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16 May Mississippe Kite over Hoffman Park, 5/16 [Jim Hayes ] 16 May Sandy Hook MS Kites [Chase Schiefer ] 16 May Re: Migration today - no [Susan Treesh ] 16 May New yard bird: Balt. Oriole, Mercer County [Andrew Bobe ] 16 May Re: Migration today - no [Anita Gould ] 16 May orioles [Joan and Bob ] 16 May A simpler way to let Jerseybirders see eBird lists [Tony Leukering ] 16 May New Arrivals ["David S. Bernstein" ] 16 May New arrival ["susie r." ] 16 May Migration today - no [Sandra Keller ] 16 May Possible cerulean warbler Haddonfield [Marty DeAngelo ] 16 May Guided bird/nature walks Griggstown Grassland & Negri Nepote May 20th [Michael Gochfeld ] 15 May correction [Michael Britt ] 15 May Cape May Warbler (5/14) [Michael Britt ] 15 May 2 quick questions [Marty DeAngelo ] 15 May swan death [Joan and Bob ] 15 May Negri-Nepote, 5/15 - Bobolinks [Donna Schulman ] 15 May Fwd: Birding and reflexive pronouns [Tony Leukering ] 15 May Recent Sandy Hook sightings [Scott Barnes ] 14 May Addendum to DVOC Meeting Notice [Philip Witmer ] 14 May Common Nighthawks- Baldpate Mountain [David Tattoni ] 14 May Nighthawk- Berkeley Heights [David Bernstein ] 14 May Curlew Sanpiper - Forsythe NWR - Sunday, May 13 [Tom Bailey ] 14 May Caven Point (evening 5/13) [Michael Britt ] 14 May Curlew Sandpiper, Cumberland County [Samuel Galick ] 14 May Edwin Scholes III to speak at DVOC this Thursday [Philip Witmer ] 14 May Swarovski/Kowa Spotting Scope [Robert DeCandido ] 14 May Glassboro Woods - warblers singing [Sandra Keller ] 14 May Photo Study Of Birds At Barnegat And Brig Yesterday, 5/13/12 ["Howard B. Eskin" ] 14 May WSB Results: Middlesex Merlins [Patrick Belardo ] 14 May Upcoming Bergen County Audubon (BCAS) Meeting [Beth Goldberg ] 14 May Birding Applications for iPhone [Edna & Ray Duffy ] 13 May Salem County WSB run - musings [Sandra Keller ] 13 May Highpoint and Stokes on Mom's Day... [Deb McKay Kuhl ] 13 May Fwd: Summer Tanager at Garret [Bill Elrick ] 13 May FW: eBird Report - Liberty State Park, May 12, 2012 [Michael Britt ] 13 May Barn Owl [Michael Britt ] 13 May World Series of Birding Winners [Marleen Murgitroyde ] 12 May Sandy Hook Century Run (WSB)--new record set May 12 [Scott Barnes ] 12 May Re: Atlantic City Airport Grassland Question [NJChickadeee ] 12 May Unofficial World Series of Birding count results for Island Beach and Toms River 5-12-12 [Shawn Wainwright ] 12 May Summer Tanager, Tennafly [James Kuehlke ] 12 May Mini Big Day 5/12 [Dena Temple ] 12 May Bluebirds Fledged Today - Video [Steve Byland ] 12 May Hoffman Park Bobolinks and many migrants [vince capp ] 12 May Couch's/Tropical Kingbird at Higbees [Tony leukering ] 12 May Garret Mtn May 12th 2012 [Bill Elrick ] 12 May Sandy Hook sightings May 12 [Trina Anderson ] 12 May WSOB park info for Island Beach opening [Shawn Wainwright ] 11 May Black-billed Cuckoo nocturnal migration, Hunterdon Co [Rob Fergus ] 11 May lots of birds again - Warren Park - Perth Amboy [Todd Frantz ] 11 May Sandy Hook Friday [Scott Barnes ] 11 May Garret Today May 11th [Stuart and Wendy ] 11 May Garret Mtn. or Sandy Hook tomorrow? [Blue Jay Writer ] 11 May Garret 5/11/2012 [Bill Elrick ] 11 May Curlew Sandpiper... Brigantine [Harvey Tomlinson ] 11 May Atlantic City Airport Grassland Question [David Tattoni ] 10 May Great Swamp or Lord Stirling Advice Needed [Joyce Payeur ] 10 May Salem County - last minute scouting [Sandra Keller ] 10 May Garret Mtn 5/10/2012 Mourning Warbler [Bill Elrick ] 10 May Hunt for a Golden-winged warbler [Harvey Tomlinson ] 10 May Re: Fw: WCAS Birdathon 2012 needs YOU ["Joe P." ] 10 May Fw: WCAS Birdathon 2012 needs YOU ["Joe P." ] 10 May Mourning Warbler at Garrett [Carol Resch ] 10 May Warblers out the ying-yang [Dena Temple ] 9 May 5/9/12 Old Mine Rd was the Place to Be this morning! [Dave Emma ] 9 May Impressive Night Flight Now! Essex Co. [Sean Sime ] 9 May Nighthawks Port Minmouth [Chase Schiefer ] 9 May Wilson's Phalarope at Brig. etc [Christopher Vogel ] 9 May recent FOYs [Chris Wyluda ] 9 May Kentucky Warbler in Hopewell ["John J. Collins" ] 9 May Question about birding in New Brunswick area ["B.G. Sloan" ] 9 May Re: Phoebes [David Bernstein ] 9 May Phoebes [Ken Hart ] 9 May Flat Rock Brook 5/9 - Blackburnian, Blackpoll, Canada, Chestnut-sided, and more [Stephanie Seymour ] 9 May Yard birds - yesterday and today ["susie r." ] Subject: Mississippe Kite over Hoffman Park, 5/16 From: Jim Hayes <jehman55 AT JUNO.COM> Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 19:10:04 GMT Greetings! I went to Hoffman Park in Hunterdon County this morning to check out the Bobolinks (I saw 7 males and 2 females). Around 9AM, I saw an adult Mississippi Kite soaring over the fields west of Manny's Pond heading north. Also in flight I saw a Merlin and an immature Bald Eagle. Other highlights included 1 Spotted Sandpiper on the shore of Manny's Pond, 1 male Orchard Oriole, 2 Willow Flycatchers and 1 calling Blue-winged Warbler. ____________________________________________________________ 53 Year Old Mom Looks 33 The Stunning Results of Her Wrinkle Trick Has Botox Doctors Worried http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4fb3fc136a6bf16472dast04duc How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Sandy Hook MS Kites From: Chase Schiefer <bachmans.ivory AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 14:57:19 -0400 2 Juvenile Mississippi Kites were just observed high above raccoon alley heading south. Chase Schiefer Bachmans Ivory Http://chaseschiefer.500px.com www.facebook.com/chaseschieferphotography http://www.flickr.com/photos/bachmansivory/sets/ Sent from my iPhone How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: Migration today - no From: Susan Treesh <sktreesh AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 14:41:13 -0400 Anita, I agree. It sounded like a stellar morning in Somerset around 8 am this morning, as I was doing some quick weeding before going to work. I hope someone checked Glenhurst Meadows today! Susan Treesh Somerset On 5/16/2012 10:56 AM, Anita Gould wrote: > Your birds are all up here in NE Jersey! More Central Jersey, actually; I'm > in Highland Park (Middlesex), can't speak for farther north. Maybe the > winds out of the west pushed them more towards the coast? But I stepped out > around 9:00 for my daily exercise walk around the neighborhood to the sounds > of a Common Yellowthroat and Yellow Warbler singing outside my door -- both > new arrivals. And yesterday was dead quiet here, so they're definitely > birds that came in overnight. In a few blocks of suburban shade tree > habitat I also had Blackpoll, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Northern Parula, > a Cooper's Hawk,& 1 Great Crested Flycatcher. And I thought I heard > something else, so I grabbed my binocs when I got back to the house and was > rewarded with a visual on the capper: Blackburnian Warbler. > > Add that to the reports we've already gotten in from David Bernstein& Susie > R. in Berkeley Heights& Tewksbury/Califon,& it suggests birds setting down > along the Watchung Ridge& to the east thereof. Fascinating stuff -- thanks > for posting your negative report! > > Good birding all, > -Anita > > On Wed, 16 May 2012 08:35:03 -0400, Sandra Keller > wrote: > >> I don't usually post a negative report, but am intrigued with this >> morning - Wed. - 5-16. I really thought the SW winds with storms >> hitting after midnight would put stuff down in my neck of the woods - >> SW Jersey. Well, in a nutshell, no! Nothing at work this morning in >> Barrington, nothing in my yard, and nothing from a friend in >> Cumberland County who thought the same thing and headed out >> birding. What gives? I just checked David's radar site to see if something >> else going on - upper level winds or such - but Woodcreeper was down >> this morning! I tried a couple times to get on. >> >> Seems like last Sat. was a good migrant morning. Perhaps those few >> migrants we had in Salem County were a good number for the county! >> >> Good birding all. >> >> -- >> Sandra Keller >> Barrington, NJ >> sandrakeller AT verizon.net >> >> How to report NJ bird sightings: > How to report NJ bird sightings: > > How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: New yard bird: Balt. Oriole, Mercer County From: Andrew Bobe <sloedog42 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 11:33:06 -0700 It's been a good year here as far as I'm concerned.  Just had my first ever Baltimore Oriole, a male who started singing and then found a caterpillar tent to feast from.   Andrew Bobe Hamilton, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: Migration today - no From: Anita Gould <anita AT ALUMNI.CALTECH.EDU> Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 10:56:46 -0400 Your birds are all up here in NE Jersey! More Central Jersey, actually; I'm in Highland Park (Middlesex), can't speak for farther north. Maybe the winds out of the west pushed them more towards the coast? But I stepped out around 9:00 for my daily exercise walk around the neighborhood to the sounds of a Common Yellowthroat and Yellow Warbler singing outside my door -- both new arrivals. And yesterday was dead quiet here, so they're definitely birds that came in overnight. In a few blocks of suburban shade tree habitat I also had Blackpoll, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Northern Parula, a Cooper's Hawk, & 1 Great Crested Flycatcher. And I thought I heard something else, so I grabbed my binocs when I got back to the house and was rewarded with a visual on the capper: Blackburnian Warbler. Add that to the reports we've already gotten in from David Bernstein & Susie R. in Berkeley Heights & Tewksbury/Califon, & it suggests birds setting down along the Watchung Ridge & to the east thereof. Fascinating stuff -- thanks for posting your negative report! Good birding all, -Anita On Wed, 16 May 2012 08:35:03 -0400, Sandra Keller wrote: >I don't usually post a negative report, but am intrigued with this >morning - Wed. - 5-16. I really thought the SW winds with storms >hitting after midnight would put stuff down in my neck of the woods - >SW Jersey. Well, in a nutshell, no! Nothing at work this morning in >Barrington, nothing in my yard, and nothing from a friend in >Cumberland County who thought the same thing and headed out >birding. What gives? I just checked David's radar site to see if something >else going on - upper level winds or such - but Woodcreeper was down >this morning! I tried a couple times to get on. > >Seems like last Sat. was a good migrant morning. Perhaps those few >migrants we had in Salem County were a good number for the county! > >Good birding all. > >-- >Sandra Keller >Barrington, NJ >sandrakeller AT verizon.net > >How to report NJ bird sightings: How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: orioles From: Joan and Bob <aufderhar AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 14:47:21 +0000 A male and female BO are in the area.  The female has twice come to my patio, sat on a mounted thermometer, and looked in the window, also pecked at it, singing all the time.  She also tried to get feathers and string from a bird-crash deterrent I have hung over the windows.    BTW that works very well, the anti-crash device.  I took clear fishing line and threaded white feathers at intervals, thumb-tacked them to the top and bottom of picture windows where they usually flutter enough, even on a calm day, to keep birds away from the glass.   Joan Fair Haven How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: A simpler way to let Jerseybirders see eBird lists From: Tony Leukering <greatgrayowl AT AOL.COM> Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 09:45:06 -0400 Hi all: Because it sometimes winds up taking up a lot of space, copying eBird lists into posts to Jerseybirds may bother some readers. There is an easy way to do this that allows those that wish a look at the whole list, yet won't bother those that don't want to do so. One can provide the URL of the list by copying that URL when viewing the checklist and pasting it into the Jerseybirds post. Such as: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S9402482 Sincerely, Tony Leukering Villas, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: New Arrivals From: "David S. Bernstein" <sueber100 AT AOL.COM> Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 09:36:20 -0400 Here in Berkeley Heights this morning I have seen multiple Blackpoll and Black Throated Blues, a Chestnut Sided, Redstarts and a Crested Flycatcher. Oh, and two Pewees. A nice musical accompaniment while putting the recycling out. David S. Bernstein Berkeley Heights How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: New arrival From: "susie r." <njt456 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 09:28:29 -0400 Two Veerys were singing here this morning. Also, over the weekend, the Great Crested Flycatcher arrived. Susie R. Tewksbury/Califon How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Migration today - no From: Sandra Keller <sandrakeller AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 08:35:03 -0400 I don't usually post a negative report, but am intrigued with this morning - Wed. - 5-16. I really thought the SW winds with storms hitting after midnight would put stuff down in my neck of the woods - SW Jersey. Well, in a nutshell, no! Nothing at work this morning in Barrington, nothing in my yard, and nothing from a friend in Cumberland County who thought the same thing and headed out birding. What gives? I just checked David's radar site to see if something else going on - upper level winds or such - but Woodcreeper was down this morning! I tried a couple times to get on. Seems like last Sat. was a good migrant morning. Perhaps those few migrants we had in Salem County were a good number for the county! Good birding all. -- Sandra Keller Barrington, NJ sandrakeller AT verizon.net How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Possible cerulean warbler Haddonfield From: Marty DeAngelo <martytdx AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 08:30:23 -0400 I was walking to work this morning, tracking the birds as I do every morning, including a number of Blackpoll warblers (thanks to the list for the ID). Then I heard a different song in a neighbor's yard. I'm 90% sure it was a cerulean warbler - song was a match to my guide and when I played it, I got a response that moved closer. I never saw the bird, though, and the landscapers starting up their work ended any chance I had at hearing it. It was near the corner of Windsor and Maple aves, if anyone is in the area, though I suspect it's a fallout bird on the move. Sent from my iPhone How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Guided bird/nature walks Griggstown Grassland & Negri Nepote May 20th From: Michael Gochfeld <gochfeld AT EOHSI.RUTGERS.EDU> Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 07:09:53 -0400 Chris and Paula Williams will be leading the walk this sunday to these two very interesting grassland areas. Details below. All welcome, but RSVP (see below). Franklin Township OPEN SPACE PROGRAM CONTINUES SPRING & SUMMER NATURE WALKS The Township's open space program will, for the eighth consecutive year, sponsor guided nature walks on Township open space parcels. The 2012 walks began in March and continue in the Spring and Summer. The walks will be led by two township residents, Chris and Paula Williams. They are free to the public. The walks are along easy terrain and are great for kids. Bring binoculars, if you have them, and good footwear. We ask that you kindly RSVP so that in case of a cancellation or change we are able to notify you. Questions? Contact Fran Varacalli at franklintrails AT gmail.com or at 732.690.7750. Sunday, May 20 Bird Walk at Griggstown Native Grassland Preserve Sunday, May 20 8:30am-11:00am Rain or Shine 1091 Canal Rd. Franklin Twp. GPS address: 1091 Canal Rd. Princeton, NJ 08540 Bird Walk at Negri -Nepote Native Grasssland Preserve Sunday, May 20 12:30pm-3:00pm Rain or Shine 260 Skillmans Lane Franklin Twp. How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: correction From: Michael Britt <mbritt78 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 20:08:18 -0400 4 notes to the "song" (not call) Mike Britt Bayonne How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Cape May Warbler (5/14) From: Michael Britt <mbritt78 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 20:05:26 -0400 It was singing for a good part of day from small but tall grove of spruces in a backyard near 48th St & Ave. B. Occasionally it or another bird was heard in some flowering trees across the street. Well known migrant trap Hudson County Park one block away. To answer Marty's question...yes sometimes there are only 4 notes to the call...here is a link from Cornell. In addition, Black & White Warbler sounds more like a Bay-breasted anyway. http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Cape_May_Warbler/id Mike Britt Bayonne How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: 2 quick questions From: Marty DeAngelo <martytdx AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 16:48:47 -0700 1) I have two quick questions I'm hoping the group can answer for me. 1) I keep hearing the same call repeatedly and can't seem to find the source.  It sounds like a black-and-white warbler but only for 4 notes - always 4 notes.  I went to the Audubon app and the closest thing I could find would be the B&W Warbler or possibly a Cape May warbler, though I think the latter is unlikely since I've been hearing it for a week and it's not a likely territory.   2) Has anyone heard of common grackles with yellow bill tips?  The first time I saw it, I figured it was just food on the end of the bill.  But I kept seeing it - and then I saw it quite well, very similar to the tip of a sandwich tern.  On Sunday, I saw two of them - both with distinctive yellow tips on their bills.  Is this more common than I know or am I seeing some sort of weird familial trait in this flock? Thanks in advance!   Marty DeAngelo martytdx AT yahoo.com Haddonfield, NJ http://www.flickr.com/photos/martytdx How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: swan death From: Joan and Bob <aufderhar AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 20:02:13 +0000 One of our pond swans, I think the male, has suddenly died this afternoon.  We didn't notice anything happen.  Iis it possible a large snapping turtle held it under?  Is there anyone who might want to retrieve it to test for bird flu or anything else, i.e., NJ Fish and Wildlife or ???  There is a mate swimming with 2 babies. There were three but one vanished a couple of days ago.   If anyone has any thoughts on the subjects, please let me know, on or off the board. Thanks.   Joan Fair Haven How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Negri-Nepote, 5/15 - Bobolinks From: Donna Schulman <queensgirl30 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 15:26:53 -0400 Hi Jersey Birders, The find this morning during a short walk between showers around Negri-Nepote were three Bobolinks, one male and two females, possibly more. They were perched on the large bush and the surrounding wires to the left of the house situated above the pond. This is where I also saw the E. Meadowlark and Orchard Oriole in the past couple of weeks, and where the Dickcissel was last year. The trail is carved out far from this "magic bush" and the grass around it is high, so only far looks and photos could be obtained. I didn't have time to check out the upper field. Otherwise, it was the usual--Prairie Warbler singing near the parking lot, Common Yellowthroat, Indigo Bunting, Tree, Barn, and Northern Rough-winged Swallows, E. Bluebird, Chipping, Song, Field, and Grasshopper (heard only) Sparrows, many American Goldfinches, and, sadly, Brown-headed Cowbird. *Donna L. Schulman North Brunswick, NJ queensgirl30 AT gmail.com Queensgirl Blog: http://queensgirl30.wordpress.com/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/queensgirl/ * How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Fwd: Birding and reflexive pronouns From: Tony Leukering <greatgrayowl AT AOL.COM> Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 14:10:41 -0400 Hi all: Here's a great link -- http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/myself-grammar.aspx In short, one uses pronouns with 'self' as part of the word -- termed reflexive pronouns -- only as objects of a sentence and using 'myself' only when referring to oneself in the same sentence in which "I" is the subject ('I see myself in the mirror.' But, NOT in 'He sees me in the mirror.'). Interestingly, 'myself' has a lot more letters than does 'I,' so I know that it doesn't save typing! :-) The misuse of reflexive pronouns is widespread and I don't know how it got going -- perhaps, people think that they sound cultured using it (similar to misuse of 'whom,' the object form of 'who'), but it seems particularly common in posts to birding listerves. Of course, since birding listserves account for much of my informal reading material, it may not be a case of birders being more derelict than the general populace, just the bias in my informal reading. Enjoy, Tony Leukering Villas, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Recent Sandy Hook sightings From: Scott Barnes <myiarchus16 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 10:18:05 -0700 Jerseybirders,   After an great day on the World Series of Birding Saturday, birding remains excellent at Sandy Hook.  On Mother's Day (May 13) there were 24 species of warblers noted, including 4 Mourning Warblers around the locust grove & raccoon alley areas.  An adult male Summer Tanager lingered around north pond through May 13.  The Sandy Hook Migration Watch recorded 3 Mississippi Kites May 13.  A Yellow-breasted Chat continues to sing daily from the scrub/shrub south of Battery Potter.  Two Alder Flycatchers were singing at the hook May 14 and a couple of Black-billed Cuckoos were noted that day also.  A Yellow-crowned Night Heron was a fly-by at Plum Island May 14.  Thanks to Tom Boyle and Joe Dolan for reporting.   New Jersey Audubon has several upcoming field trips scheduled at Sandy Hook, including our weekly "Half Day Friday" trip May 18 (meets at 8:30 am Guardian Park) and an all-day birding field trip May 19.  Pete Bacinski will be doing a Spring Shorebird Mini-Workshop at the hook on the afternoon of May 19.  You can see our full trip schedule at the NJ Audubon website. http://www.njaudubon.org/SectionCenters/SectionSHBO/CalendarofEvents.aspx   Good Birding,   Scott Barnes Bird Programs Director New Jersey Audubon www.njaudubon.org How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Addendum to DVOC Meeting Notice From: Philip Witmer <Philip.Witmer AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 19:43:57 -0400 In addition to our main speaker, our brand new team, the DVOC Loons, will report on their 4th place finish in the World Series of Birding with a very impressive 192 species identified. Join us in celebrating their success. Regards, Phil Witmer Delaware Valley Ornithological Club Vice President philip.witmer AT verizon.net How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Common Nighthawks- Baldpate Mountain From: David Tattoni <davebirder AT LIVE.COM> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 16:18:31 -0400 At least three common nighthawks were hunting above baldpate mountain and were easily seen on Saturday May 12th in the evening. From, David T How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Nighthawk- Berkeley Heights From: David Bernstein <sueber100 AT AOL.COM> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 16:02:08 -0400 Always a pleasure to see a Nighthawk. Just had one flying low through our yard. Good birding. David S. Bernstein Berkeley Heights Sent from my iPad How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Curlew Sanpiper - Forsythe NWR - Sunday, May 13 From: Tom Bailey <ammodramus AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 19:49:13 +0000 Yesterday, Sunday, May 13, there was a Curlew Sandpiper in the west pool at Forsythe (Brigantine) NWR. It was feeding with a small group of Dunlin and SB Dowitchers in the very southwest corner of the pool fairly close to road. Other species noted - AT 70 Whimbrel 6 White-rumped Sandpiper 9 Blue-winged Teal 2 Caspian Tern 1 Yellow-br. Chat - singing at the beginning of Leed's Eco Trail. Tom Tom Bailey Tabernacle, NJ ammodramus AT comcast.net How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Caven Point (evening 5/13) From: Michael Britt <mbritt78 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 15:44:19 -0400 Liberty State Park, Hudson, US-NJ May 13, 2012 6:55 PM - 8:25 PM Protocol: Traveling 1.0 mile(s) 46 species Brant 250 Gadwall 8 Female flushed from nest in Little Bluestem field; three hatched eggs, young must have been hiding. American Black Duck 2 Mallard 3 Horned Grebe 1 alternate-plumaged bird still present in cove Double-crested Cormorant 1 Great Egret 1 Green Heron 1 Black-crowned Night-Heron 1 Yellow-crowned Night-Heron 1 Clapper Rail 2 both heard and observed Virginia Rail 1 calling from freshwater marsh at dusk; kid-ic song Semipalmated Plover 30 Killdeer 1 Spotted Sandpiper 30 never saw so many before; all over beach and flats Semipalmated Sandpiper 1 There were more peeps on flats but they were not close enough to identify in bins. One Semipalm was. Least Sandpiper 10 American Woodcock 3 three calling; one of which was observed Ring-billed Gull 12 Herring Gull 15 Great Black-backed Gull 3 Common Tern 1 Black Skimmer 10 Rock Pigeon 1 Mourning Dove 1 Belted Kingfisher 1 Tree Swallow 15 Barn Swallow 15 House Wren 1 Marsh Wren 1 singing American Robin 1 Gray Catbird 3 Brown Thrasher 2 European Starling 2 Common Yellowthroat 2 Yellow Warbler 5 Yellow-rumped Warbler 1 Savannah Sparrow 5 Song Sparrow 5 Lincoln's Sparrow 1 Bobolink 1 heard overhead at dusk Red-winged Blackbird 10 Boat-tailed Grackle 8 Orchard Oriole 1 Baltimore Oriole 3; nesting in large Cottonwood House Sparrow 2 In addition, a Barn Owl flew out of a nearby nest site (in Jersey City) at 8:40PM and Nighthawk was calling here. A few minutes later, I observed a Nighthawk coursing low over the fields at the Ocean Terminal. Mike Britt Bayonne How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Curlew Sandpiper, Cumberland County From: Samuel Galick <sam.galick AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 15:11:37 -0400 Simon Lane reports a nearly basic Curlew Sandpiper at the main impoundment of Heislerville along Matt's Landing Road. A male Wilson's Phalarope was found there this morning and remained there through the afternoon. Good birding, Sam -- Sam Galick Cape May, NJ sam.galick AT gmail.com http://www.flickr.com/photos/sgalick/ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Edwin Scholes III to speak at DVOC this Thursday From: Philip Witmer <philip.witmer AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 15:01:53 -0400 The next meeting of the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club (DVOC) is this Thursday, May 17th, at 7:30 PM at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia, PA. Details at www.dvoc.org . Everyone is invited to attend. Visitors are always welcome. Featured speaker: Edwin Scholes III - The Birds-of-Paradise Project: Revealing an Avian Wonder of the World. For the better part of a decade, ornithologist Ed Scholes and wildlife photographer Tim Laman have traveled over the entire New Guinea region to observe, study and document the 39 species of birds-of-paradise with photographs, video and audio recordings. Join Ed Scholes of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology as he gives a sneak peek into the conclusion of this multi-year effort that will be the subject of a forthcoming book, museum exhibit and documentary film in late 2012. Regards, Phil Witmer Delaware Valley Ornithological Club Vice President philip.witmer AT verizon.net How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Swarovski/Kowa Spotting Scope From: Robert DeCandido <rdcny AT EARTHLINK.NET> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 13:30:47 -0400 Does anyone have a fine shape spotting scope made by Swarovski, Kowa, Nikon or Zeiss - and wants to sell? I ask because my colleagues in Nepal are in desperate need of one for a long-term migration study of Steppe Eagles and other raptors in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains - see photos here: http://photo.net/photodb/folder?folder_id=1021128 double-clicking on most of the photos will enlarge them significantly. This watch site gets the greatest number of Steppe Eagles in the world - as well as up to 6 species of globally endangered vultures such as Red-headed Vulture, White-rumped - and others including Lammergeier and Black (Cinereous) Vulture. Nepal is also one of the poorest nations on earth. Anyway, we have raised modest funds to purchase a spotting scope - we need the 80mm version or larger. We also need a zoom eyepiece in the (approx) 20-60x range. My colleagues will use your scope to age Steppe Eagles (first-year, 2nd, etc.) - so they need to see distant details. The scope will be used in rough terrain (and conditions) for the next several years - that is why we are seeking high quality optics. Send me an email with what you have and what your best sell price would be. Your scope would do wonders for science and scientists, the conservation of Asian raptors, and our knowledge of raptor migration on the Indian subcontinent. Robert DeCandido PhD NYC How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Glassboro Woods - warblers singing From: Sandra Keller <sandrakeller AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 13:24:29 -0400 The DVOC trip here this morning started exceedingly slowly.... but ended with a bang! We couldn't figure out why hardly anything was singing this morning given the weather. The first 2 hours were quiet to say the least! WORM-EATING and HOODED WARBLERS were the exception - everywhere. But the last hour for some reason - birds started singing again??? KENTUCKY WARBLER, PROTHONOTARY, BLUE-WINGED, SCARLET TANAGER, etc. Nice looks at BLUE-WINGED, KENTUCKY, and WORM-EATING. Louisiana Waterthrush was not counted today. They have gotten quiet. Any thoughts on why so quiet from 8 to 10AM???? Butterfly notes - they emerged when the sun started to come out around 11:00 I think it was. Little Wood-Satyr and Spicebush Swallowtails being the most abundant. Good birding all. Check the DVOCweb site for a trip report in a few days. -- Sandra Keller Barrington, NJ sandrakeller AT verizon.net How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Photo Study Of Birds At Barnegat And Brig Yesterday, 5/13/12 From: "Howard B. Eskin" <hbeskin AT VOICENET.COM> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 12:22:04 -0400 *The were not many birds at the Barnegat Lighthouse jetty yesterday. I got there at low tide so perhaps they were all feeding elsewhere. However, Brig was another story, there were thousands of shorebirds out in the middle of the big ponds. But still there were enough birds near the dikes to permit me to get lots of photos. In fact, there were even three different species of Egrets as you will see in the Photo Study with a species seen list at the following link:** http://www.howardsview.com/BarnegatBrigMay13-12/BarnegatBrigMay13_12.html Regards, Howard* * Howard B. Eskin, Ph.D., P.E. Harleysville (Montgomery), PA* How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: WSB Results: Middlesex Merlins From: Patrick Belardo <pbelardo AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 07:41:40 -0700 The Middlesex Merlins competed in the LGA category covering only Middlesex County. The team consisted of me, John Beetham, Anthony Laquidara, and Tom Ostrand. We had 127 species (70% of par) and it was a beautiful day. We were a bit at the mercy of the tides in terms of wanting to be at the shore near low tide (8:30 AM) so our morning song birding was shorter than desired. For our first time doing this, we were thrilled with the results and had a blast. Some of the highlights were: Raritan Center at night: Virginia Rail, American Woodcock Rutgers Gardens/Helyar Woods: 14 species of warbler, White-crowned Sparrow, Wood Duck Morgan Mudflats: Skimmers, Red-shouldered Hawk, Common and Forster's Terns, Dunlin, RB Merganser, Common Loon - we were hoping for more Laurence Harbor: Greater Scaup Waterworks Pond (South Amboy): Glossy Ibis, Bald Eagle Kin-Buc Landill (private): 2 Grasshopper Sparrows, Bobolink Johnson Park: Cliff Swallows Giamarese Farm: Purple Martin, Eastern Bluebird Cheesequake Creek: Seaside Sparrow, Clapper Rail   Patrick Belardo pbelardo-at-yahoo Piscataway, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Upcoming Bergen County Audubon (BCAS) Meeting From: Beth Goldberg <goldbug310 AT AOL.COM> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 07:19:57 -0400 Join BCAS on Weds, May 16 as we present a program on "Native Plants in the Home Landscape". The program will include discussion on how to introduce native plants to your backyard, why it is important to use native plants at home, what native plants are best for birds and butterflies, and why the future of much of the wildlife in New Jersey may depend on native plants in the backyard. Also, get an update on the new Teaneck Creek Conservancy Butterfly Garden being established by BCAS with assistance from many others. All programs are free and open to the public. Programs are held at Teaneck Creek Conservancy, 20 Puffin Way, Teaneck. Meeting begins at 8 PM. Refreshments available prior to meeting. Beth Goldberg Fair Lawn Join BCAS on Weds, May 16 as we present a program on "Native Plants in the Home Landscape". The program will include discussion on how to introduce native plants to your backyard, why it is important to use native plants at home, what native plants are best for birds and butterflies, and why the future of much of the wildlife in New Jersey may depend on native plants in the backyard. Also, get an update on the new Teaneck Creek Conservancy Butterfly Garden being established by BCAS with assistance from many others. All programs are free and open to the public. Programs are held at Teaneck Creek Conservancy, 20 Puffin Way, Teaneck. Meeting begins at 8 PM. Refreshments available prior to meeting. Beth Goldberg Fair Lawn How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Birding Applications for iPhone From: Edna & Ray Duffy <marshwren AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 00:11:29 +0000 Just wanted everyone to know, if they do not already own them, that the iBird and Audubon Guides birding apps are on sale for 99 cents. We downloaded the Audubon application recently and it is wonderful. In addition to being a great birding guide, it is linked to eBird so you can access recent sightings, get directions to birding locations and it has a quiz. To keep this message bird related, I will mention that chimney swifts are circling and chirping overhead. Edna Duffy Secaucus, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Salem County WSB run - musings From: Sandra Keller <sandrakeller AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Sun, 13 May 2012 17:16:55 -0400 Hello, 112 species. I was hoping for 120 so not bad! Start time 5:30AM - I had to go into work for a bit. Mannington Marsh - I wish we could have gotten there 30 minutes earlier as by 5:30 the Red-wingeds and Common Grackles were already exceedingly noisy - and we couldn't pick up on any Virginia Rail or Least Bittern. The Moorhens called though. Everything else expected. I know Blue-winged Teal is around, but do they call at dawn? How to get them next time..... Green Heron was missed. I had one in flight for a few seconds, but it didn't call - and my teammates had other sectors of the sky to scan! They never got on it. We probably spent 2 1/2 hours around Mannington - the whole area - during our three different visits. And no Forter's Tern..... Scary. We picked up a few at Fort Mott - they fly down the river later in the afternoon to hit roosting spots. Phew. Featherbed Lane held all the grassland birds I expected. Savannah Sparrow is probably there - I think - we didn't have that for the day. 2 runs through Featherbed Lane and no Kestrel - that's why knowing a box location is important! Big miss - Cooper's Hawk. We didn't have a nest location, but they have become so common now that I was expected one. Yea right! No Belted Kingfisher - but that's a normal miss! Parvin State Park was good - 2 Kentucky's, but the Acadian I had earlier in the week didn't call and I had no backup location.... Etc. A small number of migrants were scattered around the county, I don't even know if a good migrant morning - I'll check the listserves Tues. when I have caught up with stuff! The best migrant spot was unexpected, but logical. Pine Island at the end of Mad Horse Creek. An oasis for tired birds - there's not much else around there but salt marsh! No Willet, but we did pick up Boat-tailed Grackle. Anyway - 1 Veery, 2 Parulas, 1 Canada, 2 Redstarts, and a couple birds we couldn't get on in that Pine Island area. Neat. We spent 15 minutes just with the migrants. We hit areas for one or 2 species and basically succeeded. I won't mention all. I decided against the DOD Ponds and a possibility of Spotted Sandpiper and decided on a friend's porch and waiting for a Belted Kingfisher. We didn't see, but sure needed that break! Etc. Etc. Even on a county run, energy levels plummet... 7 shorebird species was not good, but except for Mannington and Mad Horse Creek, I know of no spots for shorebirds! I'll have to rectify that for next year! We ended at Fort Mott where I have done heron and egret surveys in the past. All was the same! Little Blue Herons, Cattle Egrets, etc, all flying to Pea Patch Island. We decided not to wait another 30 minutes for Black-crowned Night-Heron and maybe Yellow-crowned and started walking out. A Flicker called at the parking lot. Our last bird of the run! No GHOs as we drove back to the super wawa! We had Hairy Woodpecker, but almost missed Flicker. Wow. WSB! Butterfly notes - lots of Least Skippers at Supawna Meadows. Good birding all! I look forward to reading others' accounts of their runs! -- Sandra Keller Barrington, NJ sandrakeller AT verizon.net How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Highpoint and Stokes on Mom's Day... From: Deb McKay Kuhl <n2ttp AT EMBARQMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 13 May 2012 16:26:51 -0400 what an amazing birding day today was... I did not go to DeKorte.. That was the original plan... Early it looked overcast.. when the sun finally came up, it was pretty good light.. so instead of traveling 40 miles to the south and the east, I went to the north and the west. Over Sawmill Lake Road (part of High Point State Park... eventually into Stokes) Good Choice! It was a symphonic range of sound.. using the Prius as a blind, and a quiet one at that (electric motor kicked in) I traversed that road at the warp speed of 2-4 mph. Both windows rolled down.. WHAT SOUNDS! I saw and heard a plethora of species many of which I was unfamiliar with (in terms of calls) so, here is the partial list thus far (more research will ensue) American Redstart Hooded Warbler Black and White Warbler Yellow Warbler Swainson's Warbler (I think.... confirmation to follow after downloading photos) Common Crow Fish Crow Turkey Vulture Black Vulture Red Tailed Hawk Immature Bald Eagle Eastern Peewee European Starling Red Winged Blackbird Common Grackle Catbird (his mimicking call sure fooled me for a bit till I saw him) American Robin Northern Cardinal American Goldfinch Scarlet Tanager (have not seen one of them since the 1960s!!!!!) Canada Geese Mallard Duck Great Blue Heron Belted Kingfisher English House Sparrow Brown Headed Cowbird Tree Swallows Barn Swallows Mourning Dove Rock Pigeon non bird stuff: Baby fish of unknown variety in Sawmill pond Sunfish Pond Turtles sunning themselves White Tailed Deer Red Fox (two of them!!!) Chip monks Gray Squirrel Homo Sapiens (LOL) A Well Behaved Golden Retriever Heard: An unidentified symphony... Pileated woodpecker, drumming and calling Northern Flicker Many calls, chips and churps and songs that I just don't know.. (need a recording.. yeah, been to Cornell Ornithology Lab website.. still dunno what I heard today, but do know it was a symphony..) I am convinced bird songs birthed music.. nuff said.. OK did not make it to DeKorte, but was blessed by the goddess of birds today for sure... Happy Birding Deb McKay-Kuhl Vernon, NJ ps what a day! How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Fwd: Summer Tanager at Garret From: Bill Elrick <belrick AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 13 May 2012 16:24:17 -0400 Hope Mary does not mind me forwarding this to the list. *Bill Elrick* *Wyckoff, NJ* *07481 * *www.NYNJBirdingGuide.com * Get a signature like this. CLICK HERE. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: MARY DELIA Date: Sun, May 13, 2012 at 3:26 PM Subject: Summer Tanager at Garret To: belrick AT gmail.com Hi, Bill. I wanted to let you know that there was a Summer Tanager in the woods off the picnic/parking area just before the overlook at Garret today, May 12. If you take the first entrance into the park off Rifle Camp Rd and park at the last lot just before the overlook (this is also where the loop out begins), and then walk to the left/south into the woods, that's where it was. It was on a path sort of east of the big boulder, that had a lot of young/small trees. Mary How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: FW: eBird Report - Liberty State Park, May 12, 2012 From: Michael Britt <mbritt78 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 13 May 2012 12:39:06 -0400 > Date: Sun, 13 May 2012 12:36:44 -0400 > From: do-not-reply AT ebird.org > To: mbritt78 AT hotmail.com > Subject: eBird Report - Liberty State Park, May 12, 2012 > > Liberty State Park, Hudson, US-NJ > May 12, 2012 6:05 AM - 8:45 AM > Protocol: Traveling > 1.0 mile(s) > 63 species (+1 other taxa) > > Brant 100 > Canada Goose 12 one hen had 6 chicks in tow > Gadwall 10 > American Black Duck 10 hen w/ 3 chicks > Mallard 6 > Bufflehead 3 > Horned Grebe 1 beautiful alternate plumage in Caven Cove > Double-crested Cormorant 12 > Great Blue Heron 1 > Great Egret 3 > Snowy Egret 1 > Black-crowned Night-Heron 1 > Black-bellied Plover 1 > Semipalmated Plover 40 > Killdeer 1 > Spotted Sandpiper 5 > Greater Yellowlegs 1 > Least Sandpiper 30 > Ring-billed Gull 10 > Herring Gull 20 > Great Black-backed Gull 2 on/near the nest > Common Tern 20 > Black Skimmer 3 > Rock Pigeon 10 > Mourning Dove 2 > Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 > Downy Woodpecker 1 > Northern Flicker 1 > White-eyed Vireo 1 > Warbling Vireo 2 > Fish Crow 1 > crow sp. 2 > Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2 > Tree Swallow 8 > Barn Swallow 2 > Marsh Wren 3 > American Robin 10 > Gray Catbird 8 > Northern Mockingbird 3 > European Starling 10 > Ovenbird 5 > Northern Waterthrush 4 > Black-and-white Warbler 1 > Common Yellowthroat 12 > American Redstart 6 > Northern Parula 3 > Magnolia Warbler 3 > Yellow Warbler 15 > Blackpoll Warbler 2 > Black-throated Blue Warbler 4 > Yellow-rumped Warbler 1 > Canada Warbler 2 > Song Sparrow 6 > Swamp Sparrow 5 > White-throated Sparrow 2 > Scarlet Tanager 1 > Northern Cardinal 1 > Red-winged Blackbird 12 > Common Grackle 2 > Boat-tailed Grackle 6 > Brown-headed Cowbird 2 > Orchard Oriole 4 > Baltimore Oriole 6 nest observed in large Cottonwood; typical annual occurrence. > House Sparrow 12 > > This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org) How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Barn Owl From: Michael Britt <mbritt78 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 13 May 2012 12:33:57 -0400 A Barn Owl was hunting the fenced field that is sandwiched between Pulaski Street and Port Jersey Blvd. at the base of the Turnpike ramp at Global Terminal at 3:15AM today. The most interesting aspect was the fact that there is very little vegetation in the field (its mostly rock) but it is definitely an expanse that a rodent would be very exposed while moving across... Mike Britt Bayonne How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: World Series of Birding Winners From: Marleen Murgitroyde <marleen.murgitroyde AT NJAUDUBON.ORG> Date: Sun, 13 May 2012 02:08:22 -0400 Congratulations to everyone; you are all winners. Full results are available online at www.worldseriesofbirding.org *NJ Audubon - 29th Annual World Series of Birding Official Team Standings - May 12, 2012* *TEAM CATEGORY* *TOTAL* Team Zeiss sponsored by *Carl Zeiss Optics* - *Winner* *1st Place** Urner-Stone Award* *207* Wicked Witchities - *Winner* *2nd Place** Stearns Award* *204* Diving Dabblers Waterman Bird Club - *Winner* *3rd Place Stone Award* *193* DVOC Loons 192 Fly or Die 185 UMLY B. B. Kingfishers - *Winner * *Youth Challenge Div C* *173* Zen Zugunruhe - *Winner * *Cape May County Award* *173* Hudson Mohawk Meadowlarks 171 Cornell Redheads sponsored by *Cornell Lab of Ornithology* Cape May County 168 Broome Creepers 166 Anti-Petrels sponsored by *Cornell Lab of Ornithology * - *Winner* *Carbon Footprint Challenge* *164 *(100 mi. bike) Loons with Binoculars - *Winner* *Youth Challenge Div B* *160* YMOS Star Spangled Birders Youth Challenge Div B 156 1000birds.com 155 Monarchists - *Winner* *Cape** Island** Award* *155* Roadrunners Cape May County 152 Hard Day’s Knights (of Birding) Cape May County 151 CU Fish Hawks LGA Cumberland County - 77% 150 The NBNC Chocolate-headed Cowbirds (with sprinkles) Cape May County 148 Biggest Day 147 CMBO Cape May Center Run Cape May County 146 Highlands Hawks LGA Sussex County - 80% 145 Sandy Hook Century Run LGA Monmouth -76% 145 Philly Bird Nerds Cape May County 143 Princeton Warblers Youth Challenge Div B 142 Meadowlands Marsh Hawks - *Winner* *LGA Award (Bergen 83%)* *139* Krazy Kranes Youth Challenge Div B 138 Spaerosmith Cape May County 138 Birds & Beans Buntings LGA Cumberland County - 70% 136 UMLY Duck Duck Duck Duck Duck Brant! Youth Challenge Div B 135 Wandering Tattlers NJ Audubon BOD 135 Wetlands Institute Marshketeers Cape May County 135 NYSYBC Razorbills Youth Challenge Div C 133 NYSYBC Vagrants Youth Challenge Div B 133 Uncommon Nighthawks 132 All Things Birds Ocean Wanderers LGA Ocean County - 69% 131 YMOS Thundering Thrashers Youth Challenge Div B 131 BCDC Cape Island Coyotes Cape Island 130 Greenkill GNATcatchers LGA Cumberland County - 67% 129 Hackensack RiverCreepers sponsored by *ShopRite* Watershed Mgt Area 5 129 Not Too Swifts LGA Cumberland County - 67% 129 Limping Limpkins - *Winner* *Senior Challenge* *128* Oyster Creek Oystercrackers sponsored by *Exelon* LGA Ocean County - 67% 128 Middlesex Merlins LGA Middlesex 127 Rancocas Conservancy Brown Creekers LGA Burlington County - 71% 127 Merrill Creek Mountaineers LGA Warren County - 73% 123 Eaglets - *Winner* *Youth Challenge - Div A* *122* Seaside Sparrows Cape Island 116 The Brit Pack (8 miles on foot) Cape Island / Carbon Footprint 115 North Branch Noddies Youth Challenge Div B 111 Rancocas Ravaging Red-tailed Hawks LGA Salem County - 61% 111 Plainsboro Parulas 108 Raccoon Ridge Raptors Carbon Footprint Challenge 100 Rock Pigeon, Paper, Scissors LGA Passaic - 66% 100 One Good Tern Ocean City only 94 ORIGINS Nighthawks sponsored by *Estee Lauder Companies* LGA Salem County - 51% 93 Scherman-Hoffman Great Swamp Century Run 83 Hudson Farm Pheasant Farmers sponsored by *Hudson Farm Club* 82 U. S. Silica SANDerlings sponsored by *U. S. Silica* US Silica Sand Mine Properties 81 Sitting Ducks - *Winner* *Big Stay Award* *80* Brick City Nighthawks sponsored by *Friends of CMBO* Youth Challenge Div C 77 Scherman-Hoffman Deck-cissels Big Stay 77 William Byrd(ers) Cape Island 57 2012 Cumulative Total - 260 Marleen Murgitroyde New Jersey Audubon Cape May Bird Observatory *www.BirdCapeMay.org * *www.WorldSeriesofBirding.org* *www.NJAudubon.org * *Making New Jersey a Better Place for People and Wildlife since 1897* How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Sandy Hook Century Run (WSB)--new record set May 12 From: Scott Barnes <myiarchus16 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 12 May 2012 21:18:25 -0700 Jerseybirders,   New Jersey Audubon's All Things Birds-Sandy Hook Century Run set a new record today, recording 145 species on Sandy Hook between 5:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Thanks very much to all who participated and pledged this event as part of the World Series of Birding; and to NJ Audubon Associate Naturalists Linda Mack and Carole Hughes for co-leading.   We had a great couple of hours around the locust grove/bowl area in the early morning, with many warblers showing well, including multiple Blackburnian and Wilson's Warblers, a "Western" Palm Warbler (the expected subspecies here in mid-to-late May), and the first Cape May Warbler of the day. All told, I estimate that there were 18-20 Cape May Warblers present on the hook today, probably a modern high count. Two SUMMER TANAGERS were lurking around the Migration Watch--one adult male and one female and one of the day's Lincoln's Sparrows posed on an exposed perch.   Some needed rest and refueling (food) at Spermaceti Cove was highlighted by a MARBLED GODWIT picked out by Linda Mack. We continued to find new birds in the afternoon, including Red-shouldered Hawk and a Gray-cheeked Thrush in the Virginia pine stand near the garden.   Our evening birding around north pond found us working a large mixed-species flock of swallows that contained at least one Northern Rough-winged Swallow, several Bank Swallows, and a lone Cliff Swallow; also overhead were migrating flocks of Common Nighthawks totaling 25 individuals. At dusk, we heard American Woodcocks, a CHUCK-WILLS-WIDOW at G-lot, and closed out a very long and incredibly birdy day with a singing YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT in the dark south of north beach pavilion.   All told, we found 21 species of warblers, 5 species of vireos, 6 species of swallows, and a few unexpected bonus birds that made for a very enjoyable century run. The cumulative list for the hook was 152 species; other noteworthy birds not seen by our group included Least Bittern, Black-billed Cuckoo, Mourning Warbler, and Hooded Warbler.  Full All Things Birds--Sandy Hook Century Run eBird list below.   Good Birding, Scott Barnes Bird Program Director New Jersey Audubon www.njaudubon.org       Sandy Hook, Monmouth, US-NJ May 12, 2012 5:30 AM - 9:30 PM Comments:    All Things Birds Sandy Hook Century Run with Linda Mack & Carole Hughes co-leading.  Numbers are a mix of estimates and actual counts.  Covering Plum Island, Locust Grove/North Pond area, Raccoon Alley/Scout Camp, Spermaceti Cove, The Garden/Officer's Club, Motar Battery, Tennis Court Field, K-lot, North Pond (again), G-lot, and I-lot. 145 species Brant  200 Canada Goose  10 Mute Swan  1 Wood Duck  4 American Black Duck  6 Mallard  X Blue-winged Teal  2    m/f continue at salt pond Long-tailed Duck  2    two continuing males; one in Spermaceti, another off Officer's Row Red-breasted Merganser  5 Ruddy Duck  1 Double-crested Cormorant  60 Great Blue Heron  12 Great Egret  10 Snowy Egret  8 Green Heron  5 Black-crowned Night-Heron  8 Glossy Ibis  10 Black Vulture  2 Turkey Vulture  20 Osprey  14 Northern Harrier  1    female Cooper's Hawk  1 Red-shouldered Hawk  1 Broad-winged Hawk  2 Red-tailed Hawk  2 Merlin  1 Clapper Rail  3 Black-bellied Plover  2 Piping Plover  9 Killdeer  10 American Oystercatcher  10 Spotted Sandpiper  3 Solitary Sandpiper  6 Greater Yellowlegs  10 Willet  6 Lesser Yellowlegs  5 Marbled Godwit  1    Spermaceti Cove sandbar; found by Linda Mack Ruddy Turnstone  1 Semipalmated Sandpiper  6 Least Sandpiper  1 Dunlin  1 Short-billed Dowitcher  2 American Woodcock  1 Bonaparte's Gull  1 Laughing Gull  X Ring-billed Gull  X Herring Gull  X Great Black-backed Gull  X Least Tern  16 Common Tern  150 Black Skimmer  4 Rock Pigeon  X Mourning Dove  X Yellow-billed Cuckoo  1 Common Nighthawk  25    actual count Chuck-will's-widow  1    calling from south end of G-lot Chimney Swift  40 Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2 Belted Kingfisher  1 Red-bellied Woodpecker  3 Northern Flicker  1 Eastern Wood-Pewee  1 Willow Flycatcher  1 Least Flycatcher  3 Eastern Phoebe  1 Great Crested Flycatcher  10 Eastern Kingbird  30 White-eyed Vireo  6 Yellow-throated Vireo  2 Blue-headed Vireo  2 Warbling Vireo  2 Red-eyed Vireo  12 Blue Jay  150 American Crow  5 Fish Crow  10 Northern Rough-winged Swallow  2 Purple Martin  1 Tree Swallow  40 Bank Swallow  15 Barn Swallow  50 Cliff Swallow  1 Black-capped Chickadee  1 Carolina Wren  1 House Wren  10 Marsh Wren  2 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  3 Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1 Eastern Bluebird  1 Veery  12 Gray-cheeked Thrush  1 Swainson's Thrush  6 Hermit Thrush  1 Wood Thrush  6 American Robin  X Gray Catbird  X Northern Mockingbird  8 Brown Thrasher  6 European Starling  X Cedar Waxwing  24 Ovenbird  6 Northern Waterthrush  5 Black-and-white Warbler  12 Nashville Warbler  1 Common Yellowthroat  30 American Redstart  15 Cape May Warbler  6    actual count Northern Parula  30 Magnolia Warbler  15    estimate Blackburnian Warbler  5 Yellow Warbler  10 Chestnut-sided Warbler  6 Blackpoll Warbler  10 Black-throated Blue Warbler  15 Palm Warbler (Western)  1 Yellow-rumped Warbler  10 Prairie Warbler  3 Black-throated Green Warbler  20    estimate Canada Warbler  8    actual count Wilson's Warbler  10    actual count Yellow-breasted Chat  1 Eastern Towhee  X Chipping Sparrow  6 Field Sparrow  6 Savannah Sparrow  3 Seaside Sparrow  1 Song Sparrow  X Lincoln's Sparrow  2 Swamp Sparrow  2 White-throated Sparrow  12 White-crowned Sparrow  1 Summer Tanager  2    both around locust grove/hawk watch area; one female and one adult male Scarlet Tanager  12 Northern Cardinal  X Rose-breasted Grosbeak  8 Indigo Bunting  4 Bobolink  1 Red-winged Blackbird  X Common Grackle  X Boat-tailed Grackle  8 Brown-headed Cowbird  10 Orchard Oriole  2 Baltimore Oriole  12 House Finch  X American Goldfinch  6 House Sparrow  4 This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org) How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: Atlantic City Airport Grassland Question From: NJChickadeee <njchickadeee AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sat, 12 May 2012 22:50:15 -0400 Since some of you might have the same question as David, I thought I would provide the answer to all. Unfortunately, birders are not allowed on the grasslands at Atlantic City Airport. Anne Harlan Egg Harbor Township, NJ -----Original Message----- From: David Tattoni Sent: Friday, May 11, 2012 11:07 AM To: JerseyBirds AT Princeton.EDU Subject: [JerseyBirds] Atlantic City Airport Grassland Question Are birders allowed to bird at the atlantic city airport grasslands? If so, where do you park and do you need to go through any security? Thanks, David Tattoni How to report NJ bird sightings: How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Unofficial World Series of Birding count results for Island Beach and Toms River 5-12-12 From: Shawn Wainwright <shawneagleeyes1 AT AOL.COM> Date: Sat, 12 May 2012 22:06:05 -0400 What an awesome day my team and i had today! I wanted to beat last year's number of 104 species all together, 82 species for Island Beach, and 13 species of Warblers. And we did! This year we saw a total of 107 species, 87 species at Island Beach, and 15 species of Warblers! We started at Silver Ridge at 4am, then Island Beach State Park at 5am and left around 1pm. We hit Shelter Cove, Cattus Island, Ocean County Park Offices, Silver Ridge, and my yard. Finished at 4:30pm. Here's the list: At Island Beach State Park: 87 species Red-throated Loon - 1 Common Loon - 4 Northern Gannet - 4 Double-crested Comorant - 102 Great Blue Heron - 10 Great Egret - 8 Snowy Egret - 4 Little Blue Heron - 4 Black-crowned Night Heron - 1 Yellow-crowned Night Heron - 1 Glossy Ibis - 74 Canada Goose - 5 Brant - 6 American Black Duck - 2 Mallard - 1 Long-tailed Duck - 1 Red-breasted Merganser - 1 Osprey - 25 Red-tailed Hawk - 1 Clapper Rail - 1 Black-bellied Plover - 14 Semipalmated Plover - 1 American Oystercatcher - 2 Greater Yellowlegs - 6 Lesser Yellowlegs - 1 Willet - 12 Spotted Sandpiper - 5 Sanderling - 4 Least Sandpiper - 46 Dunlin - 22 Short-billed Dowitcher - 9 Laughing Gull - 39 Herring Gull - 45 Great Black-backed Gull - 44 Forster's Tern - 12 Mourning Dove - 4 Chuck-will's Widow - 2 Ruby-throated Hummingbird - 1 Belted Kingfisher - 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker - 1 Great Crested Flycatcher - 3 Eastern Kingbird - 12 White-eyed Vireo - 4 Blue-headed Vireo - 1 Blue Jay - 2 American Crow - 1 Fish Crow - 38 Tree Swallow - 4 Barn Swallow - 22 Carolina Chickadee - 2 Tufted Titmouse - 1 Carolina Wren - 1 American Robin - 2 Gray Catbird - 44 Northern Mockingbird - 14 Brown Thrasher - 4 European Starling - 2 Cedar Waxwing - 124 Northern Parula - 14 Yellow Warbler - 39 Chestnut-sided Warbler - 2 Magnolia Warbler - 21 Black-throated Blue Warbler - 6 Yellow-rumped Warbler - 15 Black-throated Green Warbler - 13 Blackpoll Warbler - 6 Black-and-white Warbler - 6 American Redstart - 3 Ovenbird - 5 Common Yellowthroat - 52 Scarlet Tanager - 3 Eastern Towhee - 35 Song Sparrow - 7 White-throated Sparrow - 2 Northern Cardinal - 2 Rose-breasted Grosbeak - 1 Indigo Bunting - 2 Bobolink - 1 Red-winged Blackbird - 24 Common Grackle - 6 Boat-tailed Grackle - 14 Brown-headed Cowbird - 1 Baltimore Oriole - 2 House Finch - 1 American Goldfinch - 1 At Shelter Cove: 24 species Great Egret - 1 Snowy Egret - 4 Little Blue Heron - 1 Glossy Ibis - 2 Turkey Vulture - 1 Canada Goose - 33 Mute Swan - 3 Mallard - 2 Osprey - 1 Bald Eagle - 2 Killdeer - 2 Greater Yellowlegs - 1 Laughing Gull - 3 Rock Dove - 2 Eastern Kingbird - 2 Northern Rough-winged Swallow - 1 Barn Swallow - 6 Carolina Wren - 1 Gray Catbird - 3 Brown Thrasher - 1 European Starling - 6 Yellow Warbler - 2 Common Yellowthroat - 2 Common Grackle - 4 House Sparow - 4 At Cattus Island: 39 species Great Egret - 3 Snowy Egret - 1 Tricolored Heron - 1 Glossy Ibis - 74 Turkey Vulture - 1 Osprey - 6 Mourning Dove - 2 Ruby-throated Hummingbird - 2 Great Crested Flycatcher - 1 Eastern Kingbird - 2 Red-eyed Vireo - 1 Northern Rough-winged Swallow - 1 Barn Swallow - 2 Carolina Chickadee - 4 Tufted Titmouse - 1 White-breasted Nuthatch - 1 Marsh Wren - 1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - 1 Gray Catbird - 12 Northern Parula - 2 Yellow Warbler - 2 Magnolia Warbler - 1 Black-throated Blue Warbler - 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler - 4 Black-throated Green Warbler - 1 Pine Warbler - 7 Prairie Warbler - 2 Bay-breasted Warbler - 1 Black-and-white Warbler - 2 American Redstart - 1 Common Yellowthroat - 6 Eastern Towhee - 4 Chipping Sparrow - 2 Song Sparrow - 1 Northern Cardinal - 2 Rose-breasted Grosbeak - 1 Red-winged Blackbird - 6 American Goldfinch - 1 At the Ocean County Park Offices: 11 species Canada Goose - 2 Mallard - 1 Osprey - 1 Spotted Sandpiper - 1 Northern Rough-winged Swallow - 6 Barn Swallow - 2 Eastern Bluebird - 1 European Starling - 4 Northern Parula - 1 Common Yellowthroat - 2 Chipping Sparrow - 2 At Silver Ridge: 27 species Canada Goose - 4 Red-tailed Hawk - 1 Mourning Dove - 2 Whip-poor-will - 2 Great Crested Flycatcher - 1 Blue Jay - 2 Northern Rough-winged Swallow - 10 Barn Swallow - 8 Carolina Chickadee - 2 Tufted Titmouse - 1 Carolina Wren - 1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - 1 American Robin - 4 Gray Catbird - 3 Northern Mockingbird - 4 European Starling - 2 Cedar Waxwing - 95 Northern Parula - 2 Yellow Warbler - 4 Pine Warbler - 1 Common Yellowthroat - 2 Eastern Towhee - 2 Chipping Sparrow - 8 Song Sparrow - 1 Northern Cardinal - 2 Red-winged Blackbird - 3 House Finch - 1 My yard: Downy Woodpecker - 1 Total species seen: 107 species Team Members: Shawn Wainwright - Leader Donna Grygiel Chris Chlebowski Deidre Asbjorn Sharon LaRossa First bird of the day: Northern Mockingbird - singing at 3am in my backyard Last bird of the day: Downy Woodpecker - almost missed it when it finally showed up at my feeders around 5:00pm Bird of the day: Bay-breasted Warbler - 1 - Cattus Island Most common bird of the day: Cedar Waxwing - throughout all the places - 219 Big misses: Sharp-shinned Hawk Common Tern House Wren Ruby-crowned Kinglet Swamp Sparrow Butterflies seen: At Island Beach: American Lady - 10 Painted Lady - 1 Orange Sulphur - 1 Red Admiral - 6 At Cattus Island: Blueberry Azure - 1 Eastern Pine Elfin - 2 Question Mark - 1 American Lady - 5 Red Admiral - 7 At the Ocean County Park Offices: Black Swallowtail - 2 American Lady - 2 Red Admiral - 2 At Silver Ridge: American Lady - 2 Red Admiral - 2 Cabbage White - 3 And that was a great day! Compare with last year's results here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/shawn_wainwright/5714878584/in/set-72157626605120873 Shawn Wainwright Toms River ShawnEagleEyes1 AT aol.com How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Summer Tanager, Tennafly From: James Kuehlke <jameskuehlke AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 12 May 2012 20:55:54 -0400 I got a phone call from Dave Kaplan who is birding on team Hackensack Riverkeeper that they had a Summer Tanager at the Tennafly Nature Center. So I went and refund it! Here are some pictures. (Its a first year male) www.flickr.com/photos/67201609 AT N03/ Jim Kuehlke Hillsdale, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Mini Big Day 5/12 From: Dena Temple <denat01 AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Sat, 12 May 2012 20:53:29 -0400 Jerseybirders, While busy lives kept us from participating in the World Series of Birding this year, our team decided to get together and run a Monmouth County Big Day anyway, just for fun. Our team is myself, husband John Temple and our good friend, Debbie Stewart. All three of us suffered a minor infirmity, leaving us at (far) less than 100%. John suffered from sleep deprivation; Debbie was recovering from a stomach bug, and I am enduring stomach-churning antibiotic therapy for a nasty tick bite. All three of us privately considered cancelling but didn't tell the others! In addition, no one had time to scout at all. Undaunted by the cards stacked against us, we crafted a tight route mostly based on our 2011 WSB route, packed the truck and at 12:00 midnight on Friday, we lumbered out to our first stop and started counting. Highlights of our Big Day were a gorgeous Ring-necked Duck at Manasquan Reservoir; Common Gallinule in the Assunpink WMA; Stilt Sandpiper at Glimmer Glass in Manasquan; Whip-poor-wills near Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold; Willow Flycatcher near Allentown; Swainson's Thrush in near Randolph Rd. on Sandy Hook; and 16 species of warblers including Northern Waterthrush, Canada and Wilson's Warblers. Highlight of the day was a very unexpected AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER on the backside of the Shark River. The bird was very cooperative, posing between two Black-bellied Plovers to show differences in their size and the size of their bills and heads. The bird did not have full alternate plumage but was molting into alternate plumage. John took photos through his scope with his smart phone, but the files are corrupt. Debbie also took photos and hopefully she will share them after she recovers from today. In all, the three of us tallied 129 species of birds in Monmouth County today, one less than last year's WSB total of 130. Considering we only lasted until 7:15 pm, had virtually no raptors, changed the route on the fly and didn't scout, we were delighted with this total. We can't wait to read about the exploits of the "real" WSB teams! Good birding, Dena Temple Middletown, NJ denat01 at verizon dot net How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Bluebirds Fledged Today - Video From: Steve Byland <sbbyland AT AOL.COM> Date: Sat, 12 May 2012 20:14:13 -0400 A perfect 5 for 5 on my baby Bluebirds fledging this afternoon - 1 minute montage video of the event(s) at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_byland/7184908536/in/photostream 50 species of birds seen from the yard today (very few Warblers) including a late, high adult Bald Eagle to end the day. Steve Byland Warren Township How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Hoffman Park Bobolinks and many migrants From: vince capp <vcapp AT OPTONLINE.NET> Date: Sat, 12 May 2012 19:01:25 -0400 The male Bobolinks are increasing in numbers quite nicely here now, compared to the handful I had here 10 days ago. There were 5 singers in the hedgerow right at the main gate, with a total of about 12 or so in the upper fields alone. The lower fields held about another 10. And these were ALL male birds! There was at least 2-3 birds in the air displaying at all times and the sound of their rather comical song was an absolute constant the entire time I was there today. It looks like it could be another good year here for them here at the park. Nice. There were real good numbers and diversity of migrant warblers as well here today, especially in the woods down beyond the main [Manny's} pond and in the trees and thickets along the uppermost string of 17 small ponds, right below and around the old Hoffman house. This area around these little ponds is really good habitat and the display today was impressive. It was busy. There was a single male singing Blue Grosbeak and 3 singing Prairie Warblers in this area as well. The Prairies breed here in respectable numbers yearly. I checked with a Ranger today who assured me it's OK to utilize these pathways around the cluster of old residential buildings here. The "KEEP OUT- area under surveillance" signs are intended to protect the buildings themselves from vandalism. Good to know. This comprises some of the Parks' BEST habitat! Of course, all the summer singers were active along the woodland trails; Scarlet Tanagers, Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks, all the Oriole flavors, Wood Thrushes, and an unusually high count on the Ovenbirds for this place. I had 4 Hummers in 5 hours here as well. A very tame and confiding pair of Eastern Kingbirds was working the edges of Manny's Pond. They must be nesting in the immediate area, as they did last year. Good Birding!! Vince Capp Bound Brook How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Couch's/Tropical Kingbird at Higbees From: Tony leukering <greatgrayowl AT AOL.COM> Date: Sat, 12 May 2012 15:30:08 -0400 All: I don't know if this has already hit this venue, but Rick Wiltraut's WSB team (and at least one other) had a large, bright-yellow-bellied kingbird with Eastern Kingbirds near the Higbees parking lot around 6 this AM. It has not been seen since. Tony Leukering Villas, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Garret Mtn May 12th 2012 From: Bill Elrick <belrick AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 12 May 2012 15:26:13 -0400 Hi Jersey birders, I would estimate the birds were just the same today as yesterday only scattered all over the park, with a few additions. I saw 2 yellow-bellied flycatchers after one was reported yesterday. We also saw both cuckoo's have a turf war over caterpillars. A few more Wilson's and Canada's around but really much the same. *Bill Elrick* *Wyckoff, NJ* *07481 * *www.NYNJBirdingGuide.com * Get a signature like this. CLICK HERE. How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Sandy Hook sightings May 12 From: Trina Anderson <laporello AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 12 May 2012 11:51:31 -0700 I've posted some photos taken near the maintenance area of Sandy Hook including a Common Nighthawk, Cape May Warbler, and others caught by the banding station: https://picasaweb.google.com/laporello/SandyHookMay122012?authuser=0&feat=directlink My sightings may be limited but still thrilling. Black-throated Blue and Black-throated Green Warblers were still in good numbers, as well as Canada, Blackpoll, Black-and-white, Magnolia, Chestnut-sided, and Wilson's Warblers, Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush, Common Yellowthroat, and Northern Parula. Thrushes included Swainson's, Wood and Veery. Others seen were Blue-headed Vireo, Scarlet Tanager and Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Quite a day! Hope all of the World Series of Birding Teams did well. Trina Anderson Middletown How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: WSOB park info for Island Beach opening From: Shawn Wainwright <shawneagleeyes1 AT AOL.COM> Date: Sat, 12 May 2012 03:29:44 -0400 Island Beach is open at 5am instead of 8am just for the WSOB. I arranged that to happen if you need to hit Reed's Road, you shouldn't have a problem getting in. Have fun out there! Shawn Wainwright Toms River ShawnEagleEyes1 AT aol.com How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Black-billed Cuckoo nocturnal migration, Hunterdon Co From: Rob Fergus <birdchaser AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 11 May 2012 23:10:53 -0500 Not reading many reports of Black-billed Cuckoo so just wanted to note that I've been recording birds going over each evening this week at my home in Hunterdon County--including at least 5 calling birds (8 calls total) tonight between 10pm and 12am. If you aren't familiar with their flight call, check it out (link below) and then go outside to a quiet spot and see if you can hear one going over in the dark! http://www.nightmigrants.com/main/page_species_calls_blackbilled_cuckoo.html Rob Fergus Union Township, Hunterdon Co, NJ http://birdchaser.blogspot.com How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: lots of birds again - Warren Park - Perth Amboy From: Todd Frantz <tfrantz75 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 11 May 2012 22:10:32 -0400 I stopped by William Warren Park in Perth Amboy on the way to work and the area was full of birds again today as it was on Wednesday morning. 11 species of warblers and a Least Flycatcher isn't too bad for a park in Perth Amboy! Full list is below. N. Waterthrush (at least 3) Canada Warbler (2) Yellow-rumped Warbler Magnolia Warbler (several) Norther Parula (many) Common Yellowthroat Amer. Redstart Black-throated green Warbler (4) Black-throated blue Warbler (8) Ovenbird Blackpoll Warbler Black and White Warbler Least Flycatcher (1) Phoebe Pee-wee Swainson’s Thrush (1) Veery (2) Wood Thrush Catbird Robin Scarlet Tanager Indigo Bunting Baltimore Oriole Nor. Flicker How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Sandy Hook Friday From: Scott Barnes <myiarchus16 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 11 May 2012 16:57:15 -0700 Jerseybirders,   We had a nice morning of birding on my weekly "Half Day Friday" field trip at Sandy Hook.  We got off to a good start with a calling flyover DICKCISSEL.  It took us almost three hours to work the woods between Guardian Park and the scout camp, where we tallied 14 species of warblers including excellent looks at a pair of Wilson's Warblers that were pursuing each other around a thicket.  This spring's "glut" of Black-throated Green Warblers (10+) continues as well, and we enjoyed a very cooperative Yellow-throated Vireo.  A few Cape May Warblers were around this morning, but we were only able to hear one.   Other birds around the hook today included 3 Caspian Terns, a calling Black-billed Cuckoo and Tennessee Warbler near Horseshoe Cove, Cliff & Bank Swallows over north pond, and a Yellow-breasted Chat near the lighthouse.   Thanks to Tom Boyle, Bob Dodelson, and Patty Dexter for contributing to this report.   Good Birding,   Scott Barnes Bird Program Director New Jersey Audubon www.njaudubon.org How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Garret Today May 11th From: Stuart and Wendy <weluvowls AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Fri, 11 May 2012 19:10:23 -0400 Jerseybirders It was a lovely day at Garret. We just wanted to make the addition of Prairie,Hooded and Yellow Warbler that we had today that was not mentioned on Bill Elrick's list. good birding, Stuart and Wendy Malmid weluvowls AT comcast.net How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Garret Mtn. or Sandy Hook tomorrow? From: Blue Jay Writer <bluejaywriter2 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 11 May 2012 18:02:25 -0400 I've got some free time in the morning and would like to see some of this fantastic migration. Sandy Hook, Garrett or should I take the extra hour drive and go all out to Old Mine Rd? Jay How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Garret 5/11/2012 From: Bill Elrick <belrick AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 11 May 2012 17:01:07 -0400 Well folks today was one of those days you just throw your arms up and say who knows how many it was crazy at dawn near the lookout and other people said the same for other areas. So with tongue in cheek here is my estimates { Guess's on most}. Its better than just yes there was an ovenbird there. Black Vulture ,3 Turkey Vulture ,5 Osprey ,2 Cooper's Hawk ,1 Sharp-shinned Hawk ,1 Killdeer ,2 Solitary Sandpiper ,1 Chimney Swift ,8 Ruby-throated Hummingbird ,1 Eastern Wood-Pewee ,3 Least Flycatcher ,2 Great Crested Flycatcher ,9 Eastern Kingbird ,2 Tree Swallow ,1 Northern Rough-winged Swallow ,3 Barn Swallow ,1 Cedar Waxwing ,14 House Wren ,5 Gray Catbird ,35 Brown Thrasher ,4 Veery ,24 Gray-cheeked Thrush ,1 Pos "Bicknell's Thrush" ,1 pos near basketball court it was a very small thrush just larger than OVENBIRD all thr ight markings am I claiming it? well no! Swainson's Thrush ,18 Wood Thrush ,6 American Robin ,lots first juv out nest Blue-gray Gnatcatcher ,4 1 nest Blue Jay ,40 still going north American Crow ,12 Common Raven ,2 yesterday and seen by others today Blue-headed Vireo ,4 Warbling Vireo ,6 Red-eyed Vireo ,24 House Finch ,2 Tennessee Warbler ,3 Nashville Warbler ,1 Northern Parula ,50+ all over Chestnut-sided Warbler ,6 Magnolia Warbler ,18 Cape May Warbler ,1 Black-throated Blue Warbler,20+ Yellow-rumped Warbler ,14 Black-throated Green Warbler , 8+ Blackburnian Warbler ,3 Blackpoll Warbler ,30+ all over the park Black-and-white Warbler ,40+ all over American Redstart ,25 Ovenbird ,18 Northern Waterthrush ,3 Common Yellowthroat ,14 Wilson's Warbler ,2 Canada Warbler ,4 Scarlet Tanager ,20+ all over Eastern Towhee ,8 Field Sparrow ,1 Song Sparrow ,2 Swamp Sparrow ,3 White-throated Sparrow ,30+ Rose-breasted Grosbeak ,30+ Indigo Bunting ,2 Common Grackle ,14 Brown-headed Cowbird ,9 Baltimore Oriole ,25+ Orchard Oriole ,3 *Bill Elrick* *Wyckoff, NJ* *07481 * *www.NYNJBirdingGuide.com * Get a signature like this. CLICK HERE. How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Curlew Sandpiper... Brigantine From: Harvey Tomlinson <ShearH2Os AT AOL.COM> Date: Fri, 11 May 2012 12:45:55 -0400 Hi, 2 lousy shots of the Curlew Sandpiper today on the mud flats at Turtle Cove. _http://www.flickr.com/photos/shearh2o/_ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/shearh2o/) Good Birding Harvey Tomlinson How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Atlantic City Airport Grassland Question From: David Tattoni <davebirder AT LIVE.COM> Date: Fri, 11 May 2012 11:07:55 -0400 Are birders allowed to bird at the atlantic city airport grasslands? If so, where do you park and do you need to go through any security? Thanks, David Tattoni How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Great Swamp or Lord Stirling Advice Needed From: Joyce Payeur <j.payeur1 AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Thu, 10 May 2012 19:38:40 -0700 I read so many great sightings from Jonathan Klizas, Simon Lane and others from The Great Swamp.  I am leading a field trip on Saturday beginning at 7 AM at Lord Stirling. Would someone please recommend a good birding route for us to follow in the Swamp/Lord Stirling.  I know it is World Series weekend, but I think the teams will be gone by the time we arrive.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Joyce Payeur Greater Watchung Nature Club How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Salem County - last minute scouting From: Sandra Keller <sandrakeller AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Thu, 10 May 2012 19:27:48 -0400 No Snow Goose at that pond on Featherbed Lane, but I did have 1 drake Ruddy Duck. That would be nice on Sat! It was high tide when I hit Sunset Rd. at Mannington Marsh - and lo and behold, on those 2 wooden planks - they were the only piece of dry ground remaining - sat 8 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 3 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, 2 SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS, and 1 PECTORAL SANDPIPER. I figure we hit this spot both at medium and then again high tide. No other good shorebird spots! I was cruising around some farm field areas - hoping the recent rain had created some productive flooded fields. No! Not enough rain or the ground was so dry that all the water was soaked up! Anyway, GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS and BOBOLINK back, etc. I am hoping not much traffic on route 40 for this Millville auto race going on all weekend. Eeeks. Butterfly notes - still some Red Admirals around. Not many. I think the only spot I missed them this week was Tinicum in PA on Sunday. I am not familiar with the good butterfly spots there. Good birding and good luck all! -- Sandra Keller Barrington, NJ sandrakeller AT verizon.net How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Garret Mtn 5/10/2012 Mourning Warbler From: Bill Elrick <belrick AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 10 May 2012 18:21:17 -0400 Hi Jersey birders, It was a nice day today at Garret after the rain stopped I think the birds just came in. Other birds noted by other birders were Yellow-throated and Wilson warblers + Grey-cheeked thrush and I heard there was an Olive-sided fly yesterday! Green Heron ,1 Osprey ,2 Killdeer ,2 Solitary Sandpiper ,2 Chimney Swift ,1 Northern Flicker,3 Eastern Wood-Pewee ,1 Least Flycatcher,2 Great Crested Flycatcher ,5 Eastern Kingbird,6 Purple Martin ,1 Tree Swallow ,1 Northern Rough-winged Swallow ,3 Barn Swallow ,1 Cedar Waxwing ,6 House Wren ,4 Gray Catbird ,9 Brown Thrasher ,6 Veery ,5 Swainson's Thrush ,12 Wood Thrush ,14 Blue-headed Vireo ,2 Warbling Vireo ,5 Red-eyed Vireo ,6 House Finch ,3 Northern Parula ,12 Yellow Warbler ,1 Magnolia Warbler,3 Cape May Warbler,2 both in Cape May tree Black-throated Blue Warbler ,6 Yellow-rumped Warbler ,24 Black-throated Green Warbler ,6 Blackburnian Warbler ,2 Pine Warbler ,1 Prairie Warbler ,1 Blackpoll Warbler ,22 Black-and-white Warbler,20 American Redstart ,6 Ovenbird ,18 Northern Waterthrush ,3 Mourning Warbler,1 near south barbour pond 9.30am Common Yellowthroat ,12 Hooded Warbler ,1 Canada Warbler ,1 Scarlet Tanager ,14 Eastern Towhee ,6 Song Sparrow ,1 Chipping Sparrow,lots Field Sparrow ,1 singing Swamp Sparrow ,3 White-throated Sparrow ,12 Northern Cardinal ,8 Rose-breasted Grosbeak ,14 Indigo Bunting ,4 Red-winged Blackbird ,6 Common Grackle ,16 Brown-headed Cowbird ,10 Baltimore Oriole,25+ Orchard Oriole ,3 *Bill Elrick* *Wyckoff, NJ* *07481 * *www.NYNJBirdingGuide.com * How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Hunt for a Golden-winged warbler From: Harvey Tomlinson <ShearH2Os AT AOL.COM> Date: Thu, 10 May 2012 17:12:31 -0400 Hi Jersey Birders, Went to Old Mine Rd and points North this morning for the specific purpose of finding a Golden-winged Warbler. After 16 Blue-winged (some very suspect) (3) Brewster's (1) Lawrence's (3) Heard only "something or other's" I failed to find a Golden-winged Warbler. The Brewster's at mile marker 11 held me at bay for 45 minutes before I finally saw it. It's got a killer GWWA song, and after Paul's report it was a Have to See warbler. Migration was still in progress and Bay-breasted, Tennessee, Maggie, and Yellow-rumped were in good numbers. Cerulean, and Hooded bordered on junk bird. My camera and I weren't getting along today, but I did manage to photograph the mornings highlight of 2 Bobcats headed home this morning. _http://www.flickr.com/photos/shearh2o/_ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/shearh2o/) Good Luck to all the World Series Teams Be Safe Good Birding Harvey Tomlinson Basking Ridge How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: Fw: WCAS Birdathon 2012 needs YOU From: "Joe P." <jpylka AT earthlink.net> Date: Thu, 10 May 2012 16:40:26 -0400 In a message I just received from Sheila Lego, it was pointed out that WSB is owned exclusively by NJAS and is participants there are not allowed to share their results. I was asked to retract this part of the statement we made: "We need lists compiled by expert birders on WCAS’s Birdathon Day, May 12th. If you are birding for WSB, consider (figuratively only) killing two birds with one stone and submit your list to us too! It is the total group count seen that day by birders who care about WCAS that works for us, so you will be helping to raise our total of dollars pledged. We especially need hot spots like Brigantine, Cape May, Delaware shore areas and Garrett Mountain covered. And if you spot the greatest number of species, there is a prize for that!" -- And we do so, with apologies to NJAS. Joe Pylka -----Original Message----- >From: "Joe P." >Sent: May 10, 2012 2:31 PM >To: JerseyBirds AT Princeton.EDU >Subject: [JerseyBirds] Fw: WCAS Birdathon 2012 needs YOU > >-----Forwarded Message----- >Subject: WCAS's Birdathon 2012 >You are invited to participate in >WASHINGTON CROSSING AUDUBON’S BIRDATHON 2012! How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Fw: WCAS Birdathon 2012 needs YOU From: "Joe P." <jpylka AT earthlink.net> Date: Thu, 10 May 2012 14:31:05 -0400 -----Forwarded Message----- Subject: WCAS's Birdathon 2012 You are invited to participate in WASHINGTON CROSSING AUDUBON’S BIRDATHON 2012! We need lists compiled by expert birders on WCAS’s Birdathon Day, May 12th. If you are birding for WSB, consider (figuratively only) killing two birds with one stone and submit your list to us too! It is the total group count seen that day by birders who care about WCAS that works for us, so you will be helping to raise our total of dollars pledged. We especially need hot spots like Brigantine, Cape May, Delaware shore areas and Garrett Mountain covered. And if you spot the greatest number of species, there is a prize for that! --Or donate to Birdathon 2012 and help us support the Princeton and Trenton Christmas bird counts, among other things! Several of you already submit your lists or also contribute to Birdathon each year. To you we say, Thank you – please keep up the good work! Please send your lists to Lou Beck at Louisloubeck AT aol.com as soon as you can (email preferred). If you know where you will be birding or want him to suggest a location, call him at 609 737-0070. Or you can email or phone me (609-924-2683). Send donations to WCAS, PO Box 112, Pennington, NJ 08534. We would really welcome and appreciate your participation. Happy birding! Barbara Ross , Birdathon Chair 2012 albatross8 AT verizon.net www.wcas.washingtoncrossingaudubon.org How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Mourning Warbler at Garrett From: Carol Resch <cmresch AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Thu, 10 May 2012 13:23:57 -0400 Hi - Seen today between 12:15 and 12:45 -- a male Mourning Warbler on the west side of Barbour Pond. Go to the west gazebo and walk up the trail toward the rock where the trail goes up to the yellow trail. Start looking in the brush along the water's edge about half-way to the rock. Typical Mourning Warbler behaviour -- it's in the thickest brush. I saw it initially very close to the rock end of the trail in a bush right past where there's a fallen tree across the path. Couldn't believe my eyes. Of course, there was no one else around. I went elsewhere and came back around 15 minutes later, when two other birders had found it independently. Carol How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Warblers out the ying-yang From: Dena Temple <denat01 AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Thu, 10 May 2012 11:49:49 -0400 Jerseybirders, What an incredible spring this has been on God's little acre in Middletown. This morning we had 5 species of warblers in about 2 minutes - Common Yellowthroat, Black-throated Blue, Northern Parula, Black and White, and Redstart - plus Red-eyed Vireo, Wood Thrush, both wrens, M&F hummingbirds, 6 catbirds (they nest here), scores of Chipping Sparrows, and the rest of the usual suspects. And for the last four days we have had a Scarlet Tanager singing his head off about 20 feet off the ground, right next to my office window. Do they nest in NJ? How great that would be... Good luck to all the WSB-ers and Good birding, Dena Temple Middletown, NJ denat01 at verizon.net How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: 5/9/12 Old Mine Rd was the Place to Be this morning! From: Dave Emma <nineball4444 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 9 May 2012 20:02:20 -0700 Hello everyone.   Had a choice between Garret and the Gap today.  Forecast was for rain on and off at Garret, so it made the decision easy.  It was very cloudy, and very wet when I arrived, and absolutely FULL of birds....especially warblers.  The first bird I saw was a Cape May Warbler, high in an Oak Tree.  I had stopped to try and get a look at a Tennessee, which I've never seen before, but couldn't find it.  Continuing up the Old Mine, I stopped to look at a Cerulean, and found yet another Cape May.  Almost every time I stopped, I saw another Cape May.  When I reached Jeans house, there were 3 in the tall Pines across the street and 1 in the pine in the backyard.  I ended up seeing 12!  I had tried to take pictures of all of them, but the light was pretty crappy, and they were high in the trees.  But when the sun finally broke through, I went back to Jeans house hoping they were still there.  They weren't calling anymore, but one was nice enough to land about 5 feet from me at eye level to feed in the tree.  May that bird live a long and healthy life!  :)   http://www.flickr.com/photos/50151064 AT N06/7166044676/in/photostream   Other species present today   A TON of Yellow Warblers Ovenbird Worm Eating Black Throated Blue Chestnut Sided Yellow Rumped Northern Parulas.....who were gathering nest material near the tree in the backyard Black and White Tennessee Magnolia Louisiana Waterthrush A billion Redstarts Prarie The Brewster is still on the powercut Cerulean Blackburnian Hooded Blue Winged Common Yellowthroat   I also heard a Cuckoo, but couldn't find it.   All in all, Gap was the place to be!    Dave How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Impressive Night Flight Now! Essex Co. From: Sean Sime <sean AT SEANSIME.COM> Date: Wed, 9 May 2012 23:01:33 -0400 Stepped outside (in Maplewood) at 10:30 and was pleasantly surprised by the number of low flying migrants. I counted 75 calls in under 10 minutes. Went back out after a failed attempt to find my night flight calls CD and the birds are still flying over at roughly the same bird per minute pace. I'm no expert, but it seems like 75% of the calls are warbler/sparrow and the remainder thrush types with a few, "What the heck was that!" mixed in. The birds seem extremely low compared to other nights I've listened. It almost feels like you should be able to see them against the low clouds. I hope it's not only birds leaving! Cheers, Sean Sime Maplewood, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Nighthawks Port Minmouth From: Chase Schiefer <bachmans.ivory AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 9 May 2012 20:26:10 -0400 Just had the pleasure of watching 4 nighthawks hunting at close range. While watching them, a woodcock was heard displaying, 2 bats, and 2 black-crowned night herons fly by. Chase Schiefer Bachmans Ivory Http://chaseschiefer.500px.com www.facebook.com/chaseschieferphotography http://www.flickr.com/photos/bachmansivory/sets/ Sent from my iPhone How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Wilson's Phalarope at Brig. etc From: Christopher Vogel <glaucidium AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 9 May 2012 17:07:58 -0700 There was a gorgeous female Wilson's Phalarope at the Gull Pond tower at Brigantine late this afternoon. A woman who's name I unfortunately did not catch found it just as I pulled up-whoever you are thank you ma'am! Also present right there was a White-rumped Sandpiper, and a breeding plumaged Cattle Egret was just at marker 2 on the south dike.   Cheers CJV Cape May, NJ Cusimania.blogspot.com Dendrocincla AT twitter.com How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: recent FOYs From: Chris Wyluda <lutachris AT AOL.COM> Date: Wed, 9 May 2012 19:55:10 -0400 FOY great crested flycatcher 5/7 at Lawrence Village Park FOY e. kingbird 5/8 in Ewing - drive by for what it is worth, I have heard phoebes in Mercer Co since April...they do seem to be around streams. How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Kentucky Warbler in Hopewell From: "John J. Collins" <jjcbird AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Wed, 9 May 2012 19:52:22 -0400 I went to Mountain Church Road in Hopewell this morning and just like last year heard and saw KENTUCKY WARBLER (at least 2 were singing) just a few hundred feet west of Rileyville Road. At Bull's Island we saw CLIFF SWALLOW (at the bridge over the Delaware), SCARLET TANAGER, RED-EYED AND YELLOW-THROATED VIREO, NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH, NORTHERN PARULAS, GREAT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER, a pair of PILEATED WOODPECKERS at their nest cavity (along the canal) and many ACADIAN FLYCATCHERS. John J. Collins Raritan, NJ jjcbird AT verizon.net "God desires that all the world be pure in his sight. The earth should not be injured. The earth should not be destroyed." (Hildegard von Bingen) How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Question about birding in New Brunswick area From: "B.G. Sloan" <bgsloan2 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 9 May 2012 11:55:21 -0700 I'm interested in finding out how to meet other birders in the New Brunswick area... * What are the local birding clubs, Audubon Society chapters, etc? * Are there regularly scheduled bird walks? * Are there publicly accessible areas where one can view bird feeding stations? * Any other suggestions? Thanks! Bernie Sloan Currently in Milwaukee, WI Soon to be in New Brunswick, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: Phoebes From: David Bernstein <sueber100 AT AOL.COM> Date: Wed, 9 May 2012 14:54:52 -0400 Most of my birding is done in conjunction with exploring abandoned mining sites here in New Jersey and New York. And I have not noticed any shortage of Phoebes. They nest in mine shafts and adit openings where insects congregate. I've seen a lot of them this spring. David S. Bernstein Berkeley Heights Sent from my iPad On May 9, 2012, at 2:45 PM, Ken Hart wrote: > I, too, have experienced a dearth of Eastern Phoebes since April. They always nest in the eaves of my house, > and this year I have not seen any hang around. My only suspicion is that since all of April was SO dry, there were not enough > insects available, and they moved on....? Any theories? > > > --Ken Hart > Long Valley, NJ > kshart32 AT aol.com > > > > How to report NJ bird sightings: How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Phoebes From: Ken Hart <kshart32 AT AOL.COM> Date: Wed, 9 May 2012 14:45:32 -0400 I, too, have experienced a dearth of Eastern Phoebes since April. They always nest in the eaves of my house, and this year I have not seen any hang around. My only suspicion is that since all of April was SO dry, there were not enough insects available, and they moved on....? Any theories? --Ken Hart Long Valley, NJ kshart32 AT aol.com How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Flat Rock Brook 5/9 - Blackburnian, Blackpoll, Canada, Chestnut-sided, and more From: Stephanie Seymour <stephanieseymour66 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 9 May 2012 11:36:33 -0700 Thanks to a call from Andrew H. saying there was a lot of bird action up the hill, I raced up to Flat Rock Brook (Englewood) from about 9:30 to 10:30. There was a great deal of activity around the parking lot, front pond, and just up the first part of the red trail despite (or perhaps because of) the intermittent light rain. I found 12 warbler species: Blackburnian, Canada, Chestnut-sided, Blackpoll, Redstart (female), Black-throated Blue, Ovenbirds, Parulas, Yellow-rumps, Black-and-Whites, C. Yellowthroat, and a gorgeous, almost-eye level Magnolia Warbler. In one field of view of the binoculars, I had TWO male Scarlet Tanagers and a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak! I also saw one Veery, heard many Wood Thrushes, and had a singing Swainson's Thrush - the only reason I know this song is because that is my cell phone ringtone - hahahaa! Also had Baltimore Orioles, Red-eyed Vireos, and a very drenched female Wild Turkey. Here are some photos that my husband took during our trip to Flat Rock on Sunday: http://www.purplechickadee.com/ Happy birding, Stephanie Seymour Englewood, NJ www.purplechickadee.com How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Yard birds - yesterday and today From: "susie r." <njt456 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Wed, 9 May 2012 13:27:16 -0400 American Redstart Black-throated Blue Black-throated Green Black and White Parula Worm-eating + another bird early this morning but my neighbor's generator was running so I could not hear it clearly. Thank you, JCP&L, for the 2nd prolonged power outage in 2 days. However, the highlight of the day was crows mobbing a GHO, which was calling loudly. I'm wondering if an owlet was out of the nest and being harassed by the crows. Susie R. Tewksbury/Califon How to report NJ bird sightings: