Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Carol Spease, Joe Sebastiani, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Laureen Eick-Benson, Mike Fowles, Sheryl Johnson, Steve Minner
Visitors: 12
Weather: Blue skies again with the exception of one or two tiny clouds that appeared on the horizon then quickly dissipated. Calm winds that became a moderate south wind. Cool in the morning with the first frost of the season on the roof of the lodge, but becoming pleasantly warm.
Raptor Observations: We often see our biggest Turkey Vulture flights on southerly winds and today was no exception with the first triple-digit Turkey Vulture flight of the season.
Otherwise migration was light to moderate, with a good variety of raptors, but tough spotting with the blue sky. Activity was best in the mid-morning. The highlight of the day was a juvenile falcon that spent a few minutes chasing a Turkey Vulture around low overhead!
Three Ospreys including a juvenile that dropped into the valley that came back up a short while later, soared high, and continued on. A good Bald Eagle flight with ten migrating. Eight sharpies, six Coops, and 8 kestrels. A Merlin perched briefly near the end of the day completing the falcon trifecta.
One interesting Red-tailed Hawk was heavily marked below with a bold subterminal tail band, but with a white throat. No Broad-winged Hawks, which kept us from the sweep of expected species.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Sunny. High 77F. Winds WNW at 10-15mph. A somewhat favorable wind and decent speed. Hawks should be on the move again, but spotting high birds may be difficult as the blue skies continue. Expect moderate to good migration.
FRIDAY: Sunny. High 73F. Winds WNW at 10-15mph. Similar to tomorrow.
SATURDAY: Mainly cloudy. High around 70F. Winds NE shifting SE at 5-10mph. Expect moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Frank Rohrbacher, Joe Francis, Lana Glass, Mike Fowles
Visitors: 12
Weather: Sunny without a single cloud the whole day. Light to moderate northwest winds. Cool in the morning becoming pleasant.
Raptor Observations: Moderate migration. Tough spotting with the blue skies, but some nice looks at migrants and locals.
Turkey Vultures were most numerous with nearly fifty. A moderate Accip flight with 24 sharpies and 12 Coops. Eleven kestrels and two Merlins. Good Bald Eagle activity but only five counted as migrating. One Osprey. A handful of Buteos including one broad-wing.
One memorable moment was when a group of Black Vultures crossed low in front of us flapping frantically followed shortly after by three adult Bald Eagles chasing each other.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Sunny. High near 70F. Winds SSW at 5-10mph. Similar to today except a bit warmer and a switch to southerly winds. Conditions are good for raptors to be active, but the less favorable winds may slow down migration. Spotting high raptors will be difficult. Expect light to moderate migration.
THURSDAY: Mainly sunny. High 77F. Winds W at 10-15mph. Expect moderate migration.
FRIDAY: Sunny. High 71F. Winds NW at 5-10mph. Expect moderate to good migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7.22 hours
Official Counter: Tom Stock, Tom Stock, Greg Gough, Caroline Holland, Tom Stock, Greg Gough, Caroline Holland, Ann Dinkel, Steve McInnis, Sue Gruver, Phil Misseldine, Nancy Cunningham, Tom Stock, Greg Gough, Caroline Holland, Ann Dinkel, Steve McInnis, Sue Gruver, Phil Misseldine, Nancy Cunningham, Will Martens
Observers: Ann Dinkel, Caroline Holland, Greg Gough, Nancy Cunningham, Phil Misseldine, Steve McInnis, Susan Gruver, Will Martens
Weather:
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations: Common Raven 1, Monarch 41 ======================================================================== Report submitted by Emma Hovland (<emmarhovland...>)
Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: David Brown, Joe Francis, Joe Swertinski
Observers: Byron Swift, David Brown, David Goodman, Ian Teaell, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Pat Goodman
Visitors: 14
Weather: Early morning fog with calm winds. Partly sunny in the morning becoming mostly sunny in the afternoon. A moderate northwest wind that was gusty at times. A pleasant day to be out.
Raptor Observations: Favorable conditions all day. A moderate raptor flight for most of the day with a peak in the early afternoon. Seventeen Black Vultures counted as migrants, as we continue to see increasing numbers of this species. Twenty-one Turkey Vultures, mostly from a late-day push. A good day for big raptors with five Ospreys and 28 Bald Eagles.
A moderate Accip flight with 48 sharpies and 7 Coops. Three harriers including an adult male. Broad-winged Hawks continue to trickle through with another ten today, plus a handful of red-shoulders and a red-tail. An adult and two immature Red-shouldered Hawks gave excellent looks at they soared low over the lookout. Another falcon trifecta with 37 kestrels, a Merlin, and a peregrine.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Mainly sunny. High 63F. Winds NW at 5-10mph. The good wind direction continues, though weaker than today. Should be another day of good migration. Spotting may be difficult when the raptors get high if there aren't many clouds. Expect moderate to good migration.
WEDNESDAY: Mainly sunny. High around 70F. Winds SSW at 5-10mph. A less favorable wind direction, though fairly weak. Raptors should be active regardless. Expect moderate migration.
THURSDAY: Mainly sunny. High 78F. Winds W at 5-10mph. Expect moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Ginny Halterman, Ian Teaell, Will Krohn
Observers: Frank Rohrbacher
Weather: Overcast with frequent mist and drizzle. Moderate northeast winds that weakened late.
Raptor Observations: A small number of raptors pushed through the gloomy weather. Accips were most numerous with 8 sharpies and 5 Coops. Four Ospreys. The only falcons were three kestrels. Two Turkey Vultures and one Bald Eagle.
New species for season: Savannah Sparrow, Golden-crowned Kinglet
Predictions: TOMORROW: Areas of patchy fog early. Some morning clouds then mainly sunny. High around 70F. Winds NW at 10-20mph. Good winds so it should be a decent flight once the wind picks up. Spotting may be difficult if we lose the clouds. Expect moderate to good migration.
TUESDAY: Mainly sunny. High 64F. Winds NW at 5-10mph. Expect moderate migration.
WEDNESDAY: Mainly sunny. High near 70F. Winds SSW at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 06:00:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 11 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Dede Johnston, Joe Swertinski, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Maddie Martin
Visitors: 15
Weather: The day began with extensive rain just to the south and blue skies to the north. A bit gloomy for a few hours with a few minutes of sprinkles. After that it got nicer with partly sunny skies. Moderate north winds became a weaker northeast wind.
Raptor Observations: A fantastic raptor flight! Activity started early but was slow for the first several hours as gloomy weather persisted. The 12-1pm clock hour brought a strong flight of over a hundred raptors. A moderate flight continued throughout the afternoon before slowing down, then ending with a late pulse. During the peak time the flight was mostly high overhead, but the clouds helped with spotting.
Sharp-shinned Hawks were most numerous with 91. Cooper's Hawks had a very strong flight too with 27. AMERICAN KESTRELS had a spectacular flight with a total of 79, including a group of 9 that came through in the 5pm clock time hour. This was the third highest day ever for kestrels at Ashland! We also had one Merlin and three Peregrines (2 immatures, 1 adult).
A moderate vulture migration. Noticeably more Black Vultures around today including some groups counted as migrants. Five Ospreys was a great total for October. Sixteen Bald Eagles were counted as migrating, but many more seemed to be constantly soaring around. A moderate Buteo flight including 12 broad-wings and a handful of red-tails and red-shoulders.
Non-raptor Observations: 210 Canada Geese, Northern Pintail, 68 Double-crested Cormorants, 6 Great Blue Herons, another woodpecker septafecta including 3 Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers and 2 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS, 450 Blue Jays, 37 Fish Crows, Common Raven, Swainson's Thrush, 2 White-crowned Sparrows, White-throated Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, 5 Eastern Meadowlarks, Black-and-white Warbler, Nashville Warbler, 2 Cape May Warblers, Blackburnian Warbler, 3 Palm Warblers, 6 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 3 Scarlet Tanagers, 43 monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S398857058
New species for season: Northern Pintail, White-crowned Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Eastern Meadowlark, Nashville Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler
Predictions: TOMORROW: Overcast with rain showers at times. High 64F. Winds ENE at 5-10mph. Chance of rain 60%. A decent wind direction. Seems like the day will be gloomy overall which would normally hold back the flight, but this is peak time for species that don't mind powering through so maybe there will be some action.
MONDAY: Partly cloudy. High around 70F. Winds NW at 10-20mph. Great winds. Spotting may be difficult if the clouds go away. Should be a lot of raptors on the move if we can spot them. Expect moderate to good migration.
TUESDAY: Mainly sunny. High 64F. Winds NW at 5-10mph. Good conditions again. Expect moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Date: 10/2/26 4:32 pm From: Andrew Ednie <000006be14ba5998-dmarc-request...> Subject: [de-birds] RBA: Birdline Delaware, October 2nd, 2026
RBA * Delaware * Statewide * October 2, 2026 * DEST 26.10.02
*Birds mentioned Black Scoter Yellow-billed Cuckoo Common Nighthawk Ruby-throated Hummingbird Virginia Rail Sora American Coot Sandhill Crane American Oystercatcher American Avocet Black-bellied Plover American Golden Plover Semipalmated Plover Marbled Godwit HUDSONIAN GODWIT Ruddy Turnstone Solitary Sandpiper Spotted Sandpiper Willet Short-billed Dowitcher Long-billed Dowitcher Western Sandpiper White-rumped Sandpiper Pectoral Sandpiper Stilt Sandpiper Common Tern Caspian Tern Royal Tern Black Skimmer Parasitic Jaeger BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE Bonaparte’s Gull Common Loon Pied-billed Grebe Brown Pelican Black-crowned Night Heron Yellow-crowned Night Heron Little Blue Heron Tricolored Heron White Ibis Sharp-shinned Hawk Cooper’s Hawk Broad-winged Hawk Barred Owl Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Red-headed Woodpecker American Kestrel Merlin Peregrine Falcon Least Flycatcher Eastern Kingbird Blue-headed Vireo Philadelphia Vireo Common Raven Brown-headed Nuthatch Red-breasted Nuthatch Brown Creeper Ruby-crowned Kinglet Golden-crowned Kinglet Marsh Wren Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Swainson’s Thrush Gray-cheeked Thrush Veery Wood Thrush American Pipit Lincoln’s Sparrow White-throated Sparrow Dark-eyed Junco Bobolink Baltimore Oriole Ovenbird Northern Waterthrush American Redstart Black and White Warbler Nashville Warbler Tennessee Warbler CONNECTICUT WARBLER Hooded Warbler Northern Parula Northern Yellow Warbler Chestnut-sided Warbler Magnolia Warbler Cape May Warbler Yellow-throated Warbler Blackburnian Warbler Bay-breasted Warbler Blackpoll Warbler Pine Warbler Palm Warbler Prairie Warbler Black-throated Blue Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler Summer Tanager Rose-breasted Grosbeak PAINTED BUNTING Indigo Bunting
Hotline: Birdline Delaware Date: October 2, 2026 To Report: Andy Ednie 302-792-9591 (VOICE) Compiler: Andy Ednie (<ednieap...>) Coverage: Delaware, Delmarva Peninsula, nearby Delaware Valley, Southern New Jersey, Maryland
For Friday, October 2nd this is Birdline Delaware from the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science in Greenville. The Birdline is sponsored by the Delaware Ornithological Society (DOS). Statements made on the Birdline do not necessarily reflect the views of the sponsors. This is Andy Ednie, glad to be with you. The unofficial Delaware Annual List remains at 322 species this week.
The big storm that hit Delaware last weekend caused tidal flooding in Bethany, Dewey and Slaughters Beach. Unfortunately, no mega rarities were found during the storm. The previously reported immature BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE was last seen at Indian River Inlet on Saturday. BLACK SCOTER, AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER, and RUDDY TURNSTONE were seen at the inlet, plus COMMON, CASPIAN and ROYAL TERNS. COMMON LOON and BROWN PELICAN were seen offshore. TRICOLORED HERON, WHITE IBIS and YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERON were seen at Burton’s Island in Delaware Seashore State Park. A WILLET was found at Bethany Beach.
Good numbers of lingering warblers are still being seen, including a CONNECTICUT WARBLER with a PHILADELPHIA VIREO at Holts Landing State Park yesterday. A YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER and LEAST FLYCATCHER were seen at the McCabe Nature Preserve today. A HOODED WARBLER and GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH were seen at Brandywine Creek State Park yesterday. A total of 24 species of warbler were reported this week including OVENBIRD, NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH, AMERICAN REDSTART, NORTHERN PARULA, plus BLACK AND WHITE, TENNESSEE, NASHVILLE, CAPE MAY, MAGNOLIA, YELLOW, CHESTNUT-SIDED, BLACKBURNIAN, BAY-BREASTED, BLACKPOLL, PINE, PRAIRIE, PALM, YELLOW-RUMPED, plus BLACK-THROATED BLUE, and GREEN WARBLER
Upstate, a LINCOLN’S SPARROW was photographed from Middle Run Natural Area near Newark and seen at Ashland Nature Center. RED-HEADED WOODPECKER and YELLOW-BREASTED SAPSUCKER were reported from Ashland Nature Center. Both RUBY-CROWNED and GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS were reported this week along with VEERY, SWAINSON’S and WOOD THRUSH. RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH was found at the Mt Cuba Center. Some late lingering birds included YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO, COMMON NIGHTHAWK, RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD, BLUE-HEADED VIREO, WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, BOBOLINK, SCARLET TANAGER, INDIGO BUNTING, and ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK.
AMERICAN COOT and MARSH WREN were found at the Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge at Delaware’s Riverfront. BTW, Russell Peterson’s birthday is October 3rd!. COMMON TERN and BONAPARTE’S GULL were seen at Bull Hill in New Castle post storm on Monday. A SOLITARY SANDPIPER was seen at the Ferris School walking trail. SANDHILL CRANE, SORA, and VIRGINIA RAIL were reported at the Ashton Tract in Augustine Wildlife Area. PIED-BILLED GREBE and SPOTTED SANDPIPER were reported at Augustine Beach. LITTLE BLUE HERON and BARRED OWL were reported from Lums Pond State Park. The first AMERICAN PIPIT of the season was at the Tybout's Tract in Blackbird State Forest.
A male PAINTED BUNTING was found along the Boardwalk Trail at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge on Wednesday. This bird was seen just past the bridge off the right-hand fork of the trail. Both MARBLED and 5 HUDSONIAN GODWIT were seen, along with 500+ AMERICAN AVOCET, BLACK-BELLIED, SEMIPALMATED and AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER, SHORT and LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER, DUNLIN, plus WESTERN, WHITE-RUMPED, STILT, and PECTORAL SANDPIPER. Waders included WHITE IBIS, TRICOLORED HERON, YELLOW-CROWNED and BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON. SANDHILL CRANES. MERLIN, KESTREL, and PEREGRINE FALCON were reported at the refuge.
PARASITIC JAEGER was seen at the hawkwatch on Wednesday at Cape Henlopen State Park. BROWN PELICAN, BLACK SKIMMER, CASPIAN, and ROYAL TERN were seen at Cape Henlopen Point. BROWN-HEADED NUTHATCH, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, BALTIMORE ORIOLE and DARK-EYED JUNCO were seen at the Seaside Nature Center. VIRGINIA RAIL and COMMON RAVEN were reported from Gordon’s Pond. A late lingering EASTERN KINGBIRD was seen at Roosevelt Inlet, along with 300+ WHITE IBIS. Late SUMMER TANAGERS were seen Assawoman Wildlife Area and in a yard near Harbeson.
It was a dull week at the Ashland Nature Center Hawk Watch, with 2 BROAD-WINGED HAWK seen Thursday, along 7 AMERICAN KESTRELS, 4 MERLIN and 2 PEREGRINE FALCONS. New sightings included a BROWN CREEPER today. Cape Henlopen was a washout over the weekend, but there was a big flight after the storm on Tuesday with 125 SHARP-SHINNED and 16 COOPER’S HAWKS plus 14 AMERICAN KESTRELS, 9 MERLIN, and 7 PEREGRINES.
Thanks to all the people that make the Birdline possible, including, Natalie Cavalieri, Nancy Cunningham, Alissa Kegelman, Vivian Gray, Lina Rosenberg, Marshall Mumford, Judith Piciotto, Carter Chambers, Steve and Susan McInnis, Mike Rosengarten, Edie Parnum, Jason Horn, Megan Kasprzak, Joe Sebastiani, David Thomas, Ed Patten, Sam VanHorne, Frank Rohrbacher, John Carter, Phil Misseldine, Rod Murray, Chris Rankin, Kent Raymond, Carolyn Holland, Mary Braun, Sue Gruver, Rob Blye, Richard Julian, Greg Gough, Tom Stock, Chris and Karen Bennett, Anthony Gonzon, Will Krohn, Jim White, Laureen Eick-Benson, Kim Steininger, Holly Merker, Ian Teaell, Laureen Eick-Benson, Chris Machulski, Joellen Bunch, Paul Beckman, Matt Webster, John and Andy Dunn, Wendy Cesario, Mike Moore, Joe Francis, Bruce Peterjohn, and Joe Swertinski. Thanks to our two hawk counters David Brown and Emma Hovland. Special thanks to Joe Tricarico for list distribution to DOS members. Remember, Birdline needs your! support. Please call your sightings to 302-792-9591. Thank you for your support. This is Andy Ednie wishing you good birding!
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Autumn Heil, Carol Spease, Frank Rohrbacher, Jim Lewis, Joe Francis, Joe Sebastiani, Joe Swertinski, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Meghan Donnelly, Mike Fowles
Visitors: 15
Weather: Sunny with an extensive layer of thin clouds. Light to moderate southwest winds. Very warm with temps reaching the mid-80s. Thickening clouds late in the day ahead of approaching storms and a cold front.
Raptor Observations: A slow day overall. Small groups of Turkey Vultures throughout the day for 27 total. American Kestrels were next most numerous with six, including a group of five in the early morning. One Osprey landed in a tree near the creek for a bit before continuing on. One late day Northern Harrier made a close pass. A handful of Accips. A few Buteos, but no broad-wings.
Non-raptor Observations: Common Nighthawk, 2 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Double-crested Cormorant, Common Raven, Brown Creeper, Northern Mockingbird, 2 Lincoln's Sparrows, Swamp Sparrow, American Redstart, Cape May Warbler, Norther Parula, Pine Warbler, 2 Black-throated Green Warblers, 2 Scarlet Tanagers, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, 2 Indigo Buntings, 20 monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S398407627
New species for season: Brown Creeper
Predictions: TOMORROW: Partly cloudy. High 71F. Winds NE at 5-10mph. A favorable wind. Clouds should help with spotting. Expect moderate to good migration.
SUNDAY: Morning rain showers then steady afternoon rain. High 64F. Winds ENE at 5-10mph. Chance of rain 70%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch. Count will likely be shortened.
MONDAY: Partly cloudy. High 71F. Winds NW at 10-15mph. Excellent conditions. Expect moderate to good migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Daena Ford, Ian Teaell, Jim Lewis, Lana Glass, Meghan Donnelly, Randy Ford
Visitors: 12, including Daena and Randy Ford from the Braddock Bay Hawk Watch!
Weather: Overcast and foggy with calm winds to start. Becoming mostly sunny by the late morning with light southwest winds. Quite warm with temperatures reaching the low 80s.
Raptor Observations: A slow start, but activity picked up when the sun came out. Some small groups of Turkey Vultures drifting through for a total of 27. Otherwise small numbers of an excellent variety of raptors. The only expected species we didn't see today was Osprey. We had the falcon trifecta with 7 kestrels, 2 peregrines, and four Merlins including one that rocketed through low at the end of the day. One late-day juvenile Northern Harrier. A kestrel and Cooper's Hawk battled in midair. Bald Eagle activity was high but only four migrated.
Non-raptor Observations: American Black Duck, 15 Common Nighthawks, 7 species sweep of woodpeckers (including Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and RED-HEADED WOODPECKER), Blue-headed Vireo, 50 Blue Jays, 2 Common Ravens, 200 Common Grackles, Black-and-white Warbler, Cape May Warbler, Palm Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, 26 monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S398130944
New species for season: American Black Duck
Predictions: TOMORROW: Mix of sun and clouds. Hot. High 86F! Winds SW at 5-10mph. Similar to today. Expect light to moderate migration.
SATURDAY: Partly cloudy. High 72F. Winds N shifting NE at 5-10mph. Pretty good conditions. Expect moderate migration.
SUNDAY: Cloudy with showers. High near 65F. Winds ENE at 5-10ph. Chance of rain 60%. The rain may prevent a flight. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Jennifer Xie, Joe Swertinski, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Laureen Eick-Benson, Richard King, Sheryl Johnson
Visitors: 30, including about 15 from a group of homeschool families.
Weather: Overcast with light and variable winds, becoming partly sunny with light southwest winds. Warm.
Raptor Observations: A slow start to the raptor activity without much sun or wind. Never much migration. Sharp-shinned Hawks were most numerous with a dozen. A handful of Turkey Vultures moving through. Other than that just a few Bald Eagles, Cooper's Hawks, and a Red-shouldered Hawk.
It was the best September for Ospreys since 2018. Merlins tied for the highest September total ever.
Non-raptor Observations: A nice amount of songbirds working the treeline in the morning!
New species for season: Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Blue-headed Vireo, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blackpoll Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Cloudy skies early followed by partial clearing. High 82F. Winds SW at 5-10mph. Similar to today.
FRIDAY: Partly cloudy. Hot! High 86F. Winds SW at 5-10mph. An unfavorable wind direction for migration but at least there will be some sun and wind to get raptors up. Obnoxiously hot for October.
SATURDAY: Partly cloudy. High 73F. Winds NNE at 5-10mph. Much better! Good winds and a more comfortable temperature. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Emma Hovland
Observers: Greg Gough, Steve McInnis, Susan Gruver, Tom Stock
Visitors: 16
Weather:
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations: Monarch 2 Common Nighthawk 1 Common Raven 1 Mute Swan 9 ======================================================================== Report submitted by Emma Hovland (<emmarhovland...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Holly Merker, Joe Sebastiani, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Mike Fowles
Visitors: 22, including a group from the NCCL school.
Weather: Partly cloudy becoming mostly cloudy and eventually overcast. Light northwesterly winds. Warm.
Raptor Observations: A moderate flight. Sharp-shinned Hawks were most numerous with 28. Thirteen Turkey Vultures. Small numbers of other expected migrants including six Bald Eagles and six Red-shouldered Hawks. Two kestrels. One broad-wing.
Decent raptor activity overall. The sky was good for spotting, but the weak winds didn't seem to get a lot of raptors moving despite being the first day after several days of poor weather. Activity slowed in the final hours as the sky clouded over.
Non-raptor Observations: 77 Canada Geese, 7 Common Nighthawks, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Great Blue Heron, 8 Northern Flickers, 100 Blue Jays, 2 Common Ravens, 20 Eastern Bluebirds, Cape May Warbler, 19+ species of butterfly including AMERICAN SNOUT, 15 monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S397561957
New species for season: Chipping Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow
Predictions: TOMORROW: Some morning sun then increasing clouds. High 77F. Winds light and variable. Overall similar to today and would expect similar results.
THURSDAY: Cloudy early then partial clearing. High 81F. Winds SW at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration.
FRIDAY: Intervals of clouds and sun. High 86F. Winds SW at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: Joe Francis, Joe Swertinski
Observers: David Brown, Lana Glass, Meghan Donnelly
Visitors: 8
Weather: Overcast with periods of misty rain and the sun occasionally peaking out. Light northerly winds.
Raptor Observations: Some bursts of activity during times of better weather. Sharp-shinned Hawks were most numerous with 12. Also 5 Cooper's Hawks. A single Broad-winged Hawk which was a lifer for one observer. The falcon trifecta including a Merlin diving at a Peregrine Falcon.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Partly cloudy then overcast. High 74F. Winds NW at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration.
WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and clouds. High 77F. Winds light and variable. Expect light to moderate migration.
THURSDAY: Mix of sun and clouds. High 83F. Winds SW at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Weather: Strong northerly winds and rain from continuing nor'easter. No count.
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations:
Predictions: TOMORROW: Cloudy. High 66F. Winds NNW at 5-10mph. A good wind direction but quite weak. The flight will depend on how much it clears up. If it stays damp and gloomy there might not be much flight. Expect light to moderate migration.
TUESDAY: Mix of sun and clouds then cloudy. High 73F. Winds NW at 5-10mph. A good wind direction, but weak. However those winds and a bit of sun should be enough to get some raptor moving after several gloomy days. Expect moderate migration.
WEDNESDAY: Partly cloudy. High 77F. Winds light and variable. Raptors should be active with the sunshine. Light winds may reduce the migration. Expect moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Joe Swertinski
Visitors: 3
Weather: On and off rain due to nor'easter. Moderate to strong north winds with occasional stronger gusts. Low overcast cloud cover and reduced visibility.
Raptor Observations: Despite the poor conditions small numbers of raptors moved throughout the day taking advantage of the favorable wind. Turkey Vultures (11) and Sharp-shinned Hawk (7) were most numerous. Small numbers of other expected species including four Cooper's Hawks, three kestrels, and one Broad-winged Hawk. A high streaming Osprey in the afternoon was a nice highlight.
Predictions: TOMORROW: A steady morning rain then afternoon showers. High 62F. Winds NNW at 15-25mph. Chance of rain 100%. Count will likely be shortened or canceled.
MONDAY: Cloudy. High around 65F. Winds NNW at 5-10mph. A good wind direction, but if it stays too gloomy that could hold back the flight.
TUESDAY: Partly cloudy becoming cloudy. High 72F. Winds NW at 5-10mph. Another good wind direction, though quite weak. A bit of sun after several dreary days could get some birds moving. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Date: 9/25/26 5:36 pm From: Andrew Ednie <000006be14ba5998-dmarc-request...> Subject: [de-birds] RBA: Birdline Delaware, September 25th, 2026
RBA * Delaware * Statewide * September 25, 2026 * DEST 26.09.25
*Birds mentioned Blue-winged Teal American Wigeon Black Scoter COMMON EIDER Common Merganser Wild Turkey Northern Bobwhite Yellow-billed Cuckoo Black-billed Cuckoo Common Nighthawk Ruby-throated Hummingbird Virginia Rail Sandhill Crane American Oystercatcher Black-necked Stilt American Avocet Black-bellied Plover American Golden Plover Semipalmated Plover Marbled Godwit HUDSONIAN GODWIT Willet Short-billed Dowitcher Long-billed Dowitcher Ruddy Turnstone Western Sandpiper Pectoral Sandpiper Stilt Sandpiper Wilson’s Snipe RED-NECKED PHALAROPE Black Tern Common Tern Caspian Tern Sandwich Tern Royal Tern Black Skimmer Parasitic Jaeger BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE Bonaparte’s Gull Common Loon Pied-billed Grebe LEACH’S STORM-PETREL Brown Pelican Northern Gannet American Bittern Black-crowned Night Heron Yellow-crowned Night Heron Little Blue Heron Tricolored Heron Green Heron Western Cattle Egret White Ibis Osprey Sharp-shinned Hawk Bald Eagle Broad-winged Hawk Barn Owl Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Red-headed Woodpecker American Kestrel Merlin Peregrine Falcon Least Flycatcher OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER Eastern kingbird Blue-headed Vireo Philadelphia Vireo Common Raven Brown-headed Nuthatch Ruby-crowned Kinglet Golden-crowned Kinglet Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Swainson’s Thrush Gray-cheeked Thrush Wood Thrush Swamp Sparrow White-throated Sparrow Dark-eyed Junco Bobolink Yellow-breasted Chat Ovenbird Northern Waterthrush American Redstart Black and White Warbler Blue-winged Warbler Nashville Warbler Tennessee Warbler CONNECTICUT WARBLER Northern Parula Northern Yellow Warbler Chestnut-sided Warbler Magnolia Warbler Cape May Warbler Blackburnian Warbler Bay-breasted Warbler Blackpoll Warbler Pine Warbler Black-throated Blue Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler Wilson’s Warbler Canada Warbler Summer Tanager Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Hotline: Birdline Delaware Date: September 25, 2026 To Report: Andy Ednie 302-792-9591 (VOICE) Compiler: Andy Ednie (<ednieap...>) Coverage: Delaware, Delmarva Peninsula, nearby Delaware Valley, Southern New Jersey, Maryland
For Friday, September 25th this is Birdline Delaware from the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science in Greenville. The Birdline is sponsored by the Delaware Ornithological Society (DOS). Statements made on the Birdline do not necessarily reflect the views of the sponsors. This is Andy Ednie, glad to be with you. The unofficial Delaware Annual List increased to 322 species this week.
A big storm is heading to Delaware tomorrow. Tidal flooding has been reported in Bethany, Dewey and Slaughters Beach. Already, a LEACH’S STORM-PETREL was seen from Lewes Beach after 4 days of northeast winds, along with RED-NECKED PHALAROPE. Small flock of BLACK SKIMMERS were sitting on the sand. A COMMON EIDER was photographed at Cape Henlopen State Park. BLACK and SURF SCOTER, AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER, and RUDDY TURNSTONE were in Cape Henlopen Point, plus BLACK, SANDWICH, COMMON, CASPIAN and ROYAL TERNS. COMMON LOON and BROWN PELICAN were seen offshore. Shorebirds reported included BLACK-BELLIED, SEMIPALMATED and AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER, plus BONAPARTE’S GULL. BROWN-HEADED NUTHATCHES were seen at the Seaside Nature Center along with PHILADELPHIA VIREO, and BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER.
The previously reported immature BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE continues to be seen at Indian River Inlet. This bird was seen along with SANDWICH, COMMON, CASPIAN and ROYAL TERNS plus PARASITIC JAEGER, NORTHERN GANNET, BROWN PELICAN, and AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER. TRICOLORED and GREEN HERON, WHITE IBIS plus YELLOW-CROWNED and BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON were seen at Burton’s Island in Delaware Seashore State Park along with PEREGRINE FALCON.
Upstate, a late BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO was reported from Middle Run Natural Area near Newark. COMMON RAVEN was found at the University of Delaware Ag Farm. RED-HEADED WOODPECKER and YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT were reported from Ashland Nature Center. Both RUBY-CROWNED and GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS were reported this week along with GRAY-CHEEKED, SWAINSON’S and WOOD THRUSH, WINTER WREN, WHITE-THROATED and SWAMP SPARROW, DARK-EYED JUNCO, BLUE-HEADED VIREO, and YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER.
An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER was photographed at Alapocos Woods State Park. LEAST FLYCATCHERS were found at Ashland Nature Center, Bombay Hook, and McCabe Nature Preserve near Milton. An EASTERN KINGBIRD was seen at the Woodside Creamery in North Star. Some late lingering birds included YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO, COMMON NIGHTHAWK, RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD, BOBOLINK, and ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK.
A CONNECTICUT WARBLERS were reported this week in a private yard near Greenwood. A total of 24 species of warbler were reported this week including OVENBIRD, NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH, AMERICAN REDSTART, NORTHERN PARULA, plus BLACK AND WHITE, TENNESSEE, NASHVILLE, CAPE MAY, MAGNOLIA, YELLOW, CHESTNUT-SIDED, BLACKBURNIAN, BAY-BREASTEED, BLACKPOLL, PINE, CANADA, WILSON’S plus BLACK-THROATED BLUE, and GREEN WARBLER
A family of COMMON MERGANSERS continues to be seen along the Red Clay Creek at Ashland Nature Center. SANDHILL CRANES and AMERICAN BITTERN were seen at the Ashton Tract in Augustine Wildlife Area. LITTLE BLUE HERON was seen at Thousand Acre Marsh. NORTHERN BOBWHITES were reported at Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area.
Both MARBLED and HUDSONIAN GODWIT were seen at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge this week. Shorebirds seen included 400+ AMERICAN AVOCET, BLACK-NECKED STILT, BLACK-BELLIED, SEMIPALMATED and AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER, SHORT and LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER, WILLET, DUNLIN, plus WESTERN, and PECTORAL SANDPIPER. Waders included WHITE IBIS, TRICOLORED HERON, WESTERN CATTLE EGRET, BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON, SORA, plus SANDHILL CRANES. MERLIN, KESTREL, and PEREGRINE FALCON were reported at the refuge. A BARN OWL was seen in the evening at the refuge headquarters. WILD TURKEY, BOBOLINK, and YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT were also reported.
AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER was seen at Mispillion Inlet. AMERICAN AVOCET and VIRGINIA RAIL were reported from the Dike Trail in Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge along with BLACK SKIMMER and CASPIAN TERN. WHITE IBIS was seen at Oyster Rocks Road. An early WILSON’S SNIPE along with PECTORAL SANDPIPER were found in a retention pond near Angola Neck. AMERICAN WIGEON, BLUE-WINGED TEAL, and PIED-BILLED GREBE were at Assawoman Wildlife Area. SUMMER TANAGER was seen at Redden State Forest.
It was a big week at Delaware’s hawk watches today. A total of over 4000 BROAD-WINGED HAWKS were reported at Ashland Nature Center, along with 40 BALD EAGLES, 220 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS and 90 AMERICAN KESTRELS. Additionally, 250 BROAD-WINGED HAWKS were counted on Saturday on the White Clay Creek Bird Census. Cape Henlopen reported 100 OSPREYS and 12 PEREGRINE FALCONS this week. Now’s the time to get out and visit Delaware’s hawk watches!
Thanks to all the people that make the Birdline possible, including, Teddy Burke, Sergio Savino, Ryleigh Sweet, Jeremy Bird, Adam Balick, Jac Cottrell, Judith Piciotto, Julia Sheehan, Graham Stewart, Sam Heragety, Carter Chambers, Steve and Susan McInnis, Ashley Norton, Bert Filemyr, Mike Rosengarten, Megan Kasprzak, Joe Sebastiani, David Thomas, Ed Patten, Jen Driscoll, Sam VanHorne, Frank Rohrbacher, John Carter, Phil Misseldine, Rod Murray, Chris Rankin, Kent Raymond, Carolyn Holland, Mary Braun, Sue Gruver, Rob Blye, Richard Julian, Greg Gough, Tom Stock, Chris and Karen Bennett, Anthony Gonzon, Will Krohn, Grace Meunch, Jim and Amy White, Laureen Eick-Benson, Natalie Weber, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Ian Teaell, Ellie McDonald, John and Andy Dunn, Wendy Cesario, Mike Moore, Joe Francis, Bruce Peterjohn, and Joe Swertinski. Thanks to our two hawk counters David Brown and Emma Hovland. Special thanks to Joe Tricarico for list distribution to DOS members. Remember, Birdl! ine needs your support. Please call your sightings to 302-792-9591. Thank you for your support. This is Andy Ednie wishing you good birding!
Observation start time: 06:30:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 9.5 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Frank Rohrbacher, Holly Merker, Jeff Uhlenburg, Joe Swertinski, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Sue McLaughlin
Visitors: 15
Weather: Moderate to strong northeasterly winds, sometimes shifting more northerly. Mostly cloudy becoming mostly sunny then back to mostly cloudy. Temps starting in the low 50s and reaching the low 70s.
Raptor Observations: Another steady flight dominated by Sharp-shinned Hawks (44) and American Kestrels (26), with many streaming high overhead. A decent push of migrating Turkey Vultures. Small numbers of other expected species including eight Broad-winged Hawks. Black Vulture "247" was seen for the first time this season.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Periods of rain. High 61F. Winds N at 15-25mph. A good wind direction but overly strong. The current hourly forecast looks like a high chance of rain for much of the count period. Might be some migration, but I wouldn't expect a big day. Perhaps a chance of an unusual sighting due to the storm. Count may be shortened.
SUNDAY: Rain likely. Winds NNW at 15-25mph. Chance of rain 90%. Count may be shortened or canceled.
MONDAY: Showers in the morning then cloudy. High near 65F. Winds NNW at 5-10mph. A favorable wind, but flight may be slow if it is too gloomy. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Emma Hovland
Observers: Heidi McGrue, Rachael Yurchisin, Susan Gruver
Visitors: 9
Weather:
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations: Monarch 1 Common Loon 1 ======================================================================== Report submitted by Emma Hovland (<emmarhovland...>)
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 9.5 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Ian Teaell, Jim Lewis, Joe Sebastiani, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Laureen Eick-Benson, Walt Blackwell
Visitors: 14
Weather: Mostly cloudy with some periods of more clouds and some sunnier periods. A moderate to strong northeast wind that weakened later in the day. Another cool fall-like day.
Raptor Observations: A light but steady flight throughout the day, though quite a bit less than yesterday. The late-day flight was still quite high due to the tailwind, which made me suspect that birds were moving at high altitude and just hard to spot. Again we saw all species that are expected for this date.
Sharp-shinned Hawks were most numerous with 39, plus 7 Cooper's Hawks. Another moderate kestrel flight with 13, plus two Merlins and a Peregrine for another falcon trifecta. Fewer big raptors today with only three Ospreys and five migrating Bald Eagles. The only two harriers migrated together late in the day. Only six Broad-winged Hawks, but one juvenile gave a great look as it glided over low.
The sweet stray cat "Kittiwake" was captured, checked out at the vet, and adopted by a loving home :)
Predictions: TOMORROW: Partly cloudy. High 72F. Winds NNE at 10-20mph. Overall similar again. A favorable wind direction, but fairly strong. The sun and wind direction may send the birds high again, but hopefully we'll have enough clouds to help spot them. I would expect another moderate flight.
SATURDAY: Partly cloudy. High 64F. Winds N at 10-20mph. Another similar day. Looks like the showers may hold off until after the count.
SUNDAY: Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers. High 63F. Winds NNW at 10-20mph. Gloomy conditions would normally hold back the flight but those winds may keep the powered fliers moving. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 06:30:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 9.5 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Joe Francis, Joe Sebastiani, Joe Swertinski, Kent Raymond, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Sally O'Byrne, Samir Saadeh
Visitors: 18
Weather: Overcast becoming partly sunny. Moderate northeasterly winds. A bit chilly in the morning!
Raptor Observations: A steady, moderate flight throughout the day. A great variety of raptors with all species that are expected on this date. The flight was a mix of low and high altitude, but we had some nice looks at both resident and migrating raptors.
Seven Ospreys brought the season total to a tie with the entire 2022 season as the highest total since 2021. Excellent Bald Eagle activity with 19 migrating.
Ten harriers was the second best flight of the season. Moderate Accip flights with 38 sharpies and 12 Coops. Only 13 broad-wings, perhaps a sign that the easterly component to the wind is pushing them west of us.
A handful of red-shoulders and red-tails. A juvenile red-shoulder perched in a tree next to the hawk watch for a few minutes until a juvenile Cooper's Hawk landed nearby then chased it away.
Only the second falcon trifecta of the season with 30 kestrels, 5 Merlins (season high), and an adult peregrine. A Merlin dove close and came back up with a common green darner.
Non-raptor Observations: 86 Canada Geese, 5 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 3 Double-crested Cormorants, 300+ Blue Jays, 2 Common Ravens, 125 Cedar Waxwings, Pine Warbler, American Lady, 46 monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S395619361
New species for season: Lesser Black-backed Gull
Predictions: TOMORROW: Partly to mostly cloudy. High 67F. Winds NE at 10-20mph. Overall similar to today and I would expect similar results.
FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy. High 73F. Winds NNE at 10-20mph. Similar again.
SATURDAY: Overcast with showers at times. High 64F. Winds N at 10-20mph. Good winds, but the gloominess may hold back the flight. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 10:30:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 4.5 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Joe Sebastiani
Visitors: 1
Weather: Rain delayed the start of the count. Remaining low overcast with moderate northeast winds. Cool and fall-like weather! Drizzle in the last half-hour became a steady rain for the hike down.
Raptor Observations: A steady flight with some nice looks as the conditions kept most migrants low. Seven each of Osprey and Bald Eagle. A moderate Accip flight with 20 sharpies and 6 Coops. A dozen Broad-winged Hawks migrated including a group of six. Falcons were steady with 11 kestrels and four Merlins.
Non-raptor Observations: 21 Canada Geese, 11 Common Mergansers, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, 6 Northern Flickers, 2 Common Ravens, 175 Cedar Waxwings, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, 36 monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S395335278
Predictions: TOMORROW: Cloudy. High 67F. Winds NE at 10-20mph. Similar to today when it wasn't raining, though hopefully not as damp. I would expect a steady flow of migrants again. Chances of broad-wings is hard to predict. Large numbers are still being reported north of us but the easterly component to the wind may push them west to the mountain sites. Expect moderate migration.
THURSDAY: Partly cloudy. High 67F. Winds NE at 10-15mph. Overall similar but the sunshine may result in thermals and higher altitude flight. Expect moderate migration.
FRIDAY: Intervals of clouds and sun. High around 70F. Winds NNE at 10-20mph. Similar again, but more sun and stronger winds. Expect moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Joe Francis, Joe Swertinski
Observers: Andy Ednie, David Brown, Joe Sebastiani, Joe Swertinski, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Walt Blackwell
Visitors: 14
Weather: Mostly sunny becoming overcast for the afternoon. Light to moderate northeast winds that weakened in the afternoon.
Raptor Observations: A light to moderate flight throughout the day, with a peak in the afternoon then a sudden drop in activity as the overcast skies got thicker. Sharp-shinned Hawks were most numerous with 27, followed by kestrels with 20. Seven each of Osprey and Cooper's Hawk. One Peregrine Falcon.
Non-raptor Observations: 77 Canada Geese, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, 6 Northern Flickers, 2 Common Ravens, American Redstart, 71 monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S395047055
Predictions: TOMORROW: Light rain early then cloudy with afternoon showers. High 63F. Winds NE at 10-15mph. Expect minimal migration. Count will likely be shortened.
WEDNESDAY: Cloudy. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 66F. Winds NE at 10-20mph. A favorable wind and fairly strong. Perhaps that will be enough to get some birds moving even if the sky is gloomy.
THURSDAY: Mostly cloudy. High near 65F. Winds NE at 10-20mph. Similar to Wednesday. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Weather: Morning rain then remaining overcast with low cloud cover and moderate southwest winds. No count conducted.
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations:
Predictions: The switch to rainy, gloomy weather with southerly winds prevented a raptor flight throughout the region today. However, after today the wind shifts northerly for the next week. Conditions will largely be cloudy with a few more rainy days (Tuesday and Wednesday). However, large numbers of Broad-winged Hawks moved through New England yesterday, so depending on where the wind blows them we may end up with more broad-wing flights this week.
TOMORROW: Mostly cloudy. A bit of morning sun. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 71F. Winds NE at 10-15mph. Decent conditions. Expect moderate migration. Hard to predict the chances of broad-wings. Conditions seem unfavorable for kettles, but some may be pushing through on the strong winds. However, we are still in peak time so sometimes we get surprised.
TUESDAY: A steady rain in the morning then showers. High 62F. Winds NE at 10-20mph. Chance of rain 70%. Count may be shortened. Probably little migration regardless.
WEDNESDAY: Showers in the morning then cloudy. High around 65F. Winds NE at 10-20mph. The flight will depend on how much it clears up, but likely not expecting much. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 06:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Carol Ralph, Carol Spease, Carter Chambers, Holly Merker, Ian Teaell, Jim Green, Jim Lewis, Joe Swertinski, Kevin Bronson, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass
Visitors: 32
Weather: Mostly cloudy becoming mostly sunny then overcast by the end of the count. Light winds shifted from NE to E.
Raptor Observations: Raptors were on the move early today. The spectacle of the day was the early-morning Broad-winged Hawk liftoff. Before the usual 9am start time of the count we had already had 670 Broad-winged Hawks, mostly distant to the north. As thermals built, multiple flight lines developed with some groups to the north and other groups streaming overhead. Nearly 1,200 Broad-winged Hawks were counted in the 9-10am clock time hour. Broad-winged Hawk numbers dropped drastically after that with few seen throughout the afternoon. The final Broad-winged Hawk total for the day was 1,918 which was just short of yesterday's total. The combined broad-wing total of yesterday and today was 3,849.
The Sharp-shinned Hawk total of 85 was the highest so far this season. Bald Eagles and American Kestrels had their second highest totals of the season. Other species had moderate totals.
Spotting was difficult throughout the afternoon as the migrants were mostly high altitude, but the cloud cover helped with spotting.
New species for season: American Herring Gull, Gray-cheeked Thrush, Palm Warbler.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Rain early then remaining cloudy with showers. High 76F. Winds SSW at 10-15mph. Chance of rain 60%. Overall poor conditions. Count may be shortened.
MONDAY: Some morning sun then increasing clouds. High 69F. Winds NE at 10-15mph. A good breeze from a favorable direction. Perhaps not a great wind for broad-wings, but I would expect other species to be on the move in moderate to good numbers.
TUESDAY: Rain likely. High 63F. Winds NE at 10-20mph. Count will likely be shortened. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Emma Hovland
Observers: Ann Dinkel, Bruce Peterjohn, Greg Gough, Heidi McGrue, Jodi McLaughlin, Maizie Silverman, Nancy Cunningham, Susan Gruver
Weather:
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations: Monarch 4 American Oystercatcher 12 ======================================================================== Report submitted by Emma Hovland (<emmarhovland...>)
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 17:30:00 Total observation time: 10.5 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Anthony Capone, Carol Ralph, Carol Spease, Charlotte Rose, Ian Teaell, Joe Swertinski, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Mike Fowles
Visitors: 21
Weather: Cloudy with a short period of sprinkles in the morning. Becoming sunny throughout the afternoon with nearly clear skies at sunset. Quite warm with high humidity dropping throughout the day. Light northerly winds.
Raptor Observations: The morning started out slow with only a handful of migrants each hour. As the sun came out the migration picked up to become moderate with a good mix of species, but no broad-wings until after noon clock time.
The highlight of the morning was an adult PEREGRINE FALCON that crossed in front of us from right to left heading towards the notch where it stooped on a pair of Rock Pigeons, knocking one of them out of the sky then swooping and catching it from midair before carrying it across in front of us for a nice view! Incredible!
By mid-afternoon Broad-winged Hawk numbers were starting to build with 18 in the 2-3pm clock time hour, then two hours with more than a hundred. Finally in the 5-6pm hour the floodgates opened! Various groups in different parts of the sky had totaled around 500 birds when we spotted a large stream passing to our right. The stream was steady for several minutes and included around 500 broad-wings, including many streaming across the face of the moon!
With the clicker just below a thousand for the hour I wanted a few more. Plus all of them had been just streaming and we wanted to see a kettle! Ian T. saved the day by spotting a huge kettle off to the north. Not only was the kettle quite tall, stretching several glasses upwards from the horizon, but we spotted several other kettles feeding into each other as the hawks concentrated in the final thermals of the day. A last closer group closed out the hour at just over 1,600 broad-wings! The last half hour of the count brought another 50 broad-wings gliding low to settle in for the night. We watched one adult broad-wing drop in near the creek for a few minutes before it rose again and headed off towards the notch.
The final Broad-winged Hawk total was 1,931. Other notable totals included 25 Ospreys, 53 sharpies, and 15 kestrels. We saw all raptor species expected this time of the season with the exception of Merlin. In total we had 2,061 migrating raptors. What a day for those present for the final hours, which included a handful of visitors with great timing!
Non-raptor Observations: 35 Canada Geese, 6 Common Nighthawks, 4 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, 2 Double-crested Cormorants, 2 Great Blue Herons, 2 Belted Kingfishers, 2 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS, 80 Blue Jays, 2 Common Ravens, American Redstart, Meadow Fritillary, 251 monarchs https://ebird.org/checklist/S394046136
Predictions: TOMORROW: Partly cloudy. High 74F. Winds NE shifting E at 5-10mph. Given the huge late-day flight here and the high numbers stretching from New Jersey through New England there is likely a large number of Broad-winged Hawks nearby ready to lift off and no shortage of supply behind them. There are never any promises in hawk watching, but a large broad-winged hawk liftoff in the morning seems highly probable. The first broad-wings will likely start getting up around 8:30-9am. The 9-11am period will likely be the most active. After that is a big question mark. As the hawks gets higher and the winds shift more easterly it is possible that we will lose the flight line as the birds get pushed west of us. It is also possible that we hold onto a flight with groups of broad-wings throughout the day. If you want to see a lot of Broad-winged Hawks this fall then tomorrow morning is probably your last good chance.
SUNDAY: Cloudy with showers. High 76F. Winds SSW at 5-10mph. Poor conditions overall. Count may be shortened.
MONDAY: More clouds than sun. High near 70F. Winds NE at 10-15mph. Decent conditions overall. Perhaps a chance of more broad-wings depending on what happens tomorrow. The best weather of an otherwise rainy week. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Date: 9/18/26 5:10 pm From: Andrew Ednie <000006be14ba5998-dmarc-request...> Subject: [de-birds] RBA: Birdline Delaware, September 18th, 2026
RBA * Delaware * Statewide * September 18, 2026 * DEST 26.09.18
*Birds mentioned Snow Goose Blue-winged Teal Black Scoter Surf Scoter Common Merganser Wild Turkey Yellow-billed Cuckoo Black-billed Cuckoo Common Nighthawk Ruby-throated Hummingbird Virginia Rail Sandhill Crane American Oystercatcher Black-necked Stilt American Avocet Black-bellied Plover American Golden Plover Semipalmated Plover Marbled Godwit Willet Short-billed Dowitcher Long-billed Dowitcher Ruddy Turnstone Western Sandpiper White-rumped Sandpiper Pectoral Sandpiper Stilt Sandpiper BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER Wilson’s Phalarope Black Tern Least Tern Common Tern Caspian Tern Royal Tern Black Skimmer BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE Lesser Black-backed Gull Pied-billed Grebe Brown Pelican Black-crowned Night Heron Yellow-crowned Night Heron Little Blue Heron Tricolored Heron Western Cattle Egret White Ibis Osprey Sharp-shinned Hawk Bald Eagle Broad-winged Hawk Barred Owl Red-headed Woodpecker American Kestrel Merlin Peregrine Falcon Least Flycatcher YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER Willow Flycatcher Blue-headed Vireo Yellow-throated Vireo Eastern Warbling Vireo Philadelphia Vireo Common Raven Red-breasted Nuthatch Brown-headed Nuthatch Veery Swainson’s Thrush Gray-cheeked Thrush Wood Thrush Bobolink Rusty Blackbird Baltimore Oriole Orchard Oriole Yellow-breasted Chat Ovenbird Northern Waterthrush American Redstart Black and White Warbler Prothonotary Warbler Blue-winged Warbler Nashville Warbler Tennessee Warbler CONNECTICUT WARBLER Hooded Warbler Northern Parula Northern Yellow Warbler Chestnut-sided Warbler Magnolia Warbler Cape May Warbler Blackburnian Warbler Bay-breasted Warbler Blackpoll Warbler Pine Warbler Prairie Warbler Black-throated Blue Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler Wilson’s Warbler Canada Warbler Summer Tanager Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Hotline: Birdline Delaware Date: September 18, 2026 To Report: Andy Ednie 302-792-9591 (VOICE) Compiler: Andy Ednie (<ednieap...>) Coverage: Delaware, Delmarva Peninsula, nearby Delaware Valley, Southern New Jersey, Maryland
For Friday, September 18th this is Birdline Delaware from the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science in Greenville. The Birdline is sponsored by the Delaware Ornithological Society (DOS). Statements made on the Birdline do not necessarily reflect the views of the sponsors. This is Andy Ednie, glad to be with you. The unofficial Delaware Annual List increased to 321 species this week.
An immature BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE was found yesterday by a fishing birder and seen again today underneath the bridge at Indian River Inlet. This bird was seen along with COMMON, LEAST, CASPIAN and ROYAL TERNS plus BROWN PELICAN. TRICOLORED HERON and WILLET were seen at the south campground. TRICOLORED HERON, WHITE IBIS and BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON were seen at Burton’s Island in Delaware Seashore State Park along with PEREGRINE FALCON. A MARBLED GODWIT was photographed feeding in the surf at Bethany Beach.
BLACK and SURF SCOTER, AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER, and RUDDY TURNSTONE were in Cape Henlopen State Park. RED-BREASTED and BROWN-HEADED NUTHATCHES were seen at the Cape Henlopen Fishing Pier. LEAST, COMMON, CASPIAN and ROYAL TERNS were seen at Cape Henlopen Point. There was a peak count of 405 WHITE IBIS at Gordon’s Pond, along with TRICOLORED HERON, GLOSSY IBIS, WESTERN CATTLE EGRET, plus WILLET, PECTORAL SANDPIPER and RUDDY TURNSTONE.
A total of six species of vireo were seen in Delaware this week. The first BLUE-HEADED VIREO was seen at Gordon’s Pond today along with PALM WARBLER and LEAST FLYCATCHER. PHILADELPHIA VIREOS were seen at First State National Historical Park, Brandywine Unit, Brandywine Creek State Park, Ashland Nature Center, Middle Run Natural Area in Newark, University of Delaware Farm, Ashton Tract and Waren Tract in Augustine Wildlife Area near Port Penn, and at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge.
CONNECTICUT WARBLERS were reported this week at Brandywine Creek State Park, Middle Run, Cape Henlopen, and photographed at the McCabe Preserve near Milton. Early PALM WARBLERS were seen at Brandywine Creek, First State, Gordon’s Pond and Assawoman Wildlife Area. A female HOODED WARBLER was photographed at Brandywine Creek. WILSON’S and lingering BLUE-WINGED WARBLERS were seen at Ashton Tract and Bombay Hook. A total of 26 species of warbler were reported this week including OVENBIRD, NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH, AMERICAN REDSTART, NORTHERN PARULA, plus PROTHONOTARY, BLACK AND WHITE, TENNESSEE, NASHVILLE, CAPE MAY, MAGNOLIA, YELLOW, CHESTNUT-SIDED, BLACKBURNIAN, BAY-BREASTEED, BLACKPOLL, PINE, PRAIRIE, CANADA, plus BLACK-THROATED BLUE, and GREEN WARBLER
A YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER was seen at Ashland Nature Center. A WILLOW and LEAST FLYCATCHER was identified at the Ashton Tract. LEAST FLYCATCHER was also found Gordon’s Pond and Redden State Forest. BLACK-BILLED CUCKOOS were seen at White Clay Creek State Park and Port Penn. The first GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH was found at Middle Run, along with large numbers of VEERY, SWAINSON’S and WOOD THRUSH. An early RUSTY BLACKBIRD was seen today at Brandywine Creek. Some common migrants this week included YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO, RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD, YELLOW-THROATED and WARBLING VIREOS, plus ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK.
A BLUE-WINGED TEAL in eclipse plumage was seen at Brandywine Creek State Park. A family of COMMON MERGANSERS continues to be seen along the Red Clay Creek at Ashland Nature Center. COMMON RAVENS were reported at both sites. A SNOW GOOSE continues to be seen off Kirkwood-St. Georges Road near Lums Pond State Park. BARRED OWL continues at Lums Pond. SANDHILL CRANE was seen at the Ashton Tract. VIRGINIA RAIL was reported at the Fire Truck Pond in Port Penn impoundments. AMERICAN AVOCET, WESTERN SANDPIPER, plus CASPIAN and BLACK TERN were seen at Thousand Acre Marsh, along with a lingering LITTLE BLUE HERON.
A BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was photographed at the Apgar Turf Farm along the Smyrna-Leipsic Road in Kent Co. The first SNOW GEESE were seen at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge this week. Shorebirds seen included 450 AMERICAN AVOCET, BLACK-BELLIED, SEMIPALMATED and AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER, SHORT and LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER, DUNLIN, plus WHITE-RUMPED, WESTERN, and PECTORAL SANDPIPER. Long-legged waders included WHITE IBIS, TRICOLORED HERON, YELLOW-CROWNED and BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON plus SANDHILL CRANES. WILD TURKEY, BOBOLINK, and YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT were also reported in the refuge.
ROYAL TERNS and LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL continue to be seen at Port Mahon. AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER, PIED-BILLED GREBE, and LITTLE BLUE HERON were seen at the Main Tract in Little Creek Wildlife Area. BARRED OWL was found at the Killens Pond State Park. BROWN-HEADED NUTHATCH was found in Milford Neck Wildlife Area. AMERICAN AVOCET, WHITE IBIS, RUDDY TURNSTONE, and 80 ROYAL TERNS were seen at Big Stone Beach. AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER, WILLET, TURNSTONE, and 22 BROWN PELICANS were seen at Mispillion Inlet from the duPont Nature Center.
The previously reported WILSON’S PHALAROPES were seen at Oyster Rocks Road and along the Dike Trail in Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Other shorebirds reported included BLACK-NECKED STILT, plus STILT, WESTERN, WHITE-RUMPED, and PECTORAL SANDPIPER at Oyster Rocks. AMERICAN AVOCET, BLACK SKIMMER, WHITE IBIS and TRICOLORED HERON were seen at the Dike Trail in Prime Hook.
Lots of RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS were reported this week. Individual birds were seen flying past Ashland Nature Center on Saturday, Monday, and today. An adult was seen flying over a yard off Massey’s Church Road in Townsend. In southern Delaware, RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS were seen at the McCabe Preserve, Ponders Tract, Redden State Forest, Angola Neck Preserve, Assawoman Wildlife Area, and a high count of 6 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS were at the Great Cypress Swamp near Selbyville. Downstate, SUMMER TANAGERS were still being reported at Assawoman, Redden, and Trap Pond State Park. Both ORCHARD and BALTIMORE ORIOLES were seen in Sussex Co. this week. COMMON NIGHTHAWKS were seen at Brandywine Creek, Ashland Nature Center, Middletown, Hartley, Milford, and Cape Henlopen.
It was a big day at Delaware’s hawk watches today. A total of over 1900 BROAD-WINGED HAWKS were reported at Ashland Nature Center, along with 25 OSPREY, 8 BALD EAGLES, 53 SHARP-SHINED HAWKS, 15 AMERICAN KESTRELS and a PEREGRINE FALCON. Cape Henlopen reported 79 OSPREYS and 11 MERLINS. Now’s the time to get out and visit Delaware’s hawk watches!
Thanks to all the people that make the Birdline possible, including, Jeff Gordon, Jim Rapp, Kira Kaplinski, Warren Crabb, Carter Chambers, Bruce and Kelly White, Payton Stone, Bill Oyler, Karen Hardy, Steve McInnis, Debbie Blair, Ashley Norton, Lynn Jackson, Martin Selzer, Megan Kasprzak, Joe Sebastiani, David Thomas, Ed Patten, Jen Driscoll, Daryl Sharman, Sam VanHorne, Frank Rohrbacher, John Carter, Phil Misseldine, Rod Murray, Chris Rankin, Kent Raymond, Carolyn Holland, Mary Braun, Sue Gruver, Rob Blye, Richard Julian, Greg Gough, Tom Stock, Chris and Karen Bennett, Will Krohn, Jim and Amy White, Carolyn D’Amico, Paul Wilson, Kyla Snowden, Peter Schuyler, Matt Broomer, Tracy Mosebey, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Ian Teaell, Ellie McDonald, John and Andy Dunn, Wendy Cesario, Mike Moore, Joe Francis, Bruce Peterjohn, and Joe Swertinski. Thanks to our two hawk counters David Brown and Emma Hovland. Special thanks to Joe Tricarico for list distribution to DOS members. Reme! mber, Birdline needs your support. Please call your sightings to 302-792-9591. Thank you for your support. This is Andy Ednie wishing you good birding!
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Jim Lewis, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass
Visitors: 9
Weather: Mostly cloudy with a few short periods of sprinkles. Light southwest winds. Warm and muggy.
Raptor Observations: A slow day overall. Ospreys were most numerous with ten, with seven of those coming in the last two hours. Five sharpies and two Coops. One Merlin. No broad-wings.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Intervals of clouds and sunshine. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 84F. Winds N at 5-10mph. A favorable wind direction. I would expect a moderate raptor flight overall. Finally some increasing broad-winged hawk totals in New England with over 750 seen at Pack Monadnock (NH) this morning. With no broad-wings seen here today I wouldn't expect a morning liftoff, but with the favorable winds perhaps some of the New England broad-wings could arrive later in the day.
SATURDAY: Partly cloudy. High around 75F. Winds NE shifting E at 5-10mph. Decent conditions again. Check back tomorrow. The last decent day before six days of cloudy, rainy conditions.
SUNDAY: Morning showers evolving into a steady rain for the afternoon. High 76F. Winds S at 10-15mph. Chance of rain 80%. Count will likely be shortened. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Marina deLeeuw, Sheryl Johnson
Visitors: 17
Weather: Sunny except for a few small clouds in the morning. Warm. Light to moderate southwesterly winds.
Raptor Observations: A moderate amount of local raptor activity in the mid-morning but painfully slow for migration. Bald Eagles were most numerous with 7. Only four Broad-winged Hawks. An Osprey gave a great look as it came overhead inn the morning. Two Sharp-shinned Hawks. Local raptors included red-tails, red-shoulders, and a Cooper's Hawk.
Non-raptor Observations: Morning birding: 2 Philadelphia Vireos, Blue-winged Warbler, 3 Black-and-white Warblers, 6 Common Yellowthroats, 3 American Redstarts, 2 Magnolia Warblers, Indigo Bunting. https://ebird.org/checklist/S393381726
Predictions: TOMORROW: Some morning sun then increasing clouds. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 83F. Winds SSW at 5-10mph. Wind similar to today from an unfavorable direction. Clouds may help with spotting, but there may not be much to spot if today's result is an indication. Kittatinny Ridge sites have been reporting moderate broad-wing numbers the past few days. Sites from us up through New England have been reporting low numbers mostly. Seems unlikely a big flight will arrive.
FRIDAY: Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 83F. Winds N at 5-10mph. Probably the best day coming up. A favorable wind direction and overall good conditions for broad-wings. Clouds will help with spotting. It is just a question of whether the broad-wings are in position to get here. Check my forecast tomorrow after we see tomorrow's results.
SATURDAY: Intervals of clouds and sunshine. High 76F. Winds E at 5-10mph. Decent conditions for raptor activity, though an easterly wind can be less favorable for us to get broad-wings. After this the weather turns rainy and gloomy for 5 days. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Carol Ralph, Carol Spease, Jim Lewis, Joe Francis, Joe Swertinski, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Mike Fowles
Visitors: 32, including about 20 from an OSHER lifelong learning field trip.
Weather: Sunny except for occasional small short-lived clouds. Light winds that shifted from NE to SE then to SW.
Raptor Observations: An adult Broad-winged Hawk was flushed from down below and perched in a tree next to the hawk watch at the start of the count before Blue Jays chased it away. A decent morning liftoff of broad-wings with kettles up to 40 individuals, though most were distant to the north. None were seen after the initial few hours and the final total was 166. Small numbers of other expected species including 3 harriers, 16 sharpies, and four merlins.
Non-raptor Observations: 11 Canada Geese, Common Nighthawk, 4 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, 2 Belted Kingfishers, 60 Cedar Waxwings, Black-and-white Warbler, American Redstart, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, 32 monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S393231559
New species for season: Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Predictions: TOMORROW: Plentiful sunshine. High 82F. Winds SSW at 5-10mph. Another good day for strong thermals so broad-wings should be on the move if any are in the area. A southerly wind is less favorable for migration, but a westerly element is better for our chances of broad-wings the next few days. Spotting will be difficult again without many clouds. Broad-wing numbers still haven't built up much at the New England sites yet, so I wouldn't expect a big broad-wing day, but maybe we'll be surprised. We didn't have any afternoon broad-wings today so a good morning liftoff seems unlikely.
THURSDAY: Mostly cloudy becoming partly cloudy. High 84F. Winds SSW at 5-10mph. Clouds will help with spotting. Still a less favorable wind direction.
FRIDAY: A day to keep an eye on. Partly cloudy. High 84F. Wind N at 5-10mph. A great wind, along with some clouds for spotting. If broad-wings start being seen in higher numbers north of us the next few days then this could be the day to aim for. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 10 hours
Official Counter: Ian Teaell, Joe Francis, Joe Swertinski, Kim Steininger
Observers: Carol Ralph, Cyndi Newcomb, Ian Teaell, Joe Francis , Joe Swertinski, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Richard King
Weather: Mostly sunny with a moderate northerly wind.
Raptor Observations: Great flight! Broad-winged Hawks were most numerous with just over 200, their highest total so far this season. Moderate numbers of other migrants including good numbers of sharpies and kestrels.
Non-raptor Observations: 145 monarchs
Predictions: TOMORROW: Sunny. High 76F. Winds ESE at 5-10mph. Good conditions for thermals, though spotting may be tough without many clouds. Hopefully we'll get more broad-wings.
WEDNESDAY: Sunshine and some clouds. High 82F. Winds SSW at 5-10mph. Another good day for thermals. Potential for broad-wings.
THURSDAY: Partly cloudy. High 86F. Winds SSW at 5-10mph. Another good day for thermals. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 10:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Will Krohn
Observers: David Brown
Visitors: 7
Weather: Overnight rain lingered into the morning and delayed the start of the count. Transitioning to partly sunny skies for the afternoon. Light northerly winds. Quite warm and muggy.
Raptor Observations: Unfortunately not much of a flight even when it cleared up. Ospreys were most numerous with five. Only three broad-wings. Small numbers of other expected species.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Sunny skies. High near 75F. Winds NNW at 10-15mph. Great winds. Spotting may be difficult if there aren't clouds. We are now entering the period when large Broad-winged Hawk flights are a possibility.
TUESDAY: Sunny with a few clouds from time to time. High 76F. Winds ESE at 5-10mph. A less favorable wind direction, but weak so it may not make a big difference. Decent conditions for broad-wings to be on the move.
WEDNESDAY: Sunny with some cloudy intervals. High 81F. Winds light and variable. Decent conditions again. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Anthony Capone, Bob Rufe, Jim Green, Joe Swertinski, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Mike Fowles, Samir Saadeh, Sharon Helmerich
Visitors: 20
Weather: Mostly cloudy becoming mostly sunny for the late morning before clouding over to overcast by the end of the count. Light winds that shifted from NE to SE. Pleasant day. Quite warm at times when the sun was out.
Raptor Observations: A moderate flight. Broad-winged Hawks were most numerous with 21. Sharp-shinned Hawks were steady with 16. Another decent Osprey flight with 15. The first Peregrine Falcon of the season, a juvenile, dove on a Northern Harrier, but the harrier turned the tables and started diving at the peregrine which greatly amused us. A few vultures were counted as migrating, including the first Black Vultures of the season.
Non-raptor Observations: Morning birding: Swainson's Thrush, 3 Northern Waterthrushes, 2 Black-and-white Warblers, 10 Common Yellowthroats, 10 American Redstarts, Magnolia Warbler, Northern Yellow Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler. https://ebird.org/checklist/S392083984
Hawk Watch: RED-HEADED WOODPECKER, Philadelphia Vireo, Fish Crow with white wings, 2 Common Ravens, Black-and-white Warbler, 2 American Redstarts, Northern Parula, 13 monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S392297365
New species for season: Philadelphia Vireo, Red-headed Woodpecker, Common Grackle
Predictions: TOMORROW: Rain showers early with some sunshine later. High 84F. Winds WNW at 5-10mph. The gloomy weather may delay the start of the count. Some clearing as the day goes on. A decent wind direction but weak. Probably some activity for the afternoon but I wouldn't expect a big day.
MONDAY: Some morning clouds then mainly sunny. High 77F. Winds NNW at 10-15mph. Excellent winds. Spotting may be difficult if the clouds go away. Should be a decent day for migration. Still too early for a lot of broad-wings?
TUESDAY: Partly cloudy skies. High 76F. Winds ESE at 5-10mph. Good conditions for raptors to be active. A less favorable wind direction but weak so not a huge factor. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Date: 9/11/26 4:44 pm From: Andrew Ednie <000006be14ba5998-dmarc-request...> Subject: [de-birds] RBA: Birdline Delaware, September 11th, 2026
RBA * Delaware * Statewide * September 11, 2026 * DEST 26.09.11
*Birds mentioned Black Scoter Black Scoter Common Merganser Red-breasted Merganser Common Gallinule Sandhill Crane American Oystercatcher Black-necked Stilt American Avocet Black-bellied Plover American Golden Plover Semipalmated Plover Marbled Godwit Hudsonian Godwit Willet Short-billed Dowitcher Long-billed Dowitcher Ruddy Turnstone Western Sandpiper White-rumped Sandpiper BAIRD’S SANDPIPER Pectoral Sandpiper Stilt Sandpiper BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER Wilson’s Phalarope Royal Tern Black Skimmer Brown Pelican Black-crowned Night Heron Yellow-crowned Night heron Tricolored Heron White Ibis MISSISSIPPI KITE Osprey Broad-winged Hawk Barred Owl Red-headed Woodpecker American Kestrel Merlin OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER Least Flycatcher YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER Philadelphia Vireo Common Raven Red-breasted Nuthatch Brown-headed Nuthatch Veery Swainson’s Thrush Grasshopper Sparrow Saltmarsh Sparrow Baltimore Oriole Yellow-breasted Chat Ovenbird Northern Waterthrush American Redstart Black and White Warbler Prothonotary Warbler Blue-winged Warbler GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER Nashville Warbler Tennessee Warbler CONNECTICUT WARBLER Northern Parula Northern Yellow Warbler Chestnut-sided Warbler Magnolia Warbler Cape May Warbler Blackburnian Warbler Bay-breasted Warbler Blackpoll Warbler Pine Warbler Prairie Warbler Black-throated Blue Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler Canada Warbler Summer Tanager Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Hotline: Birdline Delaware Date: September 11, 2026 To Report: Andy Ednie 302-792-9591 (VOICE) Compiler: Andy Ednie (<ednieap...>) Coverage: Delaware, Delmarva Peninsula, nearby Delaware Valley, Southern New Jersey, Maryland
For Friday, September 11th this is Birdline Delaware from the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science in Greenville. The Birdline is sponsored by the Delaware Ornithological Society (DOS). Statements made on the Birdline do not necessarily reflect the views of the sponsors. This is Andy Ednie, glad to be with you. The unofficial Delaware Annual List increased to 320 species this week.
The first CONNECTICUT WARBLERS of the year were reported this week at Ashland Natue Center, Brandywine Creek State Park, and First State National Historical Park, Brandywine Unit off Ramsey Road. Another CONNECTICUT WARBLER was reported along Fowlers Beach Road in Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge yesterday. A male GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER was seen Saturday off Creek Road just south of Chambers Rock Road in White Clay Creek State Park. A female GOLDEN-WING was seen Monday at the back side of Finis Pool along Raymond Neck Road in Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge.
TENNESSEE WARBLER was reported at First State, Middle Run Wildlife Area, University of Delaware Ag Farm, White Clay Creek and Summit Bridge. NASHVILLE WARBLER was reported at Ashland Nature Center, White Clay Creek, and the Boardwalk Trail parking area in Bombay Hook. A single BLACKPOLL WARBLER was seen at the Fire Truck Pond in Port Penn Impoundments. Early YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS were seen at Harry’s Pond in the Brandywine Town Center, Ashland Nature Center, Bombay Hook, and Cape Henlopen. A total of 26 species of warbler were reported this week including OVENBIRD, NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH, AMERICAN REDSTART, NORTHERN PARULA, plus BLACK AND WHITE, BLUE-WINGED, CAPE MAY, MAGNOLIA, YELLOW, CHESTNUT-SIDED, BLACKBURNIAN, PINE, PRAIRIE, CANADA, plus BLACK-THROATED BLUE, and GREEN WARBLER
An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER was seen at Ashland Nature Center and the Ashton Tract in Augustine Wildlife Area. A YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER was reported at Lums Pond State Park PHILADELPHIA VIREO was seen at White Clay Creek, Parson Point Road in Bombay Hook, and at Shearness Tower. A RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH was reported at Ashland Nature Center. RED-HEADED WOODPECKER was found at Curtis Mill Park in Newark, GRASSHOPPER SPARROW was reported near Delaware City, and YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT was seen at the Ashton Tract. Some common migrants this week included LEAST FLYCATCHER, VEERY, SWAINSON’S THRUSH,BALTIMORE ORIOLE, and ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK.
The previously reported BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was re-found at Shearness Pool in Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. The bird was seen again on the sandbar opposite Shearness tower on the south side of the impoundment. Other shorebirds included HUDSONIAN and MARBLED GODWIT, AMERICAN AVOCET, BLACK-BELLIED, SEMIPALMATED and AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER, SHORT and LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER, DUNLIN, plus WHITE-RUMPED, WESTERN, and PECTORAL SANDPIPER. Long-legged waders included WHITE IBIS, TRICOLORED, YELLOW-CROWNED and BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON plus SANDHILL CRANES.
ROYAL TERNS continue to be seen at Port Mahon. BARRED OWL was found at the main Tract in Little Creek Wildlife Area. SALTMARSH SPARROW, WHITE IBIS and MERLIN were seen at Big Stone Beach. RED-HEADED WOODPECKER and BROWN-HEADED NUTHATCH were found in Milford Neck Wildlife Area.
A couple of immature YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERONS continue to be seen at the Marvel Salt Marsh Preserve Pond in Slaughters Beach. A BAIRD’S SANDPIPER was found along the shoreline at Evans Road in Slaughters Beach. COMMON RAVEN was found at Fowlers Beach. The previously reported WILSON’S PHALAROPES were last seen on Monday at Oyster Rocks Road in Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Othe shorebirds reported included BLACK-NECKED STILT, plus BAIRD’S. STILT, WESTERN, WHITE-RUMPED, and PECTORAL SANDPIPER. AMERICAN AVOCET, BLACK SKIMMER, WHITE IBIS and TRICOLORED HERON were seen at the Dike Trail at Prime Hook.
BLACK SCOTER, AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER, and RUDDY TURNSTONE were in Cape Henlopen State Park. AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER, WILLET and RED BREASTED MERGANSER were seen at Herring Point. Cape Henlopen Point is now open to foot traffic and the number of terns is decreased. Over 300 BROWN PELICANS were seen on the outer breakwater in Lewes Harbor. COMMON GALLINULE was seen at Assawoman Wildlife Area. A late SUMMER TANAGER was seen in Harbeson.
Delaware’s hawk watches continue this week at Ashland Nature Center and Cape Henlopen State Park. Welcome to our two hawk counters David Brown and Emma Hovland. A MISSISSIPPI KITE was seen at Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch on Saturday. Cape Henlopen has already reported over 200 OSPREYS. A high count of almost 200 BROAD-WINGED HAWKS was seen at Ashland Nature Center last weekend, along with 58 AMERICAN KESTRELS and 6 MERLIN. A family of 5-7 COMMON MERGANSERS were seen along the Red Clay Creek at Ashland this week
Thanks to all the people that make the Birdline possible, including, Mike Smith, Sally O’byrne, Jac Contrell, Win Shafer, Bert Filemyr, Mike Rosengarten, Sam Payne, Ashley Norton, Ann Dinkel, Derek Ritzman, Lynn Jackson, Martin Selzer, Megan Kasprzak, Joe Sebastiani, David Thomas, Ed Patten, Jen Driscoll, Daryl Sharman, Sam VanHorne, Frank Rohrbacher, John Carter, Phil Misseldine, Rod Murray, Chris Rankin, Kent Raymond, Carolyn Holland, Mary Braun, Sue Gruver, Rob Blye, Richard Julian, Greg Gough, Tom Stock, Nancy Cummingham, Chris and Karen Bennett, Will Krohn, Jim and Amy White, Barbara Jones, Kim Steininger, Judy Montgomery, Lana Glass, Ian Teaell, Ellie McDonald, John and Andy Dunn, Wendy Cesario, Mike Moore, Joe Francis, Bruce Peterjohn, and Joe Swertinski. Special thanks to Joe Tricarico for list distribution to DOS members. Remember, Birdline needs your support. Please call your sightings to 302-792-9591. Thank you for your support. This is Andy Ednie wishing you g! ood birding!
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Anthony Capone, Frank Rohrbacher, Ian Teaell, Joe Swertinski, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Laureen Eick-Benson, Mike Fowles, Rachel Yurchisin
Visitors: 20, including about 10 from a Knee High Naturalists group.
Weather: Mostly cloudy in the morning with a brief period of sprinkles. A blue sliver on the north horizon slowly moved south resulting in a nearly clear sky by the late afternoon. Light northerly winds.
Raptor Observations: The best flight out of the past five days. Broad-winged Hawks were most numerous with 43, including a group of 11. Some gave nice looks as they lifted off in the morning. The broad-wing flight was concentrated in the morning. Sharp-shinned Hawks had their best flight so far this season with 18. Nine Ospreys. For falcons we had four kestrels and two Merlins.
Hawk Watch: 1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Black-and-white Warbler, 2 American Redstarts, Cape May Warbler, Northern Parula, Magnolia Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, 31 monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S391922982
New species for season: Yellow-throated Vireo, Cape May Warbler
Predictions: TOMORROW: Partly cloudy becoming cloudy. High 81F. Winds SE at 10-15mph. Conditions should be good enough for raptors to be active, but migration may slow as it gets cloudier and the winds shift to a less favorable direction.
SUNDAY: Morning showers then partly cloudy. High near 85F. Winds WNW at 5-10mph. The count may be delayed, but conditions are looking good for the afternoon as it clears up.
MONDAY: A few morning showers then sunny. High 76F. Winds NNW at 10-15mph. Good conditions after the early-morning showers. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Jen Driscoll, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass
Visitors: 7
Weather: Mostly cloudy with light to moderate winds that switched between northeast and WNW. Quite warm.
Raptor Observations: Not much migration despite good skies and a decent wind. Broad-winged Hawks were most numerous with 6. One Merlin gave a close pass. One Osprey and a few Bald Eagles. Small numbers of other expected migrants.
Non-raptor Observations: Morning birding: 7 Common Mergansers, 2 Black-and-white Warblers, 4 American Redstarts, Magnolia Warbler. https://ebird.org/checklist/S391501783
Predictions: TOMORROW: Cloudy skies early then partly cloudy. High 82F. Winds N at 5-10mph. A good wind direction. The clouds may delay the start of the flight, but it could turn into a pleasant afternoon once the sun comes out. Hopefully the northerly breeze will bring some migrants.
SATURDAY: Mainly cloudy. High around 80F. Winds SE at 5-10mph. A less favorable wind direction.
SUNDAY: Morning showers becoming partly cloudy. High 84F. Winds WNW at 5-10mph. Decent conditions after the rain. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Date: 9/9/26 4:28 pm From: Ian Stewart <istew...> Subject: [de-birds] Cape Henlopen (09 Sep 2026) 9 Raptors
Counting period: 08:56-16:01
<https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?<id...> Count type: Storks and raptors
Weather: wind SW 10mph, cloud-cover 2/8, temperature 90 ℉, humidity 46%,
air pressure 1028hPa
Observers: Emma Hovland, Bruce Peterjohn, Susan Gruver
S N
Osprey 8 -
Bald Eagle * 1 -
Monarch 1 -
Present:
Black Vulture 2, Turkey Vulture 9, Osprey 3, Cooper's Hawk 1*, Bald Eagle 2*
, Red-tailed Hawk 1
Date: 9/9/26 4:02 pm From: Andrew Ednie <000006be14ba5998-dmarc-request...> Subject: [de-birds] White Clay Bird Census
Weather is looking bad for tomorrow morning. The weekly White Clay Creek Bird Census will be postponed from tomorrow morning to Friday, September 11th. We'll still be starting at 7:30 am from the Chambers Rock Road parking lot. Hope this helps to hit the big wave of migration after the front moves through.
Sorry to the birders planning to go out tomorrow but can't make Friday! Andy
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Daniel Noznisky, Joe Swertinski, Lana Glass
Visitors: 6
Weather: Mostly sunny. Warm with moderate southwest winds.
Raptor Observations: The unfavorable wind direction held back the migration. Turkey Vultures were most numerous with 11. Three Ospreys. Three harriers including an adult male that gave a nice look. Four sharpies plus a couple local Coops. Only four broad-wings. One each of kestrel and Merlin.
Hawk Watch: Common Merganser, 4 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, STRIPED SADDLEBAGS, 5 monarchs, American Copper, Common Checkered-Skipper. https://ebird.org/checklist/S391386701
Predictions: TOMORROW: Cloudy early becoming partly cloudy later. Warm. High 87F. Winds W at 5-10mph. The morning clouds may delay the flight, but it could turn into a pleasant afternoon with some activity.
FRIDAY: Intervals of clouds and sun. High 82F. Winds N at 5-10mph. Good conditions. The best looking day coming up.
SATURDAY: Mostly cloudy. High 81F. Winds SE at 5-10mph. A less favorable wind direction but fairly weak so should still be some activity. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Joe Sebastiani, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Mike Fowles, Walt Blackwell
Visitors: 7
Weather: Mostly sunny with light northerly winds.
Raptor Observations: Overall slow for migration. A handful of decent looks, though some migrants were quite high. Broad-winged Hawks were most numerous with 17. The only Osprey was a high steamer in the last hour. Small numbers of other expected migrants including 3 sharpies, 2 kestrels, and a Merlin. A Merlin dove at a juvenile Cooper's Hawk in the morning.
Hawk watch: 6 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Great Blue Heron, Tennessee Warbler, 14 monarchs, Common Checkered-Skipper. https://ebird.org/checklist/S391127304
New species for season: Common Merganser, Swainson's Thrush, Prairie Warbler.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Mix of sun and clouds. High 87F. Winds SSW at 10-15mph. An increasingly strong unfavorable wind that will bring hot weather for the afternoon. Should be decent conditions for raptors to be flying but the direction may hold back the migration.
THURSDAY: Rain showers early then mostly cloudy later. Warm. High around 85F. Winds W at 5-10mph. Probably unfavorable conditions. Count may be shortened.
FRIDAY: Sun with a few passing clouds. High 81F. Winds NNW at 5-10mph. Overall favorable conditions for migration. Spotting may difficult if there aren't many clouds. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
