Observation start time: 10:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Frank Rohrbacher, Walt Blackwell
Visitors: 4
Weather: Morning drizzle delayed the start of the count. Remaining overcast with occasional sprinkles. Light southwest winds. Warm with a high in the low 70s.
Raptor Observations: An early Merlin rocketed through just above the ground. Sixteen Turkey Vultures, one Sharp-shinned Hawk, and one Bald Eagle were the only other migrants. Low activity overall due to the poor conditions.
Non-raptor Observations: 25 Canada Geese, Common Raven, 20 Tree Swallows, 110 Cedar Waxwings, 4 Purple Finches, 30 Pine Siskins, 25 Brown-headed Cowbirds, no monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S408215892
Predictions: TOMORROW: Cloudy. Periods of rain early. Warm. High around 65F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch. Currently the forecast shows rain will likely delay the start of the count and it may not clear up enough to get much of a flight going. Expect light migration.
SATURDAY: Some morning clouds then mainly sunny skies. High 57F. Winds WNW at 10-20mph. Better conditions following a cold front. Expect moderate to good migration.
SUNDAY: A few clouds early, otherwise mostly sunny. High 59F. Winds W at 10-20mph. 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: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Emma Hovland
Observers: Maizie Silverman, Susan Gruver
Weather:
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations: Monarch 2
Predictions: Tomorrow: steady rain expected is expected throughout the day ======================================================================== Report submitted by Emma Hovland (<emmarhovland...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Carol Spease, Frank Rohrbacher, Joe Swertinski, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Sheryl Johnson
Visitors: 15
Weather: Mostly sunny with a cirrus layer covering about half the sky in the midday. Light to moderate southwest winds. Unseasonably warm with a high of 75F.
Raptor Observations: Turkey Vultures were the primary migrant with just over a hundred. Late Osprey and kestrel. Seven migrating Bald Eagles. A handful of Accips. Four harriers. A few high streaming Buteos for a total of 5 red-shoulders and 8 red-tails. A hunting Merlin at the end of the day.
Non-raptor Observations: 35 Canada Geese, Great Blue Heron, 2 Common Ravens, 5 Purple Finches, 40 Pine Siskins, 1 monarch. https://ebird.org/checklist/S408024326
Predictions: TOMORROW: Cloudy with occasional light rain, mainly in the morning. Warm. High 72F. Winds SSW at 10-15mph. Chance of rain 70%. Overall unfavorable conditions but seems like it won't be a washout. Maybe some vultures will be moving. Expect light migration otherwise.
FRIDAY: Cloudy. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 67F. Winds light and variable. Expect light to moderate migration.
SATURDAY: Sunshine with some cloudy intervals. High 58F. Winds WNW at 10-20mph. 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: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Emma Hovland
Observers: Susan Gruver, Tom Stock
Visitors: 5
Weather:
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations:
Predictions: SSW winds shifting to S. Chance of rain showers in the afternoon. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Emma Hovland (<emmarhovland...>)
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Dede Johnston, Frank Rohrbacher, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Rachel Yurchisin
Visitors: 14
Weather: A partial cirrus layer. Light to moderate southwest winds. High around 70F.
Raptor Observations: The flight was mostly low to medium altitude. A nice push of Turkey Vultures with more than 150. One Osprey. Good Bald Eagle activity with 13 migrating. Two harriers. Sixteen sharpies and four Coops. A handful of Buteos with 7 red-shoulders and 6 red-tails. No falcons.
Non-raptor Observations: 75 Canada Geese, 3 Common Ravens, 120 Cedar Waxwings, 8 Purple Finches, 50 Pine Siskins, 50 Brown-headed Cowbirds, no monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S407818157
New species for season: Barred Owl
Predictions: TOMORROW: Areas of dense morning fog. Sunshine and clouds mixed. High around 75F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Similar to the past two days. Expect light to moderate migration.
THURSDAY: Rain showers early with overcast skies later in the day. High 72F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15mph. Chance of rain 40%. Gloomy conditions may hold back the flight. Expect light migration.
FRIDAY: Showers early, becoming steady rain later in the day. High 67F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10mph. Chance of rain 70%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch. Unfavorable conditions. Count will likely be shortened or cancelled. ======================================================================== 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: Emma Hovland
Observers: Art Zdancewic, Autumn Heil, Kevin Bronson, Sharon Borton, Susan Gruver, Tom Stock, Vincent Gambal
Visitors: 6
Weather:
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations: Monarch 3
Predictions: SSE winds with a chance of fog in the morning. Raptor migration expected to be somewhat slow. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Emma Hovland (<emmarhovland...>)
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Joe Francis
Observers: David Brown, Frank Rohrbacher, Kent Raymond, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass
Visitors: 16
Weather: Mostly cloudy from a cirrus layer, becoming mostly sunny at the end of the day. Light and variable winds, mostly southwesterly. High in the mid-60s.
Raptor Observations: A slow day overall. A few high streaming migrating Buteos, but largely the raptors were on the horizon. Four migrating Bald Eagles. Three harriers. Six sharpies and three Coops. Six red-shoulders and 3 red-tails. One hunting Merlin. Black Vulture with wing tag "247".
Non-raptor Observations: 75 Canada Geese, Double-crested Cormorant, 4 Common Ravens, 100 Tree Swallows, 6 Purple Finches, 30 Pine Siskins, no monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S407602754
Predictions: TOMORROW: Intervals of clouds and sunshine. High near 70F. Winds SSW at 5-10mph. Similar to today. With the light winds it may take the raptors until late-morning to start flying, but I would expect moderate raptor activity and light to moderate migration.
WEDNESDAY: Partly cloudy. High 72F. Winds S at 5-10mph. Similar again.
THURSDAY: Morning showers then cloudy. High 72F. Winds SSW at 10-15mph. Overall poor conditions. ======================================================================== 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: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: Ian Teaell, Will Krohn
Observers: David Brown, Ian Teaell, Kim Steininger, Maddie Martin, Mike Fowles
Visitors: 30
Weather: Mostly cloudy from a high cirrus layer. Light and variable winds. High around 63F.
Raptor Observations: An early push of Turkey Vultures. Some midday pulses of red-shoulders for a total of 20. Four harriers. Ten red-tails. One kestrel. Ian spotted an immature GOLDEN EAGLE high to the southeast at 2:30pm. It had a white tail base, but limited white in the wings. It broke from a soar and glided out in front and across to the left and eventually disappeared far to the north.
Non-raptor Observations: 48 Canada Geese, American Herring Gull, 3 Common Loons, Common Raven, 12 Purple Finches, 27 Pine Siskins, no monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S407342571
Predictions: With the switch to Standard Time the hawk watch hours will now be approximately 8:30am-3:00pm, with extensions on either side depending on conditions.
TOMORROW: Mostly cloudy early then partly cloudy. High 66F. Winds SW at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration.
TUESDAY: Partly cloudy. High 69F. Winds SSW at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration.
WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and clouds. High 74F. Winds S 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: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Carter Chambers, Dede Johnston, Frank Rohrbacher, Holly Merker, Ian Teaell, Joe Swertinski, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Mike Fowles, Wendy Cesario
Visitors: 22
Weather: Mostly sunny to start with an increasing cirrus layer throughout the day. Light to moderate northwest winds. High around 60F.
Raptor Observations: A moderate flight with a peak in the mid-afternoon. A moderate vulture flight. A good Bald Eagle flight with 18 migrating. A moderate harrier (6) and Accip flight (16 sharpies, 4 Coops). A good late-season Buteo flight with the highest totals so far for Red-shouldered Hawk (30) and Red-tailed Hawk (31). One each of kestrel and Merlin. No Golden Eagles again despite the good conditions.
Non-raptor Observations: 225 Canada Geese, 5 Wood Ducks, Common Loon, 3 Double-crested Cormorants, Belted Kingfisher, Eastern Phoebe, 2 Common Ravens, 20 American Pipits, 40 Purple Finches, 125 Pine Siskins, Rusty Blackbird, 2,000+ Common Grackles, Common Yellowthroat, no monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S407020776
Predictions: TOMORROW: Partly cloudy. High 63F. Winds light and variable. Expect light to moderate migration.
MONDAY: Cloudy early with partial sunshine late. High 67F. Winds SW at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration.
TUESDAY: Mix of sun and clouds. High 72F. 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: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Emma Hovland
Observers: Heidi McGrue, Kevin Bronson, Maizie Silverman, Susan Gruver
Weather:
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations: Monarch 4 Common Raven 2 ======================================================================== Report submitted by Emma Hovland (<emmarhovland...>)
Date: 10/30/26 5:09 pm From: Andrew Ednie <000006be14ba5998-dmarc-request...> Subject: [de-birds] RBA: Birdline Delaware, October 30th, 2026
RBA * Delaware * Statewide * October 30, 2026 * DEST 26.10.30
*Birds mentioned Cackling Goose Blue-winged Teal EURASIAN WIGEON Ring-necked Duck Black Scoter Surf Scoter Bufflehead Hooded Merganser Red-breasted Merganser Ruddy Duck Northern Bobwhite Ruby-throated Hummingbird Virginia Rail Sandhill Crane American Avocet Black-bellied Plover American Golden Plover Semipalmated Plover HUDSONIAN GODWIT Ruddy Turnstone Spotted Sandpiper Short-billed Dowitcher Long-billed Dowitcher American Woodcock Wilson’s Snipe Sanderling Least Sandpiper Pectoral Sandpiper POMARINE JAEGER Bonaparte's Gull Caspian Tern Royal Tern Common Loon Red-throated Loon Pied-billed Grebe Horned Grebe Brown Pelican Northern Gannet AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN Black-crowned Night Heron Tricolored Heron Green Heron White Ibis Osprey Northern Harrier Bald Eagle Sharp-shinned Hawk GOLDEN EAGLE Barred Owl Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Red-headed Woodpecker American Kestrel Merlin Peregrine Falcon Least Flycatcher Blue-headed Vireo Common Raven Tree Swallow Barn Swallow Brown-headed Nuthatch Red-breasted Nuthatch White-brested Nuthatch Northern House Wren SEDGE WREN Hermit Thrush Swainson’s Thrush Purple Finch Pine Siskin Nelson’s Sparrow Saltmarsh Sparrow Seaside Sparrow Lincoln’s Sparrow Fox Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow Rusty Blackbird Baltimore Oriole American Redstart Black and White Warbler Orange-crowned Warbler Tennessee Warbler Magnolia Warbler Cape May Warbler Blackpoll Warbler Pine Warbler Palm Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler
Hotline: Birdline Delaware Date: October 30, 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 30th 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 325 species this week. Happy Halloween everybody!
NELSON’S SPARROWS were seen at several locations including Bombay Hook National; Wildlife Refuge, Oyster Rocks Road in Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, and Lighthouse Road at Mispillion Inlet. SALTMARSH SPARROW was also reported at this latter location. There were several reports of LINCOLN’S, FOX, and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW. An ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was reported at the Cape Henlopen Point Parking Lot. Only 11 species of WARBLER were reported this week including AMERICAN REDSTART, BLACK AND WHITE, TENNESSEE, CAPE MAY, MAGNOLIA, BLACKPOLL, PINE, PALM, YELLOW-RUMPED, and BLACK-THROATED GREEN.
A few lingering RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD continue to be seen at feeders. Other late birds included BLUE-HEADED VIREO, TREE SWALLOW, NORTHERN HOUSE WREN, SWAINSON’S THRUSH, and BALTIMORE ORIOLE. Some commonly seen birds included YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, both KINGLETS, HERMIT THRUSH, RUSTY BLACKBIRD, PINE SISKIN and PURPLE FINCH.
A EURASIAN WIGEON was found at Assawoman Wildlife Area near Fenwick Island along with BLUE-WINGED TEAL, AMERICAN WOODCOCK, and PIED-BILLED GREBE. A lingering LEAST FLYCATCHER was photographed off Route 54 west of Delmar. A late SPOTTED SANDPIPER was photographed at Cupola Park in Millsboro. WILSON’S SNIPE was seen at Oyster Rocks. GREEN HERON as seen at the Dike Trail in Prime Hook.
A POMARINE JAEGER was seen at Cape Henlopen State Park on Sunday. Birds at Cape Henlopen Point included BLACK and SURF SCOTER, BONAPARTE’S GULL, ROYAL TERN, NORTHERN GANNET, BROWN PELICAN, plus COMMON and RED-THROATED LOON. Cape Henlopen State Park hosted the NUTHATCH trifecta with BROWN-HEADED, WHITE and RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES seen this week. A SEDGE WREN was found along the Gordon’s Pond Trail this week, along with TRICOLORED HERON, WHITE IBIS, and PECTORAL SANDPIPER.
COMMON and RED-THROATED LOON, NORTHERN GANNET, BLACK and SURF SCOTER, BLACK-BELLIED and AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER, plus RUDDY TURNSTONE, SANDERLING, and ROYAL TERN were seen at Bennett’s Pier in Delaware Wildlands near Milford Neck Wildlife Area. AMERICAN COOT, PIED-BILLED GREBE and a single AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN were seen at the Mahon Impoundments of Little Creek Wildlife Area.
CASPIAN TERN, HUDSONIAN GODWIT, AMERICAN AVOCET, LONG and SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER, LEAST SANDPIPER, plus BLACK-BELLIED, SEMIPALMATED and AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER were seen at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. Waterfowl reported included HORNED GREBE, RING-NECKED DUCK, HOODED and RED-BREASTED MERGANSER. SANDHILL CRANES and BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERONS were reported along with RED-HEADED WOODPECKER.
CACKLING GOOSE was seen flying over Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area. Also reported was RUDDY DUCK, NORTHERN BOBWHITE, VIRGINIA RAIL, AMERICAN WOODCOCK, COMMON LOON, BARRED OWL, BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON and SEASIDE SPARROW. RING-NECKED DUCK and PIED BILLED GREBE were seen at the St Anne’s Road retention pond near Middletown. BUFFLEHEADS were seen on Newark Reservoir. HOODED MERGANSER was seen on Hoopes Reservoir. BARRED OWL was seen in the early morning in Canterberry Hills near Hockessin. NORTHERN HARRIER was seen along the entrance road at Brandywine Creek State Park.
Two GOLDEN EAGLES were seen at the Ashland Nature Center this week. A total of 43 BALD EAGLES and 36 RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS were reported. A BONAPARTE’S GULL and COMMON RAVENS were seen flying over Ashland this week. Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch did see PEREGRINE FALCONS, AMERICAN KESTRELS and MERLIN plus 16 BALD EAGLES and 5 OSPREYS. A total of 16 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS were seen today along with a BARN SWALLOW.
Thanks to all the people that make the Birdline possible, including, Alissa Kegelman. Bob Rufe, Autumn Heil, Sam VanHorne, Barbara Conway, Ian Teaell, Randy Fisher, Wayne Bell, Nancy Cunningham, Steve and Susan McInnis, Ariann Erlam, Daryl Sharman, Mike Dempsey. Mike Rosengarten, Edie Parnum, Anthony Capone, John Carter, Chris Rankin, Kent Raymond, Carolyn Holland, Sue Gruver, Rob Blye, Debbie Blair, Richard Julian, Alice Mohrman, Greg Gough, Phil Misseldine, Tom Stock, Chris and Karen Bennett, David Thomas, Will Krohn, Jim White, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Frank Rohrbacher, John and Andy Dunn, Wendy Cesario, Joe Francis, Melissa Laffewrty, Mike Moore, 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: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 8.5 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Autumn Heil, Frank Rohrbacher, George Harrison, Joe Francis, Kent Raymond, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Laureen Eick-Benson, Lisa Smith
Visitors: 20
Weather: Sunny with some midday clouds. Calm winds became a moderately strong northwest wind following the passage of a cold front. Temps reaching the low 70s.
Raptor Observations: A moderate migration, but quite a few good looks throughout the day and a lot of activity overall. Just over a hundred migrants, with about half of those being vultures.
A lot of Bald Eagle activity with 11 migrating. Seven harriers was the highest total in several weeks. A dozen sharpies and six Coops. A handful of Buteos with 7 red-shoulders and 9 red-tails migrating. The only falcon was a Merlin that was diving at a juvenile red-shouldered hawk.
Non-raptor Observations: 165 Canada Geese, Common Loon, Belted Kingfisher, 4 Common Ravens, 50 Tree Swallows, 6 Purple Finches, 50 Pine Siskins, 2 monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S406684869
Predictions: TOMORROW: Generally sunny with a few afternoon clouds. Cooler. High 61F. Winds NNW at 5-10mph. A good wind though perhaps a bit weak. Overnight migration could carry into a decent songbird morning flight, and hopefully today's winds moved some raptors into position for us to see. Maybe the hoped for Golden Eagle that never materialized today will show up. Wear a costume to bring good luck. Expect moderate migration.
SUNDAY: Cloudy. High 62F. Winds light and variable. Expect light to moderate migration.
MONDAY: Mix of sun and clouds. High 66F. Winds light and variable. Expect light to moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Predictions: Tomorrow: Cooler with N winds shifting to NNW. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Emma Hovland (<emmarhovland...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Carol Spease, Dede Johnston, Frank Rohrbacher, Jean-Marie Gauthier, Joe Swertinski, Jordan Brown, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Walt Blackwell
Visitors: 14, pizza, cake, and cookies to celebrate Frank's birthday!
Weather: Overcast and foggy in the early morning. Sudden clearing in the mid-morning then remaining sunny with a few clouds the rest of the day. Light to moderate southwest winds. High in the upper 60s.
Raptor Observations: A light to moderate flight. Turkey Vultures were most numerous with 58. Decent Bald Eagle activity with eight migrating. Eight sharpies but only one Coop. One late-day harrier. Ten red-tails and four red-shoulders. A high streaming adult red-shouldered hawk was the 10,000th migrating raptor of the season. The only falcon was a Merlin.
Non-raptor Observations: 35 Canada Geese, 30 Mourning Doves, 2 Common Ravens, 10 Purple Finches, 6 Pine Siskins, 2 Savannah Sparrows, no monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S406433092
Predictions: TOMORROW: Partly cloudy. Warm. High 73F. Winds NW at 10-20mph. Excellent winds with the passage of a cold front. Warm temps should keep it comfortable though. Spotting may be difficult if we lose the clouds but should be a good flight. Could be a good day for eagles with the strong winds. Expect moderate to good migration.
SATURDAY: Mostly sunny. Cooler. High 61F. Winds NNW at 5-10mph. Continuing good wind direction, though quite a bit weaker. Should be a bit of a continuation flight from tomorrow. Expect moderate migration.
SUNDAY: Cloudy. High 63F. Winds light and variable. 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: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Emma Hovland
Observers: Sharon Borton, Susan Gruver
Weather:
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations: Monarch 1 Black scoters Surf scoters Northern gannets
Predictions: Tomorrow: Sunny and warm with west winds in the morning shifting to NW by afternoon. May see more raptor movement. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Emma Hovland (<emmarhovland...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Carol Spease, Dan Noznisky, Frank Rohrbacher, Joe Swertinski, John Hartman, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass
Visitors: 10
Weather: Partly cloudy becoming mostly cloudy. Light northeasterly winds shifting southerly in the afternoon. High in the mid 60s.
Raptor Observations: Spotting was easier today with the cloud cover but the light winds caused the flight to slow down early. Turkey Vultures were most numerous with 67. Moderate numbers otherwise. Six migrating Bald Eagles. One late-day adult male Northern Harrier. Eight sharpies and six Coops. A moderate Buteo flight with 12 red-shoulders and 7 red-tails. The only falcon was a Merlin.
Non-raptor Observations: 10 Wood Ducks, Double-crested Cormorant, Belted Kingfisher, Fish Crow, 2 Common Ravens, 15 Purple Finches, 8 Pine Siskins, Savannah Sparrow, 4 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 1 monarch. https://ebird.org/checklist/S406168970
Predictions: TOMORROW: Areas of dense morning fog. Partly cloudy. High around 70F. Winds SW at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration.
FRIDAY: Some morning clouds then manly sunny. High 72F. Winds NW at 10-15mph. A great wind, but suspiciously warm. Expect moderate to good migration.
SATURDAY: Intervals of clouds and sun. High 61F. Winds NNW at 5-10mph. Another good wind direction, though weaker. Expect moderate migration. ======================================================================== 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, Susan Gruver
Visitors: 15
Weather:
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations: More surf scoters and black scoters starting to move through.
Predictions: Tomorrow: Winds predicted to start ENE before shifting to have a southerly component. High temp around 66� and sunny. Little raptor movement anticipated for Thursday. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Emma Hovland (<emmarhovland...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Frank Rohrbacher, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass
Visitors: 8
Weather: Blue skies except for a small area of clouds to the north in the afternoon. Light to moderate northeast winds becoming light and variable. Warm with a high around 67F.
Raptor Observations: Another day of tough spotting. Light migration most of the day. Just over a hundred Turkey Vultures with more than half of those in the last hour as some flocks migrated. A good amount of Bald Eagle activity with nine migrating and up to five adults seen soaring together. One harrier, six sharpies, and four Coops. Five each of red-tail and red-shoulder. One American Kestrel was the only falcon.
The raptor highlight was an immature GOLDEN EAGLE (4th of season) that soared high overhead just behind the hawk watch at 4:30pm clock time (3:30pm EST) then glided off to the southeast.
Non-raptor Observations: 30 Canada Geese, 2 Mallards, 3 Common Ravens, 15 Purple Finches, 10 Pine Siskins (first day they have been visiting feeders), Lincoln's Sparrow, 2 Palm Warblers, 1 monarch. https://ebird.org/checklist/S405916861
Predictions: TOMORROW: Mix of sun and clouds early then becoming cloudy. High 67F. Winds light and variable. Expect light to moderate migration.
THURSDAY: Generally sunny with a few afternoon clouds. Areas of patchy fog. High near 70F. Winds SW at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration.
FRIDAY: Mainly sunny. Warm. High 74F. Winds NW at 10-15mph. Great winds. Expect moderate to good migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Predictions: Tomorrow: Winds ENE and a high of 65�. Migration expected to be slow if winds are as predicted. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Emma Hovland (<emmarhovland...>)
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Ian Teaell, Will Krohn
Observers: David Brown, Ellen Sebastiani, Ian Teaell, Joe Sebastiani, Kim Steininger, Will Krohn
Visitors: 14
Weather: Blue skies. Light north winds. High in the mid to upper 60s.
Raptor Observations: A moderate flight. Over a hundred Turkey Vultures. Five Bald Eagles. 11 sharpies and 5 Coops. A few Buteos. At the end of the day several Turkey Vultures descended onto the path and consumed a dead opossum.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Sunny. Warm. High near 70F. Winds WNW at 5-10mph. Spotting may be difficult with few clouds. Expect moderate migration.
TUESDAY: Mainly sunny. High 66F. Winds NNE at 5-10mph. Expect moderate migration.
WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and clouds. High 66F. Winds light and variable. 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: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Frank Rohrbacher, Ginny Halterman, Grace Muench, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Will Krohn
Visitors: 22
Weather: Cold morning with temps just above freezing. First hard frost of the season. Comfortable for the afternoon with a high in the low 60s. A few morning clouds, otherwise sunny. Light and variable winds.
Raptor Observations: Slower than other recent days. Only 31 migrating Turkey Vultures. A decent amount of Bald Eagle activity on the horizon but only two migrating. One adult male Northern Harrier. Four sharpies and one Coop. Only seven migrating red-shoulders and 2 red-tails.
The day was saved by an immature GOLDEN EAGLE that soared high overhead just after 3pm clock time (2pm EST). A family of three adults and a young girl got to see it while enjoying a picnic lunch, plus one hawk watch visitor.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Mainly sunny. High 66F. Winds light and variable. Similar to today. Expect light to moderate migration.
MONDAY: Sunny skies. Warm. High 69F. Winds WNW at 5-10mph. Expect moderate migration.
TUESDAY: Mainly sunny. High 66F. Winds NNE 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: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Emma Hovland
Observers: Heidi McGrue, Kevin Bronson, Susan Gruver
Visitors: 8
Weather:
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations: Monarch 8 Brown creeper Ruby-crowned kinglet
Predictions: Tomorrow: Sunny with NNE winds. Raptor numbers should be similar to or slightly higher than today. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Emma Hovland (<emmarhovland...>)
Date: 10/23/26 4:38 pm From: Andrew Ednie <000006be14ba5998-dmarc-request...> Subject: [de-birds] RBA: Birdline Delaware, October 23rd, 2026
RBA * Delaware * Statewide * October 23, 2026 * DEST 26.10.23
*Birds mentioned Mute Swan Northern Pintail Ring-necked Duck Black Scoter White-winged Scoter Surf Scoter Ruddy Duck Yellow-billed Cuckoo Ruby-throated Hummingbird Virginia Rail Sora Common Gallinule Sandhill Crane American Oystercatcher American Avocet Black-bellied Plover American Golden Plover Semipalmated Plover Marbled Godwit HUDSONIAN GODWIT Short-billed Dowitcher Long-billed Dowitcher American Woodcock Western Sandpiper Pectoral Sandpiper Black Skimmer Common Tern Caspian Tern Royal Tern Common Loon Pied-billed Grebe Horned Grebe Great Cormorant Brown Pelican Northern Gannet AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN Black-crowned Night Heron Little Blue Heron Tricolored Heron Snowy Egret White Ibis Bald Eagle Sharp-shinned Hawk Cooper’s Hawk AMERICAN GOSHAWK Broad-winged Hawk GOLDEN EAGLE Barn Owl Barred Owl Yellow-bellied Sapsucker American Kestrel Merlin Peregrine Falcon Blue-headed Vireo Red-eyed Vireo Common Raven Brown-headed Nuthatch Red-breasted Nuthatch Northern House Wren Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher Swainson’s Thrush Purple Finch Pine Siskin Vesper Sparrow Lincoln’s Sparrow Fox Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow American Redstart Black and White Warbler Nashville Warbler Tennessee Warbler Magnolia Warbler Cape May Warbler Blackpoll Warbler Bay-breasted Warbler Pine Warbler Palm Warbler Prairie Warbler Black-throated Blue Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler Blue Grosbeak Indigo Bunting
Hotline: Birdline Delaware Date: October 23, 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 23rd 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 325 species this week.
It was a tale of two different hawk watches. On Sunday, both AMERICAN GOSHAWK and the first GOLDEN EAGLE of the season were seen at the Ashland Nature Center. Saturday was the biggest flight of the month at Ashland with over 340 raptors including 23 BALD EAGLES, 77 SHARP-SHINNED, 37 COOPER’S HAWKS and 28 AMERICAN KESTRELS. A late BROAD-WINGED HAWK was seen yesterday. SANDHILL CRANES were seen flying over Ashland on Wednesday. Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch had rainy weather with the nor’easter on Saturday, but did see PEREGRINE FALCONS, AMERICAN KESTRELS and MERLIN for the week. SURF, BLACK and a WHITE-WINGED SCOTER was seen from the hawk watch, along with BROWN PELICAN, NORTHERN GANNET and ROYAL TERN. A total of 130 BLACK SKIMMERS were seen flying past on Sunday. BROWN-HEADED and RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES were seen at Cape Henlopen and both hawk watches had PINE SISKIN and PURPLE FINCH.
Only 15 species of warbler were reported this week including AMERICAN REDSTART, BLACK AND WHITE, TENNESSEE, NASHVILLE, CAPE MAY, MAGNOLIA, BLACKPOLL, BAY-BREASTED, PINE, PRAIRIE, PALM, YELLOW-RUMPED, plus BLACK-THROATED BLUE, and GREEN WARBLER. There were several reports of VESPER SPARROWS last weekend, along with LINCOLN’S, FOX, and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW. A few lingering RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD continue to be seen at feeders. Other late lingering birds included RED-EYED and BLUE-HEADED VIREO, NORTHERN HOUSE WREN, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, SWAINSON’S THRUSH, INDIGO BUNTING, and BLUE GROSBEAK.
Another GOLDEN EAGLE was seen today at White Clay Creek State Park. There was a raft of 9 RING-NECKED DUCKS on Newark Reservoir today. BARRED OWL was seen in the early morning in Walnut Ridge near Centreville. There was a big flock of 13 COMMON RAVENS was reported at the Ashton Tract in Augustine Wildlife Area. SANDHILL CRANES were seen at Ashton Tract, Port Penn impoundments at the Augustine Creek causeway south of Delaware City. SORA and COMMON GALLINULE were also reported at Port Penn. An AMERICAN WOODCOCK was heard in the early morning at the C&D Canal near N. St. Georges. BARN OWL was found at Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area.
There were 4 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS seen by airplane by a waterfowl survey team at the Port Mahon Impoundments in Little Creek Wildlife Area. MUTE SWAN, NORTHERN PINTAIL, plus RING-NECKED and RUDDY DUCK were found at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, along with a single HORNED GREBE. Both MARBLED and HUDSONIAN GODWITS were seen, along with 500+ AMERICAN AVOCET, BLACK-BELLIED, SEMIPALMATED and AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER, SHORT and LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER, DUNLIN, plus WESTERN and PECTORAL SANDPIPER. Waders included WHITE IBIS, TRICOLORED and LITTLE BLUE HERON, and BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON and SANDHILL CRANES.
AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER, BLACK BELLIED and SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, plus ROYAL and CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Cape Henlopen Point. There was a flock of 200+ WHITE IBIS at Gordon’s Pond this week, plus SNOWY EGRET, LITTLE BUE and TRICOLORED HERON. A COMMN RAVEN was reported from the Route 1 Wawa in Lewes. GREAT CORMORANT, COMMON and ROYAL TERNS were seen at Indian River Inlet. VIRGINA RAIL was found at Burton’s Island in Delaware Seashore State Park. RUDDY DUCK was seen at Trap Pond State Park near Laurel.
Thanks to all the people that make the Birdline possible, including, Ian Teaell, Evan Speck, Frank Lenik, Cole Tiemann, Kevin Bronson, Randy Fisher, Kiara Hughes, Tom Donahue, Ashley and Quinton Durden, Maya Berger, Henry Ross, Doug Overacker, Julie Karlson, Wayne Bell, Marshall Mumford, Nancy Cunningham, Steve and Susan McInnis, Bert Filemyr, Mike Rosengarten, David Thomas, Ed Patten, John Carter, Chris Rankin, Kent Raymond, Carolyn Holland, Mary Braun, Sue Gruver, Rob Blye, Richard Julian, Alice Mohrman, Greg Gough, Phil Misseldine, Tom Stock, Chris and Karen Bennett, David Thomas, Will Krohn, Jim White, Laureen Eick-Benson, Chase Wilkinson, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, John and Andy Dunn, Wendy Cesario, Joe Francis, Mike Moore, 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 302-792-9! 591. Thank you for your support. This is Andy Ednie wishing you good birding!
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Carol Spease, Charlotte Rose, Frank Rohrbacher, Joe Swertinski, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Walt Blackwell
Visitors: 15
Weather: Blue skies except for a few small afternoon clouds. Moderate northeast winds weakening as the day went on. Cooler with a high in the low 60s.
Raptor Observations: A moderate flight. Blue skies made spotting tough but we had a lot of nice looks throughout the day. Turkey Vultures were most numerous with 155. One late-day Osprey. Moderate Bald Eagle activity with seven migrating. Five harriers. A handful of Accips with 18 sharpies and 5 Coops. Eight red-shoulders and 10 red-tails. For falcons we had three kestrels and two Merlins.
Non-raptor Observations: 325 Canada Geese, American Woodcock, Belted Kingfisher, 2 Common Ravens, 400 Tree Swallows, Hermit Thrush, 12 Purple Finches, 90 Pine Siskins, Tennessee Warbler, 3 Palm Warblers, 4 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 2 monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S404819288
New species for season: American Woodcock
Predictions: TOMORROW: Mainly sunny. High 63F. Winds light and variable. Expect moderate migration.
SUNDAY: Sunny. High 67F. Winds light and variable. Expect moderate migration.
MONDAY: Sunny. Warm. High 71F. Winds WNW at 5-10mph. Expect moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Date: 10/23/26 2:48 pm From: Ian Stewart <istew...> Subject: [de-birds] Help needed with berry consumption study
Hello everyone,
I am conducting a study of berry consumption by Delaware birds and could
use your help! I have set up a short Google survey where I ask which birds
you have seen eating berries produced by 5 common native plants and 5
common non-native plants, and how many times you have seen this happen (1-2
times, 3 to 10 times, or more than 10 times). Your answers will help me
understand whether any of our fruit-eating birds have a strong preference
for certain berries and are either more or less likely to eat berries
produced by native versus non-native plants.
The survey does collect your email address in case I need to contact you
for further details about your observations. However, I am the only person
who sees your email address and the survey is otherwise anonymous.
I am also asking anyone who uses eBird to note in their comments if they
see a particular bird eating a berry that they are sure of the identity of
(for example, if you see a mockingbird eating a spicebush berry at Bombay
Hook, just enter ‘eating spicebush berries’ in the comment box next to
mockingbird). Updating past eBird lists is fine if you can remember what
berries you saw being eaten, and photographs are even better! I can then
search eBird for lists with comments and photos of foraging birds. I know
it’s getting late in the fall but there are still plenty of berries out
there!
The study is funded by the Delaware Nature Society and its donors, and a
conservation grant from the Delaware Ornithological Society, and I thank
them for their support. Thank you for your help collecting data on this
important part of bird diets!
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Emma Hovland
Observers: Autumn Heil, Carol Blye, Greg Gough, Rob Blye, Susan Gruver
Visitors: 11
Weather:
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations: Monarch 1 Brown Creeper
Predictions: Tomorrow:Sunny with ENE winds and a high of 60�. Little raptor migration expected. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Emma Hovland (<emmarhovland...>)
Date: 10/23/26 8:31 am From: Rob Blye <rwblye...> Subject: [de-birds] Eagles everywhere
Yesterday we saw 3 adult bald eagles over Herring Creek and Rehoboth Bay. They were grasping talons and sky tumbling right over our heads. A fourth was seen as a spot in the sky overhead.
*better living through birds* *Rob* Robert W. Blye 34603 Doe Run Lewes DE 19958-3332 302 945-8618 610 213-2413 mobile
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 8.5 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Frank Rohrbacher, Joe Francis, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Meghan Donnelly, Walt Blackwell
Visitors: 18
Weather: Chilly start with temps in the low 40s. Blue skies except for a few clouds on the horizon. A moderate NNW wind weakening in the midday then picking up again late. Temps reaching the mid to upper 60s. Another beautiful pleasant day.
Raptor Observations: Moderate activity especially early and late. Tough spotting in the middle of the day without clouds. Turkey Vultures were most numerous with 87. Good Bald Eagle activity with 18 migrating and up to seven soaring together. A decent Buteo flight with 14 red-shoulders, 17 red-tails, and a juvenile broad-wing. For Accips we had 24 sharpies and 9 Coops. The only falcons were three Merlins.
Non-raptor Observations: 225 Canada Geese, LESSER YELLOWLEGS, Great Blue Heron, 2 Common Ravens, 2,500+ Tree Swallows, 20 Purple Finches, 110 Pine Siskins, Rusty Blackbird, 1,000 Common Grackles, 4 Palm Warblers, 4 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 2 monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S404596937
New species for season: Lesser Yellowlegs
Predictions: TOMORROW: Mainly sunny. Cooler. High 61F. Winds NE at 5-10mph. A favorable wind direction but quite weak which means raptors will be primarily using thermals and may be difficult to spot when they get up high. Expect moderate migration.
SATURDAY: Sunny. High 63F. Winds light and variable. Expect moderate migration.
SUNDAY: Mainly sunny. High 66F. Winds light and variable. Expect moderate migration. ======================================================================== 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, Heidi McGrue, Jordan Brown, Susan Gruver
Weather:
Raptor Observations: Many local hawks flying around the point throughout the day. Migration scattered across multiple flight lines.
Non-raptor Observations: Monarch 6 Pine Siskin Dark-eyed Junco
Predictions: Tomorrow: Mostly sunny with ~9mph winds out of the NNE. Migration likely similar to the past couple days. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Emma Hovland (<emmarhovland...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Bob Brown, Deb Brown, Doc Pawsitive, Frank Rohrbacher, Joe Swertinski, John Dunn, Kent Raymond, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Lucas Pittman, Sheryl Johnson
Visitors: 19
Weather: Sunny with an increasing cirrus layer moving in from the southeast throughout the day. Moderate north winds, with occasional northeast gusts. High in the mid-60s. Another pleasant day to be out.
Raptor Observations: The flight was mostly high, but we finally had clouds to help with spotting. A moderate Turkey Vulture flight with 73. One Osprey and moderate Bald Eagle activity but only 5 migrating. Four harriers. A decent Accip flight with 40 sharpies and 18 Coops. A moderate Buteo flight with 13 red-shoulders and 15 red-tails. One of each falcon including a juvenile peregrine.
Non-raptor Observations: 200 Canada Geese, 3 SANDHILL CRANES, 2 Common Loons, 2 Common Ravens, 200 Tree Swallows, 15 Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Hermit Thrush, 8 Purple Finches, 40 Pine Siskin, 500 Common Grackles, 5 Palm Warblers, 5 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 4 monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S404336198
New species for season: Sandhill Crane
Predictions: TOMORROW: Mainly sunny. Warm. High 68F. Winds NNW at 10-15mph. Excellent winds again! Another sunny day. Spotting will be difficult if there aren't clouds. Expect moderate to good migration.
FRIDAY: Mainly sunny. Cooler. High 61F. Winds NE at 5-10mph. Expect moderate migration.
SATURDAY: Mainly sunny. High 62F. Winds light and variable. Expect moderate migration. ======================================================================== 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: Susan Gruver, Tom Stock
Visitors: 15
Weather:
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations: Monarch 7
Predictions: Tomorrow: Sunny , with a high of about 64�F. Winds predicted NNW at 15 mph with gusts up to 22mph. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Emma Hovland (<emmarhovland...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Dede Johnston, Frank Rohrbacher, Hank Davis, Jim Lewis, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Richard King
Visitors: 14
Weather: Another day of blue skies. Moderate northerly winds, shifting northeast in the afternoon. High in the upper 60s.
Raptor Observations: Moderate activity in the morning, becoming slow for the afternoon. Just over a hundred Turkey Vultures. Other notable totals including 20 sharpies, 9 red-tails, 6 red-shoulders, and 2 harriers. One each of kestrel and Merlin. A lot of eagles at high altitude and chasing each other around but only five showing signs of migration.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Sunshine and some clouds. High around 65F. Winds N at 10-15mph. Another good wind. Hopefully having some clouds will help with spotting. Expect moderate to good migration.
THURSDAY: Sunny. High 68F. Winds NNW at 10-15mph. More good winds, but spotting may be tough. Expect moderate to good migration.
FRIDAY: Mainly sunny. Cooler. High around 60F. Winds NNE 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: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Emma Hovland
Observers: Ann Dinkel, Heidi McGrue, Sharon Borton, Susan Gruver, Tom Stock
Visitors: 10
Weather:
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations: Monarch 10 Brant 7
Predictions: Tomorrow winds out of the north at ~15mph. Partly cloudy. Migration may be slightly higher than today. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Emma Hovland (<emmarhovland...>)
Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8.5 hours
Official Counter: David Brown, Joe Francis, Joe Swertinski
Observers: David Brown, Ian Teaell, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass
Visitors: 8
Weather: Blue skies all day with light northeast winds. Temps starting around freezing and reaching the mid-60s.
Raptor Observations: The raptor flight was light to moderate but the numbers added up throughout the day. Third day in a row with 300+ migrants. Another good Turkey Vulture flight with 222. A moderate Accip flight with 24 sharpies and 13 Coops. Two juvenile Broad-winged Hawks. Small numbers of other expected migrants.
Staying the extra hour at the end of the day paid off with an extra Merlin, kestrel, and an Osprey. At 4:40pm clock time a group of 44 Turkey Vultures glided by to the east. Just before 5pm an immature GOLDEN EAGLE soared high overhead, headed north for a bit, then eventually lost altitude and headed east.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Sunny. High around 70F. Winds NNE at 10-15mph. Similar to today, but slightly stronger winds. I would expect similar results.
WEDNESDAY: Mainly sunny. High 64F. Winds NNE at 10-15mph. Similar.
THURSDAY: Mainly sunny. High 67F. Winds NNW at 10-15mph. Similar again. ======================================================================== 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: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: Ginny Halterman, Ian Teaell
Observers: David Brown, Joe Swertinski, Kim Steininger, Megan Kasprzak, Shannon Modla
Visitors: 10
Weather: Blue skies all day. A light to moderate NE wind. Temps starting just above freezing but becoming pleasant with a high around 60F.
Raptor Observations: Another excellent migration. Spotting was difficult at times with the blue skies. The first highlight of the day was at 9:45am clock time when the first GOLDEN EAGLE of the season (immature) was spotted out near the bump. It was being chased by corvids and went down behind the donut. A few minutes later it was spotted again to our right, still being chased by crows and ravens, as it came through low behind the trees.
If the morning shift started off well, the afternoon shift started off even better. At 12:35pm clock time a juvenile raptor soared up from the left side of Hunter's Field. As I scoped it against the fall foliage I tried to make it into a Cooper's Hawk, but the streaking and tail pattern weren't right. I tried to make it a Red-shouldered Hawk but it didn't have crescents. As it got above the horizon and started to glide and flap heading left all observers got on it. At this point it became clear it was an Accip and a large one. A Sharp-shinned Hawk took a few swipes at it and was dwarfed. It cut across behind the hawk watch and began to soar giving extensive scope views, although in poor light. At one point it soared with a Red-tailed Hawk and was nearly as large. The broad wings with bulging secondaries, mottled topside, extensive streaking down to the undertail coverts, and long tail with thin uneven wavy bands confirmed the identification of juvenile AMERICAN GOSHAWK! This was the first since 2022 (and second since 2016).
Turkey Vultures had another great flight today with 244 including groups of up to 50+. Moderate flights of other raptors including 24 sharpies, 11 Coops, 12 red-shoulders, and five kestrels.
Non-raptor Observations: 90 Canada Geese, American Herring Gull, 3 Common Loons, 2 Common Ravens, 6 Purple Finches, 2 Pine Siskins, 3 Dark-eyed Juncos, 6 Rusty Blackbirds, 6 monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S403579567
New species for season: Rusty Blackbird, Dark-eyed Junco, Golden Eagle, American Goshawk
Predictions: TOMORROW: Mainly sunny. High 66F. Winds NNE at 5-10mph. Similar to today (but no promises of goldens and goshawks!) Expect moderate to good migration.
TUESDAY: Mainly sunny. High around 70F. Winds NNE at 10-15mph. Similar again but slightly stronger winds. Expect moderate to good migration.
WEDNESDAY: Sunny skies. High around 65F. Winds NNE at 10-15mph. Similar again. 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: 06:00:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 10.5 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Anthony Capone, Carter Chambers, Dede Johnston, Frank Rohrbacher, Ian Teaell, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Maddie Martin
Visitors: 25
Weather: Early morning rain ended by sunrise. Moderate to strong north winds the whole day. Overcast for most of the day with a sudden clearing for the final hours. Temps reaching 50 degrees, but it felt quite cold with the wind!
Raptor Observations: The biggest flight so far this month. Raptors were on the move from sunrise to sunset. The first American Kestrel soared low overhead when it was barely light out. The flight was moderate and steady throughout the day. Cloudy skies helped with spotting which was important because the flight was high for much of the day.
Turkey Vultures were most numerous with another triple-digit day. A good day for big birds with 2 Ospreys and 23 Bald Eagles. Harriers had the best day in several weeks with eight. An excellent Accip flight with the best Cooper's Hawk day of the season (37) and second-best sharpie day (77).
Late-season Buteo numbers are picking up with 18 red-shoulders and 25 red-tails, plus a juvenile Broad-winged Hawk that came through as the last migrant of the day as the sun was setting. A decent falcon flight with 28 kestrels and three Merlins.
Non-raptor Observations: 2,600 Canada Geese, 40 goose sp. (distant flock that was likely Brant), 7 Wood Ducks, 2 Common Mergansers, 60 duck sp. (two large flocks, probably Ring-necked Ducks), 2 Common Loons, 67 Double-crested Cormorants, Great Blue Heron, 2 Common Ravens, Horned Lark, 600+ Tree Swallows, American Pipit, 3 Purple Finches, Pine Siskin, Palm Warbler, 10 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 1 monarch. https://ebird.org/checklist/S403214071
New species for season: Horned Lark, American Pipit
Predictions: TOMORROW: Mainly sunny. Overnight low of 37F but a high around 60F. Winds NNE at 5-10mph. A good wind but spotting will be difficult when raptors get high due to the lack of clouds. Expect moderate migration.
MONDAY: Sunny with a few afternoon clouds. High 66F. Winds NNE at 10-15mph. Another great wind. Spotting will be difficult when there aren't many clouds. Expect moderate migration.
TUESDAY: Intervals of clouds and sun. High around 70F. Winds N at 10-20mph. Another great wind. Spotting will be difficult when there aren't many clouds. Expect moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Date: 10/16/26 5:27 pm From: James Tyler Bell <00000085b810a3aa-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: [de-birds] Hummingbird
Any hummingbird at this date should be scrutinized. Although the default hummer is still Ruby-throated, the chances of a western hummer, particularly Rufous, increase every day. Photos of the spread tail are useful to differentiate between the Selasphorus and folded wings between the Archilocus. Fingers crossed for something different!
Tyler Bell
<jtylerbell...>
California, Maryland
On Friday, October 16, 2026 at 07:45:32 PM EDT, Diane Freebery <chickadeedee25...> wrote:
I suspect this is not that unusual, but we hadn't seen any hummers here in
our yard in west Newark at south end of Middle Run Natural Area for a week
--
Until yesterday - Thursday, Oct 15.
It was here today as well. Juvenile... didn't get glasses on it, though.
Always happy to watch a hummer enjoying our flowers!!!
I suspect this is not that unusual, but we hadn't seen any hummers here in our yard in west Newark at south end of Middle Run Natural Area for a week -- Until yesterday - Thursday, Oct 15. It was here today as well. Juvenile... didn't get glasses on it, though.
Always happy to watch a hummer enjoying our flowers!!!
Date: 10/16/26 4:40 pm From: Andrew Ednie <000006be14ba5998-dmarc-request...> Subject: [de-birds] RBA: Birdline Delaware, October 16th, 2026
RBA * Delaware * Statewide * October 16, 2026 * DEST 26.10.16
*Birds mentioned Snow Goose Cackling Goose American Wigeon Redhead Black Scoter White-winged Scoter Surf Scoter Common Eider Ruddy Duck Wild Turkey Yellow-billed Cuckoo Common Nighthawk Ruby-throated Hummingbird Virginia Rail Sora American Coot Sandhill Crane American Oystercatcher Black-necked Stilt 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 Wilson’s Snipe Western Sandpiper White-rumped Sandpiper Purle Sandpiper Pectoral Sandpiper Stilt Sandpiper Common Tern Caspian Tern Royal Tern Pomarine Jaeger Parasitic Jaeger Bonaparte’s Gull Common Loon Pied-billed Grebe Great Cormorant Double-crested Cormorant Brown Pelican Northern Gannet Black-crowned Night Heron Yellow-crowned Night Heron Little Blue Heron Tricolored Heron Western Cattle Egret Green Heron Glossy Ibis White Ibis Sharp-shinned Hawk Cooper’s Hawk Broad-winged Hawk Red-headed Woodpecker American Kestrel Merlin Peregrine Falcon Least Flycatcher Blue-headed Vireo Red-eyed Vireo Common Raven Horned Lark Tree Swallow Barn Swallow Brown-headed Nuthatch Red-breasted Nuthatch Swainson’s Thrush Gray-cheeked Thrush American Pipit Purple Finch Pine Siskin CLAY-COLORED SPARROW Saltmarsh Sparrow Seaside Sparrow Lincoln’s Sparrow Fox Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow Bobolink Yellow-breasted Chat Northern Waterthrush American Redstart Black and White Warbler Orange-crowned Warbler Nashville Warbler Tennessee Warbler CONNECTICUT WARBLER Northern Parula Northern Yellow Warbler Magnolia Warbler Cape May Warbler Blackpoll Warbler Pine Warbler Palm Warbler Prairie Warbler Black-throated Blue Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler Blue Grosbeak Indigo Bunting DICKCISSEL
Hotline: Birdline Delaware Date: October 16, 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 16th 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 323 species this week.
A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was reported at the “magic circle” behind the hawk watch at Ashland Nature Center on Monday. Downstate, a DICKCISSEL was photographed in Cape Henlopen State Park. An early FOX SPARROW, along with LINCOLN’S and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW were found at the McCabe Nature Preserve near Milton. RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH was reported at Abbott’s Mill Nature Center, Cape Henlopen and Gordon’s Pond State Park. Some late lingering birds included COMMON NIGHTHAWK, RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD, LEAST FLYCATCHER, RED-EYED VIREO, BARN SWALLOW, BOBOLINK, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, SCARLET TANAGER, INDIGO BUNTING, and BLUE GROSBEAK.
A late push of warblers is still being seen, including a CONNECTICUT WARBLER at the Hunn Nature Preserve in south Dover. An ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was found in a private yead near Lewes. A total of 19 species of warbler were reported this week including NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH, AMERICAN REDSTART, NORTHERN PARULA, plus BLACK AND WHITE, TENNESSEE, NASHVILLE, CAPE MAY, MAGNOLIA, BLACKPOLL, PINE, PRAIRIE, PALM, YELLOW-RUMPED, plus BLACK-THROATED BLUE, and GREEN WARBLER.
A late GREEN HERON was seen at the Pumphouse Pond in White Clay Creek State Park, along with SWAINSON’S and GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH. PINE SISKINS and PURPLE FINCHES were reported at Ashland Nature Center. COMMON RAVEN was reported at First State National Historical Park and the Ashton Tract in Augustine Wildlife Area. SANDHILL CRANE was reported in this latter site. LITTLE BLUE HERON continues to be seen at Thousand Acre Marsh. BONAPARTE’S GULL was seen at the Port Penn impoundments. A WILD TURKEY was found in a back yard near Boyd’s Corner.
RUDDY DUCK, CACKLING and SNOW GOOSE were found at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. Both MARBLED and a peak count of 8 HUDSONIAN GODWITS were seen, along with 400+ 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 TRICOLORED and LITTLE BLUE HERON, YELLOW-CROWNED and BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON and SANDHILL CRANES. An immature RED-HEADED WOODPECKER was seen on Saturday. AMERICAN PIPIT and HORNED LARK were seen along Whitehall Neck Road.
BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, SHORT and LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER, plus WESTERN and PECTORAL SANDPIPER were seen at Taylor’s Gut in Woodland Beach Wildlife Area. A pair of REDHEADS and 50 AMERICAN WIGEONS were seen at the Port Penn Impoundments of Little Creek Wildlife Area. AMERICAN COOT and PIED-BILLED GREBE were seen at the main tract tower. SEMIPALMATED PLOVER and ROYAL TERN were seen at Port Mahon. There was a flyby BLACK-NECKED STILT at the Dike Trail in Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, along with AMERICAN AVOCET, WILLET, and CASPIAN TERNS plus VIRGINIA RAIL were seen. WILSON’S SNIPE and WHITE IBIS were seen at Oyster Rocks Road.
PARASITIC and POMARINE JAEGER, BRANT, BLACK and SURF SCOTER, plus 2000 TREE SWALLOWS with a single BARN SWALLOW were reported in in Cape Henlopen State Park. AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER, BLACK BELLIED PLOVER, COMMON LOON, NORTHERN GANNET, and BROWN PELICAN were seen at Cape Henlopen Point. There was a flock of 500+ WHITE and 5 GLOSSY IBIS at Gordon’s Pond this week, plus TRICOLORED HERON. Shorebirds seen included WESTERN and WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER. SALTMARSH and SEASIDE SPARROW were seen along the bike trail. Birds at the Lewes breakwater included a pair of COMMON EIDERS, AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER, RUDDY TURNSTONE, SPOTTED SANDPIPER, and an early PURPLE SANDPIPER. A single GREAT CORMORANT was among the 600+ DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT and 163 BROWN PELICANS.
COMMON and ROYAL TERNS were seen at Indian River Inlet. SORA and BONAPARTE’S GULL were found at the observation tower in Assawoman Wildlife Area. A flock of 16 WESTERN CATTLE EGRETS were seen at the love Creek Horse Farm off Route 24 near Angola Neck. A SOLITARY SANDPIPER was seen at Trap Pond State Park near Laural.
This is the halfway mark of Delaware Hawk Watches season. It was a rainout at both watches on Sunday. Ashland Nature Center had 34 AMERICAN KESTRELS, 8 MERLIN and 4 PEREGRINE FALCONS with 106 SHARP-SHINNED, 45 COOPER’S and 3 BROAD-WINGED HAWKS this week. A single COMMON LOON was seen flying over Ashland on Monday. Cape Henlopen had 15 PEREGRINE FALCONS today, with 14 AMERICAN KESTRELS and 16 MERLIN for the week. A WHITE-WINGED SCOTER was seen from the hawk watch yesterday. This might be the first Sunday in a month without rain, come on out and watch some hawks!
Thanks to all the people that make the Birdline possible, including, Hank Davis, Rachel Yurchisin, Jac Contrell, Melissa Lafferty, Jessica Shahan, Dorothy Paine, Ed Wrzcsiewski, Randy Fisher, Lucas Pittman, Rebecca Byrd, Wil Martens, Ann Dinkel, Judy Wilson, Debbie Blair, Nancy Cunningham, Steve and Susan McInnis, Martin Selzer, Lynn Jackson, David Thomas, Ed Patten, Sam VanHorne, John Carter, Chris Rankin, Kent Raymond, Carolyn Holland, Mary Braun, Sue Gruver, Rob Blye, Richard Julian, Alice Mohrman, Greg Gough, Phil Misseldine, Tom Stock, Chris and Karen Bennett, Anthony Gonzon, Will Krohn, Jim White, Laureen Eick-Benson, Chase Wilkinson, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, John and Andy Dunn, Wendy Cesario, 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 fo! r your support. This is Andy Ednie wishing you good birding!
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 8.5 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Autumn Heil, Frank Rohrbacher, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Pauletta Brown, Walt Blackwell
Visitors: 14
Weather: A warm day with temps reaching the low-70s. Morning fog lingered into the midday with calm winds. Some afternoon clearing with increasing southwest winds. Sudden late-afternoon clearing with the winds dying off. A line of storms to the north as the sun was setting. The rain hit after dark as a cold front brought a shift to northwest winds.
Raptor Observations: A slow start to the day other than a Merlin rocketing through. Increasing raptor activity as the fog cleared. A midday adult Peregrine Falcon was spotted far out in front then disappeared before popping up and coming over the lookout low. A decent total by the end of the day but the majority was Turkey Vultures (115). Other highlights included two Ospreys, two harriers, and a juvenile Broad-winged Hawk.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Cloudy early with partial sunshine later. High 53F. Winds N at 10-20mph. Excellent winds following a strong cold front. Don't see any reason why it wouldn't be a big day. Clouds will help with spotting. Still plenty of Accips and falcons on the move, plus increasing numbers of late-season Buteos, and eagerly awaiting the first Golden Eagle of the season. Expect moderate to good migration.
SUNDAY: Sunny. High around 60F. Winds NNE at 5-10mph. Still a favorable wind but weaker. Raptors will rely more on thermals and may be hard to spot against the blue sky. Expect moderate migration.
MONDAY: Partly cloudy. High near 65F. Winds NNE at 5-10mph. Similar to Sunday but clouds will help with spotting. Expect 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: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 10 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Carolyn Holland, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Mike Fowles, Walt Blackwell
Visitors: 20
Weather: Clear skies to start with only a few small clouds for the morning. Cloud cover increased throughout the afternoon becoming mostly cloudy in the final hours. Moderate northeast winds shifted southeast and weakened. A little chilly in the morning but quite pleasant in the afternoon with a high in the mid-60s.
Raptor Observations: A moderate flight. Some nice looks at low raptors, but the majority of migrants were high altitude and spotting them was hard for much of the day when clouds were lacking.
Turkey Vultures were most numerous with 80. Four Ospreys was a good total for this date. Good Bald Eagle activity including ten migrants. Four harriers including three adult males. A moderate Accip flight with 34 sharpies and 12 Coops. We had a nice look at one sharpie stooping at the bird feeders. Eight Red-tailed Hawks including the first 'northern' of the season. Ten kestrels and two merlins.
Non-raptor Observations: 275 Canada Geese, 10 Common Mergansers, 2 Double-crested Cormorants, Belted Kingfisher, 75 American Crows (including one with some white feathers), Common Raven, Purple Finch, Pine Siskin, Lincoln's Sparrow, 3 Palm Warblers, 15 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 10 monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S402611405
New species for season: Purple Finch
Predictions: TOMORROW: Cloudy skies during the morning followed by thunderstorms in the afternoon. Potential for severe thunderstorms. High 77F. Winds SSW at 10-15mph. An unfavorable wind and limited sunshine until the afternoon will probably result in a slow day for migration. With the current hourly forecast it seems we may get the full day in. Expect light to moderate migration.
SATURDAY: Cloudy early then mostly sunny. High 53F. Winds NNW at 10-20mph. Classic fall hawk watching conditions. Expect moderate to good migration.
SUNDAY: Mainly sunny. Widespread frost likely. High 59F. Winds NNE at 5-10mph. A good wind direction but fairly weak. Migrants will likely be high and difficult to spot against the blue skies. 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: Dan Noznisky, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass
Visitors: 12
Weather: Partly cloudy quickly becoming mostly cloudy with a brief thunderstorm in the midday. After the rain conditions remained gloomy with calm winds. Some brief periods of sun late. Winds light to moderate from the west.
Raptor Observations: The calm winds meant raptors took a bit to get going, but sunny conditions were favorable for raptor activity. The clouds slowed the flight and the rain shut it down for several hours. A few raptors got up late, but totals remained low.
Turkey Vulture were most numerous with seven, followed by sharpies with 6. Highlights of the morning included a close flyby of an adult male Northern Harrier and an extended look at a juvenile Peregrine Falcon. A juvenile Broad-winged Hawk was the afternoon highlight.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Partly cloudy becoming overcast. High 66F. Winds NE shifting E at 5-10mph. Conditions are looking best for the mid-morning when the wind is more northerly and there is more sun, but could slow as the afternoon goes on. Expect light to moderate migration.
FRIDAY: Cloudy early with partial sunshine late. High 76F. Winds SSW at 10-15mph. Unfavorable conditions overall. Expect light migration.
SATURDAY: Cloudy early then partly cloudy. High 53F. Winds N at 10-20mph. Classic post-coldfront fall hawk watching winds. 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: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Emma Hovland
Observers: Steve McInnis, Susan Gruver
Visitors: 21
Weather:
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations: Monarch 2 Common Loon 1 ======================================================================== Report submitted by Emma Hovland (<emmarhovland...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Dede Johnston, Jeff Buler, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Mike Fowles
Visitors: 18
Weather: Sunny with a few small clouds. Calm winds became a moderate southwest wind by the afternoon. Quite warm with temps reaching the upper 70s.
Raptor Observations: A mix of low and high migrants, though spotting was difficult with the blue skies. As expected Turkey Vultures were most numerous with 83. A moderate Sharp-shinned Hawk flight (19). Good Bald Eagle activity with seven migrating. Three late-day harriers. The only falcons were one kestrel and one Merlin. One juvenile Broad-winged Hawk in the late-afternoon.
Non-raptor Observations: International Space Station followed by SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket seen around 6:40am (NASA's SpaceX CRS-35 (35th Commercial Resupply Services mission))
Great Blue Heron, Belted Kingfisher, 2 Common Ravens, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Lincoln's Sparrow, Nashville Warbler, 2 Palm Warblers, 10 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 2 monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S402102381
New species for season: Red-breasted Nuthatch
Predictions: TOMORROW: Intervals of clouds and sun. High 84F. Winds W at 5-10mph. Should be another pleasant day to be out. The winds may not get a lot of raptors moving, but clouds will help with spotting the ones that are. Expect light to moderate migration.
THURSDAY: Partly cloudy. High 66F. Winds ENE at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration.
FRIDAY: A few morning showers then numerous thunderstorms the afternoon. High 76F. Winds SW at 10-20mph. Largely unfavorable conditions. 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: 07:15:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8.75 hours
Official Counter: Christian Scheibe, Joe Francis, Joe Swertinski
Observers: Christian Scheibe, David Brown, Joe Swertinski, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass
Visitors: 10
Weather: Clearing after Hurricane Isaias. Partly sunny to mostly sunny. Moderate northwest winds.
Raptor Observations: A moderate flight. Sharp-shinned Hawks were most numerous with 37. Also 16 Cooper's Hawks. Good Bald Eagle activity, especially in the morning. Two Ospreys. Another falcon trifecta including 15 kestrels and two peregrines.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Sunshine. High 79F. Winds SW at 10-15mph. A headwind for the migrating raptors. A good wind for Turkey Vulture migration, but often slower for other raptors. Good conditions for local raptors to be active. Expect light to moderate migration.
WEDNESDAY: Mostly sunny. High 83F. Winds W at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration.
THURSDAY: Mix of sun and clouds. High 67F. Winds NE at 5-10mph. Expect moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Weather: All day rain from the remnants of Hurricane Isaias. Strong ENE wind. No count.
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations:
Predictions: TOMORROW: Chance of a morning shower. Cloudy skies early will become partly cloudy later. High 73F. Winds NNW at 10-15mph. Excellent winds. Could be a decent flight once it starts to clear up.
TUESDAY: Sunny with a few afternoon clouds. High around 80F. Winds SW at 10-15mph. A headwind for migrating raptors. Could be a good day for Turkey Vultures, but maybe a bit slower for other species. Spotting may be difficult if there aren't many clouds.
WEDNESDAY: Sunny with a few afternoon clouds. High 82F. Winds WNW at 10-15mph. Spotting may be difficult if there aren't many clouds. 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: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Bob Rufe, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Maddie Martin, Meghan Donnelly, Mike Fowles
Visitors: 35
Weather: A thin layer of cirrus clouds that thickened in the afternoon. Light winds that shifted from northeast to east. A pleasant day to be out.
Raptor Observations: The flight took a bit to get going. Light but steady migration throughout the day. Sharpies were most numerous with 23. Other highlights included 11 Cooper's Hawks, 8 kestrels, and 3 Ospreys. One late-day Northern Harrier.
Non-raptor Observations: 100 Canada Geese, 2 Common Loons, 5 Double-crested Cormorants, Fish Crow, 2 Common Ravens, Pine Siskin, 2 Palm Warblers, 12 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 21 monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S401059708
New species for season: Pine Siskin
Predictions: TOMORROW: Rain. High near 65F. Winds E at 10-20mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall possibly over one inch. Count will almost certainly not be conducted.
MONDAY: Rain ending early. Breaks of sun in the afternoon. High 73F. Winds NNW at 10-15mph. Good winds so possibly a flight as it clears up.
TUESDAY: Some morning clouds then mainly sunny. High 77F. 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: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Charlotte Rose, Ian Teaell, Jeff Uhlenburg, Joe Francis, Joe Sebastiani, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Mike Fowles, Walt Blackwell
Visitors: 16
Weather: Blue skies to start with a layer of thin clouds moving in from the south (outer bands of the clouds from Hurricane Isaias as it makes landfall along the Florida panhandle). Becoming nearly overcast by the end of the day as the cloud layer thickened. Light to moderate westerly winds shifting WNW in the afternoon. Warm and pleasant day with a high around 73F.
Raptor Observations: An excellent steady flight. Some migrants were low and the cloud cover helped with spotting the others.
Vulture migration was moderate with 49 Turkey Vultures and a group of 12 Black Vultures. Good large raptor activity with 15 Bald Eagles (including up to five soaring together) and three Ospreys. Moderate numbers of harriers (4) and Accips (20 sharpies, 10 Coops). A couple red-tails and red-shoulders. We had the falcon trifecta again including 15 kestrels and 2 peregrines that came through a few minutes apart in the morning.
New species for season: Common Loon, Northern Rough-winged Swallow.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Partly to mostly cloudy. High 72F. Winds NE shifting E at 5-10mph. Winds are more favorable in the morning. Expect light to moderate migration.
SUNDAY: A steady rain early. Showers with thunder in the afternoon. High near 65F. Winds E at 10-20mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall may reach one inch. Count will likely be canceled.
MONDAY: Morning showers then partly cloudy. High 71F. Winds NNW at 10-15mph. Good winds after the rain. Could be a decent day if the current timing holds. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Date: 10/9/26 2:19 pm From: Andrew Ednie <000006be14ba5998-dmarc-request...> Subject: [de-birds] RBA: Birdline Delaare, October 9th, 2026
RBA * Delaware * Statewide * October 9, 2026 * DEST 26.10.09
*Birds mentioned Lesser Scaup Black Scoter White-winged Scoter Surf Scoter Ruddy Duck Yellow-billed Cuckoo Black-billed Cuckoo Common Nighthawk Ruby-throated Hummingbird Sora American Coot Sandhill Crane American Oystercatcher Black-necked Stilt 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 Pectoral Sandpiper Caspian Tern Royal Tern Black Skimmer Parasitic Jaeger Bonaparte’s Gull Common Loon Pied-billed Grebe Horned Grebe Brown Pelican Black-crowned Night Heron Yellow-crowned Night Heron Little Blue Heron Tricolored Heron White Ibis Osprey Bald Eagle Northern Harrier Sharp-shinned Hawk Cooper’s Hawk Broad-winged Hawk Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Red-headed Woodpecker American Kestrel Merlin Peregrine Falcon Least Flycatcher White-eyed Vireo Yellow-throated Vireo Eastern Warbling Vireo Blue-headed Vireo Philadelphia Vireo Red-eyed Vireo Common Raven Barn Swallow Brown-headed Nuthatch Red-breasted Nuthatch Brown Creeper Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Swainson’s Thrush Gray-cheeked Thrush Veery Hermit Thrush Wood Thrush American Pipit Purple Finch Lark Sparrow Lincoln’s Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow Bobolink Rusty Blackbird Yellow-breasted Chat Ovenbird Northern Waterthrush American Redstart Black and White Warbler Orange-crowned 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 Canada Warbler Wilson’s Warbler Rose-breasted Grosbeak PAINTED BUNTING Indigo Bunting DICKCISSEL
Hotline: Birdline Delaware Date: October 9, 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 9th 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. Many thanks to all that shared Birthday Greetings with me this week! The unofficial Delaware Annual List remains at 322 species this week.
The previously reported male PAINTED BUNTING was found again along the Boardwalk Trail at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday. This bird was seen at the entrance and just past the bridge off the right-hand fork of the trail, along with SORA and YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT. Some early arriving waterfowl included LESSER SCAUP and RUDDY DUCK. 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 and PECTORAL SANDPIPER. Waders included TRICOLORED and LITTLE BLUE HERON, YELLOW-CROWNED and BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON and SANDHILL CRANES. Both YELLOW-BILLED and BLACK-BILLED CUCKOOS were reported this week.
A late push of warblers is still being seen, including CONNECTICUT WARBLERS at the McCabe Nature Preserve near Milton and at Middle Run Natural Area near Newark. The McCabe Preserve also reported CANADA and YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER. Middle Run reported TENNESSEE, CHESTNUT-SIDED and WILSON’S WARBLER. An early ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was found at the circle path behind the Ashland Nature Center Hawk Watch yesterday and a Bombay Hook today. A female HOODED WARBLER was banded at the University of Delaware’s Ag Farm. More WILSON’S WARBLER was reported at Arden Green in Brandywine Hundred and near Holts Landing State Park. A total of 26 species of warbler were reported this week including OVENBIRD, NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH, AMERICAN REDSTART, NORTHERN PARULA, plus BLACK AND WHITE, NASHVILLE, CAPE MAY, MAGNOLIA, CHESTNUT-SIDED, BLACKBURNIAN, BAY-BREASTED, BLACKPOLL, PINE, PRAIRIE, PALM, YELLOW-RUMPED, plus BLACK-THROATED BLUE, and GREEN WARBLER
Downstate, a LARK SPARROW was photographed at Ft. Miles in Cape Henlopen State Park and there was a flyover DICKCISSEL at Ft. Miles and Gordon’s Pond. LINCOLN’S SPARROWS were found at Coverdale Farms, Ashland Nature Center, Middle Run, Bombay Hook and the McCabe Preserve. New this week was YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, BROWN CREEPER, HERMIT THRUSH, PURPLE FINCH, RUSTY BLACKBIRD and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW. There were 6 species of VIREO reported at White Clay Creek State Park this week, including PHILADELPHIA, YELLOW-THROATED, WARBLING, WHITE-EYED, RED-EYED and BLUE HEADED. There were also 7 species of THRUSH reported including VEERY, SWAINSON’S, GRAY-CHEEKED, HERMIT and WOOD THRUSH. RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH was reported near Lums Pond State Park. Some late lingering birds included COMMON NIGHTHAWK, RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD, LEAST FLYCATCHER, BARN SWALLOW, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, BOBOLINK, SCARLET TANAGER, INDIGO BUNTING, and ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK.
RUDDY DUCK, HORNED and PIED-BILLED GREBE were seen at the Newark Reservoir. LITTLE BLUE HERON was seen at Lums Pond State Park. SANDHILL CRANE, COMMON RAVEN and CASPIAN TERN were reported at the Ashton Tract in Augustine Wildlife Area. BONAPARTE’S GULL and CASPIAN TERNS were reported at Augustine Beach. AMERICAN COOT and PIED-BILLED GREBE were reported at the Main Tract in Little Creek wildlife Area. SURF SCOTER and BROWN PELICAN were seen at Big Stone Beach.
AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER, BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, RUDDY TURNSTONE, and WESTERN SANDPIPER were seen at Mispillion Inlet from the DuPont Nature Center, along with ROYAL TERN. AMERICAN AVOCETS, BLACK SKIMMER, and CASPIAN TERNS were seen at the Dike Trail in Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge. WILLET, PECTORAL SANDPIPER and over 200 WHITE IBIS were seen at Oyster Rocks Road.
EASTERN WARBLING VIREO, RED-BREASTED and BROWN-HEADED NUTHATCH was found at the Seaside Nature Center in Cape Henlopen State Park. AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER, BLACK BELLIED and AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER, BLACK SKIMMER, COMMON LOON, and BROWN PELICAN were seen at Cape Henlopen Point. A RED-HEADED WOODPECKER was seen near the comfort state at the Point on Wednesday. A PARASITIC JAEGER was seen from the Cape May- Lewes Ferry. SOLITARY SANDPIPER was reported at the McCabe Preserve. SPOTTED SANDPIPER was found at Trap Pond State Park. A SORA was near the tower at Assawoman Wildlife Area.
It was a big week at the both Delaware Hawk Watches, despite getting rain over the weekend. Ashland Nature Center had 79 AMERICAN KESTRELS, a MERLIN and 3 PEREGRINE FALCONS with 91 SHARP-SHINNED, 27 COOPER’S and 12 BROAD-WINGED HAWKS on Saturday. This was the third highest single day total of Kestrels recorded at Ashland. There was also a total of 69 BALD EAGLES, 19 NORTHERN HARRIERS, and 19 OSPREYS for the week. Cape Henlopen was a washout over the weekend, but there was a big flight after the storm on Monday with 30 AMERICAN KESTRELS, 50 MERLIN, and 28 PEREGRINES plus 61 OSPREYS. There was a total of 48 BALD EAGLES, 88 SHARPIES and 30 COOP’S also reported for the week. Now, let’s see what the weekend storm brings in!
Thanks to all the people that make the Birdline possible, including, Ryan Weeks, Barbara Conway, Mike Lathman, Mike Bowen, Hannah Girgente, Nancy Cunningham, Melissa Powell, Rebecca Byrd, Paige Magrogan, Steve and Susan McInnis, Martin Selzer, Lynn Jackson, Sheryl Johnson, Sharon Dounce, Kevin Bronson, John Skibicki, Gary Griffith, Joe Sebastiani, David Thomas, Ed Patten, Sam VanHorne, Frank Rohrbacher, John Carter, Chris Rankin, Kent Raymond, Carolyn Holland, Mary Braun, Sue Gruver, Rob Blye, Richard Julian, Alice Mohrman, Greg Gough, Tom Stock, Chris and Karen Bennett, Anthony Gonzon, Will Krohn, Jim White, Laureen Eick-Benson, Judy Montgomery, Chase Wilkinson, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Ian Teaell, Laureen Eick-Benson, Chris Machulski, 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: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Kent Raymond, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Richard King, Sue Martin
Visitors: 12
Weather: Blue skies and calm winds to start. The winds became a moderate WNW for most of the day and it became partly cloudy for the afternoon. Quite warm and pleasant with a high in the mid-70s.
Raptor Observations: Surprisingly slow given the conditions and results from other recent days. The flight took a while to get going. A light flow of Turkey Vultures throughout the day but otherwise low numbers. Sharp-shinned Hawks were next most numerous with only five. Four kestrels. A few nice looks including some adult Bald Eagles chasing each other and a very low adult Red-shouldered Hawk at the end of the day.
Non-raptor Observations: Non-raptor activity was lower today as well.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Generally sunny with a few afternoon clouds. High 74F. Winds WNW at 5-10mph. Overall similar to today except with slightly weaker winds. Should be a pleasant day to be out. Expect light to moderate migration.
SATURDAY: Intervals of clouds and sun. High 72F. Winds NE shifting SE at 5-10mph. Favorable winds for the morning. Expect moderate migration.
SUNDAY: Cloudy with periods of rain. High 63F. Winds E at 10-20mph. Chance of rain 100%. Count may be shortened or canceled. ======================================================================== 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: 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
