Birdingonthe.Net

Recent Postings from
New Jersey Birding

Updated on Sunday, November 25 at 12:58 PM ET
The most recently received Mail is at the top.

I've posted some photos of the Lesser Nighthawk, found today at the Cape May 
Point State Park, for anyone who may like to take a look. 


Enjoy,

Jason Guerard
Sales Manager
New Jersey Audubon Society
Cape May Bird Observatory
Northwood Center
701 E. Lake Drive, P.O. Box 3
Cape May Point, NJ  USA  
Ph:  Fx:
www.BirdCapeMay.org
www.njaudubon.org

Take A Kid Birding�

Hi Jerseybirders - more details on the Ash-throated fly and the Townsend's 
Solitaire.  Birds were sighted around noon at the flagpole area - also the new 
restroom building - of the Boy Scout camp by Tom Boyle, Mike Fahay, and Dave 
Larson. They appeared to be staying in one another's general vicinity and were 

actively flycatching and eating berries. They were there at least until 1 pm. 
If 

searchers go, they may have luck with scanning high - the Townsend's was 
perching 

on top of cedars - or low - the ash-throated was flying down to the ground to 
catch 

insects.

Both birds were well seen and photographed in good light. You can call the 
Sandy 

Hook Bird Observatory at  to get more detailed directions or 
(hopefully) updates!

Susan Treesh

Somerset

Check with the center for details.

There is a Lesser Nighthawk perched in the cedars next to the Hawkwatch 
Platform at Cape May Point State Park. It is in plain view and assumedly will 
be viewable until the end of the day. 


Richard Crossley

Various people were on the Randolph Road (Somerset, Somerset County) site, from 
at least 10am to 11:45 when we left, with no sign of the cranes. 

 
There were at least two Red Foxes there, one apparently very large. M GOCHFELD

If you are accessing this from Birdingonthe.net replace the word "at" with 
the " AT " symbol in the link.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ AT N07/
And here is the smoking Barnacle link. ;)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2326/2061310626_1d6360a400.jpg
Thanks,
jeff and amy

Amy and I went to Montauk, Long Island, NY after Thanksgiving and had a 
wonderful time.  We hiked over the big hill in TR park, and before us lay a 
gorgeous panorama that included the Pink-footed Goose, Barnacle Goose, Red 
Crossbills and a Western Kingbird all at the exact same time. While we were 
revelling in this moment a Sharp-Shinned Hawk came barreling in and very 
nearly caught the Western Kingird we were watching. Not long after that we 
had a Peregrine fly over. The flocks of Red Crossbills flew back and forth 
over the area all day. Amy counted 41 on a wire right above the field where 
the two Western Kingbirds and 27 American Pipits were trying to scare up 
some lunch. On the way back home we made a pit stop in Brooklyn to check out 
the Monk Parakeets nesting in the Gothic archway at Green-Wood Cemetery.  
There was even a bonus--a lovely male Kestrel perched atop the highest 
spire, keeping an eye on all those silly parrots. I hope you like the pics. 
My favorite is the one of the Barnacle smoking a cigarette. :)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ AT N07/
regards
jeff and amy davis

Just a short note about Brig yesterday -

Nice variety of waterfowl, including tundra swans and hundreds of hooded 
mergansers.  Puddle ducks were abundant.  Snow geese present in small 
numbers, but enough to make an impressive flock in the air. 

The only shorebird I saw was dunlin; others reported b-b plover.  Had a 
very nice juvenile B-C night-heron just inside the dike where the road 
makes the sharp turn north.

Landbirds were active in the morning.  I spent more time on them than 
usual, and think they would have rewarded an even longer look.  The 
cedars in the HQ-picnic area had a female purple finch (I had two more 
later at the end of the tour) and a hermit thrush.

Harriers were abundant, but other raptors seemed rather sparse - just 
r-t hawk and a kestrel.  Maybe others saw more, as it seemed like it 
should be a good day for them.

Good birding,
Susan Treesh
Somerset

Hello everyone! Today, N
I thought you guys and gals would enjoy this!

Hello everyone! Today, November 24, my parents treated me with a trip to go 
Saw-Whet Owl Banding for my 17th birthday, which is on November 29. My sister, 
brother and his girlfriend went also. It was fantastic! We had so much fun! We 
arrived at Hidden Valley right after dusk. (FYI-This was the last banding day 
for the season.) My father and I trekked up the mountain to go and help Scott 
Weidensaul and two other helpers (Phil and Connie) put up the mist nets. 


After that was done, it was waiting time. After about 45 minutes, we went for 
the first check. To my amazement, there was 1 saw-whet owl in the nets. I was 
so excited. We went back down the banding station and watched it get banded. It 
was very exciting and fun to see this. After watching this and taking photos of 
it (see the 4th photo on my Flickr site to see when the owl tried to attack 
me---to make a long story short, it got one wing in my mouth), we let it settle 
and then released it back into the wild. My parents actually "adopted" the owl 
for me as a birthday present. It was a female hatched year bird. We named it 
B�ho (owl in Spanish). 


About 10 minutes later, my brother, his girlfriend, and I went to the net site. 
We were shocked that there was 2 more owls in them. While getting one of them 
out of the net, another flew in about 5 feet away from me and Scott. Upon 
banding them in the station, we found out that the one was the same one from 
before, but the other 2 were different. One was 3 years old and the other was a 
hatched year bird. They were all females. 


Well, that all folks. I posted 18 photos onto my Flickr page of the whole 
banding process and some close-ups of the owls. The address where you can find 
them is 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisbohinski/

Thanks so much for taking the time to read my post. Have a great day! You're 
the best! 

Christopher James Bohinski
Wilkes-Barre, PA
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisbohinski/

We returned and saw the Sandhill Cranes on Randolph Road near South Bound
Brook. At first only their backs were visible over a small rise in the
field, but eventually they came out for a full view. The time was a little
after 11 am.  In retrospect, it is possible that they were simply behind one
of the small hills or hedgerows on Thursday morning. Thanks to Chuck Smart
for the tip on their reappearance. For directions see his earlier emails.

Afternoon birding included stops at Willowwood Arboretum and Bamboo Brook in
Morris County.

At Willowwood -

several Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers
Savannah Sparrow
large flock of American Tree Sparrows

At Bamboo Brook -

large flock of Cedar Waxwings
Field Sparrow
American Tree Sparrow
Fox Sparrow
Purple Finch

The action at Bamboo Brook was right around the maintenance buildings, where
there is a large crabapple tree and a dense thicket.

John Beetham
Highland Park, NJ

While in the brief time I gave it this blustery
morning, the most interesting bird other than around a
hundred Juncos at Higbee's Beach was a stunning
silvery-olive Orange-crowned Warbler on the North edge
of the first "tower" field. A good fresh "celata' type
Orange-crown is an understatedly handsome bird, which
often gets a bum-rap for being "drab". I prefer to
think they just transcend the gaudiness relied upon
for oooh'ss and aaah's by the "Kind of September"...

However, the day's flight pales in comparison to the
nocturnal one occurring as I write. A couple of
thousand Snow Geese-all lit up with reflected light
from beneath, hundreds of Canadas, and more than one
good sized flock of Brant were hurtling over the beach
tonight, Delmarva bound. Hundreds of Juncos, some
Savannah Sparrows, A Barn Owl, and 2 Saw-Whets made a
walk along the promenade all the more enjoyable, full
moon, star-pocked sky, light breeze, and perfectly
crisp, bright autumnal night not withstanding.

Cheers
CJV
Cape May, NJ

Mike...Can you elaborate on where the Shrike(s) were located?  We attempted 
to find them this morning from 7:30 to 10:00 and after plenty of walking, we 
left wanting.

This is my nemesis bird, especially this year.  I'm 0-for-13, but I'm ever the 
optomistic birder and will try for it again tomorrow. Additional info would be 

helpful (I think...)

Steve Glynn
Millville, NJ

On Sat, 24 Nov 2007 03:39:01 +0000, Mike Shanahan  
wrote:

>At dusk today (11/23), a great horned owl was calling at the F. Parker 
Preserve, from forested wetlands adjacent to the rear section of bogs east of 
Route 563, south of Chatsworth.
>
>NJ Audubon's Birds of New Jersey specifically notes the lack of great horned 
owls in the Pine Barrens, relative to other parts of the state. Presumably, the 

dense forested areas lack the open habitat preferred by g.h. owls. Of course 
these areas of abandoned bogs provide plenty of open habitat.
>
>Not a lot of other bird activity in that area-- winter wren, juncos, robins, 
great blue heron, flocks of Canada geese overhead. The recent shrikes were 
found in a different part of the preserve.

The highlight of some late afternoon wandering in Cumberland County was a
single Cave Swallow apparently roosting at Newport Landing (DeLorme p.68,
grid L3). The bird flew in and out of a large, silver, round-topped storage
building between the restaurant and the marina for several minutes between
3:45 and 4:00pm before finally disappearing inside the building for good.
Certainly worth a shot first thing tomorrow morning if anyone in the area
would like to see it. Other birds there included the local Bald Eagle pair
and 25+ Eastern Meadowlarks. The Maple Street Impoundments at Turkey Point
produced at least 2 Western Sandpipers among 600+ Dunlin and 25 Greater
Yellowlegs. From the bridge at the road's end there was a spectacular
sunset/moonrise, 2 flyover Tundra Swans, and several Clapper Rails belting
surprisingly loud in the sub-40 degree temps.

And being that feeder birds are currently a hot topic- there have been
45-50+ goldfinches at our feeders since Friday, joined today by 3 Pine
Siskins, 2-3 Fox Sparrows and occasionally a female Purple Finch. 3-4
Red-breasted Nuthatches and a single White-breasted Nuthatch (only my 6th in
the yard) are daily.


Good birding,
tr



-- 
Tom Reed
Reed's Beach, NJ
coturnicops AT gmail.com
stk34334 AT loki.stockton.edu

We went searching for the Barnacle Goose (BG)  at Lily(?) Lake this  morning 
w no luck.  Same at the Meadows (TNC grounds) ponds.  We were  there from 
about 9am-noon.
 
After some lunch and a thaw, we went back to the Meadows about 3:00 pm  and 
the BG was in one of the ponds in a small flock of Canada Geese.   they lazed 
around for at least another hour while we moved around to get better  views.  
The flock took off and flew north, then west and disappeared, possibly back to 

the Lake.
 
Jerry Kruth
visiting from Pittsburgh



**************************************Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest 
products.
(http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop00030000000001)

There is a dirt road along the left edge of the field.  Walking to the back
field Anne & I got nice relatively close looks at the three cranes.  This
was between 2 & 3 PM.

 

Gary Himber

Somerset, NJ

The three birds were in the exact place described, at the back of one of 
the first fields listed in the previously provided directions.  They 
stayed for a bit and then lifted off and headed towards the Water 
Company property behind the previously mentioned field(s).  This was 
around 1:40-45 PM. Caught a few distant pictures and posted here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/birding_in_new_jersey/

~Dan Murray
www.birdinginnewjersey.com

Three Cave Swallows were seen from K lot at Sandy Hook today.

Elaine Long
E. Brunswick

Hello,
    Sat. . Light winds, still only 35 degrees or so.
Sunny.

HERRING GULLS, RING-BILLED GULLS,
GREAT-BLACK BACKED GULLS,
135 LAUGHING GULLS - seems like a lot for so late a date.
24 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS
2 ICELAND GULLS - both first year birds. 

Lots of plumage study of those HEGU'S. More on that later.

Good birding all.


Sandra Keller
Barrington, NJ
sandrakeller AT verizon.net

At 10:30 the birds were back in about the same place, a little further back. 
See the directions below. I took photos using the car as a blind. Mike 
Jakubowski saw them too. 


I put a really distant photo here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chuck_smart/

Chuck Smart


Earlier I wrote:
> > At 10:45 am, the Sandhill Cranes were still easily visible, 0.6 
> miles from 
> > Weston Canal Road, on Randolph road, Somerset, just past and 
> across the road 
> > from the Public Warehouse. Thanks to Jimmy Lee. A distant 
> picture is here: 
> > 
> > http://www.flickr.com/photos/chuck_smart/ 
> > 
> > From 287 Northbound take exit 12, Weston Canal Road. At the base 
> of the exit 
> > reset your odometer. Turn left towards Zaraphath. Drive 0.9 
> miles to Randolph 
> > Road, turn left. Go another 0.6 miles for a total of 1.5 miles. 
> The birds were 
> > feeding in the field on your right.




----- Original Message -----
From: Jimmy Lee 
Date: Wednesday, November 21, 2007 12:44 pm
Subject: Re: [JerseyBirds] Sandhill Cranes in Somerset, Somerset County - YES

> Hi Chuck,
> 
> thanks for your update and link.
> 
> I returned to the sport about 11:45. Jim Gilbert had them about 
> where you saw them. I think Jim will post his pictures.
> 
> The birds were a bit nervous. A large flock of horned larks 
> flushed up and then the cranes took off (about 11:50) in the 
> direction opposite from Randolph Road. this was in the same 
> general direction from where they came from when I first saw them. 
> They were just above the treeline so may be they didn't leave the 
> area. I did circle the area by going along (L) Weston Canal Rd, L 
> on Schoolhouse Rd and then L back to Randolph Rd. There is plenty 
> of potential habitat for the cranes but most of the habitat is not 
> very visible (from the road) or accessible (businesses, school, 
> homes) as far as I can tell.
> 
> Headsup to anyone coming a long way to see them.
> 
> I check after work and post. I trust others will post their sightings.
> 
> Good Birding.
> 
> Jimmy
> -------------- Original message -------------- 
> From: Charles Smart  
> 
> > At 10:45 am, the Sandhill Cranes were still easily visible, 0.6 
> miles from 
> > Weston Canal Road, on Randolph road, Somerset, just past and 
> across the road 
> > from the Public Warehouse. Thanks to Jimmy Lee. A distant 
> picture is here: 
> > 
> > http://www.flickr.com/photos/chuck_smart/ 
> > 
> > From 287 Northbound take exit 12, Weston Canal Road. At the base 
> of the exit 
> > reset your odometer. Turn left towards Zaraphath. Drive 0.9 
> miles to Randolph 
> > Road, turn left. Go another 0.6 miles for a total of 1.5 miles. 
> The birds were 
> > feeding in the field on your right. 
> > 
> > Chuck Smart 
> > 
> > ----- Original Message ----- 
> > From: Jimmy Lee 
> > Date: Wednesday, November 21, 2007 9:53 am 
> > Subject: [JerseyBirds] Sandhill Cranes in Franklin, Somerset 
> County 
> > 
> > > All, 
> > > This morning at about 9:10 I watched three Sandhill Cranes fly 
> in 
> > > and land in a field on Randolph Road (between Schoolhouse Road 
> and 
> > > (closer to) Weston Canal Road, Franklin, Somerset county. 
> > > I watched them for a few minutes before continuing on to work. 
> > > Good birding! 
> > > Jimmy Lee 
> > > 
> 

Raccoon Ridge
Blairstown, New Jersey, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 23, 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species            Day's Count    Month Total   Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture                
Turkey Vulture               
Osprey                       
Bald Eagle                   
Northern Harrier             
Sharp-shinned Hawk           
Cooper's Hawk                
Northern Goshawk             
Red-shouldered Hawk          
Broad-winged Hawk            
Red-tailed Hawk             
Rough-legged Hawk            
Golden Eagle                 
American Kestrel             
Merlin                       
Peregrine Falcon             
Unknown Accipiter            
Unknown Buteo                
Unknown Falcon               
Unknown Eagle                
Unknown Raptor               

Total:                      
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 10:00:00 
Observation end   time: 15:30:00 
Total observation time: 5.5 hours

Official Counter:        Gary Himber

Observers:        Bob Horton, Dave Murphy

Weather:
temp 35,wind NW 15-20.

Raptor Observations:
BE-10:15I,3:10I

Non-raptor Observations:
Thanks to Bob Horton for filling in as official counter for the day.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Gary Himber (ghimber AT patmedia.net)

Hello,
    Remember, Sunday for the DVOC trip. I would love
to see some young birders there, but I know the date mixup
probably messed people up with any planning they had to do.
Next year should work out better date wise I hope. I am
perfectly happy to answer any questions from anyone on
Forsythe if you were planning on meeting me Sat. and can't
make Sunday.

    I had 4 requests for more directions for some of the Cranberry
Bogs in Burlington County. So, a general post is in order.
First, I use the DeLorme extensively, so one of those is in order.

Friendship Bog - M56 L11 - or thereabouts. I don't take all those
side roads in my car. But it's off of Caranza Rd. If anyone needs
a mileage figure from somewhere, let me know and I'll try and get
next time I am out that way. It's not really marked as water on the
DeLorme.

Reeve's Bog - Lebanon State Forest - M56 - C14. The area marked
Cranberry Bogs. Most of the dikes are driveable. Access from the 
Presidential
Lakes area. At least I do.

White's Bog - M49 - N16. Most of the area is driveable in a car.

Franklin-Parker - there is parcels all over the Chatsworth area.
Burlington County. I don't even think I know all the parts! Anyway,
look for the signs and parking areas along Rt. 563, Rt. 532, and
Baptist Rd. And start exploring! A really good map is probably a good
idea. Or one of those GPS units. I would love one. Some year.
Baptist Rd. is M57 - J17. Or thereabouts. The area is all walking.

Good birding all. I might hit Florence for a couple hours. Start my
gull study this winter.


Sandra Keller
Barrington, NJ
sandrakeller AT verizon.net

As "newer" birders, Jeanette and I decided to start a "Black Friday" 
tradition of our own this year and headed out to make a "good run" at 
some quality birds seen recently around New Jersey.  Unaware of the 
possible ramifications of a Thanksgiving night cold front, we had 
visions of birds such as Calliope Hummingbird, Sandhill Crane, Evening 
Grosbeak, White-winged Crossbill, Harlequin Duck and Western Kingbird. 
Turned out, we struck out on all but the Harlequin.  As if by 
consolation, Long-tailed Duck, Common Eider, Red-throated Loon and my 
first Purple Sandpiper(s) made appearances. It was cold and rather windy 
but the array of birds kept "spirits" warm.  Black-bellied Plover, Ruddy 
Turnstone, Sanderling, Common Loon, Hooded Merganser, Northern Gannet 
and a flock of Scoter kept me company and provided a worthwhile ending 
to our first Black Friday birding excursion.  BTW, the Harlequin seen 
for the first time are as stunning as one imagines. Some pictures of the 
Harlequin (12 birds in all, 6 in one bunch and 2 groups of 3) are here.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/birding_in_new_jersey/

~Dan Murray
www.birdinginnewjersey.com

At dusk today (11/23), a great horned owl was calling at the F. Parker 
Preserve, from forested wetlands adjacent to the rear section of bogs east of 
Route 563, south of Chatsworth. 


NJ Audubon's Birds of New Jersey specifically notes the lack of great horned 
owls in the Pine Barrens, relative to other parts of the state. Presumably, the 
dense forested areas lack the open habitat preferred by g.h. owls. Of course 
these areas of abandoned bogs provide plenty of open habitat. 


Not a lot of other bird activity in that area-- winter wren, juncos, robins, 
great blue heron, flocks of Canada geese overhead. The recent shrikes were 
found in a different part of the preserve. 

Although prosaic, we have never had so many Goldfinches in our yard. Max number 
about 50 birds. Our previous one day maximum at feeders (over 26 year period) 
was five birds. I've seen other flocks nearby and was surprised to encounter a 
couple of sizeable flocks (dozens) near Albany NY. We don't usually think of 
these as winter finches. But this does seem to be a banner year. MIKE GOCHFELD 


________________________________

From: New Jersey Birding on behalf of Karl & Judy
Sent: Fri 11/23/2007 5:29 PM
To: JerseyBirds AT Princeton.EDU
Subject: Re: Cape May Snow Buntings..



FYI, The Barnacle Goose has been seen on Lily Lake in the afternoons the
past two days. Photos are on my website. Could be the same bird we saw in
February??

PS. Also had my first Yard Fox Sparrow today. Where did all the Goldfinches
come from?? The Siskins (up to 5) and Purple Finches ( 2-3) don't have any
room at the feeders! Waiting for Redpoll and Evening Grosebeak. Note - They
had a White-winged Crossbill fly over the Hawkwatch this morning.

  Karl Lukens
  Cape May, NJ.
             _  _
            (0v0)
           ((_  _))
              "  "
_____________________________________
 Visit our website  http://home.comcast.net/~jklukens/
_____________________________________


----- Original Message -----
From: "Steve Glynn" 
To: 
Sent: Friday, November 23, 2007 2:20 PM
Subject: [JerseyBirds] Cape May Snow Buntings..


> My son and I went looking for the Barnacle Goose on Thanksgiving morning,
> but could not locate the bird at either the Meadows, the State Park, the
> fields
> along Bayshore Road or New England road.  The good "college try" I felt,
> but
> no luck.
>
> A pair of Cave Swallows over the hawk-watch platform was a good
> consolation prize, along with a group of 11 Snow Buntings near the bunker.
> One of the Snow Buntings showed a lot of black still.
>
> Steve Glynn
> Millville, NJ

6 Rusty Blackbirds visited our backyard this morning for just a few minutes 
before moving on. They did not return again later in the day. Still waiting for 
any winter finch! 


good weekend,

Wendy and Stuart Malmid
Monroe Twp, NJ
weluvowls AT comcast.net

Hatfield Swamp was very birdy on 11/21...the highlights being 60 RUSTY 
BLACKBIRDS, a handful of female PURPLE FINCH and a GREAT HORNED OWL chased thru 
the woods by a pack of crows...in the common dept. there were about 80 Robins, 
several thousand Grackles, 2 Fox Sparrows, lots of White-throats, Cardinals, 
Juncos, etc. Today 11/23...I observed about six groups of SNOW GEESE come over 
the house and from the lookout at Garret Mountain totaling approx. 450 birds. 

 
Mike Britt
Clifton
_________________________________________________________________
Your smile counts. The more smiles you share, the more we donate.� Join in.
www.windowslive.com/smile?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_Wave2_oprsmilewlhmtagline

This(Friday) afternoon at 3:30 pm I observed a Hudsonian Godwit at Ringwood 
Manor, Ringwood (Passaic County) N.J. The bird was located at the northeast 
corner of the lake, due west or so from the entry gate and directly south of 
the manor house. Much of the lake is drained/dried out and the bird was 
foraging on a mudflat which is normally the bottom of the shallow lake. 


Directions to Ringwood Manor on request.

Mark Kantrowitz
Hillsdale

FYI, The Barnacle Goose has been seen on Lily Lake in the afternoons the 
past two days. Photos are on my website. Could be the same bird we saw in 
February??

PS. Also had my first Yard Fox Sparrow today. Where did all the Goldfinches 
come from?? The Siskins (up to 5) and Purple Finches ( 2-3) don't have any 
room at the feeders! Waiting for Redpoll and Evening Grosebeak. Note - They 
had a White-winged Crossbill fly over the Hawkwatch this morning.

  Karl Lukens
  Cape May, NJ.
             _  _
            (0v0)
           ((_  _))
              "  "
_____________________________________
 Visit our website  http://home.comcast.net/~jklukens/
_____________________________________


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Steve Glynn" 
To: 
Sent: Friday, November 23, 2007 2:20 PM
Subject: [JerseyBirds] Cape May Snow Buntings..


> My son and I went looking for the Barnacle Goose on Thanksgiving morning,
> but could not locate the bird at either the Meadows, the State Park, the 
> fields
> along Bayshore Road or New England road.  The good "college try" I felt, 
> but
> no luck.
>
> A pair of Cave Swallows over the hawk-watch platform was a good
> consolation prize, along with a group of 11 Snow Buntings near the bunker.
> One of the Snow Buntings showed a lot of black still.
>
> Steve Glynn
> Millville, NJ 

Hello,
    Friday, , very strong NW winds, sunny, 35 degrees or
so. Big change from Thursday! Anyway, highlights in brief as I have
to go off to work shortly:

Well's Mill:
1 PURPLE FINCH
That was is for me and other birders I talked with. The common
stuff is there, but as far as I know - unless someone had stuff
early this morning - none of the sought after winter finches.
I think this cold front moved them on?? 
I really should have stayed at the park and walked a trail or two,
but I have been meaning to get to Barneget now for awhile. Nothing
like 25 mph NW winds! 
Barneget:
2 COMMON EIDERS - there's at least 18 around if I am
remembering the figure correctly from a friend. He was leaving
as I was entering. 
I made it only maybe 1/3 of the way out and decided the wind
was too much. Timing also. I think Dave said the EIDERS were
at the end - south side. As before. My Eiders were out at the end of the 
inlet in the middle area.
No Harlequins, but they are around - here again, on the other side of
the jetty.
8 PURPLE SANDPIPERS - on the jetty close, not at the end.
2 LONG-TAILED DUCKS
5 ROYAL TERNS
1 CASPIAN TERN - that's late. Adult non-breeding. I had a nice
look in my scope.
Etc. 

OVENBIRD - a friend had one around locally. Lot's of late stuff
around. Found by a 5 year old. Love those young birders! Not to
worry, my friend confirmed!

Good birding all.



Sandra Keller
Barrington, NJ
sandrakeller AT verizon.net

Sitting and playing Pinochle with my wife and daughter, and watching the 
feeders as we deal.  Have a beautiful Fox Sparrow beneath the feeder at the 
moment, while a steady group of Goldfinches, TT's, Chickadees, Nuthatches 
come and go.  A Carolina wren has been a frequent visitor, along with a 
Cardinal, Downy and occasional Jay.  A Coop came through this morning, so 
another appearance may be coming soon.

Steve Glynn
Millville, NJ

My son and I went looking for the Barnacle Goose on Thanksgiving morning, 
but could not locate the bird at either the Meadows, the State Park, the fields 

along Bayshore Road or New England road.  The good "college try" I felt, but 
no luck.

A pair of Cave Swallows over the hawk-watch platform was a good 
consolation prize, along with a group of 11 Snow Buntings near the bunker.  
One of the Snow Buntings showed a lot of black still.

Steve Glynn
Millville, NJ

Cape Island's continuing Barnacle Goose spent at least
a portion of Thanksgiving afternoon on Lily Lake. An
examination of its facial pattern indicates that it
might just be the same bird as last year, but it is an
arguable point, moult and wear being what they are,
and all.

Otherwise, a quick stop at the tide pool at the
Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor revealed 37
Greaterlegs, 8 Short-billed Dowitchers, and half a
dozen Dunlin. Along with a brace of handsome Red-legs
(A. Black Ducks), and a Great Egret they created quite
the autumnal saltmarsh scene.

Cheers
CJV
Cape May, NJ

From Mardi & Townsend Dickinson:    Happy Thanksgiving to All!
11/19th & 20th AM - Bombay Hook NWR, DE -- 20,000-30,000 Snow Geese, 62 
American Avocets, 25 Amerian Pipits, 30 Meadowlarks, 30 Northern Pintails, 100+ 
Green Winged Teal, 1 Clapper Rail, 50+ Long-billed Dowitchers, 

11/22 - Chincoteaque Island NWR,VA -- From the 20th in the afternoon to taday 
have yelled some nice looks at 8,000 -10,000 Snow Geese including several Blue 
Geese varing each day. Much lower numbers this year than previous years.Very 
low water tables in and around the loop and in overall areas. 3 Ross's Goose in 
with small group of Snow Geese in pool across from Toms Cove, 3 Bald Eagles 2 
Adult 1 imm,1 Perigrine,1 Coopers Hawk, 60+ Tree Swallows, Brown-headed 
Nuthatch, Delmarva Grey Squirrel, 85+ Yellowlegs, 45+ Ruddy Ducks, Green Wing 
Teal, 20 Fosters Terns, 

2 Caspian Terns, 3 American Oystercatchers, 1 Black Skimmer adult. And 1 
possible Shearwater type (Greater) through scope at I:42PM today out off of 
Assateague National Seashore on the Atlantic. 

Cheers, M & T.

Yikes!  
 
Just back home and can't resurrect any directions from JerseyBirds  archives 
to John and Carol Knapp's calliope.  Could anyone kindly  forward some to me?
 
Many thanks,
Linda G. Matula



**************************************Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest 
products.
(http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop00030000000001)

Quick stop at the office today:  4 Pine siskin and 4 purple finch at the
feeders, 2 wild turkey along the driveway.
Mike

-- 
Mike Anderson
Sanctuary Director
Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary
New Jersey Audubon Society
11 Hardscrabble Road
Bernardsville, NJ 07924
 x 14
njaudubon.org

The Sandhill Cranes reported from Randolph Road (Somerset County) were not
present this morning. We checked fields along Schoolhouse Road and Weston
Road with no success.

A stop at Negri-Nepote turned up a Ring-necked Pheasant, as well as Northern
Harriers, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and a Palm Warbler.

John Beetham
Highland Park, NJ

Hello,
    I am reporting for Lloyd Shaw. He called an hour ago 
thereabouts. Thursday - Thanksgiving - .
He spent a couple hours here. Did NOT see the Evening
Grosbeaks, but however, did have 1 WHITE-WINGED
CROSSBILL in some cedars by a propane tank next
to the nature center. 
NJ DeLorme Map 58 - J2.

I was in Cumberland County - all the usual winter birds.
1 SAPSUCKER at the Natural Land's Trust PEEK
Preserve. I haven't seen too many lately.
Stuff moving up and down the bay at East Point. BLACK
SCOTERS, both LOONS, etc. Nice.
5 PURPLE FINCHES for the day.

Nature notes: A few Spring Peepers actually calling this morning.
Just like yesterday at the bogs. Neat. Red Admiral yesterday,
no butterflies today though.

Pumpkin Pie time. 

Sandra Keller
Barrington, NJ
sandrakeller AT verizon.net

If by any chance someone sees the Calliope in Denville today, please 
post!  I am planning to try for it tomorrow, but fear it will be too late!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Susan Treesh
Somerset

PS:  tried for Jimmy Lee's Sandhills yesterday around 3 pm, but no dice, 
they were gone.  Carpe Horam!

I got a call this morning Nov. 22 from Joe Palumbo informing me
that the two N. Shrikes continue at Franklin Parker Preserve, near
Chatsworth. Also there a Vesper Sparrow.

Tom

--
Tom Bailey 
Tabernacle, NJ 
ammodramus AT comcast.net

While I dipped on the Ash-throated Flycatcher near the
railroad tracks today, a mid morning walk around
Hidden Valley (including the section on Bayshore Rd.)
turned up:

2 Sandhill Cranes -bugling all the way as they flew to
the south-west. the seem to go counter clockwise in
their pursuit of foraging habitat for the day,
paralleling the shore. They wound up putting down in
the Lighthouse Pond for a good portion of the day.
3-4 Osprey
6 Fox Sparrows- nowhere near the number present at the
same time last year, but at least two were singing.
1 Yellow-breasted Chat- continuing in the south end of
the first field.
1 Palm Warbler
just 4 Hermit Thrushes was a very low number.

Cave Swallows continue to put in appearances at the
Hawkwatch; and 13 Great Blues were in the bunker pond
alone.

Most impressive, however were the number of
Butterflies about actually, all told & for the day, I
saw something like:
20 Buckeyes-Hidden Valley, in particular the third
field was "full" of Buckeyes, at least by November
standards. 
8-10 Clouded Sulphurs
4-5 Cabbage Whites
1 Red Admiral
1 Question mark
at least 6 Monarchs
and 2 small dark Hairstreaks that were really
uncooperative.

Several Dragonflies, and a Mantis were also nice to
see the weds. before Thanksgiving too.

Cheers
CJV
Cape May, NJ

First, a sighting from last Sunday (11/18): While striking out on the 
Ash-throated flycatcher in driving wind and rain, I found a late ovenbird along 
the entrance road to Forsythe (Brig.). I just realized that it's quite a late 
date for ovenbird in these parts. 


Just before dusk on Wed. (11/21), 2 Northern shrikes were hanging around the 
old bogs at the Franklin Parker Preserve (just outside Chatsworth in the core 
of the Pine Barrens). I had wonderful views of both birds. 

Also, basking E. painted turtle, which was a nice surprise on a warm late 
November day. The many bluebirds were also fun to watch. 


Here are the diretions previously posted by Tom Bailey, with my notes at the 
end: 

From Rt. 563 & Rt. 532 in Chatsworth, take
Rt. 532 west towards Tabernacle/Medford. In a short 
distance you will see a large lake on your right and the road 
will bend sharply right (currently minor shoulder work occuring j
there) and immediately turn left on to a dirt road. Park along 
the road, walk past the two gates back in to the old cranberry 
bogs. 


As you walk along that dirt road, pass a bench overlooking a wetland/old 
reservior and, after a short rise, the landscape opens up into a patchwork of 
old bogs. I found a brown 1st winter shrike on the left (eastern side) near the 
forested edges, and a gray 1st winter shrike down the road a bit and on the 
western side within the old bogs, perched on various trees. (The big Sibley 
shows the brown & gray 1st winter birds--they look totally different in the 
field. Gray 1st winter look like adults from a distance). 

With a vast amount of open habitat out there, these birds can cover large 
distances. If you're looking for a bit of solitude, quite a bit of open space, 
and a variety of habitats, check this place out. Wonderful site for 
birding/exploring. 

I've been blessed this month to have gotten opportunities to bird up in 
northern NY, Vermont and then an extended trip out west that had me 
watching Rosy-finches, Magpies and a fantastic Jacana in AZ.  With all this 
birding, I'm zeroing in on a nice milestone of species, so if others are 
planning 

on being in the field this weekend, please keep the information coming.

I'd love to add a Northern Shrike to my list this year, especially after 12 
previous attempts, in 4 states, and coming up empty each time.

My son and I will hope to find the Cave Swallows and Barnacle Goose 
tomorrow.  Hope to find some of you out there with us!

If you're interested, I've posted some pics of my finds on my Flickr account:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/southjerseybirder/

Enjoy!

Steve Glynn
Millville, NJ

Hello,
    I was talking to a friend today and he did not get the 
date change for the DVOC trip to Forsythe this weekend.
He just assumed Sat. and might have glanced over any
relavant emails. Anyway, just thought I would post
to Jerseybirds in case any others were planning on Sat.
I had to change it to Sunday 11-25 start time 9:00AM.
My work schedule does not really work with a Sat. trip.
For those who planned on Sat. I apologize. 


Sandra Keller
Barrington, NJ
sandrakeller AT verizon.net

Hello,
    Wed. , partly sunny - 70 degrees - southerly winds,
morning. Had 5 hours before work. Still trying to track down
some winter finches besides SISKINS in the Pine Barrens. No
luck today for me, but Tom B. had a RED CROSSBILL. I missed
by an hour..... And I kept my eye out for the CAVE SWALLOW
that Tom had. No luck there either! Both of those species wander
far and wide. Here's what 3 3/4 hours of actual birding in three
different areas brought me this morning - I will combine the three
areas - Reeve's Bog, Franklin Parker - Baptist Rd, and Franklin-
Parker - Rt. 563. The main area there. 

Highlights:
7 PINE SISKINS
20 or so GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS
5 RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS
5 YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS
50 or so PALM WARBLERS - they were all over
and hard to keep track of. 
9 PINE WARBLERS - that pales in comparison with
Tom's figure. 
1 ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER - Franklin-Parker - the main
Rt. 563 spot. It's been there, so might stick around for a bit.
Tom mentioned again today, but I wasn't clear on the area. Probably
the same bird, could have moved. I was walking my usual route. The
bird was in the area past the dead tree bog. Near a drawn down
bog. I need a map of that place!
1 RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH
4 WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES
200 or so JUNCOS
7 TREE SWALLOWS
4 WILSON'S SNIPE
2 WOOD DUCKS
13 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS
15 GREATER YELLOWLEGS
1 LESSER YELLOWLEGS
Plus the usual sparrows, 1 adult BALD EAGLE, MERLIN, KESTREL
RT HAWK, TV, etc.

These bogs are great right now. I would choose any of the
Franklin-Parker sections and Friendship Bog for those
who like to walk. Reeve's Bog and White's Bog are driveable.

Good birding all. Happy holidays.


Sandra Keller
Barrington, NJ
sandrakeller AT verizon.net

We recently birded Lake Takanassee and the ponds/lakes west of the North 
Coast Rail Line, and the ponds/lakes were overgrown with green plants.  
Is there anything we can do to get after the city of Long Branch to 
correct the matter?  

 

There weren't a lot of ducks but we had a few species and some nice 
looks.  They were:              
            American Wigeon (4)

            Green-Winged Teal (1)

            Ring-Necked Duck  (4)

            Ruddy Duck (3)

            Hooded Merganser (12)

            Mallard (12+)

            American Coot (12+).

I went over at lunch and saw him come in 3 different times in about 20 
minutes.  I got there around 12:30. Kudos to John & Carol Knapp for not 
only allowing  fellow birders access to their yard, but even posting 
instructions on access and best viewing spots for times when they aren't 
home to greet you personally.  Also saw 60-75 Hooded Mergansers on 
Indian Lake right around the corner.  Not a bad lunch hour.

Posted some of my pictures  AT  
http://www.flickr.com/photos/birding_in_new_jersey/

~Dan Murray
www.birdinginnewjersey.com

Spent some time around Old Mine Road, Warren County today. 

 

Found lots of Ruby-crowned Kinglets along with Golden-crowned.

Brown Creeper, Hairy Woodpecker, tons of  WT Sparrows, Juncos, Chickadees
and Titmice.

 

The highlight, however, was the Red-shouldered Hawks, male and female.  They
were sitting in the trees over a field, flying down, landing on the ground,
and eating what seemed to be earth worms.  The male had a rusty brown breast
that was outstanding. He blended in so well with the red-brown oak leaves I
had a hard time locating him to take a picture.  I wish I knew what road I
was on, but I can say we traveled from the trailhead of Rattlesnake Swamp
Loop (602 South) to Gaisler Road and were on the way back. They definitely
made my day.

 

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

 

Linda Gangi

Project Manager, Birding and Wildlife Trails

New Jersey Audubon Society

Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary

11 Hardscrabble Road

Bernardsville, New Jersey 07924
 x 23

www.njaudubon.org 

"I believe in the forest, and in the meadow, and in the night in which the
corn grows".  Henry David Thoreau

 

 

 

I observed the birds feeding from 11:20 to 11:50.  Heavily cropped photo 
below:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jggilbert//

Jim Gilbert

Bernardsville, NJ


>
> I returned to the sport about 11:45. Jim Gilbert had them about where you 
> saw them. I think Jim will post his pictures.
>
> The birds were a bit nervous. A large flock of horned larks flushed up and 
> then the cranes took off (about 11:50) in the direction opposite from 
> Randolph Road. this was in the same general direction from where they came 
> from when I first saw them. They were just above the treeline so may be 
> they didn't leave the area. I did circle the area by going along (L) 
> Weston Canal Rd, L on Schoolhouse Rd and then L back to Randolph Rd. There 
> is plenty of potential habitat for the cranes but most of the habitat is 
> not very visible (from the road) or accessible (businesses, school, homes) 
> as far as I can tell.
>
> Headsup to anyone coming a long way to see them.
>
> I check after work and post. I trust others will post their sightings.
>
> Good Birding.
>> > Jimmy Lee
>> > 

A Cave Swallow was observed at Franklin Parker Preserve,
Burlington County, this morning around 9am. It was seen over
the large reservoir and adjoining bogs located on the west side
of Rt. 563 south of Chatsworth. It disappeared after the initial
sighting and wasn't refound when I left around 11 am.

Other goodies there this morning included -

Red Crossbill (1)
Orange-crowned Warbler (1)
Pine Warbler (20+)
Palm Warbler (6)
Bald Eagle (3)
Merlin (1)
Long-billed Dowitcher (1)
Dunlin (1)
Pectoral Sandpiper (2)
Am. Pipit (1)

and the other usual suspects

Tom

--
Tom Bailey 
Tabernacle, NJ 
ammodramus AT comcast.net

I loved these bird feeders until the pigeons figured out how to use them.

Marcia Ian
Metuchen

>In this age of high prices for bird food (my source for black oil raised his
>price by $5 for a 25 lb. bag recently), I have found a great feeder that
>allows access to many birds, yet (so far at least) keeps the squirrels at
>bay as well as preventing seed dumping and wastage.
> 
>I bought mine at Scherman-Hoffman.  
> 
>http://www.no-nobirdfeeder.com/ 
> 
>Susie R.
>Tewksbury/Califon
> 
>

Jerseybirders,
   
 On my daily mail run here at Sandy Hook I was pleased to find a Western 
Kingbird near the garden. It was actively hawking insects in the tall trees 
near the officer's club at noon. 

   
 Not trying to stir up any "rarity fever" but it is still worth mentioning that 
any cooperative "yellow-bellied" kingbird in NJ should be carefully observed. 
Both Cassin's and Tropical Kingbirds have been recorded not far from the garden 
state, the former species just this fall at Montauk, NY. I'm hoping for a 
Tropical Kingbird one of these days at the hook! :-) 

   
  Good Birding,
  
Scott Barnes
  Senior Naturalist
  Sandy Hook Bird Observatory
  New Jersey Audubon Society
  www.njaudubon.org/Centers/shbo
   

       
---------------------------------
Get easy, one-click access to your favorites.  Make Yahoo! your homepage.

Hi Chuck,

thanks for your update and link.

I returned to the sport about 11:45. Jim Gilbert had them about where you saw 
them. I think Jim will post his pictures. 


The birds were a bit nervous. A large flock of horned larks flushed up and then 
the cranes took off (about 11:50) in the direction opposite from Randolph Road. 
this was in the same general direction from where they came from when I first 
saw them. They were just above the treeline so may be they didn't leave the 
area. I did circle the area by going along (L) Weston Canal Rd, L on 
Schoolhouse Rd and then L back to Randolph Rd. There is plenty of potential 
habitat for the cranes but most of the habitat is not very visible (from the 
road) or accessible (businesses, school, homes) as far as I can tell. 


Headsup to anyone coming a long way to see them.

I check after work and post. I trust others will post their sightings.

Good Birding.

Jimmy
-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: Charles Smart  

> At 10:45 am, the Sandhill Cranes were still easily visible, 0.6 miles from 
> Weston Canal Road, on Randolph road, Somerset, just past and across the road 
> from the Public Warehouse. Thanks to Jimmy Lee. A distant picture is here: 
> 
> http://www.flickr.com/photos/chuck_smart/ 
> 
> From 287 Northbound take exit 12, Weston Canal Road. At the base of the exit 
> reset your odometer. Turn left towards Zaraphath. Drive 0.9 miles to Randolph 

> Road, turn left. Go another 0.6 miles for a total of 1.5 miles. The birds 
were 

> feeding in the field on your right. 
> 
> Chuck Smart 
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: Jimmy Lee 
> Date: Wednesday, November 21, 2007 9:53 am 
> Subject: [JerseyBirds] Sandhill Cranes in Franklin, Somerset County 
> 
> > All, 
> > This morning at about 9:10 I watched three Sandhill Cranes fly in 
> > and land in a field on Randolph Road (between Schoolhouse Road and 
> > (closer to) Weston Canal Road, Franklin, Somerset county. 
> > I watched them for a few minutes before continuing on to work. 
> > Good birding! 
> > Jimmy Lee 
> >