capemay2003

CAPE MAY 12-25 September 2003

Edited by Matti J. Koivula

Team: Lauri J. Hänninen, Matti J. Koivula & Vesa J. Oksanen

General: we had a two-week trip to Cape May, NJ, USA on 12-25 Sept 2003. Generally, the weather was not the best possible (although NW winds were at the wish list) but rather tropical instead (humid and hot), although the hurricane Isabel brought us some excitement and increased our seabird expectations. We observed a total of 185 species, of which over 100 were new to LH and VO, and 51 for MK. The avian highlights of the trip were Sooty tern, two Manx shearwaters, ca. 20 Skua (Jaeger) individuals, one juvenile Red-headed woodpecker, 11 heron, 27 wader and 25 warbler species, one Black-billed cuckoo and one Red-shouldered hawk.

LH and VO flew from Finland to New York (JFK) with a student price of ca. 500 USD (British Airways), while MK flew from Edmonton (Canada) to New York (LaGuardia) with approx. the same price (720 CAD; Northwest Airlines). We had a rented cottage at Cape May Point (ca. 600 USD/week) and a rented SUV (Chevrolet Trail Blazer, ca. 920 USD for two weeks, including all insurances and unlimited kilometres). The total driving kms was almost 3000 (including New York - Cape May - New York). Petrol price was 1,6 USD/gallon.

CAPE MAY TRAVEL TIPS (Random order)

Luggage-inspection machinery at U.S. airports may destroy films. Pack these into your hand luggage.
Petrol stations are usually not open during night hours until 6 AM (major U.S. cities may be exceptions). Make sure that your tank is full in the evening, if you plan early birding.
Traffic is rather aggressive compared to Canadian and Finnish. At first glance, speed limits seem to be more like quidelines than instructions. Follow them anyway.
Standard U.S. road maps are usually of no good. Buy a Cape May County map book (from a petrol station or 7-eleven) instead.
Electricity is 110 V, but you can buy a cheap adapter for your lap top, battery charger etc. from several big supermarkets. Most more-or-less new electric equipment work fine with either 110 or 220 V, so a 110/220 converter may not be necessary.
Food is rather expensive; buy it in big packages from huge supermarkets (the biggest supermarket in Cape May is at the southern part of Road nr 9). Food preserves rather well: for example, a 4-litre milk jug is usable for at least a week.
Prices do usually not include taxes. Thus, a 12% extra will be added to the marked prices. Exceptions are e.g. gasoline. This may sound rather stupid, since you always have to pay the taxes anyway, but try to accept that during your visit.
Camping with a tent/trailer is several times cheaper than renting a cottage or living in motels/hotels. Also, several good birding sites are next to Cape May Point and can easily be accessed by bike.
European mobile (cell) phones may not work in the U.S., and "coin" phones usually do not allow you to call outside U.S. Consider buying a phone card (sold e.g. in Wawa shops).
There are no "every man's rights" in the U.S. allowing general access to private lands, like there are e.g. in Finland, and owning per se is really a big thing, (almost) the meaning of life. Therefore, respect the will of land owners (that is usually clearly indicated by signs, fences, closed gates etc.) in order to avoid conflicts.
Poisonous plants and animals are scarce. You probably see Poison Ivy, and may see a Rattlesnake at desert-like sites (rare in Cape May) or a Copperhead snake along rocky stream shores. Harmful animals include ticks that often carry Lyme's diasease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Check your skin and clothes for ticks every day! Remember also chiggers (= "sand fleas", jiggers, redbugs), black flies and mosquitoes (the latter may carry West Nile virus). Forest hikes are sometimes difficult because of dense and spiny vegetation (not poisonous, however) outside paths.
"Must" books for birding purposes (random order, but all highly recommended) – Sibley, D. 1997: The Birds of Cape May. New Jersey Audubon Society. Kaufman, K. 1990: Advanced birding. Peterson Field Guides. Sibley, D. A. 2003: The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America. Knopf. Boyle, W. J. Jr. 2002: A Guide to Bird Finding in New Jersey. Rutgers University Press. Alström, P., Colston, P. & Lewington, I. 1992: Rare birds of Europe. Domino Books. (Although the latter is European it provides the highest-quality figures and ID text.)
Other recommended books – All possible identification books of N American gulls, terns, raptors, warblers (especially that of Peterson Field Guides), sparrows and waders. Also, general travel books of eastern North America may prove to be useful (like a Lonely Planet guide).
If you still hesitate travelling to Cape May, check our species list below and read Pete Dunne's foreword in David Sibley's book "The Birds of Cape May"!

WEATHER

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Date Cloudiness, wind, temperature, visibility, other notes

12.9. 8/8, 9 m/s NE, +20 C, 5-10 km, rain

13.9. 4/8, 8 m/s NE, +25 C, 10-20 km, rain showers

14.9. 6/8...8/8, 7 m/s SE, +25 C, 5-10 km, rain showers

15.9. 8/8, 5-6 m/s E, +23 C, 5-10 km, rain showers

16.9. 3/8, 10 m/s (AM), 4 m/s NW (PM), +27 C, >20 km

17.9. 3/8...5/8, 8 m/s (AM), 12 m/s NE (PM), +22 C, >20 km

18.9. 8/8, 12...25 m/s N, +18 C, ca 5 km, afternoon rain

19.9. 4/8...2/8, 22...10 m/s NE, +18 C, 10-20 km

20.9. 1/8, 2-4 m/s, +18...25 C, >20 km

21.9. 5/8...2/8, 4-5 m/s N, +18…22 C, >20 km

22.9. 6/8...2/8, 4-5 m/s SW-S, +20 C, >20 km

23.9. 8/8...2/8, 7-3 m/s S, +20 C, 3-5...>20 km, heavy morning rain

24.9. 2/8, 3-4 m/s NE, +16...25 C, >20 km

25.9. 7/8, 2-3 m/s E, +16 C, >20 km

ABBREVIATIONS USED BELOW: BP = Belleplain, BR = Brigantine, CD = Camden, CML = Cape May Lighthouse, CMP = Cape May Point, CGP = Coast Guard Ponds, DC = Dividing Creek, HB = Higbee, HV = Hidden Valley, JL = Jake’s Landing, JSF = Johnson’s Sod Farm, MT = Mauricetown (sandpit), NI = Nummy Island, NY = New York, SM = Southern Meadows (at Cape May Point), SH = Stone Harbor, TU = Tuckahoe, WW = Wildwood. Conserning observations, a7 = a flock of seven individuals, ad = adult, ind. = individual, juv = juvenile, m = migrating, sp = species (identified to genus level), subad = sub-adult, 1/- = male seen, -/1 = female seen, 2/1 = two males and one female seen, 30+ = over 30 individuals seen. The "best" observations, with some subjectivity, are marked with bold.

TARGETS

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Date Time Place

12.9. 18.00-24.00 NY-CMP

13.9. 7.45-18.30 HB, CMP, SH

14.9. 8.30-19.30 CML, HB, NI, WW, SM

15.9. 6.30-19.30 HB, Rd 47, Philadelphia, JSF, JL

16.9. 6.30-19.15 HB, CML, SM + CD/Palmyra Cove (MK alone)

17.9. 6.45-19.30 HB, CML, CGP, SM

18.9. 7.00-16.00 HB, HV, CMP, 2nd av jetty

19.9. 7.00-19.10 2nd av jetty, Sunset Blvd jetty + SM (MK alone)

20.9. 7.00-20.30 BR, BP, HV

21.9. 7.00-19.20 HB, SM, HV, SM

22.9. 6.00-19.15 BR, TU, MT, DC, HV

23.9. 7.00-18.00 HB, SH, CML, SM, HB, SM

24.9. 6.50-18.30 HB, CML, HV, WW, NI, SM

25.9. 5.30-11.00 CMP-NY

BIRD OBSERVATIONS

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Nr Species Scientific Observations & notes

1 Common loon Gavia immer seen twice at sea: 19.9. CMP 1 m, 24.9. WW 2

2 Pied-billed grebe Podilymbus podiceps seen daily at wetlands (1-5 ind.)

3 Manx shearwater Puffinus puffinus Isabel's "products" 19.9. CMP 2 m

4 Gannet Sula bassana 19.9. CMP 2 subad m

5 Brown pelican Pelecanus occidentalis total 20 ind. bypassers at seashores

6 Double-crested cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus seen daily (peak 24.9. 120 ind.)

7 American bittern Botaurus lentiginosus 20.9. BR 1

8 Least bittern Ixobrychus exilis very secretive reefbed species, seen once: 24.9. SM 2

9 Great blue heron Ardea herodias seen almost daily (peak 20.9. BR 5)

10 Great egret Egretta alba seen daily (peak 22.9. BR ca 60)

11 Snowy egret Egretta thula seen daily (peak 22.9. BR ca 40)

12 Little blue heron Egreta caerulea scarce wetland species: 13.9. SH 1, 24.9. NI 3

13 Tricolored heron Egretta tricolor 20.9. BR 2, 21.9. SM 1, 22.9. BR 2, 24.9. NI 5

14 Cattle egret Bubulcus ibis rarity? seen only 22.9. BR 1

15 Green heron Butorides virescens seen almost daily, most reliably at SM, where peak 21.9. 5 ind.

16 Black-crowned night heron Nycticorax nycticorax trip total 110, peak 20.9. BR 87

17 Yellow-crowned night heron Nyctanassa violacea 20.9. BR 5 juv, 24.9. NI 1 juv

18 Glossy ibis Plegadis falcinellus trip total 65 (good sites BR, SH, SM)

19 Mute swan Cygnus olor total 110 (good sites TU, SM, CML, BR)

20 Canada goose Branta canadensis hundreds (good site e.g. BR)

21 Snow goose Anser caerulescens 13.-23.9. CML 1 ad, 20.9. BR a4, 22.9. BR a7

22 Wood duck Aix sponsa total 25 (good sites CML, SM)

23 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos common

24 American black duck Anas rubripes trip total hundreds, common only at BR

25 Gadwall Anas strepera tens seen, good sites e.g. SM, BR

26 Pintail Anas acuta trip total several tens, the only good site BR

27 American wigeon Anas americana trip total several tens

28 Shoveler Anas clypeata trip total several tens

29 Blue-winged teal Anas discors Trip total 22, best site SM (peak 5 ind.)

30 Green-winged teal Anas (crecca) carolinensis trip total several hundreds, best site BR

31 Common eider Somateria mollissima 21.9. HB 1 male

32 Surf scoter Melanitta perspicillata 19.9. CMP 1/-, 23.9. CML a2 m (per/nig), 24.9. WW 1/1 m

33 Ruddy duck Oxyura jamaicensis only 20.9. BR 1/-

34 Turkey vulture Cathartes aura several tens, easily seen in Cape May

35 Black vulture Cathartes atratus trip total 5 (all in Cape May)

36 Osprey Pandion haliaetus trip total 28, peak 16.9. CML 8 m

37 Sharp-shinned hawk Accipiter striatus common

38 Cooper's hawk Accipiter cooperi common

39 Hen harrier Circus cyaneus trip total 34, peak 16.9. CML 15 m

40 Red-shouldered hawk Buteo lineatus only 24.9. HV 1 juv

41 Broad-winged hawk Buteo platypterus only 6 m (all at CML)

42 Red-tailed hawk Buteo jamaicensis trip total 27 (incl. Buteo sp)

43 Bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus 16.9. CML 1 ad m, 17.9. CML 1 subad m, 22.9. TU 1 ad, 25.9. on the way to NY 1 juv/subad

44 American kestrel Falco sparverius hundreds seen

45 Merlin Falco columbarius several tens seen

46 Peregrine Falco peregrinus trip total 13, e.g. 20.9. BR 2 ad 2 juv

47 Clapper rail Rallus longirostris 15.9. JL 5-6, 20.9. BR 5, 22.9. BR 1

48 Sora Porzana carolina trip total 3, all in SM

49 Moorhen Gallinula chloropus 14.9. CML 1 juv, 21.9. SM 1 ad, 23.9. CML 1 ad

50 Black-bellied plover Pluvialis squatarola several hundreds, peak 22.9. BR ca 250

51 American golden plover Pluvialis dominica 20.9. BR 1, 22.9. BR 2

52 Killdeer Charadrius vociferus several tens seen

53 Semipalmated plover Charadrius semipalmatus several hundreds seen

54 Piping plover Charadrius melodus only 23.9. SH a3

55 American oystercatcher Haematopus palliatus several tens seen, best site SH

56 Greater yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca several tens seen

57 Lesser yellowlegs Tringa flavipes several hundreds seen

58 Solitary sandpiper Tringa solitaria trip total 12, most reliable site HB ponds

59 Spotted sandpiper Actitis macularia trip total 18, most reliable site HB ponds

60 Willet Catopthroptorus semipalmatus trip total 32, of which 31 on 24.9. at NI

61 Marbled godwit Limosa fedoa 20.9. BR 1, 24.9. NI a5

62 Hudsonian godwit Limosa haemastica rare, seen only 16.9. HB a2

63 Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus only 20.9. BR 3

64 Buff-breasted sandpiper Tryngites subruficollis only 15.9. JSF 2

65 Ruddy turnstone Arenaria interpres several tens seen, best sites NI, CMP beaches

66 Sanderling Calidris alba some thousands seen (best sites CMP beaches, NI, SH)

67 Dunlin Calidris alpina 20.9. BR 7, 22.9. BR 15

68 Red knot Calidris canutus 14.9. NI a8, 19.9. CMP a3

69 Pectoral sandpiper Calidris melanotos trip total 31, peak 20.9. BR 16

70 White-rumped sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis trip total 21, peak 22.9. BR 15

71 Semipalmated sandpiper Calidris pusilla trip total thousands, peak 22.9. BR 3000+ (incl. Calidris sp)

72 Least sandpiper Calidris minutilla several tens, best site BR

73 Western sandpiper Calidris mauri trip total 13, best site BR

74 Stilt sandpiper Calidris himantopus 22.9. BR a4+a4

75 Short-billed dowitcher Limnodromus griseus only one identified to species level: 22.9. BR 1 (Limnodromus sp trip total 62)

76 American avocet Recurvirostra americana one at BR 20. and 22.9.

77 Pomarine skua Stercorarius pomarinus 19.9. CMP a8 m

78 Parasitic skua Stercorarius parasiticus 19.9. CMP 11 m (incl. Sterco sp), 21.9. CMP 1 (Sterco sp)

79 Laughing gull Larus atricilla superabundant

80 Ring-billed gull Larus delawarensis trip total 120+

81 American herring gull Larus smithsonianus common

82 Great black-backed gull Larus marinus common, peaks 14.9. NI-WW ca 300, 23.9. SH 60, CML 100+ etc.

83 Caspian tern Sterna caspia trip total 25, best sites SH, BR

84 Royal tern Sterna maxima trip total hundreds, easiest sites CMP beaches

85 Common tern Sterna hirundo trip total several tens

86 Forster's tern Sterna forsteri trip total hundreds

87 Sandwich tern Sterna sandvicensis trip total 14 (peak 23.9. SH 7)

88 Sooty tern Sterna fuscata thanks to hurricane Isabel, 19.9. CMP 1 ad m

89 Black skimmer Rynchops niger common, easy to see at CMP beaches

90 Rock dove Columba livia abundant at settlement areas

91 Mourning dove Zenaida macroura common, flocks of several tens at some fields

92 Black-billed cuckoo Coccyzus erythropalmatus 21.9. HV 1 juv - excellent views of this lovely and rare bird

93 Yellow-billed cuckoo Coccyzus americanus trip total 6

94 Barred owl Strix varia 18.9. HB 1

95 Common nighthawk Chordeiles minor trip total 7-8, best site SM at dusk

96 Chimney swift Chaetura pelagica trip total 34, of which 23 m on 24.9. at HV

97 Ruby-throated hummingbird Archilochus colubris seen almost daily, trip total 22

98 Belted kingfisher Ceryle alcyon trip total 15

99 Yellow-bellied sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius 16.9. CD 1-2, 17.9. HB 1 ("masses" arrive a bit later)

100 Red-headed woodpecker Melanerpes erythrocephalus 24.9. HB 1 juv, giving spectacular views for ca 15 patient morning-flight observers

101 Red-bellied woodpecker Melanerpes carolinus relatively common in deciduous woods, trip total 16

102 Downy woodpecker Picoides pubescens relatively common in deciduous/mixed woods, trip total 12

103 Hairy woodpecker Picoides villosus scarce; only 16.9. CD 1/1, 22.9. TU 1 and 24.9. HV 1/-

104 Northern flicker Colaptes auratus common migrant and locally abundant in deciduous forests

105 Eastern wood-pewee Contopus virens 16.9. HB 2, CD 2, 20.9. BP 1

106 Least flycatcher Empidonax minimus 16.9. HB 6 (Empidonax sp), 24.9. HB 4 (incl. Empi sp)

107 Yellow-bellied flycatcher Empidonax flaviventris 13.9. CMP 1

108 Eastern phoebe Sayornis phoebe 24.9. HB 3

109 Great crested flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus only 14.9. CMP 3

110 Eastern kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus trip total 11, of which 6 on 23.9.

111 Philadelphia vireo Vireo philadelphicus 16.9. HB 2, 21.9. HB 2, 22.9. BR 1

112 White-eyed vireo Vireo griseus 16.-17.9. HB 1, 24.9. HB 2

113 Red-eyed vireo Vireo olivaceus very common

114 Blue jay Cyanocitta cristata very common, especially near settlement areas

115 American crow Corvus brachyrhynchus very common, especially near settlement areas

116 Fish crow Corvus ossifragus only 17.9. CMP 1, 24.9. NI 1

117 Barn swallow Hirundo rustica seen almost daily, trip total several tens

118 Tree swallow Tachycineta bicolor several thousands seen, peak 18.9. CMP ca 10,000

119 Bank swallow Riparia riparia 13.9. CMP 1, 15.9. JSF 1

120 Purple martin Progne subis trip total only 7, of which a5 on 15.9. at JSF

121 Carolina chickadee Poecile carolinensis seen daily (1-9 ind./day)

122 Tufted titmouse Baeolophus bicolor trip total 28-30 (best sites HB, HV)

123 White-breasted nuthatch Sitta carolinensis 20.9. BP 1, 22.9. DC 1

124 Red-breasted nuthatch Sitta canadensis 18.9. HB 1, 24.9. HB 1

125 Marsh wren Cistothorus palustris 15.9. JL 7+, 20.9. BR 1

126 Carolina wren Thryothorus ludovicianus observed almost daily (trip total 25+)

127 House wren Troglodytes aedon trip total 8

128 Blue-gray gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea only 24.9. HB 1, CML 1

129 Veery Catharus fuscescens only 24.9. CML 1

130 Bicknell's/Gray-cheeked thrush Catharus bicknelli/minimus 13.9. HB 1 (bic/min), 20.9. BR 1 (Cat sp), 21.9. HB 1, HV 2 (all Cat sp), 24.9. CML 1 (Cat sp)

131 Wood thrush Hylocichla mustelina this secretive forest species was seen twice: 21.9. HB 1 and 22.9. BR 1

132 American robin Turdus migratorius seen almost daily, best day 23.9. SH a35

133 Gray catbird Dumetella carolinensis seen almost daily, peak 24.9. HV 2, CML 11

134 Northern mockingbird Mimus polyglottos seen almost daily (1-5 ind./day)

135 Brown thrasher Toxostoma rufum 14.9. CMP 1, 17.9. HB 1, 22.9. BR 2, 24.9. HB 1, HV 1, CML 1

136 Cedar waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum seen in small flocks almost daily

137 Starling Sturnus vulgaris superabundant

138 Tennessee warbler Vermivora peregrina only 13.9. HB 1

139 Nashville warbler Vermivora ruficapilla 21.9. HB 3, 24.9. HB 1-2

140 Blue-winged warbler Vermivora pinus 13.9. HB 1, 21.9. HB 1, 24.9. HB 1

141 Northern parula Parula americana seen almost daily (sums 1-8/day)

142 Yellow warbler Dendroica petechia trip total 12, peak 23.9. CML 3, SM 3

143 Chestnut-sided warbler Dendroica pensylvanica 16.9. HB 2, 24.9. HB 1

144 Magnolia warbler Dendroica magnolia trip total 8-9 (best site HB)

145 Cape May warbler Dendroica tigrina only 16. and 17.9. CML 1 at the cedar stand next to the raptor-count site

146 Blackburnian warbler Dendroica fusca only 16.9. HB 4

147 Black-throated blue warbler Dendroica caerulescens trip total 15, best sites HB, HV

148 Black-throated green warbler Dendroica virens trip total 10, best site HB

149 Yellow-rumped warbler Dendroica coronata only 15.9. HB 1 juv, 24.9. HB 1 juv

150 Palm warbler Dendroica palmarum seen almost daily at forest edges and bushy, semi-open sites, peak 24.9. with 20 ind.

151 Pine warbler Dendroica pinus only 22.9.: BR 1, MT 1, DC 2

152 Prairie warbler Dendroica discolor trip total 6, best site HB

153 Blackpoll warbler Dendroica striata only 16.9. HB 3, 21.9. HB 1

154 Black-and-white warbler Mniotilta varia seen almost daily, daily max 11 (18.9.)

155 American redstart Setophaga ruticilla seen daily, max ca 10 ind.

156 Worm-eating warbler Helmitheros vermivora this secretive forest species was seen twice: 16.9. HB 1, 18.9. HB 1

157 Common yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas seen daily, very common at lush grassy and bushy areas and wetland edges

158 Northern waterthrush Seiurus noveboracensis seen almost daily, max 18.9. 8 ind.

159 Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapillus only 21.9. HB 3

160 Wilson's warbler Wilsonia pusilla only 13.9. CMP 1 ad

161 Hooded warbler Wilsonia citrina only 18.9. HB 1/- ad

162 Yellow-breasted chat Icteria virens very secretive at bushy forest edges, seen only 16.9. HB 1 and 20.9. BR 1

163 Scarlet tanager Piranga olivacea only 16.9. HB 2, CD 1, 17.9. HB 1

164 Rose-breasted grosbeak Pheucticus ludoviciana scarce; 16. and 17.9. HB 1, 21.9. HB 5, 24.9. HB 1, HV 1

165 Blue grosbeak Pheucticus caerulea 17.9. HB 1, 22.9. HV 1 (both at meadow edges)

166 Indigo bunting Passerina cyanea trip total 18, all at HB & HV (bushy meadow edges)

167 Northern cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis very common, observed daily in various habitats

168 Eastern towhee Pipilo erythrophthalmus only 16.9. CD 1

169 Chipping sparrow Spizella passerina only 22.9. MT 3, DC 2

170 Field sparrow Spizella pusilla only 19.9. CMP 3 at a ruderal area next to the Sunset Blvd seashore end

171 Clay-colored sparrow Spizella pallida regional rarity, seen once: 24.9. HB 1

172 Saltmarsh sharp-tailed sparrow Ammodramus caudacutus only 15.9. JL 1, 20.9. BR 1

173 Seaside sparrow Ammodramus maritimus only 15.9. JL 1 ad 2-3 juv

174 Savannah sparrow Passerculus sandvichensis trip total only 12, easily seen at BR

175 Song sparrow Melospiza melodia only 13.9. CMP 2, SH 2, 17.9. HB 1, 20.9. BR 1, 23.9. SM 3

176 Baltimore oriole Icterus galbula trip total 9 (best site HB)

177 Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus trip total 100+, mostly migrating flocks, a few seen on the ground (best site HB)

178 Red-winged blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus trip total hundreds, best site BR

179 Rusty blackbird Euphagus carolinus only 13.-14.9. CMP 1 and 16.-17.9. CML 1; same individual?

180 Common crackle Quiscalus quiscula common, daily sums often several tens; abundant at settlement areas

181 Boat-tailed crackle Quiscalus major this robust, big crackle was seen at wetlands: 20.9. BR 8, 22.9. BR 1, 24.9. NI 2

182 Brown-headed cowbird Molothrus ater trip total 17, peak 13.9. CMP a10

183 House sparrow Passer domesticus abundant

184 American goldfinch Carduelis tristis several tens seen, best site HV with 18.9. a35

185 House finch Carpodacus mexicanus 13.9. CMP 1/1, SH a10 (Carpo sp) and 22.9. BR 1 (Carpo sp)

Date	Cloudiness, wind, temperature, visibility, other notes
12.9.	8/8, 9 m/s NE, +20 C, 5-10 km, rain
13.9.	4/8, 8 m/s NE, +25 C, 10-20 km, rain showers
14.9.	6/8...8/8, 7 m/s SE, +25 C, 5-10 km, rain showers
15.9.	8/8, 5-6 m/s E, +23 C, 5-10 km, rain showers
16.9.	3/8, 10 m/s (AM), 4 m/s NW (PM), +27 C, >20 km
17.9.	3/8...5/8, 8 m/s (AM), 12 m/s NE (PM), +22 C, >20 km
18.9.	8/8, 12...25 m/s N, +18 C, ca 5 km, afternoon rain
19.9.	4/8...2/8, 22...10 m/s NE, +18 C, 10-20 km
20.9.	1/8, 2-4 m/s, +18...25 C, >20 km
21.9.	5/8...2/8, 4-5 m/s N, +18…22 C, >20 km
22.9.	6/8...2/8, 4-5 m/s SW-S, +20 C, >20 km
23.9.	8/8...2/8, 7-3 m/s S, +20 C, 3-5...>20 km, heavy morning rain
24.9.	2/8, 3-4 m/s NE, +16...25 C, >20 km
25.9.	7/8, 2-3 m/s E, +16 C, >20 km

Date	Time	Place
12.9.	18.00-24.00	NY-CMP
13.9.	7.45-18.30	HB, CMP, SH
14.9.	8.30-19.30	CML, HB, NI, WW, SM
15.9.	6.30-19.30	HB, Rd 47, Philadelphia, JSF, JL
16.9.	6.30-19.15	HB, CML, SM + CD/Palmyra Cove (MK alone)
17.9.	6.45-19.30	HB, CML, CGP, SM
18.9.	7.00-16.00	HB, HV, CMP, 2nd av jetty
19.9.	7.00-19.10	2nd av jetty, Sunset Blvd jetty + SM (MK alone)
20.9.	7.00-20.30	BR, BP, HV
21.9.	7.00-19.20	HB, SM, HV, SM
22.9.	6.00-19.15	BR, TU, MT, DC, HV
23.9.	7.00-18.00	HB, SH, CML, SM, HB, SM
24.9.	6.50-18.30	HB, CML, HV, WW, NI, SM
25.9.	5.30-11.00	CMP-NY

Nr	Species	Scientific	Observations & notes
1	Common loon	Gavia immer	seen twice at sea: 19.9. CMP 1 m, 24.9. WW 2
2	Pied-billed grebe	Podilymbus podiceps	seen daily at wetlands (1-5 ind.)
3	Manx shearwater	Puffinus puffinus	Isabel's "products" 19.9. CMP 2 m
4	Gannet	Sula bassana	19.9. CMP 2 subad m
5	Brown pelican	Pelecanus occidentalis	total 20 ind. bypassers at seashores
6	Double-crested cormorant	Phalacrocorax auritus	seen daily (peak 24.9. 120 ind.)
7	American bittern	Botaurus lentiginosus	20.9. BR 1
8	Least bittern	Ixobrychus exilis	very secretive reefbed species, seen once: 24.9. SM 2
9	Great blue heron	Ardea herodias	seen almost daily (peak 20.9. BR 5)
10	Great egret	Egretta alba	seen daily (peak 22.9. BR ca 60)
11	Snowy egret	Egretta thula	seen daily (peak 22.9. BR ca 40)
12	Little blue heron	Egreta caerulea	scarce wetland species: 13.9. SH 1, 24.9. NI 3
13	Tricolored heron	Egretta tricolor	20.9. BR 2, 21.9. SM 1, 22.9. BR 2, 24.9. NI 5
14	Cattle egret	Bubulcus ibis	rarity? seen only 22.9. BR 1
15	Green heron	Butorides virescens	seen almost daily, most reliably at SM, where peak 21.9. 5 ind.
16	Black-crowned night heron	Nycticorax nycticorax	trip total 110, peak 20.9. BR 87
17	Yellow-crowned night heron	Nyctanassa violacea	20.9. BR 5 juv, 24.9. NI 1 juv
18	Glossy ibis	Plegadis falcinellus	trip total 65 (good sites BR, SH, SM)
19	Mute swan	Cygnus olor	total 110 (good sites TU, SM, CML, BR)
20	Canada goose	Branta canadensis	hundreds (good site e.g. BR)
21	Snow goose	Anser caerulescens	13.-23.9. CML 1 ad, 20.9. BR a4, 22.9. BR a7
22	Wood duck	Aix sponsa	total 25 (good sites CML, SM)
23	Mallard	Anas platyrhynchos	common
24	American black duck	Anas rubripes	trip total hundreds, common only at BR
25	Gadwall	Anas strepera	tens seen, good sites e.g. SM, BR
26	Pintail	Anas acuta	trip total several tens, the only good site BR
27	American wigeon	Anas americana	trip total several tens
28	Shoveler	Anas clypeata	trip total several tens
29	Blue-winged teal	Anas discors	Trip total 22, best site SM (peak 5 ind.)
30	Green-winged teal	Anas (crecca) carolinensis	trip total several hundreds, best site BR
31	Common eider	Somateria mollissima	21.9. HB 1 male
32	Surf scoter	Melanitta perspicillata	19.9. CMP 1/-, 23.9. CML a2 m (per/nig), 24.9. WW 1/1 m
33	Ruddy duck	Oxyura jamaicensis	only 20.9. BR 1/-
34	Turkey vulture	Cathartes aura	several tens, easily seen in Cape May
35	Black vulture	Cathartes atratus	trip total 5 (all in Cape May)
36	Osprey	Pandion haliaetus	trip total 28, peak 16.9. CML 8 m
37	Sharp-shinned hawk	Accipiter striatus	common
38	Cooper's hawk	Accipiter cooperi	common
39	Hen harrier	Circus cyaneus	trip total 34, peak 16.9. CML 15 m
40	Red-shouldered hawk	Buteo lineatus	only 24.9. HV 1 juv
41	Broad-winged hawk	Buteo platypterus	only 6 m (all at CML)
42	Red-tailed hawk	Buteo jamaicensis	trip total 27 (incl. Buteo sp)
43	Bald eagle	Haliaeetus leucocephalus	16.9. CML 1 ad m, 17.9. CML 1 subad m, 22.9. TU 1 ad, 25.9. on the way to NY 1 juv/subad
44	American kestrel	Falco sparverius	hundreds seen
45	Merlin	Falco columbarius	several tens seen
46	Peregrine	Falco peregrinus	trip total 13, e.g. 20.9. BR 2 ad 2 juv
47	Clapper rail	Rallus longirostris	15.9. JL 5-6, 20.9. BR 5, 22.9. BR 1
48	Sora	Porzana carolina	trip total 3, all in SM
49	Moorhen	Gallinula chloropus	14.9. CML 1 juv, 21.9. SM 1 ad, 23.9. CML 1 ad
50	Black-bellied plover	Pluvialis squatarola	several hundreds, peak 22.9. BR ca 250
51	American golden plover	Pluvialis dominica	20.9. BR 1, 22.9. BR 2
52	Killdeer	Charadrius vociferus	several tens seen
53	Semipalmated plover	Charadrius semipalmatus	several hundreds seen
54	Piping plover	Charadrius melodus	only 23.9. SH a3
55	American oystercatcher	Haematopus palliatus	several tens seen, best site SH
56	Greater yellowlegs	Tringa melanoleuca	several tens seen
57	Lesser yellowlegs	Tringa flavipes	several hundreds seen
58	Solitary sandpiper	Tringa solitaria	trip total 12, most reliable site HB ponds
59	Spotted sandpiper	Actitis macularia	trip total 18, most reliable site HB ponds
60	Willet	Catopthroptorus semipalmatus	trip total 32, of which 31 on 24.9. at NI
61	Marbled godwit	Limosa fedoa	20.9. BR 1, 24.9. NI a5
62	Hudsonian godwit	Limosa haemastica	rare, seen only 16.9. HB a2
63	Whimbrel	Numenius phaeopus	only 20.9. BR 3
64	Buff-breasted sandpiper	Tryngites subruficollis	only 15.9. JSF 2
65	Ruddy turnstone	Arenaria interpres	several tens seen, best sites NI, CMP beaches
66	Sanderling	Calidris alba	some thousands seen (best sites CMP beaches, NI, SH)
67	Dunlin	Calidris alpina	20.9. BR 7, 22.9. BR 15
68	Red knot	Calidris canutus	14.9. NI a8, 19.9. CMP a3
69	Pectoral sandpiper	Calidris melanotos	trip total 31, peak 20.9. BR 16
70	White-rumped sandpiper	Calidris fuscicollis	trip total 21, peak 22.9. BR 15
71	Semipalmated sandpiper	Calidris pusilla	trip total thousands, peak 22.9. BR 3000+ (incl. Calidris sp)
72	Least sandpiper	Calidris minutilla	several tens, best site BR
73	Western sandpiper	Calidris mauri	trip total 13, best site BR
74	Stilt sandpiper	Calidris himantopus	22.9. BR a4+a4
75	Short-billed dowitcher	Limnodromus griseus	only one identified to species level: 22.9. BR 1 (Limnodromus sp trip total 62)
76	American avocet	Recurvirostra americana	one at BR 20. and 22.9.
77	Pomarine skua	Stercorarius pomarinus	19.9. CMP a8 m
78	Parasitic skua	Stercorarius parasiticus	19.9. CMP 11 m (incl. Sterco sp), 21.9. CMP 1 (Sterco sp)
79	Laughing gull	Larus atricilla	superabundant
80	Ring-billed gull	Larus delawarensis	trip total 120+
81	American herring gull	Larus smithsonianus	common
82	Great black-backed gull	Larus marinus	common, peaks 14.9. NI-WW ca 300, 23.9. SH 60, CML 100+ etc.
83	Caspian tern	Sterna caspia	trip total 25, best sites SH, BR
84	Royal tern	Sterna maxima	trip total hundreds, easiest sites CMP beaches
85	Common tern	Sterna hirundo	trip total several tens
86	Forster's tern	Sterna forsteri	trip total hundreds
87	Sandwich tern	Sterna sandvicensis	trip total 14 (peak 23.9. SH 7)
88	Sooty tern	Sterna fuscata	thanks to hurricane Isabel, 19.9. CMP 1 ad m
89	Black skimmer	Rynchops niger	common, easy to see at CMP beaches
90	Rock dove	Columba livia	abundant at settlement areas
91	Mourning dove	Zenaida macroura	common, flocks of several tens at some fields
92	Black-billed cuckoo	Coccyzus erythropalmatus	21.9. HV 1 juv - excellent views of this lovely and rare bird
93	Yellow-billed cuckoo	Coccyzus americanus	trip total 6
94	Barred owl	Strix varia	18.9. HB 1
95	Common nighthawk	Chordeiles minor	trip total 7-8, best site SM at dusk
96	Chimney swift	Chaetura pelagica	trip total 34, of which 23 m on 24.9. at HV
97	Ruby-throated hummingbird	Archilochus colubris	seen almost daily, trip total 22
98	Belted kingfisher	Ceryle alcyon	trip total 15
99	Yellow-bellied sapsucker	Sphyrapicus varius	16.9. CD 1-2, 17.9. HB 1 ("masses" arrive a bit later)
100	Red-headed woodpecker	Melanerpes erythrocephalus	24.9. HB 1 juv, giving spectacular views for ca 15 patient morning-flight observers
101	Red-bellied woodpecker	Melanerpes carolinus	relatively common in deciduous woods, trip total 16
102	Downy woodpecker	Picoides pubescens	relatively common in deciduous/mixed woods, trip total 12
103	Hairy woodpecker	Picoides villosus	scarce; only 16.9. CD 1/1, 22.9. TU 1 and 24.9. HV 1/-
104	Northern flicker	Colaptes auratus	common migrant and locally abundant in deciduous forests
105	Eastern wood-pewee	Contopus virens	16.9. HB 2, CD 2, 20.9. BP 1
106	Least flycatcher	Empidonax minimus	16.9. HB 6 (Empidonax sp), 24.9. HB 4 (incl. Empi sp)
107	Yellow-bellied flycatcher	Empidonax flaviventris	13.9. CMP 1
108	Eastern phoebe	Sayornis phoebe	24.9. HB 3
109	Great crested flycatcher	Myiarchus crinitus	only 14.9. CMP 3
110	Eastern kingbird	Tyrannus tyrannus	trip total 11, of which 6 on 23.9.
111	Philadelphia vireo	Vireo philadelphicus	16.9. HB 2, 21.9. HB 2, 22.9. BR 1
112	White-eyed vireo	Vireo griseus	16.-17.9. HB 1, 24.9. HB 2
113	Red-eyed vireo	Vireo olivaceus	very common
114	Blue jay	Cyanocitta cristata	very common, especially near settlement areas
115	American crow	Corvus brachyrhynchus	very common, especially near settlement areas
116	Fish crow	Corvus ossifragus	only 17.9. CMP 1, 24.9. NI 1
117	Barn swallow	Hirundo rustica	seen almost daily, trip total several tens
118	Tree swallow	Tachycineta bicolor	several thousands seen, peak 18.9. CMP ca 10,000
119	Bank swallow	Riparia riparia	13.9. CMP 1, 15.9. JSF 1
120	Purple martin	Progne subis	trip total only 7, of which a5 on 15.9. at JSF
121	Carolina chickadee	Poecile carolinensis	seen daily (1-9 ind./day)
122	Tufted titmouse	Baeolophus bicolor	trip total 28-30 (best sites HB, HV)
123	White-breasted nuthatch	Sitta carolinensis	20.9. BP 1, 22.9. DC 1
124	Red-breasted nuthatch	Sitta canadensis	18.9. HB 1, 24.9. HB 1
125	Marsh wren	Cistothorus palustris	15.9. JL 7+, 20.9. BR 1
126	Carolina wren	Thryothorus ludovicianus	observed almost daily (trip total 25+)
127	House wren	Troglodytes aedon	trip total 8
128	Blue-gray gnatcatcher	Polioptila caerulea	only 24.9. HB 1, CML 1
129	Veery	Catharus fuscescens	only 24.9. CML 1
130	Bicknell's/Gray-cheeked thrush	Catharus bicknelli/minimus	13.9. HB 1 (bic/min), 20.9. BR 1 (Cat sp), 21.9. HB 1, HV 2 (all Cat sp), 24.9. CML 1 (Cat sp)
131	Wood thrush	Hylocichla mustelina	this secretive forest species was seen twice: 21.9. HB 1 and 22.9. BR 1
132	American robin	Turdus migratorius	seen almost daily, best day 23.9. SH a35
133	Gray catbird	Dumetella carolinensis	seen almost daily, peak 24.9. HV 2, CML 11
134	Northern mockingbird	Mimus polyglottos	seen almost daily (1-5 ind./day)
135	Brown thrasher	Toxostoma rufum	14.9. CMP 1, 17.9. HB 1, 22.9. BR 2, 24.9. HB 1, HV 1, CML 1
136	Cedar waxwing	Bombycilla cedrorum	seen in small flocks almost daily
137	Starling	Sturnus vulgaris	superabundant
138	Tennessee warbler	Vermivora peregrina	only 13.9. HB 1
139	Nashville warbler	Vermivora ruficapilla	21.9. HB 3, 24.9. HB 1-2
140	Blue-winged warbler	Vermivora pinus	13.9. HB 1, 21.9. HB 1, 24.9. HB 1
141	Northern parula	Parula americana	seen almost daily (sums 1-8/day)
142	Yellow warbler	Dendroica petechia	trip total 12, peak 23.9. CML 3, SM 3
143	Chestnut-sided warbler	Dendroica pensylvanica	16.9. HB 2, 24.9. HB 1
144	Magnolia warbler	Dendroica magnolia	trip total 8-9 (best site HB)
145	Cape May warbler	Dendroica tigrina	only 16. and 17.9. CML 1 at the cedar stand next to the raptor-count site
146	Blackburnian warbler	Dendroica fusca	only 16.9. HB 4
147	Black-throated blue warbler	Dendroica caerulescens	trip total 15, best sites HB, HV
148	Black-throated green warbler	Dendroica virens	trip total 10, best site HB
149	Yellow-rumped warbler	Dendroica coronata	only 15.9. HB 1 juv, 24.9. HB 1 juv
150	Palm warbler	Dendroica palmarum	seen almost daily at forest edges and bushy, semi-open sites, peak 24.9. with 20 ind.
151	Pine warbler	Dendroica pinus	only 22.9.: BR 1, MT 1, DC 2
152	Prairie warbler	Dendroica discolor	trip total 6, best site HB
153	Blackpoll warbler	Dendroica striata	only 16.9. HB 3, 21.9. HB 1
154	Black-and-white warbler	Mniotilta varia	seen almost daily, daily max 11 (18.9.)
155	American redstart	Setophaga ruticilla	seen daily, max ca 10 ind.
156	Worm-eating warbler	Helmitheros vermivora	this secretive forest species was seen twice: 16.9. HB 1, 18.9. HB 1
157	Common yellowthroat	Geothlypis trichas	seen daily, very common at lush grassy and bushy areas and wetland edges
158	Northern waterthrush	Seiurus noveboracensis	seen almost daily, max 18.9. 8 ind.
159	Ovenbird	Seiurus aurocapillus	only 21.9. HB 3
160	Wilson's warbler	Wilsonia pusilla	only 13.9. CMP 1 ad
161	Hooded warbler	Wilsonia citrina	only 18.9. HB 1/- ad
162	Yellow-breasted chat	Icteria virens	very secretive at bushy forest edges, seen only 16.9. HB 1 and 20.9. BR 1
163	Scarlet tanager	Piranga olivacea	only 16.9. HB 2, CD 1, 17.9. HB 1
164	Rose-breasted grosbeak	Pheucticus ludoviciana	scarce; 16. and 17.9. HB 1, 21.9. HB 5, 24.9. HB 1, HV 1
165	Blue grosbeak	Pheucticus caerulea	17.9. HB 1, 22.9. HV 1 (both at meadow edges)
166	Indigo bunting	Passerina cyanea	trip total 18, all at HB & HV (bushy meadow edges)
167	Northern cardinal	Cardinalis cardinalis	very common, observed daily in various habitats
168	Eastern towhee	Pipilo erythrophthalmus	only 16.9. CD 1
169	Chipping sparrow	Spizella passerina	only 22.9. MT 3, DC 2
170	Field sparrow	Spizella pusilla	only 19.9. CMP 3 at a ruderal area next to the Sunset Blvd seashore end
171	Clay-colored sparrow	Spizella pallida	regional rarity, seen once: 24.9. HB 1
172	Saltmarsh sharp-tailed sparrow	Ammodramus caudacutus	only 15.9. JL 1, 20.9. BR 1
173	Seaside sparrow	Ammodramus maritimus	only 15.9. JL 1 ad 2-3 juv
174	Savannah sparrow	Passerculus sandvichensis	trip total only 12, easily seen at BR
175	Song sparrow	Melospiza melodia	only 13.9. CMP 2, SH 2, 17.9. HB 1, 20.9. BR 1, 23.9. SM 3
176	Baltimore oriole	Icterus galbula	trip total 9 (best site HB)
177	Bobolink	Dolichonyx oryzivorus	trip total 100+, mostly migrating flocks, a few seen on the ground (best site HB)
178	Red-winged blackbird	Agelaius phoeniceus	trip total hundreds, best site BR
179	Rusty blackbird	Euphagus carolinus	only 13.-14.9. CMP 1 and 16.-17.9. CML 1; same individual?
180	Common crackle	Quiscalus quiscula	common, daily sums often several tens; abundant at settlement areas
181	Boat-tailed crackle	Quiscalus major	this robust, big crackle was seen at wetlands: 20.9. BR 8, 22.9. BR 1, 24.9. NI 2
182	Brown-headed cowbird	Molothrus ater	trip total 17, peak 13.9. CMP a10
183	House sparrow	Passer domesticus	abundant
184	American goldfinch	Carduelis tristis	several tens seen, best site HV with 18.9. a35
185	House finch	Carpodacus mexicanus	13.9. CMP 1/1, SH a10 (Carpo sp) and 22.9. BR 1 (Carpo sp)