| Current
report - Wednesday February 25, 2009
- Birds Mentioned
Click Here for species
accounts for many of these birds
Pacific Loon (NJ)+
Western Grebe (extralimital) (PA)+
Barnacle Goose (NJ)+
Trumpeter Swan (PA)+
Barrow's Goldeneye (NJ)+
Bohemian Waxwing (NJ)+
Green-tailed Towhee (NJ)+
Le Conte's Sparrow(PA)+
Pine Grosbeak (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)
Red-throated Loon
Red-necked Grebe
Great Cormorant
American Bittern
Greater White-fronted Goose
Snow Goose
Cackling Goose
Tundra Swan
Eurasian Wigeon
Blue-winged Teal
Common Teal (Eurasian Green-winged Teal)
Canvasback X Redhead
Redhead
King Eider
Common Eider
Harlequin Duck
White-winged Scoter
Long-tailed Duck
Common Goldeneye
Red-breasted Merganser
Northern Goshawk
Rough-legged Hawk
Wild Turkey
Purple Sandpiper
American Woodcock
Little Gull
Black-headed Gull
Bonaparte's Gull
Iceland Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Glaucous Gull
Forster's Tern
Razorbill
Snowy Owl
Short-eared Owl
Red-headed Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
Common Raven
American Pipit
Orange-crowned Warbler
Ipswich Sparrow
Lapland Longspur
Snow Bunting
Dickcissel
Rusty Blackbird
Purple Finch
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 PACIFIC LOON, BARROW’S
GOLDENEYES and BOHEMIAN WAXWING in Monmouth County, NJ; BARNACLE GOOSE
in Union County, NJ; TRUMPETER SWANS in Berks County, PA; GREEN-TAILED
TOWHEE in Camden County, NJ; LE CONTE’S SPARROW in Delaware County,
PA and PINE GROSBEAKS in Lebanon 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 BONAPARTE’S GULL flock frequenting the area
of the Concrete Ship off Sunset Beach has also included 2 BLACK-HEADED
GULLS and an adult LITTLE GULL. These gulls were seen around the Concrete
Ship through Feb 19, and at least one BLACK-HEADED GULL was still there
through Feb 22. One BLACK-HEADED GULLS was spotted from Higbee Beach
WMA on Feb 20. On Feb 21, two BLACK-HEADED GULLS were seen from the
St Mary’s Jetty, and one was seen from the St Peter’s Jetty.
On Feb 19, an adult RAZORBILL was seen from Sunset Beach. A DICKCISSEL
has been frequenting a private residence in West Cape May. FORSTER’S
TERNS have returned to Cape May Point. A drake REDHEAD was at The Villas
WMA on Feb 20-21, and a juvenile RED-HEADED WOODPECKER molting into
adult plumage was seen there on Feb 21. The hen EURASIAN WIGEON was
at The Villas WMA on Feb 21. The 8th St jetty in Avalon had a KING EIDER
and 7 COMMON EIDERS on Feb 20. The KING EIDER and a hen COMMON EIDER
were still there on Feb 21.
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 report.
Atlantic County:
Click
Here for Atlantic County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
Through Feb 23, up to 7 WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were
seen in pines near the parking lot and refuge headquarters at the Brigantine
Division of Edwin B Forsythe NWR. Waterfowl numbers continued to build
at Brigantine, with notable species including TUNDRA SWANS and REDHEADS.
Monmouth County:
Click
Here for Monmouth County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
The PACIFIC LOON was seen from the Cedar Ave jetty
in Allenhurst on Feb 22-23, and an ICELAND GULL was there on Feb 23.
The Sandy Hook BOHEMIAN WAXWING was reported through Feb 23, seen most
reliably at the backs of campsites #2 & #3 at the scout camp, where
the WAXWING was seen feeding on Asiatic bittersweet berries. Two hen
BARROW’S GOLDENEYES were at Sandy Hook’s Horseshoe Cove
on Feb 18, and both hen BARROW’S GOLDENEYES were still being seen
through Feb 22. An ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was at Sandy Hook’s
Plum Island through Feb 21. A NORTHERN GOSHAWK was reported from Gunnison
Lot on Feb 22. A SNOWY OWL was at the south jetty of the Shark River
Inlet on Feb 24, and a EURASIAN WIGEON was seen near the inlet. The
COMMON TEAL (aka Eurasian Green-winged Teal) was still at Lake Takanassee,
seen from the third and fourth ponds west of Ocean Ave. The most recent
COMMON TEAL report came from Feb 21. Three LAPLAND LONGSPURS were seen
on top of a hill by the new housing development at Lake Takanassee on
Feb 22. The drake EURASIAN WIGEON was seen at Belmar’s Silver
Lake through Feb 22. The RED-NECKED GREBE was still at the Belmar Marina
through Feb 22. A REDHEAD was on Lake Como through Feb 21. Two COMMON
RAVENS were spotted from Route 18 in the Colts Neck area on Feb 21.
A GLAUCOUS GULL and 5 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS were at Wreck Pond on
Feb 22.
Burlington County:
Click
Here for Burlington County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
No report.
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 Feb 20. 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.
Two RED-NECKED GREBES were seen at Barnegat Lighthouse
State Park on Feb 21. Other birds at Barnegat Lighthouse this week included
HARLEQUIN DUCKS, COMMON EIDERS, PURPLE SANDPIPER and IPSWICH SPARROW.
Salem County:
Click
Here for Salem County Birding Resources including an interactive map
with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
No report.
Gloucester County:
Click
Here for Gloucester County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
No report.
Hunterdon County:
Click
Here for Hunterdon County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
On Feb 24, Spruce Run Reservoir had a GLAUCOUS GULL
and an ICELAND GULL. LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS were at Spruce Run on
Feb 22-24. That day, a SHORT-EARED OWL and 3 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS
were at Oberly Rd at the Alpha Grasslands. PINE SISKINS were at feeders
in Califon.
Middlesex County:
An ICELAND GULL was spotted at the South Amboy Waterfront
on Feb 22.
Mercer County:
Click
Here for Mercer County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS fed in hemlocks and Norway
spruces at Sayen Gardens in Hamilton through Feb 20. The Sayen House
and Gardens is at 155 Hughes Dr, Hamilton, NJ 08690.
Warren County:
Click
Here for Warren County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
No report.
Somerset County:
Click
Here for Somerset County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
Approximately 400 PINE SISKINS visited feeders in
Somerset Town. AMERICAN WOODCOCKS and WILD TURKEYS displayed in Somerset.
Morris County:
No reports
Union County:
A BARNACLE GOOSE was at Warinanco Park in Linden Feb
19-25. CACKLING GEESE were seen at the park as well.
NJ Extralimitals:
A likely drake CANVASBACK X REDHEAD hybrid was found
at DeKorte State Park, Hudson County on Feb 22.
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.
An ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was at the parking lot for
Fort DuPont State Park on Feb 21. A couple dozen PINE SISKINS were at
Ashland Nature Center’s feeders on Feb 19. Over 100 PINE SISKINS
visited feeders in Hockessin.
Kent County:
Click
Here for Kent County Birding Resources including an interactive map
with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
Recent sightings from Bombay Hook NWR included AMERICAN
BITTERN, TUNDRA SWAN, ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK and AMERICAN PIPIT.
Sussex County:
Click
Here for Sussex County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
Seven AMERICAN WOODCOCKS displayed off Old Landing
Rd in Rehoboth Beach on Feb 21. A RED-THROATED LOON and drake REDHEAD
were at Roosevelt Inlet on Feb 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.
On Feb 19, a drake BLUE-WINGED TEAL was at the impoundment
at John Heinz NWR at Tinicum.
Delaware County:
Click Here
for Delaware County Birding Resources including an interactive map with
locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.No reports
The LE CONTE’S SPARROW was still being seen well at the Darlington
Tract near Wawa, with reports as recent as Feb 24. To get to the Darlington
Tract from the intersection of Route 1 and Route 452, go south on Route
1 for about 2 miles, and turn right onto Darlington Rd. Continue down
Darlington Rd for a quarter mile to the bridge over the creek and park
in the parking area just past the bridge. Head north on the trail from
the parking area and follow that trail until it goes under a railroad
bridge. At that point, the trail turns right and a there is a little
opening in the weeds on the left. At that site, walk the field edge
farthest from the road to look for the LE CONTE’S SPARROW. A RED-NECKED
GREBE was spotted at the Darby Creek Watershed on Feb 22. To reach the
area where the GREBE was found, follow Route 420 south from its intersection
with Route 13 (Chester Pike). A sign for the Morton Homestead and a
small parking area will be on the right. Park at the parking area a
little farther south on Route 420, and follow the Fisherman’s
Pier Trail to the pier.
Chester County:
Click Here
for Chester County Birding Resources including an interactive map with
locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
PINE SISKINS visited feeders in Kimberton.
Montgomery County:
Click
Here for Montgomery County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.No Reports
On Feb 21, a SNOW BUNTING was in trees on Woodlawn
Ave in Lower Providence, between Tomstock Rd and Clearview Rd opposite
Woodlawn Elementary School. PINE SISKINS were seen at feeders in Huntingdon
Valley and Norristown.
Bucks County:
Click
Here for Bucks County Birding Resources including an interactive map
with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
Six WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were in a spruce tree
near the feeders behind the Silver Lake Nature Center at Silver Lake
Park. On Feb 21-22, three REDHEADS were near the shore of the Delaware
River at Yardley. These REDHEADS were near the intersection of East
Afton Rd and Delaware Ave (aka River Rd). The Magnolia Lake GREATER
WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE at Silver Lake Park was seen again on Feb 21. Recent
reports from Peace Valley Park included a GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE
on Feb 21, CACKLING GOOSE, RED-BREASTED MERGANSER, LESSER BLACK-BACKED
GULLS, PILEATED WOODPECKER and PINE SISKINS. An ICELAND GULL near the
boat rental at Core Creek Park on Feb 22, and 20 LESSER BLACK-BACKED
GULLS were there on Feb 24. Highlights from Churchville Nature Center
this week included TUNDRA SWANS, ICELAND GULL, LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS,
RUSTY BLACKBIRD and PINE SISKINS. GREAT CORMORANTS were on channel markers
in the Delaware River, seen in the Mud Island area off Torresdale Manor.
PINE SISKINS were seen at feeders in Northampton Twp. Two PURPLE FINCHES
were at Washington Crossing Historic Park.
Northampton County:
Click
Here for Northampton County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
On Feb 24-25, WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were near the
keeper’s house at Gravers Arboretum. WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were
seen at Nazareth Boro Park this week. A pair of REDHEADS was on the
Seiple’s Farm Pond off Route 329 on Feb 22. That day, a field
along Arrowhead Rd had a LAPLAND LONGSPUR and 4 SNOW BUNTINGS. PINE
SISKINS have been seen regularly at the Koch property, and LESSER BLACK-BACKED
GULLS were seen there on Feb 22. An ICELAND GULL and 6 LESSER BLACK-BACKED
GULLS were at Green Pond on Feb 25.
Lehigh County:
Click
Here for Lehigh County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
An ICELAND GULL was at the canal park by Allentown’s
Hamilton St Bridge on Feb 22. A dark phase ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen
near the intersection of Route 100 and Spring Creek Rd.
Schuylkill County:
Click
Here for Schuylkill County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
No report.
Berks County:
Click
Here for Berks County Birding Resources including an interactive map
with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.No reports
On Feb 19, Blue Marsh National Recreation Area had
2 TRUMPETER SWANS, and a LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL. Two LONG-TAILED DUCKS
were at Blue Marsh on Feb 23, and TUNDRA SWANS were there through Feb
24. PINE SISKINS visited feeders in Bern Twp. A drake EURASIAN WIGEON
was at Lake Ontelaunee on Feb 22, seen near the dam on Route 73. That
day, a dozen WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were at the Norway spruces east
of the parking lot near the Route 73 dam. CACKLING GEESE were at Lake
Ontelaunee on Feb 21-22 & Feb 24. Two COMMON GOLDENEYES were there
on Feb 22, and 2 TUNDRA SWANS were on Lake Ontelaunee on Feb 24.
Lancaster County:
Click
Here for Lancaster County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
On Feb 25, a SNOWY OWL was seen on the side of Spring
Valley Rd. The SNOWY OWL was about a quarter mile east of Route 272
in East Drumore Twp. A drake EURASIAN WIGEON was at the Mt Eden Rd cove
and Bluegill Rd cove of Octoraro Lake on Feb 21. 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 Feb 24. Thanks go out to
Tom for his generosity and hospitality. A WHITE-WINGED SCOTER was on
the Susquehanna River at Long Level on Feb 22. Highlights from Middle
Creek WMA this week included 2,400 TUNDRA SWANS; 80,000 SNOW GEESE and
6 REDHEADS.
Lebanon County:
Click
Here for Lebanon County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
Six PINE GROSBEAKS and some WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS
were near the General’s House at Memorial Lake State Park on Feb
22.
Carbon County:
No report.
Monroe County:
A COMMON RAVEN was seen at the Delaware Water Gap
National Recreation Area headquarters area on Feb 18. PINE SISKINS were
at a feeder in Saylorsburg, including one green morph SISKIN.
Pike County:
On Feb 18, the Pocono Environmental Education Center
had 6 species of finch including 3 COMMON REDPOLLS, 30 WHITE-WINGED
CROSSBILLS, 10 PINE SISKINS and a PURPLE FINCH.
Wayne County:
No reports
PA Extralimitals:
Through Feb 21, a WESTERN GREBE was on Conodiguinet
Creek in Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County. To reach this area, head
south on Route 114 from its intersection with Route 81. Turn right onto
Willow Mill Rd and go about 0.5 miles to the creek. Do not park in the
road. The GREBE had been seen upstream of the Willow Mill Rd bridge
and upstream of the Route 114 bridge, which is near a Ramada Inn.
Extralimital Reports
No reports
Announcements
On March 15, Chris Walters will lead a DVOC field
trip to Barnegat Lighthouse State Park. This trip is geared toward new
members and students, though all are welcome to attend. The trip will
meet at the lighthouse parking lot at 9:00AM. Attendees should dress
warmly. Target species include King and Common Eiders, Harlequin Duck,
Purple Sandpiper, Ipswich Sparrow, Snow Bunting and Lapland Longspur.
Please contact Chris if you plan on attending. More information including
previous years’ trip reports and contact information for the trip
leader are on the DVOC website: http://www.dvoc.org
The next meeting of the DVOC is on March 5 at 7:30pm
at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia, when Jeff Gordon
will present “Kingfishers and their Allies.” Don Freiday
will present an Ornithological Study entitled “New Jersey Birds
Magazine: The past, present and future of NJ’s journal of ornithological
record.” The meeting after that will be on March 19, featuring
a program by Kevin Karlson. Details are on the website, and guests are
always welcome.
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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