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Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)

BRANT (ATLANTIC) (Branta bernicla hrota)

CANADA GOOSE (Branta canadensis)

Common.

MUTE SWAN (Cygnus olor) [I]

This exotic species was seen regularly on freshwater around Cape May Point.

WOOD DUCK (Aix sponsa)

Only one found as it flew out of the wet woods at Cox Hall Creek WMA.

BLUE-WINGED TEAL (Spatula discors)

We saw a pair at the Meadows on a few different occasions.

GADWALL (Mareca strepera)

A few sightings of this dabbling duck in the Meadows.

MALLARD (Anas platyrhynchos)

Common and widespread.

AMERICAN BLACK DUCK (Anas rubripes)

Far less common in the breeding season than Mallard; our largest numbers were around Jarvis Sound during our boat trip.

LONG-TAILED DUCK (Clangula hyemalis)

A lingering bird was a surprise along a rock jetty at Stone Harbor Point. Common in winter, the species is decidedly rare here in May.

RED-BREASTED MERGANSER (Mergus serrator)

A male was paddling around Cape May Harbor during our boat trip.

Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies)

WILD TURKEY (Meleagris gallopavo)

One was at Belleplain SF.

Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)

ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]

Common around towns.

MOURNING DOVE (Zenaida macroura)

Common.

Cuculidae (Cuckoos)

YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO (Coccyzus americanus)

After hearing a few calling, we tracked one down for some nice views in the canopy at Belleplain SF.

BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO (Coccyzus erythropthalmus)

Two encounters of this scarce migrant - the first was a brief sighting in the dunes at Cape May Point SP; later, we saw one very well as it sat motionless next to a tent caterpillar "tent" at St. Peter's dune crossing.

Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)

COMMON NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles minor)

The day-roosting bird we saw at the Beanery was spectacular. Scope-filling views!

Apodidae (Swifts)

CHIMNEY SWIFT (Chaetura pelagica)

We saw these remarkable aerialists on every day of the tour.

Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)

RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (Archilochus colubris)

Several sightings of this species, the only regular spring hummingbird in the East.

Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)

CLAPPER RAIL (Rallus crepitans)

We heard these big rails several times from saltmarsh habitats.

Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)

AMERICAN AVOCET (Recurvirostra americana)

Two were a rare treat at the "dogleg" along the wildlife drive at Forsythe NWR.

Haematopodidae (Oystercatchers)

AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER (Haematopus palliatus)

These big shorebirds were seen frequently along the beaches and saltmarshes along the Atlantic side of the peninsula.

Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)

BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER (Pluvialis squatarola)

These stocky plovers were found on several occasions in the marshes; our biggest numbers were in a flock in Jarvis Sound during the boat trip.

SEMIPALMATED PLOVER (Charadrius semipalmatus)

Fairly common migrants on mudflats and in saltmarshes.

PIPING PLOVER (Charadrius melodus)

We found one of these rare ghostly shorebirds on the beach at Stone Harbor Point.

KILLDEER (Charadrius vociferus)

Seen most days.

Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)

WHIMBREL (Numenius phaeopus)

Plenty were in the back bays during our boat trip.

RUDDY TURNSTONE (Arenaria interpres)

A common migrant along the Delaware Bayshore beaches.

RED KNOT (Calidris canutus)

We found flocks of about 250 and 550 birds feeding and resting at Cooks Beach during our visit to check on the horseshoe crab spawning activity. The Delaware Bayshore is a critical stopover site for this species.

CURLEW SANDPIPER (Calidris ferruginea)

WOW! This Eurasian vagrant was a real surprise at Forsythe NWR. We were watching some close White-rumped Sandpipers when a striking sandpiper with a droopy bill walked out from behind some vegetation. Game on! This drab female ended up sticking around the area for over a week, allowing many excited birders to follow up on our sighting.

SANDERLING (Calidris alba)

Common as a migrant within the throngs of shorebirds along Delaware Bay. We saw a wide variety of plumage colors.

DUNLIN (Calidris alpina)

These were the rusty-backed, black-bellied sandpipers that we saw commonly along Delaware Bay.

PURPLE SANDPIPER (Calidris maritima)

We had a few sightings of this High Arctic breeder on the rock jetties along the Atlantic side of the peninsula. They were starting to get some splotchy breeding plumage.

LEAST SANDPIPER (Calidris minutilla)

A common small peep that we found repeatedly along muddy marsh edges.

WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER (Calidris fuscicollis)

Four offered very close views of their peculiar "sipping" feeding behavior along the wildlife drive at Forsythe NWR (right next to the show-stopping Curlew Sandpiper).

SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER (Calidris pusilla)

The most common peep that we found, with the largest numbers along the Delaware Bayshore.

SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER (Limnodromus griseus)

These medium-sized shorebirds were feeding with rapid stitching motions in the marshes of Forsythe NWR and a few other sites, too.

SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius)

Peet, peet! These familiar tail-bobbers were seen frequently at the Meadows and other wetland sites.

SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria)

Great views at the Meadows.

GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca)

The big yellowlegs with the upswept bill and the strident voice; seen several times.

WILLET (EASTERN) (Tringa semipalmata semipalmata)

A common sight and sound of the saltmarshes of Cape May and Forsythe NWR.

LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes)

Seen regularly at the Meadows, among other sites.

Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)

BONAPARTE'S GULL (Chroicocephalus philadelphia)

Up to 3 immature birds lingered around Cape Island during our visit, with a few sightings at the Meadows.

BLACK-HEADED GULL (Chroicocephalus ridibundus)

We saw a continuing immature bird at some distance near the Cape May-Lewes ferry terminal. This Eurasian species is a rare winter visitor to the area and is quite unexpected in the month of May.

LAUGHING GULL (Leucophaeus atricilla)

Seen and heard in abundance on every day of the trip. Ubiquitous in Cape May in May!

RING-BILLED GULL (Larus delawarensis)

We found six stragglers in the gull and tern flocks at Forsythe NWR. Though common in winter, this species becomes locally scarce during the summer months.

HERRING GULL (Larus argentatus)

The common large gull with the pale gray back. Seen in numbers every day.

LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Larus fuscus)

We saw immature birds on two occasions on the beaches of Cape May.

GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (Larus marinus)

The large, stocky gull with the dark back and severe "look". Lots at Stone Harbor.

LEAST TERN (Sternula antillarum)

These small terns showed nicely along the outer beaches. We had great views of two on a floating barrel in Cape May Harbor at the end of our boat trip.

GULL-BILLED TERN (Gelochelidon nilotica)

These odd, long-winged terns were a feature of our trip around the wildlife drive at Forsythe NWR.

CASPIAN TERN (Hydroprogne caspia)

Several at Forsythe NWR - the world's largest tern.

COMMON TERN (Sterna hirundo)

Less common than usual this spring, but we did have some good views and comparisons with Forster's Terns during our boat trip.

FORSTER'S TERN (Sterna forsteri)

The most common tern of the week - these silver-winged, long-tailed beauties were seen constantly along the beaches and marshes of the peninsula.

BLACK SKIMMER (Rynchops niger)

Plenty were roosting with gulls and terns in the impoundments at Forsythe NWR.

Gaviidae (Loons)

COMMON LOON (Gavia immer)

We saw some flyover migrants at Cape May Point, and had two others in the Jarvis Sound area during our boat trip.

Sulidae (Boobies and Gannets)

NORTHERN GANNET (Morus bassanus)

A few distant sightings off Cape May Point during one of our seawatches.

Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)

DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax auritus)

The common cormorant of Cape May - seen every day.

Pelecanidae (Pelicans)

BROWN PELICAN (Pelecanus occidentalis)

Two were cruising the waters off Cape May Point. This is an uncommon but increasing visitor.

Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)

GREAT BLUE HERON (Ardea herodias)

Just a few sightings - these big, widespread herons don't breed at Cape May, and May/ June is perhaps the low point in the year for their abundance here.

GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba) [N]

Common; spectacular breeding plumes were in evidence at the Ocean City colony.

SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)

The common smaller white egret.

LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)

This southern wader was seen in the saltmarsh near Wetlands Institute.

TRICOLORED HERON (Egretta tricolor)

Another uncommon southern heron, with a few sightings between our boat trip and other visits to the Atlantic salt marshes.

GREEN HERON (Butorides virescens) [N]

Great views of a nesting pair on their stick nest in Stone Harbor.

BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax) [N]

Plenty were in evidence at the Ocean City colony.

YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nyctanassa violacea) [N]

These stunning herons were probably the aesthetic highlight of our visit to the Ocean City colony - great to look down into their stick nests.

Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)

WHITE IBIS (Eudocimus albus) [N]

Surprise! This species went from rarity to established breeder in just two years! We saw 10 in the dunes at Avalon, and then about 65 birds at the Ocean City colony. 2020 was the first year this species bred in New Jersey, and they increased their growing toehold in the state in 2021.

GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus) [N]

Superb looks at the Ocean City colony (and at other stops along the way).

Cathartidae (New World Vultures)

BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)

A fairly common resident - the chunky, short-tailed vulture with the white wing patches.

TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)

Common; seen every day.

Pandionidae (Osprey)

OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus)

Cape May has a very high density of nesting Osprey, and we were fortunate to meet many of them on this trip. The boat trip was especially good for close views at nests.

Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)

NORTHERN HARRIER (Circus hudsonius)

A migrant circled high overhead while we were looking at an Acadian Flycatcher in Belleplain SF.

COOPER'S HAWK (Accipiter cooperii)

Just a few sightings of this species, our only breeding Accipiter.

BALD EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

Regular sightings of these big raptors, including the big nest along the Garden State Parkway.

BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus) [*]

We heard one of these forest hawks whistling from the forest near Belleplain SF, but couldn't spot it.

RED-TAILED HAWK (Buteo jamaicensis)

Just a couple of sightings of this normally common hawk; the cool, windy weather probably played a role.

Picidae (Woodpeckers)

RED-HEADED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes erythrocephalus)

A migrant flew over us on our first morning at Cape May Point SP; later, we visited a small breeding colony along the Delaware Bayshore.

RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes carolinus)

A common woodpecker of Cape May's woodlands (heard more often than seen).

DOWNY WOODPECKER (Dryobates pubescens)

The common small woodpecker.

HAIRY WOODPECKER (Dryobates villosus)

A few sightings of this medium-sized woodpecker in Belleplain SF and the Beanery.

Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)

MERLIN (Falco columbarius)

A ratty individual flew past us over Cape May Point SP.

PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus)

One flew by at the Ocean City Welcome Center. A few pairs nest in the Atlantic saltmarshes of Cape May County.

Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)

EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Contopus virens)

A fairly common woodland flycatcher, seen both as a migrant in Cape May Point and as a breeder at Belleplain SF.

ACADIAN FLYCATCHER (Empidonax virescens)

"PI-zza!" These forest Empidonax showed off nicely near the campground in Belleplain SF.

WILLOW FLYCATCHER (Empidonax traillii) [*]

Heard but not seen at Cape May Point SP.

EASTERN PHOEBE (Sayornis phoebe) [N]

Fairly common around buildings at Belleplain SF.

GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus crinitus)

These large flycatchers visited a nesting cavity at the Beanery.

EASTERN KINGBIRD (Tyrannus tyrannus)

The striking flycatcher with the white tail tip that we saw several times, including around Cape May Point and Higbee Beach.

Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)

WHITE-EYED VIREO (Vireo griseus)

Eventually, we all had nice views of this skulker in the woods at Belleplain SF.

BLUE-HEADED VIREO (Vireo solitarius)

One was a late spring migrant with a mixed flock at Cape May Point SP.

RED-EYED VIREO (Vireo olivaceus)

The very common vireo of the woods, primarily heard and seen in the northern part of Cape May County (Belleplain SF, for instance).

Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)

BLUE JAY (Cyanocitta cristata)

Regular sightings of this gorgeous and familiar Eastern bird.

AMERICAN CROW (Corvus brachyrhynchos)

Common, with plenty of opportunities to compare the voice to Fish Crow.

FISH CROW (Corvus ossifragus)

This is the common crow in most places we visited, though we were able to compare its small size, relatively pointed wings, and nasal voice to American Crow on several occasions.

Paridae (Tits, Chickadees, and Titmice)

CAROLINA CHICKADEE (Poecile carolinensis)

A common member of mixed woodland flocks.

TUFTED TITMOUSE (Baeolophus bicolor)

Several sightings in flocks at Cox Hall Creek, Belleplain SF, etc.

Hirundinidae (Swallows)

NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx serripennis)

Just a few of these brown swallows were seen loping around the dunes of Cape May Point.

PURPLE MARTIN (Progne subis) [N]

The colony at Cape May Point SP provided some excellent entertainment for us at breakfast time.

TREE SWALLOW (Tachycineta bicolor) [N]

Close-up views of the pairs nesting in the boxes at Cape May Point SP.

BANK SWALLOW (Riparia riparia)

Flocks were sizzling overhead along the wildlife drive at Forsythe NWR.

BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)

Common during our week in the field - probably a mix of breeders and migrants.

Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)

BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER (Polioptila caerulea)

A common breeder in the northern part of Cape May County; plenty of good views around Belleplain SF.

Troglodytidae (Wrens)

HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)

Mostly heard singing, with a few looks around Cape Island.

MARSH WREN (Cistothorus palustris)

We heard these small chattery wrens singing from cattail and Phragmites marshes.

CAROLINA WREN (Thryothorus ludovicianus)

One of the common voices in the Cape May soundscape - and we saw these garrulous birds, too.

Sturnidae (Starlings)

EUROPEAN STARLING (Sturnus vulgaris) [I]

Abundant around towns.

Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)

GRAY CATBIRD (Dumetella carolinensis)

These skulky mimids were seen and heard regularly in thickets and at forest edges.

BROWN THRASHER (Toxostoma rufum)

A few sightings of these very handsome, rusty brown songbirds with the cheery songs and the long tails.

NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus polyglottos)

Common in most habitats we visited.

Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)

EASTERN BLUEBIRD (Sialia sialis)

A few sightings - the species is an uncommon breeder in the northern part of Cape May County.

VEERY (Catharus fuscescens)

A few looks in mixed flocks at Belleplain SF.

GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH (Catharus minimus) [*]

One sang softly from the edge of Lake Nummy at Belleplain SF, but we were unable to see the bird.

SWAINSON'S THRUSH (Catharus ustulatus)

At least one decent look at the buffy spectacles on one of these spot-chested thrushes in the forest at Belleplain SF.

WOOD THRUSH (Hylocichla mustelina)

Super looks at this beautiful thrush with the haunting, flute-like voice.

AMERICAN ROBIN (Turdus migratorius)

Common and widespread.

Bombycillidae (Waxwings)

CEDAR WAXWING (Bombycilla cedrorum)

Just a few sightings - at Cape May Point and also at Cox Hall Creek.

Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)

HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) [I]

Abundant in towns.

Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)

HOUSE FINCH (Haemorhous mexicanus) [I]

A fairly common songbird, especially around human habitation.

AMERICAN GOLDFINCH (Spinus tristis)

Seen regularly.

Passerellidae (New World Sparrows)

CHIPPING SPARROW (Spizella passerina)

A few sightings of this widespread triller, including at Belleplain SF and Forsythe NWR.

FIELD SPARROW (Spizella pusilla)

Our best looks were of a pair of birds foraging near the plover ponds at Cape May Point SP.

WHITE-THROATED SPARROW (Zonotrichia albicollis)

A few lingering migrants were still around. In particular, one posed nicely along the path at Stone Harbor Point.

SEASIDE SPARROW (Ammospiza maritima)

Seen a few times; our highest numbers were singing in the saltmarshes around Cooks Beach and at Forsythe NWR.

SALTMARSH SPARROW (Ammospiza caudacuta)

A couple made brief appearances along the wildlife drive at Forsythe NWR.

SAVANNAH SPARROW (Passerculus sandwichensis)

A few migrants posed for us throughout the week - one was out of habitat in the wading bird colony at Ocean City Welcome Center, and others were at the Meadows and Forsythe NWR.

SONG SPARROW (Melospiza melodia)

A common sight and sound during our walks.

EASTERN TOWHEE (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) [*]

One was heard but not seen.

Icteriidae (Yellow-breasted Chat)

YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT (Icteria virens)

We tracked down a handsome singing bird in the back of Cape May Point SP.

Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)

BOBOLINK (Dolichonyx oryzivorus)

One flew over us on the first morning at Cape May Point; another posed along the wildlife drive at Forsythe NWR.

ORCHARD ORIOLE (Icterus spurius)

Just a few sightings of this slim oriole - at Conswell Road, Cape May Point, and Forsythe NWR.

BALTIMORE ORIOLE (Icterus galbula)

Our best looks were at Cape May Point and in Belleplain SF.

RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD (Agelaius phoeniceus)

Common in marshes and fields.

BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD (Molothrus ater)

Common; seen every day.

COMMON GRACKLE (Quiscalus quiscula)

Widespread; "Purple" Grackles are common as a breeding bird at Cape May.

BOAT-TAILED GRACKLE (Quiscalus major)

These large grackles are saltmarsh specialists in New Jersey and we found them regularly between Wildwood, Stone Harbor, and Forsythe NWR.

Parulidae (New World Warblers)

OVENBIRD (Seiurus aurocapilla)

This well-marked warbler posed beautifully for us on song perches at Belleplain SF.

WORM-EATING WARBLER (Helmitheros vermivorum)

A thriller of a triller! We enjoyed these stripe-headed warblers in the woods at Belleplain SF.

LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia motacilla)

One sashayed down the side of a streamside road at Belleplain SF.

NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia noveboracensis)

One was along the edge of Lily Lake in Cape May Point.

BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia)

A common breeder at Belleplain SF.

PROTHONOTARY WARBLER (Protonotaria citrea)

It took a bit of patience but we managed some nice views of the "Golden Swamp Warbler" in the wet woods at the Beanery.

COMMON YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis trichas)

A common warbler of fields and edge habitats.

AMERICAN REDSTART (Setophaga ruticilla)

We saw this distinctive, flashy warbler repeatedly, with a peak count of 9 at Higbee Beach.

CAPE MAY WARBLER (Setophaga tigrina)

Though named for Cape May, this warbler can be challenging to see well here; however, we had some splendid looks between the streets of West Cape May and the isolated trees at the Wetlands Institute, with several handsome males foraging and singing in the open. Fantastic!

NORTHERN PARULA (Setophaga americana)

Regular sightings of migrants, including striking males singing their ascending buzzy songs.

MAGNOLIA WARBLER (Setophaga magnolia)

We found migrants of this north woods breeding species on several occasions between Cape May Point and Belleplain SF.

BAY-BREASTED WARBLER (Setophaga castanea)

Our first singing male at Higbee Beach was exciting enough... and then we found four more males squeaking from the tall oaks in the back of Cape May Point SP. This species is an uncommon migrant and is always a treat to see well here in spring.

BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER (Setophaga fusca)

Strictly a migrant in Cape May - we found both males and females in the flowering oaks at Belleplain SF and Cape May Point.

YELLOW WARBLER (Setophaga petechia)

A common migrant and breeding species. We had some good encounters at Stone Harbor Point, the Wetlands Institute, and Cape May Point.

CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER (Setophaga pensylvanica)

The one that fed on insect larvae just over our heads in a sprawling oak at Cape May Point stands out as one of our warbler highlights for the week.

BLACKPOLL WARBLER (Setophaga striata)

Several sightings of this common boreal migrant at Higbee Beach, Cape May Point, and Belleplain SF, among other sites.

BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER (Setophaga caerulescens)

A male and a female put in brief appearances at Cox Hall Creek WMA; another showed up in the warbler flocks at Cape May Point SP on our last day of birding.

PINE WARBLER (Setophaga pinus)

Though their sweet trills rang out frequently through pine forests on the peninsula, these warblers were tricky to see this week. Fortunately, we caught some nice looks at Cape May Point SP and Belleplain SF.

YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER (Setophaga dominica)

Belleplain SF was home to many of these breathtaking warblers. The longer-billed subspecies that breeds here is able to forage effectively on insects hiding in bark and in clusters of pine needles.

PRAIRIE WARBLER (Setophaga discolor) [*]

Heard singing on our final morning at Cape May Point SP.

BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER (Setophaga virens)

Most of our sightings of this eastern warbler came from the redcedars and oaks of Cape May Point.

CANADA WARBLER (Cardellina canadensis)

A super male posed briefly before diving back into thick cover on our last morning at Cape May Point SP.

Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)

SCARLET TANAGER (Piranga olivacea)

A brilliant red-and-black male sang from the oak canopy at Belleplain SF.

NORTHERN CARDINAL (Cardinalis cardinalis)

Common; seen and heard frequently.

ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus ludovicianus)

We found a few migrants between Cape May Point SP and Belleplain SF.

BLUE GROSBEAK (Passerina caerulea)

Super views of a singing male near the back entrance to Cape May Point SP.

INDIGO BUNTING (Passerina cyanea)

Initially tough to see well due to chilly and windy conditions; however, we lucked out with about 14 birds, mostly males, during our walk at Higbee Beach. Fabulous!

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MAMMALS

EASTERN COTTONTAIL (Sylvilagus floridanus)

The only bunny around Cape May; seen almost every day.

EASTERN GRAY SQUIRREL (Sciurus carolinensis)

The common large squirrel here.

MUSKRAT (Ondatra zibethica)

A few nice sightings of these aquatic mammals swimming around the ponds of Cape May Point.

BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN (Tursiops truncatus)

The most common cetacean seen from shore at Cape May Point (where we saw ours).

WHITE-TAILED DEER (Odocoileus virginianus)

Just a couple of sightings; though this species is overpopulated in the northern part of New Jersey, they are somewhat scarce around the Cape May peninsula.

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Totals for the tour: 162 bird taxa and 5 mammal taxa