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3 Jul Kearny Marsh - Least Bittern, Virginia Rail, Moorhen [Neil Maruca ] 3 Jul eBird error [Michael Britt ] 3 Jul Lots of Birds At E.B. Forsythe NWR (Brigantine) Yesterday (Photos) ["Howard B. Eskin" ] 3 Jul Ponderance about SCMM Black Rail... [Michael Britt ] 3 Jul No Black Rail [Edna & Ray Duffy ] 2 Jul Glassboro Woods - breeders in July [Sandra Keller ] 2 Jul RFI Black Rail [Brian Bielfelt ] 2 Jul Green Heron - Manalapan, NJ [Chuck Homler ] 2 Jul Anhinga at Cape May Point [Bill Boyle ] 1 Jul Re: Baldpate Mountain [Alex Ewing ] 1 Jul Anhinga photos [Tony Leukering ] 1 Jul Re: A few nice monday birds around Cape May [Susan Treesh ] 30 Jun Re: A few nice monday birds around Cape May [Maverick DeLessia ] 30 Jun Fwd: eBird Report - Conaskonk Point , 6/30/09 ["Zupfer, Evan" ] 30 Jun Delaware Valley Ornithological Club (DVOC) Upcoming Meeting (7/2/09) [Bert Filemyr ] 30 Jun Cape May Point - Storm-petrel and other rarities [Sandra Keller ] 29 Jun A few nice monday birds around Cape May [Christopher Vogel ] 29 Jun glossy ibises [Ilene Schneider ] 29 Jun 6/29/09 - Wildcat Ridge area (Morris County) [David Blinder ] 29 Jun Re: Black Rail 6/30? [Karl & Judy ] 29 Jun Black Rail 6/30? [Daniel Poalillo ] 29 Jun Osprey banding at Cheesequake State Park [Katrina Baptista ] 29 Jun Baldpate Mountain [Gail Johnson ] 29 Jun Peregrine Falcons, plus new trail guide to DeKorte Park, a great birding spot [Jim Wright ] 29 Jun Ted Stiles Preserve (Baldpate Mountain), Mercer County, 6/27 [Brian Clough ] 29 Jun Black Rail Photos from Saturday (Cape May County) [Steve Kacir ] 28 Jun Birds and Butterflies in Toms River 6-27 to 6-28 [Shawn Wainwright ] 28 Jun No Subject [Joan Detyna ] 28 Jun On shorebirds and the high arctic breeding this year [Sandra Keller ] 28 Jun Re: New Field guide [bill elrick ] 28 Jun Re: New Feild guide [Greg Pasquariello ] 28 Jun Re: New Feild guide [Steve Mattan ] 28 Jun Re: New Feild guide [Harvey Tomlinson ] 28 Jun Re: New Feild guide [Greg Pasquariello ] 28 Jun New Feild guide [Harvey Tomlinson ] 28 Jun Arctic nesting conditions [Tony Leukering ] 28 Jun Pine Siskin ["susie r." ] 28 Jun Lil' bit of Cape May magic... [Steve Glynn ] 28 Jun White Ibis - Cape May [Bob Fogg ] 28 Jun Great morning at SCMM - rails, White Ibis, Anhinga [Tony Leukering ] 28 Jun Bufflehead [Michael Britt ] 28 Jun Anhinga at Cape May [Bill Boyle ] 27 Jun Black-headed Gull, Sandwich Tern, Interesting Common Tern - Cape May [Bob Fogg ] 27 Jun Rails at Cape May Meadows [John Beetham ] 27 Jun Negri-Nepote, Six Mile Run, Griggstown Grasslands addendum [Donna Schulman ] 27 Jun Negri-Nepote, Six Mile Run, Griggstown Grasslands [Donna Schulman ] 27 Jun Re: Anhinga - Cape May [Jeff Hawk ] 27 Jun Anhinga - Cape May [Bob Fogg ] 26 Jun Cape May highlights [Jeff Vinosk ] 26 Jun Sandy Hook Osprey & BC Night-Herons [Trina Anderson ] 25 Jun Nummy Island [Bob Horton ] 25 Jun East Point - Red Knots [Sandra Keller ] 25 Jun Re: Black Rail [Bob Confer ] 24 Jun Great Swamp Slider [Harvey Tomlinson ] 24 Jun Black Rail [richard crossley ] 24 Jun Red Knots in the summer have winter conditions [bill elrick ] 24 Jun Reported Iceland Gull [Tony Leukering ] 24 Jun Siskins continue [Alan Boyd ] 24 Jun Re: Tourne County Park - Red Headed Woodpeckers & Brown Creeper (Morris County) [Dena Temple ] 24 Jun Re: Tourne County Park - Red Headed Woodpeckers & Brown Creeper (Morris County) [Sandra McNicol ] 24 Jun Re: Tourne County Park - Red Headed Woodpeckers & Brown Creeper (Morris County) [Jeff Hawk ] 24 Jun Re: Tourne County Park - Red Headed Woodpeckers & Brown Creeper (Morris County) [Dena Temple ] 24 Jun Tourne County Park - Red Headed Woodpeckers & Brown Creeper (Morris County) [David Blinder ] 24 Jun Cattle egrets - Salem County [Sandra Keller ] 23 Jun Pine Siskin in Raritan ["John J. Collins" ] 23 Jun Iceland Gull in Bradley Beach [Bob Horton ] 22 Jun Yellow-crowned Night-herons - Avalon [Sandra Keller ] 22 Jun Stafford Ave, Manahawkin - closed to vehicles [Tom Bailey ] 22 Jun Peregrine Falcon Nest/Webcam in Jersey City [Katrina Baptista ] 22 Jun Re: Mute swans in trouble? [Scott Haber ] 22 Jun Re: Mute swans in trouble? ["Nerenberg, Joseph" ] 22 Jun ADMIN: reminder about out-of-state postings [Tom Bailey ] 22 Jun Online story about the Delmarva Ornithological Society's recent Bird-a-thon now posted to BirdFellow.com journal [David Irons ] 21 Jun Kestrels: Volare'! [Robert DeCandido PhD ] 21 Jun East Point - Brown Pelican [Sandra Keller ] 21 Jun Meadowlands Sunday [Neil Maruca ] Subject: Kearny Marsh - Least Bittern, Virginia Rail, Moorhen From: Neil Maruca <Neil.Maruca AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2009 15:57:17 +0000 Highlights from Kearny Marsh this morning were Least Bittern, Virginia Rail, 4 Moorhens. I entered at Gunnel Oval and walked the embankment that forms the North side of the impoundment. I had an increadible view of the Virginia Rail, a clear view for about 60 seconds from 25 feet away! There were at least 6 singing Swamp Sparrows, 2 Black-Crowned Night Herons, Green Heron, Great Blue Heron, and Great and Snowy egrets. Good Birding! Neil Maruca Hackensack How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: eBird error From: Michael Britt <mbritt78 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2009 11:02:34 -0400 Am I the only one that keeps getting an error on the "Find It on a Map" section...I cannot see the google map? Please advise. Thanks, Mike Britt _________________________________________________________________ Insert movie times and more without leaving Hotmail®. http://windowslive.com/Tutorial/Hotmail/QuickAdd?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_Tutorial_QuickAdd_062009 How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Lots of Birds At E.B. Forsythe NWR (Brigantine) Yesterday (Photos) From: "Howard B. Eskin" <hbeskin AT VOICENET.COM> Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2009 10:53:35 -0400 *Jimmy Warren and I were able to visit Brigantine yesterday. Fortunately, the weatherman was wrong again and we had a great day. Although the light was tricky for picture taking, we were still able to get some decent shots. The highlight of the day was a pair of Black Terns which, alas, were too far away to photograph. But we did get a possible White-faced Ibis which was hanging out with the Glossy Ibis'. Species seen were: * *Snow Goose Osprey Black Tern Gray Catbird Canada Goose Peregrine Falcon Black Skimmer Northern Mockingbird Mute Swan Clapper Rail Mourning Dove European Starling Wood Duck American Oystercatcher Eastern Phoebe Common Yellowthroat American Black Duck Willet Great Crested Flycatcher Chipping Sparrow Mallard Spotted Sandpiper Eastern Kingbird Seaside Sparrow Double-crested Cormorant Short-billed Dowitcher Blue Jay Song Sparrow Great Blue Heron Laughing Gull American Crow Northern Cardinal Great Egret Ring-billed Gull Fish Crow Blue Grosbeak Snowy Egret Herring Gull Purple Martin Red-winged Blackbird Tricolored Heron Great Black-backed Gull Tree Swallow Boat-tailed Grackle Black-crowned Night Heron Gull-billed Tern Northern Rough-winged Swallow Brown-headed Cowbird Glossy Ibis Caspian Tern Barn Swallow White-faced Ibis Common Tern Eastern Bluebird Turkey Vulture Least Tern American Robin To see some of the photos, please click on the following link: http://www.howardsview.com/BrigantineJuly3rd_09/BrigantineJuly3_09.html Howard B. Eskin Harleysville, PA * How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Ponderance about SCMM Black Rail... From: Michael Britt <mbritt78 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2009 10:42:44 -0400 I understand that the Black Rail is a poorly understood species. The most interesting material I have ever read on the species was in "Shadowbirds: A Quest for Rails" by William Burt. It was my understanding that they bred (and lived) in grassy marshes such as the Spartina patens and Distichlis spicata sections of high salt marsh or grassy freshwater areas like Vernon Crossing Marsh, where the species was found nesting during the last atlas...quite remarkable in that this marsh is very narrow and adjacent to railroad tracks. I have not been to the SCMM in a while and am aware that some spraying was done for Phrag but to me it is not "textbook" Black Rail habitat. I wonder if this little guy is a sub-adult male out there all alone? Did he drop in during spring migration...into a "sub-optimal" habitat in an effort to seek a mate and never left? Are Black Rails in other habitat types (areas) like SCMM that we are not aware of? Luckily the SCMM gets lots of coverage but how many areas like it (with Black Rails) are out there? Anyone have any insight? Thanks Mike Britt Clifton _________________________________________________________________ Insert movie times and more without leaving Hotmail®. http://windowslive.com/Tutorial/Hotmail/QuickAdd?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_Tutorial_QuickAdd_062009 How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: No Black Rail From: Edna & Ray Duffy <marshwren AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2009 11:02:11 +0000 My son Ray has been in Cape May looking for the black rail. It was not heard nor seen on Thursday morning and evening. He called at 6:45 a.m. to say the small group that gathered on Friday morning at the Meadows did not see the rail. Edna Duffy Secaucus How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Glassboro Woods - breeders in July From: Sandra Keller <sandrakeller AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 13:01:42 -0500 Hello, Well, early July. Thursday - 7-2-09, cloudy, 75 degrees or so. 2 1/2 hours of slow walking as the place is locked again to vehicles. Construction going on also. Replacement of water pipes. I have been meaning to see what's singing, visible, etc in July and will be hitting here a few more times yet. Some surprises today. My highlights: 41 species. Wow. HOODED WARBLERS - still in full song - the regular song no less, and showing nicely after some searching. COMMON YELLOWTHROAT PINE WARBLERS - only one singing, but many seen. 1 BLACK and WHITE WARBLER - not singing, just seen. WORM-EATING WARBLERS - singing and visible. BLUE-WINGED WARBLER - ditto OVENBIRDS - singing everywhere, but I couldn't see any. 4 LOUSIANA WATERTHRUSHES - no song, but calling. One family group and one single one at another spot. Quite visible. SCARLET TANAGERS - singing, but I couldn't track any down. WOOD THRUSH - singing everywhere and saw a couple. 1 YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO - called and seen. WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES - a few singing and seen. BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS - calling and quite visible. GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHERS - just one seen and heard. EASTERN WOOD-PEWEES - singing and visible with some patience! Etc. Lots around. I only hit one spot for Kentucky and nothing. I'll try again next week. I wonder if these singing birds are still trying to define and maintain territories, or maybe failed breeders trying again, or maybe unmated males. Interesting. The insects were far less than I imagined. It was quite a pleasant morning. Good birding all. Sandra Keller Barrington, NJ sandrakeller AT verizon.net How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: RFI Black Rail From: Brian Bielfelt <speedyperegrine AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 09:47:51 -0700 Hello, I would like to come down to Cape May tomorrow in an attempt to hear the Black Rail.  I have not seen any report, positive or negative, in a few days.  Is is still being heard or seen?  What are the best times to try for it?  Please respond to me privately.  Thank you, Brian Bielfelt Greenwich, Ct How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Green Heron - Manalapan, NJ From: Chuck Homler <texmextele AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 08:41:05 -0700 Good Morning, I'm a birder, originally from NJ, but living in Maine for the past 5 years. Came to visit my father and walking around his neighborhood I spotted a lot of the usual suspects, but when we walked near the drainage area they built before they constructed the development I spotted a lone Green Heron. It was EASY to spot amongst the grackles, robins and the mockingbird. If you are in the area, take Woodward Rd from Rt 33 and on the left hand side is the entrance to Knob Hill. You can't miss the drainage pond and I have seen the Green Heron multiple times. Cheers, Chuck Homler (Saco, ME) How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Anhinga at Cape May Point From: Bill Boyle <sawwhet AT OPTONLINE.NET> Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 10:49:41 -0400 Michael O'Brien reports an Anhinga, perhaps the same seen last weekend, soaring over Seagrove Ave. within the last 20 minutes. Bill Boyle Warren, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: Baldpate Mountain From: Alex Ewing <ewingmail AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 20:42:51 -0400 I'd also add the main parking lot at the base of the drive has both Orchard Oriole and Baltimore Oriole. I had them singing back and forth a couple weeks ago, the Baltimore singing from the north side, where it backs up to the forest, and an adult Orchard in the groves and open areas on the east side. Nice juxtaposition for comparison, and a really nice place to visit. Alex Ewing Rocky Hill How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Anhinga photos From: Tony Leukering <greatgrayowl AT AOL.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 12:06:09 -0400 Hi all: I've finally gotten around to posting two photos of the male Anhinga soaring over the South Cape May Meadows on Sunday.? You can find them at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tony_leukering/ Tony Leukering Villas, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: A few nice monday birds around Cape May From: Susan Treesh <sktreesh AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 08:05:46 -0400 I kind of liked the portrayal of the barely seen mourning warbler in the upper right hand corner of the MOWA plate. I smile in rueful acknowledgment of many such looks at all too many birds! This may be the first field guide that incorporates the fourth dimension, Time - you've got your Life Look right in the foreground there, and the story of all your other looks gradually trailing away in the background :-) I do think the Connecticut Warbler needs some denser undergrowth for some of those looks, though ... Next up, a field guide that incorporates that "middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition, and it lies between the pit of man's fears and the summit of his knowledge .." Had all too may of my early sightings in that zone! Susan Treesh Somerset, NJ Maverick DeLessia wrote: > Please correct me if I'm wrong but it seems that Bob Fogg was nice > enough to post the black headed gull to the list group on Saturday > June 27th. He has a couple great images posted to his Keekeekerr.com > site if you'd like to take a look. Don't know if the bird has been > seen since the weekend. > > On a side note, I'd love to hear more thoughts on Richard Crossly's > new ID Guide. Seems a new innovative approach for a field guide but > the jury's still out. > > M DeLessia > > How to report NJ bird sightings: > > How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: A few nice monday birds around Cape May From: Maverick DeLessia <mavdelessia AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:17:31 -0400 Please correct me if I'm wrong but it seems that Bob Fogg was nice enough to post the black headed gull to the list group on Saturday June 27th. He has a couple great images posted to his Keekeekerr.com site if you'd like to take a look.  Don't know if the bird has been seen since the weekend. On a side note, I'd love to hear more thoughts on Richard Crossly's new ID Guide. Seems a new innovative approach for a field guide but the jury's still out. M DeLessia How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - Conaskonk Point , 6/30/09 From: "Zupfer, Evan" <No1Ornithologist AT AOL.COM> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 22:59:34 -0400 Spent a productive morning at Conaskonk Point today. It was a beautiful morning to bird before the rain and thunderstorms spoiled the fun in the afternoon. Had some very good looks at my target species, both Seaside and Salt Marsh Sharp-tailed Sparrows. The Seasides were very vocal and easy to find but I had to work for the Salt Marsh. Talk about "skulking." Had a few surprises too. A black Skimmer and three species of Terns. My complete list is below. > Location: Conaskonk Point > Observation date: 6/30/09 > Number of species: 32 > > Canada Goose 24 > Double-crested Cormorant 30 > Great Egret 5 > Snowy Egret 3 > Black-crowned Night-Heron 2 > Osprey 2 > Willet 6 > Laughing Gull 13 > Ring-billed Gull 3 > Herring Gull 3 > Great Black-backed Gull 1 > Least Tern 2 > Common Tern 3 > Forster's Tern 2 > Black Skimmer 1 > Mourning Dove 16 > Willow Flycatcher 1 > Barn Swallow X > Marsh Wren X > American Robin X > Gray Catbird 1 > Northern Mockingbird 1 > European Starling X > Yellow Warbler 1 > Common Yellowthroat 1 > Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow 1 > Seaside Sparrow 3 > Song Sparrow 4 > Northern Cardinal 1 > Red-winged Blackbird 4 > Boat-tailed Grackle 10 > House Sparrow 1 > Live Your Passion >} Live to Bird Evan J. Zupfer No1Ornithologist AT aol.com How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Delaware Valley Ornithological Club (DVOC) Upcoming Meeting (7/2/09) From: Bert Filemyr <afilemyr AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:36:00 -0400 The next meeting of the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club (DVOC) is an Informal Summer Meeting, this Thursday July 2nd, 2009 7:30 pm. Held at the Palmyra Cove Nature Center, Palmyra NJ Directions to the Meeting are at http://www.palmyracove.org/directions/index.asp Informal Pre-meeting Dinner Penn Queen Diner 7349 N. Crescent Blvd. Pennsauken, NJ 08110-1517 6:00 PM Short Programs Frank Windfelder, "ID of Great, Double-crested and Neotropic Cormorants, plus Anhinga" Debbie Beer, "East African Safari Adventure" Everyone (both members and non-members) is welcome at this meeting ------------------------------------------------------------ Bert Filemyr Meadowbrook, PA How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Cape May Point - Storm-petrel and other rarities From: Sandra Keller <sandrakeller AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:25:32 -0500 Hello, Tues. 6-30-09. Sun, 80 degrees or so. Light south winds. I finally had a full day to get down there. I've been meaning to get down all the way to the Point for Storm-Petrels. The other birds were an added bonus. Highlights in brief: BLACK RAIL - I didn't get, but was heard at 6:40AM - and earlier - this morning. Joy. Didn't call after that. I was still getting home from work at 6:40. I am told trying after 7:00PM can be productive. Maybe in a week if the BLRA is still calling. BLACK-HEADED GULL - I saw both at the Meadows and the Bunker Pond. Very nice June bird. 2 BLACK TERNS - flew past me out over the bay. I lost as they headed west. Heading out to DE or just feeding far out in the bay, I do not know. Another nice June bird. 1 WILSON'S STORM-PETREL - feeding in the bay off of St. Peter's jetty. I didn't see any from the St. Mary's jetty area. I spent much time scanning for the Greater Shearwaters with no success. Again, perhaps in a week if I can get down! The usual COMMON and FORSTER'S TERNS were flying back and forth and feeding in the rips. Many LEAST TERNS also. I found it interesting that the COMMON'S had a bit of a faster wing beat in regular flight. Not feeding. Than the FORSTER'S. In addition to all those structural differences. 2 PIPING PLOVERS - on the beach back at the Meadows. I didn't scan long. Both were adults. I hear the Fish Crows are proving a big problem this season with the newly hatched young. Butterfly notes - 7 Monarchs heading up the Delaware Bay as I was there. Spent about 2 hours there with birds in flight. My favorite! None of the Monarchs even tried to reach land where I was. They kept heading up the bay! Good birding all. Sandra Keller Barrington, NJ sandrakeller AT verizon.net How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: A few nice monday birds around Cape May From: Christopher Vogel <glaucidium AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:11:46 -0700 Apparently, among all the weekend hub-bub the adult, breeding-plumaged Black-headed Gull which was hanging out on the Meadows Plover Pond Sunday, neglected to get itself mentioned here. Sharp bird. This evening, among well over a thousand larids feeding in the rips, roosting on the beach, or loafing in the ponds at South Cape May, there was a very black, as in not a fleck of misplaced white on it, Black Tern; a Caspian Tern (excellent bird in midsummer on Cape Island, that); and 7 Greater Shearwaters working the lee-ward edge of the Rips, not at all far off shore. The Oystercatchers at the State Park have succeeded in hatching a brood- the senior of which was clambering all around its parents this evening, and the hatchling from the pair at the Meadows is rapidly approaching fledgeling age-Skimmers and Common Terns seem intent on nesting at South Cape May-we shall see... The Black Rail continues calling in the Meadows, but I wonder at the number of folks hanging out along the path in order to catch a glimpse or photo of it-seems like a bit much pressure to me. Oh, and the "Nelson's Gull" which has been hanging out around South Cape May the last couple of Weeks is a first summer. Cheers CJV Cape May, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: glossy ibises From: Ilene Schneider <iss50 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 19:26:54 -0700 I got out to Brig today for the first time in ages (had to be at the Shore on business and didn't want to waste the trip!). I had noticed last time I was there that there weren't many glossy ibises, but thought it might just be too early. But today I saw only one. Was it just coincidental that I was there at a time when they weren't around, or has anyone else noticed the numbers are lower than previous years?   BTW, the immature snow goose is still hanging around. (At least that's what it looked like with binos through a closed car window -- there was no way I was going to open the door to take out my scope or even a window to get a clearer view and risk being attacked by marauding hordes of flesh eating bugs.) Also, I saw what I'm pretty sure was a female orchard oriole in a low tree near the Experimental Pool.   Ilene Schneider Marlton How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: 6/29/09 - Wildcat Ridge area (Morris County) From: David Blinder <daveblinder AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:45:37 -0700 Got a shot of cooperative fledgling at Splitrock Reservoir. I didn't get to look at the parents, but first guess is House Finch: http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidraymond/3673802552/ Other observations: Cedar Waxwings Northern Waterthrush - bobbing at water's edge. eluded the camera :( Prairie Warbler - singing, no visual Northern Rough Winged Swallow and Barn Swallow nests are easy to observe here, as usual. Odes: Widow Skimmers Saffron-Winged Meadowhawk Halloween Pennants Dave Blinder Denville, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: Black Rail 6/30? From: Karl & Judy <jklukens AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:35:32 -0400 The Black Rail was heard and seen by some this morning. No reports that I've heard of on the Kite, Ibis, or Anhinga. Karl Lukens Cape May, NJ ----- Original Message ----- From: "Daniel Poalillo" To: Sent: Monday, June 29, 2009 5:26 PM Subject: [JerseyBirds] Black Rail 6/30? > Did anyone have the SCMM Black Rail today? White Ibis? Anhinga? > Mississippi > Kite(s)? > > I will be extremely upset if the rail disappeared the day before I am > finally able to drive to Cape May... > > Dan > Maywood > > How to report NJ bird sightings: How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Black Rail 6/30? From: Daniel Poalillo <dapoal AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:26:18 -0400 Did anyone have the SCMM Black Rail today? White Ibis? Anhinga? Mississippi Kite(s)? I will be extremely upset if the rail disappeared the day before I am finally able to drive to Cape May... Dan Maywood How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Osprey banding at Cheesequake State Park From: Katrina Baptista <katrina AT EDISONWETLANDS.ORG> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:10:23 -0700 Jersey Birders, The National Park Service and Cheesequake State Park held their annual osprey banding last week at Cheesequake in Old Bridge. Here are some good photos of the osprey and the banding from the event: http://wildnewjersey.tv/ Good Birding, Katrina B. Edison, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Baldpate Mountain From: Gail Johnson <birdhusker AT AOL.COM> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:25:06 -0400 I was delighted to see Brian's post. This place is fantastic! I've been 3 times since I heard about it this past Tuesday night. I started from the Pleasant Valley entrance. In addition to the excellent birds Brian reported, my wife and I saw: Blue Grosbeak on the edge of the orchard behind the visitor center at the Fidder's Creek entrance. Sharp "chink" note, tail-wagging behaviour, slight crest, and comparison to nearby Indigo Buntings confirmed this one. Seen and heard Saturday around noon (6/27) and Sunday around 5pm (6/28). Not the real rufous wing bar, so I'm assuming an immature male (brownish on flanks and tail.) Yellow-Breasted Chat: Down the powerline cut hill from the Pleasant Valley parking lot around 6pm Sunday night (6/28). Chestnut-Sided Warbler around powerline cuts. Gail Johnson Warminster, Bucks County How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Peregrine Falcons, plus new trail guide to DeKorte Park, a great birding spot From: Jim Wright <Jim.Wright AT NJMEADOWLANDS.GOV> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:09:00 -0400 The Bergen Record had a neat story over the weekend about the growing numbers of Peregrine Falcons on Hackensack River bridges in the Meadowlands. The Meadowlands nature blog has a link to the story - and a recent photo of a young Peregrine ready to fledge on the Route 3 Bridge. Link is here: http://meadowblog.typepad.com/mblog/2009/06/peregrines-thriving-on-meado wlands-bridges.html The blog also has a post today about a new trail guide to DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst... We had great view of Forster's Terns' courtship displays last week, also posted. Thanks, Jim Jim Wright NJ Meadowlands Commission Notice: This e-mail message and any attachment to this e-mail message may contain information that may be legally privileged and confidential from the State of New Jersey, New Jersey Meadowlands Commission. If you are not the intended recipient, you must not review, transmit, convert to hard copy, copy, use, or disseminate this e-mail or any attachment to it. If you have received this e-mail in error, please immediately notify us by return e-mail or by phone at 201-460-1700 and delete the message. Please note that if this e-mail message contains a forwarded message or is a reply to a prior message, some or all of the contents of the message or any attachment may have not been produced by the State of New Jersey, New Jersey Meadowlands Commission. This notice is automatically appended to each e-mail message leaving the State of New Jersey, New Jersey Meadowlands Commission. How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Ted Stiles Preserve (Baldpate Mountain), Mercer County, 6/27 From: Brian Clough <bclough84 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:07:22 -0400 All, An NJAS trip to Baldpate this weekend found the expected assortment of forest breeders (some more cooperative than others). We walked up the driveway to the new visitor center and down the Ridge trail back to the Fiddler's Creek road parking area. Kentucky Warblers (2)- two territorial males, both "heard onlys". One was back behind the springhouse near the bottom of the driveway, the other was at the top in a dense thicket near the edge of the estate grounds. Worm-eating Warbler (4)- one pair, both adults carrying food...gave excellent looks and then we backed off and gave them space. The nest must have been practically on the side of the road! Two other singing males heard. Hooded Warbler (3)- two males gave excellent looks. Ovenbirds (numerous)- we observed an adult and a fledgling along the ridge trail. Veery (numerous) Wood Thrush (numerous) plus the other usuals...Scarlet Tanager, Peewees, Towhees, etc. We also spent time observing the excellent plant diversity of this site (native and non), and discussing some of the finer points of forest ecology. Baldpate Mountain is a gem for central NJ. Mercer County Parks and Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space have been doing some great stewardship work there. Good birding, Brian Clough Readington, NJ bclough84 'at' gmail.com -- Brian J. Clough Rutgers University Graduate Student, Ecology & Evolution "That land is a community is the basic concept of ecology, but that land is to be loved and respected is an extension of ethics." -Aldo Leopold How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Black Rail Photos from Saturday (Cape May County) From: Steve Kacir <kacir AT MAIL.MED.UPENN.EDU> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 01:08:42 -0400 Hi all, I had the good fortune of meeting up with John & Peggy McDevit and Karl Lukens at The Nature Conservancy's Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge (aka "The Meadows"), where our patience paid off in see the Black Rail and getting some decent photos of the bird. My shots, including crops and unedited photos can be found in a set at my Flickr account: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sekacir/sets/72157620563893051/ Steve Kacir Norristown, Montgomery County, PA How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Birds and Butterflies in Toms River 6-27 to 6-28 From: Shawn Wainwright <Shawneagleeyes1 AT AOL.COM> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:26:44 EDT Hey everyone, didn't have time to post yesterday so i will post everything today. Here's what i found at Silver Ridge in Toms River: RT Hawk - 1 Chimney Swift - 4 Hairy Woodpecker - 1 Cedar Waxwing - 4 Pine Warbler - 1 Prairie Warbler - 2 Chipping Sparrow - 8 Field Sparrow - 2 Butterflies seen: Spicebush Swallowtail – 3 Cabbage White – 1 Summer Azure – 1 American Copper – 1 Banded Hairstreak – 1 – years since I’ve seen one Now today 6-28-09 Silver Ridge in Toms River Didn't really see any birds worth posting but did see some butterflies: Spicebush Swallowtail – 2 Cabbage White – 3 Red Admiral – 1 - maybe this year will be a better year for them Coral Hairstreak – 1 – My #78th species for me in New Jersey 6-28-09 Winding River Park Eastern Wood-Pewee - 1 Butterflies seen: Cabbage White – 1 Little Wood-Satyr – 1 other nature notes: 2 Moth species Common Green Darner - 1 Eastern Amberwing - 1 Shawn Wainwright Toms River _ShawnEagleEyes1 AT aol.com_ (mailto:ShawnEagleEyes1 AT aol.com) _http://www.flickr.com/photos/shawn_wainwright/_ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/shawn_wainwright/) **************An Excellent Credit Score is 750. See Yours in Just 2 Easy Steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1221323006x1201367222/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072&hmpgID=62&bcd=Jun eExcfooterNO62) How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: No Subject From: Joan Detyna <jdetyna AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:13:58 -0400 Sent from my iPhone How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: On shorebirds and the high arctic breeding this year From: Sandra Keller <sandrakeller AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:17:52 -0500 Hello, I received this over another listserv I belong to and thought it would be interesting reading for Jerseybirders. I believe I copied over the whole first email. I'll be curious to see how many shorebirds back at Bivalve as I start the surveys early this year. Good birding all. "> Big chill in Churchill > > > Winter grips 90 per cent of north, migratory birds can't breed > > By: Robert Alison > > 13/06/2009 1:00 AM | > > It is the winter that refuses to go away in northern Manitoba and most > of the eastern Arctic. > > Prolonged cold snowy conditions in the Hudson Bay area are expected to > obliterate the breeding season for migratory birds and most other > species of wildlife this year. > > According to Environment Canada, the spring of 2009 is record-late in > the eastern Arctic with virtually 100 per cent snow cover from James Bay > north as of June 11. > > May temperatures in northern Manitoba were almost four degrees C below > the long-term average of -0.7, and in early June, temperatures averaged > three degrees below normal. > > National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration images confirm snow and > ice blanket all of northern Manitoba, part of northern Ontario and > almost all of the eastern Arctic as of June 12. U.S. arieal flight > surveys confirm the eastern Arctic has no sign of spring so far. > > "I have lived in Churchill since the 1950s, and this the latest spring I > have ever seen here," said local resident Pat Penwarden. "The spring of > 1962 was almost this bad." > > Six-foot snowdrifts blocked Churchill-area roads. A thick blanket of > snow, in places three- and four-feet deep, coated 90 per cent of the > local taiga in northern Manitoba. Ecotourists, who normally flock to > northern Manitoba every June to see birds and other wildlife, cancelled > their plans this June "in droves," according to local ecotourist > specialists. Snowy conditions are largely to blame. > > "It is like a winter landscape," said Ruth Baker, a Michigan tourist who > spent June 9 to 12 at Churchill. "I couldn't believe the snowdrifts, > like mountains of snow". > > Researchers confirm that the lateness of the spring of 2009 dooms local > birds to a virtually complete reproductive failure. > > According to Robert Jefferies, professor emeritus of botany at the > University of Toronto, the last time there was a late spring in northern > Manitoba, in 1983, there was a total reproductive "bust" in lesser snow > geese. Most species of birds did not nest at all. > > Aerial inventories of fall migrant geese from the eastern Arctic that > year confirmed 0.005 per cent of the fall population comprised juvenile > birds, compared to the normal figure of over 50 per cent. > > According to Cornell University researchers, currently at Churchill, > shorebird nesting is already three-weeks late, and has yet to start. > > The first Canada goose nests were initiated on June 7, more than one > month later than normal, and probably not early enough to allow goslings > to mature before the fall migration flight. Canada geese are the first > birds to nest in northern Manitoba. Many northern birds require more > than 100 days to nest, incubate young and rear offspring to a condition > suitable for fall migration. > > According to Robert Rockwell of The City University of New York, who > studies geese in northern Manitoba, if the geese have not begun > incubating clutches of eggs before June 11, there is almost no chance > that their offspring will be strong enough to endure the long southbound > fall flight. > > In 1983, that was the case, and 1983 was not nearly as late as 2009. > > Research by Hugh Boyd, scientist emeritus at the Canadian Wildlife > Service, states late Arctic springs reduce northern waterfowl production > by up to 90 per cent, with very late springs having a devastating impact. > > According to Vern Thomas, a University of Guelph researcher, record-late > springs produce "reproductive failures" in northern geese. > > "These late springs generate reproductive busts," confirmed Joe Jehl, > who has studied birds in northern Manitoba since the late 1960s and > recently retired from the Smithsonian Institution. > > Studies at Churchill show that in late springs, female birds delay > nesting, and rather than starve for lack of food, they re-absorb > already-formed eggs to benefit from their nutritional content. > > Nesting often does not occur under those conditions. In 2004, a late > spring caused many northern Manitoba migratory birds to abandon nesting > efforts and head back south in late June, more than two months early. > > Recent late springs in the Hudson Bay area have been more frequent than > normal: 2004, 2002, 2000 and 1997. > > According to NOAA scientists, although the Arctic is warming, more > frequent annual oscillations in temperature are likely to occur, often > resulting in late springs. > > "Such major oscillations are part of a bumpy ride toward global > warming," said Thomas Karl of the National Climate Center. "For awhile > at least this will be the shape of things to come." > > Vegetation is also impacted upon by late Arctic springs, with green-up > about three weeks late this year. Consequently, herbivorous animals have > delayed breeding > > "People often confuse climate with weather, and this spring is a weather > phenomenon," said an Environment Canada spokesperson. > > Robert Alison is a Victoria-based wildlife biologist and writer with a > PhD in zoology." Sandra Keller Barrington, NJ sandrakeller AT verizon.net How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: New Field guide From: bill elrick <belrick AT OPTONLINE.NET> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 18:10:44 -0400 Well I agree with Harvey I think this is a very good idea with a range of different views of a bird species, which is the most natural way that we usually view the birds in the field. The usual guides has you wondering sometimes what the bird would look like from almost any other angle but looking right. I particularly like the flight shots and the inclusion of very young birds in the plates. I think the {sign the post statement} was because of the unusual placement of the signature after a full quotation of a previous which may be grammatically correct but not the usual place I would look for a signature. Bill Elrick Wyckoff NJ 07481 Skype me as " Bilbander " belrick AT NYNJBirdingGuide.com http://nynjbirdingguide.com/ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: New Feild guide From: Greg Pasquariello <greg AT PASQ.NET> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 16:04:26 -0600 I did On Jun 28, 2009, at 6/28/09 3:10 PM, ShearH2Os AT AOL.COM wrote: > Sign your post... > > Make your summer sizzle with fast and easy recipes for the grill. Regards -Greg Pasquariello Phone: (303) 648-1334, Fax: (303) 496-0779, Email: greg AT pasq.net How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: New Feild guide From: Steve Mattan <stevemattan AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 17:39:08 -0400 I too find the juxtaposition of the individual images somewhat reminiscent of "Where's Waldo". They are somewhat jarring to my eye. I think I like the idea of the book, show a variety of images such as one might see in the field. But it will take some getting used to. (And perhaps I missed a joke somewhere, but it would appear that Greg did sign his post ...) SteveM Earth -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- http://recycledphotons.blogspot.com/ On Jun 28, 2009, at 3:51 PM, Greg Pasquariello wrote: > The individual photos are nice, but in my opinion there's way too > much background noise and I find the plates (if that's what they > are) very disorganized. On the Chestnut-sided warbler, for example, > I feel like I'm looking at a "Where's Waldo" page. It might be more > effective if the backgrounds were more subdued. > > > On Jun 28, 2009, at 6/28/09 1:36 PM, Harvey Tomlinson wrote: > >> Hi Jersey Birders, >> Just when I thought there couldn't be a new ground breaking field >> guide, it >> appears one is on the horizon. >> _http://birdingonthe.net/birdmail.html_ >> (http://birdingonthe.net/birdmail.html) >> At the above web site are 23 slides of Richard Crossley's up >> coming "The >> I.D. Guide". >> The photos are magnificent, (makes me want to hang up my camera), >> and the >> design and layout are truly creative. >> I for one can't wait for this to hit the shelves. >> I'll need one signed by Richard for my home as a piece of art, and >> another >> to add to my traveling collection of most favored guides. >> Treat yourself....take a peek., >> Good ID'ing, >> Harvey Tomlinson >> **************Make your summer sizzle with fast and easy recipes >> for the >> grill. (http://food.aol.com/grilling?ncid=emlcntusfood00000005) >> >> How to report NJ bird sightings: > > Regards > -Greg Pasquariello > > Phone: (303) 648-1334, Fax: (303) 496-0779, Email: greg AT pasq.net > > > How to report NJ bird sightings: How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: New Feild guide From: Harvey Tomlinson <ShearH2Os AT AOL.COM> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 17:10:03 EDT Sign your post... **************Make your summer sizzle with fast and easy recipes for the grill. (http://food.aol.com/grilling?ncid=emlcntusfood00000005) How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: New Feild guide From: Greg Pasquariello <greg AT PASQ.NET> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 13:51:25 -0600 The individual photos are nice, but in my opinion there's way too much background noise and I find the plates (if that's what they are) very disorganized. On the Chestnut-sided warbler, for example, I feel like I'm looking at a "Where's Waldo" page. It might be more effective if the backgrounds were more subdued. On Jun 28, 2009, at 6/28/09 1:36 PM, Harvey Tomlinson wrote: > Hi Jersey Birders, > Just when I thought there couldn't be a new ground breaking field > guide, it > appears one is on the horizon. > _http://birdingonthe.net/birdmail.html_ > (http://birdingonthe.net/birdmail.html) > At the above web site are 23 slides of Richard Crossley's up coming > "The > I.D. Guide". > The photos are magnificent, (makes me want to hang up my camera), > and the > design and layout are truly creative. > I for one can't wait for this to hit the shelves. > I'll need one signed by Richard for my home as a piece of art, and > another > to add to my traveling collection of most favored guides. > Treat yourself....take a peek., > Good ID'ing, > Harvey Tomlinson > **************Make your summer sizzle with fast and easy recipes for > the > grill. (http://food.aol.com/grilling?ncid=emlcntusfood00000005) > > How to report NJ bird sightings: Regards -Greg Pasquariello Phone: (303) 648-1334, Fax: (303) 496-0779, Email: greg AT pasq.net How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: New Feild guide From: Harvey Tomlinson <ShearH2Os AT AOL.COM> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 15:36:46 EDT Hi Jersey Birders, Just when I thought there couldn't be a new ground breaking field guide, it appears one is on the horizon. _http://birdingonthe.net/birdmail.html_ (http://birdingonthe.net/birdmail.html) At the above web site are 23 slides of Richard Crossley's up coming "The I.D. Guide". The photos are magnificent, (makes me want to hang up my camera), and the design and layout are truly creative. I for one can't wait for this to hit the shelves. I'll need one signed by Richard for my home as a piece of art, and another to add to my traveling collection of most favored guides. Treat yourself....take a peek., Good ID'ing, Harvey Tomlinson **************Make your summer sizzle with fast and easy recipes for the grill. (http://food.aol.com/grilling?ncid=emlcntusfood00000005) How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Arctic nesting conditions From: Tony Leukering <greatgrayowl AT AOL.COM> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 15:22:19 -0400 The below is from, I believe, an Ontario Birds listserver post. Tony Leukering Villas, NJ Subject: Arctic Breeding Conditions in 2009 From: Jean Iron Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:52:55 -0400 Yesterday we saw an adult Lesser Yellowlegs near Toronto and on Wednesday there was an adult Least Sandpiper in Hamilton at the west end of Lake Ontario. These are the first "fall migrant" shorebirds in southern Ontario and they are right on schedule. Several people asked us to comment about recent reports of a "Disastrous breeding season in the Arctic". The Arctic is huge; it is 3500 km from southern James Bay (subarctic) to northern Ellesmere Island. Most shorebirds have large breeding ranges and even in late years many birds breed successfully and rarely does the entire Arctic experience the same climatic conditions. We checked with northern researchers and summarized their comments below.Shorebird nesting in 2009 is poor in some regions but normal to good elsewhere. Ontario: Ken Abraham reports that conditions in the Hudson Bay Lowlands were about 10 days late from Attawapiskat south on James Bay, including Akimiski Island, with Canada Geese and Snow Geese hatching in mid June, more like the 1990s average than the 2000s average and within the overall norms. Other species on Akimiski Island were correspondingly late. His guess is that for those species that require shorter time there will be some reduction but not huge. Perhaps the predation effect will be somewhat greater if alternate species are less available. Because coastal snow, ice and water inundation conditions were similar from Cape Henrietta Maria to the Manitoba border, Ken expects that for Canada Geese nesting within 40 - 60 km from the coast, a much reduced effort and productivity will be the norm. Snow Geese at Cape Henrietta Maria were greatly down and the suggestion of a 90% reduction seems to fit what they saw on their survey. However, beyond 40 - 60 km inland, he thinks conditions will be different. Mark Peck said that species nesting away from the Hudson Bay Coast in boreal bogs and fens such as yellowlegs should not be severely impacted because much of the freeze took place near the coast. Manitoba: The situation is worse in northern Manitoba at Churchill where temperatures were well below normal until recently and the snow cover melted late. However, Erica Nol reports that birds have started to nest, just very late, and it won't be a complete bust for shorebirds if there are enough bare spots. Whimbrels and Hudsonian Godwits are nesting, but overall nesting success should be below average for most shorebirds in northern Manitoba. Nunavut: Snow melt was up to three weeks late in mainland Nunavut north of Manitoba. Recent temperatures have been close to normal. Much of Baffin Island is now snow free and conditions there and on Bylot Island are about normal. High Arctic breeders should have a good breeding year. Northwest Territories: Vicky Johnston suspects it will be a poor breeding year in parts of the Western Arctic. Spring was roughly three weeks late in Yellowknife on Great Slave Lake based on leaf-out. The Mackenzie Valley and Delta warmed early but then cooled off again. The Delta flooded slowly and the water receded slowly, so some prime shorebird breeding areas were subject to heavy predation. Yukon: Cameron Eckert reports a late spring, but once the heat came, everything shifted into high gear. Alaska: Declan Troy reports from the North Slope that the snow on the tundra is long gone. It was much warmer earlier in the month and his guess is that the breeding season has been early there. We will be recording the arrivals and numbers of adult and juvenile shorebirds in southern Ontario and may post updates. Acknowledgements: We thank Ken Abraham, Bruce Di Labio, Cameron Eckert, Michel Gosselin, Vicky Johnston, Erica Nol, Mark Peck, Ken Ross, Don Sutherland, and Declan Troy. Ron Pittaway and Jean Iron Toronto, Ontario How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Pine Siskin From: "susie r." <njt456 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 15:22:28 -0400 There was a lone Pine Siskin at the thistle feeder a short while ago - the first one I have seen since the Memorial Day weekend. Susie R. Tewksbury/Califon How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Lil' bit of Cape May magic... From: Steve Glynn <southjerseyglynn AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 14:45:03 -0400 My son Kevin and I ventured down the Cape May Meadows again this morning, with great hopes of a visual confirmation of the Black Rail that we delighted in hearing many times last evening. Having such a cooperative bird insists on indulging oneself in the posssibilities...We arrived around 7:30am and immediately had the bird calling, but not showing itself (yet).... The rail allowed itself to first be upstaged by a group of (3) Mississippi Kites that flew in from the direction of the beanery, kettled and kited directly above us and allow nice views. Vince Elia was a great guide for confirmation, thank you Vince. Back to the rail....Sounding off again, but not coming out....it once again got upstaged by the presence of a high flying male Anhinga, coming once again out the direction of the beanery. I was first to spot a new shape in the sky, and Vince and others were quickly on the "shape" and got shouts of Anhinga were soon heard. The bird seemed to enjoy taunting us with its high circling near to the sun, but soon better (safer) looks came and gave us good confirmation. My son had asked on the drive down this morning about the possibilities of either Mississippi Kite or Anhinga, as I had mentioned reports in the past week or so about the birds, but we really didn't think to be this fortunate. An exciting day already, and it wasn't yet 9am. Back to the rail....no sounding over for about 45 minutes, then a rapid series of calls, very near to the path...patience pays off soon after and the bird poked his head out, then a quick scamper....smiles everywhere...but no pictures...great bird. Amazing day. Time for a quick walk down the west path...maybe the King Rail?....Kevin heard a partial call and was asking....I thought so too....began to search but quickly got lost in the excitement of finding the White Ibis. Beautiful white adult with strong pink bill and legs. Kevin excitedly ran back to the group still hoping for more of the Black Rail and let them in on our new rarity for the day...A hurried crowd soon came by and ideas of how lucky we could be were shared by everyone... Great day....thanks to everyone present for their help. Special note of thanks too for Karl Lukins and his help. I see his pictures are up on the CMBO site for the birds. Mine didn't turn out as good, but we're still happy for the great show today. Steve Glynn NJ Audubon Member Millville, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: White Ibis - Cape May From: Bob Fogg <philomachus AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 10:21:26 -0700 An adult White Ibis was found this morning and seen by a number of people at the Meadows. It was feeding behind some catails ~half way down the west path (looking west towards the State Park). I've posted a pic of the bird for anyone interested. Good Birding, Bob Fogg West Cape May, NJ http://www.keekeekerr.com How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Great morning at SCMM - rails, White Ibis, Anhinga From: Tony Leukering <greatgrayowl AT AOL.COM> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 13:10:52 -0400 Hi all: Joining the crowds at the South Cape May Meadows (Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge), Cape May Co., I had a great morning, garnering three year birds and one NJ bird. Black Rail -- the bird present for the past few days called a few times for me (it was seen by others a bit later in the AM) King Rail -- what I presume was the King Rail that has been present for a few days called once from west of the west path and heard from the dune crossover WHITE IBIS - a very obliging adult was found by visitors and lingered in the north-most good marsh on the west side of the west path ANHINGA -- present very high among vultures (both sp), Osprey, and Broad-winged Hawks; I managed some poor-but-identifiable pix of this male, first found yesterday by Karl Lukens Enjoy, Tony Leukering Villas, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Bufflehead From: Michael Britt <mbritt78 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 10:47:26 -0400 A female Bufflehead was in Newark Bay (by Society Hill) on 6/21. Mike Britt Clifton _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live™ SkyDrive™: Get 25 GB of free online storage. http://windowslive.com/online/skydrive?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_SD_25GB_062009 How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Anhinga at Cape May From: Bill Boyle <sawwhet AT OPTONLINE.NET> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 09:42:58 -0400 Bob Fogg reports that the male Anhinga first found yesterday was circling over the South Cape May Meadows within the past half hour, drifted off to the northwest, then returned to the meadows as of 9:40 am. Bill Boyle Warren, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Black-headed Gull, Sandwich Tern, Interesting Common Tern - Cape May From: Bob Fogg <philomachus AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 19:31:54 -0700 There was a lot of activity in the rips this evening off Cape May Point State Park and birds were constantly coming in off the water and landing in the 2nd Plover Pond for a little while before flying back out. For a brief period there was a Black-headed Gull bathing in the far side with some Laughing Gulls. The bird took off and flew to the west - the same direction that most of the terns headed. There was also a flyby Sandwich Tern and an interesting Common type Tern that showed a rather dark bill, darker legs and a bit more grey on the belly. I've posted some pictures of these birds on the site for anyone interested. Bob Fogg West Cape May, NJ http://www.keekeekerr.com How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Rails at Cape May Meadows From: John Beetham <john.beetham AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 20:55:11 -0400 The Black Rail vocalized regularly at Cape May Meadows this evening starting around 7pm and continuing until at least 8pm. I had been waiting for about an hour when it started. While I was waiting, I heard a King Rail give its "kek-burrr" call. The rails were vocalizing on the west side of the main trail in the area where the trail intersects a line of shrubbery. As an additional bonus, a Black-billed Cuckoo emerged briefly from the shrubbery around 7:30. John Beetham Highland Park, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Negri-Nepote, Six Mile Run, Griggstown Grasslands addendum From: Donna Schulman <queensgirl30 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 15:41:02 -0400 forgot to sign my message! Donna Schulman North Brunswick, NJ queensgirl30 AT gmail.com birding with John J. Collins Raritan, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Negri-Nepote, Six Mile Run, Griggstown Grasslands From: Donna Schulman <queensgirl30 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 15:38:18 -0400 John Collins and I explored the restored grasslands of Franklin Township this morning. First up was Negri-Nepote, where John saw a Turkey cross the field just before I arrived. We were very pleased to see a number of Grasshopper Sparrows, as well as a very large female Cooper’s Hawk, 3 Red-tailed Hawks (we assumed parents and young ‘un), Mourning Dove, Chimney Swift, Northern Flicker, Eastern Kingbird, Tree and one Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Cedar Waxwing, House Wren, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, American Robin (many babies), Carolina Chickadee, Fish Crow, House Finch, American Goldfinch, Eastern Towhee, Chipping, Field and Song Sparrows, Northern Cardinal, Indigo Bunting, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, and two lovely male Orchard Orioles (too near private property to get close, unfortunately). Odes included 12-Spotted and Widow Skimmers and Bluets (probably Familiar); I saw a Spangled Skimmer earlier in the week. Butterflies included Clouded and Orange Sulphurs, Spring/Summer Azure, Eastern Tailed Blue and Cabbage White. Having heard nary a Prairie Warbler (though they were singing on Tuesday morning), we went to Six Mile Run, S. Middlebush Road entrance, a second-growth area that was full of singing Prairie Warblers, plus Common Yellowsthroat, Yellow Warbler, and two Yellow-breasted Chats!. The Turkey Vultures were starting to kettle at this point, as well as Black Vultures. We heard Willow Flycatcher, and also added Tufted Titmouse and Brown-headed Cowbird to the day list. A Mourning Cloak flew quickly by as we arrived, and a possible Halloween Pennant as we left. It was then down Canal Road to Griggstown Grasslands (Griggstown Native Grassland Preserve), where the wildflowers were crazy beautiful. Not as many birds; it was getting late in the morning. We did have Blue-winged Warbler, Prairie and Yellow Warblers, an Eastern Phoebe in the middle of the field, plus several Eastern Kingbirds, Brown Thrasher, Blue Jay, a Warbling Vireo singing from the tree line, and an Orchard Oriole feeding her young. Many Monarchs and a Great Spangled Fritilary. How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: Anhinga - Cape May From: Jeff Hawk <tokenmaven AT OPTONLINE.NET> Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 17:47:51 +0000 Hi, Does anyone have an opinion about the year (or "cycle") of the hybrid Herring x Glaucous Gull? Jeff Hawk Mercerville, NJ ----- Original Message ----- From: Bob Fogg Date: Saturday, June 27, 2009 10:45 am Subject: [JerseyBirds] Anhinga - Cape May To: JerseyBirds AT Princeton.EDU > Hey all, > > An Anhinga was soaring over the Beanery this morning ~10 AM. I > was riding my bike by the area when I bumped into Karl Lukens > leading a CMBO bird walk. (They first spotted the bird right as > I was pulling up!) Even though the bird was a fair distance > away, the pale upperwing coverts and long tail were still > noticeable. I took a few (poor) pictures of the bird and posted > them to http://www.keekeekerr.com for anyone interested (along > with a picture of the Black Rail that made another brief > appearance this morning - and another one after I had left). > > Yesterday evening I had a Cory's Shearwater fly by Cape May > Point State Park and the hybrid Herring x Glaucous Gull was > sitting on the beach at the Meadows. > > Good Birding, > Bob Fogg > West Cape May, NJ > http://www.keekeekerr.com > > > > > How to report NJ bird sightings: > > How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Anhinga - Cape May From: Bob Fogg <philomachus AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 08:44:58 -0700 Hey all, An Anhinga was soaring over the Beanery this morning ~10 AM. I was riding my bike by the area when I bumped into Karl Lukens leading a CMBO bird walk. (They first spotted the bird right as I was pulling up!) Even though the bird was a fair distance away, the pale upperwing coverts and long tail were still noticeable. I took a few (poor) pictures of the bird and posted them to http://www.keekeekerr.com for anyone interested (along with a picture of the Black Rail that made another brief appearance this morning - and another one after I had left). Yesterday evening I had a Cory's Shearwater fly by Cape May Point State Park and the hybrid Herring x Glaucous Gull was sitting on the beach at the Meadows. Good Birding, Bob Fogg West Cape May, NJ http://www.keekeekerr.com How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Cape May highlights From: Jeff Vinosk <Ledzeppelinfan60 AT AOL.COM> Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 22:36:07 EDT Of note, 3 Gull-billed Terns and 1 Least Bittern at the Meadows, and 1 Wilson Storm Petrel in the rips viewed from the Meadows beach above the Plover pond. 3 additional Wilson Storm Petrels were seen from the concrete ship (around noon). On to the primary target of the day, the Black Rail, which after patient hours at the meadows did not disappoint. It was last heard in the morning at 8:15, 45 minutes before we showed up. Spend about 2 1/2 hours waiting for it to call with no luck, then came back around 2pm, and after an hour, the bird finally started calling just after 3pm. It made three to four rapid repetitions of the kik-ka-doh, then would pause for about 15-20 minutes before sounding off again. This continue for the time that we were there. But patience once again paid off. We took a seat at the corner of the T-intersection of the path, and eventually that little bugger made a dash across the path. Of course no one had our cameras, so we went back to the car, retrieved them, and once again sat and waited, and waited, and an hour went by, and finally he reappeared. I was able to snap off a few good pictures of the bird, which I'll hopefully have posted soon. Good birding, Jeff Vinosky **************Make your summer sizzle with fast and easy recipes for the grill. (http://food.aol.com/grilling?ncid=emlcntusfood00000005) How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Sandy Hook Osprey & BC Night-Herons From: Trina Anderson <laporello AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:24:20 -0700 As quiet as the list has been lately, I thought I'd post some photos taken out at Sandy Hook today. Across from the Visitor's Center, I was greeted by 2 Black-crowned Night-Herons not far off the boardwalk. Also, the nearby Osprey nest has 2 chicks. Photos can be seen here http://picasaweb.google.com/laporello/SandyHook20090626# Trina AndersonRed Bank NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Nummy Island From: Bob Horton <horton644 AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 22:16:59 -0400 A short visit to Nummy Island this afternoon yielded a Little Blue Heron and a Yellow-crowned-Night Heron, at the north end of the island. Bob Horton How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: East Point - Red Knots From: Sandra Keller <sandrakeller AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:51:05 -0500 Hello, Low tide again at East Point this afternoon - Thursday, 6-25-09. Sun, southerly winds, 85 degrees or so. I was hoping for Wilson's Storm-Petrels on the southerly winds, but no! I wonder why?? Anyway, everything I reported last time down here except no Brown Pelican, but picked up 2 lingering RED KNOTS. Both in what looked to me to be full breeding plumage, but they were far. Seems odd as usually the summering birds don't attain full breeding plumage. Perhaps Red Knots are different than the others I have studied. They were at the end of Bay Ave. feeding along with OYSTERCATCHERS and a couple thousand LAUGHING GULLS and 20 or so WILLETS. Good birding all. Sandra Keller Barrington, NJ sandrakeller AT verizon.net How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: Black Rail From: Bob Confer <parula9 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 01:58:55 +0000 Richard, thks, we heard the bird call twice at 9:10 pm tonight wed 6/24. bob/janconfer southamppton nj > Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:14:49 -0400 > From: thebrit1 AT VERIZON.NET > Subject: [JerseyBirds] Black Rail > To: JerseyBirds AT Princeton.EDU > > A Black Rail, found last night, is still calling fairly regularly on South Cape May Meadows. It is on the east (left) side of the main path only 50 yards from the car park by the largest tree. Although very close to the path, it is essentially impossible to see. Tapes/ipods are not allowed on SCMM. PLEASE act accordingly. King Rail was also seen yesterday. > > Richard Crossley > > How to report NJ bird sightings: _________________________________________________________________ Lauren found her dream laptop. Find the PC that’s right for you. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/choosepc/?ocid=ftp_val_wl_290 How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Great Swamp Slider From: Harvey Tomlinson <ShearH2Os AT AOL.COM> Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:16:29 EDT Hi Jersey Birders, I was at the Swamp this afternoon and ran into a volunteer (Sonny) who showed me an unusual turtle. _http://www.flickr.com/photos/shearh2o/3658297582/_ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/shearh2o/3658297582/) It is a Red-eared Slider, but the shell has been bleached white. It's probably a released pet, although its fairly large, but I do not know what would cause the shell to turn white. Diet or lack of sun? Maybe both. Any thoughts email me of list so as not to litter the line w/ turtle talk. Good Herping, Harvey Tomlinson **************Make your summer sizzle with fast and easy recipes for the grill. (http://food.aol.com/grilling?ncid=emlcntusfood00000005) How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Black Rail From: richard crossley <thebrit1 AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:14:49 -0400 A Black Rail, found last night, is still calling fairly regularly on South Cape May Meadows. It is on the east (left) side of the main path only 50 yards from the car park by the largest tree. Although very close to the path, it is essentially impossible to see. Tapes/ipods are not allowed on SCMM. PLEASE act accordingly. King Rail was also seen yesterday. Richard Crossley How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Red Knots in the summer have winter conditions From: bill elrick <belrick AT OPTONLINE.NET> Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:27:42 -0400 Well after the relatively good news about the Red Knots having a good passage from DE Bay. We can see it's not so good up north here is a report on the longer than normal ice cover. >>http://www.borealbirds.org/blog/<< Bill Elrick Wyckoff NJ 07481 Skype me as " Bilbander " belrick AT NYNJBirdingGuide.com http://nynjbirdingguide.com/ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Reported Iceland Gull From: Tony Leukering <greatgrayowl AT AOL.COM> Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:11:25 -0400 Hi all: Bob Horton's pictures of the white gull at Bradley Beach leave me with some doubt that the bird is an Iceland Gull.? The extremely trashed nature of the remiges may suggest the very weak feather structure typical of albinos.? Even young Iceland Gulls?(at least of?kumlieni) should show somewhat darker outer primaries -- that is, with more melanin, thus should be not as trashed as the typically paler inner primaries.? This bird shows no such difference.? Add to that, the bird's bill pattern looks too much like that of a first-cycle Herring Gull for my satisfaction.? Iceland Gull should show a darker bill without, I believe, the obvious dark along the cutting edge that is so typical of Herring Gulls of this age. Sincerely, Tony Leukering Villas, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Siskins continue From: Alan Boyd <alnboyd AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 09:45:27 -0700 6/24 I still have two siskins coming to my feeders.  I was down to one for a week or so but now the second one is back again.  I would love to see a juvenile so I would know if they have nested in the area.  They have been here right through the Spring. Alan Boyd Flanders alnboyd AT yahoo.com How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: Tourne County Park - Red Headed Woodpeckers & Brown Creeper (Morris County) From: Dena Temple <denat01 AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:10:58 -0400 Hi All, Didn't mean to open a can of worms here -- I just thought that adding "in Gladstone" or wherever wouldn't be that much trouble for the poster. Dena Temple Middletown On Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:34:14 -0400, Sandra McNicol wrote: >Hi JerseyBirders: > >Just in case there are folks who do not know about the book referred to >below here is a bit more information. > >Title: "A Guide to Bird Finding in New Jersey" >Author: William J. Boyle, Jr. >Rutgers University Press > >It is available at Audubon stores. > >This book has been invaluable to me. I spend a lot of time with it and take >it with me all the time when traveling around the state. I have visited more >preserves, parks etc that without the book, I would not have known existed. >It is a must have for NJ birders. > >Sandy McNicol >Kingwood Township > > >On 6/24/09 10:17 AM, "Jeff Hawk" wrote: > >> Directions to Tourne County Park are on page 67 of Bill Boyle's book. I >> believe the standard practice for this list is that if the location is listed >> in Boyle no directions are needed. >> >> Jeff Hawk >> Mercerville, NJ >> >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: Dena Temple >> Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2009 8:30 am >> Subject: Re: [JerseyBirds] Tourne County Park - Red Headed Woodpeckers & Brown >> Creeper (Morris County) >> To: JerseyBirds AT Princeton.EDU >> >>> It would be very helpful to people on this list if sightings >>> were reported that >>> included city/town and perhaps even basic directions, especially >>> for some of >>> the under-reported locations, like this park. People (like me) >>> who are not from >>> Morris County may not be familiar with the area. >>> >>> Thanks in advance, >>> >>> Dena Temple >>> Middletown, NJ >>> denat01 at verizon dot net >>> >>> How to report NJ bird sightings: >>> >> >> How to report NJ bird sightings: > >How to report NJ bird sightings: How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: Tourne County Park - Red Headed Woodpeckers & Brown Creeper (Morris County) From: Sandra McNicol <oakgrove AT SPRINTMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:34:14 -0400 Hi JerseyBirders: Just in case there are folks who do not know about the book referred to below here is a bit more information. Title: "A Guide to Bird Finding in New Jersey" Author: William J. Boyle, Jr. Rutgers University Press It is available at Audubon stores. This book has been invaluable to me. I spend a lot of time with it and take it with me all the time when traveling around the state. I have visited more preserves, parks etc that without the book, I would not have known existed. It is a must have for NJ birders. Sandy McNicol Kingwood Township On 6/24/09 10:17 AM, "Jeff Hawk" wrote: > Directions to Tourne County Park are on page 67 of Bill Boyle's book. I > believe the standard practice for this list is that if the location is listed > in Boyle no directions are needed. > > Jeff Hawk > Mercerville, NJ > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Dena Temple > Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2009 8:30 am > Subject: Re: [JerseyBirds] Tourne County Park - Red Headed Woodpeckers & Brown > Creeper (Morris County) > To: JerseyBirds AT Princeton.EDU > >> It would be very helpful to people on this list if sightings >> were reported that >> included city/town and perhaps even basic directions, especially >> for some of >> the under-reported locations, like this park. People (like me) >> who are not from >> Morris County may not be familiar with the area. >> >> Thanks in advance, >> >> Dena Temple >> Middletown, NJ >> denat01 at verizon dot net >> >> How to report NJ bird sightings: >> > > How to report NJ bird sightings: How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: Tourne County Park - Red Headed Woodpeckers & Brown Creeper (Morris County) From: Jeff Hawk <tokenmaven AT OPTONLINE.NET> Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:17:09 +0000 Directions to Tourne County Park are on page 67 of Bill Boyle's book. I believe the standard practice for this list is that if the location is listed in Boyle no directions are needed. Jeff Hawk Mercerville, NJ ----- Original Message ----- From: Dena Temple Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2009 8:30 am Subject: Re: [JerseyBirds] Tourne County Park - Red Headed Woodpeckers & Brown Creeper (Morris County) To: JerseyBirds AT Princeton.EDU > It would be very helpful to people on this list if sightings > were reported that > included city/town and perhaps even basic directions, especially > for some of > the under-reported locations, like this park. People (like me) > who are not from > Morris County may not be familiar with the area. > > Thanks in advance, > > Dena Temple > Middletown, NJ > denat01 at verizon dot net > > How to report NJ bird sightings: > How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: Tourne County Park - Red Headed Woodpeckers & Brown Creeper (Morris County) From: Dena Temple <denat01 AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 09:29:32 -0400 It would be very helpful to people on this list if sightings were reported that included city/town and perhaps even basic directions, especially for some of the under-reported locations, like this park. People (like me) who are not from Morris County may not be familiar with the area. Thanks in advance, Dena Temple Middletown, NJ denat01 at verizon dot net How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Tourne County Park - Red Headed Woodpeckers & Brown Creeper (Morris County) From: David Blinder <daveblinder AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 05:10:40 -0700 This has been reported to NJAS, but not sure if people on this list are aware... 2 Adults Red Headed Woodpeckers were discovered and photographed by Tom Gorman on Saturday June 20th at the Tourne, as was a summer Brown Creeper. I went back and observed the pair of woodpeckers and got a photograph on Monday June 22nd. http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidraymond/3651921828/ Tom and I haven't been back to check on the birds since. I'll try to stop back over today to see if they are still there. FYI - The Brown Creeper has been there for months. I saw 2 BC individuals previously, good chance of breeding. Dave Blinder Denville, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Cattle egrets - Salem County From: Sandra Keller <sandrakeller AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 03:16:39 -0500 Hello, Tues. afternoon. 6-23-09. I was down in Salem County for some butterflying and botany. I didn't do much birding, but all the usual species heard and/or seen. Differences from my last visit down this way were the concentrations of CATTLE EGRET in the usual spots. Not many numbers wise yet, but they are starting. For example, Compromise Rd. had 5. And I probably missed some as I didn't stop. Good birding all. Sandra Keller Barrington, NJ sandrakeller AT verizon.net How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Pine Siskin in Raritan From: "John J. Collins" <jjcbird AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 21:03:58 -0400 I had rather a shock this morning when I looked at my black oil sunflower feeder and saw a single PINE SISKIN enjoying a snack! I hadn't seen one in almost two months and thought they all left. Oddly, I went to the Adirondacks for a 4-day weekend two weeks ago and didn't see a single siskin! The must all still be enjoying the "south"! John J. Collins Raritan, NJ jjcbird AT verizon.net "God desires that all the world be pure in his sight. The earth should not be injured. The earth should not be destroyed." (Hildegard von Bingen) How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Iceland Gull in Bradley Beach From: Bob Horton <horton644 AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:29:08 -0400 I found an first year Iceland Gull on the beach at Brinley Avenue in Bradley Beach, NJ late yesterday. Pictures are at http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobhorton Bob Horton East Windsor How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Yellow-crowned Night-herons - Avalon From: Sandra Keller <sandrakeller AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 19:04:12 -0500 Hello, Monday afternoon - clouds - light easterly winds - 75 degrees or so. Hit the Avalon sea watch but nothing of note. I am still trying for Wilson's Storm-petrel! I'll have to hit Cape May Point in July sometime. The 37th st. public jetty in Avalon proved a great spot to enjoy the YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS down that way. I had 11. 6 adults. 3 first-summer birds. And 2 juveniles. Not the best look at the juvenile birds. I am presuming they nested elsewhere and are here roosting with the others. Anyway, I was scanning for nests, but they can be inconspicuous. I didn't find any. I found interesting one of the first-summer birds. No white on the body feathers. Worn off. The others had some white. Good birding all. Sandra Keller Barrington, NJ sandrakeller AT verizon.net How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Stafford Ave, Manahawkin - closed to vehicles From: Tom Bailey <ammodramus AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 20:42:39 +0000 Jerseybirders, Stafford Ave, Manahawkin, the dirt road through the WMA (on right) and Forsythe NWR (on left) properties, is currently closed to vehicles. It actually looks like it might get paved. A tar base with gravel on top was installed already. You can still park in the small lot further south (near Bay Ave) and walk in or park near the road closure sign at Stafford Ave and walk in from there. If you park in the small lot, where knee-highs and carry a full can of insect repellent as the trails have not been cut recently and the mosquitos are out in full force. There was a Black-billed Cuckoo in the small lot on Sunday, and the salt marsh along Stafford Ave gave excellent views of both Seaside & Saltmarsh ST Sparrows. The rest of the usual suspects were found as well. Of interest was a Great Egret in the marsh which speared a small rodent which was then immediately stolen by a Herring Gull. Tom Tom Bailey Tabernacle, NJ ammodramus AT comcast.net How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Peregrine Falcon Nest/Webcam in Jersey City From: Katrina Baptista <katrina AT EDISONWETLANDS.ORG> Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:07:26 -0700 Jersey Birders, The NJDEP Fish and Wildlife last week banded the three peregrine falcon nestlings at the downtown Jersey City nest. There are some good photos and a summary of the event here: http://wildnewjersey.tv/2009/06/18/wild-new-jersey-exclusive-urban-adventure-with-peregrine-falcons-on-a-jersey-city-skyscraper.aspx The story also contains links to the nest webcam and more info on the peregrine's recovery in New Jersey. Best, Katrina B. Edison, NJ How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: Mute swans in trouble? From: Scott Haber <scotthaber1 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:05:29 -0400 Yes, why should we care about tracking the status and the spread of potentially harmful introduced species? Clearly, the study of such organisms lacks any scientific merit whatsoever. Maybe if we just pay them no attention, they'll fly back to their native lands, and our beautiful, peaceful, more deserving-of-observation native species will once again flourish. Are Mute Swans even technically considered "birds"? Do they actually exist in the realm of living creatures? Perhaps we should just regard them as figments of our imagination...we are all likely better off that way. And to anyone that ever dares marvel at the otherworldly glow of a Starling's iridescence in direct sunlight, or all the pomp and regality of a male Ring-necked Pheasant in his breeding finery: shame on you; you'll be reported to the Discplinary Division of the Morally Righteous and Scientifically Ignorant Birding Society at once. Cheers, Scott Haber, Tenafly -- Scott Andrew Haber Department of Ornithology American Museum of Natural History New York, NY Email: scotthaber1 AT gmail.com On Fri, Jun 19, 2009 at 8:12 PM, Karl & Judy wrote: > Does anyone care whether Mute Swans breed in NJ. ??? Are we worried about > Starlings, House Sparrows, and Rock Doves too? > > Karl Lukens > Cape May, NJ > > -- Scott Andrew Haber Department of Ornithology American Museum of Natural History New York, NY Email: scotthaber1 AT gmail.com How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Re: Mute swans in trouble? From: "Nerenberg, Joseph" <Joseph.Nerenberg AT VA.GOV> Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:00:00 -0400 IMHO, in the pursuit of knowledge, every single question and observation is a valid one and brings one closer to the Truth. Joseph -----Original Message----- From: New Jersey Birding [mailto:JerseyBirds AT Princeton.EDU] On Behalf Of Karl & Judy Sent: Friday, June 19, 2009 8:12 PM To: JerseyBirds AT Princeton.EDU Subject: Re: [JerseyBirds] Mute swans in trouble? Does anyone care whether Mute Swans breed in NJ. ??? Are we worried about Starlings, House Sparrows, and Rock Doves too? Karl Lukens Cape May, NJ ----- Original Message ----- From: "bill elrick" To: Sent: Friday, June 19, 2009 7:43 PM Subject: [JerseyBirds] Mute swans in trouble? > Hi, I took a walk down at DeKorte on Tuesday morning and I almost forgot > to > report a strange sighting. There were 67 adult mute swans on the mud flat > areas. There were also a pair with young on the boardwalk pond, whatever > that is called with young. My main problem here was why so many mute swans > and why no Juvs , where did they all come from and or where are they all > going. I would assume most of the ones around here are trying to breed so > these must be birds thinking of going farther north or failed breeders. > What > do people think is the problem here, has there been a huge breeding > failure > because of rising water levels after a prolonged abundance of rain or are > these birds attempting to move north? > > Also does anyone know when the cut off is for records for the spring > records? > > > > > > Bill Elrick > > Wyckoff > > NJ > > 07481 > > Skype me as " Bilbander " > > belrick AT NYNJBirdingGuide.com > > http://nynjbirdingguide.com/ > > > > > How to report NJ bird sightings: How to report NJ bird sightings: How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: ADMIN: reminder about out-of-state postings From: Tom Bailey <ammodramus AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 01:54:05 +0000 Hi Jerseybirders, Just a reminder to keep postings to this list relevant to NJ only. If you have info about a bird related topic from a nearby state that you feel might interest subscribers to this list, feel free to send it to me first for approval. many thanks, Tom Tom Bailey Tabernacle, NJ ammodramus AT comcast.net co-listowner jerseybirds How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Online story about the Delmarva Ornithological Society's recent Bird-a-thon now posted to BirdFellow.com journal From: David Irons <llsdirons AT MSN.COM> Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:41:42 +0000 Greetings All, We just posted a nice write up about the exploits of a youth team that participated in the recent Delmarva Ornithological Society Bird-a-thon. The DOS Bird-a-thon is focused on raising funds that can be used to purchase important horseshoe crab and shorebird beaches at Delaware Bay. DOS president Derek Stoner wrote this article as a follow-up to Elizabeth J. Rosenthal's fine discussion of this event and the plight of Red Knots and other migrant shorebirds that depend so heavily on the horseshoe crab eggs at Delaware Bay. The latter piece was published on 29 April, 2009 and can be found by searching the April archives in our online journal. We invited you to check out both of these pieces at www.birdfellow.com. Dave Irons Content Editor www.birdfellow.com _________________________________________________________________ Insert movie times and more without leaving Hotmail®. http://windowslive.com/Tutorial/Hotmail/QuickAdd?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_Tutorial_QuickAdd_062009 How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Kestrels: Volare'! From: Robert DeCandido PhD <rdcny AT EARTHLINK.NET> Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 20:04:21 -0400 NYC area kestrels are fledging - information with color photos is available in Issues #11 and #12 of the Kestrel Newsletter (free and available in electronic format - just send an email address). Meanwhile, the (Latin) Gipsy Kings did a music video in the manor we are doing environmental education about these kestrels (sans guitars): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNgSeJzLJFc "Nel blu di pinto di blu" - into the blue painted blue !Volare!/nyc How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: East Point - Brown Pelican From: Sandra Keller <sandrakeller AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 19:45:45 -0500 Hello, Had a nice - non rainy - mid day at East Point and other areas in Cumberland County today - Sunday, 6-21-09. Clouds, NW winds, 65 degrees or so. I needed my sweatshirt. Low tide. Perfect. Many species will be perched on the exposed sandbars at the end of Bay Ave. Nothing out of the ordinary, but lots around. I was hoping for a Wilson's Storm-Petrel, but not on the NW winds. I need southerly winds for this species up here. Anyway, 2 AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS 2 LEAST TERNS 10 or so "eastern" WILLETS - a nice study. SEASIDE SPARROWS 1 BROWN PELICAN - I thought was going to land on that sandbar, but didn't. Headed further south. 2 SALTMARSH SHARP-TAILED SPARROWS OSPREYS, adult BALD EAGLE, PEREGRINE FALCON. All this stuff was in this area. SUMMER TANAGERS, 1 WORM-EATING WARBLER - singing. BLUE GROSBEAKS, CHATS, etc. The usual Cumberland County passerines as I birded some spots before East Point. The WORM EATING being the most unusual. They haven't been too vocal lately. Butterfly notes: I actually had some Eastern-tailed Blues in that weather. Good birding all. Sandra Keller Barrington, NJ sandrakeller AT verizon.net How to report NJ bird sightings: Subject: Meadowlands Sunday From: Neil Maruca <neil.maruca AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 18:41:24 -0400 57 species in the meadowlands this morning. Highlights were a single Bobwhite darting across an access road in the landfill area, 4 continuing drake Ruddy Ducks at DeKorte and 11 Least Terns at the WMCA radio towers in Kearny. The Ruddy Ducks and the Least Terns were in full breeding plumage. Terns had bright yellow bills and feet, and the clean white forehead. Least tern is a meadowland breeder, but I was surprised to find 11 adults at the same time. Had a direct size comparison with a starling, the tern had a longer tail, but except for that the starling was slightly larger. Meadowlands June 21, 57 Species Canada Goose 90, Mute Swan 129, Gadwall 70, American Black Duck 10, Mallard 410, Ruddy Duck 4, Northern Bobwhite 1, Double-crested Cormorant 130, Great Egret 27, Snowy Egret 7, Red-tailed Hawk 2, Black-crowned Night-Heron 3, Killdeer 39, Spotted Sandpiper 22, Ring-billed Gull 52, Herring Gull 22, Great Black-backed Gull 3, gull sp. 60, Forster's Tern 3, Least Tern 11, Rock Pigeon 28, Mourning Dove 47, Chimney Swift 18, Red-bellied Woodpecker 1, Northern Flicker 2, Willow Flycatcher 3, Blue Jay 1, Fish Crow 1, Purple Martin 2, Eastern Kingbird 1, Tree Swallow 75, Northern Rough-winged Swallow 45, Cliff Swallow 1, Bank Swallow 2, Barn Swallow 53, Marsh Wren 4, American Robin 35, Gray Catbird 22, Northern Mockingbird 14, European Starling 55, Cedar Waxwing 4, Yellow Warbler 15, Common Yellowthroat 7, Field Sparrow 1, Savannah Sparrow 2, Song Sparrow 27, Swamp Sparrow 3, Northern Cardinal 3, Indigo Bunting 5, Red-winged Blackbird 110, Common Grackle 22, Brown-headed Cowbird 13, Orchard Oriole 2, Baltimore Oriole 3, House Finch 1, American Goldfinch 24, House Sparrow 17. Neil Maruca How to report NJ bird sightings: