Observation start time: 12:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 4 hours
Official Counter: Jim Thomson
Observers:
Visitors: Hikers- 2
Weather: Temp- 34 Deg.F, Wind NW@2-7mph becoming more light and somewhat variable by mid afternoon. Partly cloudy
Raptor Observations: A late start today as morning commitments kept me off the ridge until noon but better late than never. A very quiet watch period with a good deal of empty skies throughout most of the afternoon. A few Redtails and Bald Eagles took pity on me and passed by the watch site mostly high and distant. My Bird(s) of the Day selection goes to the immie Bald Eagle and the Raven that were sparring directly over the watch site for 5 minutes. The Raven appeared to be toying with this young Baldie as it was staying right on it's tail and vocalizing at the eagle for almost the entire time that they were together. The eagle would flip over with talons extended trying to snatch it's tormentor.. the Raven would simply move to the side and continue harassing the eagle. After the eagle made a number of half hearted dives at the Raven, the Raven appeared to tire of the game and headed down ridge as the Bald headed up ridge.. I was very thankful for the entertainment provided by this pair !
Non-raptor Observations: Many skeins of Canada geese E.Bluebirds ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jim Thomson (<hawkinflight...>)
Date: 11/29/25 12:56 pm From: William Boyle <00001e2d8a940e7b-dmarc-request...> Subject: [JERSEYBI] Annual Report and Accepted Records List
New Jersey Birders,
I have uploaded to the NJ Bird Records Committee web site, the Annual Report 2025, covering the year 2024, and the Accepted Records List including all records through June 2025. These files can be viewed downloaded at http://njbrc.com/index.php/state-and-review-lists/
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Jim Thomson
Observers: Tom Campbell
Visitors: Hikers- 14
Weather: Temp- 30-33 Deg.F, Wind W/NW@ 9-22mph w/gusts to 29mph Partly cloudy in am to mostly cloudy in pm Snow showers across the Poconos throughout the afternoon.
Many thanks to Tom Campbell for his company and help on this cold and blustery day. A damn cold day on the ridge with temps in the low 30's and strong W/NW winds all day gusting to near 30mph. What we lacked in quantity we surely made up for in quality. Every bird we counted today was either at or below eye level. Most birds were tight to the ridge on the river side. All 3 Goldens came in close and all 3 were below eye level. Just incredible looks at these big beauties ! The Balds put on a show as well affording wonderful looks as they passed close by. Our Bird of the Day selection goes to the adult Redtail that came in super close to the ridge. Twisting and turning in the strong gusts and eyeballing the owl decoy with bad intent as it cruised on by.
Non-raptor Observations: TV- 2 Ravens- 14 ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jim Thomson (<hawkinflight...>)
Observation start time: 09:45:00 Observation end time: 16:45:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Jim Thomson
Observers: Al Ambler, Brian Butler, Brian Hardiman, Phil Rodriguez
Visitors: Our list of Coonapalozians is as follows: Brian Hardiman, Phil Rodriguez, Brian Butler, Al Ambler, Craig Stockert, Troy Fetherman, Lori Smith w/friend Marianne, Tom Campbell, Pat Jacques, Dave Brandes, Phil Ribolow, Joe Goddu, Dave Blinder, Lisa Decker, Brian Wilson, Gary Urbanski, Max Leone, Mike Leone, Nora O'rourke There were quite a few folks that showed up later in the afternoon and I never had the chance to record your names for our guest list. Apologies to all!!
Weather: Temps- 42-45 Deg.F Wind NW@ 3-8mph Heavy fog and light rain in AM to partly cloudy in PM
Raptor Observations: COONAPALOOZA XXI. !!!!!!! The soggy start to the day couldn't dampen our spirits ! Our late season celebration on the mountain continues to be the highlight of the year and just keeps getting better and better ! Great seeing all of the smiling faces up on the ridge! A great effort by everyone in making the long trek to 'Coon while being weighed down with packs full of food and beverages to be shared by all. Just a joyful time to give thanks to the mountain, and the raptors, and the wildlife that enrich our lives every day ! Just a perfect setting to be in while celebrating with friends old and new. Thank you all for making Coonapalooza the incredible celebration that it is !! Lori Smith's incredible Meatball sandwiches... served hot !! Al Ambler's pulled pork... the greatest pulled pork east of the Mississippi Also served hot ! Gloria Hardiman's homemade brownies.. just awesome ! Lisa Decker's home made donuts- delicious. Mike Leone's home made chocolate chip cookies.. incredible ! Joe Goddu's home made brownies- always a big hit. Not to mention all of the other snacks including pretzels, cheeses, cookies, etc, etc.. just incredible !! Thank You All !!!! And yes... we actually managed to do some hawk watching as well ! Most birds were distant today but we had a few nice looks at Redtails, and plenty of Bald Eagle action with numerous birds chasing and diving on each other. Brian H was looking up ridge and saw 2 Bald Eagles lock talons and spiral below the ridge out of sight ! Our bird of the Day selection goes to the first bird we had today which was a Northern Harrier ( nice pick Brian ) that came down ridge out of the fog. It lazily crossed in front of the watch site and headed past us on the reservoir side. Such a cool setting to see this harrier emerge from the fog !
Non-raptor Observations: Loons- 8 TV's Ravens- 6 ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jim Thomson (<hawkinflight...>)
Date: 11/22/25 6:57 am From: James Schill <sschliv...> Subject: [JERSEYBI] Volunteers Needed for This Year’s Moorestown CBC – Sunday, December 21st
This year’s Moorestown Christmas Bird Count will be held on Sunday,
December 21st. The Moorestown CBC has a long and rich history, built on
decades of dedicated volunteers contributing important data to bird
conservation and community science.
We are currently in need of field participants for this year’s count—as
well as for future counts. Whether you have past CBC experience or are new
to the event, your participation would be greatly appreciated.
If you are interested in joining us or would like more information, please
contact me at the email address below.
Thank you for considering being part of this year’s count. Your help truly
makes a difference.
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:15:00 Total observation time: 7.25 hours
Official Counter: Jim Thomson
Observers: Brian Hardiman, Harry Quinn, Phil Rodriguez
Visitors: Special Shoutout to our Montana buddy Rob Domenech !! Happy 60th from the Coon crew !!! Lori Smith w/friends Kim, Renee, and Angie
Roads Scholar Hiking Group -13 Pam Laura was part of this group. Pam is the wife of Tom Laura who was a previous lead counter up on Coon )
Hikers- 2
Weather: Temps- 34-44 Deg.F Wind- NW@ 6-11mph in the morning, diminishing to light in the afternoon.Mostly cloudy skies early, to mostly sunny, and than to overcast later in the day.
My thanks to Brian Hardiman for conducting today's count ! The ridge was in good hands today with Brian, Phil, and Harry up top ! From Brian : Thank you to Phil Rodriguez and Harry Quinn for their outstanding spotting efforts ! A pleasant day on Coon after getting battered by the wind for the past few days. Fewer Birds today but some sweet looks !!! The guys had some nice close action today with a Merlin buzzing the owl decoy and a point blank immature Bald Eagle in the afternoon. The 47th bird counted today was a Golden Eagle which put us at 10,000 raptors counted this season and we're still going. Nice pick Phil !! The Bird of the Day selection goes to the 10:18 Golden Eagle. This nicely marked immature bird came directly at the watch site in close and than circled directly overhead giving some stunning looks. It was than joined by a Bald Eagle and a Coopers hawk with all 3 birds in one glass !!! Crazy good stuff !!!
Non-raptor Observations: Evening Grosbeak- 6 ( Flyovers - seen and heard ) Loons- 25 ( 1 flock ! ) Thank you Phil ! GC Kinglets Bluebirds Raven tv ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jim Thomson (<hawkinflight...>)
An incredibly fine day of hawking on Coon today !! Our first 3 digit Redtail day in quite a few years and what a show they put on for us with Redtails in the air from start to finish today ! Multiple times we had numerous birds in one field of view as they passed by the watch site. The strong sustained winds kept the raptors on the move and we tallied 9 species today. 5 Golden Eagles counted today but we had a 6th Golden that headed back up ridge, but not before giving us about a 5 minute study. We picked up this immature bird kiting in the river valley up ridge below eye level. It slowly made it's way down to the watch site where it once again started kiting below eye level. It than gained some altitude and slowly glided back up ridge and out of sight. Some beautiful looks ( albeit brief) at Merlins today, and a Grey Ghost below eye level hugging the ridge on the river side was awesome. Our Bird of the Day selection goes to the 10:10 adult Peregrine Falcon that came by in great light and tight to the ridge on the river side. A real eyeful of this stunner as it glided down ridge !
Non-raptor Observations: Canada goose- many skeins throughout the day Loons- 3 BV's- 12 TV's - 2 Ravens ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jim Thomson (<hawkinflight...>)
Yet another crazy weather day on Coon with big winds bringing the big birds! Strong sustained winds throughout the day with partly to heavy cloud cover and pm snow squalls. Weather -wise.. we saw it all today ! Lot's of bald Eagles in the air today and at one point we had 8 Balds in one field of view. Had some great looks at Redtails below eye level as they passed the watch site. The first 2 Golden Eagles that passed the site were both adults that were distant looks. The next 4 Goldens were all immature birds that gave awesome looks with a few of them being picked up below eye level as they were cutting into the ridge. Man.. talk about an adrenaline rush !!! Our Bird(s) of the Day selection goes to the 2 adult Bald Eagles that came flying at us thru a dark wall of clouds that were producing a snow squall up ridge. We had sunlight at our backs and these Eagles coming out of a dark background.. they looked like flashing neon signs. Stunningly beautiful and passed by very close to the watch site.
Non-raptor Observations: TV's Ravens E.bluebirds ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jim Thomson (<hawkinflight...>)
Date: 11/15/25 5:17 am From: Louise Wilkens <boatnbirdr...> Subject: Re: [JERSEYBI] Alpha-GAL allergy
Dear Laurie,
I’m sorry to hear that you have Alpha-gal syndrome. I hope you stay healthy
and have no severe reactions. Thank you for sharing the information. It
is important to birders, and everyone.
I would like to add, EVERY Lone Star tick carries Alpha-Gal syndrome,
unlike Lyme disease, which is not found in all ticks. Scientists are
unsure why some people develop the disease and others don’t.
Ticks can be sent for free testing at "NJ Ticks 4 Science!,” a citizen
science project organized by the Rutgers Center for Vector Biology. The
web site is:
Feel free to fact-check any of this and correct if needed.
Thanks again for sharing.
Louise Wilkens
On Fri, Nov 14, 2025 at 2:11 PM Laurie Larson <
<0000057b603ab9b2-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> Hello,
>
> Tick bites are a constant threat to birders in New jersey and indeed most
> of the continent. Now that we have fewer really long cold spells, more
> ticks survive the winter; and the deer population that hosts ticks
> continues to increase and spread. Most of us have heard of Lyme disease but
> another ailment has become a hazard in the past few years. Alpha-Gal
> syndrome is caused by a molecule carried by the Lone-Star tick in
> particular, and the bite causes humans to become allergic to beef and pork.
> In some people, the allergy is so severe they are unable to eat or use any
> animal products such as dairy products, cheese, gelatin, lanolin, some
> drugs derived from animals, etc. It is the allergic reaction — the
> anaphylaxis — which makes people ill; it can take the effect of hives and
> respiratory symptoms, or it can cause severe GI effects.
>
> Despite knowing the usual techniques for avoiding tick bites (I have a
> history of Lyme disease), I got bitten by a Lone Star tick several years
> ago and I no longer can eat beef or pork. The allergy has become less
> severe with time, but it may come back, especially if I’m bitten again. I
> get the blood test repeated once or twice a year by my allergist. I also
> now have an EPI-Pen prescription to treat allergy emergencies. I get every
> tick that bites me tested for diseases.
>
> This has come to mind because a recent article tells the story of a man
> whose allergy was so severe it caused death. This is the first time I’ve
> heard of so severe a reaction.
> Several birders have forwarded me this information and suggested I share
> it. The story is rapidly being picked up and you may see it in other
> network sources.
>
> https://thedigestonline.com/news/nj-man-meat-allergy-ticks/ >
> Some doctors have not yet become aware of the illness, so diagnosis is
> sometimes a problem.
> Here is a recommended web link for an organization that has great
> educational material and links to medical and scientific information:
>
> https://www.twoalphagals.com/ >
> There are many other good references online you can find with your
> favorite search engine.
>
> Here’s a tick testing service:
>
> https://www.tickcheck.com/ >
>
> Good luck and have a safe holiday,
> Laurie Larson
> Lumberton, NJ
>
>
>
>
> List Guidelines:
> https://lists.princeton.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind2107&L=JERSEYBI&P=R685&X=OE8E22FEF3A2B10DFE5 > List help: <jerseybi-request...>
> List archives: https://lists.princeton.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=jerseybi > NJ Bird Records Committee: www.njbrc.com
>
My thanks to Phil, Al, Harry, and Tom for hiking in and getting the count done today ! Thanks Gang !! Not a bad day on the ridge with some decent numbers of Red Shoulders and Redtails. Adding another 3 Golden Eagles to our totals is always welcome even though these 3 birds were distant as they passed the watch site. The 2 Harriers today were both Grey Ghosts and the cool thing is that friends of Tom Campbell were watching hawks up in Sussex County and texted Tom about both birds heading our way and the crew eventually picked up both birds as they continued making their way down ridge. The Bird of the Day selection goes to the adult Peregrine that came by close to the ridge on the river side giving the best look of the day. Most other birds were high/distant looks.
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Jim Thomson (<hawkinflight...>)
Tick bites are a constant threat to birders in New jersey and indeed most of the continent. Now that we have fewer really long cold spells, more ticks survive the winter; and the deer population that hosts ticks continues to increase and spread. Most of us have heard of Lyme disease but another ailment has become a hazard in the past few years. Alpha-Gal syndrome is caused by a molecule carried by the Lone-Star tick in particular, and the bite causes humans to become allergic to beef and pork. In some people, the allergy is so severe they are unable to eat or use any animal products such as dairy products, cheese, gelatin, lanolin, some drugs derived from animals, etc. It is the allergic reaction — the anaphylaxis — which makes people ill; it can take the effect of hives and respiratory symptoms, or it can cause severe GI effects.
Despite knowing the usual techniques for avoiding tick bites (I have a history of Lyme disease), I got bitten by a Lone Star tick several years ago and I no longer can eat beef or pork. The allergy has become less severe with time, but it may come back, especially if I’m bitten again. I get the blood test repeated once or twice a year by my allergist. I also now have an EPI-Pen prescription to treat allergy emergencies. I get every tick that bites me tested for diseases.
This has come to mind because a recent article tells the story of a man whose allergy was so severe it caused death. This is the first time I’ve heard of so severe a reaction.
Several birders have forwarded me this information and suggested I share it. The story is rapidly being picked up and you may see it in other network sources.
Some doctors have not yet become aware of the illness, so diagnosis is sometimes a problem.
Here is a recommended web link for an organization that has great educational material and links to medical and scientific information:
Observation start time: 08:45:00 Observation end time: 16:15:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: Jim Thomson
Observers: Brian Butler, Phil Rodriguez
Visitors: Jeff Climpson- Great seeing you Jeff ! Thanks for the help today ! James Lukenda- Welcome to Coon James !! Great to meet you and thanks for all of the spotting help today. Come visit us again.
Weather: Temps- 40-42 Deg.F Wind- W/NW@ 10-20 mph w/gusts to 30 Mostly cloudy to snow squalls to partly cloudy to mostly cloudy
A crazy weather day on Coon. We went from some light rain showers at the start of the count, to slight clearing. And than a " wall of squall " descended upon us and dropped the temperatures by 8 degrees with heavy snow squalls and wind gusts in the 30+ mph range.Fortunately the squalls passed quickly and 20-30 minutes later we were looking at clearing skies. Our flight began at Noon and we had raptors on the move right thru the end of the count period. Some really great looks at Red-Shoulders and the Redtails of course never disappoint. We had 'Tails way high above us as well as many that passed below eye level.At this time of year the Stars of the Show are typically Golden Eagles and today's birds gave us some incredibly nice
looks as they were all relatively close to the watch site on the river side. Our Bird of the Day selection goes to the 3:06 Immie Golden that we picked up just up ridge over "The Cedar". This bird was coming directly at us and below eye level before veering off slightly but still giving a tremendous look as it passed the watch. Jeff Climpson gave this look an "A" grade.
Non-raptor Observations: Loons- 11 Tundra Swans-35 ( 1 flock ) Ravens TV's E.Bluebirds ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jim Thomson (<hawkinflight...>)
A great effort by the guys today but not many raptors to count. Heavy snow showers w/zero visibility at times shut down any possibilities of a decent flight. Steady/sustained snow over the Poconos in the pm. Thanks to Tom Campbell for sending in this report. Bird of the Day selection goes to the lone Merlin zipping by the watch site in some frigid conditions.
Non-raptor Observations: Cedar Waxwings Ravens ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jim Thomson (<hawkinflight...>)
Many thanks to Phil Rodriguez for conducting today's count ! A quieter day on the ridge as expected but still some birds on the move and the light NW winds had the birds coming a bit tighter to the ridge giving a bit better viewing than what we've had on the last few count days. Redtails and Red Shoulders kept things interesting today but Phil's Bird of the Day was an easy call...a beautifully marked immature Golden Eagle pass by extremely tight to the ridge and at eye level !! Per Phil it was a real Oh Mommy moment !!!
Non-raptor Observations: TV's Ravens ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jim Thomson (<hawkinflight...>)
Date: 11/7/25 2:38 pm From: Amy Davis <argdavis...> Subject: [JERSEYBI] Join the Barnegat Christmas Bird Count on Sunday, January 4th!
Hi, all.
Please join us for this winter's *Barnegat Christmas Bird Count* on *Sunday, January 4, 2026*.
This is the 125th Christmas Bird Count, the U.S.'s longest-running community science project. Data collected by CBC participants is invaluable to researchers studying the long-term health of wintering bird populations. The Barnegat count was first conducted in 1925 and the count area includes all of Long Beach Island and the mainland from Barnegat south to Parkertown. It also extends about 7.5 miles offshore, and we are once again planning a CBC mini-pelagic weather permitting.
This event is open to veteran and newbie birders as well as feeder watchers within the count circle.
We will meet at the Stafford Diner after the count. The address is 1388 Route 72, Manahawkin. Get in touch if you want to participate, and please let me know if you want to join the pelagic team and/or attend the count dinner.
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 8.25 hours
Official Counter: Jim Thomson
Observers: Brian Butler, Harry Quinn, Phil Rodriguez, Tom Campbell
Visitors: Additional observer- Craig Stockert Our hard working visitors: Carl Krag, Jim Wright, John Berry, Dennis White, Monica Gallen, Jon Wallach, Raimund Miller, Pat Jacques, Lori Smith & friends
Weather: Temp- 43 Deg.F, Wind- NW@8-18mph w/gusts to 25 Partly cloudy to mostly cloudy with some clearing late in the day
Raptor Observations: BE- 7 GE- 10:32I, 4:20I PG- 2:40A A good day on the ridge but frankly we were expecting a much better flight today. It just never materialized. Redtails were moving in good numbers early on but the flight basically shut down by 11am. Lot's of eyes on the ridge today and the gang did a great job of scanning the skies but there wasn't much to scan. Bird of the Day selection is a tough one because almost every bird we counted today was high/distant. By default we'll give it to the first Golden of the day. A crisply marked immature bird that passed by high on the reservoir side. It's a Golden.. we'll take it !
Non-raptor Observations: Porcupine up near the watch Cedar Waxwings TV's Ravens ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jim Thomson (<hawkinflight...>)
Date: 11/5/25 8:17 am From: Andrew Block <000006a6ea4d1677-dmarc-request...> Subject: [JERSEYBI] extralimital Tundra Bean-Goose
In case anyone is interested there is a Tundra Bean-Goose in Upper Brookville and Mill Neck on Long Island's Nassau County about two days ago. It was first found at Planting Fields Arboretum and then relocated the next morning early at Beaver Lake just north of there in Mill Neck. It seems to roost in the lake and then go to the arboretum later. I went this morning about 7am and it was on the south end of the lake with people viewing from the causeway on Cleft Rd. and me viewing it through the culvert under the train tracks as viewed from Shu Swamp Preserve boardwalk along the tracks. I saw it from about 100ft. for about five or six minutes until it swam out of view to the south east corner of the lake. Others had a much farther but longer look from the causeway. The only place to park is in the lot for Shu Swamp off Frost Mill Rd. just south of the train tracks.
Andrew
Andrew BlockConsulting Naturalist
Yonkers, New York www.flickr.com/photos/conuropsis/albums
WOO HOO !!! Our first Gos of the season !!! ( More on this bird below) A fun day on the ridge with good company and some great spotting ! Strong/gusty winds had birds scattered with many disappearing in the clear blue skies. A real group effort in spotting and staying on some of these high fliers. Redtails led the charge today with many giving some great looks as they zoomed past us. A Merlin and a Coop doing battle off the ridge on the river side was awesome to watch. 2 of the 3 Golden Eagles we had today offered tremendous looks as they moved along in the wind. BUT... the star of the show and our Bird of the Day goes to the immie Goshawk that came down ridge in a slow steady glide.Powering thru heavy wind gusts was no problem for this bird. It passed by close at just above eye level on the river side banking slightly showing off it's beautiful dorsal side and the classic "stovepipe" tail ! There was a hush on the ridge as the bird came into view and than a lot of loud cheers and high fives as it passed us and moved down ridge. This was also a life bird for visitor Kyu Lee. Glad we could accommodate!!
Non-raptor Observations: Snow Bunting- 1 ( First of season ) Cedar Waxwings Ravens- All day long TV's E.Bluebirds ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jim Thomson (<hawkinflight...>)
