| Current
report - Wednesday January 21, 2009
- Birds Mentioned
Click Here for species
accounts for many of these birds
Eared Grebe (NJ)+
Black-bellied Whistling-duck (DE)+
Barnacle Goose (DE)+
Thick-billed Murre (NJ)+
Rufous Hummingbird (NJ)+
Audubon's Yellow-rumped Warbler (PA)+
Green-tailed Towhee (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)
Horned Grebe
Red-necked Grebe
American Bittern
Great Egret
Greater White-fronted Goose
Snow Goose
Ross's Goose
Cackling Goose
Tundra Swan
Eurasian Wigeon
Canvasback
Redhead
Harlequin Duck
Surf Scoter
White-winged Scoter
Black Scoter
Long-tailed Duck
Common Goldeneye
Ruddy Duck
Rough-legged Hawk
Golden Eagle
Sandhill Crane
Sandhill Crane X Common Crane
Common Crane
Purple Sandpiper
Bonaparte's Gull
Iceland Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Glaucous Gull
Razorbill
Snowy Owl
Short-eared Owl
Red-headed Woodpecker
Eastern Phoebe
Common Raven
Horned Lark
American Pipit
Orange-crowned Warbler
Pine Warbler
Palm Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Ipswich Sparrow
Lincoln's Sparrow
Lapland Longspur
Snow Bunting
Dickcissel
Yellow-headed Blackbird
Rusty Blackbird
Baltimore Oriole
Purple Finch
Red Crossbill
White-winged Crossbill
Common Redpoll
Pine Siskin
Hotline: Delaware Valley Rare Bird Alert
Email reports to:
Compiler: Steve Kacir, Delaware
Valley Ornithological Club
Phone: (215) 240-7547
Voice of the Delaware Valley RBA: Cindy Ahern and Win Shafer
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 EARED GREBES in
Cape May & Ocean Counties, NJ; BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK in Sussex
County, DE; BARNACLE GOOSE in Kent County, DE; THICK-BILLED MURRE in Monmouth
County, NJ; RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS in Cape May County, NJ; AUDUBON’S
YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER in Lehigh County, PA and GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE in
Camden 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.
An EARED GREBE was in the area of Utsch’s Marina
and the Cape May Yacht Club at Cape May Harbor on Jan 17-18. The EARED
GREBE was spotted from the end of Texas Ave and favored the marina area
near the mouth of the Cape May Canal. Another EARED GREBE was seen between
Nummy’s Island and Stone Harbor Point on Jan 18. The most recent
sighting of the 1-2 RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS at 711 New England Rd in Cape
May came from Jan 17. A CACKLING GOOSE was on Lily Lake through Jan
20. An ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was at the easternmost observation platform
at Cape May Point State Park on Jan 20. On Jan 18, the Villas WMA had
2 WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS on the south side of the WMA and a PINE SISKIN
on the southeast side of the property. On Jan 17, two RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS
were at the stand of dead trees near the main pond at the Villas. A
REDHEAD was on the main pond at the Villas WMA Jan 18-20, and a drake
EURASIAN WIGEON was there on Jan 20. Other notable sightings from the
Villas included PALM WARBLERS, a flock of 35 CHIPPING SPARROWS and over
75 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS. Jake’s Landing had 5 SHORT-EARED OWLS on
Jan 17.
Photo by Bert Filemyr
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.
On Jan 17, a ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS were spotted near
the Strawberry Ave entrance to Bivalve’s Commercial Township Wetlands
Restoration Site, Husted Landing and Newport Landing Rd. The mixed SANDHILL
CRANE flock continues to frequent Husted Landing, with as many as 16
CRANES spotted this week, including the COMMON CRANE and SANDHILL CRANE
X COMMON CRANE hybrids.
Atlantic County:
Click
Here for Atlantic County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
On Jan 17, the Brigantine Division of Edwin B Forsythe
NWR had AMERICAN BITTERN and AMERICAN PIPIT.
Monmouth County:
Click
Here for Monmouth County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
A THICK-BILLED MURRE and an immature RAZORBILL were
seen from Monmouth Beach Cultural Center on Jan 19. That day, a flock
of 12 COMMON REDPOLLS was at Pullman Ave. A dozen COMMON REDPOLLS were
in the black pines near Shark River Inlet and the Belmar Fishing Club
on Jan 19, and thirteen REDPOLLS were at Shark River Inlet on Jan 17.
On Jan 19, Shark River Inlet had 14 PURPLE SANDPIPERS and 40 SNOW BUNTINGS,
and the SNOW BUNTINGS have been seen there with some regularity. Also
in the area were a LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL and 11 REDHEADS that were
seen from Riverside Dr at the Shark River Estuary. At Sandy Hook, the
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER fed around goldenrods at the backside of Plum
Island through Jan 17. That day, the west end of Horseshoe Cove had
Harbor Seals, 2 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS, 42 COMMON GOLDENEYE, 380 RUDDY
DUCKS and 104 HORNED GREBES. Manasquan Inlet had 2 LESSER BLACK-BACKED
GULLS and a Harbor Seal on Jan 18. That day, an ICELAND GULL was at
Lake Como.
Burlington County:
Click
Here for Burlington County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
On Jan 17, two WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS flew over the
entrance of Lake Lonnie Park in Delran. That day, a WHITE-WINGED SCOTER
was on the Delaware River at Taylor’s Refuge. On Jan 20, two ICELAND
GULLS on the Delaware River were seen from the Florence boat ramp, and
another flew over Rivers Edge Park. The riverside park at Roebling had
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS that day.
Camden County:
Click
Here for Camden County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
A GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE has been visiting a backyard
feeder at 1147 Mansion Ave, Collingswood, NJ 08108, which is off of
Cuthbert Blvd. The GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE and has been reported as recently
as Jan 19. Homeowners, John and Peggy McDevit, welcome birders to come
and see the TOWHEE, and request that birders knock on the door, upon
arrival. If there is no answer, you can proceed softly and quietly along
the driveway to view the backyard feeders. The TOWHEE has also been
feeding under shrubs on the left side of the yard. Thank-you John and
Peggy for your hospitality and generosity.
Ocean County:
Click
Here for Ocean County Birding Resources including an interactive map
with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
An EARED GREBE and RED-NECKED GREBE were reported
from Barnegat Lighthouse State Park on Jan 17. Other sightings at Barnegat
Lighthouse included IPSWICH SPARROW, WHITE-WINGED SCOTER, HARLEQUIN
DUCKS and Harbor Seal. A REDHEAD was seen from the beach south of Barnegat
Inlet on Jan 17. That day, 3 SHORT-EARED OWLS were spotted from Dock
Rd; another SHORT-EARED OWL was seen at Cedar Run Dock Rd.
Salem County:
Click
Here for Salem County Birding Resources including an interactive map
with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
A YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD was in a blackbird flock
near the intersection of Haines Neck Rd and Route 45 on Jan 18. That
day, a ROSS’S GOOSE was in a SNOW GOOSE flock at Route 540 north
of Sunset Rd. A LINCOLN’S SPARROW was at the corner of Money Island
Rd and Mason Point Rd on Jan 18.
Gloucester County:
Click
Here for Gloucester County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
National Park had 215 CANVASBACKS and 2 REDHEADS on
Jan 18.
Hunterdon County:
Click
Here for Hunterdon County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
Two immature LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS were at Round
Valley Reservoir on Jan 19.
Middlesex County:
PINE SISKINS were spotted in Highland Park on Jan
16. On Jan 19, a SNOW BUNTING was on the east side of US 1 near the
exit for College Farm Rd.
Mercer County:
Click
Here for Mercer County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
On Jan 17, a BONAPARTE’S GULL was at Veteran’s
Park in Hamilton. The pole farm at Mercer County NW had 2 SHORT-EARED
OWLS on Jan 18.
Warren County:
Click
Here for Warren County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
Two ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS were spotted from Oberly Rd
at the Alpha Grasslands on Jan 19. Five LAPLAND LONGSPURS and over 50
SNOW BUNTINGS were in the fields around Oberly Rd on Jan 21. On Jan
19, Merrill Creek Reservoir had REDHEAD and LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL.
Somerset County:
Click
Here for Somerset County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
Two SANDHILL CRANES have been frequenting a field
bounded by Mettlers Rd and Weston Rd, about 100 yards north of Somerset
County Colonial Park. The SANDHILL CRANES have been seen from Schoolhouse
Rd and Randolph Rd as well, and were reported through Jan 17. A COMMON
RAVEN was spotted in Franklin Twp.
Morris County:
No reports
Union County:
No reports
NJ Extralimitals:
No reports
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.
Fifteen PINE SISKINS came to feeders near the property
manager’s house at Flint Woods Preserve on Jan 14. PINE SISKINS
have been reported at feeders in the Port Penn, Hockessin and Newark
areas.
Kent County:
Click
Here for Kent County Birding Resources including an interactive map
with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
Recent news from Bombay Hook NWR included unconfirmed
reports of BARNACLE GOOSE and GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE sighted from
Shearness Observation Tower on Jan 19. Other sightings at Bombay Hook
this week included TUNDRA SWAN and ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER. The HORNED
LARK flock at Whitehall Neck Rd also harbored SNOW BUNTINGS and LAPLAND
LONGSPUR this week. A hike from Little Creek WMA to Pickering Beach
on Jan 18 included such bird sightings as GREAT EGRET, 12 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS
and 2 COMMON REDPOLLS.
Sussex County:
Click
Here for Sussex County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
A SNOWY OWL was seen along Savages Ditch Rd on Jan
17, and another was seen in the dunes on the south side of Indian River
Inlet that day. On Jan 19, Indian River Inlet had BLACK SCOTERS and
PURPLE SANDPIPERS. The BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK was at Silver Lake
in Rehoboth on Jan 18. On Jan 20, Abbott’s Mill Nature Center
had 28 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS in the swamp forest behind the restroom building.
Abbott’s Mill has also had a PINE WARBLER visiting the suet feeders;
a PURPLE FINCH has been frequenting the birdfeeders as well. An EASTERN
PHOEBE was at Abbott’s Mill on Jan 20.
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.
PINE SISKINS were at the feeders just outside the
Discovery Room of the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education
on Jan 15.
Delaware County:
Click Here
for Delaware County Birding Resources including an interactive map with
locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.No reports
On Jan 14-15, fifteen WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS
were found along Crum Creek between a conifer stand and the intersection
of Crum Creek Rd and State Rd in Media. Tyler Arboretum had up to 12 WHITE-WINGED
CROSSBILLS on Jan 16-17 and 10 PINE SISKINS on Jan 16. The CROSSBILLS
have favored the hemlocks near Tyler’s visitor center.
Chester County:
Click Here
for Chester County Birding Resources including an interactive map with
locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
On Jan 19, five RED CROSSBILLS were at
the Longwood Gardens picnic area. WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were spotted
near the Chester Springs Studio in Yellow Springs on Jan 19. Up to 12
WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS and 25 PINE SISKINS visited a yard in Glenmoore.
Chambers Lake at Hibernia Park had a REDHEAD on Jan 17-18 and a ROSS’S
GOOSE on Jan 18. A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was near Snowden Rd and Church
Farm Lane on Jan 19. A property in Chadds Ford had over 300 PINE SISKINS
on Jan 19.
Montgomery County:
Click
Here for Montgomery County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
On Jan 19, a flock of 30 WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS fed
on hemlock cones at the cemetery behind Washington Memorial Chapel at
Valley Forge National Historical Park. A COMMON REDPOLL was in this
area on Jan 20. A LINCOLN’S SPARROW was at a feeder in Lafayette
Hill, and a flock of PINE SISKINS was at Prophecy Creek.
Bucks County:
Click
Here for Bucks County Birding Resources including an interactive map
with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
Peace Valley Park had 27 WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS on
Jan 17, with most of the action noted around the hemlocks in front of
the nature center. Other highlights from Peace Valley included a PURPLE
FINCH on Jan 17, and PINE SISKINS visiting the area around the nature
center. A dead WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL was recovered at the Silver Lake
Park Nature Center on Jan 17. A mixed flock including HORNED LARKS,
AMERICAN PIPITS, SNOW BUNTINGS and a LAPLAND LONGSPUR was at Shady Brook
Farm on the Newtown Bypass through Jan 17. Penn Manor had 2 GLAUCOUS
GULLS and 2 ICELAND GULLS on Jan 19. Churchville Nature Center had LESSER
BLACK-BACKED GULLS and PINE SISKINS this week.
Northampton County:
Click
Here for Northampton County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
Eight WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were near the Valley
View Restaurant on Jan 15. On Jan 19, WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were in
a spruce near the pond behind the caretakers’ house at Gravers
Arboretum. Fields along Arrowhead Rd in East Allen Twp had as many as
500 HORNED LARKS, 40 SNOW BUNTINGS and 3 LAPLAND LONGSPURS through Jan
16. A SHORT-EARED OWL was at PPL Martin’s Creek on Jan 14. The
Koch Property had a ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK on Jan 16. PINE SISKINS continue
to feed at the Koch Property in small numbers, and a BALTIMORE ORIOLE
was still there on Jan 19.
Lehigh County:
Click
Here for Lehigh County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
An AUDUBON’S YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER was on the
north side of Dorney Pond on Jan 16-20, and the GREATER WHITE-FRONTED
GOOSE was still on Dorney Pond through Jan 20. A stand of conifers at
Weiler Rd off Cetronia Rd had 15 WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS on Jan 16.
On Jan 17, eight WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were at the eastern boat launch
area of Leaser Lake. A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen from the Route 100
bypass just north of Spring Creek Rd on Jan 16, and another was near
the intersection of Saddle Rd and Kistler Rd on Jan 20. Smith Lane,
just outside of Alburtis had up to 40 SNOW BUNTINGS through Jan 19,
and a LAPLAND LONGSPUR was there on Jan 18.
Schuylkill County:
Click
Here for Schuylkill 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 Jan 16-21, WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were at the
parking area off Route 73 for Lake Ontelaunee Dam and a dozen more were
on the other side of the lake accessed by a gated road opposite Shoemakersville
Rd. The CROSSBILLS were also reported from Peters Creek and the large
conifer plantation at Kindt’s Corner at West Shore Dr, where there
were 30 PINE SISKINS as well. One hundred SNOW BUNTINGS were at the
intersection of Sunday Rd and Clauss Rd on Jan 17. On Jan 20, the area
along Hinterleiter Rd near Topton had a LAPLAND LONGSPUR and 25 SNOW
BUNTINGS. A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was outside Topton at West High St that
day.
Lancaster County:
Click
Here for Lancaster County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
Twenty WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS, 3 COMMON REDPOLLS
and PINE SISKINS were at the spruce and pine grove at the Reservoir
Rd clearing on Jan 17, and WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS and PINE SISKINS
still frequented the area through Jan 19. On Jan 18-21 up to 40 WHITE-WINGED
CROSSBILLS were at the Nature Trail or near the red barn at Conestoga
Pines Park off Pitney Rd, and PINE SISKINS have been in the area as
well. Tom Amico has extended an invitation for birders interested in
seeing his visiting DICKCISSEL to visit his property at 1023 Penny Rd
in Holtwood, PA 17532. Tom asks that interested birders come up the
driveway and park behind his camper to view the feeders and nearby spruce
tree that the DICKCISSEL has favored. The DICKCISSEL was reported as
recently as Jan 15. The HORNED LARK flock at School Lane in Salisbury
Twp had a LAPLAND LONGSPUR on Jan 15 & 20. A GOLDEN EAGLE was spotted
from Wissler Run at Fisherman’s Park at Muddy Run on Jan 16-18,
and a hen SURF SCOTER was there Jan 17-18. On Jan 17, an ICELAND GULL
was seen at the boat ramp near the John Wright Restaurant, while a LONG-TAILED
DUCK was upriver at Accomac. A LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL and a large
PINE SISKIN flock were seen between the restaurant and Accomac that
day. Middle Creek WMA had 10 REDHEADS near Stop #1 on Jan 18. A ROUGH-LEGGED
HAWK was on the south side of Linden Grove Rd on Jan 19. Three CACKLING
GEESE were seen from the Lemon St access in Wrightsville on Jan 21.
Lebanon County:
Click
Here for Lebanon County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
Two SHORT-EARED OWLS were spotted from Hopeland Rd
at Middle Creek WMA on Jan 17-18. Memorial Lake State Park had 13 REDHEADS
on Jan 19. WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were spotted in North Londonderry
on Jan 19.
Carbon County:
On Jan 16, fourteen WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS and a
BONAPARTE’S GULL were seen from Beltzville State Park’s
Pine Run Boat Launch area.
Monroe County:
No reports
Pike County:
No reports
Wayne County:
No reports
PA Extralimitals:
No reports
Extralimital Reports
No reports
Announcements
On Jan 24, Tom
Reeves will lead a DVOC field trip to Conowingo Dam in Maryland
and Muddy Run in Lancaster County, PA for Bald Eagles and wintering
waterfowl. The trip will meet at 9:00AM at Fisherman’s Park at
Conowingo Dam. Please contact Tom if you plan on attending the field
trip. On Jan 25, Tony Croasdale
will lead a DVOC field trip to Cumberland and Cape May Counties in NJ.
This trip will focus on the mixed crane flock in Cumberland County,
Short-eared Owls and other overwintering birds. Please contact Tony
for information on meeting time and location. Additional information,
including contact information for the trip leaders and trip reports
from previous trips 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 Jan 22 at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia,
PA and will feature "A Bird's Eye View of Wild Bird Rescue, Rehabilitation,
and Release" presented by Cindy
Ahern. The meeting after that will take place at the Academy on
Feb 5 featuring a program by Mary Gustafson entitled “Don’t
Just Blink: Look Twice – Texas Style.” on More details are
available online at http://www.dvoc.org
See Life Paulagics is running winter pelagic trips
in the Delaware Valley region. On the schedule are trips out of Lewes,
DE on Saturday Feb 7, out of Belmar, NJ on Sunday Feb 8. This is a prime
time of year for finding Dovekies, and there have already been multiple
sightings both from shore and inshore waters in the region this winter,
with 75 Dovekies spotted on the Jan 2 Pelagic Christmas Bird Count out
of Belmar, NJ. For more information, call 215-234-6805 or visit them
on the web at http://www.paulagics.com
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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