| Current
report - Wednesday March 25, 2009
- Birds Mentioned
Click Here for species
accounts for many of these birds
Green-tailed Towhee (NJ)+
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
Red-necked Grebe
Northern Gannet
Great Cormorant
American Bittern
Great Egret
Snowy Egret
Glossy Ibis
Greater White-fronted Goose
Canada X Snow Goose
Tundra Swan
Eurasian Wigeon
Redhead
Common Eider
Harlequin Duck
Surf Scoter
White-winged Scoter
Black Scoter
Long-tailed Duck
Red-breasted Merganser
Rough-legged Hawk
Golden Eagle
Merlin
Wild Turkey
Northern Bobwhite
Piping Plover
Pectoral Sandpiper
Purple Sandpiper
Wilson's Snipe
Laughing Gull
Little Gull
Bonaparte's Gull
Iceland Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Barn Owl
Short-eared Owl
Red-headed Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
Eastern Phoebe
Common Raven
Red-breasted Nuthatch
American Pipit
Orange-crowned Warbler
Pine Warbler
Vesper Sparrow
Ipswich Sparrow
Fox Sparrow
Lapland Longspur
Snow Bunting
Rusty Blackbird
Boat-tailed Grackle
Purple Finch
White-winged Crossbill
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 GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE
in Camden County, NJ and BREWER’S BLACKBIRDS 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.
Two RED-NECKED GREBES were spotted off the Convention
Center in Cape May on Mar 25. The Nature Conservancy’s Cape May
Migratory Bird Refuge had 2 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS on Mar 21, a GLOSSY
IBIS on Mar 19, plus an AMERICAN BITTERN and ICELAND GULL on Mar 20.
Other birds at the refuge included PIPING PLOVERS and BONAPARTE’S
GULLS. On Mar 19, an estimated 300 NORTHERN GANNETS emptied out of Delaware
Bay, as seen from Sunset Beach. Other birds in the area that day included
IPSWICH SPARROW, RED-THROATED LOONS, GREAT CORMORANTS, WHITE-WINGED
SCOTERS, BLACK and SURF SCOTERS. Three PINE SISKINS were at the Cape
May Bird Observatory’s Northwoods Center on Mar 19. A pair of
PINE WARBLERS was at the Villas WMA on Mar 21. Jake’s Landing
continued to host SHORT-EARED OWLS, with two spotted on Mar 21. Belleplain
State Forest had PINE WARBLERS and RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES.
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.
Through Mar 21, up to nine WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS
were in the Japanese black pines at the center island of the parking
lot for the Brigantine Division of Edwin B Forsythe NWR. Other birds
at the refuge that day included a SHORT-EARED OWL and a NORTHERN BOBWHITE.
A SNOWY EGRET and 2 REDHEADS were at Brigantine’s SW Pool on Mar
19. That day, 2 PINE WARBLERS were at the parking lot area, and 3 SHORT-EARED
OWLS were perched in the SE corner of the refuge.
Monmouth County:
Click
Here for Monmouth County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
Sandy Hook had 2 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS and a RED-NECKED
GREBE on Mar 23. An ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was at the start of the trail
near the Sandy Hook Migration Watch platform on Mar 21. Other sightings
from Sandy Hook included Harbor Seals, HORNED GREBES, GREAT CORMORANTS
and PIPING PLOVER. A RED-THROATED LOON was at Assunpink WMA on Mar 21.
Burlington County:
Click
Here for Burlington County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
Eight WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS and PINE SISKINS visited
a yard in Riverton on Mar 21-22.
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 Mar 22. 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. Two HORNED GREBES were on
Penbryn Pond in Berlin on Mar 20. PINE SISKINS were reported from Cherry
Hill and Cedarbrook.
Ocean County:
Click
Here for Ocean County Birding Resources including an interactive map
with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
On Mar 23, a RED-NECKED GREBE and COMMON EIDER were
spotted from the jetty at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park. Two RED-NECKED
GREBES were there on Mar 18 & 21. That day, a PIPING PLOVER was
on the beach at Barnegat Lighthouse. Other sightings from the state
park included NORTHERN GANNETS, HARLEQUIN DUCKS and PURPLE SANDPIPERS.
Salem County:
Click
Here for Salem County Birding Resources including an interactive map
with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
The pasture at the intersection of West Supawna Rd
and Freas Rd in Salem had 2 male and 2 female BREWER’S BLACKBIRDS
on Mar 23
Gloucester County:
Click
Here for Gloucester County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
No reports
Hunterdon County:
Click
Here for Hunterdon County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
No reports
Middlesex County:
PINE SISKINS visited feeders in Metuchen, Highland
Park and East Brunswick.
Mercer County:
Click
Here for Mercer County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
A SHORT-EARED OWL was at the pole farm at Mercer County
Park Northwest on Mar 22. The Hamilton-Trenton Marsh had a RUSTY BLACKBIRD
on Mar 22.
Warren County:
Click
Here for Warren County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
No reports
Somerset County:
Click
Here for Somerset County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
PINE SISKINS were reported from Raritan and Basking
Ridge.
Morris County:
A BARN OWL was spotted just outside of Great Swamp
NWR on Mar 23. On Mar 22, a GOLDEN EAGLE was photographed from Pleasant
Plains Rd in Great Swamp, and the RED-HEADED WOODPECKER was seen in
the refuge that day. PINE SISKINS were reported from Boonton.
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.
The Middletown Auto Mall, on US-13/DE-299, had up
to 5 SNOW BUNTINGS and many LAPLAND LONGSPURS through Mar 24. On Mar
23, the Auto Mall had 28-40 LAPLAND LONGSPURS. A PURPLE FINCH was at
Brandywine State Park on Mar 19. That day, Ashland Nature Center’s
feeders had 70 PINE SISKINS and 10 PURPLE FINCHES. A swampy woodland
near New Castle had 30 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS on Mar 19.
Kent County:
Click
Here for Kent County Birding Resources including an interactive map
with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was found at Bombay Hook NWR on
Mar 21. That day, a CANADA GOOSE X SNOW GOOSE hybrid was at Raymond
Pool. Bear Swamp had 17 WILSON’S SNIPES and an EASTERN PHOEBE
on Mar 21. A FOX SPARROW was at Finis Pool that day. A HORNED GREBE
was seen in tidal waters off Shearness Pool, while a BOAT-TAILED GRACKLE
was on the mudflats near the dike. The fields at the Allee House have
been plowed recently, and 200 AMERICAN PIPITS and a LAPLAND LONGSPUR
were there on Mar 24. At least three AMERICAN PIPITS flew over those
fields on Mar 21. Other highlights from Bombay Hook included TUNDRA
SWANS and PILEATED WOODPECKER. On Mar 22, seven hundred NORTHERN GANNETS
were feeding offshore of Port Mahon, and a LAUGHING GULL was in the
area.
Sussex County:
Click
Here for Sussex County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
On Mar 19, a PIPING PLOVER was at the bayside of Cape
Henlopen State Park near the fishing Pier. Hundreds of NORTHERN GANNETS
were seen from Cape Henlopen State Park on Mar 20. A VESPER SPARROW
was seen in Seaford on Mar 22. PINE WARBLERS visited a feeder in Milford,
and an EASTERN PHOEBE was also seen there.
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.
No reports
Delaware County:
Click Here
for Delaware County Birding Resources including an interactive map with
locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.No reports
PINE SISKINS were at feeders in Lima and Springfield.
Chester County:
Click Here
for Chester 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 Mar 22. 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. Two HORNED GREBES were
on Penbryn Pond in Berlin on Mar 20. PINE SISKINS were reported from
Cherry Hill and Cedarbrook.
Montgomery County:
Click
Here for Montgomery County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.No Reports
A LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was at Green Lane
Reservoir on Mar 22. PINE SISKINS came to feeders in Huntingdon Valley,
Norristown and Green Lane.
Bucks County:
Click
Here for Bucks County Birding Resources including an interactive map
with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
A GREAT EGRET was at Peace Valley Park on Mar 19.
Two RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS were on Lake Galena at Peace Valley on Mar
21, and a COMMON LOON was there on Mar 23. Peace Valley had 4 WHITE-WINGED
CROSSBILLS in a Norway spruce at a gravel parking lot at the east end
of Creek Rd. Other highlights from Peace Valley included MERLIN, LESSER
BLACK-BACKED GULLS, PILEATED WOODPECKER and PINE SISKINS. On Mar 21,
Nockamixon State Park had 332 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS and an ICELAND
GULL at the marina. A COMMON LOON was on Lake Nockamixon that day. Falls
Township Community Park had an ICELAND GULL on Mar 20. Reports from
Churchville Nature Center this week included LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS,
FOX SPARROW and PINE SISKINS. Silver Lake Park had 24 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS
on Mar 21. A BONAPARTE’S GULL and LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL were
near the dam at Core Creek Park on Mar 20. On Mar 24, a GREATER WHITE-FRONTED
GOOSE was at the Woodbourne Causeway of Core Creek Park.
Northampton County:
Click
Here for Northampton County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
A TUNDRA SWAN was on the Lehigh River north of the
Cementon Bridge on Mar 19-20. PINE SISKINS were at Echo Lake on Mar
22.
Lehigh County:
Click
Here for Lehigh County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
A LONG-TAILED DUCK was on the Fogelsville Quarry on
Mar 19. At Walking Purchase Park in Salisbury, 3 LESSER BLACK-BACKED
GULLS were on the Lehigh River on Mar 21. On Mar 19, LESSER BLACK-BACKED
GULLS were on the Lehigh River in Allentown. The GREATER WHITE-FRONTED
GOOSE has still been seen on Dorney Pond. On Mar 24, double digit AMERICAN
PIPITS were noted at Smith Lane in Alburtis. A TUNDRA SWAN and RUSTY
BLACKBIRD were at the landfill pond west of Dorney Rd that day.
Schuylkill County:
Click
Here for Schuylkill County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
Ringtown Reservoir had over 300 TUNDRA SWANS on Mar
18.
Berks County:
Click
Here for Berks County Birding Resources including an interactive map
with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.No reports
A EURASIAN WIGEON was at the closed bridge on West
Shore Dr at Lake Ontelaunee on Mar 19-22. On Mar 22, a RED-NECKED GREBE
was at Lake Ontelaunee, and 3 RED-NECKED GREBES were at the West Shore
Dr are on Mar 19. The Peters Creek area had WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS
between the road and the railroad tracks on Mar 22. On Mar 19, WHITE-WINGED
CROSSBILLS were seen near the riprap east of the dam on Route 73, and
a lone CROSSBILL was at Bailey Creek. A LONG-TAILED DUCK, BONAPARTE’S
GULL and COMMON RAVEN were at Lake Ontelaunee on Mar 19. Other birds
at Lake Ontelaunee this week included HORNED GREBE, REDHEADS, RED-BREASTED
NUTHATCHES and PINE SISKINS.
Lancaster County:
Click
Here for Lancaster County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
On Mar 23, a LITTLE GULL was spotted on the Susquehanna
River, with best viewing from the Lemon St Access in Wrightsville. BONAPARTE’S
GULLS were in the area on Mar 18. That day there were 2 RED-NECKED GREBES
on the Susquehanna below Long Level. Over 50 TUNDRA SWANS were at the
Conejohela Flats on Mar 18, when COMMON GOLDENEYES and BONAPARTE’S
GULLS were at the Columbia Boat Ramp that day. The WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS
were still being seen at Conestoga Pines Park through Mar 23. Three
SHORT-EARED OWLS were at Stop #3 at Middle Creek WMA on Mar 22. Other
sightings from Middle Creek included TUNDRA SWANS. On Mar 19, Lake Octoraro
had 11 TUNDRA SWANS. That day, Peach Bottom had 7 HORNED GREBES, a RED-NECKED
GREBE, 15 RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS and 11 WILD TURKEYS. A green morph
PINE SISKIN was at a feeder in Peach Bottom on Mar 25
Lebanon County:
Click
Here for Lebanon County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
No reports
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 March 28, Tony Croasdale will lead a DVOC field
trip to Franklin Parker Preserve. The field trip will focus on lingering
winter visitors and early migrants. The trip will meet at the Chatsworth
Firehouse at the corner of Route 563 and Route 532 at 9:00AM, where
participants will carpool into the preserve. After touring the preserve,
the trip will look for Red-headed Woodpecker at a reliable pinelands
location. Please contact Tony if you plan on attending. On March 29,
Frank Windfelder will lead a DVOC field trip to Southwest New Jersey
including Pedricktown and Mannington Marsh focusing on lingering winter
birds and early migrants. The trip will meet 7:30AM at the Pedricktown
Marsh causeway, with an earlier meeting for American Woodcocks at the
Center Square Rd railroad tracks at 6:15AM. Please contact Frank if
you plan on attending. More information on these trips including trip
reports from previous years, directions and contact information for
the trip leaders are on the DVOC website: http://www.dvoc.org
The next meeting of the DVOC is on April 2 at 7:30pm
at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia, when Bill Evans
will present “Nocturnal Migration of Birds in the 21st Century.”
The meeting after that will be on April 16, featuring a program by Andy
Smith entitled “Ten Million Years and Still Going: Sandhill Cranes
on the Platte River and Elsewhere.” Details are on the website,
and guests are always welcome.
At 7:30PM on Apr 17, the Wyncote Audubon Society
will meet at the Plymouth Meeting House located at the intersection
of Germantown and Butler Pikes in Plymouth Meeting, when Bob Mulvihill
will present " PA Breeding Bird Atlas." The program is free
and open to the public.
The next meeting of the DVOC is on March 19
at 7:30pm at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia, when Kevin
Karlson will present “Shorebirds: A Different Approach to Field
ID.” The meeting after that will be on April 2, featuring a program
by Bill Evans entitled “Nocturnal Migration of Birds in the 21st
Century.” 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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