Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from New Jersey Birding > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Thursday, November 16 at 07:04 AM ET The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Northern Shrike,©Jan Wilczur

16 Nov American Wigeon ["Barb S." ] 15 Nov odds and ends, and bats [Christopher Vogel ] 15 Nov Northern Shrike-Parker Preserve [JEAN GUTSMUTH ] 15 Nov Franklin - Parker Preserve - Burlington County [Sandra Keller ] 15 Nov Good Southern NJ Birding [Jay Keller ] 15 Nov Re: A bird poster from Britain asked this. [Joseph Pylka ] 15 Nov "Tour of Giant Trees in Northern Cape May County" with CMBO on December 2 [Pat Sutton ] 15 Nov web sites for King Eider and Tufted Duck [Sandra Keller ] 14 Nov A bird poster from Britain asked this. ["Fred Vir." ] 14 Nov Forsythe and Mott's Creek [Sandra Keller ] 14 Nov Assiscong Update [Sam Galick ] 14 Nov Cornell Project feeder watch [Joe Delesantro ] 13 Nov Global warming could wipe out most birds: WWF [Laurie Larson ] 13 Nov National Park area - storm birding [Sandra Keller ] 12 Nov weekend sightings - Northern Shrike & Sedge Wren [Tom Bailey ] 12 Nov Celery Farm [belrick ] 12 Nov Re: White-headed Dark-eyed Junco back at Round Valley [Dana ] 11 Nov owl [] 12 Nov SHBO Trip to Brigantine [Sandra Escala ] 11 Nov White-headed Dark-eyed Junco back at Round Valley [LeGrand Family ] 11 Nov Re: Banded Redpoll [John Kee ] 11 Nov Banded Redpoll [Wild Bird Country ] 10 Nov FW: Lights out Atlantic City [Don Freiday ] 10 Nov Great Swamp NWR closed Saturday, Nov. 11 and Nov. 15-18 [Jonathan Klizas ] 10 Nov Cattle Egret still at Wreck Pond [Shawn Wainwright ] 10 Nov Re: FW: Bird Strikes in AC [John Scavetto ] 10 Nov Purple Finch ["Donald P. Freiday" ] 10 Nov FW: Bird Strikes in AC ["Donald P. Freiday" ] 10 Nov Bat web site [] 9 Nov Re: OT-Indiana Red Bats [Joseph Pylka ] 9 Nov HSR: Raccoon Ridge (09 Nov 2006) 119 Raptors [Hawkcount Reports ] 9 Nov Rancocas State Park - Burlington County [Sandra Keller ] 9 Nov Re: OT-Indiana Red Bats [Sam Galick ] 9 Nov Re: OT-Indiana Red Bats ["John J. Collins" ] 9 Nov Re: Northern Shrike, Pleasant Plains Road, Great Swamp N.W.R. [Barry ] 9 Nov Hunterdon County Waterfowl [Sam Galick ] 9 Nov NWR in NJ and birds migrating [Sandra Keller ] 8 Nov 3 Geese species at Assiscong, Hunterdon County, ROSS'S, Cackling, Canada [Sam Galick ] 8 Nov Downsizing in NJ National Wildlife Refuges [Laurie Larson ] 8 Nov CBC 2006 - New Jersey [Laurie Larson ] 8 Nov OT-Indiana Red Bats [Michael Britt ] 8 Nov On Short-eared Owls (Response to Sandra Keller) [Michael Britt ] 7 Nov Oradell and Ridgewood (Bergen Co.) [John Workman ] 7 Nov Cape May County - Eider, Owls, Gulls [Sandra Keller ] 7 Nov Fw: Public Hearing on Offshore Oil & Gas - This Monday, Nov. 13 [Stuart and Wendy ] 7 Nov Northern Shrike [Harvey Tomlinson ] 6 Nov Utterly OT: Counting birds online [Jonathan Klizas ] 6 Nov Forgot to mention... [Sam Galick ] 6 Nov Jaegers at Sandy Hook [Scott Barnes ] 6 Nov Turkey Point - Short-eared Owl [Sandra Keller ] 6 Nov Northern Shrike, Pleasant Plains Road, Great Swamp N.W.R. [Jonathan Klizas ] 6 Nov Cackling In Hunterdon [Sam Galick ] Subject: American Wigeon From: "Barb S." <stormyeyes99 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 16 Nov 2006 07:54:07 -0500 Good Morning. 6 Wigeon were at a small pond along the Rahway River in Cranford, NJ at sunset last night. Barb S. (Newbie) Clark, NJ Subject: odds and ends, and bats From: Christopher Vogel <glaucidium AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 15 Nov 2006 21:45:41 -0800 While I saw no California Gulls at Higbee's Beach this afternoon (which isn't at all surprising really, given a variety of facts; first among them being that I didn't look at a single gull...) I did manage to find a rather late, and richly ochraceous Bobolink in the phrags at the Beanery first thing. Otherwise, a Dickcissel and a fair number of E. Bluebirds were in the air, but precious little else. Yesterday, on the other hand, the first field at Higbees held 8 or so Purple Finches, foaraging in the hedgerows, many of which were giving their vireo-seque call. An Osprey was a fine thing to see over the parkway as well. Carolina Wrens are getting vicious in the rose-bushes and Great Horned Owls Have been absurdly easy to see, and making most wonderfully un-expected vocalizations just before sunset. Even Had one very agitated female getting herself mobbed by a Cooper's Hawk the other day, a few minutes after sunset. Today, I heard no word of the Swainson's Hawk found in the mists and midst of Avalon Blvd yesterday, and I did not look myself. A most ridiculously confiding bird-he ran about, Caracara-like, and posed to the maximum advantage of all his best features, for about 40 minutes. The hungry bird approached to within a few meters of the car. And, incidentally, the last 10 days or so have seen a seasonal number of Red Bats in the area, but no great flocks, at least none that I have seen in these parts. However, I don't believe I have never seen so many Hoary Bats as I have this year. Oftentimes, just before Sunset during the past week, the two have been easily compared in the Dunes, or over the fields and hedgerows. The Hoary is readily distinguishable from the Red Bat because It is notably much larger, with a bull neck or ruff (which, sometimes even in dim twilight contrasts with the body colour). Also, the angle of the wrist is sharper, with a confident, non-fluttery, wing beat-not entirely unlike a Noctilio (fishing bat) or a Tringine sandpiper. Also, Hoary Bats are not red. (Though this may not be so obvious in bad light with poor binoculars). Sorry, but I do I have a penchant for bats, and among the tedious, usually impossible-to-identify-in-the-field Vespertilionids, this fondness extends doubly to the distinctive Leaf-bats. Most excellent little beasts, the lasiurines. Cheers, CJV Cape May, NJ Subject: Northern Shrike-Parker Preserve From: JEAN GUTSMUTH <gutsmuth AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 15 Nov 2006 20:28:04 -0500 Ed Bruder and I had the shrike around 9:45 this morning, near the area reported by Tom Bailey. Unfortunately a flicker kept harassing the bird, making it move from one tree to another but we did have good scope looks. Jean Gutsmuth Haddon Heights, NJ _________________________________________________________________ Fixing up the home? Live Search can help http://imagine-windowslive.com/search/kits/default.aspx?kit=improve&locale=en-US&source=hmemailtaglinenov06&FORM=WLMTAG Subject: Franklin - Parker Preserve - Burlington County From: Sandra Keller <sandrakeller AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Wed, 15 Nov 2006 19:21:59 -0500 Hello, I had a couple hours this late afternoon - dusk, Wed. 11-15-06 to go exploring and searching for the Northern Shrike that Tom had over the weekend. No luck with that! I was scanning those dead trees intently in that second bog. The water filled one. I wandered around still looking. No Shrike. No Tundra Swans. But 9 BLUEBIRDS and a SAPSUCKER were nice. Along with the usual winter birds. Nature notes: no frogs today. Had Spring Peepers and a lone Chorus Frog yesterday at Forsythe. Cooler today. No bats today either. Many yesterday along Mott's Creek Rd. Sandra Keller Barrington, NJ sandrakeller AT verizon.net Subject: Good Southern NJ Birding From: Jay Keller <azure.jay AT EARTHLINK.NET> Date: Wed, 15 Nov 2006 18:19:08 -0500 Hello All, I was on business near Absecon this week, and of course took advantage of any free time to get in some birding. I ended up with a little over 90 species for the total of about 5 hours of morning birding over the last two days. Highlights: My first stop was pre-sunrise to about 8 AM at EB Forsythe on 11/14, mostly the wildlife loop. I whistled up a NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL on the entrance road, which prompted the response of a GREAT HORNED OWL, followed by the barking calls of a distant SHORT-EARED OWL (not a dog). Disappointing diversity of waterfowl but nice numbers as outlined below: Snow Goose 30 Brant 25 Canada Goose 125 Tundra Swan 32 Wood Duck 20 American Black Duck 3000 Mallard 1000 Northern Shoveler 500 Northern Pintail 2500 Green-winged Teal 500 Ring-necked Duck 2 Greater Scaup 2 Bufflehead 55 Hooded Merganser 10 Red-breasted Merganser 8 Ruddy Duck 6 This morning from Sunrise to about 8 AM I did a seawatch off Brigantine Beach (corner of 11th St S and Ocean Ave). Best birds for me were the 3 female COMMON EIDERS that buzzed right in front of me - heading north, as well as the RED-NECKED GREBE well seen not far offshore. I also spotted a SEMIPALMATED PLOVER as it flew past near the water line with a flock of about 150 DUNLIN. This strikes me as quite late, and it did not give me a chance to study it closely other than the single breast band and otherwise correct plumage/structure to see if something more interesting is involved (wishful thinking). A young PEREGRINE FALCON made a few passes over the Dunlin too! The list follows: Common Eider 3 Surf Scoter 60 White-winged Scoter 8 Black Scoter 6 Scoter sp. 35 Long-tailed Duck 8 Red-throated Loon 4 Common Loon 12 Red-necked Grebe 1 Northern Gannet 350 Double-crested Cormorant 38 Peregrine Falcon 1 Semipalmated Plover 1 American Oystercatcher 40 Dunlin 2000 Laughing Gull 10 Ring-billed Gull 25 Herring Gull 10 Lesser Black-backed Gull 1 Great Black-backed Gull 12 Royal Tern 2 A mix-up involving the Ferry led me to Higbee Beach for a brief while. Best bird here was a close range CALIFORNIA GULL loafing on the beach with a few Ring-billeds (which I suppose must be a review bird - Ick!). It was a bit larger than them, with a darker mantle, very streaky crown and nape, and dark iris. There were a couple of Herring Gulls flying around as well which helped with the comparison. Certainly better birding than I was expecting for the limited time I had as a visitor, and I got to visit some very beautiful areas which is always appreciated. Also, I actually managed to leave the blackjack tables at the Borgata well ahead of what I walked in with!! Questions, if any, are welcome. Best to All, Jay Keller, Arlington, VA Subject: Re: A bird poster from Britain asked this. From: Joseph Pylka <jpylka AT EARTHLINK.NET> Date: Wed, 15 Nov 2006 14:02:51 -0500 You're right. This is fairly unrealistic. A kayak, sea or otherwise, on flatwater will be paddleable at no more than 6 mph. After that, drag & friction would rise so rapidly that an unconscionable amount of energy would have to be expended. I once did a stretch of the Delaware from Phillipsburg to Riegelsville at 9 mph aggregate (my forward speed and the water velocity at a near-flood level). There is a historical record of 44 miles in 4 hours at flood levels. A friend who is an Olympic flatwater sprinter can reach close to 15 mph on flatwater using a specially designed kayak. > [Original Message] > Subject: [JerseyBirds] A bird poster from Britain asked this. > > *Relative Velocity. * A scenario - If I was kayaking > one way down a stream, really fast, at say 20mph (I know, I know..) and > a Pileated Wodpecker flew the other way, at say 15mph (OK...), and if I > saw iit badly / briefly, could I think it was flying the other way > round, i.e white at the rear edge of the wing as suggested by the > apparent (not real) direction of its movement (suggesting an Ivory-billed) ? > If the bird were flying in the opposite direction, this would be a relative speed of 35 mph and it would be very clear what direction it was traveling in. Even if it was in the same direction, that's a differential of only 5 mph which would give you ample time to observe the bird. It's doubtful that an observer would confuse the pointy head end with a more rectangular tail shape.... Joe P. Subject: "Tour of Giant Trees in Northern Cape May County" with CMBO on December 2 From: Pat Sutton <pat.sutton AT NJAUDUBON.ORG> Date: Wed, 15 Nov 2006 13:00:46 -0500 Cape May Bird Observatory (CMBO) is taking registrations for a driving tour of “Giants Among Us: Biggest Trees in Northern Cape May County” on Saturday, December 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The tour will be led by Lyman Hoffman, who has tracked and measured the largest trees and chronicled them in his two books “Giants Among Us” and “Magnificent Trees of Cape May County.” Pat Sutton, CMBO Program Director and lover of trees, will co-lead this adventure. Spaces are limited and registrations are being taken now. The cost/person is $30 ($20 for CMBO or New Jersey Audubon Society members). To register or for more information call 609/861-0700 (extension 11) or stop by either of CMBO's two centers. The December 2 driving tour with Lyman Hoffman and Pat Sutton will showcase 43 giant trees (including 17 different species) in the northern part of Cape May County from South Dennis to Tuckahoe and west to Eldora. Many of these trees are well over 100 years old! “Tulip Tree Row” in Woodbine, a stand of 88 huge Tulip Trees ranging from 10' to 11' in circumference, will be on the tour. Hoffman began his quest for Cape May County’s giant trees when he acquired the 1949 publication by Robert Alexander, “Noteworthy Trees of Cape May County,” a booklet published by the venerable Cape May Geographic Society. Pat Sutton was president of the Cape May Geographic Society in the 1980s and remembers Bob Alexander, his booklet, and her own quest for the giant trees that had been spared as roads widened, houses were built, and landowners changed. If you love “old Cape May County” and the giants that still stand to remind us of yesteryear and will hopefully stand for another hundred or more years, be sure to take advantage of this very special tour with the Cape May Bird Observatory and Lyman Hoffman. -- Patricia Sutton Program Director New Jersey Audubon Society's Cape May Bird Observatory Center for Research & Education 600 Route 47 North Cape May Court House, NJ 08210 609-861-0700, x-16 (phone) / 609-861-1651 (fax) pat.sutton AT njaudubon.org www.njaudubon.org Subject: web sites for King Eider and Tufted Duck From: Sandra Keller <sandrakeller AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Wed, 15 Nov 2006 08:30:44 -0500 Hello, This came over id frontiers. Excellent photos of female Tufted Ducks taken in Norway. There's been a couple birds around the country that have caused confusion with Ring-necked Duck. Head shape and bill. Take a look at this sight - the author put it together because of the controversy surrounding the two birds in the US. You would have to go back into the birding frontiers archives for those birds pics. http://cyberbirding.uib.no/photo/aythya_fuligula.php And this web site was emailed to me from a friend in PA. Came over Birdchat which I do not subscribe to. http://www.birdinfo.com/KingEider.html It focuses on the field identification of the various plumages of King Eider. Plus goes into Common and King female identification. Lots of excellent pics on the site showing the id points. I have bookmarked both sites. Good birding all. Sandra Keller Barrington, NJ sandrakeller AT verizon.net Subject: A bird poster from Britain asked this. From: "Fred Vir." <avtrader AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Tue, 14 Nov 2006 23:57:46 -0500 *Relative Velocity. * One for the mathematicians amongst us: A scenario - If I was kayaking one way down a stream, really fast, at say 20mph (I know, I know..) and a Pileated Wodpecker flew the other way, at say 15mph (OK...), and if I saw iit badly / briefly, could I think it was flying the other way round, i.e white at the rear edge of the wing as suggested by the apparent (not real) direction of its movement (suggesting an Ivory-billed) ? ha, ha fred virr. NJ > > Subject: Forsythe and Mott's Creek From: Sandra Keller <sandrakeller AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Tue, 14 Nov 2006 20:18:14 -0500 Some very brief highlights. The weather didn't clear so I didn't head out for hawkwatching. Forsythe instead. 2 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS - on a sandbar or something in the middle of Lilly Lake. Along with 20 GREATER YELLOWLEGS. 1 female REDHEAD - not with Canvasback. That's how I usually see them so thought interesting. Perhaps a migrant. Basically all the same stuff as last week. I was hoping for some good dike birds. No. I am not having good luck with sparrows and such on the dike this fall. Flock flight id - interesting how the dabbling ducks are basically the highest flyers. BLACK especially is maybe the highest flying duck in NJ on most occassions. Mott's Creek - 4:30 to 5:15PM - 1 SHORT-EARED OWL hunting at 5:10PM. In that wet grassy area right in front of the bulkhead. Very close looks. Got to see the field marks for a change! The usual otherwise. Good birding all. I am hoping for NW winds this weekend. One last shot at hawkwatching. Sandra Keller Barrington, NJ sandrakeller AT verizon.net Subject: Assiscong Update From: Sam Galick <sam.galick AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 14 Nov 2006 17:40:56 -0500 At sundown today at Assiscong the waterfowl was wonderful with huge flocks of Mallards and Black Ducks flying overhead. Mixed in were 2 Gadwalls, 1 Pintail, 1 American Wigeon, 9 Green-Winged Teal, lots of Wood Ducks. 4 Greylag x Canada Geese- mix up in id, easily compared on a google image search. Making themselves very well known with their domestic/wild calls. 1 Gray Phase Eastern Screech Owl- pretty regular now like last season. The more notable occurrence was a repeat of when I had the Ross's Goose fly in. Tons of Canada Geese began to emerge from the South and landing at the marsh in groups of 50-75 individuals. Now although I couldn't find any blinding white goose in the mix it might as very well be there, or flew in after I left. Certainly there will be Cackling Goose in the morning. Worth a stop if in the area. If anyone is going to be in the area I'll give you directions. Or you can look it up in Boyle's book, "The Birds of New Jersey." -- Sam Galick Flemington, NJ sam.galick AT gmail.com http://www.flickr.com/photos/sgalick/ Subject: Cornell Project feeder watch From: Joe Delesantro <byrder2002 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Tue, 14 Nov 2006 06:24:00 -0800 Cornell is asking for help. Participant numbers are down and they are trying to generate more interest in their Project feeder watch program. See below. Project FeederWatch needs your help to keep track of the birds at your feeders this winter. Count birds as often as two days each week from November 11 to April 6. Your counts will help scientists monitor changes in feeder bird populations. New participants receive a research kit with easy to follow instructions, the FeederWacther's handbook, a bird-identification poster, a calendar, and a subscription to the newsletter of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (U.S.) or Bird Studies Canada (Canada). For more information or to sign up in the U.S., please visit http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/ or call (800) 843-2473; if in Canada, please visit http://www.bsc-eoc.org/national/pfw.html or call (888) 448-2473. A $15 fee ($35 in Canada) makes the program possible. Joe Delesantro Mays Landing, NJ byrder2002 AT yahoo.com --------------------------------- Everyone is raving about the all-new Yahoo! Mail beta. Subject: Global warming could wipe out most birds: WWF From: Laurie Larson <llarson2 AT MAC.COM> Date: Mon, 13 Nov 2006 22:38:45 -0500 Global warming could wipe out most birds: WWF http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx? type=topNews&storyid=2006-11-14T005511Z_01_L13486051_RTRUKOC_0_US- ENVIRONMENT-CLIMATE-BIRDS.xml Subject: National Park area - storm birding From: Sandra Keller <sandrakeller AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Mon, 13 Nov 2006 18:03:12 -0500 Hello, I had some catching up with stuff after my long weekend of birding, but wanted to get out local today - Monday, 11-13-06. I spent a couple hours mainly watching the Delaware River in the National Park, Riverwinds, Red Bank area of Gloucester County. Visibility was actually ok even with the rain. Unfortunately, nothing out of the ordinary! I liked the Riverwinds overlook the best. The river isn't as wide there. I will be curious to see what others report for today when I read email again. Lots of Shrikes around NJ and PA. None for me today though! Highlights: 12 BUFFLEHEAD - Red Bank 2 COMMON GOLDENEYE - Red Bank 5 FORSTER'S TERNS - Red Bank - I keep thinking they should be gone from up here by now. I need some data on their timing for up here. 8 SCAUP sp. - I didn't get a good look at the bill. They were diving too much - Riverwinds. 3 RING-NECKED DUCKS - Riverwinds. Etc. At least 20 FOX SPARROWS just in the little bit of passerine birding that I did. Nice! Lots flying on the river. That's always good for me and my flight id. Maybe next storm I'll try again. I didn't check the cove area for Canvasback. Good birding all. Looks like Tues will have some clearing and NW winds. Sandra Keller Barrington, NJ sandrakeller AT verizon.net Subject: weekend sightings - Northern Shrike & Sedge Wren From: Tom Bailey <ammodramus AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sun, 12 Nov 2006 22:30:15 +0000 On Saturday Nov. 11, an imm. Northern Shrike was found at the Franklin Parker Preserve, near Chatsworth. It continued there today Nov. 12. This NJ Conservation Foundation property can be reached by taking Rt. 563 south out of Chatsworth to the first bogs on your right. Park at the gate & walk in. It was frequenting the two back sections of bogs behind the big reservoir (with standing dead cedar trees in it) visible from the road. Also there, two Tundra Swans, Am. Bittern, Wilson's Snipe, & several Bald Eagles. On Sunday, Nov. 12, a Sedge Wren was found along Stafford Ave at Manahawkin. It was in the marsh on the left between the road and the wooded "island" approx. 200' or so after you exit the woods. Tom Bailey -- Tom Bailey Tabernacle, NJ ammodramus AT comcast.net Subject: Celery Farm From: belrick <belrick AT OPTONLINE.NET> Date: Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:12:02 -0500 Hi, I was at the Celery farm this am and there is a record in the book of a white Pelican being seen there on the 11th, anyone have any more info on this report? Bill Elrick Wyckoff. Subject: Re: White-headed Dark-eyed Junco back at Round Valley From: Dana <danaman AT ptd.net> Date: Sun, 12 Nov 2006 10:06:20 -0500 Sunday mornng, we saw two of the white headed Junco described below, thanks for pointing these out. Also a Belted Kingfisher and a flock of what looked like American Coot diving on the reservoir. Dana Beaton Greenwich Twp. -----Original Message----- From: New Jersey Birding [mailto:JerseyBirds AT Princeton.EDU] On Behalf Of LeGrand Family Sent: Saturday, November 11, 2006 7:22 PM To: JerseyBirds AT Princeton.EDU Subject: [JerseyBirds] White-headed Dark-eyed Junco back at Round Valley The Dark-eyed Junco with the gorgeous white head is back with the junco flock at the fisherman's causeway at Round Valley Reservoir. This will be its third winter that I know of. It was too foggy to see much else there this morning (Saturday). -Ed LeGrand Annandale, NJ Subject: owl From: Lutachris AT AOL.COM Date: Sat, 11 Nov 2006 20:57:36 EST local Great Horned Owl calling nightly since Wednesday (11/8/06) two turkey hens on a lawn Fri (11/10/06) a.m. Chris W. Pennington Subject: SHBO Trip to Brigantine From: Sandra Escala <sescala AT OPTONLINE.NET> Date: Sun, 12 Nov 2006 00:38:43 +0000 Dear Jersey Birders, Another wonderful day at Brig with the participants of SHBO's field trip. Today's highlights include: American Bittern 215 Tundra Swans 10 Shorebirds including Western, Semi-palmated (late), Least & Pectoral Sandpipers; Wilson's Snipe, Long-billed Dowitcher, Black-bellied and Semi-palmated Plovers, Greater Yellowlegs, and thousands of Dunlin 100+ Hooded Mergansers 1 Canvasback 4 Bald Eagles 20+ Northern Harriers Horned Lark Pete Bacinski Sandy Hook Bird Observatory Sandra Escala Bridgewater, NJ Subject: White-headed Dark-eyed Junco back at Round Valley From: LeGrand Family <elegrand AT SPRINTMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 11 Nov 2006 19:22:23 -0500 The Dark-eyed Junco with the gorgeous white head is back with the junco flock at the fisherman's causeway at Round Valley Reservoir. This will be its third winter that I know of. It was too foggy to see much else there this morning (Saturday). -Ed LeGrand Annandale, NJ Subject: Re: Banded Redpoll From: John Kee <jkee AT NAC.NET> Date: Sat, 11 Nov 2006 17:58:10 -0500 colleen, Send her to this link http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl/homepage/recwobnd.cfm Redpoll? Surprising..this year, this early. John Kee Bound Brook, N.J. On Sat, 11 Nov 2006 14:24:17 -0500, Wild Bird Country wrote: >Hi All > >Just had a customer in Rahway call about a Redpoll she's seen in her yard for a couple weeks. Today she found it dead and when she picked it up she noticed that it seems to be banded. Bluish purple on one leg and orange on the other. > >Does anyone know whom she should contact about the bands? > >Thanks in Advance > >Colleen Snow >Wild Bird Country >Edison, NJ Subject: Banded Redpoll From: Wild Bird Country <wildbirdcountry AT OPTONLINE.NET> Date: Sat, 11 Nov 2006 14:24:17 -0500 Hi All Just had a customer in Rahway call about a Redpoll she's seen in her yard for a couple weeks. Today she found it dead and when she picked it up she noticed that it seems to be banded. Bluish purple on one leg and orange on the other. Does anyone know whom she should contact about the bands? Thanks in Advance Colleen Snow Wild Bird Country Edison, NJ Subject: FW: Lights out Atlantic City From: Don Freiday <dfreiday AT PATMEDIA.NET> Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2006 19:36:34 -0500 All, as a follow up to the bird strikes in AC during last Friday's flight, you might be interested to note the below excellent recommendations from Eric Stiles and Troy Ettel of the NJAS Conservation Department. Don ---------------------------------------------- Donald P. Freiday, Sanctuary Director New Jersey Audubon Society's Scherman-Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary 11 Hardscrabble Road, P.O. Box 693 Bernardsville, NJ 07924 (908) 766-5787 voice (908) 766-7775 fax don.freiday AT njaudubon.org www.njaudubon.org/Centers/Scherman -----Original Message----- From: Eric Stiles [mailto:eric.stiles AT njaudubon.org] Sent: Friday, November 10, 2006 4:48 PM To: njas_all AT njaudubon.org Subject: Lights out Atlantic City Dear All: The Press of Atlantic City just called me to comment on bird building strikes in Atlantic City. I said NJ Audubon Society is calling on the city, casinos and other building owners to implement a "Lights Out Atlantic City" program based on the successful program in Chicago. For more information on the program, please visit http://www.lightsout.audubon.org/. Special thanks to Troy for championing this idea. Sincerely, Eric Stiles, Vice President for Conservation and Stewardship New Jersey Audubon Society __________________ 11 Hardscrabble Road Bernardsville, New Jersey 07924 Phone: 908.766.5787 ext 13 Fax: 908.766.7775 Website: www.njaudubon.org/conservation Conserving New Jersey's Natural Heritage Since 1897 Subject: Great Swamp NWR closed Saturday, Nov. 11 and Nov. 15-18 From: Jonathan Klizas <jcklizas AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2006 15:32:19 -0800 I have been asked to post this to Jersey Birds. The Northern Shrike is present as of Friday. But beware, the Great Swamp NWR is CLOSED tomorrow, Saturday, 11/11 and 11/15-18 due to hunting: http://www.fws.gov/northeast/greatswamp/ Good birding, Jonathan Klizas Subject: Cattle Egret still at Wreck Pond From: Shawn Wainwright <ShawnEagleEyes AT AOL.COM> Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2006 18:26:09 EST Thelma Loveland Reports that it is: Still present this morning , happily eating earth worms Subject: Re: FW: Bird Strikes in AC From: John Scavetto <jscavetto AT OPTONLINE.NET> Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2006 22:13:45 +0000        I was in AC last Friday and was not aware at the time of the birds crashing into the buildings. It is sad indeed.  Most of us are aware that tall buildings pose a great threat to migrating birds. The thing that worried me more was watching those turbines spinning at such great speeds off the AC Expressway. In California I have seen hundreds of dead birds or in reality I should say bird parts lying all over the ground. I realize that wind energy is a alternative source of energy and more "environmentally friendly"as they say but couldn't help but think that migration routes were not part of the equation when the study was done. These Wind Turbines are the new enemy of the New Jersey Shore Line. As if oil spills,over fishing of Horseshoe Crabs and the building boom was not enough we throw in another problem. Don't mean to ramble but sometimes it just gets to you and well I feel a little better blowing off some steam. Only wish we really had a say in things. ----- Original Message -----From: "Donald P. Freiday" Date: Friday, November 10, 2006 1:53 pmSubject: [JerseyBirds] FW: Bird Strikes in ACTo: JerseyBirds AT Princeton.EDU> RE: last Friday’s great flight.> > ----------------------------------------------> Donald P. Freiday,> Sanctuary Director> New Jersey Audubon Society's> Scherman-Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary> 11 Hardscrabble Road, P.O. Box 693> Bernardsville, NJ 07924> (908) 766-5787 voice> (908) 766-7775 fax> don.freiday AT njaudubon.org> www.njaudubon.org/Centers/Scherman> -----Original Message-----> From: Eric Stiles [mailto:eric.stiles AT njaudubon.org] > Sent: Thursday, November 09, 2006 3:33 PM> To: njas_all AT njaudubon.org> Subject: Bird Strikes in AC> > Migratory birds slam into Caesars parking garage> > By LYNDA COHEN Staff Writer, (609) 272-7257> (Published: November 4, 2006) > ATLANTIC CITY As AtlantiCare workers arrived at the city hospital> Friday morning, they found the area strewn with dead and dying > birds. > The migratory pattern apparently led more than a dozen birds directly> into the 11-story Caesars parking garage across the street. > There were people coming into work saying, Did you see that bird fly> right into the parking garage?' AtlantiCare paramedic Greg > McCay said.> (The birds) were lying on the sidewalk and the bushes. Some were > in the> street. > We live under one of the largest migratory flyways in the > nation, city> spokesman Nick Morici said. We have a lot of big buildings here, > and the> birds tend to fly into them. It's something that happens every > year. > The birds were collected by a Health Department official and > tested for> possible disease. The tests were negative, Morici said. > Any live birds were taken to the Humane Society in Atlantic > City, which> would send them on to the Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge in Medford, Morici> said. > The birds had not gotten to Cedar Run by late afternoon. A> representative from the Humane Society could not be reached for > comment.> We do get quite a few birds from impact injuries, said Steph Stewart,> volunteer coordinator and assistant rehabilitator at Cedar Run.> “Depending how bad it is, (that) determines how successful we > are. > McCay didn't think that any of the birds likely would survive: > They were> obviously dead or dying. > But he did say that some were still alive, hobbling around. > Sometimes they're just stunned and, after a couple of hours, > they'll be> better, Stewart said. “Other times, they do break their neck > or get> other serious injuries. If it's a broken neck or really bad wing> fracture, we really can't do anything for them. > > Subject: Purple Finch From: "Donald P. Freiday" <don.freiday AT NJAUDUBON.ORG> Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2006 13:54:14 -0500 All, I had a Purple Finch tik its way over Scherman-Hoffman today, which in a normal year wouldn't be worth mentioning but I believe it is the first one I've had anywhere in NJ all fall. Apparently the finch forecast for this winter (i.e., the no-finch forecast) is right. Cheers, Don ---------------------------------------------- Donald P. Freiday, Sanctuary Director New Jersey Audubon Society's Scherman-Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary 11 Hardscrabble Road, P.O. Box 693 Bernardsville, NJ 07924 (908) 766-5787 voice (908) 766-7775 fax don.freiday AT njaudubon.org www.njaudubon.org/Centers/Scherman Subject: FW: Bird Strikes in AC From: "Donald P. Freiday" <don.freiday AT NJAUDUBON.ORG> Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2006 13:52:18 -0500 RE: last Friday’s great flight. ---------------------------------------------- Donald P. Freiday, Sanctuary Director New Jersey Audubon Society's Scherman-Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary 11 Hardscrabble Road, P.O. Box 693 Bernardsville, NJ 07924 (908) 766-5787 voice (908) 766-7775 fax don.freiday AT njaudubon.org www.njaudubon.org/Centers/Scherman -----Original Message----- From: Eric Stiles [mailto:eric.stiles AT njaudubon.org] Sent: Thursday, November 09, 2006 3:33 PM To: njas_all AT njaudubon.org Subject: Bird Strikes in AC Migratory birds slam into Caesars parking garage By LYNDA COHEN Staff Writer, (609) 272-7257 (Published: November 4, 2006) ATLANTIC CITY As AtlantiCare workers arrived at the city hospital Friday morning, they found the area strewn with dead and dying birds. The migratory pattern apparently led more than a dozen birds directly into the 11-story Caesars parking garage across the street. There were people coming into work saying, Did you see that bird fly right into the parking garage?' AtlantiCare paramedic Greg McCay said. (The birds) were lying on the sidewalk and the bushes. Some were in the street. We live under one of the largest migratory flyways in the nation, city spokesman Nick Morici said. We have a lot of big buildings here, and the birds tend to fly into them. It's something that happens every year. The birds were collected by a Health Department official and tested for possible disease. The tests were negative, Morici said. Any live birds were taken to the Humane Society in Atlantic City, which would send them on to the Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge in Medford, Morici said. The birds had not gotten to Cedar Run by late afternoon. A representative from the Humane Society could not be reached for comment. We do get quite a few birds from impact injuries, said Steph Stewart, volunteer coordinator and assistant rehabilitator at Cedar Run. “Depending how bad it is, (that) determines how successful we are. McCay didn't think that any of the birds likely would survive: They were obviously dead or dying. But he did say that some were still alive, hobbling around. Sometimes they're just stunned and, after a couple of hours, they'll be better, Stewart said. “Other times, they do break their neck or get other serious injuries. If it's a broken neck or really bad wing fracture, we really can't do anything for them. Subject: Bat web site From: Lutachris AT AOL.COM Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2006 01:46:55 EST http://www.batcon.org/SPprofiles/index.asp there are some photos and range maps on this web site. Look under "all about" and then "species profiles." The Indiana bat is listed under IN- "myotis sodalis." Chris W. Pennington Subject: Re: OT-Indiana Red Bats From: Joseph Pylka <jpylka AT EARTHLINK.NET> Date: Thu, 9 Nov 2006 23:07:39 -0500 > Speaking of red bats I saw one at Assiscong tonight. I was wondering if Red > Bat and Indian Red Bat are separate species or just a mistake. I've heard of > a Red Bat seen at Garret Mountain recently. What are the distinguishing > characteristics? The bat I saw had a very reddish back. Nothing like I have > seen in Brown Bats. I didn't note anything in the way it flew, or > silhouette. I haven't worked on silhouettes of bats. There's no Indian(a) Red Bat. There is an Indiana Bat, Myotis sodalis, and it's an endangered species. The area around Assiscong Marsh (or LSP) is not the kind of habitat they are found in. --And it is a tiny, tiny, bat. There are 3 Lasiurus found in NJ and they're pretty big. The Red Bat normally will migrate southward but is likely to hang around as long as there's food. Wouldn't surprise me if that's what you saw. The other two are the Hoary and the Yellow Bats. The most common species, The Brown Bat, Eptesicus fuscus will also hang around though most have gravitated to their hibernation sites. Once it gets good and cold they go into a torpor for the winter although once in a while they may wake up and fly around for a small snack. (There are some moths that will become active on warmer winter nights....) Take a look at http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/chkmamls.htm for a list. Joe Pylka Hopewell, NJ Subject: HSR: Raccoon Ridge (09 Nov 2006) 119 Raptors From: Hawkcount Reports <reports AT HAWKCOUNT.ORG> Date: Thu, 9 Nov 2006 21:11:13 -0400 Raccoon Ridge Blairstown, New Jersey, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 09, 2006 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 0 0 0 Osprey 2 3 148 Bald Eagle 4 18 128 Northern Harrier 4 16 80 Sharp-shinned Hawk 14 104 1807 Cooper's Hawk 3 22 232 Northern Goshawk 0 0 5 Red-shouldered Hawk 5 30 81 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 1690 Red-tailed Hawk 83 655 1429 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 4 29 55 American Kestrel 0 0 185 Merlin 0 5 78 Peregrine Falcon 0 0 26 Unknown 2 34 Total: 119 884 5978 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 9 hours Official Counter: Brian Hardiman Observers: Brian Hardiman, Jonathan Klizas Weather: Morning windy NW 15+mph,mild, 60F, low cloud ceiling, afternoon turned clear and no now wind and therefore no birds. Raptor Observations: BE- 4(3adults,1imm) GE- 9:45,9:55I,10:22I,12:10I Non-raptor Observations: ======================================================================== Report submitted by Gary Himber (ghimber AT patmedia.net) Subject: Rancocas State Park - Burlington County From: Sandra Keller <sandrakeller AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Thu, 9 Nov 2006 20:34:04 -0500 Hello, Not too much time today to bird as busy this morning. I have been hitting the Rancocas State Park area for the checklist we are updating, but haven't had much to report lately. Today - Thursday - was different. I wasn't expecting much with this warm weather - but winds were NW so headed out. Late afternoon through night. Highlights: 1 WOODCOCK - I flushed while walking the field area. First in awhile here - I have been having WOODCOCK on all my trips lately. 2 PALM WARBLERS - new for Nov. here and I actually haven't had any recently anywhere. 7 WINTER WRENS 2 HERMIT THRUSHES 1 BLUE-HEADED VIREO CHIPPING SPARROWS - new for Nov. No Phoebes - which would actually be new for Nov. here. BLACK VULTURES - new for Nov. You get the idea. Fair amount of stuff around. Some of the trails are completely underwater though. Wet walking is probably going to be the norm here this winter! Nature notes - calling Spring Peepers, Fowlers Toads, and something else. I am out of practice with frogs! 2 bats. They seemed big. One actually looked red, but I wouldn't know how to tell that Indiana Red Bat from another. The red I saw could have been the low light. NJ can get up tp 8 or 9 species of bats. I was looking at a mammal book. I didn't get much further than that though. Next time maybe I'll look up migration and habits or something. Sandra Keller Barrington, NJ sandrakeller AT verizon.net Subject: Re: OT-Indiana Red Bats From: Sam Galick <sam.galick AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 9 Nov 2006 20:06:52 -0500 Speaking of red bats I saw one at Assiscong tonight. I was wondering if Red Bat and Indian Red Bat are separate species or just a mistake. I've heard of a Red Bat seen at Garret Mountain recently. What are the distinguishing characteristics? The bat I saw had a very reddish back. Nothing like I have seen in Brown Bats. I didn't note anything in the way it flew, or silhouette. I haven't worked on silhouettes of bats. Best, Sam On 11/9/06, John J. Collins wrote: > > Does anyone know if the bats I've been seeing the last week and a half as > I > travel home from the office on I-287 between Basking Ridge and Bedminster > are also Indiana Red Bats? Is this the only species out and about at this > time of year in Central NJ? > > Thanks for any light shed on this OT but interesting subject. > > John J. Collins > > Raritan, NJ > > "In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we > understand; we will understand only what we are taught." (Senegalese > proverb.) > > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: New Jersey Birding [mailto:JerseyBirds AT Princeton.EDU] On Behalf Of > Michael Britt > Sent: Wednesday, November 08, 2006 10:21 AM > To: JerseyBirds AT Princeton.EDU > Subject: [JerseyBirds] OT-Indiana Red Bats > > I've been seeing a few at dusk at LSP over the past week or so...keep an > eye > > out at dusk. > > Mike > Bayonne > > _________________________________________________________________ > Try Search Survival Kits: Fix up your home and better handle your cash > with > Live Search! > > http://imagine-windowslive.com/search/kits/default.aspx?kit=improve&locale=e > n-US&source=hmtagline > -- Sam Galick Flemington, NJ sam.galick AT gmail.com http://www.flickr.com/photos/sgalick/ Subject: Re: OT-Indiana Red Bats From: "John J. Collins" <jjcbird AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Thu, 9 Nov 2006 19:02:19 -0500 Does anyone know if the bats I've been seeing the last week and a half as I travel home from the office on I-287 between Basking Ridge and Bedminster are also Indiana Red Bats? Is this the only species out and about at this time of year in Central NJ? Thanks for any light shed on this OT but interesting subject. John J. Collins Raritan, NJ "In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; we will understand only what we are taught." (Senegalese proverb.) -----Original Message----- From: New Jersey Birding [mailto:JerseyBirds AT Princeton.EDU] On Behalf Of Michael Britt Sent: Wednesday, November 08, 2006 10:21 AM To: JerseyBirds AT Princeton.EDU Subject: [JerseyBirds] OT-Indiana Red Bats I've been seeing a few at dusk at LSP over the past week or so...keep an eye out at dusk. Mike Bayonne _________________________________________________________________ Try Search Survival Kits: Fix up your home and better handle your cash with Live Search! http://imagine-windowslive.com/search/kits/default.aspx?kit=improve&locale=e n-US&source=hmtagline Subject: Re: Northern Shrike, Pleasant Plains Road, Great Swamp N.W.R. From: Barry <b-goggin AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Thu, 9 Nov 2006 18:20:30 -0500 The northern shrike was present again at the Overlook at the Great Swamp today Nov 9th. It was on the snag by the parking lot between 1:30-2pm and seen further out at about 4:30pm. I managed to grab a quick photo at the snag at 2pm before it was flushed by cars pulling in (link below). http://www.flickr.com/photos/33939595 AT N00/293347696/ Barry Goggin Verona, NJ Jonathan Klizas wrote: > Originally found on Sunday 11/5 by Mike Hiotis in a tree line north and across > the road from of the Friends of Great Swamp building on Pleasant Plains Road in > the Great Swamp, Morris County, a Northern Shrike was present Monday, 11/6 in > the morning and again at 4:15 p.m. in the area of the Overlook. At one point I > had it in the old tall snag by the Overlook parking lot. > > Good birding, > > Jonathan Klizas > > Subject: Hunterdon County Waterfowl From: Sam Galick <sam.galick AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 9 Nov 2006 12:27:33 -0500 Daybreak at Assiscong provided: 1 Ross's Goose- bill needs to be studied more. Seems to have a slight curve on the lower mandible. 1 Cackling Goose- only found the one with the slight breast band. Otherwise: 75-100 Canada Geese 9 Green Winged Teal 5 Wood Ducks 54 Mallards 27 Black Ducks 1 Great Blue Heron 2 Pied Billed Grebe 2 American Coots 28 Rusty Blackbirds- Picture on my Flickr. Amwell Lake: 1 American Coot 1 Phoebe- getting late. Picture on my Flickr. Deer Path Park: 3 Greater White Fronted x Canada hybrids- Picture on my Flickr . 1 Pied Billed Grebe Round Valley: 2 Common Mergansers- West Boat Launch Area 4 Ruddy Ducks-swimming area 1 Bufflehead- male, swimming area 28 American Coots-Main Boat Launch 2 Pied Billed Grebe- swimming area, Main Boat Launch -- Sam Galick Flemington, NJ sam.galick AT gmail.com http://www.flickr.com/photos/sgalick/ Subject: NWR in NJ and birds migrating From: Sandra Keller <sandrakeller AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Thu, 9 Nov 2006 10:21:39 -0500 Hello, My friend at Supawna Meadows was put out of a job because they closed the office down there. She transfered. Supawna Meadows and vicinity has some nice preserved wetlands - both fresh - maybe brackish - and salt - that I would like to see kept up. There's a great support group still going strong - Friends of Supawna Meadows - and I wish them well! It's difficult without official people close by. Supawna Meadows is now run from the Cape May NWR down in Cape May County. Kimble's Beach Rd. although I think they might have just moved. No, it's impossible to actually know if these owls now are going to leave in a few days or stick the winter. But I believe very high percentages that they are migrants. And I try to write stuff like that in my reports because it's good to ask questions, realize what's going on, and I get a lot of emails from people asking info. And I like! I have the time and enjoy answering people's questions. I have one from Ohio write now. Anyway, I would like to say that for those with limited birding time, it is still maybe iffy to go out for SHORTIES. Although they are coming through now and yes, Jake's is a prime area. I believe that at least one of those Eurasian Wigeons that was so reliable at Cape May Point all those winters was the same bird. Now dead. But in talking about desirable areas - I had thought the Dickcissel back at the hawk watch the same as last year. Except this bird was a first year bird. That answered that! It's always good to ask questions and wonder. Read below. I received this from a friend. If someone posts privately to me, I don't use names. Anyway, I thought very interesting. Good birding all. Single Saw-whet owls that had been observed roosting along road edges for a period of time that had been road killed were soon replaced by another single Saw-whet Owl in the same roost site sometimes on the same branch and within a couple of days!- what was assumed by this behavior was that prime roosting sites were very attractive to these little guys - and I remember hearing that this had happened not just once by Saw-whets! My point is -- are we seeing the same owls at specific sites that are being constantly observed or are we just watching the same (very desirable) roosting and hunting areas by different individuals?? Too tough a question for me to answer- but that does not stop me from wondering. Sandra Keller Barrington, NJ sandrakeller AT verizon.net Subject: 3 Geese species at Assiscong, Hunterdon County, ROSS'S, Cackling, Canada From: Sam Galick <sam.galick AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 8 Nov 2006 18:12:02 -0500 1 ROSS'S GOOSE- beautiful, no grin 2 Cackling Geese-one with a slight band on the breast the other no breast band. 600 Canada Geese- conservative. There is a VERY good chance at seeing these birds at daybreak, geese kept on piling in at sundown with the Ross's and Cacklings included. Otherwise: 2 American Coots 2 Pied Billed Grebes- had them right next to each other; very noticeable size difference. 2 dozen Teal flying in, probably Green-Winged. PLUS! I had my camera with me. Pictures on my Flickr . -- Sam Galick Flemington, NJ sam.galick AT gmail.com http://www.flickr.com/photos/sgalick/ Subject: Downsizing in NJ National Wildlife Refuges From: Laurie Larson <llarson AT Princeton.EDU> Date: Wed, 8 Nov 2006 11:37:32 -0500 http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/jersey/index.ssf?/base/ news-5/1162973815123090.xml&coll=1 Star-Ledger on the state of the state's NWR's Laurie Larson Princeton Subject: CBC 2006 - New Jersey From: Laurie Larson <llarson AT Princeton.EDU> Date: Wed, 8 Nov 2006 11:10:41 -0500 Jerseybirds, Again this year, Mike Anderson of NJ Audubon and I have worked together to assemble and confirm a list of the Christmas Bird Counts in New Jersey. It's available online at: https://www.princeton.edu/~llarson/misc/CBC2006.html We hope this helps you match up with a count (or counts) you can join. Contact the compilers directly at the numbers or addresses given on the list. If you're a compiler, Mike has already tried to contact you, but if you have any additional corrections, changes, etc. please let us know so they can be included. Happy counting, Laurie Larson Princeton Subject: OT-Indiana Red Bats From: Michael Britt <mbritt78 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 8 Nov 2006 10:21:00 -0500 I've been seeing a few at dusk at LSP over the past week or so...keep an eye out at dusk. Mike Bayonne _________________________________________________________________ Try Search Survival Kits: Fix up your home and better handle your cash with Live Search! http://imagine-windowslive.com/search/kits/default.aspx?kit=improve&locale=en-US&source=hmtagline Subject: On Short-eared Owls (Response to Sandra Keller) From: Michael Britt <mbritt78 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 8 Nov 2006 10:20:08 -0500 It's incorrect to make a definitive statement that all Short-ears that are observed in our state in late October and early November are migrants. While the peak of the southbound migration "thru" the state to wintering areas south of NJ does occur from late October to mid-Novemver...some of these birds may winter in NJ, if they find an area with an abundance or superabundance of prey. However, most of our wintering birds arrive later...anywhere from Thanksgiving to even any point in January depending on snow conditions and prey populations north of us. I had a single bird a few years ago on Oct. 20 in a farm field in Hillsborough...that remained until some point in the winter...actually the last time it was seen a Great Horned was hunting the field the same night??? While I don't know for sure that it was the same bird (I'm not a bander), it very likely was...could have been one of the dozen or more that were in that area a year prior. Guess my point is that without banding to confirm it...you can't say in either case Hillsborough or Turkey Point whether or not the same birds are involved. Bottom line...Short-ears roam til they find an area with ample prey and then they settle in...it could be Oct. 31 or Jan. 15...that's up to them...not our assumptions. Mike Britt _________________________________________________________________ Try Search Survival Kits: Fix up your home and better handle your cash with Live Search! http://imagine-windowslive.com/search/kits/default.aspx?kit=improve&locale=en-US&source=hmtagline Subject: Oradell and Ridgewood (Bergen Co.) From: John Workman <JSWorkman AT AOL.COM> Date: Tue, 7 Nov 2006 22:16:31 EST For about an hour in the (not as birdy) mid-afternoon, walked the woods road following the northeast shore of the Oradell Reservoir. With my son, who was avidly taking notes on everything with wings (sometimes teenagers do things that warm a parent's heart). Mild, shirt-sleeve weather. Some highlights: Bufflehead (27) Common Merganser (65) -- nice to see them again, especially in flight Ruddy Duck (16) Common Loon Red-tailed Hawk (zoomed across the road up close) Merlin E. Phoebe (hanging around) Golden-crowned Kinglet (3, all heard only) Ruby-crowned Kinglet (6) Hermit Thrush (5) Yellow-rumped Warbler (not liking at all my attempts to imitate a Screech Owl) On the way home, we stopped briefly (ok, we looked for 35 minutes!) at the Ridgewood Duck Pond for the continuing Red-headed Woodpecker. The bird was seen earlier today by others. But during our visit, it was apparently taking a break from its newfound celebrity. John Workman Ridgewood Subject: Cape May County - Eider, Owls, Gulls From: Sandra Keller <sandrakeller AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Tue, 7 Nov 2006 20:25:00 -0500 Highlights: 1 female COMMON EIDER - in with a raft of scoters at the Stone Harbor Point parking area ocean access. 1 adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL - beach as above. Not the same as I had on my Oct. big day run as that wasn't an adult. They are around. Nice! 2 SHORT-EARED OWLS - flying at dusk - far - much further than Monday night at Turkey Point. But sooner. Must have been the clouds. They were west today. I was told a completely different area than where they were flying over the weekend, so I am assuming different birds. Remember these are migrants now. Jake's Landing. many MARSH WRENS - actually singing! Jake's Landing. 1 NELSON'S SHARP-TAILED SPARROW - Jake's. North end of the parking lot. That's good for the bayshore. 14 MARBLED GODWITS feeding at low tide on the exposed mud at Stone Harbor Point. Look from the bridge. many GANNETS migrating at the Seawatch. No hummer at Gails. We waited an hour. Shame, I really wanted more looks at that little bird! I hit a few areas today, wish I could report more but well past my bedtime even with a 45 minute delay of the presses for Wed. The election results. Flight id notes: it's not Harrier that I think can be confused with SE Owls. It's Night-heron. Keep in mind. Remember the structure. Good birding all. Sandra Keller Barrington, NJ sandrakeller AT verizon.net Subject: Fw: Public Hearing on Offshore Oil & Gas - This Monday, Nov. 13 From: Stuart and Wendy <weluvowls AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Tue, 7 Nov 2006 19:39:02 -0500 Sending this FYI out regarding a very important issue. Thought it appropriate as it will effect birds and all kinds of wildlife here in New Jersey. Wendy Malmid Monroe Twp, NJ weluvowls AT comcast.net ----- Original Message ----- From: Outreach (Clean Ocean Action) To: outreach AT CleanOceanAction.org Sent: Tuesday, November 07, 2006 3:38 PM Subject: Public Hearing on Offshore Oil & Gas - This Monday, Nov. 13 CALL FOR ACTION! Offshore Oil & Gas Drilling Looms Attend a public hearing and rally your voices in opposition to an ocean-drilling plan that threatens our environment, economy, and quality of life! WHAT IS PROPOSED: A public hearing on the proposed 5-year oil and gas leasing program and draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that includes provisions to drill off the coast of Virginia, less than 100 miles from the New Jersey coastline WHO IS PROPOSING ACTION: The United States Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service WHEN: Monday, November 13, 2006. Two public sessions: 2-5 pm and 6-9 pm WHERE: Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel, Atlantic City, NJ (click here for directions) ***ALL HANDS ON DECK!*** This is the only hearing in New Jersey to publicly comment on the proposed 5-year program and Draft EIS. Citizens and organizations (and their memberships) are urged to attend to speak-out against offshore oil and gas drilling. If you are unable to attend the hearing, comments may also be submitted in writing by November 24, 2006. To submit electronic comments to MMS, go to http://www.mms.gov/5-year/2007-2012main.htm. To submit comments by mail: è Send 5-Year Proposed Program comments to Renee Orr, 5-year Program Manager, 381 Elden Street, MS 4010, Herndon, VA 20170 è Send 5-Year Draft EIS comments to James F. Bennett, 5-Year Draft EIS Comments, 381 Elden Street, MS 4042, Herndon, VA 20170. THE FACTS · The nation's shorelines are vacation destinations for millions of Americans each year, and the economic lifeline for coastal communities fueled by tourism and commercial and recreational fishing. · Currently, there are no oil and gas leases in existence off the Mid-Atlantic Coast (from Block Island, RI to Cape Hatteras, South Carolina), for good reason. Studies show that there is not much oil or gas available. · According to a federal agency, the entire Mid-Atlantic offshore region's natural gas would only last about three months, using current national consumption rates. Is this small amount of gas worth risking so much? · Drilling activities create excessive amounts of waste and debris. · Seismic surveys performed for drilling are harmful to marine mammals. WHAT IS AT RISK IN NJ AND NY? Ø The waters off New Jersey and New York are home to more than 300 species of fish, nearly 350 species of birds, 7 species of sea turtles, and many marine mammals, such as 10 species of whales and several species of seals and porpoises, frequent this region. Ø Recreational and commercial fisheries provide enormous economic benefits both in food production and recreational activities. In New Jersey, annual commercial landings of finfish and shellfish generate $100 million to the New Jersey economy annually. New York's commercial fishing industry contributed a total of $149.6 million to the state's economy and directly employed approximately 10,500 New Yorkers in 1999. Ø According to the American Sportfishing Association, there are 805,870 recreational anglers in New Jersey and 1,549,637 in New York. In 2003, recreational fishing brought $724,634,011 in retail sales to the state of New Jersey. Also, recreational fishing accounts for 12,021 jobs in New Jersey, with salaries and wages totaling $328,359,434. As for New York, recreational fishing generated $1,116,861,525 in retail sales in 2003 and accounted for 17,083 jobs and $503,486,172 in salaries and wages. Ø Travel and tourism in New Jersey contributes $32 billion in economic activities each year and generates 416,000 jobs (the second largest private sector employer). The four coastal counties - Atlantic, Cape May, Ocean, and Monmouth - account for more than 72% or $21.6 billion in annual economic activity in New Jersey. In New York, coastal tourism contributed $2.9 billion to the overall economy in 1995 (the most recent numbers accessible), comprising 62.5% of the state economy. *********************** Kari Martin Outreach Director Clean Ocean Action PO Box 505, Sandy Hook 18 Hartshorne Drive Highlands, NJ 07732 PH: 732-872-0111 Fax: 732-872-8041 www.cleanoceanaction.org COA is a proud member of www.earthsharenj.org -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.409 / Virus Database: 268.13.31/522 - Release Date: 11/7/2006 Subject: Northern Shrike From: Harvey Tomlinson <ShearH2Os AT AOL.COM> Date: Tue, 7 Nov 2006 17:09:37 EST Shrike Mike's Northern Shrike continues along Pleasant Plains rd in the Great Swamp as of 3 PM 11/7/06. It's hanging around the rookery parking lot. I spent an hr or so this morning and did not see it, but this afternoon it was out and about. It is a gray 1st winter bird, (see Sibley pg 341) Good Birding, Harvey Tomlinson Basking Ridge, NJ Subject: Utterly OT: Counting birds online From: Jonathan Klizas <jcklizas AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 6 Nov 2006 19:11:59 -0800 Need some practice in counting birds but can’t get outside (or maybe you simply can't count)? Or maybe you are a teenager (or think you are) who wants something different than www.addictinggames.com? Check out the following link received via ABA’a e-bulletin #9: http://personal.inet.fi/cool/live/birds/index.html My Finnish is non-existent but the game itself is in English. Wait until it loads and then select “New Game”. You are on your own after that. Good counting, Jonathan Klizas Subject: Forgot to mention... From: Sam Galick <sam.galick AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 6 Nov 2006 16:36:43 -0500 For the second season a gray-phase Eastern Screech Owl is resting in one the the duck boxes sunning itslef at Assiscong. The American Coot is still present as well. Also heard of a Northern Shrike roaming the Great Swamp. -- Sam Galick Flemington, NJ sam.galick AT gmail.com http://www.flickr.com/photos/sgalick/ Subject: Jaegers at Sandy Hook From: Scott Barnes <myiarchus16 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 6 Nov 2006 17:11:09 -0800 Jerseybirders, Late this afternoon Linda Mack and I did a seawatch along the oceanside at Area C with the following results: Surf Scoter- 50+ Black Scoter- 36 White-winged Scoter- 3 Long-tailed Duck- 1 Red-throated Loon- 12 Common Loon- 3 Northern Gannet- 175 Parasitic Jaeger-3 Laughing Gull- 500+ Bonaparte's Gull- 100+ Royal Tern-2 Common Tern- first winter, late The jaegers were all pursuing Laughing Gulls with fish. One was fairly dark, another intermediate, and the third an adult light-morph. The latter flew in withing 150 feet of the beach during a sortie aimed at thumping some feeding Laughing Gulls. It was fun to watch the jaegers hunt: their favorite strategy seemed to start with steady, purposeful flight- cruising along looking for gulls, once spotted they dropped low to the water and zoomed in for the attack. Several times we watched them disperse flocks of Laughing Gulls or Bonaparte's Gulls, picking one unlucky victim and harassing relentlessly until the food was disgorged. At one point two jaegers seemed to work together, double-teaming a hapless Laughing Gull until he delivered his meal. Parasitic Jaegers are fairly rare at Sandy Hook. Most sightings occur during migration and are often associated with strong storms with onshore winds. The other condition that seems to produce this nearshore pelagic at the hook is the southbound migration of striped bass and bluefish in Oct/Nov. Jaegers work the gull flocks that feed on the baitfish preyed upon by the gamefish. The short-distance migrants that were incredibly numerous around the hook Friday-Sunday departed on last evenings' full moon and light wind. Today there were moderate numbers of Hermit Thrush, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, White-throated Sparrow, and Dark-eyed Junco, though nothing like the hundreds-to-thousands that were present over the weekend. Waterbird numbers and diversity continue to build, with an increase in both scaup, Bufflehead, and Red-breasted Merganser; the pair of Redheads continue at North Pond. Twelve Horned Grebes were in Horseshoe Cove today. Good Birding, Scott Barnes Senior Naturalist Sandy Hook Bird Observatory New Jersey Audubon Society --------------------------------- Access over 1 million songs - Yahoo! Music Unlimited. Subject: Turkey Point - Short-eared Owl From: Sandra Keller <sandrakeller AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Mon, 6 Nov 2006 20:00:14 -0500 Hello, Some afternoon birding in Cumberland County today Monday - 11-6-06 - was productive. I would say most of the birds from Friday and Saturday are still around! I had good numbers of the usual today. I couldn't find a Vesper though. 50 minutes of watching from the platform at the end of Turkey Point road at dusk and I had: 1 SHORT-EARED OWL - SW from the platform. Nice looks for a minute or so. 5:10 or so. Late. 6 HARRIERS 2 GREAT-HORNED OWLS - 2 calling and one perched out far. VIRGINIA and CLAPPER RAILS - calling MARSH WRENS SEASIDE SPARROWS The other winter sparrows 28 BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS - flying. Etc. I am going to try and hit maybe 4 or 5 areas at dusk the next couple of months. And rotate so hit them maybe every 2 weeks. The SHORTIES are migrants. They aren't the wintering birds yet. So can't say if they would stick around much. But good areas are good areas and new birds should move through. Jake's had 3 on Sat. night I believe Karen was saying. Might have been Friday night. I hope to get there Tues. barring rain. Flight id: was enjoying those BCNH's. Had one flock of 6 flying tighter than I am used to seeing. Usually they are in a really loose string if you want to call it that. It was dark. The last thing I did basically and then left. I watched them. Not much distinctive to their flight. Slow wingbeats, although quicker than the say Great Blue or Great Egret. That distinctive hunchbacked look is always a good id point. This flock stayed really close together the whole time I watched them. They flew SE out of sight. Good birding all. Sandra Keller Barrington, NJ sandrakeller AT verizon.net Subject: Northern Shrike, Pleasant Plains Road, Great Swamp N.W.R. From: Jonathan Klizas <jcklizas AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 6 Nov 2006 14:56:56 -0800 Originally found on Sunday 11/5 by Mike Hiotis in a tree line north and across the road from of the Friends of Great Swamp building on Pleasant Plains Road in the Great Swamp, Morris County, a Northern Shrike was present Monday, 11/6 in the morning and again at 4:15 p.m. in the area of the Overlook. At one point I had it in the old tall snag by the Overlook parking lot. Good birding, Jonathan Klizas Subject: Cackling In Hunterdon From: Sam Galick <sam.galick AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 6 Nov 2006 16:15:48 -0500 Assiscong this PM: 1 CACKLING GOOSE- in with a flock of about 450 Canada geese. Beautiful bird. Also present: 64 Rusty Blackbirds- Exiting the marsh in groups of 20 or so. Highest count for me. 1 Fox Sparrow 1 Winter Wren 2 Pied Billed Grebe 2 Wigeon 2 Gadwall 3 Northern Pintail Plenty of Black Ducks, Mallard, and Wood Ducks as well. Deer Path yielded: 1 Pied Billed Grebe 1 Ring-Necked Duck Wish I had more daylight so that the parks would be open longer, ie Round Valley, and Spruce Run, could have gotten a lot more variety in the waterfowl species today. Also, great news! Today I purchased the Nikon CoolPix s10, 6 megpixels, 10x optical zoom. I will also purchase the adapter to go on my scope, can't wait. -- Sam Galick Flemington, NJ sam.galick AT gmail.com http://www.flickr.com/photos/sgalick/