Cumberland County AWS Field Trip Report – 3/15/2008

Chris Herz & Jean Gutsmuth, leaders

East Point Lighthouse, our first stop, greeted us with cold, gusty winds. Quick scans of the bay found a small flock of Dunlin. Without much to see and wanting to get out of the wind, our group next headed to Heislerville. Our first bird might only have been seen by the first car and was a swiftly flying Peregrine falcon. A couple stops along the dike allowed us to see a variety of ducks including Green-winged teal, American widgeon, Shoveler, Pintail, and Black Duck. In the open area of the dike we spotted one of our sought-after birds, an adult Bald eagle. It was not alone, and an immature was sitting not far from it. Both were sitting on a mud flat and with a scope all enjoyed excellent looks. At the same stop we also spied a group of Canvasback ducks and Ruddy ducks. Upon completing our tour of the dike, we headed towards Bi-Valve. Eating lunch in our cars parked along the docks we spied another Eagle flying high. Walking out onto the walkway we had numerous Snow geese. It was low tide, so most of the birds were far off. After scanning most of the area we left and headed to Dividing Creek area. Birds were elusive here but we located a Red-tailed Hawk and a Yellow-rumped warbler. Realizing it was nearly time to head home, we stopped by a known eagle’s nest site. At first, no Eagles were seen on the nest, but luckily we waited and were rewarded by spotting a pair near the nest. Soon one landed on the nest with the second perched closeby. This pair was a fitting conclusion to a good birding outing. 57 species were counted for the day.

Complete List: