| Current
report - Wednesday November 26, 2008
- Birds Mentioned
Click Here for species
accounts for many of these birds
Black-bellied Whistling-duck (DE)+
Black Brant (NJ)+
Gyrfalcon (PA)+
Selasphorus Hummingbird: Probable Rufous Hummingbird (NJ)+
Selasphorus Hummingbird: Probable Rufous Hummingbird (PA)+
Cave Swallow (NJ)+
Cave Swallow (PA)+
Brewer's Blackbird (NJ)+
(NJ)+ (Details requested
by New Jersey
Birds Records Committee)
(PA)+ (Details requested by Pennsylvania
Ornthological Records Committee)
(DE)+ (Details requested by Delaware
Records Committee)
Red-throated Loon
Common Loon
Horned Grebe
American Bittern
Cackling Goose
Brant
Tundra Swan
Canvasback
Redhead
King Eider
Common Eider
Harlequin Duck
Surf Scoter
White-winged Scoter
Black Scoter
Long-tailed Duck
Common Goldeneye
Northern Goshawk
Rough-legged Hawk
Golden Eagle
Merlin
Peregrine Falcon
Common Moorhen
Sandhill Crane
American Avocet
Western Willet
Marbled Godwit
White-rumped Sandpiper
Black-headed Gull
Bonaparte's Gull
Iceland Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Razorbill
Barn Owl
Snowy Owl
Long-eared Owl
Short-eared Owl
Northern Saw-whet Owl
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Ash-throated Flycatcher
Common Raven
Sedge Wren
American Pipit
Orange-crowned Warbler
Clay-colored Sparrow
Vesper Sparrow
Ipswich Sparrow
Grasshopper Sparrow
Lincoln's Sparrow
Lapland Longspur
Snow Bunting
Dickcissel
Rusty Blackbird
Purple Finch
Red Crossbill
White-winged Crossbill
Pine Siskin
Hotline: Delaware Valley Rare Bird Alert
Email reports to:
Compilers: Steve Kacir and Cinndy Ahern - Delaware
Valley Ornithological Club
Phone: (215) 240-7547
URL: http://www.dvoc.org/RBA/Current/Active/Index.htm
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.
This week, we highlight reports of BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK
in Sussex County, DE; BLACK BRANT in Cape May County, NJ; GYRFALCON in
Northampton County, PA; probable RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS in Cape May County,
NJ and Montgomery County, PA; CAVE SWALLOWS in Monmouth County, NJ and
Philadelphia County, PA and BREWER’S BLACKBIRD in Salem County,
NJ.
For New Jersey: Click
Here for the New Jersey Birding List
Cape May County:
Click
Here for Cape May County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
A RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD and SELASPHORUS HUMMINGBIRD
Sp. that is likely a RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD were reported from private properties
in Cape May through Nov 23 & Nov 26 respectively. Details on visiting
these addresses are available at http://www.birdcapemay.org/blog/ --
check out the Nov 21 updates.
Owls including, BARN OWL, SHORT-EARED OWL and numerous
LONG-EARED OWLS have been sighted around Cape Island of late. A good
strategy for catching a glimpse of these species is to choose a spot
along the dunes at dusk and wait for the owls to head out, but dress
warmly! The Higbee Beach WMA SEDGE WREN was still present at the south
edge of the east fields near the yellow water testing equipment through
Nov 25. On Nov 23, a LINCOLN’S SPARROW was at Higbee. A CACKLING
GOOSE was on Lily Lake through Nov 26. A DICKCISSEL was in the hedgerow
by the road at The Nature Conservancy’s Cape May Migratory Bird
Refuge through Nov 26, and a CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was there on Nov 26.
A VESPER SPARROW was at the refuge on the main trail near the memorial
plaque on Nov 26. Cape Island Preserve had a VESPER SPARROW and ORANGE-CROWNED
WARBLER on Nov 23. A GRASSHOPPER SPARROW was at the Magnesite Plant
on Nov 23. An ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER was at Cape May Point State Park
on Nov 26; it was found near the newly planted trees that have netting
around them and at the stand of mature pines on the beach side of the
park. The Cape May Point State Park Hawk Watch noted CACKLING GOOSE
and DICKCISSEL on Nov 24. An ICELAND GULL and GOLDEN EAGLE flew past
the hawk watch on Nov 23. A NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL, LONG-EARED OWL and
WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were seen near the hawk watch on Nov 25. On
Nov 22, a dozen SNOW BUNTINGS and a LAPLAND LONGSPUR were at the State
Park. Poverty Beach had a HARLEQUIN DUCK and IPSWICH SPARROW on Nov
23, and an immature COMMON EIDER was seen at Poverty Beach this week.
A BLACK BRANT was at Cape May Harbor on Nov 24.
Two MARBLED GODWITS and 4 WESTERN WILLETS were
seen from the free bridge at Nummy’s Island. On Nov 22, Sea Isle
City had a KING EIDER and 4 COMMON EIDERS off the north Whale Beach
overlook. The Avalon Sea Watch noted a KING EIDER on Nov 21. An adult
drake KING EIDER, HARLEQUIN DUCK and 4 CACKLING GEESE were spotted on
Nov 23. A RAZORBILL and LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL were seen from the
sea watch on Nov 22. Other highlights from the sea watch included RED-THROATED
LOONS, HORNED GREBES, COMMON EIDERS and WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS.
Click
here for Karl and Judy Lukens's website where there are pictures
of various interesting birds that have been seen in Cape May County
and in New Jersey.
Cumberland County:
Click
Here for Cumberland County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
Thirty AMERICAN PIPITS were seen at the corner of
Berrytown Rd and Main St.
Atlantic County:
Click
Here for Atlantic County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
On Nov 21, the Brigantine Division of Edwin B Forsythe
NWR had an AMERICAN AVOCET, WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER and PURPLE FINCH.
The next day, Brigantine had TUNDRA SWANS, AMERICAN BITTERN and SNOW
BUNTING. A MARBLED GODWIT was at the last leg of Brigantine’s
auto loop on Nov 23
Monmouth County:
Click
Here for Monmouth County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
A CAVE SWALLOW, 149 SNOW BUNTINGS and 2 LAPLAND LONGSPURS
were spotted from the end of fisherman’s trail at Sandy Hook on
Nov 21. The LONGSPUR and BUNTINGS were still there on Nov 23, and a
COMMON MOORHEN was at the North Pond that day. Other birds at Sandy
Hook that day included HORNED GREBES, PEREGRINE FALCON, MERLIN, RUSTY
BLACKBIRD and PINE SISKINS. A SHORT-EARED OWL was seen from Sandy Hook’s
South Beach Dune Trail on Nov 23. A dead CACKLING GOOSE was recovered
at Manasquan Reservoir on Nov 24.
Burlington County:
Click
Here for Burlington County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
On Nov 23, thirty-three TUNDRA SWANS were at Whitesbog,
and PINE SISKINS were at a residence nearby. On Nov 22, a dozen PINE
SISKINS were at the edge of a bog just past the village.
Camden County:
Click
Here for Camden County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
No reports
Ocean County:
Click
Here for Ocean County Birding Resources including an interactive map
with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
No reports
Salem County:
Click
Here for Salem County Birding Resources including an interactive map
with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
Three female and 1 male BREWER’S BLACKBIRD were
seen from Freas Rd in Pennsville on Nov 23.
Gloucester County:
Click
Here for Gloucester County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
On Nov 23, twenty RUSTY BLACKBIRDS were at Pedricktown
Marsh, and 4 LONG-TAILED DUCKS were on the Delaware River at Floodgates.
On Nov 24, the view from Floodgates provided BLACK SCOTER and 36 TUNDRA
SWANS on the Delaware River. That day, a RED-THROATED LOON and SNOW
BUNTING were spotted at National Park, and an ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER
was at the Wheelabrator site.
Hunterdon County:
Click
Here for Hunterdon County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
A flock of 50 SNOW BUNTINGS were seen at the boat
launch area of Spruce Run State Park on Nov 23-24. A MERLIN was spotted
in Milford on Nov 24.
Middlesex County:
No reports.
Mercer County:
Click
Here for Mercer County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
No reports
Warren County:
Click
Here for Warren County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
The Scott’s Mountain Hawk Watch reported COMMON
GOLDENEYES this week. The Raccoon Ridge Hawk Watch reported 3 GOLDEN
EAGLES and 50 PINE SISKINS on Nov 23. COMMON RAVENS were noted at Raccoon
Ridge this week.
Somerset County:
Click
Here for Somerset County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
On Nov 21, a COMMON RAVEN was sitting on the fence
at Lana Lobel Farms off Rattlesnake Bridge Rd in Bedminster Twp
Morris County:
No reports
Union County:
No reports
NJ Extralimitals:
A SNOWY OWL was spotted by the boat launch at Liberty
State Park and near the golf course clubhouse through Nov 26.
For Delaware: Click
Here for the Delaware Birding List
New Castle County
Click
Here for New Castle County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
A NORTHERN GOSHAWK flew past the Ashland Nature Center
Hawk Watch on Nov 23. A REDHEAD was at Dragon Run Park on Nov 23. A
LONG-EARED OWL was spotted north of the Baxter Tract at Augustine WA
on Nov 23.
Kent County:
Click
Here for Kent County Birding Resources including an interactive map
with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
On Nov 22, Bombay Hook NWR had AMERICAN PIPIT, RUSTY
BLACKBIRD at Finis Pool and an AMERICAN AVOCET at Raymond Pool. A CACKLING
GOOSE was at Raymond Pool on Nov 23. On Nov 22, a SURF SCOTER and SNOW
BUNTING were at Port Mahon Ditch.
Sussex County:
Click
Here for Sussex County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
A first winter drake KING EIDER was north of Indian
River Inlet’s north jetty on Nov 21-22. Fourteen CANVASBACKS were
on Silver Lake in Rehoboth on Nov 22, and a BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK
was there on Nov 23-26. A LESSER BLACK-BACKED
GULL was at Silver Lake on Nov 25-26. An immature GOLDEN EAGLE was spotted
from the headquarters area of Prime Hook NWR on Nov 23. That day, COMMON
GOLDENEYES were spotted off the south end of Slaughter Beach, while
SURF SCOTERS were offshore.
A NORTHERN GOSHAWK flew past the Cape Henlopen
State Park Hawk Watch on Nov 21, and a GOLDEN EAGLE was spotted on Nov
23. Many PINE SISKINS have been seen near the hawk watch platform, and
other highlights from the hawk watch included TUNDRA SWANS. A BLACK-HEADED
GULL was on Gordon’s Pond at Cape Henlopen State Park on Nov 23.
For Pennsylvania: Click
Here for the Pennsylvania Birding List
Philadelphia County:
Click
Here for Philadelphia County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
On Nov 21-25, three CAVE SWALLOWS were
seen from the Delaware Ave side of the Northeast Water Pollution Control
Plant, north of the Tioga Marine Terminal.
Delaware County:
Click Here
for Delaware County Birding Resources including an interactive map with
locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.No reports
Twelve PINE SISKINS were at Rose Tree Park
on Nov 24. The Rose Tree Park Hawk Watch reported COMMON LOONS this week
Chester County:
Click Here
for Chester County Birding Resources including an interactive map with
locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
The Coatesville Reservoir had a CACKLING
GOOSE on Nov 26, and there were 4 CACKLING GEESE, a BRANT and a MERLIN
on the previous day. That day, a SHORT-EARED OWL was seen from Chapel
Rd in Doe Run.
Montgomery County:
Click
Here for Montgomery County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
Click
Here for information on DVOC member Steve
Kacir's Montgomery County Big Year.
A
SELASPHORUS HUMMINGBIRD (probably a RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD) was at Bert
Filemyr’s backyard in Abington on Nov 22. A CACKLING GOOSE
was at the Church Rd area of Green Lane Reservoir on Nov 22. Seven AMERICAN
PIPITS were at Norristown Farm Park on Nov 23.
Bucks County:
Click
Here for Bucks County Birding Resources including an interactive map
with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
A RED-THROATED LOON was on Lake Galena at Peace Valley
Park on Nov 22. On Nov 23, Peace Valley had a MERLIN, 4 TUNDRA SWANS
and 25 AMERICAN PIPITS at a nearby field. Other recent sightings from
Peace Valley included BONAPARTE’S GULLS, LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS.
On Nov 23, a SNOW BUNTING was at the fishing pier at Nockamixon State
Park. Van Sciver Lake had a TUNDRA SWAN and 9 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS
on Nov 20.
Northampton County:
Click
Here for Northampton County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
A GYRFALCON was caught at the Little Gap Raptor Banding
Station on Nov 26. Cornfields along Arrowhead Rd in East Allen Twp had
HORNED LARKS, 10 SNOW BUNTINGS, an AMERICAN PIPIT and 2 LAPLAND LONGSPURS
on Nov 21. Twenty TUNDRA SWANS were on Minsi Lake on Nov 23.
Lehigh County:
Click
Here for Lehigh County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
GOLDEN EAGLES pushed past Bake Oven Knob on Nov 21-24,
with a high count of 9 GOLDEN EAGLES on Nov 22. NORTHERN GOSHAWKS were
spotted there through Nov 21 & 23. On Nov 23, ninety PINE SISKINS
flew past Bake Oven Knob. Another 50 SISKINS were seen on Nov 25, but
the high count was 120 SISKINS on Nov 26. Other highlights from Bake
Oven Knob were CACKLING GEESE and COMMON RAVENS.
Schuykill County:
Click
Here for Schuykill County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
No reports
Berks County:
Click
Here for Berks County Birding Resources including an interactive map
with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.No reports
Two WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were at Hawk Mountain
Sanctuary’s North Lookout on Nov 21, and 20 WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS
were seen the next day. RED CROSSBILLS and WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were
seen at Hawk Mountain on Nov 23. GOLDEN EAGLES were spotted from Hawk
Mountain on almost all week, with a high count of 5 GOLDEN EAGLES on Nov
21. A NORTHERN GOSHAWK was spotted from Hawk Mountain on Nov 22. Thirty
RUSTY BLACKBIRDS were at Blue Marsh on Nov 22.
Lancaster County:
Click
Here for Lancaster County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
On Nov 22, there were SNOW BUNTINGS, LAPLAND LONGSPURS
and AMERICAN PIPITS at a field near the intersection of School Lane
Rd and White Horse Rd. Middle Creek WMA had 2 SANDHILL CRANES and TUNDRA
SWANS on Nov 23-24.
Lebanon County:
Click
Here for Lebanon County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
The Second Mountain Hawk Watch noted NORTHERN GOSHAWK
on Nov 21-22, and a ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was spotted on Nov 22. GOLDEN
EAGLES were spotted there through Nov 25, with a high count of 8 GOLDEN
EAGLES on Nov 21. PINE SISKINS continued to push past Second Mountain,
with a high count of 130 on Nov 21. SNOW BUNTINGS were reported there
on Nov 21, with a high count of 40 on Nov 21. Other highlights from
Second Mountain included COMMON LOONS and COMMON RAVENS. SGL-145 had
4 COMMON RAVENS on Nov 23.
Carbon County:
No reports
Monroe County:
No reports
Pike County:
No reports
Wayne County:
No reports
PA Extralimitals:
No reports
Extralimital Reports
No reports
Announcements
On Nov 28, Bob Horton will lead a DVOC field trip
to Raccoon Ridge in Warren County, NJ. Target species for the trip include
Golden Eagles, Northern Goshawks and other late migrants. The trip will
meet at the Blairstown Diner in Blairstown, NJ at 8:30AM and proceed
to the AMC's Mohigan Lodge then hike along the Appalachian Trail for
about two miles to Raccoon Ridge. It will be COLD! Dress warmly with
many layers. Bring lunch and a pad to sit on. Please contact Bob Horton
if you plan on attending, as he will be arranging car pools for the
field trip. Additional information, including contact information for
the trip leader and a link to the meeting location can be found on the
DVOC website: http://www.dvoc.org
The next meeting of the DVOC will take place at 7:30pm
on Thursday Dec 4 at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia,
PA. The main program of the meeting features a presentation by Scott
Weidensaul entitled "Of a Feather.” Details are on the website,
and guests are always welcome.
Jeff Gordon will present "The Delaware
Birding Trail: a Birder's View of the First State" at the Wyncote
Audubon Annual Dinner on Sunday Dec 7. For more information and registration
contact Marlene Morano at 215-342-7996 or email Jane Henderson at: [email protected]
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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