| Current
report - Wednesday May 6, 2009
- Birds Mentioned
Click Here for species
accounts for many of these birds
White-faced Ibis (NJ)+
Black-bellied Whistling-duck (DE)+
Swallow-tailed Kite (NJ)+
Swallow-tailed Kite (PA)+
Say's Phoebe (NJ)+
Green-tailed Towhee (NJ)+
Painted Bunting (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
American Bittern
Least Bittern
Cattle Egret
Yellow-crowned Night-heron
Snow Goose
Ross's Goose
Tundra Swan
Broad-winged Hawk
Merlin
Ruffed Grouse
Northern Bobwhite
King Rail
Virginia Rail
Sora
Piping Plover
Black-necked Stilt
Whimbrel
Red Knot
Dunlin
Stilt Sandpiper
Red-necked Phalarope
Parasitic Jaeger
Little Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Glaucous Gull
Nelson's Gull (Glaucous X Herring Hybrid)
Black Tern
Black-billed Cuckoo
Barn Owl
Chuck-will's-widow
Whip-poor-will
Red-headed Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
Least Flycatcher
Philadelphia Vireo
Bank Swallow
Cliff Swallow
Sedge Wren
Swainson's Thrush
American Pipit
Lawrence's Warbler
Tennessee Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Cerulean Warbler X Northern Parula
Cape May Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Yellow-throated Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Bay-breasted Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Cerulean Warbler
Prothonotary Warbler
Worm-eating Warbler
Kentucky Warbler
Hooded Warbler
Wilson's Warbler
Canada Warbler
Yellow-breasted Chat
Summer Tanager
Vesper Sparrow
Grasshopper Sparrow
Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Blue Grosbeak
Dickcissel
Bobolink
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 WHITE-FACED IBIS,
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE, SAY’S PHOEBE and PAINTED BUNTING in Cape May
County, NJ; BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK in Sussex County, DE; possible
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE 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.
A SWALLOW-TAILED KITE flew over Higbee Beach WMA on
May 5, later reported from Stevens Street and Lily Lake. On May 6, the
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE was seen at Stevens St, Higbee Beach, The Nature
Conservancy’s (TNC) Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge and the Rea
Farm. A SALTMARSH SHARP-TAILED SPARROW was at Higbee Beach WMA’s
dike at dawn on May 2, and a KENTUCKY WARBLER was at Higbee on May 6.
On May 5, a female PAINTED BUNTING was at the main pond along the dirt
lane closest to Bayshore Rd at the Rea Farm, and may be the same bird
spotted at a private residence in Cape May on May 1. A MISSISSIPPI KITE
flew over the Rea Farm on May 5-6, and CATTLE EGRETS were there through
May 2. Other highlights from the Rea Farm included BLUE GROSBEAKS, CAPE
MAY WARBLER and PROTHONOTARY WARBLERS. A SAY’S PHOEBE was at the
dune crossing of The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) Cape May Migratory
Bird Refuge on May 1. That SAY’S PHOEBE was first discovered at
the Cove Pool boardwalk at the end of Mount Vernon Ave on Apr 30. A
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was there on May 6. The BLACK-NECKED STILT
was still at TNC Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge through May 6. The STILT
has been seen at the plover pond between the refuge and Cape May Point
State Park; at times it is out of view due to the dunes. A BLACK-NECKED
STILT was on the “gull island” at the East Trail on May
4. A first winter LITTLE GULL and BLACK TERN were at that location on
May 5, and a GLAUCOUS GULL was there on May 1. A ROSEATE TERN was at
that site on May 3. Other sightings from the Cape May Migratory Bird
Refuge included AMERICAN BITTERN, PARASITIC JAEGER, PIPING PLOVERS,
RED KNOTS, STILT SANDPIPER and LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS. A RED-HEADED
WOODPECKER flew over the parking lot at Cape May Point State Park on
May 2, and another was at the park on May 6. The RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS
at the Villas WMA were reported through May 6. Meanwhile, a warbler
flock at the Cape May Bird Observatory (CMBO) Northwoods Center included
BAY-BREASTED WARBLER and BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER. A RED-HEADED WOODPECKER
was in a yard two houses down from the Northwoods Center that
day. On May 2, the Magnesite Plant had a GRASSHOPPER SPARROW on the
main path between Davies Lake and the creek crossover. A PARASITIC JAEGER
was off Sunset Beach.
A WHITE-FACED IBIS was at Beaver Swamp WMA on
May 3, and a NORTHERN BOBWHITE was there on May 4. Six RED KNOTS were
at the north end of Reed’s Beach on May 4. A WHIP-POOR-WILL called
at Jake’s Landing on the morning of May 2. On May 4, a NELSON’S
GULL (HERRING GULL X GLAUCOUS GULL) was at Two Mile Landing, off Ocean
Dr between Cape May and Wildwood Crest. On May 3, a CATTLE EGRET was
at the Eastern Shore Nursing Home on Route 9. A DICKCISSEL was at the
former heron rookery in Stone Harbor on May 5. In Avalon, a RED-HEADED
WOODPECKER was at the intersection of 49th and 50th Streets on May 5.
On May 5, a likely hybrid CERULEAN WARBLER X NORTHERN PARULA was discovered
at Head of River near Belleplain. On May 2 & 4, a KENTUCKY WARBLER
sang near the triangle at Sunset Rd in Belleplain State Forest. Other
seasonal highlights from Belleplain included PROTHONOTARY WARBLER, WORM-EATING
WARBLERS and SUMMER TANAGERS
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 RED-HEADED WOODPECKER was at Bevan WMA on Apr 30.
On May 2, a VIRGINIA RAIL, SEDGE WREN and SALTMARSH SHARP-TAILED SPARROW
were heard at Turkey Point in The Natural Land Trust’s Glades
Wildlife Refuge.
Atlantic County:
Click
Here for Atlantic County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
No reports
Monmouth County:
Click
Here for Monmouth County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
A LEAST BITTERN called from the North Pond at Sandy
Hook on May 2. The Sandy Hook Migration Watch noted MERLINS and BROAD-WINGED
HAWKS this week
Burlington County:
Click
Here for Burlington County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
On May 3, Brightview Farm had 25 BOBOLINKS. A LEAST
BITTERN flew over Campo’s Pond at Palmyra Cove Nature Park on
Apr 30. A KENTUCKY WARBLER and BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER were at Hawkin Rd
on May 6.
Camden County:
Click
Here for Camden County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
A GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE was still at 1147 Mansion Ave,
Collingswood, NJ 08108, which is off of Cuthbert Blvd, with sightings
as recent as May 3. 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. On May 4, a WORM-EATING
WARBLER was at Winslow WMA. That day, Donio Park and Conservation Area
had a BLACKPOLL WARBLER and BANK SWALLOWS. Pennypacker Park had a BLACKPOLL
WARBLER on May 2.
Ocean County:
Click
Here for Ocean County Birding Resources including an interactive map
with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
No report
Salem County:
Click
Here for Salem County Birding Resources including an interactive map
with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
CATTLE EGRETS were back in the Mannington Marsh area
this week
Gloucester County:
Click
Here for Gloucester County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
A CAPE MAY WARBLER was near National Park on May 2.
Hunterdon County:
Click
Here for Hunterdon County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
No reports
Middlesex County:
On May 2-3, a LITTLE GULL was at South Amboy, spotted
from Cliff Ave on May 3 and from the creek outfall on May 2. PINE SISKINS
visited feeders in East Brunswick.
Mercer County:
Click
Here for Mercer County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
No report
Warren County:
Click
Here for Warren County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
Old Mine Rd had BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO and CERULEAN WARBLER
Somerset County:
Click
Here for Somerset County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
On May 3, a SUMMER TANAGER was at the Delaware &
Raritan Canal at DeMott. The Griggstown Grasslands had BOBOLINKS and
GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS on May 4.
Morris County:
A LAWRENCE’S WARBLER was at the Elizabeth Kay
Center in Chester on May 3.
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.
On May 3, a ROSS’S GOOSE was in a SNOW GOOSE
flock off Route 9 in Flemings Landing. Sightings from Ashland Nature
Center included ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK. Brandywine Creek State Park
had YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT and PRAIRIE WARBLERS. White Clay Creek State
Park had ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK, KENTUCKY WARBLER and CANADA WARBLERS
on May 2. A BOBOLINK was seen on a wire at Webb Lane in Newark on May
3. On the evening of May 4, SORAS called from Grier’s Pond, and
a KING RAIL called from the base of the Reedy Point Bridge.
Kent County:
Click
Here for Kent County Birding Resources including an interactive map
with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT sang and BARN OWL called at
Bombay Hook NWR on the evening of May 4. Other sightings from Bombay
Hook included BLACK-NECKED STILTS and PILEATED WOODPECKER. On Apr 30,
a BLUE GROSBEAK sang at Big Oak County Park, which is south of Smyrna.
A BOBOLINK was seen at the Blackbird Creek Reserve of the Delaware National
Estuarine Research Reserve (DNERR), near Townsend. Norman G Wilder WA
had a PHILADELPHIA VIREO on May 2. Other birds at that location included
WORM-EATING WARBLER, KENTUCKY WARBLER, PURPLE FINCH, ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK
and BLUE GROSBEAK. Pickering Beach had calling VIRGINIA RAIL and singing
SALTMARSH SHARP-TAILED SPARROW on the evening of May 4.
Sussex County:
Click
Here for Sussex County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
The BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK was still at Silver
Lake in Rehoboth on May 3. On May 1-3, RED KNOTS were at Mispillion
Harbor. On May 5, a BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was at a flooded field on
the east side of North Oak Grove Rd where Kinder Rd intersects it from
Maryland. A flock of AMERICAN PIPITS was at this location on May 4.
A CATTLE EGRET was at the intersection of North Oak Grove Rd and Horseshoe
Rd on May 5. Milford Neck WA had a BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO and BLACK-NECKED
STILT on May 2. Other birds at Milford Neck included CHUCK-WILL’S-WIDOW,
PROTHONOTARY WARBLER, WORM-EATING WARBLER, KENTUCKY WARBLER and BLUE
GROSBEAK. This week, the Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch noted COMMON LOONS,
MERLINS and a WHIMBREL. A CHUCK-WILL’S-WIDOW called from pines
outside of Cape Henlopen State Park. A PHILADELPHIA VIREO was at Killens
Pond State Park on Apr 30. Other sightings at Killens Pond this week
included TENNESSEE WARBLER, PROTHONOTARY WARBLER and KENTUCKY WARBLER.
On May 4, Prime Hook NWR had PROTHONOTARY WARBLERS and YELLOW-THROATED
WARBLERS.
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 May 1, a RED-NECKED PHALAROPE was spotted at Pennypack
on the Delaware. On May 2, an adult and immature YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON
were seen from the horseshoe area of John Heinz NWR at Tinicum. Other
highlights from the refuge included LEAST FLYCATCHER, SWAINSON’S
THRUSH and ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK. A RED-HEADED WOODPECKER was at Carpenter’s
Woods on Apr 30. PINE SISKINS are nesting at Glen Foerd Mansion.
Delaware County:
Click Here
for Delaware County Birding Resources including an interactive map with
locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.No reports
On May 2, an adult and immature YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON
flew into the Darby Creek area of John Heinz NWR at Tinicum. A BLUE
GROSBEAK was at Hildacy Farm on Apr 29, and another was at a feeder
in Willistown on May 1. A CERULEAN WARBLER sang near Crum Creek, not
far from the Yale Ave dam in Swarthmore. Highlights from Ridley Creek
State Park included HOODED WARBLER and SWAINSON’S THRUSH.
Chester County:
Click Here
for Chester County Birding Resources including an interactive map with
locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
On May 5, two CERULEAN WARBLERS were
in a sycamore patch at river bridge on Dowlin Forge Rd on the Struble
Trail in Downingtown.
Montgomery County:
Click
Here for Montgomery County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.No Reports
Valley Forge National Historic Park had WORM-EATING
WARBLERS and a NASHVILLE WARBLER on May 2. That day, a BLACKBURNIAN
WARBLER was at Evansburg State Park.
Bucks County:
Click
Here for Bucks County Birding Resources including an interactive map
with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
Peace Valley Park had 3 COMMON LOONS on May 1, BLACK-BILLED
CUCKOO on Apr 28-May 2 and YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT through May 2. Seasonal
highlights from Peace Valley included PILEATED WOODPECKER, CLIFF SWALLOWS,
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER and American Mink. Highlights from Churchville
Nature Center included COMMON LOON, BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER, BAY-BREASTED
WARBLER and PINE SISKINS. A BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO was at Tyler State Park
on May 3. Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve had PINE SISKINS and
a CAPE MAY WARBLER on May 2.
Northampton County:
Click
Here for Northampton County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
On May 3, four BOBOLINKS and 2 GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS
were at Spring Hill Rd. That day, a GRASSHOPPER SPARROW was at Lily
Hill Rd, and 3 VESPER SPARROWS were at Graver’s Hill. On May 2,
Jacobsburg State Park had a WILSON’S WARBLER, and a BLACK-BILLED
CUCKOO was there on May 6. Other sightings from Jacobsburg included
PINE SISKIN and ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK. On May 4, National Park Dr had
TENNESSEE WARBLER, 2 CERULEAN WARBLERS and SWAINSON’S THRUSH.
Lehigh County:
Click
Here for Lehigh County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
On Apr 29, a possible SWALLOW-TAILED KITE flew over
Route 512 in Bethlehem. A PHILADELPHIA VIREO and WORM-EATING WARBLER
were at the Lehigh Gap Nature Center on May 2. On May 1, a TENNESSEE
WARBLER was at Leaser Lake. On May 2, Lehigh Rd had CERULEAN WARBLER
and NASHVILLE WARBLER. That day, Bake Oven Rd had a CERULEAN WARBLER,
and a VESPER SPARROW was at Handwerk Rd. A SORA was at the Dorney Rd
landfill on May 1. That day, a RED-HEADED WOODPECKER was at Kunkle’s
Mill Rd. Jordan Valley had BOBOLINK on Apr 29 and GRASSHOPPER SPARROW
on Apr 30. A TUNDRA SWAN was at Springhouse Rd Apr 29-30.
Schuylkill County:
Click
Here for Schuylkill County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
PINE SISKINS were still at Schuylkill Haven. Sweet
Arrow Lake had PINE SISKIN and PURPLE FINCH. A BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER
was at the Owl Creek Area of SGL 106 on May 3.
Berks County:
Click
Here for Berks County Birding Resources including an interactive map
with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.No reports
A WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL flew over the Peters Creek
area of Lake Ontelaunee on Apr 30, and 50 WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were
near the railroad tracks at Peters Creek on May 5. On May 5, the Stony
Creek area of SGL 110 had 2 RUFFED GROUSE and WORM-EATING WARBLER. Highlights
from the Northkill Gap area of SGL 110 included NASHVILLE WARBLER and
PINE SISKIN. On May 2, Hay Creek, the closed section of Route 82 below
Birdsboro, had CERULEAN WARBLER, KENTUCKY WARBLER and WORM-EATING WARBLERS.
The Pine Swamp Rd area of SGL 106 had a BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO on May 3.
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary had migrating BROAD-WINGED HAWKS this week.
CLIFF SWALLOWS were at the Maiden Creek Dam in Leesport. On May 5, 2009
a PROTHONOTARY WARBLERS were at Maiden Creek off Route 662 near Moselem
Springs.
Lancaster County:
Click
Here for Lancaster County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
A LITTLE GULL was at the rocks south of Columbia on
May 3. DUNLINS were at the Conejohela Flats. On Apr 30, Pumping Station
Rd had WILSON’S WARBLER, BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER and BAY-BREASTED
WARBLER. PINE SISKINS were at Safe Harbor on May 2. At Lancaster County
Central Park, two CERULEAN WARBLERS sang from City View Dr on May 2.
Central Park had a CAPE MAY WARBLER on Apr 29. Other highlights for
the park were BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER, WILSON’S WARBLER and BLUE
GROSBEAKS. Middle Creek WMA had BOBOLINKS and GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS on
May 2. A LINCOLN’S SPARROW was at a feeder in Peach Bottom on
May 1. WHIP-POOR-WILLS were heard near the Maryland border. River Hills
had a KENTUCKY WARBLER on May 2. That day, a SORA called from the Quarryville
area. On May 5, Rock Springs Nature Preserve had YELLOW-BREASTED CHATS.
Lebanon County:
Click
Here for Lebanon County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
Three DUNLINS were at Mount Pleasant Rd on May 3.
Carbon County:
On Apr 30, the Lehigh Gorge Rail Trail near Rockport
had RUFFED GROUSE and ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK
Monroe County:
Kunkletown had PURPLE FINCHES and PINE SISKINS.
Pike County:
No report
Wayne County:
No reports
PA Extralimitals:
No reports.
Extralimital Reports
No reports
Announcements
On Friday May 8, Steve Kacir will lead a DVOC field
trip to Turkey Point at the Glades Wildlife Refuge in Cumberland County,
NJ. The field trip will focus on nightbirds, especially the various species
of rails found in the marshes at Turkey Point.
The trip will meet at the bridge at the end of Turkey Point Rd at 7:30pm,
and will last into the night unless the rails are particularly cooperative.
Those who prefer to join up later in the evening are welcome to find us
along Turkey Point Rd at least through midnight. If you plan on attending,
please contact Steve, as the trip will be rescheduled if the weather is
not conducive to night birding. Steve’s contact information, directions
to the meeting location and a tentative itinerary can be found on the
DVOC website: http://www.dvoc.org
On May 10, Frank Windfelder will lead a DVOC field trip
to John Heinz NWR at Tinicum in Philadelphia, PA. This half-day trip will
focus on passerines and other migrants at the refuge. The trip meets at
the refuge parking lot at 6:30AM. Frank’s contact information can
be found on the DVOC website: http://www.dvoc.org
On Monday May 11, Sandra Keller will lead a DVOC field
trip around Gloucester County, NJ, with much of the trip focusing on Glassboro
Woods WMA. The trip will meet at 7:00AM at the west end of Glassboro Woods
WMA at Carpenters Ave. There is parking available before the Carpenters
Ave gate. Sandra’s contact information can be found on the DVOC
website: http://www.dvoc.org
The next meeting of the DVOC is on May 7 at 7:30pm
at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia, when Chris Lotz will
present "Birding the Southern Third of Africa from Cape Town to Victoria
Falls and Namibia." The meeting after that will be on May 21 at the
Academy. Details are on the website; guests and nonmembers 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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Siler's eBird Rarities Map