Cape May - New Jersey -RFI (1 Viewer)

C

CGK

Active member

• Apr 6, 2009

• #1

Hi all,

A group of us who visited Michigan - Pelee etc in May 2007 are planning a weeks birding in Cape May this coming September, we will be travelling from Philadelphia with a RV and plan to base ourselves in the Cape May area having a weeks general birding and taking in the spectacle of migration in this area. We do however have some 'target ' species and any site info on the following would be welcome..

Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow / Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow / Seaside Sparrow ... we have read this can be difficult ?, therefore where is the best site to look for these elusive sparrows and what is the best strategy ?

Clapper Rail ..as above site / strategy ?

How likely is Yellow-throated Warbler in mid -late september ?

Is Bicknell's thrush likely ?

Pelagics ?... is there a company / fisherman who could offer 'seabird' trips out of Cape May at this time ?

Cape May - Lewes ferry ...any good for seabirding ? and what species likely mid september ?

Any Great Horned Owl stakeouts in and around Cape May ?

Any information much appreciated and would be a welcome addition to our planning.

hanks in advance.

CGK - Northumberland UK.

 

jthoppes

spectacled spiderhunter

• Apr 8, 2009

• #2

Marsh sparrows... try Jake's Landing or Nummy's Island. Nelson's is a scarce migrant, but it's the right time of year.

Clapper rails: either of the above, or possibly Turkey Point below Dividing Creek. The rail is noisier than the sparrows, but for all three the best strategy involves closely observing the edge of the saltmarsh.

Yellow-throated Warbler is likely unfindable in mid-September or later. It will have stopped singing and is en route to Florida.

Bicknell's Thrush is never really likely, but it's certainly possible, so worth scrutinizing whatever Catharus thrushes you encounter.

If you don't already have a copy of Boyle's site guide, it's worth picking up right away.

 

B

buile

Active member

• Apr 10, 2009

• #3

You may wish to try the JerseyBirds mailing list. There are many familiar with Cape May and environs, and hopefully someone can give you detailed info (including info on Pelagic trips):

https://lists.princeton.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=JerseyBi

 

stephennj

Well-known member

• Apr 10, 2009

• #4

Since you will have your own vehicle I strongly suggest drive up to Brigantine NWR near Atlantic City (probably 40 min from Cape May)
http://www.fws.gov/northeast/forsythe/

Good chance to get Clapper Rail and possibly Seaside Sparrow among other goodies. The other Sparrow sp. are tougher still. This would make a great full day of birding!

 

C

CGK

Active member

• Apr 11, 2009

• #5

Thanks for information.

 

B

BoonHogganbeck

Well-known member

• Aug 12, 2009

• #6

Brigantine NWR is a must. Saw quite a few clappers and a virginia rail there in the past week, plus the treat of a Roseate Spoonbill. Clappers can be seen readily along any of the muddy shorelines along the main drive.

 

C

CGK

Active member

• Aug 12, 2009

• #7

Thanks

 

D

Dave B Smith

Well-known member

• Aug 12, 2009

• #8

There's a "seawatch" from the coast in Avalon where you can pick up some of the seabirds. Always worth a visit.

 

RobHynson

Well-known member

• Feb 4, 2010

• #9

Hi CGK,

Tuckerton Marshes are the best place I knew of for both Sharp-tailed sparrows when I was living in the area. The google map below shows you where to go. You need to drive all the way to the end of Great Bay Blvd and walk about 200 meters in the same direction as the road and the Sparrows are in the marsh there. Best to go on a rising tide early in the morning.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&tim....565471,-74.336243&spn=0.197971,0.308647&z=12

Yellow-throated Warblers breed in Belplain but have normally gone by mid September. Bicknell's Thrush are only reliable on the breeding grounds in the spring, they presumably pass through Cape May in the fall but few people claim them.

Paul Guris runs the pelagics in NJ but don't think he has any in September. Check out his website and he may know of some fishermen who would take you out. www.paulagics.com

Best thing to do once you get there is to pop into the Northwood center in Cape May, they have all the up to date info.

Good luck with the trip!

Rob

 

C

CGK

Active member

• Feb 9, 2010

• #10

All,

Thanks for all information which made trip to Cape May area as great success.
Trip report at following link.

http://http://www.ntbc.org.uk/Cape%20May%20September%202009.pdf

 

C

CGK

Active member

• Feb 9, 2010

• #11

CGK said:

All,

Thanks for all information which made trip to Cape May area as great success.
Trip report at following link.

http://http://www.ntbc.org.uk/Cape%20May%20September%202009.pdf

Click to expand...

Oops try this link

http://www.ntbc.org.uk/members trip reports.html