valley Ornithological Club Phone: (215) 240-7547 Voice of the Delaware Valley RBA: Cindy Ahern & Win Shafer URL: http://www.dvoc.org/RBA/Current/Active/Index.htm Welcome to the Nov 4, 2009 edition of the Delaware Valley Rare Bird Alert, a service provided by the joint efforts of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club (DVOC), covering the Delaware Valley Region of Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. I'm Steve Kacir your guide for birding in the Greater Philadelphia Region. This week, we highlight reports of PACIFIC LOON in Cape May County, NJ; GREAT WHITE HERON & WESTERN KINGBIRD in Sussex County, DE and ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHERS in Cape May and Monmouth Counties, NJ. Remember to check out our website for additional content and information: http://www.dvoc.org/RBA/Current/Active/Index.htm -------------------------------------------------------------- FOR NEW JERSEY: Cape May County: Six COMMON EIDERS were spotted from the St Peter's Jetty on Oct 28. Twenty COMMON EIDERS were at the jetty off the end of Whilldin Ave. The flock of COMMON EIDERS off Cape May Point grew to 22 EIDERS on Nov 3, seen from jetties around Cape May Point State Park to Coral Ave. On Nov 4, the COMMON EIDER flock had dropped to 9 EIDERS seen from the St Mary's and St Peter's jetties. On Nov 2, a CAVE SWALLOW was spotted from the hawk watch platform at Cape May Point State Park. A DICKCISSEL was seen from the platform on Nov 4. The Cape May Point State Park Hawk Watch spotted GOLDEN EAGLES on Oct 29 & Nov 2-4, and a NORTHERN GOSHAWK made the count on Nov 4. The park's Lighthouse Pond had two subadult EURASIAN WIGEONS on Oct 31- Nov 3, and one was still there on Nov 4. A juvenile COMMON MOORHEN was at Lighthouse Pond on Nov 3. A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was at the south side of the Bunker Pond on Oct 30-31. Other birds seen at the hawk watch platform and elsewhere in the state park included AMERICAN BITTERN, CLIFF SWALLOW, PRAIRIE WARBLER and PURPLE FINCHES. A River Otter was on Lily Lake on Nov 3. A BLACK SCOTER was on the East Pool at The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge on Nov 2. That day, a MARSH WREN was heard at the refuge, and PARASITIC JAEGERS were seen offshore of the refuge. Two VIRGINIA RAILS called from the refuge on Nov 1. Other sightings from the TNC Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge included AMERICAN PIPITS, SEASIDE SPARROW, RUSTY BLACKBIRD and PURPLE FINCHES. A YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD flew over the Morning Flight Project at the Higbee Beach WMA dike on Oct 29. That day, the Morning Flight also noted WHITE-WINGED SCOTER, RED-THROATED LOON and 15 WHITE- RUMPED SANDPIPERS. On Oct 30, a RED-HEADED WOODPECKER and 27 WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS were at the Higbee dike. Other reports from Higbee mentioned AMERICAN PIPITS, INDIGO BUNTING and RUSTY BLACKBIRD. On Nov 1, a VESPER SPARROW was in the pumpkin patch at the Rea Farm. A MAGNOLIA WARBLER was at the Rea Farm on Oct 29. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was at Hidden Valley Ranch on Oct 29-31. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was at the Villas WMA on Oct 31. Three COMMON EIDERS were flying over Delaware Bay offshore from the Villas on Nov 3. A possible NORTHERN SHRIKE was reported from the bayshore near the Villas on Oct 30. On Nov 4, a SANDHILL CRANE was heard then spotted in the salt hay farm across Dennis Creek from the parking lot at Jake's Landing. On Nov 4, an ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER was reportedly near the southern base of the toll bridge at the south end of Nummy Island on the west side of the road. On Oct 29, Stone Harbor Point had RED KNOTS and MARBLED GODWITS. On Nov 3, PURPLE SANDPIPERS were spotted on the jetty in front of the Avalon Sea Watch. A PACIFIC LOON and RED-NECKED GREBE flew by the Avalon Sea Watch on Nov 2. The Sea Watch reported a KING EIDER on Oct 31, COMMON EIDERS on Oct 28-Nov 4 and PARASITIC JAEGERS on Oct 28-Nov 1 & Nov 4. Other sightings from the Avalon Sea Watch included RED-THROATED LOONS, BROWN PELICANS, HORNED GREBE, WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS, RED KNOT, PURPLE SANDPIPERS and BONAPARTE'S GULLS. Two COMMON EIDERS were off Sea Isle City on Oct 29. That day, LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS were at Whale Beach. Cumberland County: An AMERICAN PIPIT was on the dike at Maple Ave on Nov 2. A juvenile YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON was at the Husted's Landing Marina on Oct 31. Atlantic County: A TRICOLORED HERON and AMERICAN AVOCET were at the Brigantine Division of Edwin B Forsythe NWR on Oct 28. On Nov 1, fifteen BLACK SKIMMERS were at Malibu Beach WMA. Monmouth County: On Oct 29, the ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER was near the bench on the east side of Marlu Lake at Thompson Park in Lincroft. The ASH- THROATED FLYCATCHER was past Marlu Lake at the back side of a trail that loops through brushy habitat at the park on Oct 30. On Nov 1, an ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was at Thompson Park in Lincroft. On Nov 3, a CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was near the maintenance building at the east end of Randolph St on Sandy Hook. That day, two COMMON EIDERS were on the cove north of C Lot, and Sandy Hook's north pond had a COMMON MOORHEN Oct 31-Nov 2. A LARK SPARROW was at the south end of K Lot on Nov 1. That day, a first-year ICELAND GULL was on the beach at B Lot, and a SNOW BUNTING was on the beach at F Lot that day. On Nov 4, two COMMON EIDERS, a drake WHITE-WINGED SCOTER and a hen HARLEQUIN DUCK were seen off C Lot, and six more COMMON EIDERS were at the end of Fisherman's Trail. Six SNOW BUNTINGS were at the False Hook on Nov 1, and a juvenile AMERICAN GOLDEN- PLOVER was there Oct 31-Nov 1. A LAPLAND LONGSPUR and 2 SNOW BUNTINGS were at Sandy Hook on Oct 31. Other birds at Sandy Hook included RED-THROATED LOONS, AMERICAN PIPITS, RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH and RUSTY BLACKBIRDS. Burlington County: On Nov 4, a drake and hen WHITE-WINGED SCOTER were seen on the Delaware River from the Riverton Yacht Club. Gloucester County: A NORTHERN BOBWHITE called near High Hill Rd on Nov 3. On Nov 3, three GREAT CORMORANTS were on the orange channel marker, seen from the National Park dredge spoils area. Camden County: On Nov 2, five SURF SCOTERS were on Penbryn Pond in Berlin. Somerset County: Two to four RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS were at Colonial Park in Franklin Twp on Nov 3. Hunterdon County: On Oct 28, a DICKCISSEL was at Cold Brook Reserve. Warren County: Five SANDHILL CRANES were at the field near the Upper Beers Farm at Merrill Creek Reservoir on Oct 30, seen from the Scott's Mountain Hawk Watch that day as well. The Scott's Mountain Hawk Watch reported GOLDEN EAGLES on Oct 29 & Nov 2 and NORTHERN GOSHAWK on Nov 2-3. The Raccoon Ridge Hawk Watch reported NORTHERN GOSHAWK on Nov 1 & 3 and GOLDEN EAGLES on Nov 1-3. Other sightings from Raccoon Ridge included COMMON LOONS, COMMON RAVENS, AMERICAN PIPITS, SNOW BUNTINGS and Black Bear. Spruce Run Reservoir had a WHITE-WINGED SCOTER on Nov 2, and a SNOW BUNTING was at Spruce Run on Oct 31. Union County: Six CACKLING GEESE were at Warinanco Park on Nov 4. A RED-HEADED WOODPECKER was at Lenape Park on Nov 4. -------------------------------------------------------------- FOR DELAWARE: New Castle County: The Ashland Nature Center Hawk Watch reported GOLDEN EAGLES on Oct 29-30 and NORTHERN GOSHAWK on Nov 2 and two NORTHERN GOSHAWKS on Nov 4. A BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE was near the hawk watch hill at Ashland on Oct 29. Other birds at Ashland included COMMON LOONS, RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, BALTIMORE ORIOLE and PURPLE FINCHES. On Oct 31, two CATTLE EGRETS and nearly 100 AMERICAN PIPITS were at the Middletown Auto Park. Two CATTLE EGRETS were seen from Route 9 near Taylors Bridge. Kent County: A SANDHILL CRANE flew over fields in the southwest section of Bombay Hook NWR on Nov 2. On Oct 29, Bombay Hook had AMERICAN AVOCETS on the mudflats opposite the north end of Shearness Pool. Other birds at Bombay Hook included WESTERN SANDPIPERS and PEREGRINE FALCON. Sussex County: A GREAT WHITE HERON (Great Blue Heron subspecies) was at Bethany Beach on Nov 1-3. To reach the spot where the GREAT WHITE HERON was discovered, head south on DE Route 1 past Indian River Inlet until the first traffic light after the inlet. Turn right onto Fred Hudson Rd at the light, and then drive nearly to the end of the road where it meets Cedar Neck Rd at a T-intersection. About 0.1 miles before the intersection, there is a pond on the right side of the road (north of the road) just before the entrance to the Bethany Lakes development. On Nov 2, a WESTERN KINGBIRD perched on power lines just east of the parking lot at the main battery of Fort Miles in Cape Henlopen State Park. A HARLEQUIN DUCK and 2 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS flew past the Cape Henlopen State Park Hawk Watch on Oct 29. Seven COMMON EIDERS flew by the hawk watch on Oct 30, and PURPLE SANDPIPERS were seen from the hawk watch on Nov 2. A GOLDEN EAGLE flew past the Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch on Nov 3. Six WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS passed by the radar tower area of Cape Henlopen State Park on Nov 4. That day, a BALTIMORE ORIOLE was spotted from the road between the hawk watch platform and the radar tower. A BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE was near the parking lot for the bathhouse at Cape Henlopen on Nov 2. Other sightings from Cape Henlopen included COMMON NIGHTHAWK, RED- BREASTED NUTHATCHES, RUSTY BLACKBIRDS and PURPLE FINCHES. A SCARLET TANAGER was at the Abbott's Mill Nature Center on Nov 3. -------------------------------------------------------------- FOR PENNSYLVANIA: Delaware County: The Rose Tree Park Hawk Watch reported a GOLDEN EAGLE on Nov 1. Other sightings from Rose Tree Park included COMMON LOONS and PURPLE FINCH. Chester County: On Oct 29, a SANDHILL CRANE was on the far bank of the main pond at Kurtz Fish Ponds. On Nov 3, two COMMON GOLDENEYES were on Chambers Lake in Hibernia County Park. That day, Hibernia Park also had a SPOTTED SANDPIPER, WHITE-EYED VIREO, LINCOLN'S SPARROW and PURPLE FINCHES. On Nov 2, Bucktoe Creek Preserve had all seven species of woodpecker one might expect to find in the region, including RED- HEADED WOODPECKER. Montgomery County: An immature male RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD was feeding on Salvias on private property in Pottstown on Nov 3. The homeowner, Kathy, is willing to receive visiting birders, and those interested in seeing the RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD should contact her by email at bella_trix AT comcast.net On Nov 3, a BRANT was feeding at the side of Royersford Rd in Royersford. Bucks County: Churchville Nature Center had LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS on Oct 31 and RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH on Oct 29. Northampton County: A male RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD was still visiting feeders on private property in Palmer Twp, Easton through Oct 30. A BALTIMORE ORIOLE was at the Koch property through Nov 2. Lehigh County: Eighteen AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS were in a field at the intersection of Schantz Rd and Route 100 on Oct 29. The Bake Oven Knob Hawk Watch reported NORTHERN GOSHAWKS on Nov 1 & Nov 3-4 and GOLDEN EAGLES on Oct 29-30 & Nov 1-3. On Nov 1, ten TUNDRA SWANS and 18 BRANT passed by Bake Oven Knob. Other sightings from Bake Oven Knob included COMMON LOONS, RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, COMMON RAVENS and PURPLE FINCHES. Three BRANT were on a retention pond in Bath on Oct 29. Schuylkill County: The Schuylkill/Berks County line area of SGL 110 had 7 COMMON RAVENS on Oct 30. Berks County: Two SURF SCOTERS and several WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS were on Blue Marsh Lake at Blue Marsh National Recreation Area on Nov 4. The Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Hawk Watch reported GOLDEN EAGLES on Oct 30 & Nov 1-4, with seven GOLDEN EAGLES tallied on Nov 1. Hawk Mountain reported NORTHERN GOSHAWKS on Nov 1-2 & Nov 4. Other sightings from Hawk Mountain included COMMON LOONS, AMERICAN PIPIT and PURPLE FINCHES. The RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD visiting Harold Lebo's yard was still present as of Oct 30. A COMMON RAVEN was at Lake Ontelaunee on Oct 29, and a BLACK SCOTER was there on Nov 1. Sixty BRANT and a COMMON RAVEN were seen from SGL 110 on Nov 3. Lancaster County: A GREAT CORMORANT was spotted from the small boat ramp at Peach Bottom. A BRANT was at Avocet Point at the Conejohela Flats on Oct 31. Other sightings from the flats noted BONAPARTE'S GULLS and an American Mink. Two BLACKPOLL WARBLERS were at the grounds of the Lancaster Area Sewer Authority on Oct 31. Ten FORSTER'S TERNS were on Conowingo Pond on Oct 29. On Oct 31, as GOLDEN EAGLE was at the dam at Middle Creek WMA, and three COMMON RAVENS were at Middle Creek that day. On Nov 4, Lancaster County Central Park had flyby COMMON LOONS and PURPLE FINCHES. Lebanon County: The SANDHILL CRANE at Lake Duffy in SGL 145 was reported as recently as Oct 30. Other birds in the area included RUSTY BLACKBIRD and PURPLE FINCHES. The Second Mountain Hawk Watch reported GOLDEN EAGLES on Oct 30-Nov 2 & Nov 4 and NORTHERN GOSHAWK on Nov 1-2 & Nov 4. Other sightings from Second Mountain included COMMON LOONS and COMMON RAVENS. Carbon County: On Nov 4, seven LONG-TAILED DUCKS were on the lake off of the Pine Run Boat Launch at Beltzville State Park. -------------------------------------------------------------- ANNOUNCEMENTS: On Nov 14, Debbie Beer will lead a DVOC Field Trip to Okehocking Preserve in Chester County, PA. The trip will focus on sparrows, raptors and finches. The trip will meet at the main parking lot on Route 3 (West Chester Pike) at 8:00AM. More information about this and other DVOC field trips can be found on the DVOC website: http://www.dvoc.org/ The next meeting of the DVOC will be on Nov 5 at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia at 7:30PM. The meeting will feature a program by Jeff Holt and Bert Filemyr entitled "The Composite Prints of Audubon's Birds of America - The Rarest of the Rare." Details are on the website, and guests are always welcome. The meeting after that will be the DVOC Annual Banquet on Nov 19. The DVOC Annual Banquet will take place on Nov 19, 2009 at the Sheet Metal Workers' Hall in Philadelphia, when Rick Wright will present "The Most Beautiful of the Whole Beautiful Lot: Wood Warblers of the American Southwest." Reservations are due on Nov 16. Additional information and a downloadable reservation form can be found on the DVOC website: http://www.dvoc.org/Banquet/Banquet.htm See Life Paulagics is running a special eight-hour pelagic trip out of Cape May for the Waterbird Society on Nov 8. The remaining space on the trip is now open to the public, and there was still room available as of Nov 3. Those interested in participating in this trip can find more information on-line at http://www.paulagics.com/ The Delaware Valley Rare Bird Alert is a weekly report on birding in the Delaware Valley Region including Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey. To report birds or significant birding events and planned pelagic trips, please email rba AT dvoc.org. This is Steve Kacir, good birding to you all and thanks for calling, surfing and reporting. - End Transcript Steve Kacir rba AT dvoc.org DVOC Rare Bird Alert Committee Chair Academy of Natural Sciences Delaware Valley Ornithological Club Philadelphia Subject: This morning's Bird Walk - CHSP From: Forrest Rowland <rowbird2005 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 20:25:40 -0500 Hello all! This morning I was joined by several enthusiastic birders, including two short-distance migrants from New Jersey, to bask in what ended up being one of the most beautifaul calm mornings. The birds were great. At the Nature Center feeders a young male *Purple Finch* allowed us all a great look, eating at leisure from the Sunflower feeder. Numerous White-throated Sparrows, Juncos, Kinglets, and mixed flocks of American Robins/Cedar Waxwings reminding us that Winter is just around the bend. Near the radar tower we delighted to watch several Red-breasted Nuthatches in a mixed flocks with the usual suspects. A wonderfully close flyby of *6 White-winged Scoter* was definitely one of the highlights. Several Sparrows, Juncos, were around, as were YR Warblers. One of the most surprising finds of the day came along the stretch of road between the radar tower and the hawkwatch/pavilion drive. Junipers are in berry on either side of the road, and birds were taking advantage. One late immature *Baltimore Oriole* fed leisurely in the tops of the trees, and some got to see Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and Red-bellied Woodpecker in the nearby trees, as well. A lovely morning, for a change! The Cape Henlopen Wednesday Bird Walk Curse is broken!!! Thanks to all who joined us. Best, Forrest Rowland Official Counter, Cape Henlopen Hawkwatch Subject: Fwd: HSR: Ashland Nature Center (04 Nov 2009) 174 Raptors From: Cyrus Moqtaderi <cyrusmoqtaderi AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 18:31:55 -0500 Hello, Cyrus here! Well, the third in the string of big flight days here at Ashland. We're getting darn close to "12,000" territory. A real honor to be the one on watch for this incredible migration season. Some great birds overhead today, red-shouldereds with shining crescents, a late season Osprey, huge kettles of passing vultures, and strings of red-taileds high in the blue. And what better excitement than a spectacular Northern Goshawk sighting? A real thrill to catch that bird passing, be sure to read the gritty details below, see you up top. - Cyrus Moqtaderi Ashland Hawk Watch is a joint project by the Delaware Nature Society and the Delmarva Ornithological Society Ashland Nature Center Hockessin, Delaware, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 04, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 17 101 433 Turkey Vulture 71 154 484 Osprey 1 4 223 Bald Eagle 4 10 214 Northern Harrier 0 4 68 Sharp-shinned Hawk 17 109 1288 Cooper's Hawk 3 34 407 Northern Goshawk 2 3 3 Red-shouldered Hawk 13 61 147 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 7403 Red-tailed Hawk 44 227 490 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 0 6 American Kestrel 1 4 422 Merlin 1 6 51 Peregrine Falcon 0 0 21 Unknown Accipiter 0 2 28 Unknown Buteo 0 6 21 Unknown Falcon 0 0 4 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 2 20 Swallow-tailed Kite 0 0 1 Total: 174 727 11734 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7.17 hours Official Counter: Cyrus Moqtaderi Observers: Joe Sebastiani, Jonathan Stein Visitors: Good visits today, 14 total. Several student groups, led by Sarah H, Christy B, Sheila, and Pete Z. (who I managed to pull away so as to catch the Goshawk sighting). Doug Adamson was fortunate enough to be on the hill for the Goshawk as well. Joe and Jon Stein kept watch today and Rich Cross returned to the hill for some more action. Weather: A cool, sunny morning with sparse cirrus coverage above. Clouds thickened at 2pm and air became slightly damp with a cold breeze. Winds from E/SE. Raptor Observations: Great flight today, third big day of the week (3 for 3 is a pretty good run!). Large kettle of vultures this morning, all passing south. 71 TVs passed by day's end! The usual stream of Sharp-shinneds (17) and another great Red-tailed presence (44). A low dive by an adult Merlin this afternoon. But, the real excitement today was the passing of not one, but two, Northern Goshawks! An incredible sight to catch even one of these fierce birds, but two in a day is remarkable! The first sighting was a ways off, but the good fortune of having a long look and a size comparison with a conveniently nearby eagle allowed for a confident ID. The second showing, an hour later, was stunning and quite lucky. The immature Goshawk flew just 50m overhead and was joined by a young Cooper's hawk. The two spent some time scrapping, diving at one another, and acting in other (understandably) unneighborly ways. The fortune of having these two birds side by side was that it allowed for an excellent study of the two accipiters. Great looks at the heavy streaking of the Goshawk as compared to the cleaner, shorter streaks of the Cooper's, the strength of flight, and the obvious size difference. Quite a showing. Non-raptor Observations: 5 Common Loons overhead today, as well as 3 relatively low Snow Geese midday (was unable to spot a large flock). Predictions: Rain tonight ought clear by morning and we should have some sun and clouds and NW winds most of the day. Some rain possible tomorrow afternoon. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Cyrus Moqtaderi (hawkwatch AT delawarenaturesociety.org) information may be found at: www.delawarenaturesociety.org Subject: Bird Walk at Ashland tomorrow, 11/5 From: Derek Stoner <derek AT DELAWARENATURESOCIETY.ORG> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 17:46:11 -0500 Join Joe Sebastiani tomorrow(11/5) for the weekly bird walk at Ashland Nature Center in Hockessin. Meet at 8am at the parking lot. Directions can be found at www.delawarenaturesociety.org. Plenty of migrants are around, especially of the sparrow persuasion! - Derek Stoner Subject: HSR: Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch (04 Nov 2009) 286 Raptors From: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports AT HAWKCOUNT.ORG> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 18:11:54 -0400 Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch Lewes, Delaware, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 04, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 25 58 266 Turkey Vulture 132 331 991 Osprey 0 1 3059 Bald Eagle 5 14 482 Northern Harrier 8 40 550 Sharp-shinned Hawk 59 293 5243 Cooper's Hawk 23 114 1462 Northern Goshawk 0 0 0 Red-shouldered Hawk 2 9 24 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 333 Red-tailed Hawk 23 69 393 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 1 3 American Kestrel 3 15 1820 Merlin 2 9 1015 Peregrine Falcon 4 11 823 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 12 Unknown Buteo 0 0 14 Unknown Falcon 0 0 12 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 1 40 Swallow-tailed Kite 0 0 0 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 1 Total: 286 966 16543 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 09:30:00 Observation end time: 15:15:00 Total observation time: 5.75 hours Official Counter: Forrest Rowland Observers: Kathy Boyd, Liz Dumont, Lynn Smith, Susan Gruver Visitors: Many visitors today including the group from this morning's Bird Walk I conducted. Bill Fintel, Sam Dyke, and his friend, came up to visit this afternoon, among others. Weather: Winds varied in direction and force throughout the day. The began out of the NNW very early, quickly became N, the NNE by 10am. The wind had become ESE by noon. High temp of 15C/59F reached around 1pm and skies were mostly clear early, clouding over as the wind became easterly. Raptor Observations: A complicated day. Birds were high from very early on. Kettles came in just to the South, then to the North as the wind shifted. Very few birds were seen after noon, once the wind had become SE and intensified. Another Vulture day, with good movement of other migrants, in general. The following Bay-crossing times were observed in cooperation with Doug Gochfeld of Cape May: Juv Bald Eagle dep CMHW 1042 arr CHHW 1112 Imm Bald Eagle dep CMHW 1046 arr CHHW 1126 Non-raptor Observations: No new FOS birds today...hoping for Northern Goshawk soon, as hawkwatches in the area have reported them. Predictions: 20% chance of rain early, skies becoming sunny by mid-morning. Winds N, becoming Westerly by mid-afternoon, 5-10mph. Could be another yet another great day! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Forrest Rowland (Rowbird2005 AT Gmail.com) Subject: Tundra Swans with blue neck bands From: James Tyler Bell <jtylerbell AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 06:24:20 -0800 Below is some information about neck banded Tundra Swans that observers should be on the lookout for. Please report sightings to: Craig Ely                                          Phone: (907) 786-7182                                 cely AT usgs.gov Thanks! Tyler Bell jtylerbell AT yahoo.com California, Maryland TUNDRA SWANS WITH BLUE NECK BANDS FROM ALASKA                         TUNDRA SWANS WERE MARKED IN WESTERN AND NORTHERN ALASKA IN THE SUMMERS OF 2006-2009 WITH CODED NECK BANDS AS PART OF AN EFFORT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TIMING OF MIGRATION AND MOVEMENTS OF SWANS RELATIVE TO BREEDING AREA. NECK BANDS HAVE A FOUR-DIGIT CODE THAT BEGINS WITH A LETTER.  CODES  ARE READ FROM BOTTOM TO TOP.  BANDS ARE BLUE WITH WHITE DIGITS, EXCEPT CODES T3##, WHICH ARE WHITE WITH BLACK DIGITS.  ______________________________________________________                                                                                                                                    No. Collared Marking Location          Codes                  2006 - 2008   2009   Total YukonDelta                K###                       227        100    327 Alaska Peninsula(North)   P###                       148        105    253 Alaska Peninsula(South)   T4##                       155        ---    155 Koyukuk Drainage  T213-228, U075-U120, U390-U399      66        ---     66 North Slope               T201-212,T3##               58        ---     58 Kotzebue Sound            U###                       390        197    587 Totals                                              1045        402   1446 ______________________________________________________               In 2008, 50 swans were implanted with satellite transmitters, many of which are still functioning.  Birds with transmitters were not collared, but have a black antenna exiting near the base of the tail.  The movements of these swans can be followed at our web site: http://alaska.usgs.gov/science/biology/avian_influenza/TUSW/index.html   PLEASE REPORT ANY OBSERVATIONS TO YOUR LOCAL CONSERVATION OFFICER, OR TO:    Craig Ely                                          AlaskaScience Center                                4210 University Drive                        Anchorage, AK 99508                                Phone: (907) 786-7182                                                                                        EM: cely AT usgs.gov                                         WE WILL PROVIDE ALL OBSERVERS WITH A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE BANDED SWAN THEY OBSERVED. Subject: Hawk Watch Facebook Group From: Rachael Shapiro <rshapiro AT AWOUS.COM> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 08:36:25 -0500 Hello DE-Birds, There is a new Facebook Group: I Love Hawk Watch and Raptors Love Me. Glide in and hang out. Post photos, videos, and share stories. See you there! ( Just use the search button to find the group). Rachael -- ATTENTION: NEW EMAIL ADDRESS: rshapiro AT awous.com Rachael Shapiro, President A Woman of Uncommon Scents, Inc. P.O. Box 103 Roxbury, PA 17251 1-800-377-3685 1-800-ESSENTL Subject: Fwd: HSR: Ashland Nature Center (03 Nov 2009) 123 Raptors From: Cyrus Moqtaderi <cyrusmoqtaderi AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 22:14:47 -0500 Hello, Cyrus here! A beautiful day up top with good birds. A solid buteo flight and a stunning view of a passing Merlin today. Details below! Tomorrow should be a nice one too, see you there! - Cyrus Moqtaderi Ashland Hawk Watch is a joint project by the Delaware Nature Society and the Delmarva Ornithological Society Ashland Nature Center Hockessin, Delaware, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 03, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 20 84 416 Turkey Vulture 22 83 413 Osprey 2 3 222 Bald Eagle 1 6 210 Northern Harrier 1 4 68 Sharp-shinned Hawk 19 92 1271 Cooper's Hawk 6 31 404 Northern Goshawk 0 1 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 8 48 134 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 7403 Red-tailed Hawk 41 183 446 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 0 6 American Kestrel 2 3 421 Merlin 1 5 50 Peregrine Falcon 0 0 21 Unknown Accipiter 0 2 28 Unknown Buteo 0 6 21 Unknown Falcon 0 0 4 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 2 20 Swallow-tailed Kite 0 0 1 Total: 123 553 11560 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours Official Counter: Cyrus Moqtaderi Observers: Joe Sebastiani, Judy Montgomery Visitors: Good company to enjoy this beautiful Fall day with. Alicia was up early morning to share some coffee and catch early rising birds. Bernie and Jane Schaaf made their way up top for the first time in a while, hanging for a few hours and sharing some good birding stories. Judy was able to visit the hill for a short time this morning as well. Rich Cross made his second visit and hung in all day for some good hawk watching! Maurice Barnhill made a welcome return to the hill for some good birds and more physics talk. Joe kept watch while I sneaked down for some lunch (graciously brought to me by Alicia). Great company today! Weather: Clear most of the day with a good W/NW wind. Plenty of sun. Temps reach 16 C. Glad to have a break from these rainy days of late. This seems a lot more like the Autumn I remember in Delaware! Raptor Observations: Strong vulture movements today and again plenty of Red-taileds (41) and good Red-shouldered flight (8). An incredible Merlin sighting today, the adult bird flying right in front of us and sticking around for some excellent views! Many of the Red-shouldereds gave great looks as well. Another Osprey sighting, this time 2 birds. Late for these guys, but they don't seem to mind. Non-raptor Observations: Three brilliantly white swans high overhead this afternoon. Likely Tundra Swan, but the extreme height made absolute ID difficult. 4 gulls today, appeared to be Herring Gulls, but again ID was not 100% due to brevity and height of sighting. 4 Common Loons today as well. Predictions: Sunny and winds from the NE. Bit of a front passing tonight, so could be good! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Cyrus Moqtaderi (hawkwatch AT delawarenaturesociety.org) information may be found at: www.delawarenaturesociety.org Subject: Delaware Valley Ornithological Club (DVOC) Upcoming Meeting (11/5/09) From: Bert Filemyr <afilemyr AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 18:41:18 -0500 The next meeting of the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club (DVOC) is this Thursday, October November 11, 2009 at 7:30 pm. The meeting will be held at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia Details at http://www.dvoc.org. Program - Jeff Holt and Bert Filemyr, "The Composite Prints of Audubon's Birds of America - The Rarest of the Rare" While many people know that active DVOC Members Jeff Holt and Bert Filemyr have written a book, "The Composite Plates of Audubon's Birds of America" (available on Amazon.com), here is your opportunity to hear the authors talk about those rare Audubon plates. Don't miss this one! In 1838, as John James Audubon's monumental creation, Birds of America, was nearing completion, he requested that his engraver, Robert Havell, produce 13 extra, unique prints. Havell was instructed to combine images from two separate plates into a single print, commonly known as a "Composite Plate". Only two full sets, along with a handful of individual prints, of these rare prints exist today and are rarely if ever seen by the public. In this presentation club members Jeff and Bert will provide an overview of John James Audubon the Birds of America project and intaglio printing. Particular emphasis will be on an analysis of the composite plates. Learn about how and why these unique plates were made. Everyone (both members and non-members) is welcome at this meeting ------------------------------------------------------------ Bert Filemyr Meadowbrook, PA Subject: Bird Walk CHSP tomorrow morning From: Forrest Rowland <rowbird2005 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 18:08:23 -0500 Hello all, The weather should be lovely and cooperative for tomorrow morning's Bird Walk at Cape Henlopen State Park. We'll be meeting in the Nature Center parking lot at 8am. Good Birding, Forrest Rowland Subject: HSR: Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch (03 Nov 2009) 642 Raptors From: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports AT HAWKCOUNT.ORG> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 17:11:24 -0400 Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch Lewes, Delaware, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 03, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 33 33 241 Turkey Vulture 193 199 859 Osprey 1 1 3059 Bald Eagle 9 9 477 Northern Harrier 19 32 542 Sharp-shinned Hawk 223 234 5184 Cooper's Hawk 87 91 1439 Northern Goshawk 0 0 0 Red-shouldered Hawk 7 7 22 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 333 Red-tailed Hawk 46 46 370 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 1 1 3 American Kestrel 11 12 1817 Merlin 4 7 1013 Peregrine Falcon 7 7 819 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 12 Unknown Buteo 0 0 14 Unknown Falcon 0 0 12 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 1 1 40 Swallow-tailed Kite 0 0 0 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 1 Total: 642 680 16257 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours Official Counter: Forrest Rowland Observers: Kathy Boyd, Liz Dumont, Lynn Smith, Susan Gruver Visitors: Several visitors were out to enjoy the show! Weather: Beautiful sunny skies with a high temp of 18C/66F reached at 1pm. Winds were light (~5 mph) our of the W to NNW. Raptor Observations: An amazing day at the hawkwatch and the best November day on record! An immature Golden Eagle came by to add to the excitement and diversity of the day. Kettle upon kettle of migrating raptors... The following Bay-crossing times were observed in coordination with Melissa Roach of Cape May HW: Juv Bald Eagle dep CMHW 0912 arr CHHW 0939 Imm Bald Eagle dep CMHW 0925 arr CHHW 0951 Non-raptor Observations: 82 species recorded today. The birds were out and enjoying the warmth and bugs. Predictions: Partly cloudy skies with winds 5-8 mph NNW-NE. Should be great! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Forrest Rowland (Rowbird2005 AT Gmail.com) Subject: Abbott's Mill/Sussex Bird Club - TANAGER From: Jason Beale <jaybirdbeale AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 15:20:26 -0500 Hello, Members of the Sussex Bird Club visited Abbott's Mill Nature Center today on a warm and sunny morning. Initially the idea was to look for waterfowl in the local millponds, but with little activity there lately, we explored the western side of Abbott's Pond and Johnson's Branch. It was a fairly quiet morning after a busy few weeks with Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Cedar Waxwings, Ruby- crowned Kinglets, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Eastern Towhees, Savannah, and Swamp Sparrows conspicuous. Not today. Instead, we enjoyed Golden- crowned Kinglets, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Eastern Bluebirds, Hermit Thrush, Yellow Fly Agaric Mushrooms, and lots of White-throated Sparrows. The most interesting sighting by far was a probable SCARLET TANAGER foraging low in a holly tree in the shady understory of an oak-hickory forest (Lindale Tract). We didn't get too many long, good looks, but noted that the bird was yellow-greenish overall with dark wings and a bill and head shape suggesting Scarlet over Summer. Of interesting note, the wings appeared to have defined bars or at least a mottled pattern on them, but we were unable to get a photo or refind the bird after it moved to the back side of the hollies. Happy birding, Jason Beale Abbott's Mill Nature Center Milford, DE Subject: Great White Heron photos; second attemp From: joe sebastiani <joe AT DELAWARENATURESOCIETY.ORG> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 15:01:51 -0500 Ok, let me try this again. Try pasting this into your browser. Maybe it will work this time. Photos forwarded from Jim Hall. http://picasaweb.google.com/adam246/GreatWhiteHeron?feat=email# Joe Sebastiani Members Program Team Leader Delaware Nature Society P.O. Box 700 Hockessin, DE 19707 (302) 239-2334 ext. 115 fax (302) 239-2473 email - joe AT delawarenaturesociety.org website - www.delawarenaturesociety.org The Nature of Delaware Blog - www.delawarenaturesociety.org/blog Subject: Great White Heron Photos From: joe sebastiani <joe AT DELAWARENATURESOCIETY.ORG> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 14:53:17 -0500 Jim Hall, Nature Center Manager at the Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum, Delaware Seashore State Park, took some photos of the Great White Heron on his way to work. He forwarded me the link to his photos. Check it out below: http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=adam246&target=PHOTO&id=5399 920173830167490&aid=5399919864277243313&authkey=Gv1sRgCMWUoaDcjOj6UQ&inv ite=COO20uIH&feat=email Joe Sebastiani Members Program Team Leader Delaware Nature Society P.O. Box 700 Hockessin, DE 19707 (302) 239-2334 ext. 115 fax (302) 239-2473 email - joe AT delawarenaturesociety.org website - www.delawarenaturesociety.org The Nature of Delaware Blog - www.delawarenaturesociety.org/blog Subject: Ashland Nature Center (02 Nov 2009) 301 Raptors From: Derek Stoner <derek AT DELAWARENATURESOCIETY.ORG> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 22:07:01 -0500 Greetings: A brisk breeze from the Northeast brought a barrage of buteos on Monday. A total of 17 Red-shouldereds came past between 10 and 11am, half the record-tying total for the day. Red-tailed Hawks(73 total) put on an excellent show, with many in long glides overhead. The first Northern Goshawk(juvenile) of the season was spotted by Sally and Tom Shea right around noon. A great day for raptor movement, and our highest ever count for a day outside of September(and its attendant Broad-winged Hawk numbers). Lots of bluebirds, waxwings and robins enjoying the wild grapes around the hawk watch right now. Good birding, Derek Stoner Ashland Hawk Watch is a joint project by the Delaware Nature Society and the Delmarva Ornithological Society Ashland Nature Center Hockessin, Delaware, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 02, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 62 64 396 Turkey Vulture 43 61 391 Osprey 0 1 220 Bald Eagle 3 5 209 Northern Harrier 2 3 67 Sharp-shinned Hawk 53 73 1252 Cooper's Hawk 19 25 398 Northern Goshawk 1 1 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 34 40 126 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 7403 Red-tailed Hawk 73 142 405 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 0 6 American Kestrel 1 1 419 Merlin 2 4 49 Peregrine Falcon 0 0 21 Unknown Accipiter 0 2 28 Unknown Buteo 6 6 21 Unknown Falcon 0 0 4 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 2 2 20 Swallow-tailed Kite 0 0 1 Total: 301 430 11437 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 6.5 hours Official Counters: Carol Majors, Sally O'Byrne Observers: Derek Stoner, Joe Sebastiani, Judy Montgomery Visitors: Tom Shea, who got to witness the first Northern Goshawk of the season, was the only official visitor other than DNS staff members. On this most excellent day for migration, a good show was missed by many! Weather: Cloudy with winds steady from the Northeast. Raptor Observations: First Northern Goshawk of the season, along with a record high count of migrant Black Vultures(62) and a record high-tying count of Red-shouldered Hawks(34). Second-highest Red-tailed Hawk count(73). Non-raptor Observations: A brief glimpse of a Red-breasted Nuthatch, and large numbers of migrant Eastern Bluebirds(50+), Cedar Waxwings(250+), and American Robins(500+). A pair of Pileated Woodpeckers as well. Five Monarchs passed by, still pushing south towards Mexico. Predictions: After two days of good winds from the north, south winds may slow down the migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Derek Stoner (derek AT delawarenaturesociety.org) Information may be found at: www.delawarenaturesociety.org Subject: Great White Heron in Bethany Beach From: ROHRBAF AT AOL.COM Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 20:31:43 EST Bruce Peterjohn e-mailed me that he found a Great White Heron on Sunday in Bethany Beach. He reported: --I was driving to the parking area for Fresh Ponds, so take state rte. 1 south past Indian River Inlet to the first traffic light. Turn right at the light onto Fred Hudson Road, and drive nearly to the end of the road where there is a T-intersection with Cedar Neck Rd. Approximately 0.1 mile before the intersection, there is a pond on the right (north) side of the road just before the entrance to the Bethany Lakes development. The bird spent Sunday morning in the pond--I first observed it shortly after 8 AM and was still there when I went past again at 9:30 AM. The pond and bird were less than 200 feet from the road so I was able to study it well with a telescope for 15+ minutes. It should be easily photographed. The White morph Great Blue Heron is a Delaware Bird Records Committee Review sub-species and I would appreciate it if anyone in the area, who can get out tomorrow, would photograph this bird if it's still around. Thanks. Frank Rohrbacher Wilmington, Delaware Subject: Rare birds in the region From: Forrest Rowland <rowbird2005 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 19:50:33 -0500 Hello all! Forrest Rowland speaking. I was reminded today that I must be on the look out for rare birds. Just because it's cold, wet, windy, and nearly Winter, does not mean there aren't some great birds waiting to be discovered and enjoyed! Below I've listed some reports from the region, by state, of birds to look for in the First State. Connecticut - 11/2 Western Kingbird, 11/1 Shrike sp. New York coastal - 11/2 *Selasphorus* sp. Hummingbird, 11/2 Two Western Kingbirds, 11/1 Three Western Kingbirds, 10/31 King Eider, 10/29 *Gyrfalcon* New Jersey - 11/2 Cave Swallow, 11/2 Greater White-fronted Goose, 11/1 Two Western Kingbirds, 11/1 Eurasian Wigeon, 10/30 *Ash-throated Flycatcher* Some of these birds are more likely than others to appear, but a few of these species have made a real showing this Fall, namely three individual Gyrfalcons between Maine and Jones Beach New York. There are presently 7 Western Kingbirds in the region above, including the one that showed up in CHSP today. Cave Swallows are an annual occurence, as of late, in the region and I expect that there are already a few individuals in DE as I write this. LeConte's Sparrow have made appearances in just about every state in our region in last week, though I didn't mention it above. So, best of luck to those of you who get out and bird this great state during one of the most exciting times of year! Good Birding, Forrest Rowland Official Counter, Cape Henlopen Hawkwatch