Date: 12/11/18 1:24 pm From: Alice Mohrman <alice...> Subject: [de-birds] Abbott's Mill Bird Walk on Thurs. Dec. 13, 2018
Guided Bird Walk at Abbott's Mill Nature Center on Thursday, Dec. 13: 9:00 to 11:00 am. Novice to expert welcome for this free program. Meet at 15411 Abbotts Pond Road in Milford. Binoculars available for borrow.
Date: 12/11/18 9:51 am From: David and Joy Peters <Trogon1000...> Subject: [de-birds] Strange Hawk
Just this morning, we saw what looked to be a leucistic hawk at Bombay Hook. It was perched in a far tree along the road to the Allee House. It suggested the same hawk that was there back in December of 2016 – shining white. Has anyone else seen this hawk? Probably a red-tailed?
Date: 12/10/18 11:40 am From: joe sebastiani <joe...> Subject: [de-birds] Citizen Science Dinner and Annual Review
Dear Delaware Birders: This Wednesday evening, 6-8pm, Delaware Nature Society is hosting a Citizen Science Dinner and Annual Review at the Ashland Nature Center. Along with dinner, enjoy presentations highlighting the 2018 findings from our Bird Conservation Initiative and Water Quality Monitoring in the Red Clay Valley conducted by staff and many volunteers. Short powerpoint summaries on the Ashland Hawk Watch, Bird Banding Studies, NestWatch program and Water Quality will be conducted by Hawk Watcher David Brown, Ornithologist Ian Stewart, and Citizen Science Coordinator Kristen Travers. What were the highs and lows of the hawk migration this year? Did Eastern Bluebirds have a good or bad year for nesting in the Red Clay Valley, what were the exciting captures and recoveries at the Bird Banding Station. Come see what the Delaware Nature Society has found out from our field research this year. A small fee is charged.
Date: 12/10/18 6:48 am From: Andy Ednie, Claymont, DE. <ednieap...> Subject: [de-birds] Bombay Hook Christmas Count
The 79th annual Bombay Hook Christmas Count will be held on Sunday, December 16th. Area coverage is from Woodland Beach to Kitts Hummock, including the entire Bombay Hook refuge. All birders are welcome. This count is renowned for finding rarities in the past, eg: Hammond's Flycatcher, Northern Lapwing, Snowy Owl, Northern Goshawk, and Bean Goose. I can't promise rarities, but you will have a good time out in the field. If you would like to participate, send me an email.Â
Date: 12/4/18 9:31 am From: Alice Mohrman <alice...> Subject: [de-birds] Abbott's Mill Bird Walk on Thurs. Dec. 13, 2018
Join a FREE Abbott's Mill Nature Center led Bird Walk on Thursday, December 13, 2019. Meet in the parking lot at 15411 Abbotts Pond Road at 9:00am for a trail walk along the pond and stream. Birds recorded with be included in the Christmas Bird Count Week for southwestern Milford. Novice to Experts welcome! Binoculars are available for borrow.
For more information, contact 422-0847. Dress for the weather; rain will postpone the event.
Date: 12/1/18 4:37 am From: Andy Ednie, Claymont, DE. <ednieap...> Subject: [de-birds] RBA: Birdline Delaware, November 30th, 2018
RBA
* Delaware
* Statewide
*November 30, 2018
* DEST1811.30
          Â
*Birds mentioned
Snow Goose
Ross’s Goose
GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE
Tundra Swan
Gadwall
Northern Shoveler
American Wigeon
Canvasback
Ring-necked Duck
Greater Scaup
Lesser Scaup
Long-tailed Duck
Black Scoter
White-winged Scoter
Surf Scoter
COMMON EIDER
Bufflehead
Common Goldeneye
Common Merganser
Red-breasted Merganser
Hooded Merganser
Ruddy Duck
Wild Turkey
Ring-necked Pheasant
Common Gallinule
American Coot
American Avocet
Marbled Godwit
Hudsonian Godwit
Ruddy Turnstone
Sanderling
Purple Sandpiper
RED-NECKED PHALAROPE
Wilson’s Snipe
Greater Yellowlegs
Lesser Yellowlegs
Laughing Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Royal Tern
Forster’s Tern
Common Loon
Red-throated Loon
Pied-billed Grebe
Horned Grebe
Northern Gannet
American Bittern
Great Egret
Snowy Egret
Cattle Egret
Black-crowned Night Heron
Glossy Ibis
Osprey
Bald Eagle
Red-shouldered Hawk
GOLDEN EAGLE
American Kestrel
Merlin
Peregrine Falcon
Red-headed Woodpecker
Common Raven
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Marsh Wren
Gray Catbird
Hermit Thrush
American Pipit
Snow Bunting
Lapland Longspur
Pine Siskin
Purple Finch
Chipping Sparrow
CLAY COLORED SPARROW
NELSON’S SPARROW
Fox Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
Pine Warbler
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Hotline: Birdline Delaware
Date: November 30, 2018
To Report: Andy Ednie 302-792-9591 (VOICE)
Compiler: Andy Ednie (<ednieap...>)
Coverage: Delaware, Delmarva Peninsula, nearby Delaware Valley, Southern
New Jersey, Maryland
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For Friday, November 3th, this is Birdline Delaware from the Delaware Museum of Natural History in Greenville. The Delaware Annual list increased to 319 species this week. RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, PURPLE FINCH, and PINE SISKINS were reported coming to feeding stations throughout the state.
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The best feeder bird this week was a CLAY-COLORED SPARROW coming to a feeder in Camden – Wyoming. Also reported that the feeder were PINE SISKIN, FOX, and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW. Unfortunately, this feeder is at a private residence.
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Another feeder bird was a male BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER coming to a suet feeder in Milford. Several years ago, in 1989, another male BLACK-THROATED BLUE spent the winter at a feeding station at Fairfield Crest in Newark. Maybe this bird will stay for the Christmas counts also.
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The storm over the weekend blew in 7 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES, seen feeding in a flock at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge on Sunday. A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK continues to be seen at Fowler’s Beach in Prime Hook. Offshore, 3 COMMON EIDERS including an immature drake was seen with a flock of SURF SCOTER on Monday, along with BUFFLEHEAD, HOODED and RED-BREASTED MERGANSER. All three species of scoter including WHITE-WINGED SCOTER was seen on Sunday. 220 AMERICAN AVOCETS were seen feeding at Fowlers. Along the beach was a big flock of HORNED LARK that included LAPLAND LONGSPUR and SNOW BUNTING. WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW and immature RED-HEADED WOODPECKER were reported in the woodlot just before the marsh.
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A GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE was seen with a flock of 20,000 SNOW GEESE off Herring Point in Cape Henlopen State Park, along with RED-BREASTED MERGANSER, BLACK, and SURF SCOTER. A ROSS’S GOOSE was seen with the flock of snow geese at Cape Henlopen today. A late ROYAL TERN was seen at Cape Henlopen hawk watch on Saturday. Other waterfowl reported at Cape Henlopen this week included HORNED GREBE, WHITE-WINGED SCOTER, and COMMON GOLDENEYE.
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There was a raft of 28 CANVASBACK on Silver Lake in Rehoboth Beach along with PIED-BILLED GREBE, COMMON and RED-BREASTED MERGANSER. Twelve LAUGHING GULLS were counted on the lake along with a flyover BALD EAGLE. BROWN-HEADED NUTHATCH was found in the pines along the lake shore.
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A NELSON’S SPARROW was found at the south side campground at Indian River Inlet. A pair of hen COMMON EIDERS continue to be seen at the Inlet along with WHITE-WINGED, BLACK, and SURF SCOTER. RUDDY TURNSTONE, PURPLE SANDPIPER, SANDERLING and a single AMERICAN COOT were found on the Indian River jetty. Other birds reported included RED-THROATED and COMMON LOON, HORNED GREBE, NORTHERN GANNET, and GREAT CORMORANT. A big flock of FORSTER’S TERNS included 4 LAUGHING and a LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL.
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A SNOWY EGRET was reported at Baywood Greens Golf Course along Route 24 W. of Angola Neck. PINE WARBLER and 38 PINE SISKINS were coming to a feeder in Harbeson. A WILD TURKEY was seen walking along Route 24 east of Laurel near Trap Pond State Park. A RING-NECKED PHEASANT was found along Santana Road west of Felton.
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MARBLED and HUDSONIAN GODWITS continue to be seen at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge near Smyrna along with AMERICAN AVOCET, DUNLIN, WILSON’S SNIPE, plus GREATER and LESSER YELLOWLEGS. Late lingerers included GREAT EGRET and MARSH WREN. AMERICAN BITTERN was seen at Sheerness Pool along with PIED-BILLED GREBE, AMERICAN WIGEON, GADWALL, and HOODED MERGANSER. There were 75 HORNED LARKS along Raymond Neck Road just outside the refuge.
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A COMMON GALLINULE was seen on Tuesday with COOT at the Port Mahan impoundments of Little Creek Wildlife Management Area near Dover along with GADWALL, NORTHERN SHOVELER, and HOODED MERGANSER. Waders included AMERICAN BITTERN, BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON, and GREATER YELLOWLEGS.
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RING-NECKED PHEASANT and AMERICAN COOT were reported at the Ashton Tract in Augustine Wildlife Area near Port Penn. An AMERICAN BITTERN was found along Route 9 just before the intersection with Thorntown Road. A lingering CATTLE EGRET was seen at the cow pasture along Dutch Neck Road near Gray Fox Farm. A late GLOSSY IBIS continues to be seen at the Phrag Pullout along Route 9 at the Port Penn impoundments. LESSER SCAUP was seen at Augustine Beach. A BLACK SCOTER was seen from the New Castle Yacht Club at Battery Park in New Castle.
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A COMMON LOON and female COMMON GOLDENEYE were seen at Newark Reservoir. HOODED MERGANSER, RING-NECKED DUCK, and BUFFLEHEAD were seen at Hoopes’s Reservoir near Greenville. Three BUFFLEHEADS were seen on Blue Rocks Pond at Alapocos Run State Park in Brandywine Hundred. Two GREAT CORMORANTS were seen on the green channel marker at the north end of Fox Point State Park along the Delaware River in Edgemoor. HERMIT THRUSH and FOX SPARROW were found in Banning Park in Newport. CHIPPING SPARROW was seen at the nature center in Brandywine Creek State Park.
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The hawk watch season went out in style with 8 RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS and a flyby COMMON GOLDENEYE at Ashland Nature Center Hawk Watch yesterday. A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen at the hawk watch on Saturday and 16 BALD EAGLES were seen in the wind on Wednesday.
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BALD EAGLE and 3 NORTHERN HARRIERS were seen today at the Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch today. Four MERLIN and an AMERICAN KESTREL were seen this week. An AMERICAN WOODCOCK flew past the hawk watch platform on Sunday. Â There was a big flight of 432 RED-THROATED LOONS last Saturday. Waterfowl at the hawk watch included COMMON EIDER, LONG-TAILED DUCK, COMMON GOLDENEYE, RED-BREASTED MERGANSER, RUDDY DUCK, plus WHITE-WINGED, SURF, and BLACK SCOTER, along with HORNED GREBE, NORTHERN GANNET, and COMMON LOON. There was a GRAY CATBIRD, EASTERN BLUEBIRDS and HORNED LARK seen at Cape Henlopen this week.
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Thanks to those that contributed this week, including Brian McCaffrery, Derek Stoner, David Fees, Bert Filemyr, Mike Rosengarten, Jim and Amy White, Curt Davis, Katie Ruth, Sally O’Byrne, Jeff Kietzmann, Steve Band, Wayne Longbottom, Dick Plambeck, Aaron Reb, Scott Northey, Kitt Heckscher , Chris Bennett, Phil Thompson, Ryan Crane, Kim Steininger, John Skibicki, Chris Rowe, Ian Stewart, Gerry Tieg, Rob Blye, Sue Gruver, Sharon Lynn, Alissa Kegelman, John Long, Joe Swertinski and Joe Russell. Special thanks to our hawk counters, Dave Brown at the Ashland Nature Center and Jen Ottinger at Cape Henlopen. Remember, the Birdline needs your sightings. Please call your reports into 302-792-9591 or email <ednieap...> Until next week, this is Andy Ednie wishing you good birding!
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 6.5 hours
Official Counter: Jennifer Ottinger
Observers: Carol Blye, Kevin Bronson, Rob Blye, Stephanie Warshawsky, Susan Gruver, Vincent Gambal
Visitors: Thanks to all the wonderful volunteers that made this another successful hawk watch season at Cape Henlopen! Thank you Sue, Kevin, Stephanie, Bill Upton, Vince, Rob and Carol for spending some time on the platform for the final day of the 2018 season! 3 visitors
Weather: Clear turning overcast in the afternoon, temp 8-10C, S,SE,ESE wind 5mph, vis 18-20km
Raptor Observations: Turkey Vultures, a few Black Vultures, one Bald Eagle and several Harriers.
Last day of Hawk Watch for 2018.
Non-raptor Observations: Snow Goose (40,000) + 1 ROSS'S GOOSE, COMMON EIDER (4), Great Blue Heron (5), Horned Grebe, Long-tailed Duck, Red-breasted Merganser, Black Scoter (220), Surf Scoter (80), DC Cormorant (3), Catbird, Bluebirds (12).
Predictions: No more hawk watch this year... ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jen Ottinger (<Jottinger.co...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Joe Sebastiani, Joe Swertinski, Kim Steininger, Kris Benarcik
Visitors: 3
Weather: A little sun in the morning then overcast. Light and variable winds.
Raptor Observations: The only migrants were 8 red-shouldered hawks, 1 red-tail, and 1 sharpie (last migrant of season) and all were before 11am. A non-migrant merlin was seen multiple times.
Non-raptor Observations: New species for season: common goldeneye
450 snow geese, brown creeper, 2 purple finches, pine siskin
Predictions: Today was the final day of the count. Thanks to all the volunteers and visitors who made my second season at Ashland so great! ======================================================================== 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: Jim Lewis, Kim Steininger, Sally O'Byrne, Sue McLaughlin
Visitors: 3
Weather: Mostly sunny with light to moderate NW winds. Overall cold.
Raptor Observations: A great late-season Buteo flight with 18 red-shoulders (one with a mouse) and 17 red-tails. One migrant northern harrier. One non-migrant merlin. 3 migrant bald eagles and excellent close views of two others.
Non-raptor Observations: 75 snow geese, 2 tundra swans, 2 common ravens, 4 pine siskins, 2 purple finches
Predictions: Cloudy with a chance of showers in the afternoon. Light SE winds. Not ideal conditions for the last day of the count but we'll hope for a few final migrants! ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Date: 11/29/18 2:13 pm From: Sandy Schriever <sschriever...> Subject: [de-birds] Eagle in Newark by WAWA
Right at the intersection of 72 and (Library Ave) and 4 (Christina Pkwy) I saw an adult white-headed eagle fly over the UD agricultural fields. He landed in a tree by the WAWA at that intersection. You may want to keep an eye out in the neighborhood if it's becoming one of the bird's favorite haunts.
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Dan Walker, Joe Swertinski, Kim Steininger
Visitors: None other than the 3 volunteers
Weather: Cold with strong WNW winds with many gusts over 30mph. Mostly cloudy.
Raptor Observations: A surprising number of migrants for this late in the season. Highlights included 16 bald eagles and 21 red-tailed hawks.
Non-raptor Observations: 80 snow geese, 7 common mergansers, common raven
Predictions: Mostly sunny with winds WNW@14 gusting 25mph. High 45F. Overall similar to today. Probably the last good day of the count because the conditions are looking poor for Friday. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 6.5 hours
Official Counter: Jennifer Ottinger
Observers: Susan Gruver
Visitors: Thanks Sue for helping with the count! 3 visitors
Weather: Clear turning partly cloudy in the afternoon, temp 5-7C, gusty NW,WNW winds 20-25mph, vis 20km
Raptor Observations: Several groups of Black and Turkey Vultures far to the south and west, five Bald Eagles, a couple of Red-shouldered Hawks and Red-tailed Hawks, 2 Merlin.
Non-raptor Observations: GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE floating on the water just off shore in a large group of Snow Geese, Snow Goose (32,000), Ruddy Duck, a few Surf and Black Scoters, DC Cormorant (65), one Purple Finch.
Predictions: Much like today but colder and more wind. Overcast, high 42F, W wind 30-35mph.
======================================================================== Report submitted by Jen Ottinger (<Jottinger.co...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Kim Steininger
Visitors: None
Weather: Sunny in the morning then overcast in the afternoon. Cold with moderate to strong WNW winds.
Raptor Observations: Moderate raptor activity in the morning then slowing in the afternoon. 13 red-tails and 5 bald eagles were the main highlights.
Non-raptor Observations: Purple finch, a few herring gulls
Predictions: Periods of sun and cloud. Winds W@20 gusting 31mph. High of 42F. ======================================================================== 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: 10:15:00 Total observation time: 2.25 hours
Official Counter: Sally O'Byrne
Observers:
Visitors: 3
Weather: Overcast and rainy. Count ended after a few hours
Raptor Observations: No migrants
Non-raptor Observations:
Predictions: Partly sunny. Winds WNW@17 gusting 29mph. High of 44F. Decent conditions as we enter the last 4 days of the count. ======================================================================== 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: Bob Rufe, Kim Steininger
Observers: Bob Rufe, David Brown, George Harrison, Kim Steininger, Lisa Smith
Visitors: 7
Weather: Mostly cloudy in the morning to mostly sunny in the afternoon. Light to moderate NW winds. Overall warm and pleasant.
Raptor Observations: A trickle of migrants throughout the day. Highlights included 6 sharpies, 6 red-shoulders, and 9 red-tails. The non-migrant osprey that has been seen lately made an appearance.
Non-raptor Observations: A lot of herring gulls moving around, 10 pine siskins,
Predictions: Rainy. Winds SSE@9 gusting 14mph. Count may not be held. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Raptor Observations: 3- Red-Tails, 3 Sharp-Shinned's, a few turkey vultures migrating
Non-raptor Observations: sea watch count was down today. 74 surf scoter, 68 Black Scoter, one Woodcock flew up in front of the platform, Gannets, @17500 Snow Geese
Predictions: 90$ chance of rain, 58, wind SSE 15-25 ======================================================================== Report submitted by Sue Gruver (<srgruver...>)
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5.5 hours
Official Counter: Jennifer Ottinger
Observers: Colin Fluharty, Susan Gruver
Visitors: Thanks to Sue and Colin for helping count the loons and sea ducks today! 14 visitors
Weather: overcast and rain in the afternoon, temp 11-12C, SE,ESE winds 7-10mph, vis 20km
Raptor Observations: A big goose egg today 0! No raptors migrating. A few local Turkey Vultures and one resident Bald Eagle. Count ended early due to rain.
Non-raptor Observations: Excellent Sea Watch day! Red-throated Loon (432), Common Loon (14), Red-breasted Merganser (31), Long-tailed Duck (3), Common Goldeneye (2), Bufflehead, Black Duck, Snow Goose (5,000), Canada Goose (30), White-winged Scoter (8), Black Scoter (875), Surf Scoter (825), DC Cormorant (10).
Predictions: Mostly sunny, high 55, NW wind 10-15mph
======================================================================== Report submitted by Jen Ottinger (<Jottinger.co...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Joe Swertinski
Visitors: 1 to hawk watch and about 10 in small groups hiking through.
Weather: Overcast with light easterly winds. Rain ended the count at 2pm.
Raptor Observations: Only a few raptors. An osprey flew from east to northwest in the first hour but was not counted as a migrant. The first migrant was a golden eagle that flew over low and flapping as it headed due south. Other migrants were a few vultures, an adult female northern harrier, and a red-shouldered hawk. Two non-migrant red-tails were seen as well.
Non-raptor Observations: New species for season: brown creeper
350 Canada geese, 9 mallards, American pipit
Predictions: Some morning clouds then sunny. Winds NW@9 gusting 14mph. High of 54F. Sounds like a great conditions for late migrants and an overall pleasant day. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Date: 11/23/18 6:43 pm From: Andy Ednie, Claymont, DE. <ednieap...> Subject: [de-birds] RBA: Birdline Delaware, November 23rd, 2018
RBA
* Delaware
* Statewide
*November 23, 2018
* DEST1811.23
          Â
*Birds mentioned
Brant
Snow Goose
Ross’s Goose
GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE
Cackling Goose
Tundra Swan
Mute Swan
Wood Duck
Gadwall
Northern Shoveler
American Wigeon
Green-winged Teal
Canvasback
Redhead
Ring-necked Duck
Greater Scaup
Lesser Scaup
Long-tailed Duck
Black Scoter
White-winged Scoter
Surf Scoter
COMMON EIDER
Bufflehead
Common Goldeneye
Common Merganser
Red-breasted Merganser
Hooded Merganser
Ruddy Duck
Wild Turkey
Ring-necked Pheasant
Northern Bobwhite
Virginia Rail
American Coot
Sandhill Crane
American Oystercatcher
American Avocet
Black-bellied Plover
Marbled Godwit
Hudsonian Godwit
Ruddy Turnstone
Dunlin
Purple Sandpiper
Wilson’s Snipe
Greater Yellowlegs
Lesser Yellowlegs
PARASITIC JAEGER
Bonaparte’s Gull
Laughing Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Royal Tern
Forster’s Tern
Common Loon
Red-throated Loon
Pied-billed Grebe
Horned Grebe
Northern Gannet
American Bittern
Great Egret
Cattle Egret
Black-crowned Night Heron
Glossy Ibis
Osprey
NORTHERN GOSHAWK
Bald Eagle
Red-shouldered Hawk
Red Tailed Hawk
GOLDEN EAGLE
American Kestrel
Merlin
Peregrine Falcon
Red-headed Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Barred Owl
Common Raven
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Marsh Wren
Sedge Wren
Gray Catbird
Brown Thrasher
American Pipit
Snow Bunting
Pine Siskin
Purple Finch
Chipping Sparrow
American Tree Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Saltmarsh Sparrow
Seaside Sparrow
Fox Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
Eastern Meadowlark
Rusty Blackbird
Baltimore Oriole
Palm Warbler
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Hotline: Birdline Delaware
Date: November 23, 2018
To Report: Andy Ednie 302-792-9591 (VOICE)
Compiler: Andy Ednie (<ednieap...>)
Coverage: Delaware, Delmarva Peninsula, nearby Delaware Valley, Southern
New Jersey, Maryland
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For Friday, November 23rd, this is Birdline Delaware from the Delaware Museum of Natural History in Greenville. The Delaware Annual list remains at 318 species this week. FOX SPARROWS reported coming to feeding stations throughout the state.
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Happy Thanksgiving everybody! NORTHERN BOBWHITE was reported at Collins Beach Wildlife Area in New Castle County, a RING-NECKED PHEASANT was heard near Raymond Pool in Kent County, and WILD TURKEY was reported along the Freeman Highway in Lewes today,
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A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen at Fowler’s Beach in Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge. Some other birds reported included an immature RED-HEADED WOODPECKER found in the copse of trees just before the marsh, plus SNOW BUNTING, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, RUSTY BLACKBIRD, SEDGE and MARSH WREN. Shorebirds at Fowlers Beach included SANDERLING and BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER. AMERICAN BITTERN and BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON were reported by the bridge. TUNDRA SWAN, SURF and BLACK SCOTER, HOODED MERGANSER, and RUDDY DUCK plus NORTHERN GANNET, RED-THROATED, and COMMON LOON were seen offshore. SANDHILL CRANE was reported again along Cods Road. SALTMARSH and SEASIDE SPARROW plus BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON and a flyover ROSS’S GOOSE were seen along Lighthouse Road near Mispillion Inlet.
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A GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE was reported with 200 CANADA GEESE at the Blockhouse Pond in Lewes. This spot is located next to Beebe Hospital off Savannah Road at the west side of town. There is parking off of Park Avenue from Third Street in Lewes. A ROYAL TERN was seen on the pilings at the fishing pier in Cape Henlopen State Park along with 250 LAUGHING GULLS. A VIRGINIA RAIL was found along the Walking Dunes Nature Trail along with YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER. LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL and COMMON LOON were found at Herring Point. All three species of nuthatch including 7 RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES were seen at the Seaside Nature Center feeders.
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COMMON EIDER, WHITE-WINGED SCOTER, GREAT CORMORANT and a PARASITIC JAEGER were seen Saturday at Indian River Inlet. Other waterfowl reported included GREATER SCAUP, BUFFLEHEAD, LONG-TAILED DUCK plus SURF and BLACK SCOTER. There was a flyby AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER on Saturday. The first PURPLE SANDPIPER of the season was seen on Sunday, along with RUDDY TURNSTONE DUNLIN, SANDERLING, and BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER. A single ROYAL TERN was seen over the inlet, along with FORSTER’S TERN, BONAPARTE’S, LAUGHING and LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL.
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A flock of 750 BRANT were seen at Savage’s Ditch in Delaware Seashore State Park, along with a PALM WARBLER. A CACKLING GOOSE was seen on Silver Lake in Rehoboth Beach, along with CANVASBACK and RING-NECKED DUCK. HOODED MERGANSERS were seen Herring Creek on Angola Neck along the Camp Arrowhead Road. A late BROWN THRASHER was reported at Bay Forest near Bethany Beach along with GREAT EGRET.
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A rarity in Kent County was a COMMON EIDER found at Big Stone Beach on Wednesday, along with GREATER SCAUP, SURF and BLACK SCOTER. 30 CANVASBACKS were found today along with 2 RED-THROATED LOONS. Also reported was 11 BALD EAGLES, GREAT EGRET, and GREATER YELLOWLEGS. WILSON SNIPE was reported along the Pickering Beach Road. BLACK SCOTER continues to be reported at Port Mahan.
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A NORTHERN GANNET was seen preening on the bayside of Shearness Pool in Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge near Smyrna on Tuesday. AMERICAN BITERN was reported at Shearness Pool. HUDSONIAN and MARBLED GODWIT, AMERICAN AVOCET, DUNLIN, plus GREATER and LESSER YELLOWLEGS were reported at Raymond Pool. A female COMMON GOLDENEYE was seen today with TUNDRA SWAN, RING-NECKED DUCK, BUFFLEHEAD, and RUDDY DUCK. The first of the season AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS were found at the refuge today with SEASIDE and SAVANNAH SPARROW.
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A CATTLE EGRET was found today at the intersection of  Walther Road and Pulaski Hwy in Bear.  A late GLOSSY IBIS plus 9 GREAT EGRETS were seen at Port Penn impoundments in Augustine Wildlife Area along with a FORSTER’S TERN. PIED-BILLED GREBE, MUTE SWAN and HOODED MERGANSER were reported at the Ashton Tract. RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, CHIPPING and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW along the woodlands trail. LESSER SCAUP, RUDDY DUCK, and MUTE SWAN were found at Dragon Run in Delaware City. A HORNED GREBE was found Wednesday at Augustine Beach, AMERICAN COOT was found there today. RING-NECKED DUCK and NORTHERN SHOVELER were found at the Augustine Creek Causeway along Route 9.
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CACKLING GOOSE and HOODED MERGANSER were found at Newark Reservoir on Sunday along with the continuing female BLUE-WINGED TEAL. COMMON and HOODED MERGANSER, AMERICAN WIGEON, WOOD DUCK, BUFFLEHEAD, PIED-BILLED GREBE, and 242 RING-NECKED DUCKS were seen at Hoopes Reservoir. A female GREATER SCAUP continues to be seen at Winterthur Ponds behind the museum along with a pair of HOODED MERGANSERS. RING-NECKED DUCK, GADWALL, NORTHERN SHOVELER, HOODED MERGANSER plus AMERICAN COOT was seen at Harry’s Pond at the Brandywine Town Center. A pair of COMMON RAVENS were also seen in the area.
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A PIED-BILLED GREBE was found on the pond at Alapocos Run State Park. WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW was reported at Bellevue State Park, along with YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, BROWN CREEPER, and RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET. YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was reported at Arundel off Limestone Road. AMERICAN KESTREL and NORTHERN HARRIER were seen at Brandywine Creek State Park along the entrance road.
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A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen in aerial combat with its BALD EAGLE cousin on Saturday over Ashland Nature Center hawk watch. A big flight of BUTEOS is on Saturday included 20 RED SHOULDERED and 23 RED TAILED HAWKS. A local MERLIN has been seen hunting around the hawk watch site this week. Other migrants reported included COMMON LOON and several flocks of SNOW GEESE flying over along with AMERICAN PIPIT, COMMON RAVEN, PURPLE FINCH, PINE SISKIN, and RUSTY BLACKBIRD.
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Another GOLDEN EAGLE was seen on Saturday at Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch plus a NORTHERN GOSHAWK was seen on Monday. There was a total of 36 BALD EAGLES counted over the hawk watch this week. Migrants offshore from the Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch included REDHEAD, COMMON GOLDENEYE, GREATER SCAUP, LONG-TAILED DUCK, RED-BREASTED MERGANSER, and HORNED GREBE. There were several sightings of WHITE WINGED SCOTER with flocks of other scoter.
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Thanks to those that contributed this week, including Derek Stoner, David Fees, James Reed, Denis Quinn, Mike Rosengarten, Curt Davis, Ken Bass, Bob Rufe, Gary Charles, Jeff Kietzmann, Rod Murray, Marie Gardner, Anthony Gonzon, Dick Plambeck, Scott Northey, Kitt Heckscher, Karen and Chris Bennett, Phil Thompson, Ryan Crane, Kim Steininger, John Skibicki, Chris Rowe, Andy and John Dunn, Ian Stewart, Gerry Tieg, Megan Kasprzak, Ellen and Jake Jacobson, Rob Blye, Sue Gruver, Sharon Lynn, Alissa Kegelman, John Long, Joe Swertinski and Joe Russell. Special thanks to our hawk counters, Dave Brown at the Ashland Nature Center and Jen Ottinger at Cape Henlopen. Remember, the Birdline needs your sightings. Please call your reports into 302-792-9591 or email <ednieap...> Until next week, 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: Jennifer Ottinger
Observers: Ann Dinkel, Susan Gruver
Visitors: Thanks to Sue and Ann for helping with the count and being there to set the new Bald Eagle record for Cape Henlopen!! 25 visitors
Weather: Clear turning mostly cloudy in the afternoon, temp -2 to 2C, light NE,E wind 5mph, vis 23km
Raptor Observations: A juvenile Northern Goshawk flew low over the platform. We set the new season record for Bald Eagles today (608 and counting), a few Turkey Vultures and Red-tailed Hawks.
Non-raptor Observations: EVENING GROSBEAK (a female flew over the platform heading toward the Point), COMMON MERGANSER (6), Snow Goose (2800), Redhead, Lesser Black-backed Gull.
Predictions: Rain in the afternoon, high 57F, SE wind 10-15mph ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jen Ottinger (<Jottinger.co...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Amy O’Neil, Kathie O’Neil
Visitors: 20, mostly families hiking and not stopping for long
Weather: Clear skies. Cold with light SE winds.
Raptor Observations: Only a handful of migrants (3 red-shoulders, 5 red-tails, 2 sharpies). A non-migrant merlin perched in a tree at the hawk watch then took off hunting.
Predictions: Cloudy with afternoon rain. Much warmer with a high of 48F. Winds E@7 gusting 12mph ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
This afternoon there was a lone (yes, just one) Cattle Egret onWalther Farm, that's off Walther Road & Rt. 40.It was moving around among the cows...of course.
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 6.5 hours
Official Counter: Jennifer Ottinger
Observers: Jason Bojczyk, Susan Gruver
Visitors: Thanks to Sue and Jason for spending a few cold hours on the platform and helping with the count today! 15 visitors
Weather: Clear skies and cold, temp -1C, NNW, N wind 10-15mph, vis 20km
Raptor Observations: Tough blue skies today and very distant birds to the south, Turkey Vultures, 8 Bald Eagles, a Harrier and several Red-tailed Hawks.
Predictions: Similar to today, sunny, COLD with a high of 35F, NE wind 10mph ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jen Ottinger (<Jottinger.co...>)
Date: 11/22/18 1:37 pm From: steve cottrell <miami.07...> Subject: [de-birds] Dec 15, DE Audubon's Conservation Award Party
Announcement for the 2018 Delaware Audubon Society’s Annual Conservation Award Party on December 15th, 7:00 pm-10:00 pm at The Mill Space (Nemours Building), 1007 North Orange Street 4th Floor, Wilmington DE.
2018 Conservation Award Winner is Jim White of the Delaware Nature Society.
Dinner, catered by Food For Thought, includes beer, wine and soda. Music by The Sin City Band. Covered parking is available at Colonial Parking, 12th and Orange streets.
Tickets $30 per person and $50 per couple. Please purchase tickets by December 10th.
Register at www.delawareaudubon.org/social<http://www.delawareaudubon.org/social> or send a check to Delaware Audubon Society, Plaza 273, 56 West Main Street, Suite 212A, Christiana DE 19702. You can call the office @ 302-292-3970 with any questions and someone will return your call.
Please come out and support Delaware Audubon and Jim White on this special night for conservation. Jim White has worked for decades for his love of all things wild whether it be birds, turtles, snakes, frogs or dragonflies. So please join us all and give Jim White a night to remember.
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Daniel
Visitors: Only one to hawk watch but about 20 others passing through hiking.
Weather: Clear skies. Below freezing all day with moderate NNW winds.
Raptor Observations: 8 red-shoulders and 7 red-tails. A few bald eagles. Not many total migrants and not much non-migrant activity either. Surprisingly few vultures seen overall.
Non-raptor Observations: New species for season: common merganser (9)
1000+ snow geese, 1600+ Canada geese, common raven, purple finch, pine siskin
Predictions: Sunny with winds SW@6 gusting 8mph. High of 34F. ======================================================================== 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: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Jennifer Ottinger
Observers: Ruth Ann Kaufman, Susan Gruver
Visitors: Thanks to Sue, Ruth Ann, Dick and Bill for helping with the count today! 15 visitors
Weather: Clear skies, temp 5-11C, W,WNW,WSW wind 10mph, vis 20km
Raptor Observations: A few Vultures moving through, 8 Bald Eagles, several Sharp-shinned Hawks, two Red-tailed Hawks. Several local Bald Eagles spent the day cruising the Great Dune.
Predictions: Mostly sunny. Winds NNW@14 gusting 24mph. High 29F. It's going to feel very cold so proper clothing is a necessity. Hopefully the northerly winds produce a push of late migrants. ======================================================================== 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:
Visitors: None
Weather: Mostly cloudy with light WNW winds with occasional strong gusts.
Raptor Observations: Some migrating vultures and a handful of Buteos and Accips but overall a slow day. Non-migrant Cooper's hawks and a merlin were seen hunting.
Non-raptor Observations: 3 common loons, common raven, 2 rusty blackbirds
Predictions: Mostly sunny. Winds W@16 gusting 30mph. High of 47F. These are decent winds but the number of migrants is dwindling as we approach the end of the count. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Date: 11/20/18 9:27 am From: Rodney Murray <rcmurray213...> Subject: [de-birds] Northern Gannet at Bombay Hook
Spotted a preening Northern Gannet on the bayside of Shearness this morning before it flew off south. Unusual bird for B Hook. Also found the 4 marbled and Hudsonian Godwits reported by Andy U. Still; some other shorebirds hanging around
Date: 11/20/18 5:11 am From: Anthony Gonzon <atgonzon...> Subject: [de-birds] DOS November Meeting - Raising funds and awareness for bird conservation in the Mediterranean Basin with Aidan Place
Greetings all,
Why not start your Thanksgiving holiday early by comingto our lively meeting this Wednesday? Take the evening before Thanksgiving off and join DOS forour November Monthly Meeting on Wednesday, November 21 at 7:00 PM at theAshland Nature Center near Hockessin, Delaware. If you have an extra pumpkin (or apple, cherry, sweet potato, or other) pie or two, bring it along to share! Â
This month, DOS is honored to host Aidan Place as our speaker as Aidan joins us to present “Champions of the Flyway: Raising Funds & Awareness for Bird Conservation in the Mediterranean Basin."  Aidan Place is a member of the ABA- Leica Subadult Wheatears, USA youth birding team that participated in their first Champions of the Flyway birding competition and conservation fundraiser in Israel on March 26, 2018.Â
Aidan discovered a passion for nature and birds growing up on a farm in rural Pennsylvania. Aidan will detail his team’s day afield during the competition and the importance of the conservation work that they raised funds to support.
Need more reasons to attend??Â
We will also be presenting longtime DOS members Kathy and Charles Shattuck with their DOS Fellow awards!
DOS Bylaws Committee members Jean Woods and AnthonyGonzon will be available for a bylaws Q&A from 6:30-7:00 pm before themeeting.
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Also before the meeting (and possibly after) we will beselling bird books kindly donated by DOS members, all at bargain prices. Maybeit's time to clear out your shelves and add some last-minute books to the sale?All proceeds go directly to DOS! Cash, checks and cards accepted.
Come along and bring a friend. Thursday's a holiday! Noneed to get up early!
The meeting will be held at the Ashland NatureCenter. You can find more informationat:https://www.dosbirds.org/event/champions-flyway-raising-funds-awareness-bird-conservation-mediterranean-basin/
It's going to be a great night with great people and we look forward to seeing you there!!
Anthony GonzonPresident, Delmarva Ornithological Society
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Joe Sebastiani, Sally O'Byrne
Observers: Bill Collins, Bill Stewart, David Brown, Holly Merker, Sally O'Byrne
Visitors: 25, including a group from the White Clay School
Weather: Foggy and warm in the morning. Partly sunny with light and variable winds in the afternoon.
Raptor Observations: The majority of the day's migrants was a flock of vultures that passed in the afternoon. Small numbers of other species including a northern harrier and a low-flying merlin. 4 red-shoulders and 4 red-tails.
Non-raptor Observations: 96 snow geese, 2 common loons, yellow-bellied sapsucker, winter wren, 30 pine siskins (multiple flyover flocks)
Predictions: Some clouds then mostly sunny. Winds WNW@10 gusting 15mph. High of 50F. The number of migrants is dropping as we get to the end of the season but these are pretty good conditions for any late migrants. ======================================================================== 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: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Susan Gruver
Observers: Alissa Kegelman, Ann Dinkel, Nancy Cunningham
Visitors: thank you to Ann, Alissa and Nancy. 4 visitors
Weather: wind-E/ESE/Se at 4-9, temop. 8-11c, visb 20k, clcv 50-100%
Raptor Observations: 5 migrating Bald Eagles and our 2 residents, a few Cooper's and Sharp-Shinned Hawks
Non-raptor Observations: Horned grebe, White-Winged Scoter, Black and Surf Scoters
Predictions: partly cloudy, 60, wind light and variable ======================================================================== Report submitted by Sue Gruver (<srgruver...>)
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5.75 hours
Official Counter: Kim Steininger
Observers: Andy Westerbaan, David Brown, Kris Benarcik
Visitors: 5
Weather: Overcast with light SE winds. Day shortened due to poor conditions.
Raptor Observations: Only a small number of migrants. One osprey was seen hunting the creek and not counted as a migrant.
Non-raptor Observations: 23 herring gulls, common loon
Predictions: Periods of clouds and sun. Winds WNW@5 gusting 8mph. High of 51F. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 09:30:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Jennifer Ottinger
Observers: David Fees, Donna Hoyt, John Hoyt, Susan Gruver
Visitors: Thanks to Sue, David, Donna and John for helping with the count today! 16 visitors
Weather: Clear skies, temp 9-10C, N,NNW wind 5-12mph, vis 20
Raptor Observations: A decent Turkey Vulture flight, five Bald Eagles, a few Sharp-shinned Hawks and Red-tailed Hawks, our fifth Golden Eagle of the season came through at the end of the day.
Non-raptor Observations: Fox Sparrow, Common Goldeneye (3), Redhead (11), White-winged Scoter (1), Great Blue Heron (5), Red-throated Loon (142), Common Loon (15), DC Cormorant (45), Eastern Red Bat (1).
Predictions: Sunny, high 52F, NE wind 7mph
======================================================================== Report submitted by Jen Ottinger (<Jottinger.co...>)
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: George Harrison, Holly Merker, Kim Steininger, Lisa Smith, Sue McLaughlin
Visitors: 14
Weather: Alternating periods of clouds and sun. Light WNW winds.
Raptor Observations: An immature golden eagle in the morning came directly over then soared back over a few minutes later and fought with an immature bald eagle directly over the hawk watch!
20 red-shouldered and 23 red-tailed hawks. Two late ospreys
Non-raptor Observations: A flock of 168 snow geese, a few groups of ring-billed and herring gulls, common raven, 3000 common grackles, rusty blackbird
Predictions: Some sun then cloudy. Winds E@5 gusting 8mph. High of 46F. Probably won't be great but sometimes we get good red-shoulder flights on light easterly winds. It will depend a lot on how much sun there is since the wind will be so light. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Date: 11/16/18 6:38 pm From: Andy Ednie, Claymont, DE. <ednieap...> Subject: [de-birds] RBA: Birdline Delaware, November 16th, 2018
RBA
* Delaware
* Statewide
*November 16, 2018
* DEST1811.16
          Â
*Birds mentioned
Snow Goose
ROSS’S GOOSE
Cackling Goose
Tundra Swan
Mute Swan
Wood Duck
Gadwall
Northern Shoveler
Northern Pintail
American Wigeon
Green-winged Teal
Canvasback
Redhead
Ring-necked Duck
Greater Scaup
Lesser Scaup
Long-tailed Duck
Black Scoter
White-winged Scoter
Surf Scoter
Bufflehead
Common Goldeneye
Common Merganser
Red-breasted Merganser
Hooded Merganser
Ruddy Duck
Virginia Rail
American Coot
American Avocet
Black-bellied Plover
Semipalmated Plover
Marbled Godwit
Hudsonian Godwit
Ruddy Turnstone
Dunlin
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Least Sandpiper
Long-billed Dowitcher
Greater Yellowlegs
Lesser Yellowlegs
POMARINE JAEGER
Bonaparte’s Gull
Laughing Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Royal Tern
Common Loon
Red-throated Loon
Pied-billed Grebe
Horned Grebe
Northern Gannet
AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN
Brown Pelican
Great Egret
Tricolored Heron
Cattle Egret
Black-crowned Night Heron
Glossy Ibis
Osprey
NORTHERN GOSHAWK
Bald Eagle
Red-shouldered Hawk
American Kestrel
Merlin
Peregrine Falcon
Barred Owl
Common Raven
Tree Swallow
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Marsh Wren
Sedge Wren
Gray Catbird
Brown Thrasher
American Pipit
Snow Bunting
Pine Siskin
American Goldfinch
Purple Finch
EVENING GROSBEAK
Fox Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
Rusty Blackbird
Baltimore Oriole
Pine Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
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Hotline: Birdline Delaware
Date: November 16, 2018
To Report: Andy Ednie 302-792-9591 (VOICE)
Compiler: Andy Ednie (<ednieap...>)
Coverage: Delaware, Delmarva Peninsula, nearby Delaware Valley, Southern
New Jersey, Maryland
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For Friday, November 16th, this is Birdline Delaware from the Delaware Museum of Natural History in Greenville. The Delaware Annual list increased to 318 species this week.
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EVENING GROSBEAKS arrived in Delaware this week! First reported at a feeder near Greenville, there was another sighting of a male and two females at a feeder in Middletown. Ten EVENING GROSBEAKS were reported flying over a yard in Frederica, along with AMERICAN PIPIT. There’s also been impressive numbers of PURPLE FINCH, PINE SISKIN, and AMERICAN GOLDFINCH reported in all three counties. A feeder on Weldin Road in Brandywine Hundred reported 47 GOLDFINCH, 3 PINE SISKINS, and RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH.
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The first report of SNOW BUNTINGS were at Port Mahan on Monday, seen sitting on the pilings. Ten SNOW BUNTINGS were seen at The Point in Cape Henlopen State Park. Waterfowl seen moving past Cape Henlopen Point this week including 23 GREATER SCAUP with 5 REDHEAD plus BLACK and SURF SCOTER, RED-BREASTED MERGANSER, BUFFLEHEAD, and both RED-THROATED and COMMON LOON. A late ROYAL TERN continues and there were those 300 NORTHERN GANNETS offshore on Tuesday. Five COMMON EIDERS were seen flying by Herring Point on Wednesday. Previously, COMMON EIDERS were seen south of the Swimming Beach. Also reported was LONG-TAILED DUCK, HORNED GREBE, and BONAPARTE’S GULL. The previous reported SEDGE WREN continues to be seen along the Walking Dunes Trail near the Saltmarsh Spur along with several MARSH WREN and VIRGINIA RAIL. Both BROWN-HEADED and RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES were seen along the Walking Dunes Nature Trail.
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A ROSS’S GOOSE was seen in a flock of SNOW GEESE today at the Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch today. Waterfowl seen from the hawk watch included AMERICAN WIGEON, GREATER and LESSER SCAUP, COMMON GOLDENEYE, WHITE-WINGED SCOTER, and RED-BREASTED MERGANSER. A POMARINE JAEGER and AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN was last seen at the hawk watch last Saturday. Landbirds included late TREE SWALLOWS and a BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER, RUSTY BLACKBIRD, and 40 PINE SISKINS. A NORTHERN GOSHAWK was seen on Sunday, along with 22 BALD EAGLES plus AMERICAN KESTREL, MERLIN, and PEREGRINE FALCON. A late OSPREY was seen on Monday.
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The first two CANVASBACK of the season were reported at Silver Lake in Rehoboth Beach, along with a CACKLING GOOSE and PIED-BILLED GREBE. SURF and BLACK SCOTER were seen at Indian River Inlet, along with ROYAL TERN and RUDDY TURNSTONE. COMMON EIDER was also seen flying past Fenwick Island State Park. 12 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS were picked out of the flock of several thousand sea ducks flying south plus BUFFLEHEAD and RED-BREASTED MERGANSER. On the beach at Fenwick Island was BONAPARTE’S, LAUGHING, and LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL. Two BROWN PELICANS were seen on Tuesday. Big numbers of waterfowl were reported at Assawoman Wildlife Area, including both MUTE and TUNDRA SWAN, 350 AMERICAN WIGEON, GADWALL, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, BUFFLEHEAD, HOODED MERGANSER, RING-NECKED DUCK, and the first COMMON GOLDENEYE of the season. PINE WARBLER and BROWN-HEADED NUTHATCH was found in Bay Forest at Bethany Beach.
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WHITE-WINGED SCOTER was also seen in Delaware Bay at Fowlers Beach in Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge near Milton. A peak count of 68 AMERICAN AVOCETS were seen feeding at Fowlers along with PEREGRINE FALCON. 34 HOODED MERGANSERS plus WOOD DUCK and a BARRED OWL were found at Turkle Pond. A late TRICOLORED HERON was found on the Observation Point Trail near Prime Hook Headquarters along with both MERLIN and PEREGRINE. Waterfowl included NORTHERN PINTAIL, NORTHERN SHOVELER, GADWALL, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, and BUFFLEHEAD. A BROWN THRASHER was seen in the brush along the trail.
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AMERICAN AVOCET were also found at the Big Stone Beach Road in Milford Neck Wildlife Area, along with DUNLIN, 56 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS, both GREATER and LESSER YELLOWLEGS, 9 GREAT EGRETS, and a VIRGINIA RAIL. Waterfowl included TUNDRA SWAN, 600 GADWALL, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, BUFFLEHEAD, HOODED MERGANSER, and RUDDY DUCK. RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH and FOX SPARROW were reported in the woods.
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Seven HUDSONIAN and 3 MARBLED GODWITS continue to be seen at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge near Smyrna along with an estimated 300 AMERICAN AVOCET plus BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, DUNLIN, LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER, both YELLOWLEGS, and LEAST and SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER. New arrivals this week at Bombay Hook included TUNDRA SWAN and COMMON MERGANSER along with BUFFLEHEAD, RUDDY DUCK, and PIED-BILLED GREBE. NORTHERN BOBWHITES were seen along Whitehall Neck Road. BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON and GREAT EGRET was seen at Bear Swamp, RUSTY BLACKBIRDS were reported at Finis Pool.
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A late OSPREY was seen Tuesday at Newark Reservoir along with BUFFLEHEAD and RING-NECKED DUCK. 155 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 10 HOODED MERGANSER, WOOD DUCK, GADWALL, and PIED-BILLED GREBE were reported at Hoopes Reservoir along with DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT. A pair of REDHEADS were at the Hillside Mill Cove today. A COMMON RAVEN was calling there on Sunday. A female GREATER SCAUP was found at the back pond in Winterthur Museum and Gardens on Monday. RING-NECKED DUCK, NORTHERN SHOVELER, RUDDY DUCK, PIED-BILLED GREBE, and AMERICAN COOT were seen at Harry’s Pond in the Brandywine Town Center of Concord Pike in Northern Wilmington.
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Late shorebirds at Port Penn impoundments in Augustine Wildlife Area included AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER, BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, LEAST and SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER, and 2 HUDSONIAN GODWITS. A late GLOSSY IBIS continues to be seen there along with FORSTER’S TERNS. Land birds seen included WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, PURPLE FINCH, and GRAY CATBIRD. RING-NECKED DUCK and BUFFLEHEAD plus 12 GREAT EGRETS were reported on the pond.
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RING-NECKED DUCK, BUFFLEHEAD, and PIED-BILLED GREBE were reported at the Ashton Tract in Augustine Wildlife Area. RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH was found in the Pine Woods along with a late EASTERN PHOEBE. Late CATTLE EGRETS were found at the count farm along Dutch Neck Road north of Thousand Acre Marsh.
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A big flight of BUTEOS on Wednesday at Ashland Nature Center Hawk Watch included 48 RED-SHOULDERED and 60 RED-TAILED HAWKS, plus 10 BALD EAGLES, KESTREL and PEREGRINE, along with 34 COMMON LOONS. 160 TUNDRA SWANS flew over the hawk watch on Sunday. Landbirds reported included AMERICAN PIPIT, EASTERN MEADOWLARK, COMMON RAVEN, RUSTY BLACKBIRD, PURPLE FINCH and PINE SISKIN.
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Thanks to those that contributed this week, including Curt Davis, Ken Bass, James DuHadaway , Amy O’Neil, Rob Weingart, Carlton Groff, Chuck Ruck, Jeff Kietzmann, Anthony Gonzon, Rod Murray, Dave Belford, Dick Plambeck, Wayne Longbottom, Aaron Reb, Scott Northey, Chris Bennett, Phil Thompson, Ryan Crane, John Skibicki, Chris Rowe, Andy and John Dunn, Joel Martin, Ian Stewart, Megan Kasprzak, Amy and Jim White, Ellen and Jake Jacobson, Rob Blye, Sue Gruver, Sharon Lynn, Alissa Kegelman, John Long, Joe Swertinski and Joe Russell. Special thanks to our hawk counters, Dave Brown at the Ashland Nature Center and Jen Ottinger at Cape Henlopen. Remember, the Birdline needs your sightings. Please call your reports into 302-792-9591 or email <ednieap...> Until next week, this is Andy Ednie wishing you good birding!
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Joe Sebastiani
Visitors: 2
Weather: Periods of clouds and sun. Light to moderate WNW winds. Overall cold.
Raptor Observations: Not much of a flight besides 19 red-tails. 2 adult male harriers. Two kestrels
Non-raptor Observations: News species for season: American pipit (2)
3 American black ducks, 2 common ravens, 20 pine siskins, swamp sparrow, 5 eastern meadowlarks, 4 rusty blackbirds, yellow-rumped warbler
Predictions: Mostly sunny. Winds WNW@8 gusting 12mph. High of 46F. Should be decent. ======================================================================== 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: 09:30:00 Total observation time: 1.5 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers:
Visitors: None
Weather: Overcast with light NE winds. Snow flurries beginning just after 9am and becoming heavy at 9:30am, ending the count. Temperature around freezing.
Raptor Observations: A few migrant groups of vultures, one harrier, 2 red-shoulders and 3 red-tails.
Non-raptor Observations: 2 common ravens and a lot of songbird activity at the feeders
Predictions: Cloudy then some sun. Winds W@14 gusting 23mph. High of 47F. I expect decent numbers of red-tails and eagles and small numbers of other migrants. ======================================================================== 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: Curt Davis, Joe Sebastiani, Joe Swertinski, Kim Steininger
Visitors: 5, including a birder from the Netherlands
Weather: Partly sunny skies with a high cloud layer that was great for spotting birds. Light to moderate NW winds. Overall cold especially when the wind picked up.
Raptor Observations: An excellent raptor flight that was steady throughout the whole day. Late-season Buteos made up the bulk of the flight with 48 red-shoulders and 60 red-tails. Two kestrels and one late-day adult peregrine. Many bald eagles throughout the day.
Predictions: Snow turning to rain and sleet. Winds NE@10 gusting 16mph. Count may not be held. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 6.5 hours
Official Counter: Jennifer Ottinger
Observers: Carol Blye, Rob Blye, Susan Gruver
Visitors: Thanks to Sue, Rob and Carol for helping with the count today! 4 visitors
Weather: Overcast and cold, temp 5-6C, N,NNW wind 10-12mph, vis 18-20km
Raptor Observations: Slower than expected, Vultures, a decent Harrier flight, seven Bald Eagles, a few Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks, one Red-shouldered Hawk and a Kestrel.
Non-raptor Observations: Nice duck flight today! Wood Duck (18), Black Duck (29), Mallard (12), Gadwall (10), Pintail (4), Green-winged Teal (23), Bufflehead (2), Red-breasted Merganser (30), White-winged Scoter (1), Black Scoter, Surf Scoter, Snow Goose, Canada Goose. Also Rusty Blackbird, Great Cormorant (1), DC Cormorant (120).
Predictions: Rain (100% chance), high 49F, E wind 30-35mph
======================================================================== Report submitted by Jen Ottinger (<Jottinger.co...>)
Observation start time: 09:30:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 5.5 hours
Official Counter: Jennifer Ottinger
Observers: Susan Gruver, Vincent Gambal
Visitors: Thanks to Sue and Vince for enduring the wind and cold for awhile. 7 visitors
Weather: Rain in the morning, overcast and fog, temp 13-10C, NW,WNW wind 10-13mph, vis 10-15km
Raptor Observations: Very slow day with one Bald Eagle, a Sharp-shinned Hawk, one Kestrel and 2 Peregrine Falcons.
Non-raptor Observations: A lot of Gannets moving today (200), Great Blue Heron (3), Red-breasted Merganser (5), a good number of Robins, and one Black-throated Green Warbler.
Predictions: Sunny, high 45F, NW wind 20mph
======================================================================== Report submitted by Jen Ottinger (<Jottinger.co...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Joe Swertinski
Visitors: None
Weather: Overcast all day. Misty in the morning and a few sprinkles throughout the day. Moderate NW winds.
Raptor Observations: Despite decent winds there were only a few migrants. Three northern harriers seen together. Four red-shouldered hawks.
Non-raptor Observations: Common raven, 10 purple finches, 25 pine siskins
Predictions: Partly sunny with winds NW@9 gusting 16mph. High of 42F. Should be better than today but will feel very cold. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
I have been asked to provide a photo of the ruddy shelduck that was present at Silver lake in Rehoboth for a rewrite of an article in last week's Cape Gazette that identified the duck as a fulvous tree duck. Since it was not accepted as a wild bird I cannot search for photos on eBird.
Please contact me off list if you can provide a photo of the Silver Lake ruddy shelduck.
*Rob*
Robert W. Blye 34603 Doe Run Lewes DE 19958-3332 302 945-8618 610 213-2413 mobile
