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Delaware Valley Rare Bird Alert
Last updated
Thursday, December 6, 2007 3:45 PM
Delaware Valley Rare Bird Alert - Thursday November
29, 2007
brought to you from Philadelphia by the Delaware
Valley Ornithological Club and the Academy of Natural Sciences
The phone number to report sightings or hear the current RBA is 215-240-7547. You may leave your sightings after the recording or hit the one (1) key at any time to skip the recording and leave a message. The Hotline will be updated every Thursday afternoon and a weekend wrap-up update will be recorded every Monday morning. The Hotline will also be updated in the event any especially important rarities appear in the Delaware Valley Region such as Ivory Gull, Long-billed Murrelet, Red-footed Falcon, etc.
This spoken word version of the hotline is an abbreviated version of what's available here. Our current announcer for the RBA is Tony Croasdale, though, there will doubtlessly be others who contribute in this respect. Please call in and enjoy the Hotline, and feel free to call that number to report rarities.
Submit reports to
or 215-240-7547
(Submission guidelines)
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| Current report - November 29, 2007 * PA, NJ, DE - Birds Mentioned Pink-footed Goose (NY) Red-throated Loon 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 November 29, 2007 we highlight reports of PINK FOOTED and BARNACLE GEESE, KING EIDER, BARROW’S GOLDENEYE, LESSER NIGHTHAWK, WHITE-WINGED DOVE, CAVE SWALLOW, NORTHERN and LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES, WESTERN KINGBIRD, ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, TOWNSEND’S SOLITAIRE, BULLOCK’S ORIOLE, COMMON REDPOLL, EVENING GROSBEAK, WHITE-WINGED and RED CROSSBILLS. Extralimital: New York Rarity Roundup: At Montauk, the BARNACLE GOOSE and PINK-FOOTED GOOSE were last reported November 28, while the WESTERN KINGBIRDS and ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER were last reported November 25. Montauk has had COMMON REDPOLLS and dozens of RED CROSSBILLS as well, with a high count of 46 on November 23. Another ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER was at Staten Island November 25 and 27. A WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL was at Central Park on November 22. A first year male KING EIDER was at Jones Beach on November 23. CAVE SWALLOWS have been reported from Long Island through the week. For New Jersey: On November 21, Cape Island in Cape May County had 2 SANDHILL CRANES at the Lighthouse Pond of Cape May Point State Park. CAVE SWALLOWS roosted at Congress Hall at the Cape May city beachfront through the week. They were also reported from the Hawk Watch and around Cape May, with a high count of 98 on November 23. The Cape May Point State Park Hawk Watch reported NORTHERN GOSHAWKS November 23-25. A WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL flew past the Hawk Watch on November 23, and a LESSER NIGHTHAWK roosted in a cedar next to the Hawk Watch on November 25 (See pictures of this bird at Karl and Judy Lukens's Website). The Cape May BARNACLE GOOSE spent the week roosting on Lily Lake or at The Nature Conservancy Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge (The Meadows), with an appearance at Hidden Valley Ranch on November 22. On November 26 an EVENING GROSBEAK and 82 SNOW BUNTINGS flew over the Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge. Hidden Valley had a YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT on November 21, and ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS were noted at Hidden Valley, Higbee Beach WMA and Cape Island Creek Preserve this week. On November 28, the Villas WMA’s Ponderlodge area had a WHITE-WINGED DOVE by the courtyard and the smaller swimming pool near the old main building of the former golf course. RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS and 125 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS were also in the area. LONG-EARED OWLS have been reported in the area, including a cooperative owl roosting at the State Park. A BARN OWL and NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWLS called from Cape May. SHORT-EARED OWLS have been reported recently from Jake's Landing. On November 28, a drake BARROW’S GOLDENEYE flew past the Avalon Sea Watch. The ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER north of West Cape May was reported through November 27. Other notable birds found in this area included WESTERN KINGBIRD and a flyby EVENING GROSBEAK on November 25. A late LEAST FLYCATCHER south of the end of Wilson Ave was still present as of November 28. As you head north out of West Cape May village on Broadway, which becomes Seashore Rd, look for Wilson Ave on the right. Wilson Ave is a block long and runs into a dead end. Park there and continue a few feet farther east, where the end of Wilson crosses a dirt road. There is a pedestrian gate, a railroad track and then the Nature Conservancy property “Cape Island Creek.” The bird was seen along the dirt road south of Wilson Ave, but it was also seen along the railroad tracks. An adult male BULLOCK’S ORIOLE has been seen as recently as November 28 at the “Hidden Valley Extension” on Bayshore Rd in Cape May. (See pictures of this bird at Karl and Judy Lukens's Website) The area is part of the Hidden Valley tract and WMA property. Head north on Bayshore Rd from Sunset Blvd, and go past the Rea Farm and look for Stimpson Ln on the right. A few hundred yards to the north of Stimpson Ln, but before the Hidden Valley riding stable, there is a green milepost sign marked "1" on the right side of the road. Directly across from the mile marker, on the west side of Bayshore Rd, a mowed path leads through a tangle of bushes and cedars before it dead-ends. Waiting at the edge of Bayshore Rd in this area has been suggested as the best strategy for seeing the BULLOCK’S ORIOLE. Other birds present included BALTIMORE ORIOLES, a BLACKPOLL WARBLER and two significant flyby birds on November 28: BARNACLE GOOSE and EVENING GROSBEAK. Edwin B Forsythe NWR at Brigantine in Atlantic County hosted TUNDRA SWANS and CAVE SWALLOW on November 25. A NORTHERN SHRIKE was at Great Bay Blvd in Tuckerton, Ocean County on November 22. Wells Mills County Park had a WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL in some cedars near a propane tank by the nature center that day. Recently, Barnegat Lighthouse State Park had COMMON EIDERS, HARLEQUIN DUCKS, PURPLE SANDPIPERS and a CASPIAN TERN. CAVE SWALLOWS were reported from Sandy Hook in Monmouth County on November 22 and 24. An ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER and a TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE have been seen at the flagpole area and the new restroom at the Boy Scout Camp at Sandy Hook through November 28. A lingering GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER and a WESTERN KINGBIRD frequented the former corral near the garden area at Sandy Hook through November 28. On November 24, a CAVE SWALLOW roosted at Newport Landing, Cumberland County. On November 22, two NORTHERN SHRIKES were reported from the Franklin Parker Preserve in Burlington County, and the shrikes were reported through November 24. To reach the Preserve from the intersection of Rt 563 and Rt 532 in Chatsworth take Rt 532 W towards Tabernacle/Medford. In a short distance you will see a large lake on your right and the road will bend sharply right (currently minor shoulder work occurring there). Immediately turn left on to a dirt road. Park along the road and walk past the two gates to the old cranberry bogs. The shrikes have been active near several pools in the back of this section of bogs. VESPER SPARROWS were seen at Franklin Parker, and a RED CROSSBILL flew over the preserve on November 25. Florence had LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS and 2 ICELAND GULLS on November 24. Eight COMMON REDPOLLS were at a hedgerow at the back
of the parking lot for 830 Bear Tavern Rd in West Trenton, Mercer
County. Outside the Delaware Valley, a EURASIAN WIGEON
was at the marsh at Liberty State Park in Hudson County on November 27. For Delaware: In New Castle County, a NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL called from Barley Mill Rd on November 23, and two other SAW-WHET OWLS were noted near Hockessin this week. The Ashland Nature Center Hawk Watch reported a GOLDEN EAGLE on November 21 and 24 and an AMERICAN PIPIT on November 28. The Nature Center’s feeders hosted numerous PURPLE FINCHES daily, with sporadic PINE SISKINS. On November 23, Cartanza Rd in Kent County had hundreds of HORNED LARKS and 2 LAPLAND LONGSPURS. The same day, reports from Bombay Hook NWR included AMERICAN AVOCETS and TUNDRA SWAN. In Sussex
County, SNOW BUNTINGS were at Fowler Beach on November 22. At dawn
the next day, 2 AMERICAN BITTERNS flew past Fowler Beach, while WILSON’S
SNIPES called and flushed from the marsh edges. A LEAST SANDPIPER and
ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK were also in the area. A juvenile NORTHERN GOSHAWK and
24 NORTHERN BOBWHITES were found at the Prime
Hook Beach Rd Headquarters area that day. Along Broadkill Beach Rd,
BALD EAGLES and 5000 GREEN-WINGED TEAL were noted. In Rehoboth
Beach, Silver Lake had 2 CANVASBACKS on November 23,
and a private feeder had 2 PINE SISKINS the next day. On November 23,
Rehobeth Bay had HORNED GREBE, SURF SCOTERS and BRANT, while Indian River
Inlet had BONAPARTE’S GULLS, GREAT CORMORANT, NORTHERN GANNET, PURPLE
SANDPIPER, RED-THROATED LOON and LONG-TAILED DUCK. Cape
Henlopen State Park hosted BROWN-HEADED and RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES
November 23-24. The Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch had a NORTHERN GOSHAWK and
3-4 CAVE SWALLOWS on November 24. That day, 2 COMMON REDPOLLS foraged
with juncos at the junction of Queens Rd and Cape Henlopen Dr at Cape
Henlopen State Park. The John Heinz NWR at Tinicum in Philadelphia County hosted AMERICAN BITTERN and a roosting NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL on November 23. On November 25, the refuge had a female COMMON GOLDENEYE and a juvenile NORTHERN GOSHAWK. On November 26, a BARN OWL called from Tinicum in the area of the old field and the refuge airboat launch at Haul Rd. In Delaware
County, the Rose Tree
Park Hawk Watch noted 8 BLACK SCOTERS and a GOLDEN EAGLE on November
23, and 10 TUNDRA SWANS on November 24. An EVENING GROSBEAK flew by the
Darlington Tract in the town of Wawa on November 24, and, the next day,
a NORTHERN SHRIKE was found there along with NORTHERN GOSHAWK and RING-NECKED
PHEASANT. The SHRIKE was most recently reported on November 27. To reach
the Darlington Tract from Route 1 and Route 452, take Route 1 South and
turn right onto Darlington Rd. Go about a quarter of a mile and cross
a small bridge that spans Chester Creek; then park on the right in a small
parking area. Walk a third of a mile on Darlington Rd going to the right
as you leave the parking area. Walk until you see the next driveway on
the left (Rooster Tail Farm) and just before the driveway there is a trail
on the left that heads uphill. Follow the trail for about 100 yards until
the trail splits. Take the left fork and follow another 100 yards to a
row of trees at the top of the hill, which is the spot the SHRIKE has
been frequenting. On November 22, a ROSS'S GOOSE was discovered in Lancaster County at Greenfield Estates on the East side of Lancaster between Pitney Rd and William Penn Way. Four EVENING GROSBEAKS flew over a yard in Akron on November 22. A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK flew over fields off Route 741 east of the Strasburg Railroad on November 27. In Lebanon County, the Second Mountain Hawk Watch had GOLDEN EAGLES, NORTHERN GOSHAWKS and both LOON species this week. On November 23, Second Mountain reported 4 GOLDEN EAGLES, 4 NORTHERN GOSHAWKS and a ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK, and 3 GOLDEN EAGLES the next day. The Lehigh Gap Nature Center in Lehigh County had 37 COMMON REDPOLLS and 16 PINE SISKINS on November 25. This week the Bake Oven Knob Hawk Watch had COMMON RAVENS, NORTHERN GOSHAWKS and GOLDEN EAGLES. On November 23 Bake Oven Knob reported 5 GOLDEN EAGLES, 4 NORTHERN GOSHAWKS, 12 LONG-TAILED DUCKS and PINE SISKINS. On November 24 Berks County had a BLACK SCOTER at Lake Ontelaunee and a COMMON RAVEN near Boyertown. On November 26, a juvenile RED-HEADED WOODPECKER was seen in Oley Township. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary this week had GOLDEN EAGLES and NORTHERN GOSHAWKS. On November 23, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary had 6 NORTHERN GOSHAWKS and 7 GOLDEN EAGLES. Four COMMON REDPOLLS were there on November 25, and winter finches on November 28 included 91 PURPLE FINCHES, 2 PINE SISKINS, 14 EVENING GROSBEAKS and 5 COMMON REDPOLLS. Outside the Delaware Valley, a NORTHERN SHRIKE was photographed at Beltzville State Park in Carbon County, and a flyby COMMON REDPOLL was also noted there. LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES continued to be seen near the intersection of Pumping Station Rd and Cunningham Rd, outside of Gettysburg in Adams County through November 24. An estimated 2-3 SHRIKES have been seen in that area. A SNOWY OWL perched on a roof on the west side of Chambersburg, Franklin County on November 26. A male BULLOCK'S ORIOLE was photographed at a David Troyer's feeders in Juniata County, and was most recently reported on November 28. To reach the property from Route 22/322, take the Mifflintown/McAlisterville Exit for Route 35. Head north into the small village of Oakland Mills and turn left onto Oakland Rd. You will see signs for the Lost Creek Shoe Shop, which is the Troyers’ business. Once on Oakland Rd go less than a mile and pull into the Shoe Shop parking lot on the left. Across the road will be two driveways, and the one on the left belongs to David Troyer. DO NOT PULL INTO THE DRIVEWAY, as you will likely spook the bird. Walk up the driveway, and the feeders will be on the far left. The Troyers request that you stay as far to the right of the house and driveway as possible, walk back around the house and look from the other side of the house. DO NOT VISIT on Sunday; please respect the Amish and the Troyers’ religious obligations. You can stop in the shoe store for updates. *** ANNOUNCEMENTS *** Paul Guris will lead the Hudson Shelf Valley CBC on Jan 4, 2008. The field trip is presented by the DVOC and See Life Paulagics, and will sail out of Belmar, NJ at 8:00am to explore the underwater trench called the Hudson Shelf Valley that extends from near shore all the way to the Hudson Canyon. The trip returns to port around 4:00pm. Target species include Razorbill, Common Murre, Dovekie, Atlantic Puffin, Black-legged Kittiwake, Iceland Gull and Northern Gannet. The trip will cost $90 with an optional $5 CBC Fee. Additional information is available at the DVOC website http://www.dvoc.org and the See Life Paulagics website http://www.paulagics.com The next meeting of the DVOC is the Annual DVOC Banquet,
which will take place on Wednesday, December 5, 2007. Please join us for
the upcoming DVOC banquet. Note the day and date which is a departure
from our usual Thursday evening in November. Our speaker, Dr. Don Kroodsma,
is a Professor Emeritus of Biology at the University of Massachusetts.
He is THE man in the science of bird song, which he has studied for thirty
years. Dr. Kroodsma has written a book about the art and science of birdsong
in which he demonstrates its diversity through 30 carefully chosen examples.
His focus and approach to this study is unique inasmuch as he tours the
US on his bicycle, collecting bird songs along the way. Dr. Kroodsma maintains
that there is no better way to hear a continent sing than by bicycle. See Life Paulagics has 3 early December pelagic trips scheduled. One is out of Freeport, NY on Dec 1; one is out of Belmar, NJ on Dec 2; and the last is out of Lewes, DE on Dec 8. See Life Paulagics will also run their annual Christmas Bird Count Pelagic out of Belmar, NJ on Jan 4. For more information, call 215-234-6805 or visit http://www.paulagics.com The Delmarva Ornithological Society (DOS) is asking birders to post winter American Kestrel sightings in the state of Delaware. This marks the club’s second year of mapping winter sightings from November 15 to Mar 15. Last year nearly 150 reports were mapped. Please use the web site www.dosbirds.org and the user-friendly map tool to locate and document your sightings. In Pennsylvania, Scott Weidensaul would like to be immediately contacted about potential vagrant hummingbirds at feeders this fall, so that these birds can be trapped, identified and banded. Scott can be reached at [email protected] or (570) 739-2874. Remember to leave your hummingbird feeders up for these late arrivals. A hybrid LESSER BLACK-BACKED X HERRING GULL hatched and was banded this past summer at Appledore Island in Maine. The bird has a large white-on-green “N02” band on the left leg, and a silver ring on the right. If you see this bird, please contact Bill Etter or email us at and we will forward the sightings to the interested parties. For photos of this gull, visit http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v230/billetter/Apple/ 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