| Current
report - Wednesday December 23, 2009
- Birds Mentioned
Click Here for species
accounts for many of these birds
Western Grebe (NJ)+
Pink-footed Goose (PA)+
Black Brant (NJ)+
Barnacle Goose (NJ)+
Allen's Hummingbird (PA)+
Spotted Towhee (NJ)+
Varied Thrush (PA)+
Brewer's Blackbird (PA)+ -Extralimital-
(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
Northern Gannet
Brown Pelican
Great Cormorant
American Bittern
Green Heron
Glossy Ibis
Greater White-fronted Goose
Cackling Goose
Brant
Tundra Swan
Eurasian Wigeon
Canvasback
Redhead
Common Eider
Harlequin Duck
Surf Scoter
White-winged Scoter
Common Goldeneye
Northern Goshawk
Red-shouldered Hawk
Rough-legged Hawk
Golden Eagle
Peregrine Falcon
Common Moorhen
Sandhill Crane
Red Knot
Purple Sandpiper
Long-billed Dowitcher
Wilson's Snipe
American Woodcock
Black-headed Gull
Bonaparte's Gull
Iceland Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Short-eared Owl
Red-headed Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
Northern Shrike
Common Raven
Horned Lark
Tree Swallow
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Thrasher
American Pipit
Palm Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Chipping Sparrow
Ipswich Sparrow
Lincoln's Sparrow
Lapland Longspur
Snow Bunting
Rusty Blackbird
Baltimore Oriole
Purple Finch
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 WESTERN GREBE & BLACK BRANT in
Middlesex County, NJ; PINK-FOOTED GOOSE in Lehigh County, PA; BARNACLE
GOOSE in Hunterdon County, NJ; ALLEN’S HUMMINGBIRD in Lancaster
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.
At least 4 EURASIAN WIGEONS and a drake REDHEAD were
on Lighthouse Pond at Cape May Point State Park through Dec 17, but
the pond froze over the weekend and those ducks have moved to other
areas of Cape May. A lone subadult drake EURASIAN WIGEON was on Lighthouse
Pond on Dec 21. A COMMON MOORHEN was on Lighthouse Pond on Dec 17. On
Dec 16-17, three to four TUNDRA SWANS were on the second Plover Pond
at Cape May Point State Park. On Dec 17, twenty-five SNOW BUNTINGS were
in that area, and 1-2 SNOW BUNTINGS were on the beach on Dec 20-21.
Six TUNDRA SWANS were on the state park’s Bunker Pond on Dec 20-21.
A hen EURASIAN WIGEON was on the Bunker Pond on Dec 21, and another
was on the Plover Ponds. Four IPSWICH SPARROWS were at Cape May Point
State Park on Dec 20. A BALTIMORE ORIOLE was in the cedars near the
State Park’s hawk watch platform on Dec 21. That day, a SHORT-EARED
OWL flew the length of the Bunker Pond at the State Park on Dec 21,
and, on Dec 20, a SHORT-EARED OWL hunted around the dunes at the St
Mary’s jetty on Cape May Point. On Dec 20, a GLOSSY IBIS, at least
2 EURASIAN WIGEONS and 3 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS were at Lily Lake. The
GLOSSY IBIS, a GREEN HERON and a hen & newly arrived drake EURASIAN
WIGEON were at Lily Lake on Dec 21. On Dec 18, a LINCOLN’S SPARROW
was at the south corner of the first field at the Rea Farm. That day,
14 AMERICAN PIPITS were also at the Rea Farm. On Dec 19, a drake EURASIAN
WIGEON, 2 TREE SWALLOWS and 2 IPSWICH SPARROWS were at The Nature Conservancy
Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge. On Dec 19, birds at Sunset Beach and
the Concrete Ship included 22 COMMON EIDERS, 27 BONAPARTE’S GULLS
and 2 SNOW BUNTINGS. The pond at Madison Ave
had a LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL on Dec 19. The CACKLING GOOSE was still
being seen at the intersection of Shunpike Rd and Stimpson Lane. On
Dec 20, two AMERICAN PIPITS fed at the road’s edge on Bayshore
Rd. On Dec 20-21, AMERICAN WOODCOCKS and WILSON’S SNIPES were
reported from various roadsides.
The Avalon Sea Watch reported 2 COMMON EIDERS
on Dec 16, Dec 20 & Dec 22, and 24 COMMON EIDERS making the count
on Dec 21. On Dec 22, a BLACK-HEADED GULL spent some time around the
Avalon Sea Watch, and a RED KNOT and AMERICAN PIPIT flew by. The Sea
Watch also noted RED-THROATED LOONS, HORNED GREBE, NORTHERN GANNETS,
GREAT CORMORANTS, WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS, COMMON GOLDENEYES, PURPLE SANDPIPERS
and BONAPARTE’S GULLS. On Dec 19, a BROWN PELICAN was at Longport
Causeway near Malibu Beach. Tuckahoe WMA had 18 TUNDRA SWANS on Dec
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 reports
Atlantic County:
Click
Here for Atlantic County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
The Brigantine Division of Edwin B Forsythe NWR had
AMERICAN BITTERN on Dec 16.
Monmouth County:
Click
Here for Monmouth County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
The North Shore area had NORTHERN GANNETS on Dec 17.
Burlington County:
Click
Here for Burlington County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
The SPOTTED TOWHEE at Palmyra Cove Nature Park was
reported through Dec 17. The SPOTTED TOWHEE has been seen near the intersection
of the Red-winged Blackbird Trail and Saw-whet Trail, often seen in
or around the Big Pit or the Little Pit in that area. A COMMON YELLOWTHROAT
was at Palmyra last week.
Camden County:
Click
Here for Camden County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
Two PINE SISKINS visited a feeder in Winslow Twp on
Dec 19.
Ocean County:
Click
Here for Ocean County Birding Resources including an interactive map
with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
HARLEQUIN DUCKS were at Barnegat Lighthouse
State Park.
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 22, a COMMON GOLDENEYE, 2 REDHEADS and 157
CANVASBACKS could be seen from the National Park Delaware River overlook.
On Dec 21-22, flocks of HORNED LARKS were at a windswept field near
the Elk Township Municipal Building.
Hunterdon County:
Click
Here for Hunterdon County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
On Dec 16 & 18, the Califon BARNACLE GOOSE was
on the pond across from the Methodist Church on River Rd
Middlesex County:
On Dec 18, the WESTERN GREBE on Raritan Bay was seen
from Raritan Bay Waterfront Park in South Amboy in South Amboy. The
BLACK BRANT was on the lawn near the football field at Raritan Bay Waterfront
Park on Dec 19. Other Raritan Bay birds included RED-THROATED LOON,
COMMON GOLDENEYE and SURF SCOTER.
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.
The 3 SANDHILL CRANES were in Franklin Twp
through Dec 18. They have been reported from the cornfield on the west
side of Randolph Rd, just north of the intersection of Randolph Rd and
Pierce St and from the intersection of Mettlers Rd and Weston Rd.
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.
A SNOW BUNTING was in the Red Clay Valley on Dec 19
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.
On Dec 19, PURPLE FINCHES visited a yard in Georgetown
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
No reports
Chester County:
Click Here
for Chester County Birding Resources including an interactive map with
locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
An AMERICAN PIPIT has been seen at Hibernia
Park for the last three weeks.
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.
A female VARIED THRUSH was at Peace Valley Park on
Dec 22. The VARIED THRUSH was seen from the Chapman Rd bridge while
facing the Habitat Trail at Peace Valley Park, with the area around
the bridge being the most reliable location for the THRUSH. Other birds
near the bridge that day included BALTIMORE ORIOLE and PURPLE FINCHES.
Two AMERICAN PIPITS fed at the side of the road at Peace Valley’s
Sailor Point on Dec 22. Peace Valley also had many LESSER BLACK-BACKED
GULLS. The Churchville Nature Center had 3 COMMON LOONS on Dec 16. On
Dec 17 & 19, a CANVASBACK was on the pond at Yardley Corners located
across the street from the Kohl’s Pond at the intersection of
Big Oak Rd and Oxford Valley Rd. The fields of Shady Brook Farm, along
the Newtown Bypass, had 50 HORNED LARKS and a PEREGRINE FALCON on Dec
17. On Dec 19 Shady Brook Farm had AMERICAN PIPIT, HORNED LARK and SNOW
BUNTING. On Dec 18, twenty-one LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS were at Core
Creek Park. A SANDHILL CRANE flew past Core Creek on Dec 22. A CACKLING
GOOSE, PEREGRINE FALCON and LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL were at Core Creek
Park on Dec 19. A BROWN THRASHER was in Plumstead Twp on Dec 21. On
Dec 20, Maple Knoll Farms in New Hope had 100 HORNED LARKS and 3 SNOW
BUNTINGS. A PILEATED WOODPECKER was at Lower Makefield Memorial Park
on Dec 19. An ICELAND GULL was on private property in Tullytown on Dec
19.
Northampton County:
Click
Here for Northampton County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
At least 75 HORNED LARKS have been at Gap View Rd
in Plainfield Twp on Dec 18-22.
Lehigh County:
Click
Here for Lehigh County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
A PINK-FOOTED GOOSE and LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL were
at Lake Muhlenburg on Dec 21. The PINK-FOOTED GOOSE was on Dorney Pond
later that day. On Dec 22, the PINK-FOOTED GOOSE flew out of Lake Muhlenberg
early in the day and briefly landed at Dorney Pond before disappearing.
A GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE was on Dorney Pond on Dec 17.
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
Two GOLDEN EAGLES and 80 BRANT flew past the Hawk
Mountain Sanctuary Hawk Watch on Dec 18. A NORTHERN GOSHAWK was in Leesport
on Dec 22.
Lancaster County:
Click
Here for Lancaster County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
The Leola ALLEN’S HUMMINBIRD was still visiting
the hummingbird feeder through Dec 22. Homeowner, Debra Raudenbush,
welcomes birders to see her visiting hummingbird, the street address
is: 106 Battens Circle. Do not knock or ring the bell, simply observer
the porch feeder from behind the conifers by the white fence. Please
be respectful of local homeowners if you visit this bird. The township
police are aware of the situation, and ask that birders park only in
the visitors' parking area opposite Debra's home, which has room for
eight cars. Alternatively, visiting birders can park with the flow of
traffic on the south side of Butter Lane between Concord and Batten.
Do not park in any spaces in front of townhouse units, and do not block
any spaces. Violators will be ticketed. More guidelines and local restrictions
on parking and avoiding contact with neighbors’ property can be
found on the Pennsylvania Birding List archives
at:
http://list.audubon.org/archives/pabirds.html
A map of the area and restrictions can be found on Rob Fergus’s
blog at:
http://birdchaser.blogspot.com/
Please be extremely courteous to homeowners when visiting this hummingbird.
A CACKLING GOOSE flew over the neighborhood on Dec 21. That day, AMERICAN
PIPITS were reported from Amish farms and roadsides in Leola and Bird-in-Hand.
On Dec 21, a GOLDEN EAGLE was spotted in Steelville
near the East Branch of the Octoraro, seen over the border in Chester
County as well. The horse farm along Creek Rd had 43 WILSON’S
SNIPES and 23 HORNED LARKS on Dec 21. That day, a LAPLAND LONGSPUR was
at South Groffdale Rd; another was in the area the previous day. On
Dec 21, twelve AMERICAN PIPITS were on Liberty Lane just north of its
intersection with Mount Eden Rd. On Dec 22, a LAPLAND LONGSPUR was in
a flock of several hundred HORNED LARKS feeding on a fresh manure strip
on the north side of Street Rd just west of the intersection with Liberty
Lane. A juvenile RED-HEADED WOODPECKER was at Middle Creek WMA on Dec
18. The RED-HEADED WOODPECKER was in the wooded area north of the walkway,
about 200 yards from Willow Point. On Dec 17, four TUNDRA SWANS were
at Middle Creek. On Dec 18, a COMMON RAVEN flew over the intersection
of Route 30 and Route 896 at the Rockvale Outlets. On Dec 19, a PALM
WARBLER visited a yard in Columbia, and a CHIPPING SPARROW visited feeders
in Churchtown.
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 21. A NORTHERN GOSHAWK flew past the Second Mountain
Hawk Watch on Dec 18, and another was seen on Dec 21. Second Mountain
also reported COMMON RAVENS and a probable ICELAND GULL on Dec 17.
Carbon County:
A RED-SHOULDERED HAWK and a RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH
were at Beltzville State Park on Dec 17.
Monroe County:
No reports
Pike County:
No reports
Wayne County:
On Dec 20, a light morph ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK hunted
in a field near the intersection of Bethel School Rd and Buckingham
Rd. A SNOW BUNTING was noted from the White Mills Christmas Bird Count
that day. On Dec 21, six SNOW BUNTINGS were in a field on Wrighter Lake
Rd near its intersection with Oxbow Rd.
PA Extralimitals:
On Dec 17, a BREWER’S BLACKBIRD was seen near
the intersection of Pumping Station Rd and Cunningham Rd just outside
of Gettysburg in Adams County. On Dec 20, a NORTHERN SHRIKE was reported
near the strip mines of Saddle Club Rd in Clearfield County.
Extralimital Reports
No reports
Announcements
On Jan 9, Keith Russell will coordinate the Philadelphia
Midwinter Bird Census. Join the 24th annual mid-winter census, highlighting
the incredible diversity of habitat and species found within the borders
of Philadelphia. An average of 92 species are recorded each year, including
notable rarities. Contact Keith Russell for more information on how to participate.
On Jan 9, Steve Kacir will lead a DVOC Photography Field Trip to Peace Valley
Park in Bucks County, PA. The trip will meet at the Peace Valley Nature
Center at 8:30AM sharp. Target species include Lesser Black-backed Gull,
Cackling Goose and Fox Sparrow, with more time spent photographing birds
that allow a close approach or exhibit interesting behaviors than seeking
out rarities. Please contact Steve if you plan on attending. Additional
information about these trips along with contact information for the trip
leaders can be found on the DVOC website: http://www.dvoc.org
The
next meeting of the DVOC is on Jan 7, 2010. This will be the 120th Annual
DVOC Members Meeting, which will include club elections and an overview
of regional Christmas Bird Counts. The meeting takes place at The Academy
of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia at 7:30PM. More details are available
on the DVOC website: http://www.dvoc.org
See Life Paulagics is running a pelagic trip out
of Freeport, NY on Jan 17, 2010, departing at 8:00AM and returns around
4:00PM. Target birds include such winter seabirds as Northern Fulmar,
Razorbill, Common Murre, Thick-billed Murre, Dovekie, Atlantic Puffin,
Red Phalarope, Pomarine Jaeger, Great Skua and Black-legged Kittiwake.
For more information, call 215-234-6805 or visit them on the web at http://www.paulagics.com
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