| Current
report - Wednesday December 9, 2009
- Birds Mentioned
Click Here for species
accounts for many of these birds
American White Pelican (NJ)+
Common Teal (Eurasian Green-winged Teal) (PA)+
Swainson's Hawk (NJ)+
Ivory Gull (NJ)+
Selasphorus Hummingbird Sp. (NJ)+
Spotted 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)
Red-throated Loon
Pacific Loon
Horned Grebe
Northern Gannet
Great Cormorant
American Bittern
Snow Goose
Tundra Swan
Eurasian Wigeon
Redhead
Common Eider
Harlequin Duck
Surf Scoter
White-winged Scoter
Black Scoter
Common Goldeneye
Northern Goshawk
Virginia Rail
Common Moorhen
Sandhill Crane
American Avocet
Purple Sandpiper
Wilson's Snipe
Parasitic Jaeger
Bonaparte's Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Royal Tern
Forster's Tern
Rufous Hummingbird
Pileated Woodpecker
Common Raven
Horned Lark
Red-breasted Nuthatch
House Wren
Marsh Wren
American Pipit
Orange-crowned Warbler
Ipswich Sparrow
Saltmarsh Sparrow
Lapland Longspur
Snow Bunting
Bobolink
Purple Finch
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 continued reports of the IVORY GULL in Cape May
County, NJ as well as reports of AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN, SWAINSON’S
HAWK and SELASPHORUS HUMMINGBIRD Sp. in Cape May County, NJ; COMMON TEAL
(EURASIAN GREEN-WINGED TEAL) in Bucks County, PA and SPOTTED TOWHEE in
Burlington 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.
The IVORY GULL continued to feed on Striped Bass carcasses
at the Bree-Zee-Lee Yacht Basin marina at Cape May Harbor through Dec
9. The IVORY GULL has also been reported at other locations around the
harbor, including the Lobster House and Cold Spring Inlet. On Dec 15,
all boats will be out of the Bree-Zee-Lee Yacht Basin and the food supply
for the IVORY GULL will become less reliable, which could cause the
bird to move on. An AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN flew past Bree-Zee-Lee on
Dec 6, and was seen heading to Cape May Point. An AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN
was over The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge
on Dec 5.
The SWAINSON’S HAWK was reported through Dec
6, seen at Hidden Valley and over the Route 109 bridge. The SWAINSON’S
HAWK was seen over the TNC Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge and the Rea
Farm on Dec 4. The unidentified SELASPHORUS HUMMINGBIRD frequented a
feeder at the corner of Coral Ave and Cambridge Ave through Dec 4.
Up to 5 EURASIAN WIGEONS have been reported from the
Lighthouse Pond at Cape May Point State Park, with at least four still
present through Dec 8. The plumages of these EURASIAN WIGEONS range
from female-type plumage to first year males molting into adult male
plumage. Two COMMON MOORHENS were at the ponds of Cape May Point State
Park on Dec 4. An ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was at the beginning of the
park’s boardwalk on Dec 7. Other reports from Cape May Point State
Park featured AMERICAN PIPITS and SNOW BUNTINGS. On Dec 7, PURPLE FINCH
was reported from the Northwood Center of the Cape May Bird Observatory.
COMMON EIDERS were still being seen around Cape May Point and were reported
through Dec 6. An ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was east of the East Path at
TNC Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge on Dec 4. An AMERICAN AVOCET and
2 IPSWICH SPARROWS were at the refuge on Dec 7. The AMERICAN AVOCET
has also been seen at Cape Island Creek during low tides. A BOBOLINK
was at the third field at Higbee Beach WMA on Dec 8, and a lingering
HOUSE WREN has been at the southwest corner of the field. HARLEQUIN
DUCKS were at Poverty Beach on Dec 4, seen from the north end of Beach
Ave. On Dec 4, Jake’s Landing had RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, MARSH
WREN and SALTMARSH SPARROW.
The Avalon Sea Watch reported COMMON EIDERS
on Dec 2 & Dec 4-8; HARLEQUIN DUCK on Dec 2, Dec 6 & Dec 8;
PARASITIC JAEGER on Dec 2 & Dec 7; LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL on Dec
6; FORSTER’S TERN on Dec 7 and ROYAL TERN on Dec 4-5. The sea
watch tallied 91 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS on Dec 2. Other species reported
from the Avalon Sea Watch included RED-THROATED LOONS, NORTHERN GANNETS,
GREAT CORMORANTS, SURF SCOTERS, BLACK SCOTERS, COMMON GOLDENEYES, PURPLE
SANDPIPERS and BONAPARTE’S GULLS.
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.
Over the weekend, the Brigantine Division of Edwin
B Forsythe NWR had AMERICAN BITTERNS and VIRGINIA RAIL.
Monmouth County:
Click
Here for Monmouth County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
No reports
Burlington County:
Click
Here for Burlington County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
The female SPOTTED TOWHEE was reported from Palmyra
Cove Nature Park through Dec 8. The SPOTTED TOWHEE has been seen near
the intersection of the Red-winged Blackbird Trail and the Saw-whet
Trail, between the Big Pit and the Little Pit, in front of the bench
at the southwest corner of the Big Pit and in both the Little Pit and
the Big Pit. The SPOTTED TOWHEE often associates with a couple Eastern
Towhees in the park.
Camden County:
Click
Here for Camden County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
On Dec 5, a pair of COMMON GOLDENEYE was at a stormwater
retention pond behind the Target and Lowe’s in the area of Gloucester
and Winslow Townships.
Ocean County:
Click
Here for Ocean County Birding Resources including an interactive map
with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park had COMMON EIDERS,
HARLEQUIN DUCKS and PURPLE SANDPIPERS. On Dec 4, Island Beach State Park
had a flock of at least 60 SNOW BUNTINGS, a raft of COMMON EIDERS and
a Harbor Seal at the inlet.
Salem County:
Click
Here for Salem County Birding Resources including an interactive map
with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
No reports
Gloucester County:
Click
Here for Gloucester County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
On Dec 3, twenty-two TUNDRA SWANS were at Floodgates
Rd in Greenwich, and a GREAT CORMORANT was heading south at Floodgates.
Hunterdon County:
Click
Here for Hunterdon County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
No reports
Middlesex County:
No reports
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.
A NORTHERN GOSHAWK flew past the Raccoon Ridge Hawk
Watch on Dec 6. Other reports from Raccoon Ridge featured COMMON RAVENS.
Somerset County:
Click
Here for Somerset County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
No reports
Morris County:
No reports
Union County:
No reports
Bergen 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 Park had 3 LAPLAND LONGSPURS,
4 SNOW BUNTINGS and 200 HORNED LARKS on Dec 7.
Kent County:
Click
Here for Kent County Birding Resources including an interactive map
with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
No reports
Sussex County:
Click
Here for Sussex County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
The spit at Cape Henlopen State Park had 50 SNOW BUNTINGS
and IPSWICH SPARROWS on Dec 8.
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.
Two drake REDHEADS were at FDR Park on Dec 3. That
day, a GREAT CORMORANT was on the concrete platform at the Naval Yard.
Delaware County:
Click Here
for Delaware County Birding Resources including an interactive map with
locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.No reports
No reports
Chester County:
Click Here
for Chester County Birding Resources including an interactive map with
locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
On Dec 8, Chambers Lake had a HORNED
GREBE and a hen COMMON GOLDENEYE.
Montgomery County:
Click
Here for Montgomery County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.No Reports
No reports
Bucks County:
Click
Here for Bucks County Birding Resources including an interactive map
with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
On Dec 4-8, a COMMON TEAL (also known as EURASIAN
GREEN-WINGED TEAL) was at Hidden Lake off Route 532 near Newtown. A
WILSON’S SNIPE flushed from Franklin Lot 5 at Warminster Community
Park on Dec 4. This week, the Churchville Nature Center reported LESSER
BLACK-BACKED GULL, PILEATED WOODPECKER and RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES.
A LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was at Core Creek Park on Dec 3. On Dec 9,
Core Creek had 24 SNOW GEESE and 12 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS. That
day, a flock of 30 HORNED LARKS were at Shady Brook Farm at the Newtown
Bypass.
Northampton County:
Click
Here for Northampton County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
No reports
Lehigh County:
Click
Here for Lehigh County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
On Dec 6, six SNOW BUNTINGS, 20 AMERICAN PIPITS and
120 HORNED LARKS were at Smith Lane in Alburtis. The RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD
in Zionsville was seen through Dec 8.
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
The RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD that has been visiting the
Lebos’ yard in Birdsboro was seen through Dec 8. A female RUFOUS
HUMMINGBIRD was banded in Hamburg on Dec 8, and has been visiting a
yard there since October. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary reported COMMON RAVENS
and PURPLE FINCHES.
Lancaster County:
Click
Here for Lancaster County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
A female RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD was banded at Eric Witmer’s
home I Ephrata on Dec 8, those interested in seeing this bird should
contact Eric at [email protected] via email. Another RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD
has been visiting a feeder in East Earl through Dec 8.
Lebanon County:
Click
Here for Lebanon County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
The SANDHILL CRANE at Lake Duffy in SGL 145 was reported
as recently as Dec 8. Four SANDHILL CRANES flew over the Second Mountain
Hawk Watch on Dec 8. The Second Mountain Hawk Watch also reported COMMON
LOONS and COMMON RAVENS.
Carbon County:
No reports
Monroe County:
No reports
Pike County:
No reports
Wayne County:
No reports
PA Extralimitals:
The PRAIRIE FALCON that overwinters around Mud Level
Rd was seen on Dec 4. The FALCON was spotted just past the intersection
of Britton Rd and Mud Level Rd that day. On Dec 6, the PRAIRIE FALCON
was seen from Ridge Rd near Kelso Rd in the area of Shippensburg.
Extralimital Reports
No reports
Announcements
The next meeting of the DVOC is on Dec 17, featuring
“A Montgomery County Big Year” by Stephen Kacir. Details are
on the website, and guests are always welcome. The 120th Annual DVOC Members
Meeting takes place on Jan 7, 2010, which will include club elections and
an overview of regional Christmas Bird Counts. More details are available
on the DVOC website: http://www.dvoc.org
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