Observers: Brad Robson, Shaun Robson and Terry Elborn
Itinerary and Weather:
Sat.2nd JFK to Cape May, late evening at the Meadows/beach. E 4 - 5, 1/8, very warm, dry.
Sun.3rd Higbees 07.10 - 09.30, raptor watch point 11.00 - 13.50, Lighthouse Pond/Lily Lake 13.50 - 16.30, the Meadows/beach 16.30 - 17.30. E 3 - 4, 1/8, very warm/hot, dry.
Mon.4th Higbees 06.45 - 10.00, Stone Harbour 12.00 - 16.00, Cape May beach 17.00 - 17.30. S 4 - 5, 5/8, very warm, dry. 8/8, occasional rain later becoming persistent c1hr before dusk.
Tues.5th Higbees 06.55 - 11.00, Hidden Valley 11.00 - 13.45, raptor watch 15.00 - 15.30, Lily Lake/CMP streets/beach 15.30 - 17.30. N 4 - 6, 8/8, very cold with frost at dawn following overnight rain and passing of a cold front.
Wed.6th Higbees 06.50 - 10.00, Hidden Valley 10.00 - 13.00, Stone Harbour 14.00 - 17.30. Still, 0/8, cold, dry.
Sat 9th Brigantine 08.00 - 13.30, Jamaica Bay c16.00 - 16.40.S 6, 7/8, very warm, dry.
Species seen:
Great-northern DiverGavia immer
Six over Higbees on the morning of 7th and two more over 8th.
Pied-billed GrebePodilymbus podiceps
Recorded at Higbees pond and Stone Harbour creeks with 1 3rd, 2 4th, 3 6th and 2 9th.
Brown PelicanPelicanus occidentalis
A single was at Stone Harbour 6th.
GannetSula bassana
Four were off Stone Harbour 4th, 1 close in plus a large feeding flock distant off CMP 5th and 3 off CM beach 8th.
Double-crested CormorantPhalacrocorax auritus
Seen daily often in large numbers particularly at Stone Harbour 500+ on both visits and large numbers at Brigantine 9th.
American BitternBotaurus lentiginosus
A single flushed from a garden at CMP 5th, 1 flying over the marshes from Nummy's Island 6th and 1 seen well at Brigantine 9th.
Black-crowned Night-heronNycticorax nycticorax
Seven were on the Bunker pond 5th with 17 flying out at dusk from there on the same day, 20+ flying out to feed at dusk over Nummy's Island 6th, 1 over the Beanery during the day 7th with 2 coming out of the Bunker pond at dusk, 14 out of the Bunker pond at dusk 8th and 12 Brigantine 9th.
Yellow-crowned Night-heronNyctanassa violacea
An adult was with N. nycticorax at Brigantine 9th.
Green HeronButorides striatus
A single at Lily Lake 3rd was the only record.
Tricoloured HeronEgretta tricolor
One Stone Harbour 4th and 5 from Nummy's 6th.
Little Blue HeronE.caerulea
Five Stone Harbour 4th and 1 there 6th.
Snowy Egret E.thula
Seen daily except 8th, max several hundred Stone Harbour/Nummy's 6th.
Great White EgretCasmeroides albus
As E.thula 8th being only day not recorded, max c100 Stone Harbour/Nummy's 4th.
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
One at Brigantine 9th was the only record.
Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias
Seen daily with max c30 Stone Harbour/Nummy's 4th.
Glossy IbisPlegadis falcinellus
Four Stone Harbour 4th and 20+ from Nummy's 6th.
Mute SwanCygnus olor
Resident on Lily Lake also noted at Brigantine 9th.
Snow GooseChen caerulescens
A single at Lily Lake 3rd, 6 over the raptor watch point 5th, 280+ over Higbees 6th with 48 over there 8th and several thousand Brigantine, including juveniles and blue phase birds, 9th with 100+ Jamaica Bay same day.
Canada GooseBranta canadensis
Resident at Lily Lake also seen at Brigantine and Jamaica Bay 9th.
Pale-bellied BrentBranta bernicla hrota
Five Stone Harbour 4th with 13 there 6th and 100+ Brigantine 9th.
MallardAnas platyrhynchos
Seen daily throughout.
Black Duck A.rubripes
One Lighthouse pond 3rd, 3 Stone Harbour 4th, 1 Bunker pond 8th, several hundred Brigantine and 100+ Jamaica Bay both 9th.
GadwallA.strepera
Four Lighthouse pond 3rd with 2 there 5th and 8 the Meadows 7th.
American WigeonA.americana
Four the Meadows 2nd, c150 Lighthouse pond, Lily Lake and the Meadows 3rd, 101 Lighthouse pond 5th, 30+ Lily Lake 7th, 2 the Meadows 8th and several hundred Brigantine and Jamaica Bay 9th.
Eurasian WigeonA.penelope
A male we thought we'd found at Lighthouse pond on 3rd and 5th was a returning wintering bird.
PintailA.acuta A single on Lighthouse pond 3rd and many hundreds/thousands Brigantine 9th though distant.
ShovelerA.clypeata
Four the Meadows 2nd then 3 - 6 Lily Lake/Lighthouse pond 3rd, 7th and 8th and many at Brigantine and Jamaica Bay 9th.
Blue-winged TealA.discors
A single on Lighthouse pond and 4 Lily Lake 3rd, 2 Lily Lake 7th and although only 5 were identified at Brigantine there were likely to be far more present amongst the green-wingeds 9th. All were in female/eclipse plumage.
Green-winged TealA.(crecca) carolinensis
Four the Meadows 2nd, c30 Lighthouse pond 3rd (where present all week), 15 offshore at Stone Harbour 6th, 1000+ Brigantine and several hundred Jamaica Bay both 9th.
Ruddy DuckOxyura jamaicensis.
A single Lily Lake 3rd and 5th, 1 the Meadows 8th, 3 Brigantine and 210 Jamaica Bay 9th.
Wood DuckAix sponsa
A single flew over the fields at Higbees 5th, a pair were briefly on Lily Lake 7th and 1 the Meadows 8th.
Greater ScaupAythya marila
Three Jamaica Bay 9th. No diving duck were recorded offshore at Brigantine probably due to strong winds.
Black ScoterMelanitta nigra americana
180 flying past Stone Harbour 4th with c100 past there 6th, c100 M.nigra/perspicillata very distantly past CM beach 7th with c100 nigra past CM beach 8th.
Surf ScoterM.perspicillata
Three past Stone Harbour 4th with c100 past there 6th and c100 nigra/perspicillata past CM beach distantly 7th and 1 past CM beach 8th.
Raptors Raptor passage over CMP was particularly strong over the first four days peaking on the 5th. Visits were made to the raptor watch on 3rd 11.00 - 13.50hrs and 5th 15.00 - 15.30hrs hence most of the following totals were noted whilst birding generally and do not reflect the actual numbers of birds passing overhead. Day totals from the raptor watch whilst we were there were Osprey c250, Peregrine 250+, Bald Eagle 28, Cooper's c1,000 and Sharp-shinned several thousand.
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura
Seen daily in small numbers but 35+ passed over CMP 3rd.
Black VultureCoragyps atratus
Eight flew over Lighthouse pond CMP 3rd.
Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus
A juvenile passed over CMP raptor watch 3rd, an adult was at the salt marshes near Stone Harbour 4th, an adult over the raptor watch CMP 5th, a juvenile was over Hidden Valley 6th, a juvenile over Higbees and an immature over Hidden Valley 7th and an adult at Brigantine 9th completed a great week for seeing this species.
Northern HarrierCircus cyaneus hudsonius
Birds were seen regularly throughout the trip and at most sites with a max of c20 5th passing over CMP/Higbees/ Hidden Valley. Most appeared to be immatures with single adult males past CMP 3rd and over the Beanery 7th.
Sharp-shinned HawkAccipiter striatus
Seen daily, especially in the first few days when large numbers were passing over CMP/Higbees/ Hidden Valley. It's hard to estimate how many were seen but peak counts were of 120+ 3rd and 100+ 5th.
Cooper's HawkA.cooperii
Often seen over head much as striatus though in smaller numbers. Peaks of 60+ were noted over CMP/Higbees/ Hidden Valley 3rd and 5th.
Broad-winged Hawk Buteo platypterus
Two were over the raptor watch at CMP 3rd with 5 over there 5th, 2 over Higbees 6th and 4 Higbees/CMP 7th.
Red-tailed Hawk B.jamaicensis
Seen in small numbers daily, except for 4th, with a peak of 7 3rd.
OspreyPandion haliaetus
Seen daily and from all sites with peaks of 30+ on both 3rd and 5th and up to 10 on other days.
American Kestrel Falco sparverius
15 3rd, 15+ 5th were the peak counts over CMP/Higbees/Hidden Valley followed by 2 6th, 4 7th and 5 8th.
MerlinF.columbarius
Peak movement was on 5th with 30+, 1 - 4 were seen daily 2nd - 4th and 6th - 8th.
PeregrineF.peregrinus
25+ passed over CMP raptor watch 3rd then 1 4th, 2 5th, 1 6th and 2 9th.
SoraPorzana carolina
A juvenile showed extremely well down to c10ft at Lighthouse pond 3rd.
American CootFulica americana
A single at the Meadows 2nd and 3 Jamaica Bay 9th were the only records.
American Oystercatcher Haematopus paliatus
150+ Stone Harbour 4th with a high tide roost of 200 there 6th.
Semi-palmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus
c70 Stone Harbour 4th and 3 there 6th.
KilldeerC.vociferus
Eighteen were noted calling as they flew over Hidden Valley 5th before appearing to land in a ploughed field opposite (BJR, TE). Amazingly this was the only record during the trip.
Grey Plover (Black-bellied Plover) Pluvialis squatarola
400+ was a conservative estimate at Stone Harbour 4th with 1000+ estimated there 6th and several thousand at Brigantine 9th.
Marbled GodwitLimosa fedoa
A single was at Stone Harbour 4th with 5 there 6th and a single at Jamaica Bay 9th.
Hudsonian Godwit L.haemastica
A single, probable juvenile, was seen in flight and distantly on the ground at Brigantine 9th. Unfortunately, it soon flew into a very large distant flock of waders and couldn't be picked out.
WilletCatoptrophorus semipalmatus
c30 were seen at Stone Harbour on both 4th and 6th.
Greater YellowlegsTringa melanoleuca
c80 were on roadside pools near Stone Harbour and Nummy's Island 4th with 2 there 6th, 3 Lily Lake 7th, several thousand Brigantine and 20+ Jamaica Bay 9th.
Lesser YellowlegsT.flavipes
A single with melanoleuca on pools adjacent to the Wetlands Institute Stone Harbour 4th, Two at Lighthouse pond 5th, 4 over and 1 on the Meadows 7th, several hundred Brigantine and 2 Jamaica Bay 9th.
Solitary SandpiperT solitaria
A single on Lily Lake 3rd and 6th with 2 at Cold Springs Campsite CM 7th.
Short-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus griseus griseus/hendersoni
50+ Stone Harbour 4th with 50 dowitcher sp. there 6th, many hundreds of unidentified dowitchers Brigantine and 15+ griseus/hendersoni Jamaica Bay 9th.
Long-billed Dowitcher L.scolopaceus
A flock of unidentified dowitchers, though probably mostly griseus, at Stone Harbour 6th then 30+ identified scolopaceus at Brigantine 9th as well as many hundreds of unidentified birds.
Stilt Sandpiper Calidris himantopus
A single at the pools adjacent to the Wetlands Research Institute 4th was the only record
Red KnotC.canutus
c200 were at Stone Harbour 4th and c400 there and Nummy's Island 6th
DunlinC.alpina hudsonia
Two along CM beach with sanderling 2nd and 3rd, c200 Stone Harbour area 4th with c400 there 6th and several hundred Brigantine 9th. All birds were noted as being particularly long billed and large in size cf. races regularly seen in western Europe.
SanderlingC.alba
c35 CM beach 2nd with c20 there 3rd, c350 Stone Harbour 4th, 10+ CM beach 5th, c480 Stone Harbour 6th including two leg-flagged birds, a single CM beach 7th and c30 there 8th.
Semi-palmated SandpiperC.pusilla
c50 "peeps" at Stone Harbour 4th were considered to be mostly pusilla though it is highly likely that mauri were also present, c200 also at Stone Harbour 6th and several hundred/thousand Brigantine 9th.
Western SandpiperC.mauri
A single bird at Stone Harbour 4th was noted as being particularly long billed and considered to be possibly of this species though it was too distant to note plumage details, 2 juveniles with retained upper scapulars were with a flock of pusilla at Stone Harbour 6th and a single juvenile probably of this species was seen briefly at Brigantine 9th.
Least Sandpiper C.minutilla
A single was on the Meadows at dusk 7th and 4 were at Brigantine 9th.
White-rumped Sandpiper C.fuscicollis
A single juvenile at Stone Harbour 6th and another single on the Meadows at dusk 7th.
Pectoral Sandpiper C.melanotus
Eight landed on the Meadows late evening 7th with a single touching down briefly there 8th.
Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres
Ten+ were at Stone Harbour 4th, 1 CM beach 5th and c15 Stone Harbour 6th.
Wilson's SnipeGallinago (gallinago) delicata
Three Brigantine 9th were the only records and were seen in flight only.
Laughing GullLarus atricilla
Seen daily at all coastal sites with a mixture of adult and immature plumages, some birds appearing to still show some juvenile feathers. Max 200+ Stone Harbour area.
Ring-billed Gull L.delawarensis
Seen daily except for 5th, when mostly looking for passerines, in small loosely scattered flocks upto c20. Adults and all immature plumages seen including birds showing a lot of juvenile feathering.
Herring GullL.argentatus smithsonianus
Seen daily at all coastal sites in flocks upto 100+. First winters noted as being particularly large and smoothly dark (especially on the underparts) cf. argenteus/argentatus.
Lesser black-backed GullL.fuscus
A single first winter was on the beach at Stone Harbour 4th standing out from nearby smithsonianus by its very small size, slight structure, long primary projection beyond the tail, more sharply defined and more extensive pale feather edging and the white mottled bases to the retrices in flight.
Great black-backed Gull L.marinus
Seen daily at all coastal locations with max 200+ Stone Harbour 6th.
Common TernSterna hirundo
c60 Stone Harbour 4th, 3 off CMP 5th and c10 Stone Harbour 6th.
Forster's TernS.forsteri
A single on CM beach 2nd, c300 Stone Harbour 4th and 6th with 50+ off CMP 5th and 30+ CM beach 8th.
Royal TernS.maxima
150 CM beach roost 2nd was the maximum day count then seen daily, until 8th, at the coast including many juvenile/first winters.
Caspian TernS.caspia
60 were at Stone Harbour 4th with 20+ there 6th and 1 at CM beach 8th.
Black SkimmerRynchops niger
Seen only from CM beach but on each evening this site was visited. c50, including a few juveniles, were roosting on the beach 2nd and the peak count was 93 flying past 2nd Avenue Jetty 4th.
Rock DoveColumba livia
Seen daily particularly around towns
Mourning DoveZenaida macroura
Seen daily, except 2nd, mostly around farmland with max 50+ 5th.
Yellow-billed CuckooCoccyzus americanu
A single in woodland at Hidden Valley 6th and 2 Higbees 7th.
Black-billed Cuckoo C.erythropthalmus
A single low in a hedge Higbees 7th (BJR).
Chimney SwiftChaetura pelagicus
Two separate singles over Higbees 6th (BJR, TE).
Belted KingfisherCeryle alcyon
1 CMP 3rd, 3 Stone Harbour area 4th, 2 Stone Harbour/Nummy's 6th, 3 CMP 7th and 1 Cold Springs Campsite 8th.
Red-bellied WoodpeckerMelanerpes carolinus
2 Higbees 3rd, 5 Higbees/Hidden Valley 6th, 2 Higbees/Beanery 7th, 8 Higbees/Hidden Valley 8th.
Yellow-shafted FlickerColaptes auratus
Seen daily except first evening and last day at Brigantine/Jamaica Bay otherwise ubiquitous in gardens, parks, coastal scrub at Stone Harbour and especially Higbees, Hidden Valley and Beanery. 70+ 3rd, 22 4th, 100+ 5th, 80 6th, 20+7th and 40 8th.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius
Four Higbees 6th, 1 on roundabout near Lily Lake 7th, 1 Higbees 8th and 1 Brigantine woods 9th.
Downy WoodpeckerPicoides pubescens
Three Hidden Valley woodland 6th, 2 Beanery 7th, 9 Higbees/Cold Springs Campsite 8th and 1 Brigantine woods 9th.
Hairy WoodpeckerP.villosus
Two Hidden Valley woods 6th and 1 Higbees 8th.
Eastern Wood-peweeContopus virens
A single at Higbees 5th and 6th, 2 Higbees 7th and 4 Higbees/Cold Springs Campsite 8th.
Eastern Phoebe Sayornis phoebe
Seen daily 3rd - 8th mostly Higbees/Hidden Valley but also in coastal scrub at Stone Harbour. 6 3rd, 1 4th, 8 5th, 9 6th, 8 7th and 8th.
Least FlycatcherEmpidonax minimus
A single at Higbees 7th was the only specifically identified empid of the trip (SR).
Empidonax sp.
Unidentified empids were a single at Higbees 3rd and 3 there 7th.
Tree SwallowTachycineta bicolor
Large numbers were seen almost daily. c200 over the raptor watch 3rd, c300 over CMP 5th, a single flock of c2000 at the car-park at Stone Harbour 6th, c10 over the Beanery 7th, c300 over CMP 8th and c100 Brigantine 9th.
Bank SwallowRiparia riparia
A single over the Lighthouse pond CMP 6th was the only record.
Barn SwallowHirundo rustica
5 over Hidden Valley 5th with 4 there 6th and a single 8th.
Blue JayCyanocitta cristata
Seen daily in gardens, scrubland, woodland and hedges generally being very noisy. Peak count 35+ 3rd.
American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos
Seen daily in all habitats.
Fish CrowC.ossifragus
Three probables were at Brigantine 9th.
Tufted TitmouseParus bicolor
Seen mostly at Higbees with 3 5th - 7th, 6 8th and 2 Brigantine woods 9th.
Black-capped Chickadee P.atricapillus
Two were outside the Avis car hire office at JFK airport 2nd (TE).
Carolina Chickadee P.carolinensis
Seen daily in woodland, gardens and scrub CMP 3rd - 9th, max 6 8th.
Brown CreeperCerthia americana
A single was in woods at Hidden Valley 6th and another at Cold Springs Campsite 8th.
White-breasted NuthatchSitta carolinensis
A single in the car-park at Higbees and 3 in Hidden Valley woods 6th, 1 7th, 1 Hidden Valley 8th and 1 Brigantine woods 9th.
Red-breasted NuthatchS.canadensis
A single in the streets near Lily Lake 5th, 2 Higbees 6th, 3 Higbees 7th and 13 mostly Higbees and Cold Springs Campsite 8th.
House WrenTroglodytes aedon
A single Higbees 4th, 1 Higbees 5th, 4 Higbees 6th, 2 Higbees/Beanery 7th and 1 Higbees 8th.
Winter Wren T.troglodytes
A single was at Higbees 6th (SR)
Carolina Wren Thryothorus ludovicianus
Seen daily 3rd - 8th mostly Higbees though also in gardens CMP. Max 5 3rd and 8th.
Marsh WrenCistothorus palustris
A single was at Higbees 6th (BJR).
Golden-crowned Kinglet Regulus satrapa
The more numerous of the two kinglets on the trip; 4 Higbees 4th, c15 there 6th, and 11 7th, 18 Higbees/Hidden Valley/Cold Springs Campsite 8th and 3 Brigantine woods 9th.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet R.calendula
As with satrapa most commonly seen at Higbees in hedges or predominantly pine woodlands, 2 Higbees 4th, 2 there 5th and c10 6th, 7 Higbees/Beanery 7th and 3 Higbees/Hidden Valley 8th.
Blue-grey GnatcatcherPolioptila caerulea
Singles were at Higbees 3rd and 4th, CMP gardens 5th, 2 Higbees 7th with a single there 8th.
Wood ThrushHylocichla mustelina
A single was in coastal scrub at Stone Harbour 4th (BJR).
American RobinTurdus migratorius
Fewer than expected overall; 3 Higbees 3rd, c10 in a garden in Cape May 4th, 3 Higbees 6th with 7 there 7th and 4 Higbees/Hidden Valley/Cold Springs Campsite 8th.
Grey Catbird Dumetella carolinensis
Seen daily in gardens and any available hedge 3rd - 8th with max 50+ around Higbees 5th.
Northern MockingbirdMimus polyglottos
Seen daily 2nd - 9th, though less numerous than D.carolinensis ,found in more diverse habitats; max 25+ 6th.
Brown ThrasherToxostoma rufum
Far less numerous or widespread than the previous two species noted primarily at Higbees; 3 3rd, 1 4th, 4 6th, 3 7th, and 6 8th Higbees/CMP gardens.
Buff-bellied PipitAnthus rubescens
A single at Brigantine 9th was the only record.
Cedar WaxwingBombycilla cedrorum
70 Higbees 6th, 56 Higbees/Beanery 7th and 85 Higbees/Hidden Valley 8th.
StarlingSturnus vulgaris
Seen daily in most habitats.
White-eyed VireoVireo griseus
Single first winters were at Higbees 7th (BJR) and 8th (TE).
Blue-headed VireoV.solitarius
Two were at Higbees 6th and 7th with 3 there and 1 Cold Springs Campsite 8th and 1 Brigantine woods 9th.
Red-eyed VireoV.olivaceus
Seen mostly at Higbees but also Hidden Valley and Beanery 1 3rd, 6 5th, 5 6th, 3 7th and 8th.
Warbling Vireo V.gilvus
A single at Higbees 3rd with a possible seen too briefly there 7th.
Philadelphia Vireo V.philadelphicus
A single was seen well at Hidden Valley woods 6th.
Nashville Warbler Vermivora ruficapilla
Singles Higbees 4th and 5th, 2 Higbees 6th, 1 Beanery 7th and 1 Hidden Valley 8th.
Northern Parula Parula americana
Seen only at Higbees with 4 5th, 10 6th, 5 7th and 3 8th.
Black and white WarblerMniotilta varia
Seen at most CMP sites with 1 3rd, 1 4th, 5 5th, 4 6th, 3 7th, 5 8th and 1 Brigantine 9th.
Black-throated Blue Warbler Dendroica caerulescens
Seen regularly at CMP sites most regularly in woodland 3 3rd, 2 4th, 2 5th, 7 6th, 9 7th and 4 8th.
Black-throated Green WarblerD.virens
Singles were at Higbees and Hidden Valley 6th, Higbees and Beanery 7th.
Blackburnian WarblerD.fusca
A single at Higbees 5th was the only record (TE).
Cape May Warbler D.tigrina
Two were together in a garden near Lily Lake 5th.
Magnolia WarblerD.magnolia
Three were at Higbees 5th.
Myrtle Warbler D.coronata
Seen daily from 4th, by far the most numerous and widespread warbler. 13 4th, 44 5th, 105+ 6th, 70+ 7th, c100 8th and 4 9th Brigantine and Jamaica Bay
Prairie Warbler D.discolor
A single Higbees 3rd and 5th, 4 Higbees 7th and 2 there 8th.
Blackpoll WarblerD.striata
Seen daily 4th - 9th. A single on the beach at Stone Harbour 4th, 17 CMP 5th, 15 Higbees 6th, 26 Higbees/Beanery 7th, 10 Higbees/Cold Springs 8th including 1 picked up moribund on the road at Beanery and 1 Brigantine 9th.
Pine Warbler D.pinus
Two Beanery 7th including a heavily streaked bird and 2 more were at Higbees 8th.
Palm WarblerD.palmarum
The second most numerous warbler after D.coronata. A single was in gardens at CMP 3rd followed by 2 (or possibly 4) in beach side scrub at Stone Harbour 4th. c122 were feeding mostly in ground vegetation at Higbees 5th, 61 Higbees/Hidden Valley 6th, 49 Higbees/Beanery/Meadows 7th, 7 Higbees/Meadows 8th and 2 Brigantine 9th.
Yellow WarblerD.petechia
A single late bird was in beach side scrub at Stone Harbour 4th (TE, BJR).
Conneticut WarblerOporornis agilis
A single was walking through leaf litter at the side of a path at Higbees 7th (TE, BJR).
Wilson's WarblerWilsonia pusilla
Singles Higbees 3rd, 4th and 7th with another coming to drink at the Cold Springs Campsite pond 8th.
OvenbirdSeiurus aurocapillus
A single was seen briefly at Higbees 4th (BJR).
Common YellowthroatGeothlypis trichas
The third most numerous warbler, seen in all habitats and daily 2nd - 9th. 3 The Meadows 2nd, 25+ 3rd, c12 4th, c83 5th, 22 6th, 34 7th, 22 8th and 3 9th.
Yellow-breasted ChatIcteria virens
Singles were elusive at Higbees 3rd, 6th and 8th (SR,TE).
American RedstartSetophaga ruticilla
Seen only at Higbees 3 5th, 1 6th, 3 7th and 1 8th.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus
Eight Higbees 6th with 3 there 7th were the only records (TE, BJR).
Northern CardinalCardinalis cardinalis
Seen daily and ubiquitous in gardens, hedges and woodlands 3rd - 8th. 5+ 3rd, 5 4th, 30+ 5th, 20+ 6th, 10 7th and 10 8th.
Indigo BuntingPasserina cyanea
Numerous at most CMP sites. 1 Higbees 3rd, 10+ 4th, 50+ 5th, 15 6th, 18 7th and 12 8th.
Eastern TowheePipilio (erythrophthalmus) erythrophthalmus
Seen only at Higbees with singles on 4th and 7th with 3 females and a male there 8th.
Savannah SparrowPasserculus sandwhichensis
Two in beach side scrub Stone Harbour 4th and 6th with 50+ Brigantine 9th.
Song SparrowMelospiza melodia
The most numerous and widespread sparrow of the trip seen daily 4th - 9th in most habitats. 13 4th, 4 5th, 70+ 6th, 90+ 7th, 20 8th and 3 9th.
Swamp Sparrow M.georgiana
The second most numerous sparrow after M.melodia and found in coastal scrub as well as CMP. 2 4th, 5 5th, 30+ 6th, c35 7th, c80 8th and 4 9th.
Field SparrowSpizella pusilla
Quite numerous at Higbees/Hidden Valley 13 3rd, 11 4th, 30+ 5th, 25 6th, 3 7th and 14 8th.
Chipping SparrowS.passerina
Three Hidden Valley 5th with 2 there 6th and 2 Jamaica Bay 9th.
Clay-coloured SparrowS.pallida
A single out of range bird was at Hidden Valley 5th and 6th.
Slate-coloured JuncoJunco hyemalis hyemalis
Seen only at Higbees with singles on 5th and 6th and 3 7th.
White-throated Sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis
Numerous particularly at Higbees 4 4th, c15 5th, 25 6th, 19 7th and 10 8th.
White-crowned Sparrow Z.leucophrys
A single first winter was at Higbees 7th (BJR).
BobolinkDolichonyx oryzivorus
Two were in fields at Hidden Valley 5th, one showing particularly well (BJR, TE).
Eastern MeadowlarkSturnella magna
Singles flew over Higbees and the cross-roads of Bayshore and New England roads 8th.
Red-winged BlackbirdAgelaius phoeniceus
Seen daily 3rd - 9th though in quite small numbers max 30.
Common GrackleQuiscalus quiscula
Three Stone Harbour 4th and a single there 6th, 7 CMP 8th.
Boat-tailed GrackleQ.major
Singles were at Stone Harbour 4th and Brigantine 9th.
Baltimore OrioleIcterus galbula
A single was at the Beanery 7th, 2 Higbees and 2 Cold Springs 8th.
Scarlet Tanager Piranga olivacea
Two tanagers seen at Higbees 6th could not be specifically identified P.olivacea/rubra. A female/imm. olivacea was feeding on berries at The Beanery 7th.
House Sparrow Passer domesticus
Seen daily around habitation.
American GoldfinchCarduelis tristis
Forty five Higbees 6th, c20 Higbees 7th with a single near Lily Lake the same day and 56 Higbees 8th.
House Finch Carpodacus mexicanus
A single was in gardens near Lily Lake 3rd, 4 Stone Harbour 4th, 5 CMP 5th, and singles 6th, 7th and 8th.
