| Current
report - Wednesday December 3, 2008
- Birds Mentioned
Click Here for species
accounts for many of these birds
Barnacle Goose (NJ)+
Rufous Hummingbird (NJ)+
Cave Swallow (NJ)+
Cave Swallow (PA)+
(NJ)+ (Details requested
by New Jersey
Birds Records Committee)
(PA)+ (Details requested by Pennsylvania
Ornthological Records Committee)
(DE)+ (Details requested by Delaware
Records Committee)
Common Loon
Horned Grebe
Red-necked Grebe
Northern Gannet
Brown Pelican
American Bittern
Great Egret
Greater White-fronted Goose
Ross's Goose
Cackling Goose
Brant
Tundra Swan
Redhead
King Eider
Common Eider
Surf Scoter
White-winged Scoter
Black Scoter
Common Goldeneye
Northern Goshawk
Rough-legged Hawk
Golden Eagle
Merlin
Virginia Rail
Sandhill Crane
Hudsonian Godwit
Marbled Godwit
Red Knot
White-rumped Sandpiper
Baird's Sandpiper
Bonaparte's Gull
Iceland Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Glaucous Gull
Black-legged Kittiwake
Eastern Screech-owl
Snowy Owl
Long-eared Owl
Short-eared Owl
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Pileated Woodpecker
Eastern Phoebe
Ash-throated Flycatcher
White-eyed Vireo
Common Raven
Horned Lark
Sedge Wren
Veery
American Pipit
Orange-crowned Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Pine Warbler
Yellow-breasted Chat
Vesper Sparrow
Lincoln's Sparrow
Gambel's White-crowned Sparrow
Lapland Longspur
Snow Bunting
Dickcissel
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 BARNACLE GOOSE in
Hunterdon County, NJ; RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD in Cape May County, NJ; CAVE
SWALLOWS in Cape May County, NJ & Philadelphia County, PA.
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.
The likely RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD was still at 711 New
England Rd through Nov 29. An ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER was at Cape May
Point State Park in the field adjacent to Seagrove Ave on Nov 27-Dec
2. The FLYCATCHER was seen from the Yellow Trail on Dec 2, when an EASTERN
PHOEBE was heard in the vicinity. The State Park had a CAVE SWALLOW,
an ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER and PINE SISKINS on Nov 27. Other birds seen
recently at Cape May Point State Park included LONG-EARED OWL and YELLOW-BREASTED
CHAT. The DICKCISSEL was still in the hedgerow bordering Sunset Blvd
at the Nature Conservancy’s Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge through
Dec 2. A VESPER SPARROW was at the refuge’s center path on Nov
28, and a LINCOLN’S SPARROW was reported from the refuge that
day as well. On Nov 29, a NASHVILLE WARBLER and ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER
were at the Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge, and an AMERICAN BITTERN
was there on Dec 2. The SEDGE WREN was still at Higbee Beach WMA through
Nov 28, reportedly more towards the middle of the east field near the
yellow water testing equipment. On Nov 28, a LINCOLN’S SPARROW
was near the second platform at Higbee. A CACKLING GOOSE was on Lily
Lake on Nov 27-28. A VEERY was in West Cape May on Nov 27.
On Nov 27, COMMON EIDERS and a possible KING EIDER
were spotted off the jetty opposite 2200 Commonwealth Rd, Strathmere.
MARBLED GODWITS were at Townsend’s Inlet through Dec 1. A BLACK-LEGGED
KITTIWAKE flew past the Avalon Sea Watch on Nov 30. A KING EIDER flew
north past the sea watch on Dec 1. Other highlights from the sea watch
included NORTHERN GANNETS, BROWN PELICAN, HORNED GREBES, WHITE-WINGED
SCOTERS, COMMON EIDERS, BONAPARTE’S GULLS and LESSER BLACK-BACKED
GULL.
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.
No reports
Atlantic County:
Click
Here for Atlantic County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
Brigantine Island had RED KNOTS, 2 LESSER BLACK-BACKED
GULLS and SNOW BUNTINGS on Nov 29. On Nov 29, the Brigantine Division
of Edwin B Forsythe NWR had an adult GOLDEN EAGLE, a ROSS’S GOOSE,
REDHEAD, VIRGINIA RAILS, 7 MARBLED GODWITS, a HUDSONIAN GODWIT, WHITE-RUMPED
SANDPIPER, over 10 RED KNOTS, 2 PINE SISKINS, 7 LAPLAND LONGSPURS and
3 SNOW BUNTINGS. On Dec 2, Brigantine had a HUDSONIAN GODWIT, 8 MARBLED
GODWITS, 5 RED KNOTS and an AMERICAN BITTERN. On Nov 30, a ROUGH-LEGGED
HAWK was spotted from the Garden State Parkway in the area of Little
Egg Harbor across from the power plant.
Monmouth County:
Click
Here for Monmouth County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
An ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER was at Thompson Park Nov
29-Dec 1. To reach the area in which the bird was found, park at the
Marilu Lake Parking Area then cross the dam to the other side of the
lake. After going up the hill there is a dirt path past a single row
of trees. Take a right there, and proceed to a paved walkway. The FLYCATCHER
spent a lot of time around the walkway by the first three trees on the
left on Nov 29. A LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was at Wreck Pond on Dec
3.
Burlington County:
Click
Here for Burlington County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
On Nov 30, seventy-five TUNDRA SWANS and 50 PINE SISKINS
were at Whitesbog. An ICELAND GULL was spotted at Florence on Dec 1.
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.
No reports
Gloucester County:
Click
Here for Gloucester County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
A RED-NECKED GREBE was on the Delaware River off National
Park on Dec 1.
Hunterdon County:
Click
Here for Hunterdon County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
The Califon BARNACLE GOOSE was spotted at the south
branch of the Raritan River across from the Methodist Church on Nov
27-29.
Middlesex County:
No reports.
Mercer County:
Click
Here for Mercer County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
Thirteen CACKLING GEESE were at Veteran’s Park
in Hamilton on Nov 28, and on the next day there were at least 4 CACKLING
GEESE and 2 possible GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE.
Warren County:
Click
Here for Warren County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
An ICELAND GULL and COMMON GOLDENEYE were at Merrill
Creek Reservoir on Nov 27. A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK flew past the Scott’s
Mountain Hawk Watch on Nov 28, and on Nov 29 the hawk watch noted GOLDEN
EAGLE and NORTHERN GOSHAWK. A GOLDEN EAGLE and COMMON RAVEN were spotted
from Raccoon Ridge on Nov 29.
Somerset County:
Click
Here for Somerset County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
No reports
Morris County:
No reports
Union County:
No reports
NJ Extralimitals:
The SNOWY OWL was still at Liberty State Park, Hudson
County through Nov 28. On Nov 29, a female RED CROSSBILL fed with PINE
SISKINS at Karla Risdon’s house at 8 Oradell Rd, Hewitt, Passaic
County. Karla has written that birders would be welcome to visit, but
should be considerate of her neighbors. Be extremely careful not to
block driveways if you try for the CROSSBILL. From the street, look
up at the platform feeder on Karla’s deck, or try looking in evergreens
along Lakewood, a side street in the area.
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.
Recent sightings from Ashland Nature Center included
PILEATED WOODPECKER, YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER and EASTERN SCREECH-OWL.
Kent County:
Click
Here for Kent County Birding Resources including an interactive map
with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
Thirty SNOW BUNTINGS were at Port Mahon Rd on Dec
1.
Sussex County:
Click
Here for Sussex County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
There was an unconfirmed sighting of 10 possible KING
EIDERS at Beach Plum Island Nature Preserve on Dec 1. Three LESSER BLACK-BACKED
GULLS were at Rehoboth Beach on Dec 3. MERLINS flew past the hawk watch
at Cape Henlopen State Park on Nov 28-29.
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.
Through Dec 2, as many as 4 CAVE SWALLOWS
were seen from the Delaware Ave side of the Northeast Water Pollution
Control Plant, north of the Tioga Marine Terminal. An ICELAND GULL flew
past this area on Nov 27. Four REDHEADS were at FDR Park on Dec 2.
Delaware County:
Click Here
for Delaware County Birding Resources including an interactive map with
locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.No reports
The Rose Tree Park Hawk Watch noted 5 COMMON
LOONS on Nov 29.
Chester County:
Click Here
for Chester County Birding Resources including an interactive map with
locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
Six SURF SCOTERS were on Marsh Creek
Lake on Nov 30. That day, 4 LONG-EARED OWLS were noted near Struble
Lake, and 2 SHORT-EARED OWLS were spotted at Doe Run. A MERLIN, BRANT
and CACKLING GEESE were at the Coatesville Reservoir through Dec 1.
Other birds at the reservoir on Dec 1 included a ROSS’S GOOSE,
PINE SISKINS and a PINE WARBLER.
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.
On Nov 27, four SANDHILL CRANES were spotted near
Flourtown as they flew towards Philadelphia. At least seven PINE SISKINS
were feeding on hemlock cones near Washington’s Chapel at Valley
Forge National Historical Park on Nov 29. On Nov 29, Green Lane Reservoir
had 2 CACKLING GEESE, and a LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was there Nov 28-29.
Bucks County:
Click
Here for Bucks County Birding Resources including an interactive map
with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
A COMMON RAVEN rummaged through trash at a private
residence in Jamison on Dec 1. Silver Lake had PINE SISKINS, PURPLE
FINCHES and a LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL on Nov 29. Peace Valley Park
has had multiple CACKLING GEESE sighted on Lake Galena, often in family
groups of 3-5 geese. LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS have also frequented
Lake Galena, with a recent high count of 179 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS.
Three TUNDRA SWANS were at Peace Valley on Nov 29. The GAMBEL’S
WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW was seen at Peace Valley’s Sailor’s
Point through Nov 29. The injured BRANT was seen at Van Sciver Lake
on Nov 30. That day, an ICELAND GULL was at Franklin’s Cove and
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS were found throughout the general area. A
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was at the Churchville Nature Center on Nov
29.
Northampton County:
Click
Here for Northampton County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
Fourteen LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS were at Dutch Springs
Quarry on Nov 28. Four BONAPARTE’S GULLS were at Minsi Lake on
Nov 29.
Lehigh County:
Click
Here for Lehigh County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
The Bake Oven Knob Hawk Watch finally got their WHITE-WINGED
CROSSBILLS on Nov 29, when 20 CROSSBILLS flew past the hawk watch through
the day. The hawk watch noted GOLDEN EAGLES on Nov 27-28. Other sightings
from Bake Oven Knob included COMMON RAVENS and 35 PINE SISKINS that
were seen on Nov 28. A GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE was on Dorney Pond
on Nov 27. A BAIRD’S SANDPIPER and 2 AMERICAN PIPITS were at Leaser
Lake on Dec 1.
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
On Dec 3, twenty-seven WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS,
430 PINE SISKINS and 2 SNOW BUNTINGS flew past the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
Hawk Watch. A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK and PINE SISKINS were spotted from Hawk
Mountain on Dec 1. GOLDEN EAGLES flew past Hawk Mountain Nov 28-29 &
Dec 2. On Nov 28, eight SNOW BUNTINGS and 62 PINE SISKINS were seen from
Hawk Mountain. On Dec 2, two PURPLE FINCHES and 239 PINE SISKINS were
counted at Hawk Mountain. Fifteen TUNDRA SWANS were at Blue Marsh Lake
Recreation Area on Nov 28. A WHITE-EYED VIREO was reported from the Womelsdorf-Robesonia
Water Authority Property on Nov 29.
Lancaster County:
Click
Here for Lancaster County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
On Nov 27, there were SNOW BUNTINGS and LAPLAND LONGSPURS
with a flock of HORNED LARKS at a field near the intersection of School
Lane Rd and White Horse Rd. Middle Creek WMA had 24 TUNDRA SWANS on
Nov 28. A GREAT EGRET was in the Schaefferstown area on Nov 28. On Nov
30, a GLAUCOUS GULL was perched on rocks in the Susquehanna River just
below Columbia at the Blue Lane and River Rd intersection.
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 reported GOLDEN EAGLES
on Nov 28-29 & Dec 2-3. Other sightings from Second Mountain included
COMMON RAVENS and a NORTHERN GOSHAWK on Nov 29. An ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER
was at Annville’s Quittapahilla Nature Park on Nov 29.
Carbon County:
On Nov 27, Beltzville State Park had 4 SNOW BUNTINGS
and a flyby BLACK SCOTER.
Monroe County:
No reports
Pike County:
No reports
Wayne County:
No reports
PA Extralimitals:
No reports
Extralimital Reports
No reports
Announcements
On Jan 2, Paul Guris will lead a DVOC field trip for
the Hudson Shelf Valley Christmas Bird Count, a Pelagic Trip. Past birds
of interest spotted on the trip have included Dovekie, Razorbill, Common
Murre, Atlantic Puffin, Black-Legged Kittiwake and Iceland Gull. The
trip will sails out of Belmar, NJ at 8:00 AM, returning to port at approximately
4:00PM. The fee for the trip is $115 plus an optional $5 CBC fee. Please
contact Paul Guris if you plan on attending. Additional information,
including contact information for the trip leader can be found on the
DVOC website: http://www.dvoc.org or at the See Life Paulagics website:
http://www.paulagics.com
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. The meeting after that will be on Dec
18, featuring the club’s annual Photo Contest.
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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