| Current
report - Wednesday April 14, 2010
- Birds Mentioned
Click Here for species
accounts for many of these birds
Western Grebe (NJ)+
Swallow-tailed Kite (DE)+
Swallow-tailed Kite (NJ)+
possible Swallow-tailed Kite (PA)+
possible Loggerhead Shrike (PA)+
Brown-headed Nuthatch (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
Common Loon
Horned Grebe
Northern Gannet
Brown Pelican
Great Cormorant
American Bittern
Little Blue Heron
Tricolored Heron
Cattle Egret
Yellow-crowned Night-heron
Eurasian Wigeon
King Eider
Surf Scoter
Black Scoter
Red-breasted Merganser
Broad-winged Hawk
Merlin
Peregrine Falcon
Ruffed Grouse
Wild Turkey
Virginia Rail
Sora
Sandhill Crane
Piping Plover
Black-necked Stilt
American Avocet
Solitary Sandpiper
Willet
Stilt Sandpiper
Long-billed Dowitcher
Wilson's Snipe
American Woodcock
Little Gull
Black-headed Gull
Bonaparte's Gull
Iceland Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Glaucous Gull
Caspian Tern
Forster's Tern
Barred Owl
Short-eared Owl
Pileated Woodpecker
White-eyed Vireo
Blue-headed Vireo
Common Raven
Horned Lark
Bank Swallow
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Brown-headed Nuthatch
American Pipit
Yellow-throated Warbler
Pine Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Ovenbird
Louisiana Waterthrush
Clay-colored Sparrow
Seaside Sparrow
Rusty Blackbird
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 reports of WESTERN GREBE in
Middlesex County, NJ; SWALLOW-TAILED KITES in Sussex County, DE &
Cape May County, NJ; BROWN-HEADED NUTHATCH in Cape May County, NJ 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.
On Apr 8-11, a BROWN-HEADED NUTHATCH frequented pines
in the dune areas of Cape May Point, frequenting such locations as the
St Peter’s jetty, Coral Ave, Pearl Ave and the dune crossing at
the intersection of Lincoln Ave and Cape Ave. This BROWN-HEADED NUTHATCH
represents the second state record for the species. On Apr 8, two SWALLOW-TAILED
KITES headed out over Delaware Bay from Cape May Point. A BLACK-HEADED
GULL was at the beach at the end of Miami Ave in the Villas, with the
most recent report coming from Apr 10. On Apr 14, the subadult drake
KING EIDER and 3 HARLEQUIN DUCKS were spotted at Cape May Inlet from
the Two Mile Beach Unit of Cape May NWR. Other birds at Two Mile Beach
included GREAT CORMORANTS and PIPING PLOVERS. The drake EURASIAN WIGEON
was on Lighthouse Pond at Cape May Point State Park through Apr 11.
Other reports from Cape May Point State Park mentioned BROAD-WINGED
HAWKS and PIPING PLOVERS. The Nature Conservancy Cape May Migratory
Bird Refuge had PIPING PLOVERS. Up to five CATTLE EGRETS were at the
Rea Farm and the Willow Creek Vineyard through Apr 11. Other sightings
from the Rea Farm included SOLITARY SANDPIPER and WILSON’S SNIPE.
A HORNED LARK displayed at Stevens St on Apr 10. Hidden Valley Ranch
had WHITE-EYED VIREOS and PRAIRIE WARBLERS. Sightings from Sunset Beach
included RED-THROATED LOON, NORTHERN GANNETS, GREAT CORMORANT, SURF
SCOTERS, BLACK SCOTERS and BONAPARTE’S GULLS. Higbee Beach WMA
had BLACK SCOTER, SURF SCOTER and RUSTY BLACKBIRD. The Villas WMA had
RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, PINE WARBLERS and WHITE-EYED VIREO. Belleplain
State Forest had YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER, LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH and
OVENBIRD. Jake’s Landing had SEASIDE SPARROWS and AMERICAN PIPITS.
On Apr 14, a YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON caught an earthworm in a backyard
in Seaville.
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.
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
TRICOLORED HERON and CASPIAN TERNS.
Monmouth County:
Click
Here for Monmouth County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
The STILT SANDPIPER was at K Lot in Sandy Hook through
Apr 7. The Sandy Hook Migration Watch reported a TRICOLORED HERON and
BROWN PELICAN on Apr 8 and a CATTLE EGRET on Apr 9. The Sandy Hook GLAUCOUS
GULL was at the False Hook through Apr 9. The first winter ICELAND GULL
was off the Sandy Hook Bird Observatory on Apr 10. A SORA was at nine
gun battery on Apr 7. A BARRED OWL called at the rusty barn that day.
A SHORT-EARED OWL was at the dunes along Fisherman’s Trail through
Apr 9. COMMON RAVENS were seen at Sandy Hook on Apr 7-8 & 11. Other
sightings from Sandy Hook included AMERICAN BITTERNS, NORTHERN GANNETS,
BROAD-WINGED HAWKS, PEREGRINE FALCON, WILLET, WHITE-EYED VIREO and RUSTY
BLACKBIRD.
Burlington County:
Click
Here for Burlington County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
The most recent sighting of the SPOTTED TOWHEE at
Palmyra Cove Nature Park took place on Apr 10.
Cumberland County:
Click
Here for Cumberland 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.
No reports
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.
A SANDHILL CRANE was seen from Route 45 on Apr 10.
In Salem, a PEREGRINE FALCON has been seen around the old church in
town with some regularity. An AMERICAN BITTERN called from the swamps
at Marshalltown Rd on Apr 11.
Gloucester County:
Click
Here for Gloucester County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
The Pedricktown area had 2 BANK SWALLOWS on Apr 12.
That day, the area at High Hill Rd of Pedricktown had 4 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS.
Hunterdon County:
Click
Here for Hunterdon County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
No reports
Middlesex County:
A WESTERN GREBE was spotted off the creek mouth at
South Amboy on Apr 10.
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.
No reports
Morris County:
Bee Meadow Park had 10 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS on Apr 12.
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 LITTLE GULL was spotted in the company of BONAPARTE’S
GULLS off Augustine Beach on Apr 8. White Clay Creek State Park had
PILEATED WOODPECKER and LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH. A WHITE-EYED VIREO sang
at a property near Burrows Run Preserve on Apr 13.
Kent County:
Click
Here for Kent County Birding Resources including an interactive map
with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
Sightings from Bombay Hook NWR included AMERICAN BITTERN,
LITTLE BLUE HERON, CATTLE EGRETS, PEREGRINE FALCON, BLACK-NECKED STILT,
AMERICAN AVOCET, STILT SANDPIPER, LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER and PILEATED
WOODPECKER.
Sussex County:
Click
Here for Sussex County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
A SWALLOW-TAILED KITE was seen at the Cape Henlopen
State Park Hawk Watch on Apr 10. The Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch also reported
NORTHERN GANNETS, SCOTERS, MERLINS, BROWN-HEADED NUTHATCHES and Bottlenose
Dolphins.
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.
On Apr 11, a probable SWALLOW-TAILED KITE was spotted
from private property at the border of East Goshen and West Goshen near
Ellis Lane. An AMERICAN BITTERN was at the main pond at Kurtz Fish Ponds
on Apr 7. A CASPIAN TERN and a COMMON LOON were at Struble Lake on Apr
8. That day, a COMMON YELLOWTHROAT and a COMMON LOON were at Chambers
Lake. Church Farm School had VIRGINIA RAIL and SORA on Apr 8. Six migrating
BROAD-WINGED HAWKS flew over Bell Tavern Park in Downingtown that day.
A COMMON LOON was at Marsh Creek State Park on Apr 11. A possible LOGGERHEAD
SHRIKE was reported from Phoenixville on Apr 12
Montgomery County:
Click
Here for Montgomery County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.No Reports
Huntingdon Valley had WILD TURKEYS.
Bucks County:
Click
Here for Bucks County Birding Resources including an interactive map
with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
Peace Valley Park had 2 RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS on
Apr 6, two COMMON LOONS on Apr 7. On Apr 9, Peace Valley had 2 HORNED
GREBES and 13 BONAPARTE’S GULLS. Other sightings from Peace Valley
included WILD TURKEY, LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS and PILEATED WOODPECKER.
Tyler State Park had WILD TURKEY and PILEATED WOODPECKER. Core Creek
Park had AMERICAN WOODCOCK. The Churchville Nature Center had PINE WARBLER.
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve had PILEATED WOODPECKER and
LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH.
Northampton County:
Click
Here for Northampton County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
The CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was at the Koch property
through Apr 11. A LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL and 2 BONAPARTE’S GULL
was at Green Pond on Apr 9. A YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER was at the Bethlehem
Boat Club. The Gremar Rd detention ponds had 4 flyby LESSER BLACK-BACKED
GULLS on Apr 10. A COMMON LOON was on Lake Minsi on Apr 9. Jacobsburg
State Park had PILEATED WOODPECKERS and LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSHES.
Lehigh County:
Click
Here for Lehigh County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
Walking Purchase Park had LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS
on Apr 10-11.
Schuylkill County:
Click
Here for Schuylkill County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
On Apr 10, an AMERICAN BITTERN was at the Landingville
Dam.
Berks County:
Click
Here for Berks County Birding Resources including an interactive map
with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
On Apr 6 & 11, SGL 110 had RUFFED GROUSE. A BROAD-WINGED
HAWK flew over the gamelands on Apr 11. A BARRED OWL and BLUE-HEADED
VIREO were at SGL 110 on Apr 7. Other sightings from SGL 110 included
COMMON LOONS, PILEATED WOODPECKERS and LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH. The Hawk
Mountain Sanctuary Hawk Watch reported BROAD-WINGED HAWKS and MERLIN.
Lancaster County:
Click
Here for Lancaster County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
Reports from the Conejohela Flats mentioned RED-BREASTED
MERGANSERS, WILD TURKEY, BONAPARTE’S GULL, FORSTER’S TERNS,
CASPIAN TERNS and YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER. On Apr 8, two VIRGINIA RAILS
were at Woods Edge Park, while 2 BROAD-WINGED HAWKS migrated past. On
Apr 11, thirty-five COMMON LOONS migrated past Middle Creek WMA. SGL
156 had 2 BLUE-HEADED VIREOS and LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSHES.
Lebanon County:
Click
Here for Lebanon County Birding Resources including an interactive
map with locations, satellite views, driving directions, etc.
The SANDHILL CRANE was at Lake Duffy or the surrounding
wet areas of SGL 145 through Apr 11. Memorial Lake State Park had a
BONAPARTE’S GULL on Apr 12. On Apr 8, the Lake Duffy area also
had a flyby COMMON LOON, a LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH and 14 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS.
Carbon County:
A COMMON LOON was at Beltzville State Park on Apr
13.
Monroe County:
The Kunkletown area had WILD TURKEY, RED-BREASTED
NUTHATCH and PURPLE FINCH. On Apr 11, a LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH was at
Swiftwater, and Lake Tobyhanna had a COMMON LOON
Pike County:
A MERLIN was at Promised Land State Park on Apr 11.
Wayne County:
On Apr 10, a LITTLE GULL was seen from the Wilsonville
campground at Lake Wallenpaupack.
PA Extralimitals:
In Butler County, 2 LITTLE GULLS were at the north
shore of Lake Arthur in Moraine State Park on Apr 13.
Extralimital Reports
No reports
Announcements
On April 17, Lynn Jackson will lead a joint DVOC &
Wyncote Audubon field trip to Coastal Delaware from New Castle to Kent
Counties for early migrants and lingering winter birds. Please Contact
Lynn for information on the meeting time and place. On April 17, Jeff
Holt will lead a DVOC field trip to Riverwinds and the National Park dredge
spoils area in Gloucester County, NJ. The trip will meet at 7:00AM at
Riverwinds. This trip will focus on early migrants and nesting bitterns,
rails, moorhen, coot and Pied-billed Grebe. Please contact Jeff if you
plan on attending. On April 18, Steve Kacir will lead a DVOC field trip
to the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal area of New Castle County, DE for
nightbirds such as King Rail, Virginia Rail, Sora, Common Moorhen, Sedge
Wren and Marsh Wren. The trip will meet at 3:30AM at the intersection
of S Reedy Point Rd and Dutch Neck Rd, south of Delaware City. Please
contact Steve if you plan to attend. Additional information on all three
of these trips including past trips’ reports, directions, maps and
contact information for the trip leaders are on the DVOC website: http://www.dvoc.org
The next meeting of the DVOC is on Apr 15, 2010, featuring
a program by Dyana Z Furmansky, entitled “Rosalie Edge, Hawk of
Mercy.” The meeting takes place at The Academy of Natural Sciences
in Philadelphia at 7:30PM. The meeting after that will take place on May
6 featuring a program by Andy Wilson. 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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