| Current
report - Wednesday April 15, 2009
- Birds Mentioned
Click Here for species
accounts for many of these birds
Swallow-tailed Kite (NJ)+
Black-headed Gull (PA)+
Green-tailed Towhee (NJ)+
Harris's Sparrow (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)
Common Loon
Horned Grebe
Red-necked Grebe
Northern Gannet
American Bittern
Little Blue Heron
Tricolored Heron
Black-crowned Night-heron
Yellow-crowned Night-heron
Glossy Ibis
Greater White-fronted Goose
Lesser Canada Goose
Cackling Goose
Tundra Swan
Eurasian Wigeon
Blue-winged Teal
Long-tailed Duck
Red-breasted Merganser
Northern Goshawk
Red-shouldered Hawk
Broad-winged Hawk
Golden Eagle
American Kestrel
Merlin
Peregrine Falcon
Wild Turkey
Northern Bobwhite
Common Moorhen
Sandhill Crane
American Golden-plover
Piping Plover
Black-necked Stilt
American Avocet
Solitary Sandpiper
Willet
Spotted Sandpiper
Western Sandpiper
Pectoral Sandpiper
Purple Sandpiper
Long-billed Dowitcher
Wilson's Snipe
Bonaparte's Gull
Iceland Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Caspian Tern
Barn Owl
Barred Owl
Short-eared Owl
Whip-poor-will
Red-headed Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
White-eyed Vireo
Blue-headed Vireo
Common Raven
Horned Lark
Purple Martin
Cliff Swallow
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Marsh Wren
Wood Thrush
American Pipit
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Yellow-throated Warbler
Pine Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Palm Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
Prothonotary Warbler
Ovenbird
Louisiana Waterthrush
Hooded Warbler
Vesper Sparrow
Grasshopper Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
Dickcissel
Yellow-headed Blackbird
Rusty Blackbird
Boat-tailed Grackle
Purple Finch
White-winged Crossbill
Pine Siskin
Evening Grosbeak
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 SWALLOW-TAILED KITE
in Cape May County, NJ; BLACK-HEADED GULL and HARRIS’S SPARROW in
Lancaster County, PA; 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.
A SWALLOW-TAILED KITE flew over The Nature Conservancy’s
Cape Island Preserve on Apr 13. Highlights from The Nature Conservancy’s
Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge included LITTLE BLUE HERON, a BROAD-WINGED
HAWK and MERLINS. A WHIP-POOR-WILL called from Hidden Valley Ranch on
Apr 10. A PILEATED WOODPECKER was spotted on Cape Island, seen from
Bayshore Rd just south of Stevens St on Apr 10. An ICELAND GULL, 8 PIPING
PLOVERS and PURPLE SANDPIPERS were at Stone Harbor Point on Apr 11.
A PIPING PLOVER was at Corson’s Inlet on Apr 10. Two SHORT-EARED
OWLS were at Jake’s Landing on Apr 8. A WHIP-POOR-WILL called
from Jake’s Landing on Apr 8 & 10; a MARSH WREN and YELLOW-THROATED
WARBLERS were there on Apr 11. On Apr 8, Beaver Swamp WMA had LITTLE
BLUE HERON, GLOSSY IBIS and SPOTTED SANDPIPER. Highlights from Belleplain
State Forest included RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, WHITE-EYED VIREO, YELLOW-THROATED
WARBLER, HOODED WARBLER and LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH.
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.
A PROTHONOTARY WARBLER was at the Dividing Creek area
on Apr 9. Two WILLETS were seen from Money Island Rd in Gandys Beach.
YELLOW-THROATED WARBLERS were at the eastern section of Bevan WMA near
the gun club.
Atlantic County:
Click
Here for Atlantic County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
Highlights from the Brigantine Division of Edwin B
Forsythe NWR included HORNED GREBE, TRICOLORED HERON and CASPIAN TERN.
Monmouth County:
Click
Here for Monmouth County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
Highlights from the Sandy Hook Migration Watch included
RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS, MERLINS and thousands of NORTHERN GANNETS. On
Apr 12, the Migration Watch noted 226 AMERICAN KESTRELS. Twenty PINE
SISKINS buzzed around Allaire State Park on Apr 10, and a PILEATED WOODPECKER
was heard at Allaire that day.
Burlington County:
Click
Here for Burlington County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
No reports
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 Apr 9. 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.
No reports
Salem County:
Click
Here for Salem County Birding Resources including an interactive map
with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
The 4 BREWER’S BLACKBIRDS were still at the
pasture at Freas Rd off Route 49 through Apr 11. On Apr 11, Mannington
Marsh had 2 COMMON MOORHENS, a flyby SANDHILL CRANE and 6 LITTLE BLUE
HERONS. A flock of 50 GLOSSY IBIS were at Compromise Rd on Apr 12.
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:
Five LITTLE GULLS were with a flock of BONAPARTE’S
GULLS near the mouth of Cheesequake Creek in South Amboy on Apr 11.
The RED-HEADED WOODPECKER at Great Swamp NWR was seen on Apr 9.
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.
No reports
Somerset County:
Click
Here for Somerset County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
Scherman-Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary had 3 LOUISIANA
WATERTHRUSHES and a PILEATED WOODPECKER on Apr 13, and over 100 PINE
SISKINS were there on Apr 15. PINE SISKINS were at feeders in Basking
Ridge, where a green morph PINE SISKIN was courting a goldfinch on Apr
15.
Morris County:
PINE SISKINS were at Bee Meadow Park in Hanover Twp
on Apr 10.
Union County:
No reports
NJ Extralimitals:
In Sussex County, a SANDHILL CRANE was seen from Quarry
Rd near Black Dirt Marsh on Apr 10.
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.
On Apr 8, CLIFF SWALLOWS were spotted at the Flemings
Landing Bridge on Route 9, which is over Duck Creek. Highlights from
Ashland Nature Center included BROAD-WINGED HAWK, PINE WARBLER and LOUISIANA
WATERTHRUSH. On Apr 13, Lums Pond State Park had LITTLE BLUE HERONS,
and Brandywine Creek State Park had a LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH.
Kent County:
Click
Here for Kent County Birding Resources including an interactive map
with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
There were 450 AMERICAN AVOCETS at the south impoundment
of the Logan Tract of Ted Harvey WA on Apr 12. A flock of 130 GLOSSY
IBIS was on the wet lawn of the Smyrna prison on Apr 8. Bombay Hook
NWR had AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS Apr 9 & Apr 12, this species was
seen at the Shearness and Bear Swamp areas. A BLACK-NECKED STILT was
on the mudflats across from Bear Swamp on Apr 12. At least 20 NORTHERN
BOBWHITES flushed from the roadside leading out of the Bear Swamp area
on Apr 12. Other highlights from Bombay Hook this week included RED-NECKED
GREBE, AMERICAN BITTERN, TUNDRA SWAN, MERLIN, WILD TURKEY, AMERICAN
AVOCET, WESTERN SANDPIPER, LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER, BARN OWL, BARRED OWL,
MARSH WRENS and BOAT-TAILED GRACKLES. On Apr 9, the Aquatic Resources
Education Center north of Taylor’s Gut had perched CLIFF SWALLOWS.
Highlights from Killens Pond State Park included BARRED OWL, PILEATED
WOODPECKER, WOOD THRUSHES and OVENBIRDS. On Apr 13, Little Creek WA
had 40-50 GLOSSY IBIS visible from the observation tower.
Sussex County:
Click
Here for Sussex County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
The Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch noted RED-SHOULDERED
HAWKS, MERLINS, AMERICAN KESTRELS and NORTHERN GANNETS. Three unidentified
JAEGERS were spotted from the hawk watch on Apr 12. A PRAIRIE WARBLER
was at Rehoboth Beach on Apr 10. A GRASSHOPPER SPARROW was in a field
of winter wheat near Redden State Forest on Apr 13. The field is at
the intersection of Route 113 and Maple Branch Rd. A LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH
was at the Redden picnic area that day. Trap Pond State Park had a PROTHONOTARY
WARBLER and LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH on Apr 13. On Apr 13, a PROTHONOTARY
WARBLER was at the back end of Abbott’s Pond at Abbott’s
Mill Nature Center.
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 Apr 14, a RED-BREASTED MERGANSER and 2 BONAPARTE’S
GULLS were at Pennypack on the Delaware in Northeast Philadelphia. John
Heinz NWR at Tinicum had a YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER at the pipeline cut
on Apr 9. Other highlights from the refuge included PRAIRIE WARBLERS,
OVENBIRD, 50 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS and 60 WILSON’S SNIPES. Highlights
from Fairmount Park included BARRED OWL calling from the Chestnut Hill
Side of Wissahickon Creek along Northwestern Ave, and LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH
at the Rex Ave bridge and at the Forbidden Dr area.
Delaware County:
Click Here
for Delaware County Birding Resources including an interactive map with
locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.No reports
On Apr 12, a YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON was seen near the border of
Delaware County and Philadelphia County at John Heinz NWR at Tinicum.
The YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS was on the edge of Darby Creek, not
far from the refuge visitor center. PINE SISKINS were at the pinetum
at Haverford College.
Chester County:
Click Here
for Chester County Birding Resources including an interactive map with
locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
A flock of 20 WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS
were at Bucktoe Creek Preserve on Apr 13, and 22 BROAD-WINGED HAWKS
flew over the preserve that day. Other highlights from Bucktoe included
PILEATED WOODPECKER and PINE WARBLER. On Apr 12, a COMMON LOON was on
the lake at Hibernia County Park while a BROAD-WINGED HAWK circled overhead.
The park had a CASPIAN TERN, 2 RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS and PINE SISKINS
on Apr 15. On Apr 8-9, a BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON was at a pond near
the intersection of Deep Willow Dr and Wharton Blvd in Lionville. A
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER and PINE SISKINS were at Nottingham County Park
on Apr 10. A PURPLE FINCH and PINE WARBLER visited feeders in Devon.
Montgomery County:
Click
Here for Montgomery County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.No Reports
Seven WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS and PINE SISKINS
were on the Montgomery County portion of the Haverford College campus
on Apr 8. At least one SISKIN was seen carrying nest material there. Green
Lane Reservoir had a BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON, seen from Knight Rd on
Apr 10. Another BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON was at the pond near the visitor
center at Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust (PERT) on Apr 13. Both
PERT and Evansburg State Park had reports of LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH. A
BROAD-WINGED HAWK flew over Pottstown’s Riverfront Park on Apr 13.
Bucks County:
Click
Here for Bucks County Birding Resources including an interactive map
with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
Peace Valley Park had BONAPARTE’S GULLS on Apr
8-9, 2 CASPIAN TERNS on Apr 7 and a VESPER SPARROW on Apr 11. Other
highlights from Peace Valley included 2 COMMON LOONS, 1-2 RED-BREASTED
MERGANSERS, LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS, MERLIN, WILD TURKEY, PILEATED
WOODPECKER and PINE SISKINS. An ICELAND GULL was at the Tohickon Boat
Access at Nockamixon State Park on Apr 10, and near the boat rental
parking lot on Apr 11. Three RED-NECKED GREBES were on Lake Nockamixon
on Apr 11, and one was still there on Apr 15. Other highlights from
Nockamixon included LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS, BONAPARTE’S GULLS
and PINE WARBLERS. Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve had a PILEATED
WOODPECKER and 20 PINE SISKINS on Apr 9; a BLUE-HEADED VIREO was there
on Apr 14. Highlights from Churchville Nature Center included BLACK-CROWNED
NIGHT-HERON, LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL, PINE WARBLER and PINE SISKIN.
The DICKCISSEL at the back of an apartment complex near the Neshaminy
Mall was still visiting the feeders through Apr 9. The bird fed from
a second floor deck near apartments 1699 & 1700 at the Korman apartment
complex off Neshaminy Valley Dr. If you go to see the bird, you should
park in the parking space facing the breezeway between apt 1699 &
apt 1700, and please respect the residents of the apartment complexes.
Northampton County:
Click
Here for Northampton County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
PINE SISKINS were still at the Koch property through
Apr 8, and a PURPLE FINCH was there on Apr 8. On Apr 10, Jacobsburg
State Park had PINE SISKINS, BLUE-HEADED VIREO and 4 LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSHES
were found along Bushkill Creek. The Jacobsburg office had 62 PINE SISKINS
on Apr 11.
Lehigh County:
Click
Here for Lehigh County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
On Apr 15, a flock of 20 WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were
in Allentown at Grandview Cemetery off Cedar Crest Blvd. A GOLDEN EAGLE
was spotted at Leaser Lake on Apr 9. On Apr 11, two CASPIAN TERNS were
circling overhead near the dam at Leaser Lake. Other highlights from
Leaser Lake included SOLITARY SANDPIPER, PURPLE MARTINS and PINE SISKINS.
Two LESSER CANADA GEESE were at Dorney Pond on Apr 10. PINE SISKINS
were at Whitehall Parkway and Jordan Creek Parkway on Apr 12.
Schuylkill County:
Click
Here for Schuylkill County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
Sweet Arrow Lake had PINE SISKINS and a COMMON RAVEN
on Apr 11. PINE SISKINS were at feeders in Schuylkill Haven. The Landingville
Dam area had WILD TURKEYS.
Berks County:
Click
Here for Berks County Birding Resources including an interactive map
with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.No reports
On Apr 9, six GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE and a CACKLING
GOOSE were at Gotwals Pond in Oley. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary had a GOLDEN
EAGLE on Apr 12. Other highlights from Hawk Mountain included COMMON
LOONS, BROAD-WINGED HAWKS and PEREGRINE FALCONS. Two CASPIAN TERNS were
by the bridge off Route 73 at Lake Ontelaunee on Apr 13. The drake EURASIAN
WIGEON was seen from the closed bridge at Lake Ontelaunee’s West
Shore Dr on Apr 9. Other highlights from Ontelaunee included RED-BREASTED
MERGANSERS, BONAPARTE’S GULLS, COMMON RAVENS, CLIFF SWALLOWS and
PINE SISKINS. Smith Lane in Alburtis had 50 HORNED LARKS and 75 AMERICAN
PIPITS on Apr 13. SGL-110 had 2 American Minks, a pair of PILEATED WOODPECKERS
and a PINE WARBLER on Apr 11.
Lancaster County:
Click
Here for Lancaster County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
On Apr 11-13, a HARRIS’S SPARROW and a large
flock of WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS have been seen at various spots along
a thick fence row downstream from the bridge that crosses the East Branch
of Octoraro Creek, near Steelville. The HARRIS’S SPARROW has been
seen from a horse farm that is private property at 467 Creek Rd, Christiana,
PA 17509. All viewing at this site must be done from the road, and please
be considerate of local motorists and landowners. A YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD
was at this location on Apr 12-13, and a GRASSHOPPER SPARROW was there
on Apr 13. On Apr 10, a first year BLACK-HEADED GULL was spotted on
the Susquehanna River at Wildcat Falls just north of Accomac Inn. Two
RED-NECKED GREBES were at Long Level on Apr 10, and over 50 PINE SISKINS
were at Safe Harbor. Other highlights from the Susquehanna River area
included COMMON LOONS, RED-BREASTED MERGANSER and over 300 BONAPARTE’S
GULLS. On Apr 14, thirty-five LONG-TAILED DUCKS were off Turkey Point
on Lake Clark. On Apr 8-9, a SANDHILL CRANE was seen at the northwest
corner of the pond at stop #1 of the Middle Creek WMA auto tour, and
the CRANE was seen near the visitor center on Apr 9. Middle Creek still
had 2 SHORT-EARED OWLS were seen near stop #3 through Apr 9. Other highlights
from Middle Creek included PECTORAL SANDPIPERS and BLUE-WINGED TEAL.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS were at the Ephrata heron rookery. Highlights
from the Octoraro Lake area included PILEATED WOODPECKER, RED-BREASTED
NUTHATCHES, HORNED LARK, PURPLE MARTINS and PINE SISKIN. The Pumping
Station Rd area held LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH and PINE SISKINS on Apr 13.
Highlights from Speedwell Forge Lake and County Park included BLACK-CROWNED
NIGHT-HERONS, BONAPARTE’S GULL and PINE SISKINS.
Lebanon County:
Click
Here for Lebanon County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
An AMERICAN BITTERN and COMMON RAVEN were at Memorial
Lake State Park on Apr 11.
Carbon County:
Highlights from the Lehigh Gap Nature Center on Apr
13 included migrating COMMON LOONS and a PINE SISKIN. On Apr 11, there
were 21 BONAPARTE’S GULLS near the dam at Beltzville State Park,
and the white oaks at the dam breast held 20 PALM WARBLERS, 10 PINE
WARBLERS and several YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS all feeding on midges.
Monroe County:
Fifty PINE SISKINS have been visiting a yard in Kunkletown.
Pike County:
Over the weekend, Promised Land State Park had a NORTHERN
GOSHAWK, LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSHES and a flyby SANDHILL CRANE that was
by the lower lake.
Wayne County:
No reports
PA Extralimitals:
Nine EVENING GROSBEAKS were discovered in Harrisburg,
Dauphin County.
Extralimital Reports
No reports
Announcements
On April 18, Lynn Jackson will lead a joint DVOC and
Wyncote Audubon field trip to Coastal Delaware. The field trip will
focus on lingering winter visitors and early migrants. The trip will
meet start in New Castle and head south into Kent County. Please contact
Lynn the week before the scheduled trip date for meeting time and place
if you plan on attending. On April 19, Jeff Holt will lead a DVOC field
trip to Riverwinds and the National Park dredge spoils in Gloucester
County, NJ. The trip will focus on early migrants and breeders such
as bitterns, rails, moorhen, coot and Pied-billed Grebe. The trip will
meet 7:00AM at Riverwinds. Please contact Jeff 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 16 at 7:30pm
at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia, when Andy Smith
will present “Ten Million Years and Still Going: Sandhill Cranes
on the Platte River and Elsewhere.” The meeting after that will
be on May 7, featuring a program by Chris Lotz entitled “"Birding
the Southern Third of Africa from Cape Town to Victoria Falls and Namibia.”
Details are on the website, and guests are always welcome.
The scheduled program for the Apr 17 meeting of the
Wyncote Audubon Society has been cancelled.
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 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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Siler's eBird Rarities Map