Daily Bird Sightings
at
Taylor Wildlife Preserve
Daily Bird Sightings
March 9, 2019
-submitted by Steve Sobocinski
~ The following was submitted by email
Taylor's this morning had a decent mix of waterfowl:
61 Canvasback (5 in Dredge Harbor, remainder on Delaware)
37 C. Goldeneye
2 Am Wigeon, 3 Gr Scaup/4 scaup sp
12 Wood Duck
12 Bufflehead
4 GW Teal
2 Common Merg
2 Hooded Merg
300 Canada G
36 Mallard
and heard only distant Snow Geese.
Other misc stuff included:
the continuing pair of Red-shouldered Hawk
4 Winter Wren
2 Gr Cormorant/2 DC Cormorant
a Cooper's Hawk
a RB Nuthatch
and 5 Fox Sparrow
I had 4 Am Woodcock, with calling starting at 5:34 and displaying at 5:43, heard from first near the white pine grove (3) and then one displaying at the bend.
Taylor's this morning had a decent mix of waterfowl:
61 Canvasback (5 in Dredge Harbor, remainder on Delaware)
37 C. Goldeneye
2 Am Wigeon, 3 Gr Scaup/4 scaup sp
12 Wood Duck
12 Bufflehead
4 GW Teal
2 Common Merg
2 Hooded Merg
300 Canada G
36 Mallard
and heard only distant Snow Geese.
Other misc stuff included:
the continuing pair of Red-shouldered Hawk
4 Winter Wren
2 Gr Cormorant/2 DC Cormorant
a Cooper's Hawk
a RB Nuthatch
and 5 Fox Sparrow
I had 4 Am Woodcock, with calling starting at 5:34 and displaying at 5:43, heard from first near the white pine grove (3) and then one displaying at the bend.
February 18, 2019
-submitted by Steve Sobocinski
~ The following was submitted by email
Taylor's from 6:15 to 10:55, nice morning to be out.
7 Canvasback---Dredge Harbor
2 Rusty Blackbird
1 E. Phoebe---Wright's Cove area, sang a couple of times, wintering bird?
1 W-crowned Sparrow---gardens, north side
34 C. Goldeneye
16 Common Merganser---4 in Dredge Harbor and groups of 4,8 heading n
1 E. Towhee
3 Y-rumped Warbler
4 Winter Wren
1 Great Cormorant
10 G-winged Teal---one group
23 Bufflehead
GB Heron back in heronry, did not see a BC Night Heron despite scoping from various spots
Taylor's from 6:15 to 10:55, nice morning to be out.
7 Canvasback---Dredge Harbor
2 Rusty Blackbird
1 E. Phoebe---Wright's Cove area, sang a couple of times, wintering bird?
1 W-crowned Sparrow---gardens, north side
34 C. Goldeneye
16 Common Merganser---4 in Dredge Harbor and groups of 4,8 heading n
1 E. Towhee
3 Y-rumped Warbler
4 Winter Wren
1 Great Cormorant
10 G-winged Teal---one group
23 Bufflehead
GB Heron back in heronry, did not see a BC Night Heron despite scoping from various spots
February 2, 2019
-submitted by Steve Sobocinski
~ The following was submitted by email
Hit a few spots this morning, lots of stuff around overall.
Laurel Run Park had a Vesper Sparrow, 3 Horned Lark, a Merlin, a male Harrier and 7 Savannah Sparrow. The Rancocas there was loaded up with 2 Canvasback, 5 Ring-necked Duck, 14 Pintail, 112 Am Black Duck, 5 Mallard, a Bufflehead, 19 Common Merg and 540 Canada Geese. As I was scoping the Rancocas, a Snipe came in calling from the west and landed on the west side bank of the Rancocas up a bit from me. The Vesper was in the northwest corner, in the same spot as the lingering Grasshopper Sparrow in early November and with a group of 4 Savannah Sparrow---obviously larger, bulkier with a nice full eye ring.
Taylor's also had large numbers of waterfowl, with the best being a female Long-tailed Duck and 2 male RB Merganser. Other misc stuff there included 21 C. Goldeneye, 11 Gr. Scaup in one tight group, 12 Bufflehead, 70 C. Merganser, 700 Canada Geese, a Merlin flying hard into Dredge Harbor and a pair of Red-shouldered Hawk.
Riverton Yacht Club had 3 C. Goldeneye, 1 Gr Scaup and 8 Common Merg.
Hit a few spots this morning, lots of stuff around overall.
Laurel Run Park had a Vesper Sparrow, 3 Horned Lark, a Merlin, a male Harrier and 7 Savannah Sparrow. The Rancocas there was loaded up with 2 Canvasback, 5 Ring-necked Duck, 14 Pintail, 112 Am Black Duck, 5 Mallard, a Bufflehead, 19 Common Merg and 540 Canada Geese. As I was scoping the Rancocas, a Snipe came in calling from the west and landed on the west side bank of the Rancocas up a bit from me. The Vesper was in the northwest corner, in the same spot as the lingering Grasshopper Sparrow in early November and with a group of 4 Savannah Sparrow---obviously larger, bulkier with a nice full eye ring.
Taylor's also had large numbers of waterfowl, with the best being a female Long-tailed Duck and 2 male RB Merganser. Other misc stuff there included 21 C. Goldeneye, 11 Gr. Scaup in one tight group, 12 Bufflehead, 70 C. Merganser, 700 Canada Geese, a Merlin flying hard into Dredge Harbor and a pair of Red-shouldered Hawk.
Riverton Yacht Club had 3 C. Goldeneye, 1 Gr Scaup and 8 Common Merg.
January 22, 2019
-submitted by Steve Sobocinski
~ The following was submitted by email
Hit Taylor's early this morning. Limited time, so I hit the north side on the River and circled around through the marsh. The River was more than 50% frozen. Hung out at the north lookout for a bit and then up toward Dredge Harbor. Nothing unusual on this brisk early morning. I also tried for SW Owl and Screech early am without any luck. A group of 12 Gr. Cormorant heading s moderately high was neat. 25 Common Merg were mostly local, did have a group of 5 high above heading s. 18 C. Goldeneye on the River. Passerines seemed to be in short supply, a Towhee, 3 Fox Sparrow and only a single Winter Wren the best of a subpar bunch but again an abbreviated trip.
Hit Taylor's early this morning. Limited time, so I hit the north side on the River and circled around through the marsh. The River was more than 50% frozen. Hung out at the north lookout for a bit and then up toward Dredge Harbor. Nothing unusual on this brisk early morning. I also tried for SW Owl and Screech early am without any luck. A group of 12 Gr. Cormorant heading s moderately high was neat. 25 Common Merg were mostly local, did have a group of 5 high above heading s. 18 C. Goldeneye on the River. Passerines seemed to be in short supply, a Towhee, 3 Fox Sparrow and only a single Winter Wren the best of a subpar bunch but again an abbreviated trip.
January 6, 2019 HAPPY NEW YEAR!
-submitted by Steve Sobocinski
~ The following was submitted by email
Taylor's this morning had some of the typicals.
Highlights were an E. Phoebe,
an adult Red-sh Hawk,
2 E. Towhee,
11 Common Goldeneye on n side,
1 Gr Scaup flyby heading S,
a Common Merg in Dredge Harbor,
7 Winter Wren (including one in full song just after 7 am),
a RC Kinglet, 7 GC Kinglet,
over 50 GBB Gull (very high number for this location and most heading S)
and a Screech Owl.
Missed Rusty Blackbird and they seem to have checked out of Taylor's since late fall breaking a string of many winters with Rusty Blackbird including the roost containing 160+ on Feb 4, 2017.
Taylor's this morning had some of the typicals.
Highlights were an E. Phoebe,
an adult Red-sh Hawk,
2 E. Towhee,
11 Common Goldeneye on n side,
1 Gr Scaup flyby heading S,
a Common Merg in Dredge Harbor,
7 Winter Wren (including one in full song just after 7 am),
a RC Kinglet, 7 GC Kinglet,
over 50 GBB Gull (very high number for this location and most heading S)
and a Screech Owl.
Missed Rusty Blackbird and they seem to have checked out of Taylor's since late fall breaking a string of many winters with Rusty Blackbird including the roost containing 160+ on Feb 4, 2017.
November 22, 2018 HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
-submitted by Steve Sobocinski
~ The following was submitted by email
Nice morning at Taylor's. 1 EMPI Fly----looks good for a YB Fly and that is what I am leaning toward, but would like some feedback. I attached some photos as well as one of the other flycatcher this morning. I initially observed it along a hedge in front of the Taylor house (yellow) at 8:23. Flew over and up high into the pair of sycamores. I watched it for a few minutes and did not hear it. I could not relocate so I went onward. As luck would have it, as I birded along the strip of sun-filled trees along the dike near the Delaware (can just make out the Delaware in the background in photos), I found it again and snapped some photos. When I refound it at around 9:30, it was in the sycamores near the River (this may be a good area to look if anyone is trying to find). Last seen flying toward pines/ brushy area just past last house on left (red). John V had an apparent YB Fly in his backyard last weekend, so could this be another late Nov YB Fly??! Definitely not a Least, Traill's or Hammond's Fly. Never called, wash of yellow above and below on sides, full eye ring, regularly flicking wings, smallish. Other misc stuff included: 3 Rusty Blackbird, 1 Eastern Phoebe, 2 Catbird, 8 Fox Sparrow, 7 Winter Wren (is there a better spot for W. Wren?), 3 Red-sh Hawk (an adult and 2 different immatures) and 2 C. Goldeneye |
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November 11, 2018
-submitted by Steve Sobocinski
~ The following was submitted by email
Birded Taylor's this morning from 6 am
1 Spotted Sandpiper---late, Wright's Cove
1 Common Loon----flyover heading s moderately high over the Delaware
5 Rusty Blackbird
1 Great Egret---latish, heading ne over gardens
2 Pine Siskin, 4 Purple Finch, 3 RB Nuthatch
8 Winter Wren
3 Fox Sparrow
3 Catbird, 3 E. Towhee, 7 RC Kinglet
1 E. Phoebe
1 C. Goldeneye, 1 PB Grebe, 47 Bufflehead (all on Delaware)
1 Hooded Merg---Dredge Harbor
1 Red-sh Hawk---continuing adult
1 LBB Gull
Birded Taylor's this morning from 6 am
1 Spotted Sandpiper---late, Wright's Cove
1 Common Loon----flyover heading s moderately high over the Delaware
5 Rusty Blackbird
1 Great Egret---latish, heading ne over gardens
2 Pine Siskin, 4 Purple Finch, 3 RB Nuthatch
8 Winter Wren
3 Fox Sparrow
3 Catbird, 3 E. Towhee, 7 RC Kinglet
1 E. Phoebe
1 C. Goldeneye, 1 PB Grebe, 47 Bufflehead (all on Delaware)
1 Hooded Merg---Dredge Harbor
1 Red-sh Hawk---continuing adult
1 LBB Gull
October 31, 2018
-submitted by Steve Sobocinski
~ The following was submitted by email
Spent the morning at Taylor's, pretty good overall.
1 Lincoln's Sparrow---n side of gardens
2 Blackpoll W---my latest, one feeding low near the front parking area and another just n of the north lookout
13 Pine Siskin---most early am and heading s
24 Purple Finch
10 Rusty Blackbird
1 Am. Pipit---calling flyover heading s
1 BH Vireo
2 Fox Sparrow---my FOS
5 Winter Wren
10 Hermit Thrush
1 Merlin--- in a low full-scale burst through the north gardens (House Sparrow hunting?)
1 Red-sh Hawk---continuing local adult
over 300 DC Corms
1 Am. Woodcock---perfect timing, out of my car at 6:47 and wings and then a flyover just overhead a minute later
1 Snipe---north side of marsh
1 Gr Yellowlegs---Wright's Cove
2 C. Yellowthroat
Spent the morning at Taylor's, pretty good overall.
1 Lincoln's Sparrow---n side of gardens
2 Blackpoll W---my latest, one feeding low near the front parking area and another just n of the north lookout
13 Pine Siskin---most early am and heading s
24 Purple Finch
10 Rusty Blackbird
1 Am. Pipit---calling flyover heading s
1 BH Vireo
2 Fox Sparrow---my FOS
5 Winter Wren
10 Hermit Thrush
1 Merlin--- in a low full-scale burst through the north gardens (House Sparrow hunting?)
1 Red-sh Hawk---continuing local adult
over 300 DC Corms
1 Am. Woodcock---perfect timing, out of my car at 6:47 and wings and then a flyover just overhead a minute later
1 Snipe---north side of marsh
1 Gr Yellowlegs---Wright's Cove
2 C. Yellowthroat
October 24, 2018
-submitted by Steve Sobocinski
~ The following was submitted by email
Spent the morning at Taylor's, covered from Wright's Cove to Dredge Harbor
9 Blackpoll Warbler---getting late for so many, a good Oct for this species
2 Lincoln's Sparrow
7 Rusty Blackbird---north side of marsh, in the general area of the past winter roost
14 Purple Finch
1 Am. Pipit---calling flyover
1 Spotted Sandpiper---late, Wright's Cove
2 Gr. Yellowlegs---Wright's Cove
8 White-crowned Sparrow
1 Bl-thr Green W, 5 Palm, 1 C. Yellowthroat, 19 YR Warbler
1 BH Vireo
6 Hermit Thrush
1 Winter Wren (low)
1 Chimney Swift---late
10 E. Phoebe
3 Bufflehead
1 Hooded Merg
8 Field Sparrow---push here and at PPA yesterday
2 Peregrine Falcon
1 Red-sh Hawk
1 Harrier
1 Black Vulture
4 Turkey Vulture
Spent the morning at Taylor's, covered from Wright's Cove to Dredge Harbor
9 Blackpoll Warbler---getting late for so many, a good Oct for this species
2 Lincoln's Sparrow
7 Rusty Blackbird---north side of marsh, in the general area of the past winter roost
14 Purple Finch
1 Am. Pipit---calling flyover
1 Spotted Sandpiper---late, Wright's Cove
2 Gr. Yellowlegs---Wright's Cove
8 White-crowned Sparrow
1 Bl-thr Green W, 5 Palm, 1 C. Yellowthroat, 19 YR Warbler
1 BH Vireo
6 Hermit Thrush
1 Winter Wren (low)
1 Chimney Swift---late
10 E. Phoebe
3 Bufflehead
1 Hooded Merg
8 Field Sparrow---push here and at PPA yesterday
2 Peregrine Falcon
1 Red-sh Hawk
1 Harrier
1 Black Vulture
4 Turkey Vulture
October 13, 2018
-submitted by Steve Sobocinski
~ The following was submitted by email
Taylor's this morning was again interesting and I ran out of time, never made it to the north side and just briefly scanned the River at Wright's Cove
1 G-Ch Thrush
1 YB Chat---same brushy area as last week's Wilson's
9 P. Finch
1 Lincoln's Sparrow
3 Wh-crowned Sparrow
1 Cape May W
9 Blackpoll, 7 warbler species
3 Winter Wren, 3 House Wren
7 (!) BH Vireo
9 Towhee, 40+ Wh-thr Sparrow, 2 Savannah Sp, 2 YB Sapsucker
a mildly late Wood Thrush (1)
4 Swainson's Thrush---a Swainson's, Wood and G-Cheeked all in the same small area
1 Green Heron (NFC---6:19)
14 RC and 9 GC Kinglet
1 GH Owl
1 RB Nuthatch
25 Wood Duck
Taylor's this morning was again interesting and I ran out of time, never made it to the north side and just briefly scanned the River at Wright's Cove
1 G-Ch Thrush
1 YB Chat---same brushy area as last week's Wilson's
9 P. Finch
1 Lincoln's Sparrow
3 Wh-crowned Sparrow
1 Cape May W
9 Blackpoll, 7 warbler species
3 Winter Wren, 3 House Wren
7 (!) BH Vireo
9 Towhee, 40+ Wh-thr Sparrow, 2 Savannah Sp, 2 YB Sapsucker
a mildly late Wood Thrush (1)
4 Swainson's Thrush---a Swainson's, Wood and G-Cheeked all in the same small area
1 Green Heron (NFC---6:19)
14 RC and 9 GC Kinglet
1 GH Owl
1 RB Nuthatch
25 Wood Duck
October 6, 2018
-submitted by Steve Sobocinski
~ The following was submitted by email
Taylor's this morning was very good, could have used more time.
1 Wilson's Warbler---in brushy field just before woods by Wright's Cove
9 Purple Finch
1 Lincoln's Sparrow
1 Tenn Warbler, 1 Bl-and-Wh, 1 Parula, 5 Blackpoll, 1 Maggie, 4 Palm 18 C. Yellowthroat and 26 YR
2 Snipe---pair of flyovers heading n
2 Spotted Sandpiper, 1 Gr Yellowlegs
1 RB Grosbeak, 1 Scar Tanager, 2 RC Kinglet, 10 WT Sparrow, 1 YB Sarsucker, 1 RB Nuthatch
1 Merlin---heading s
1 Red-sh Hawk---local
13 E. Phoebe
Taylor's this morning was very good, could have used more time.
1 Wilson's Warbler---in brushy field just before woods by Wright's Cove
9 Purple Finch
1 Lincoln's Sparrow
1 Tenn Warbler, 1 Bl-and-Wh, 1 Parula, 5 Blackpoll, 1 Maggie, 4 Palm 18 C. Yellowthroat and 26 YR
2 Snipe---pair of flyovers heading n
2 Spotted Sandpiper, 1 Gr Yellowlegs
1 RB Grosbeak, 1 Scar Tanager, 2 RC Kinglet, 10 WT Sparrow, 1 YB Sarsucker, 1 RB Nuthatch
1 Merlin---heading s
1 Red-sh Hawk---local
13 E. Phoebe
June 27, 2018
-submitted by Steve Sobocinski
~ The following was submitted by email
A few hours at Taylor's this afternoon.
2 juvies in the Cooper's Hawk nest
2 Great Egret continuing at Dredge Harbor
a Purple Martin (unusual here)
5 singing RE Vireo
1 GH Owl
and 2 singing Am Redstart in the state land south of Taylor's
I had one Willow (a few calls)
and 2 other likely Willows (not singing or calling). None of the Willows were actually in the marsh proper and not sure why as this has been a hotspot in past summers, but it could be that they are quiet in the afternoon.
A Yellow Warbler was unfortunately feeding a young cowbird and one of the nesting Osprey left its nest to dive-bomb an adult Bald Eagle across the Delaware.
A few hours at Taylor's this afternoon.
2 juvies in the Cooper's Hawk nest
2 Great Egret continuing at Dredge Harbor
a Purple Martin (unusual here)
5 singing RE Vireo
1 GH Owl
and 2 singing Am Redstart in the state land south of Taylor's
I had one Willow (a few calls)
and 2 other likely Willows (not singing or calling). None of the Willows were actually in the marsh proper and not sure why as this has been a hotspot in past summers, but it could be that they are quiet in the afternoon.
A Yellow Warbler was unfortunately feeding a young cowbird and one of the nesting Osprey left its nest to dive-bomb an adult Bald Eagle across the Delaware.
March 31, 2018
-submitted by Steve Sobocinski
~ The following was submitted by email
Taylor's this morning from 5:30 AM.
7 Horned Grebe---my high for this location, group of 6 and one single all seen from the north side lookout
3 Rusty Blackbird
1 RW Swallow---FOS
1 Red-sh Hawk (continuing imm), 2 Cooper's Hawk, 1 SS Hawk, 3 Osprey, 1 Bald Eagle
6 Common Merg, 2 Bufflehead
8 Tree Swallow, 3 E. Phoebe
8 GC Kinglet, 1 RC Kinglet, 12 YR Warbler
3 Winter Wren (all three singing)
1 Great Corm---on tower near bluff
1 GH Owl
2 Fox Sparrow
over 20 Am Goldfinch (must be pushing through)
Taylor's this morning from 5:30 AM.
7 Horned Grebe---my high for this location, group of 6 and one single all seen from the north side lookout
3 Rusty Blackbird
1 RW Swallow---FOS
1 Red-sh Hawk (continuing imm), 2 Cooper's Hawk, 1 SS Hawk, 3 Osprey, 1 Bald Eagle
6 Common Merg, 2 Bufflehead
8 Tree Swallow, 3 E. Phoebe
8 GC Kinglet, 1 RC Kinglet, 12 YR Warbler
3 Winter Wren (all three singing)
1 Great Corm---on tower near bluff
1 GH Owl
2 Fox Sparrow
over 20 Am Goldfinch (must be pushing through)
March 10, 2018
-submitted by Steve Sobocinski
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~ The following was submitted by email for March 10th, 2018 sightings- Thanks for sharing!
Highlights 8 Canvasback---Dredge Harbor 2 Rusty Blackbird 1 W-crowned Sparrow---immature, south side of gardens close to entrance road 1 LBB Gull---flyby at bluff 1 Red-sh Hawk, 1 Cooper's Hawk, 1 GH Owl 3 W. Wren (2 singing), 2 RC Kinglet, 4 GC Kinglet, 14 YR Warbler 24 Wood Duck |
~ WC Sparrow ~
Submitted by: Steve Sobocinski Photographed March 10th, 2018 |
March 4, 2018
-submitted by Steve Sobocinski
~ The following was submitted by email for March 4th, 2018 sightings- Thanks for sharing!
Taylor's this morning from 5:55 for a few hours, very windy on the River
1 Red-necked Grebe---out from north lookout, looks like some are showing up on the Delaware now (just saw that Philly has some recent sightings on the Delaware)
1 Horned Grebe---out from bluff
2 Rusty Blackbird
3 Woodcock early AM---2 peenting heard from just past the white pine grove on the way in and one very close to the road at the bend
1 Red-sh Hawk, 2+ Cooper's (calling at two different locations, pair at the one location)
10 GW Teal, 16 Wood Duck, 5 Bufflehead
Taylor's this morning from 5:55 for a few hours, very windy on the River
1 Red-necked Grebe---out from north lookout, looks like some are showing up on the Delaware now (just saw that Philly has some recent sightings on the Delaware)
1 Horned Grebe---out from bluff
2 Rusty Blackbird
3 Woodcock early AM---2 peenting heard from just past the white pine grove on the way in and one very close to the road at the bend
1 Red-sh Hawk, 2+ Cooper's (calling at two different locations, pair at the one location)
10 GW Teal, 16 Wood Duck, 5 Bufflehead
February 17, 2018
-submitted by Steve Sobocinski
~ The following was submitted by email for February 17th, 2018 sightings- Thanks for sharing!
Taylor's this morning, picking up a bit now (up to 50 species), covered from bluff to Dredge Harbor
1 E. Phoebe---FOS and a few weeks early---feeding along the stream up toward Dredge Harbor
1 Am Woodcock----wings briefly at 6:13
1 continuing imm Red-sh. Hawk, 1 Cooper's Hawk, 2 Bald Eagle (both imm)
3 Bufflehead and 24 C. Goldeneye, 4 Gr Scaup, 2 Common Merg, 3 C. Goldeney
2 LBB Gull---low flybys heading N up Delaware
11 Wood Duck
1 Gr. Corm---on tower off bluff
2 Winter Wren
6 Fox Sparrow
No Rusty Blackbirds
at least 80 Fish Crow, most heading S including a large group heading S over the Delaware late AM
Taylor's this morning, picking up a bit now (up to 50 species), covered from bluff to Dredge Harbor
1 E. Phoebe---FOS and a few weeks early---feeding along the stream up toward Dredge Harbor
1 Am Woodcock----wings briefly at 6:13
1 continuing imm Red-sh. Hawk, 1 Cooper's Hawk, 2 Bald Eagle (both imm)
3 Bufflehead and 24 C. Goldeneye, 4 Gr Scaup, 2 Common Merg, 3 C. Goldeney
2 LBB Gull---low flybys heading N up Delaware
11 Wood Duck
1 Gr. Corm---on tower off bluff
2 Winter Wren
6 Fox Sparrow
No Rusty Blackbirds
at least 80 Fish Crow, most heading S including a large group heading S over the Delaware late AM
February 3, 2018 - 6:30-11:00 am
-submitted by Steve Sobocinski
~ The following was submitted by email for February 3rd, 2018 sightings- Thanks for sharing!
Highlights:
115 Canvasback---all in Dredge Harbor
67 C. Goldeneye----nice concentration north side, could not find a Barrow's
1 Gr. Scaup
27 C. Merganser
2 LBB Gull
continuing imm RS Hawk
1 Catbird---Wright's Cove near outlet pipe area
1 RC KInglet
2 Fox Sparrow, only 2 YR Warbler and only 1 Winter Wren
I have had Cans back in Dredge Harbor in other years. If you go, please scope from afar to not flush. They may stick for a few days. Big miss today was Rusty Blackbird, I cannot recall a recent winter visit where I missed Rusty Bl.
Winter Wren seems to have really dipped after the two week deep cold snap.
Highlights:
115 Canvasback---all in Dredge Harbor
67 C. Goldeneye----nice concentration north side, could not find a Barrow's
1 Gr. Scaup
27 C. Merganser
2 LBB Gull
continuing imm RS Hawk
1 Catbird---Wright's Cove near outlet pipe area
1 RC KInglet
2 Fox Sparrow, only 2 YR Warbler and only 1 Winter Wren
I have had Cans back in Dredge Harbor in other years. If you go, please scope from afar to not flush. They may stick for a few days. Big miss today was Rusty Blackbird, I cannot recall a recent winter visit where I missed Rusty Bl.
Winter Wren seems to have really dipped after the two week deep cold snap.
Imm Red Shouldered Hawk
~ Imm Red Shouldered Hawk, that has spent the winter at Taylors Farm & Wildlife Preserve ~
(Submitted by: Steve Sobocinski / photographed February 4th, 2018 )
(Submitted by: Steve Sobocinski / photographed February 4th, 2018 )
January 14, 2018 - 6:30-11:00 am
-submitted by Steve Sobocinski
~ The following was submitted by email to us on January 14, 2018 - Thanks for sharing!
Taylors this morning from 6:30-11, much better condition than yesterday at Budds.
The Rusty Blackbird roost seems to have disbanded. I did have 3 feeing in the marsh, one on the east side and 2 on the west side.
I had 35 Common Mergs in three groups flying S. Oddly, the first groups of 24 and 5 were 100% males.
Only 2 C. Merg on the River,
along with only 2 C. Goldeneye,
2 Bufflehead
and 2 Gr. Scaup (heading N low over the River).
Other misc stuff included 1 Red-sh Hawk,
4 Bald Eagle (2 ad, 2 imm),
1 SS Hawk,
1 GH Owl calling 7:05,
4 Fox Sparrow
and only 3 Winter Wren.
Taylors this morning from 6:30-11, much better condition than yesterday at Budds.
The Rusty Blackbird roost seems to have disbanded. I did have 3 feeing in the marsh, one on the east side and 2 on the west side.
I had 35 Common Mergs in three groups flying S. Oddly, the first groups of 24 and 5 were 100% males.
Only 2 C. Merg on the River,
along with only 2 C. Goldeneye,
2 Bufflehead
and 2 Gr. Scaup (heading N low over the River).
Other misc stuff included 1 Red-sh Hawk,
4 Bald Eagle (2 ad, 2 imm),
1 SS Hawk,
1 GH Owl calling 7:05,
4 Fox Sparrow
and only 3 Winter Wren.
December 29, 2017 - 6:32 am -11:00 am
-submitted by Steve Sobocinski
~ The following was submitted by email to us on December 29, 2017 - Thanks for sharing!
Taylor's this morning from 6:32 for five hours...covered from half of state land to Dredge Harbor
11 Rusty Blackbird---birds left roost from 7:12-7:13, others seen in marsh or flying over during the morning not counted as possible duplicates
1 Catbird---in brush to the right and just past the bell peppers sign (past houses and near woods before Wright's Cove)
1 E. Towhee---east side of marsh where gardens start, N side
2 Red-sh Hawk
3 RC Kinglet (one at bluff and two in the Taylor's yard)
8 Winter Wren
2 YB Sapsucker
20 C. Goldeneye, 10 Common Merg, 16 Bufflehead
2 Tree Sparrow (between white pine grove and the first house), 4 Fox Sparrow
9 YR Warbler
2 GH Owl---one sitting 10 feet off the ground sunning W side of marsh and other between state land and Taylor's
3 GB Heron
Tried for Woodcock and no luck this morning, not surprising given the temps (16 degrees at 6:35)
Taylor's this morning from 6:32 for five hours...covered from half of state land to Dredge Harbor
11 Rusty Blackbird---birds left roost from 7:12-7:13, others seen in marsh or flying over during the morning not counted as possible duplicates
1 Catbird---in brush to the right and just past the bell peppers sign (past houses and near woods before Wright's Cove)
1 E. Towhee---east side of marsh where gardens start, N side
2 Red-sh Hawk
3 RC Kinglet (one at bluff and two in the Taylor's yard)
8 Winter Wren
2 YB Sapsucker
20 C. Goldeneye, 10 Common Merg, 16 Bufflehead
2 Tree Sparrow (between white pine grove and the first house), 4 Fox Sparrow
9 YR Warbler
2 GH Owl---one sitting 10 feet off the ground sunning W side of marsh and other between state land and Taylor's
3 GB Heron
Tried for Woodcock and no luck this morning, not surprising given the temps (16 degrees at 6:35)
December 17, 2017 - 6:10 -7:00 am
-submitted by Steve Sobocinski
~ The following was submitted by email to us on December 17, 2017 - Thanks for sharing!
Taylor's from 6:10 AM this morning.
20 Rusty Blackbird----heading out from roost at 7:16, same location as last year where up to 160+ eventually tallied (Feb 4, 2017)
1 Am Woodcock----wings at 6:37 at the bend
1-2 Red-sh Hawk---both imms, quite possibly two based on location and times of sightings. Seen at the compost area, western side of marsh and then flying S over the N observation point at the edge of the Delaware
1 Catbird---past the bluff, at the border of the state lands and Taylors
2 RC Kinglet
1 E. Towhee
1 Great Corm---Delaware near Dredge Harbor and down to 1 DC Corm in Dredge Harbor
1 LBB Gull
12 C. Goldeneye
11 (!) Winter Wren
10 Fox Sparrow---including 2 in full song at 6:50ish
only 5 YR Warbler
16 C. Waxwing
Taylor's from 6:10 AM this morning.
20 Rusty Blackbird----heading out from roost at 7:16, same location as last year where up to 160+ eventually tallied (Feb 4, 2017)
1 Am Woodcock----wings at 6:37 at the bend
1-2 Red-sh Hawk---both imms, quite possibly two based on location and times of sightings. Seen at the compost area, western side of marsh and then flying S over the N observation point at the edge of the Delaware
1 Catbird---past the bluff, at the border of the state lands and Taylors
2 RC Kinglet
1 E. Towhee
1 Great Corm---Delaware near Dredge Harbor and down to 1 DC Corm in Dredge Harbor
1 LBB Gull
12 C. Goldeneye
11 (!) Winter Wren
10 Fox Sparrow---including 2 in full song at 6:50ish
only 5 YR Warbler
16 C. Waxwing
November 18, 2017 - 6:05 - 11:30am
-submitted by Steve Sobocinski
- The following was submitted by email to us on November 18th, 2017 - Thanks for sharing!
Taylor's this morning was very good from 6:05 AM to 11:30, from the bluff to Dredge Harbor, 6.4 miles hiking.
1 Am. Bittern---I will put photos on e-bird.
12 Rusty Blackbird---roost seems to be back to some extent
1 Am Pipit----calling flyover heading south 7:08
2 Snipe---pair flying around the marsh 8:48
1 Merlin---photos e-bird
1 Am. Kestrel---male, perched briefly on a dead tree in gardens area
1 Red-sh Hawk
1 Woodcock---wings briefly at 6:11, in the field across from the house at the bend
2 and possibly 3 Catbird
8 Fox Sparrow
9 Winter Wren
7 RC Kinglet (7 GC Kinglet)
21 C. Waxwing
2 C. Goldeneye, 2 Gr Scaup and 40 Bufflehead on Delaware
The Am Bittern was very cooperative. I had it first early AM and was still in the exact spot over an hour later. I left it there without flushing and it was not there when I checked back after 11 AM. The Merlin was first seen on the dike above the River down at the southern portion of the field past the houses. It flew off and then went back to the same perch. Hung out another 10 minutes or so before unsuccessfully chasing a Mourning Dove. I had presumably the same Merlin fly by up near the north lookout a half hour or so later and it perched near the house at the bend.
- and in a separate email, these photos!
Nice morning at Taylors! All kinds of stuff and date in e-bird.
Just wanted to share a photo of an Am Bittern that was on the edge of marsh early AM.
I also include a couple of so-so photos of a Merlin that was up on the dike along the River.
Happy Thanksgiving to you guys and hope all is well!
Taylor's this morning was very good from 6:05 AM to 11:30, from the bluff to Dredge Harbor, 6.4 miles hiking.
1 Am. Bittern---I will put photos on e-bird.
12 Rusty Blackbird---roost seems to be back to some extent
1 Am Pipit----calling flyover heading south 7:08
2 Snipe---pair flying around the marsh 8:48
1 Merlin---photos e-bird
1 Am. Kestrel---male, perched briefly on a dead tree in gardens area
1 Red-sh Hawk
1 Woodcock---wings briefly at 6:11, in the field across from the house at the bend
2 and possibly 3 Catbird
8 Fox Sparrow
9 Winter Wren
7 RC Kinglet (7 GC Kinglet)
21 C. Waxwing
2 C. Goldeneye, 2 Gr Scaup and 40 Bufflehead on Delaware
The Am Bittern was very cooperative. I had it first early AM and was still in the exact spot over an hour later. I left it there without flushing and it was not there when I checked back after 11 AM. The Merlin was first seen on the dike above the River down at the southern portion of the field past the houses. It flew off and then went back to the same perch. Hung out another 10 minutes or so before unsuccessfully chasing a Mourning Dove. I had presumably the same Merlin fly by up near the north lookout a half hour or so later and it perched near the house at the bend.
- and in a separate email, these photos!
Nice morning at Taylors! All kinds of stuff and date in e-bird.
Just wanted to share a photo of an Am Bittern that was on the edge of marsh early AM.
I also include a couple of so-so photos of a Merlin that was up on the dike along the River.
Happy Thanksgiving to you guys and hope all is well!
November 4, 2017 - 6:30 - 11:00am
-submitted by Steve Sobocinski
- The following was submitted by email to us on November 4th, 2017 - Thanks for sharing!
Taylor's from 6:30 to 11:00 had the typical stuff, seemed generally a bit slow
5 Rusty Blackbird (low)
FOS Fox Sparrow (1)
continuing imm R-sh Hawk
27 Bufflehead on the Delaware
3 Bald Eagle
7 Winter Wren
1 Catbird
1 Tree Swallow
18 C. Waxwing
5 RC Kinglet
- and in a separate email, this news!
I neglected to mention that I also had a quick glimpse at an Otter. I believe that this is only my second at Taylor's. I recall that the other was in the winter as much of the bog was frozen.
Taylor's from 6:30 to 11:00 had the typical stuff, seemed generally a bit slow
5 Rusty Blackbird (low)
FOS Fox Sparrow (1)
continuing imm R-sh Hawk
27 Bufflehead on the Delaware
3 Bald Eagle
7 Winter Wren
1 Catbird
1 Tree Swallow
18 C. Waxwing
5 RC Kinglet
- and in a separate email, this news!
I neglected to mention that I also had a quick glimpse at an Otter. I believe that this is only my second at Taylor's. I recall that the other was in the winter as much of the bog was frozen.
March 25, 2017
-submitted by Steve Sobocinski
Taylor's had some variety this morning.
1 RT Loon - north end of Taylor's on Delaware, a bit of an odd date and weather for a RT Loon
15+ Rusty Blackbird - coming from roost
1 Horned Greve on Delaware
1 PB Grebe (Dredge Harbor)
2 N. Shoveler on Delaware, 19 GW Teal, 18 Wood Duck
3 Greater Scaup
2 N. Shoveler on Delaware
9 Common Merg - one group heading south early AM
1 Merlin
5 E. Phoebe
6 Tree Swallow, 3 RC Kinglet, 3 Fox Sparrow
1 YB Sapsucker
1 Chipping Sparrow
2 Woodcock calling/displaying early AM
Also had an AM Pipit up near Dredge Harbor, low flyby and might have been feeding in area.
1 RT Loon - north end of Taylor's on Delaware, a bit of an odd date and weather for a RT Loon
15+ Rusty Blackbird - coming from roost
1 Horned Greve on Delaware
1 PB Grebe (Dredge Harbor)
2 N. Shoveler on Delaware, 19 GW Teal, 18 Wood Duck
3 Greater Scaup
2 N. Shoveler on Delaware
9 Common Merg - one group heading south early AM
1 Merlin
5 E. Phoebe
6 Tree Swallow, 3 RC Kinglet, 3 Fox Sparrow
1 YB Sapsucker
1 Chipping Sparrow
2 Woodcock calling/displaying early AM
Also had an AM Pipit up near Dredge Harbor, low flyby and might have been feeding in area.
March 13, 2017
-submitted by Anne Bekker and Michael Sonkowsky
~ The following was submitted by email to us on March 13th - Thanks for sharing! Please visit our PHOTOS page to view their photos of a Wilson's Snipe and Cedar Waxwing. ~
My husband and I discovered your preserve on 2/11, have revisited twice, and really enjoy it. The birding is pretty great!
This may be old news to you, but I thought you might be interested to know that your swamp was full of Wilson's Snipe on Sunday! We reported 5 to ebird (the most we saw in the air at once) only because it was impossible to know whether all the birds we saw flying around had been part of that group, or were "new." I suspect that there are many more than 5 of them! Anyway, it was a nice surprise.
Didn't manage a very good picture of any snipe, but here's a Cedar Waxwing from back on 2/20, when it was spring.
My husband and I discovered your preserve on 2/11, have revisited twice, and really enjoy it. The birding is pretty great!
This may be old news to you, but I thought you might be interested to know that your swamp was full of Wilson's Snipe on Sunday! We reported 5 to ebird (the most we saw in the air at once) only because it was impossible to know whether all the birds we saw flying around had been part of that group, or were "new." I suspect that there are many more than 5 of them! Anyway, it was a nice surprise.
Didn't manage a very good picture of any snipe, but here's a Cedar Waxwing from back on 2/20, when it was spring.
March 12, 2017 - 6:40-10:40am
-submitted by Steve Sobocinski
Marsh nearly 100% frozen.
20 Rusty Blackbird (in roost and a few thereafter feeding in eastern edge of marsh)
3 Woodcock--two calling and displaying just past white pine grove and one at bend
2 E. Phoebe
1 Tree Swallow
1 LBB Gull
3 RC Kinglet
6 YR Warbler
only 2 Winter Wren
8 C. Goldeneye
15 Bufflehead
1 GH Owl being harassed by a Cooper's Hawk
15 Fish Crow
20 Rusty Blackbird (in roost and a few thereafter feeding in eastern edge of marsh)
3 Woodcock--two calling and displaying just past white pine grove and one at bend
2 E. Phoebe
1 Tree Swallow
1 LBB Gull
3 RC Kinglet
6 YR Warbler
only 2 Winter Wren
8 C. Goldeneye
15 Bufflehead
1 GH Owl being harassed by a Cooper's Hawk
15 Fish Crow
February 18, 2017 -6:10am
-submitted by Steve Sobocinski
Taylor's this morning at 6:10 was excellent. Could not find a Wood Duck but did get an extremely early Am Bittern!
1 Am Bittern --early by about four weeks or so...my all-time earliest, maybe not totally surprising given the mild weather
1 Chipping Sparrow--wintering bird, in open area in front of yellow house
80+ Rusty Blackbird--from roost with a few handing around the st side of the marsh thereafter
5 displaying Woodcock--three heard from just past the white pine grove on the way in and two from the bend
54 Canvasback (all but one in Dredge Harbor)
34 C. Goldeneye
23 Common Meg
23 Bufflehead
1 Merlin--flying around and perching in heronry
1 Red-sh Hawk--marsh
6 Winter Wren
2 YB Sapsucker
7 YR Warbler
1 RB Nut--white pine grove on way in
2 Tree Sparrow
2 Gr Corm
45 Fish Crow
1 Am Bittern --early by about four weeks or so...my all-time earliest, maybe not totally surprising given the mild weather
1 Chipping Sparrow--wintering bird, in open area in front of yellow house
80+ Rusty Blackbird--from roost with a few handing around the st side of the marsh thereafter
5 displaying Woodcock--three heard from just past the white pine grove on the way in and two from the bend
54 Canvasback (all but one in Dredge Harbor)
34 C. Goldeneye
23 Common Meg
23 Bufflehead
1 Merlin--flying around and perching in heronry
1 Red-sh Hawk--marsh
6 Winter Wren
2 YB Sapsucker
7 YR Warbler
1 RB Nut--white pine grove on way in
2 Tree Sparrow
2 Gr Corm
45 Fish Crow
February 4, 2017 -6:45-10:45am
-submitted by Steve Sobocinski
The Rusty Blackbirds headed out from their roost on the east with all gone by 7:15am. I was able to get a pretty good count as they all headed over and had 160+. This is my all-time hight Rusty Blackbird count. Had over 100 at Lyons in the late 80's eating dogwood berries (late October).
Other passerines included 1 Purple Finch (male perched and calling in with robins on the south side dike trail)
8 Winter Wren
1 RC Kinglet
1 Tree Sparrow
8 YR Warbler
Dredge Harbor had 6 Canvasback and 65 Common Merg.
Canvasback will go into Dredge Harbor in cold/windy weather
The Delaware River had 48 C. Goldeneye, 9 Bufflehead and 4 Bald Eagle
Other passerines included 1 Purple Finch (male perched and calling in with robins on the south side dike trail)
8 Winter Wren
1 RC Kinglet
1 Tree Sparrow
8 YR Warbler
Dredge Harbor had 6 Canvasback and 65 Common Merg.
Canvasback will go into Dredge Harbor in cold/windy weather
The Delaware River had 48 C. Goldeneye, 9 Bufflehead and 4 Bald Eagle
January 8, 2017 AM -4 hours
-submitted by Steve Sobocinski
76 Rusty Blackbird - exact count as they left in scattered groups from the roost at 7:21am; they headed west and over half were seen shortly thereafter at the stream on the west side of the marsh; easily my high for this location and I believe for Burlington County; oddly large numbers here this winter at this generally good Rusty spot
76 Common Mergs - 67 heading south in four groups, 1 on the River and 8 on Dredge Harbor
28 C. Goldeneye
12 Bufflehead
1 RC Kinglet
1 YB Sapsucker
4 Winter Wren
1 YR Warbler
4 Fox Sparrow
1 Tree Sparrow
16 Fish Crow
1 GH Owl
76 Common Mergs - 67 heading south in four groups, 1 on the River and 8 on Dredge Harbor
28 C. Goldeneye
12 Bufflehead
1 RC Kinglet
1 YB Sapsucker
4 Winter Wren
1 YR Warbler
4 Fox Sparrow
1 Tree Sparrow
16 Fish Crow
1 GH Owl
December 23, 2016 6:30-11:20am
-submitted by Steve Sobocinski (with Jim Schill for CBC Count Week birding)
1 C. Loon - on the Delaware from the bluff
40+ Rusty Blackbird - leaving roost at 7:25am-ish
1 Woodcock - wings at 6:40am, near the Water C0. building at the bend
3 Gr. Cormorant - on the smaller tower near Wright's Cove and the bluff
~400 Snow Geese overhead heading west
18 C. Goldeneye
1 Coot
14 Common Mergs
17 Bufflehead
1 Killdeer (heard calling across River Road)
6 Winter Wren
5 RC Kinglet
2 Tree Sparrow
3 Fox Sparrow
2 H Thrush
6 YR Warbler
3 Killdeer - as they flew around Dredge Harbor and landed briefly on the ice
40+ Rusty Blackbird - leaving roost at 7:25am-ish
1 Woodcock - wings at 6:40am, near the Water C0. building at the bend
3 Gr. Cormorant - on the smaller tower near Wright's Cove and the bluff
~400 Snow Geese overhead heading west
18 C. Goldeneye
1 Coot
14 Common Mergs
17 Bufflehead
1 Killdeer (heard calling across River Road)
6 Winter Wren
5 RC Kinglet
2 Tree Sparrow
3 Fox Sparrow
2 H Thrush
6 YR Warbler
3 Killdeer - as they flew around Dredge Harbor and landed briefly on the ice