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Delaware Valley Rare Bird Alert
Last updated
Thursday, November 8, 2007 7:19 AM
Delaware Valley Rare Bird Alert - Thursday September
27, 2007
brought to you from Philadelphia by the Delaware
Valley Ornithological Club and the Academy of Natural Sciences
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| Current report - September 27, 2007 * PA, NJ, DE Eared Grebe +
Hotline: Delaware Valley Rare Bird Alert Welcome to the Delaware Valley Rare Bird Alert, a service provided by the joint efforts of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club (DVOC), covering the Delaware Valley Regions of Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. I'm Steve Kacir your guide for birding in the Greater Philadelphia Region. For September 27, 2007 we highlight reports of EARED GREBE, ROSEATE SPOONBILL and WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE. Remember to check out our website for additional content and information: EXTRALIMITAL: Hamlin’s Beach State Park in Monroe County, NY had a juvenile SABINE’S GULL on September 23. RAPTOR MIGRATION: Through the week most Hawk Watches in the region had regular reports of AMERICAN KESTRELS; SHARP-SHINNED, COOPER’S and BROAD-WINGED HAWKS. BROAD-WINGED HAWK numbers were down from last week, but on September 20, 223 were counted from the Raccoon Ridge Hawk Watch in Warren County, NJ. BALD EAGLES were less dependable than last week, but were still seen fairly regularly across the region, especially at Cape May Point State Park’s Hawk Watch in Cape May County, NJ; Rose Tree Park Hawk Watch in Delaware County, PA; and Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Berks County, PA. Most hawk watches reported MERLINS this week. Cape May Point has had them most frequently, with 79 MERLINS on September 21 as well as 1031 AMERICAN KESTRELS and 903 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS. Fairly regular MERLIN sightings have also come from Raccoon Ridge and Hawk Mountain. Migrating PEREGRINE FALCONS were reliable at Cape May Point, but many sites reported PEREGRINES this week, including Kirkridge Lookout in Northampton County, PA; Raccoon Ridge; Hawk Mountain and Rose Tree Park. Ashland
Nature Center’s Hawk Watch in New
Castle County, DE and Rose Tree Park had fairly regular reports of
RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS this week. GOLDEN EAGLES were seen from Kirkridge
on September 20 and Hawk Mountain on September 21. Raccoon Ridge and Kirkridge
had COMMON RAVEN sightings this week. For New Jersey: In Cape May County, a WINTER WREN sang at The Nature Conservancy Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge (The Meadows) September 21-22, and SURF and BLACK SCOTERS were seen from the Refuge’s beach. On September 27, the Refuge reopened after a closure. Shortly afterwards, a BLUE GROSBEAK was located, and a LARK SPARROW was found at the dike area. On September 20, 800-1000 BLACK SKIMMERS and a SANDWICH TERN roosted at the Second Ave Jetty. Sea watching from Cape May on September 20-22 yielded sightings of PARASITIC JAEGERS; BLACK and SURF SCOTERS; BROWN PELICANS; NORTHERN GANNETS; BLACK, CASPIAN and ROYAL TERNS. Cape May Point State Park had STILT SANDPIPERS on September 22-24, a BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER on September 23 and WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER on September 24. A PHILADELPHIA VIREO and 3 AMERICAN PIPITS were reported from the park on September 24. The woods at the Cape May Bird Observatory’s Northwood Center had PHILADELPHIA VIREO and CAPE MAY WARBLERS on September 21. On September 24, DICKCISSEL, PURPLE FINCHES and a YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER passed by Reed’s Beach. A VIRGINIA RAIL flushed from downtown Wildwood on September 20. Nummy’s Island had TRICOLORED HERON, 9 MARBLED GODWITS and 50 WESTERN WILLETS on September 22. The Higbee Beach WMA dikes had 20 species of warbler on September 24, including YELLOW-THROATED, HOODED and PROTHONOTARY WARBLERS. DICKCISSEL, SWAINSON’S THRUSH and COMMON NIGHTHAWK were also at Higbee that day. On September 20, BROWN PELICANS, TRICOLORED HERON, 2 BLACK SCOTERS, a JAEGER and a LEAST TERN were seen from the dredge spoils. A LAUGHING GULL at the dredge spoils has earned itself the nickname “Leasty” for its habit of feeding on LEAST SANDPIPERS there, though other birds are also feasting on peeps. A BLUE GROSBEAK was seen at the dikes on September 20, and LARK SPARROWS, PHILADELPHIA VIREO and CONNECTICUT WARBLER were seen September 21 & 23. BLACKBURNIAN, BAY-BREASTED and CAPE MAY WARBLERS were at Higbee on September 21 & 23-24, and a CLAY-COLORED SPARROW and YELLOW-THROATED VIREO were there September 23. WHITE-RUMPED and STILT SANDPIPERS were at the dredge spoils on September 23. On September 25, a RED-HEADED WOODPECKER flew past the dikes. YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERS were seen September 24-25, and AMERICAN PIPITS were noted September 23-24. In Atlantic County, the ROSEATE SPOONBILL at Edwin B Forsythe NWR at Brigantine was reported from the east pool on September 21-22. Two AMERICAN AVOCETS and an AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN were in the south impoundments on September 21-22, and the WHITE PELICAN was also seen on September 25-26. An EARED GREBE was in the bay across from the observation tower on September 21. Four SORAS were found along the south dike before the main part of the SW pool on September 22, and STILT SANDPIPERS were reported September 21-22. Brigantine had TRICOLORED HERONS, HUDSONIAN GODWIT and GULL-BILLED TERN on September 21. There were WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS, ROYAL TERN and LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS on September 22. BAIRD’S SANDPIPERS and MERLINS were seen September 21 & 25, and WHIMBRELS were there September 22 & 25. CASPIAN TERNS were reported through the week. A PARASITIC JAEGER, NORTHERN GANNETS, BLACK SCOTERS and BROWN PELICANS were seen from the Holgate Unit of Edwin B Forsythe NWR at Brigantine in Ocean County over the weekend. The same undisclosed Ocean County location that hosted a Lark Bunting last week had a LARK SPARROW on September 21. On September 20, Sandy Hook in Monmouth County had a PHILADELPHIA VIREO, WILSON’S and BAY-BREASTED WARBLERS. On September 21, a CONNECTICUT WARBLER was at the Locust Grove, and there were SWAINSON’S THRUSHES about. Two AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS were at Spermaceti Cove on September 22 & 24. Notable species for September 22 included GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET, BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER and MERLINS. BLACKPOLL and BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLERS were reported almost daily at Sandy Hook. Highlights from September 24 included PINE WARBLER and BLUE-HEADED VIREOS. Reports from Salem County’s Mannington Marsh on September 20 included 4 COMMON MOORHENS at the Sunset Road area, and a SANDHILL CRANE and CLIFF SWALLOWS were seen from the King’s Highway Bridge. On September 24, a LARK SPARROW spent the morning
around the parking lot of Palmyra
Cove Nature Park (see also).
On September 22 Palmyra hosted PHILADELPHIA and BLUE-HEADED VIREOS, NASHVILLE
and TENNESSEE WARBLER. There were 2 SORAS in the dredge pit opposite the
hot corner. An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER perched on a snag at the end of
Cottonwood Trail, and a LEAST BITTERN flushed from Campo’s Pond
on September 22. A CONNECTICUT WARBLER was there September 23. LINCOLN’S
SPARROWS were seen September 22-23. On September 26, Palmyra had WINTER
WREN, YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERS and RED-SHOULDERED HAWK. On September
23, Rancocas State Park had GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH; BLUE-HEADED VIREO; CAPE
MAY, CANADA and PRAIRIE WARBLERS. For Delaware: In New Castle County, Ashland Nature Center’s warblers included MAGNOLIA, BLACK-THROATED GREEN and BLACKBURNIAN WARBLERS on September 20. The same day, a probable LINCOLN’S SPARROW was at the hedge at the base of the Hawk Watch. Near Ashland on September 21, there were WINTER WREN, NORTHERN PARULA, NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH, SWAINSON’S THRUSH, SCARLET TANAGERS and YELLOW-RUMPED, CHESTNUT-SIDED, MAGNOLIA, BLACK-THROATED GREEN, BLACK-THROATED BLUE, BLACKPOLL, BAY-BREASTED and PINE WARBLERS. On September 25-26 Ashland had MOURNING, NASHVILLE, MAGNOLIA, BLACK-THROATED GREEN, BLACK-THROATED BLUE and BLACKPOLL WARBLERS as well as LEAST FLYCATCHER, SCARLET TANAGER and LINCOLN’S SPARROW. A DARK-EYED JUNCO and PINE WARBLER were there September 25, and, among the 76 species noted on September 26 were RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, TENNESSEE and YELLOW WARBLERS, WARBLING VIREO, WHITE-THROATED SPARROW and ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK. On September 24, White Clay Creek State Park had BALD EAGLE, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, WHITE-THROATED SPARROW and PRAIRIE WARBLER. In Kent County, Bombay Hook NWR reports from September 16-22 included YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON, LITTLE BLUE HERON, BALD EAGLE, PEREGRINE FALCON, VIRGINIA RAIL, AMERICAN AVOCET, HUDSONIAN and MARBLED GODWITS, STILT SANDPIPER, WILSON’S PHALAROPE, BLUE GROSBEAK and an ALDER FLYCATCHER singing at the Parson’s Point trailhead. On September 25, Milford Neck hosted a young BLUE GROSBEAK; WORM-EATING, PINE and MAGNOLIA WARBLERS along the dirt road between Stratham Lane and Big Stone Beach Rd. On September 19, Prime Hook NWR in Sussex County had PALM WARBLERS, NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH and 10 BLUE GROSBEAKS. A LINCOLN’S SPARROW was in a hedgerow adjacent to the Chad Clifton memorial September 19, and 5 BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS were at the dry impoundment off Broadkill Beach Rd. They were fairly close to the road between the bend in the road and the east end of the impoundment. On September 20, Cape Henlopen State Park had RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES in the pines across from the Maintenance Building. The same day, Gordon’s Pond had 5 AMERICAN AVOCETS, immature LITTLE BLUE HERONS and a BALD EAGLE, while 5 immature LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS were on the beach between Gordon’s Pond and Herring Point. On September 21, 4 BROWN PELICANS flew past the Hawk Watch.
In Bucks County, MAGNOLIA and NASHVILLE WARBLERS were at Silver Lake Nature Center on September 22. Peace Valley Park had reports of BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON; BALD EAGLE; WILD TURKEY; COMMON NIGHTHAWK; PURPLE FINCHES; RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH; CAPE MAY, BAY-BREASTED, BLACKPOLL and WORM-EATING WARBLERS early in our report week. YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHERS were there September 21-22, and a RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET appeared on September 21. On September 21, Core Creek Park had PECTORAL SANDPIPER; VEERY; CHESTNUT-SIDED, BLACK-THROATED GREEN and PALM WARBLERS. On September 22, Bradford Dam had a CONNECTICUT WARBLER on an island where the creek empties into the lake, and PECTORAL SANDPIPER was also in the area. Kemper Park in Warminster had SCARLET TANAGER, PINE and BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLERS on September 22. The same day Churchville Nature Center (see also) reported BALD EAGLE; SEMIPALMATED and PECTORAL SANDPIPER; RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH; NASHVILLE, MAGNOLIA, BLACK-THROATED BLUE and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS. A WINTER WREN was at Tyler State Park on September 24, and MAGNOLIA WARBLER, SCARLET TANAGER and WHITE-THROATED SPARROW were seen the next day. A VIRGINIA RAIL was photographed on private property near Gwynedd Wildlife Preserve in Montgomery County on September 24. On September 20, a COMMON NIGHTHAWK flew by the Rose Tree Park Hawk Watch Watch in Delaware County; RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, PALM and BLACKPOLL WARBLERS were noted there on September 23. A probable immature male SELASPHORUS HUMMINGBIRD was discovered at a private residence in Danielsville, Northampton County on September 23. On September 21, the Koch property had LINCOLN’S SPARROWS, BOBOLINKS, MOURNING and PRAIRIE WARBLERS. Reports there for September 24 included LINCOLN’S and VESPER SPARROWS, NASHVILLE WARBLER and BOBOLINKS. On September 22, Kirkridge Lookout had BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER, PILEATED WOODPECKER and many RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES. On September 24, warblers at Kirkridge Lookout included CONNECTICUT, 3 MOURNING, 2 CAPE MAY, BAY-BREASTED, BLACKPOLL, PRAIRIE, HOODED and YELLOW WARBLERS as well as late reports of a CERULEAN and 4 KENTUCKY WARBLERS. RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, SCARLET TANAGERS, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS, PHILADELPHIA and YELLOW-THROATED VIREOS were also at Kirkridge that day. At the Conejohela Flats in Lancaster County, 6 species of shorebirds were found on September 22, including 15 juvenile AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS and a BAIRD’S SANDPIPER. The same day, the flats had 40 PIED-BILLED GREBES, RING-NECKED DUCKS, CASPIAN TERNS, a MARSH WREN and an AMERICAN PIPIT. On September 24, the flats had 9 species of shorebird including 19 AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS, WESTERN SANDPIPER, SEMIPALMATED and BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS. On September 22, Lake Ontelaunee in Berks County had FORSTER’S and BLACK TERNS; RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES; MAGNOLIA, BLACKBURNIAN, WILSON’S and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS near Calcium Rd, known to locals as Maiden Creek Station. On September 23, SGL 110 had WINTER WREN, LINCOLN’S and WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, DARK-EYED JUNCOS, RUFFED GROUSE, RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, SCARLET TANAGER, ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK, PURPLE FINCHES and RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES. Warblers at that site included CHESTNUT-SIDED, MAGNOLIA, BLACK-THROATED-BLUE, YELLOW-RUMPED, BLACK-THROATED GREEN and BLACKPOLL WARBLERS. Three PHILADELPHIA VIREOS visited Hawk Mountain Sanctuary on September 23, and there were 35 PURPLE FINCHES on September 25. Blue Marsh Lake Park had WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAKS and RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH on September 24. In Berks County, BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES are moving through in moderately good numbers and may irrupt into the southeastern counties of Pennsylvania soon. Though well outside the Delaware Valley, a WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE was reportedly banded at the Powdermill Banding Station at Powdermill Nature Reserve in Westmoreland County on September 22, a first state record. *** ANNOUNCEMENTS *** Frank Windfelder will lead a DVOC field trip to the Tuckerton Marshes for Sharp-tailed Sparrows on Oct 6. The trip will meet at the end of Seven Bridges Rd at 7:30am sharp. There is no field trip fee, and members and non-members are welcome to attend. Participants should bring high boots or wellies and a packed lunch should they plan to continue on the Edwin B Forsythe NWR at Brigantine for the second half of the trip. Please contact the trip leader if you plan on attending. Details and an analysis of past years’ Sharp-tailed Sparrow trips can be foundon the website: http://www.dvoc.org The next meeting of the DVOC will be at 7:30pm on Thursday Oct 4 at the Academy of Natural Sciences. Lillian Armstrong will present “New Jersey Birding and Wildlife Trail Guides,” and Adrian Binns will present an Ornithological Study entitled “Fecal Sacs.” Details are on the website, and guests are welcome. A pelagic is scheduled out of Lewes, DE for Saturday October 20. Last year's trip at that time of year found North America's second Cape Verde Shearwater. For more information, call 215-234-6805 or visit http://www.paulagics.com David La Puma is trying to create a list of migration hotspots in NJ. If you have a favorite site for migrants, you can post in the comments of his post at http://www.woodcreeper.com/2007/09/27/wheres-your-favorite-migrant-trap/ The Delaware Valley Rare Bird Alert is a weekly report on birding in the Delaware Valley Region including Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey. To report birds or significant upcoming birding events and planned pelagic trips, please email . This is Steve Kacir, good birding to you all and thanks for calling, surfing and reporting.
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DVOC Rare Bird Alert Committee
Steve Kacir - Chair
Tony Croasdale
Bert Filemyr
Paul Guris
Rob Hynson
Mike Lyman
Nate Rice