Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Joe Swertinski, Sally O’Byrne
Observers: David Brown, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Phil Rushworth, Steve Minner, Walt Blackwell, Zhen Lu
Visitors: 11
Weather: Mostly cloudy with strong and gusty westerly winds following an overnight cold front.
Raptor Observations: Less activity than expected. A steady flow of Turkey Vultures with 42 for the day. A moderate Bald Eagle flight with 11 migrating. Small numbers of other expected raptors including a harrier and a merlin. Only a few migrating Accips and Buteos. One late Osprey.
Predictions: Tomorrow: Sunny with a few afternoon clouds. High near 70F. Winds SSW at 10-15mph. Expect light to moderate migration.
Wednesday: Generally sunny with a few afternoon clouds. High 64F. Winds W at 10-20mph. Expect light to moderate migration.
Thursday: Sunny with a few afternoon clouds. High 62F. Winds W at 10-15mph. Expect moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Non-raptor Observations: 15 B. Pelicans, Royal Terns, White Ibis, Common Loons, Barn Swallows
Predictions: few clouds, mostly sunny, high 72, wind SSW 10-20 ======================================================================== Report submitted by Sue Gruver (<srgruver...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Eli Hevalow, Will Krohn
Observers: David Brown, Holly Merker, Kim Steininger, Maddie Martin, Phil Rushworth, Zhen Lu
Visitors: 12
Weather: Mostly cloudy with a high layer of cirrus clouds, thickening as the day when on. Moderate southerly winds. Very warm with a high around 76F.
Raptor Observations: Light but steady migration on the unfavorable winds. A few dozen Turkey Vultures. Otherwise sharpies were most numerous with 15. A few Buteos. Two Merlins.
Non-raptor Observations: 2 American Herring Gulls, 3 Fish Crows, Common Raven, Pine Siskin, 20 Purple Finches, 1 monarch. https://ebird.org/checklist/S280392668
New species for season: American Herring Gull, Pine Siskin
Predictions: Tomorrow: Partly cloudy. High 64F. Winds W at 15-25mph. Higher gusts possible. The strong winds may make viewing a little uncomfortable. Expect moderate migration.
Tuesday: Sunny with a few clouds. High 71F. Winds SSW at 10-15mph. Expect light to moderate migration.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny. High 64F. Winds W at 10-20mph. Expect moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Bruce Peterjohn, Jennifer Ottinger
Observers: Ann Dinkel, Bruce Peterjohn, Sharon Borton, Susan Gruver
Visitors: Thanks to Bruce, Sue, Ann and Sharon for helping with the count today! Visitors 33 including Anthony and Chris and the Delmarva Birding Weekend field trip.
Date: 10/18/25 4:21 pm From: Rob Blye <rwblye...> Subject: [de-birds] YRWA at Prime Hook Fowler Beach
My wife and I drove then walked Fowler Beach Road to the Delaware Bay this afternoon. I started counting YRWA at the pull off on FB RD with PH sign. At the Bay I had >60. They were everywhere. I likely undercounted substantially. SASP, FISP and SOSP but much else, sparrow-wise.
*better living through birds* *Rob* Robert W. Blye 34603 Doe Run Lewes DE 19958-3332 302 945-8618 610 213-2413 mobile
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: David Brown, Ginny Halterman
Observers: Frank Rohrbacher, Ginny Halterman, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Maddie Martin, Richard King, Scott Northey
Visitors: 48, including 30+ from the Delaware Master Naturalists.
Thanks to Ginny Halterman for filling in as counter for an hour while I interacted with the group.
Weather: Periods of sun and clouds, with a high layer of cirrus clouds for the afternoon. Light and variable winds, shifting from easterly to southerly. Warmer.
Raptor Observations: A more moderate flight today with the less favorable winds. Only a few dozen Turkey Vultures and a few Black Vultures migrating. Five migrating Bald Eagles and a quite a few other around. Moderate Accip migration with 7 Coops and 17 sharpies. A few harriers, kestrels, and merlins. One red-shoulder and nine red-tails.
Predictions: Tomorrow: Intervals of clouds and sun. High 76F. Winds SSE at 10-20mph. Expect light to moderate migration. Should be a nice day to be out and there should be local raptors up and around.
Monday: Partly cloudy. High 63F. Winds W at 15-25mph. Higher gusts possible. Expect moderate migration.
Tuesday: Sunny. High near 70F. Winds SSW at 10-15mph. Expect light to moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Jennifer Ottinger
Observers: Carter Chambers, Heidi McGrue, Susan Gruver
Visitors: Thanks to Sue, Heidi and Carter for helping with the count today! Thanks to Greg for stopping by! Visitors 48 including Jim Rapp and the Delmarva Birding Weekend field trip.
Weather: Partly cloudy to overcast, temp 14-20C, very light NNW,NE then S winds in the afternoon, visb 23km
Raptor Observations: A few Turkey Vultures, mostly Osprey, 3 Bald Eagles, several Sharp-shinned Hawk and a couple of Cooper's, one Peregrine.
Non-raptor Observations: White Ibis (35), Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Winter Wren, Cedar Waxwing, Chipping Sparrow (16). Monarch 4
Predictions: Sunny, high 74F, S wind 15-20mph
======================================================================== Report submitted by Jen Ottinger (<Jottinger.co...>)
Date: 10/17/25 4:35 pm From: Andrew Ednie <000006be14ba5998-dmarc-request...> Subject: [de-birds] RBA: Birdline Delaware, October 17th, 2025
RBA * Delaware * Statewide * October 17, 2025 * DEST 25.10.17
*Birds mentioned Snow Goose Cackling Goose Cinnamon Teal Black Scoter Surf Scoter White-winged Scoter Common Merganser Ruddy Duck Wild Turkey Ruby-throated Hummingbird Virginia Rail Sora Sandhill Crane American Oystercatcher American Avocet Black-bellied Plover American Golden Plover Semipalmated Plover HUDSONIAN GODWIT Marbled Godwit Ruddy Turnstone Spotted Sandpiper Willet Wilson’s Snipe American Woodcock Short-billed Dowitcher Long-billed Dowitcher Wilson’s Phalarope Dunlin Sanderling Western Sandpiper White-rumped Sandpiper Pectoral Sandpiper PARASITIC JAEGER Common Tern Caspian Tern Royal Tern Common Loon Red-throated Loon Pied-billed Grebe Northern Gannet Brown Pelican Double-crested Cormorant Little Blue Heron Tricolored Heron Snowy Egret Black-crowned Night Heron Yellow-crowned Night Heron White Ibis Osprey Bald Eagle Sharp-shinned Hawk Cooper’s Hawk GOLDEN EAGLE Broad-winged Hawk Red-headed Woodpecker Yellow-bellied Sapsucker American Kestrel Merlin Blue-headed Vireo Common Raven Tree Swallow Red-breasted Nuthatch Brown-headed Nuthatch Brown Creeper Northern House Wren Ruby-crowned Kinglet Golden-crowned Kinglet Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher Swainson’s Thrush Hermit Thrush Wood Thrush American Pipit Pine Siskin Purple Finch Saltmarsh Sparrow NELSON’S SPARROW Seaside Sparrow Lincoln’s Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow American Redstart Tennessee Warbler Nashville Warbler Orange-crowned Warbler Northern Parula Cape May Warbler Magnolia Warbler Chestnut-sided Warbler Blackburnian Warbler Palm Warbler Black-throated Blue Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler Scarlet Tanager
Hotline: Birdline Delaware Date: October 17, 2025 To Report: Andy Ednie 302-792-9591 (VOICE) Compiler: Andy Ednie (<ednieap...>) Coverage: Delaware, Delmarva Peninsula, nearby Delaware Valley, Southern New Jersey, Maryland
For Friday, October 17th this is Birdline Delaware from the Delaware Museum of Natural History in Greenville. The Birdline is sponsored by the Delaware Ornithological Society (DOS). Statements made on the Birdline do not necessarily reflect the views of the sponsors. This is Andy Ednie, glad to be with you. The unofficial Delaware Annual increased to 331 species this week.
Delaware had a big Nor’easter last weekend that cancelled both hawkwatches on Sunday. Travel around the beach was difficult due to coastal flooding. Route 1 in Dewey Beach was closed, as was Route 9 at Flemings Landing. Unfortunately, there was not a big fallout of pelagic species, only a single RED-NECKED PHALAROPE at Cape Henlopen Point and PARASITIC JAEGERS along the beach. On Saturday before the storm, there was a huge flight of scoters along the coast. 4000 BLACK, 250 SURF and a WHITE-WINGED SCOTER plus nearly 2000 DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS were seen from the Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch.
It is getting to the end of warbler season. Lingering Warblers included, AMERICAN REDSTART, COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, NORTHERN PARULA, MAGNOLIA, CAPE MAY, plus BLACK-THROATED BLUE and BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER. Numerous PALM and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS continue to be reported this week. ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS was found at The McCabe Nature Preserve and behind the visitor center in Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. TENNESSEE WARBLER was reported at Ashland Nature Center. Several NASHVILLE WARBLERS were seen at William Redd Park in Newark today, Ashton Tract in Augustine Wildlife Area on Tuesday, Bombay Hook and the James Farm Eco=Preserve near Ocean View. Late CHESTNUT-SIDED and BLACKBURNIAN WARBLERS were seen at the Brandywine Unit of First State National Historical Park.
There were 3 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS at First State yesterday, an adult, 2nd year immature and 1st year immature birds seen south of Ramsey Road at the beginning of the corn field. A WHITE-CROWNED and LINCOLN’S SPARROW was found behind the Ashland Nature Center Hawk Watch. LINCOLN’S SPARROWS were also seen at First State, Hoopes Reservoir, Carousel County Park, Ashton Tract, Bombay Hook, and Gordon’s Pond near Cape Henlopen State Park, A female COMMON MERGANSER was seen along the Red Clay Creek. PIED BILLED GREBE was seen at Carousel Park. AMERICAN WOODCOCK and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW were seen at White Clay Creek State Park.
A few RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRDS are still coming to feeders right now. If you see an unusual hummer, please contact the Birdline at the sites above. Some new arrivals for the fall included RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, BROWN CREEPER, RUBY-CROWNED and GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET, YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, BLUE-HEADED VIREO, SWAINSON’S and HERMIT THRUSH plus several PURPLE FINCH. SANDHILL CRANES were seen at the Ashton Tract in Augustine Wildlife Area. A SPOTTED SANDPIPER was on the jetty at Augustine Beach.
A possible family group of 3 CINNAMON TEAL was seen at the south end of Shearness Pool in Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge near Smyrna on Thursday. The photos are still being reviewed. A winter plumaged WILSON’S PHALAROPE was seen at Bombay Hook this week, along with MARBLED and HUDSONIAN GODWIT, AMERICAN AVOCETS, BLACK-BELLIED and SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, DUNLIN, LONG-BILLED and SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER, plus SPOTTED, WHITE-RUMPED, PECTORAL, and WESTERN SANDPIPER. SANDHILL CRANE, SORA, VIRGINIA RAIL, WHITE IBIS, SNOWY EGRET, LITTLE BLUE HERON, SNOW and CACKLING GOOSE were reported, plus BONAPARTE’S GULL and CASPIAN TERN. AMERICAN PIPIT was heard flying over. A late WOOD THRUSH was seen at Killen’s Pond State Park, along with RUDDY DUCK.
RED KNOT, BLACK-BELLIED, SEMIPALMATED and AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER, DUNLIN, SANDERLING, RUDDY TURNSTONE, plus CASPIAN and ROYAL TERNS were seen at Mispillion Inlet from the Dupont Nature Center. CASPIAN TERN and YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERON were seen from the Dike Trail and Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge. WILLET, BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, and PECTORAL SANDPIPER were seen at Oyster Rocks Road.
AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER, TURNSTONE, WILLET plus SPOTTED, WHITE-RUMPED and PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were seen at Cape Henlopen State Park along with BROWN PELICAN, NORTHERN GANNET plus RED-THROATED and COMMON LOON. WHITE IBIS, COMMON, CASPIAN and ROYAL TERN were seen at Cape Henlopen Point. BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, NORTHERN HOUSE WREN, SCARLET TANAGER, AMERICAN PIPIT, PINE SISKIN, and SCARLET TANGER were migrants through the park this week. WILD TURKEY, BROWN-HEADED and RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH was seen at the Seaside Nature Center.
NELSON’S, SALTMARSH and SEASIDE SPARROW were all seen at Gordon’s Pond State Park. PIED-BILLED GREBE, BLACK-CROWNED and YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERON were reported at Burton’s Island in Delaware Seashore State Park. RED-HEADED WOODPECKER was seen at the Peninsula Golf Course on Long Neck
Ashland Nature Center Hawk Watch had its first GOLDEN EAGLES of the season yesterday and today. A late immature BROAD-WINGED HAWK was also reported today. Good numbers of BALD EAGLES, SHARP-SHINNED and COOPER’S HAWKS were seen. COMMON RAVENS, and PURPLE FINCH were also reported. Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch reported good numbers of OSPREY, BALD EAGLES, AMERICAN KESTRELS, and MERLIN There was a big flight off approximately 4500 TREE SWALLOWS after the storm. Thanks to our hawk counters Jen Ottinger and David Brown.
And thanks to all the people that make the Birdline possible, including Tom McKeeman, Ada Alden, Chris Hinkle, Chris Pettnati, Andrew Albright, Kent Raymond, Martin Selzer, Lynn Jackson, Ed Wrzesnieski, Joanne Wood, Rod Murray, Carolyn Holland, Mary Braun, Michael Bowen, Rob Blye, Sue Gruver, Greg Gough, Phil Misseldine, Richard Jullian, Ellen and Jake Jacobson, Chris and Karen Bennett, Anthony Gonzon, Jim and Amy White, Holly Merker, Kim Steininger, Dave Brown, Wendy Cesario, Will Krohn, Aaron Coolman, Melissa Lafferty, Pauletta Brown, Jean-Marie Gauthier, David Kee, Jenna Christy, Sam VanHorne, Alan Belford, Kathy Brown, Steve Vaughn, Megan Kasprzak, Mike Moore, Bruce Peterjohn and Joe Swertinski. Special thanks to Joe Tricarico who distributes this list to DOS members. Birdline needs your sightings. Please call your reports into 302-792-9591 or email <ednieap...> Until next week, this is Andy Ednie wishing you good birding!
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: Jennifer Ottinger
Observers: Autumn Heil, Bruce Peterjohn, Diane Kane, Dianne Annunziata, Greg Gough, John Barczewski, Sally O'Byrne, Steve Minner, Susan Gruver, Tom Stock
Visitors: Thanks to a fantastic crew today! Thanks Sue, Bruce, Tom, John, Sally, Dianne, Autumn, Diane, Steve and Greg for helping with the count! Thanks to Diane and David Weber for stopping by! Visitors 21
Weather: Clear skies, temp 15C, NE,NNW wind 10-15mph decreasing in the afternoon, visb 20km
Raptor Observations: Another good Turkey Vulture flight, good number of Osprey, 13 Bald Eagles, several Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks, a Red-shouldered and a few Red-tailed hawks, very few falcons today.
Predictions: Partly cloudy, high 67F, NW wind 5mph turning SE in the afternoon. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jen Ottinger (<Jottinger.co...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Andy Ednie, Carol Spease, Joe Swertinski, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Sally O'Byrne, Sally O'Byrne, Walt Blackwell
Visitors: 15
Weather: Blue skies all day. Strong NNW winds. Chilly.
Raptor Observations: A steady flight most of the day but spotting was difficult with the blue skies. A mix of high and low migrants, including some very high. The highest Turkey Vulture day so far with over a hundred. A lot of Bald Eagle activity with 18 migrants. Many Bald Eagles were extremely high enjoying the strong winds. The only harrier was an adult male that soared over high. A moderate Accip flight with 16 sharpies and 19 Coops. Small Buteo totals with 2 red-shoulders and 5 red-tails. We had the falcon trifecta with four merlins, one kestrel, and one juvenile peregrine.
The highlight of the day was the first GOLDEN EAGLE of the season, an immature that glided high overhead in the early afternoon. This was a great birthday bird for Kim!
New species for season: Hermit Thrush, Golden Eagle
Predictions: Tomorrow: Mainly sunny. High 64F. Winds NNW at 10-15mph. Similar to today except the wind won't be as overly strong. Great wind direction and speed. Spotting will be difficult without clouds if the raptors are high. I would expect results to be similar to today. Expect moderate to good migration.
Saturday: Mix of sun and clouds. High 68F. Winds light and variable. Expect moderate migration.
Sunday: Some morning sun then increasing clouds. High near 75F. Winds S at 10-20mph. Expect light to moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Raptor Observations: A good day with Black and Turkey vultures, Osprey, 10 Bald Eagles, 16 Harriers, several Sharp-shinned and Cooper's, a Red-tailed, a good Kestrel and Merlin count, 3 Peregrines.
Non-raptor Observations: Parasitic Jaeger, N Gannet, Blue-gray Gnatcather, American Pipit, Pine Siskin. Monarch 10
Predictions: Sunny, high 63F, gusty N wind 20mph
======================================================================== Report submitted by Jen Ottinger (<Jottinger.co...>)
Raptor Observations: A steady flight overall, though some migrants were high and hard to spot. Fewer vultures and Bald Eagles than other recent days despite the excellent winds. A moderate Accip flight with 28 sharpies and 23 Coops. Few Buteos with just one red-shoulder and 3 red-tails migrating. Five kestrels and three merlins. Black Vulture 247 is still around and starting to grow some feathers to fill in its wing gap.
First big pushes of Canada Geese and Purple Finches this season.
New species for season: Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Pintail
Predictions: Tomorrow: Sunny. High 62F. Winds NNW at 10-20mph. Good winds, though a tad stronger than may be comfortable. Spotting may be tough with the blue skies. Expect moderate migration.
Friday: Mainly sunny. High 64F. Winds NNW at 10-15mph. Good winds again, but spotting may be difficult with the blue skies. Expect moderate migration.
Saturday: Partly cloudy. High 68F. Winds light and variable. Expect light to moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Raptor Observations: Slow most of the morning then finally got some raptors migrating in the afternoon. Mostly Osprey, one Bald Eagle, a few Harriers, Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawk, 2 Merlin and a Peregrine.
Non-raptor Observations: Brant, Greater Yellowlegs, Bonaparte's Gull, Common Tern, Tree Swallow (4,500), Hermit Thrush, Dark-eyed Junco. Monarch 4
Predictions: Partly cloudy, high 70F, N wind 15mph
======================================================================== Report submitted by Jen Ottinger (<Jottinger.co...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Joe Swertinski, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Sally O'Byrne, Steve Minner
Visitors: 4
Weather: Gloomy in the early morning as rain moved out. Some mid-morning clearing to become partly sunny, but becoming overcast again in the last two hours. Moderate to strong northerly winds.
Raptor Observations: Good winds after several days of poor conditions resulted in a good flight. Turkey Vulture were most numerous and had the largest flight of the season with 93. Other highlights included 13 Bald Eagles, 20 sharpies, and 14 Coops. One Osprey. One adult male Northern Harrier. Small numbers of red-tails, red-shoulders, and kestrels. Some high migrants, but also many low following the hills.
Non-raptor Observations: 75 Canada Geese, Great Blue Heron, 3 Common Ravens, 2 Palm Warblers, 7 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 4 monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S279390927
Predictions: Tomorrow: Partly cloudy. High 69F. Winds NNW at 10-15mph. Great conditions. I would expect another steady flight. We have great raptor variety this time of year. We are just entering the window where Golden Eagles become a possibility, though we often don't get our first until closer to the end of the month. Expect moderate to good migration. Overnight migration should be strong as well too so there could be a decent morning songbird flight too.
Thursday: Mainly sunny. High 62F. Winds NNW at 10-20mph. Good winds again, but a tad strong and the lack of clouds will make spotting more difficult. Expect moderate migration.
Friday: Mainly sunny. High 64F. Winds NNW at 5-10mph. Expect moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Weather: Count not conducted. Frequent rain showers from a nor'easter. Gloomy day with low cloud cover and limited visibility. Moderate to strong northerly winds.
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations:
Predictions: Tomorrow: Cloudy. High 67F. Winds N at 10-15mph. Good winds, so the flight may depend on how much it clears up. Expect moderate migration.
Wednesday: Partly cloudy. High around 70F. Winds NNW at 10-15mph. Good conditions overall. Expect moderate to good migration.
Thursday: Sunny. High 64F. Winds NNW at 10-15mph. Good conditions except spotting may be difficult if there aren't many clouds. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Date: 10/11/25 4:44 pm From: Andrew Ednie <000006be14ba5998-dmarc-request...> Subject: [de-birds] RBA: Birdline Delaware, October 10th, 2025
RBA * Delaware * Statewide * October 10, 2025 * DEST 25.10.10
*Birds mentioned Cackling Goose Black Scoter Common Merganser Ruddy Duck Chimney Swift Common Nighthawk Ruby-throated Hummingbird Virginia Rail Common Gallinule American Coot Sandhill Crane American Oystercatcher American Avocet Black-bellied Plover American Golden Plover Semipalmated Plover HUDSONIAN GODWIT Marbled Godwit Ruddy Turnstone Spotted Sandpiper Willet Wilson’s Snipe Short-billed Dowitcher Long-billed Dowitcher Wilson’s Phalarope Dunlin Western Sandpiper White-rumped Sandpiper Pectoral Sandpiper Stilt Sandpiper PARASITIC JAEGER Caspian Tern Royal Tern Black Skimmer Common Loon Red-throated Loon Pied-billed Grebe Northern Gannet AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN Brown Pelican Little Blue Heron Tricolored Heron Black-crowned Night Heron Yellow-crowned Night Heron White Ibis Osprey Sharp-shinned Hawk Cooper’s Hawk Broad-winged Hawk Red-headed Woodpecker Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Merlin Peregrine Falcon Blue-headed Vireo Warbling Vireo Philadelphia Vireo Common Raven Northern Rough-winged Swallow Barn Swallow Red-breasted Nuthatch Brown-headed Nuthatch Brown Creeper Ruby-crowned Kinglet Golden-crowned Kinglet Veery Swainson’s Thrush Hermit Thrush Gray-cheeked Thrush Wood Thrush American Pipit Purple Finch CLAY-COLORED SPARRW Vesper Sparrow Saltmarsh Sparrow NELSON’S SPARROW Lincoln’s Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow Eastern Meadowlark Ovenbird Black and White Warbler American Redstart Tennessee Warbler Nashville Warbler Orange-crowned Warbler CONNECTICUT WARBLER Northern Parula Cape May Warbler Magnolia Warbler Chestnut-sided Warbler Blackburnian Warbler Bay-breasted Warbler Blackpoll Warbler TOWNSEND’S WARBLER Palm Warbler Prairie Warbler Black-throated Blue Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler Summer Tanager Indigo Bunting
Hotline: Birdline Delaware Date: October 10, 2025 To Report: Andy Ednie 302-792-9591 (VOICE) Compiler: Andy Ednie (<ednieap...>) Coverage: Delaware, Delmarva Peninsula, nearby Delaware Valley, Southern New Jersey, Maryland
For Friday, Ten/Ten, this is Birdline Delaware from the Delaware Museum of Natural History in Greenville. The Birdline is sponsored by the Delaware Ornithological Society (DOS). Statements made on the Birdline do not necessarily reflect the views of the sponsors. The unofficial Delaware Annual increased to 330 species this week with two new additions. Delaware is preparing for a big Nor’easter this weekend. Travel along the beach may be detoured due to coastal flooding.
A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was found behind the Ashland Nature Center Hawk Watch at a little weedy patch called the “Magic Circle”. The bird was seen Monday and Tuesday but not seen since. LINCOLN’S SPARROWS were seen at Ashland, Middle Run Natural Area, Peterson’s Urban Wildlife Refuge, Augustine Wildlife Area-Ashton Tract, Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, McCabe Nature Preserve, and Burton’s Island, Delaware Seashore Sate Park. WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW was seen at Ashland, Middle Run, Ashton Tract, and Bombay Hook. Additionally, a VESPER SPARROW was photographed at the Smith’s Mill Road section of Middle Run. Sparrow and another was seen at Forbes’s Field near Woodlawn Trustees at Rt 92 and Woodlawn Road.
A TOWNSEND’S WARBLER was photographed at Strawberry Landing in Assawoman Wildlife Area on Monday, but the observer didn’t realize it until reviewing the pictures. If accepted, this will be only the second state record. The first ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER of the season was found at Gordon’s Pond, near Cape Henlopen State Park on Monday. TENNESSEE WARBLER was reported at Bombay Hook and Bethany Beach Nature Center. Several NASHVILLE WARBLERS were seen at Bombay Hook, Gordon’s Pond, Red Mill Acres, and the Bethany Beach Nature Center. There was numerous PALM and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS reported this week, Lingering Warblers included, OVENBIRD, BLACK AND WHITE, AMERICAN REDSTART, NORTHERN PARULA, MAGNOLIA, CHESTNUT-SIDED, CAPE MAY, BLACKPOLL, BLACKBURNIAN, BAY-BREASTED, plus BLACK-THROATED BLUE and BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER.
An adult RED-HEADED WOODPECKER was found at First State National Historical Park south of Ramsey Road. PHILADELPHIA VIREO was seen at Ashland Nature Center, along with flyover CACKLING GOOSE, NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW and PURPLE FINCH. A female COMMON MERGANSER was seen along the Red Clay Creek. A few RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRDS are still coming to feeders right now. If you see an unusual hummer, please contact the Birdline at the sites above. Some new arrivals for the fall included RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, BROWN CREEPER, RUBY-CROWNED and GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET, YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, BLUE-HEADED VIREO, SWAINSON’S, HERMIT and GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH, VEERY, and INDIGO BUNTING.
SANDHILL CRANES were seen at the Port Penn Tract in Augustine Wildlife Area along with VIRGINIA RAIL, CASPIAN TERN. A WARBLING VIREO was seen at Cooper’s Crossroads. Shorebirds reported at Port Penn included PECTORAL and WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER. SEMIPALMATED PLOVER and LITTLE BLUE HERON were seen at Pea Patch Island, at the Ashton Tract. EASTERN MEADOWLARK was found at Price’s Park in Middletowen.
A winter plumaged WILSON’S PHALAROPE was seen Shearness Pool in Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge near Smyrna on Wednesday. Other shorebirds included MARBLED and HUDSONIAN GODWIT, AMERICAN AVOCETS, BLACK-BELLIED, SEMIPALMATED and AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER, DUNLIN, LONG-BILLED and SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER, plus SPOTTED, WHITE-RUMPED, PECTORAL, WESTERN and STILT SANDPIPER. Interesting landbirds included NELSON’S and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW RUDDY DUCK, PIED-BILLED GREBE, COMMON GALLINULE and AMERICAN COOT were seen at the main trat in Little Creek Wildlife Area. A late WOOD THRUSH was seen at Killen’s Pond State Park.
CASPIAN and ROYAL TERNS were seen at Mispillion Inlet from the Dupont Nature Center. AMERICAN PIPIT was found at Fowlers Beach in Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge. A pair of AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS were seen flying over the Boardwalk Trail at Prime Hook headquarters. RUDDY TURNSTONE, WILLET, BLACK SKIMMER and TRICOLORED HERON were seen along the Dike Trail.
There was a high count of 4 PARASITIC JAEGERS at Cape Henlopen State Park along with BROWN PELICAN, NORTHERN GANNET plus RED-THROATED and COMMON LOON. AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER, WHITE IBIS, plus COMMON, CASPIAN and ROYAL TERN were seen at Cape Henlopen Point. CONNECTICUT and PRAIRIE WARBLER was seen at the Seaside Nature Center in Cape Henlopen State Park along with BROWN-HEADED and RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH.
HUDSONIAN GODWIT, BLACK-BELLIED, SEMIPALMATED and AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER, RUDDY TURNSTONE, and WILSON’S SNIPE with approximately 1200 WHITE IBIS were seen at Gordon’s Pond State Park. SALTMARSH SPARROW was seen along the Gordon’s bike trail. A YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERON was seen along the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal from the Freeman Highway and BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON was found at the Monroe Ave ponds.
RED-HEADED WOODPECKER was seen at the Peninsula Golf Course on Long Neck and at Redden State Forest. A late SUMMER TANAGER, VEERY and BLACKPOLL WARBLER were also reported at this later location. WARBLING VIREO and PRAIRIE WARBLER were seen at James Farm Eco-Preserve near Ocean View.
Its ACCIPITER season at Delaware’s Hawk Watches. A total of about 100 SHARP-SHINNED and 50 COOPER’S HAWKS plus a single BROAD-WINGED was seen at Ashland Nature Center. COMMON RAVENS, COMMON NIGHTHAWK and CHIMNEY SWIFT were also reported. Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch reported about 150 SHARPIES and 50 COOPER’S HAWK, plus OSPREY, MERLIN and PEREGRINE FALCON. There was a flight of over 500 BLACK SCOTERS offshore along with a flyover BARN SWALLOW. Thanks to our hawk counters Jen Ottinger and David Brown.
And thanks to all the people that make the Birdline possible, including Donna Carter, Ryan Johnson, Tim Carney, Kent Raymond, Alissa Kegelman, Bert Filemyr, Mike Rosengaten, Susan Russo, Richard Hudson, Cheryl Duford, Deborah Hanson, Jim McConnell, David Yhomas, Frank Rohrbacher, Declan O’Neil, Rod Murray, Carolyn Holland, Mary Braun, Gary Griffith, Rob Blye, Sue Gruver, Greg Gough, Phil Misseldine, Richard Jullian, Ellen and Jake Jacobson, Chris and Karen Bennett, Jim and Amy White, Keely Milbourne, Kim Steininger, Dave Brown, Wendy Cesario, Will Krohn, Aaron Coolman, Megan Kasprzak, Mike Moore, Bruce Peterjohn and Joe Swertinski. Special thanks to Joe Tricarico who distributes this list to DOS members. Birdline needs your sightings. Please call your reports into 302-792-9591 or email <ednieap...> Until next week, this is Andy Ednie wishing you good birding!
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Bruce Peterjohn, Jennifer Ottinger
Observers: Andrew Albright, Bruce Peterjohn, Jennifer Ottinger, Susan Gruver
Visitors: Thanks to Sue, Bruce and Andrew for helping with the count! Thanks to Nancy for stopping by. Thanks Bruce and Andrew for counting the sea birds! Visitors 15
Weather: Overcast with rain periodically in the morning, temp 19-21C, SE,ESE winds 10mph, visb 10-18km
Raptor Observations: Not much moving with the southeast wind and rain. A few Osprey, one Sharp-shinned, Kestrel and Merlin and a couple of Peregrines.
Non-raptor Observations: Another good sea watch day. Wood Duck, Surf Scoter (252), White-winged Scoter (1), Black Scoter (4,035), Parasitic Jaeger, Lesser Black-backed Gull (25), Northern Gannet (3), DC Cormorant (1,975), Great Blue Heron, Pine Warbler.
Predictions: Rain, high 68F, E wind 35mph gusting to 50mph. No Count ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jen Ottinger (<Jottinger.co...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Joe Swertinski, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Mike Fowles, Sally O'Byrne
Visitors: 13
Weather: First frost of the season, but becoming comfortable by the afternoon. Clear skies to start becoming partly cloudy then mostly cloudy at the end of the count. Light to moderate winds east shifting southeast.
Raptor Observations: A moderate flight. Most numerous were 15 Turkey Vultures, 11 Bald Eagles, 19 Sharp-shinned Hawks, and 11 Cooper's Hawks. One Merlin was the only falcon.
Non-raptor Observations: 25 Canada Geese, 15 Wood Ducks, 3 Double-crested Cormorants, Great Blue Heron, Common Raven, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Savannah Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, American Redstart, 7 Palm Warblers, 10 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 9 monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S278398517
New species for season: Savannah Sparrow
Predictions: Tomorrow: Cloudy early with afternoon showers. High 69F. Winds ENE at 5-10mph. Expect light migration.
Sunday: Overcast with rain showers. Potential for heavy rainfall. High 64F. Winds NE at 15-25mph. Count will likely be shortened or canceled.
Monday: Cloudy with showers. High 61F. Winds NNE at 15-25mph. Count will likely be shortened or canceled. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: Jennifer Ottinger
Observers: Andrew Albright, Chris Somers, Greg Gough, Heidi McGrue, Melanie Mason, Steve McInnis, Susan Gruver, Tom Stock, Vincent Gambal
Visitors: Thanks to Sue, Tom, Heidi, Greg, Steve, Vince, Andrew, Melanie, and Chris for helping with the count today! Thanks to Ed Crawford for stopping by! Visitors 10
Raptor Observations: A few Turkey Vulture, a good Osprey count, 7 Bald Eagles, 10 Harrier, a few Sharp-shinned, several Kestrel, Merlin and Peregrines.
Non-raptor Observations: White Ibis, Great Blue Heron, Eastern Phoebe, Ruby-crowned and Golden-crown kinglets, Brown Creeper, Winter Wren, Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Orange-crowned Warbler, Palm Warbler. Monarch 53
Predictions: Partly cloudy, high 68F, E wind 10-15mph
======================================================================== Report submitted by Jen Ottinger (<Jottinger.co...>)
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Carol Spease, Carolyn Holland, Joe Swertinski, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Laureen Eick-Benson, Mike Fowles, Pauletta Brown, Richard King
Visitors: 17, plus 13 from a volunteer group from BlackRock
Weather: Blue skies all day from high pressure following yesterday's cold front. A moderate northeasterly breeze, weakening a little in the afternoon. Quite chilly in the morning, becoming more comfortable in the afternoon.
Raptor Observations: A steady flight, though the difficult spotting made it feel underwhelming at times. The best vulture flight of the season with 83 Turkey Vultures, including a group of 17 that streamed high overhead. The first three migrating Black Vultures of the season were counted. Two Ospreys including a nice look at one. Great Bald Eagles activity with 15 migrants and three immatures playing overhead in the afternoon. Two harriers including a low pass at the end of the count. Moderate Accip flight with 14 Coops and 20 sharpies. One late broad-wing streamed over high, plus late-season Buteo migration starting to pick up with 6 red-shoulders and 11 red-tails. For falcons we had two kestrels and two Merlins, including a Merlin chasing around a sharpie.
Non-raptor Observations: Last night was the biggest songbird night so far this fall with 7+ million birds estimated migrating over New Castle County. However, the morning birding didn't reflect that.
Predictions: Tomorrow: Mainly sunny except for a few afternoon clouds. High 66F. Winds NE shifting SE at 5-10mph. A less favorable wind direction, but fairly light. Conditions should be good for raptors to be up and flying around, so it should be a pleasant day on the hill before the weather turns poor for several days. Spotting may be difficult if there aren't many clouds. Expect moderate migration.
Saturday: Cloudy early. A few showers later. High 69F. Winds ENE at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration.
Sunday: Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers. Potential for heavy rainfall. High 63F. Winds NE at 15-25mph. Count will likely be shortened or canceled. Will keep an eye on as we get closer. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Joe Swertinski, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass
Visitors: 3
Weather: Morning drizzle delayed the start of the count by an hour. Clearing skies throughout the morning becoming nearly cloudless in mid-afternoon before some late-afternoon clouds. Moderate to strong NNW winds as a result of a cold front passing mid-morning. Cooler than recent days but still fairly warm.
Raptor Observations: A steady flight after many slow days during the recent warm spell. A steady flow of Turkey Vultures for 66 total, the first decent push of the season. Excellent Bald Eagle activity with 15 migrating. One Osprey and a few harriers. Moderate Accip numbers with 13 sharpies and 11 Coops. Four red-shoulders and five red-tails. The only falcons were 3 kestrels. Most migrants were low to medium altitude.
Non-raptor Observations: CACKLING GOOSE, 200 Canada Geese, Common Nighthawk, 2 Common Ravens, 1,500+ Tree Swallows, Lincoln's Sparrow, 2,000 Common Grackles, Black-and-white Warbler, 4 monarchs.
Predictions: Tomorrow: Mainly sunny. High 64F. Winds NNE at 10-15mph. Good conditions. Overnight non-raptor migration will be very good so that could continue as a strong morning flight. Winds will be a good speed and direction. The only negative is that spotting may be difficult if the raptors get up high and there are few clouds. Expect moderate to good migration.
Friday: Generally sunny. High 66F. Winds ESE at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration.
Saturday: Overcast. Slight chance of a shower. High 71F. winds E at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Joe Swertinski, Sally O’Byrne
Observers: Jen Ottinger, Lana Glass, Steve Minner
Weather: Some early morning fog then sunny with some afternoon clouds. Light southwesterly winds with some gusts. Very warm temps continue.
Raptor Observations: A handful of Bald Eagles, sharpies, and kestrels, plus a harrier, a Coop, and two red-shoulders.
Non-raptor Observations: CLAY-COLORED SPARROW (magic circle behind hawk watch in am, not re-found)
Predictions: Tomorrow: Partly to mostly cloudy. High around 80F. Winds SSW at 10-15mph. Expect light to moderate migration.
Wednesday: Cloudy and damp with rain in the morning then becoming partly cloudy. High 68F. Winds NW at 10-15mph. Perhaps some migration when it starts to clear up.
Thursday: Sunny. High 62F. Winds NNE at 10-15mph. Good winds following the cold front. Should bring a push of raptors that have been stalled with the warm weather. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 12:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Bruce Peterjohn
Observers: Ann Dinkel, Greg Gough, Susan Gruver
Visitors: thank you to Bruce, Ann, Greg. 10 visitors
Weather: Dense fog all morning until around 11 am. wind from zero - 5 mph., W/N/W- SE. when the wind shifted to Se the little bit of flight we had shut down., temp 18-21 c., clcv 100%-25., visb -1 to 15
Raptor Observations: a few Osprey and Sharp-shinned Hawks
Non-raptor Observations: over all very quiet. Parula, Prairie Warblers, Gannet, Com. Loon
Predictions: high 81, mostly suuny, wind SSW 10-15 ======================================================================== Report submitted by Sue Gruver (<srgruver...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:15:00 Total observation time: 6.25 hours
Official Counter: Kim Steininger, Will Krohn
Observers: Eli Hevalow
Visitors: 33
Weather: Clear skies with light and variable winds. Very warm.
Raptor Observations: Turkey Vultures were the most numerous migrant with 7. One Osprey. Small numbers of other expected migrants including 6 sharpies and 4 kestrels.
Predictions: Tomorrow: Areas of patchy fog early. Partly cloudy. High 81F. Winds SSW at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration.
Tuesday: Partly cloudy then cloudy. High around 80F. Winds SSW at 10-15mph. Expect light to moderate migration.
Wednesday: Morning rain then partly cloudy. Winds NW at 10-15mph. Perhaps some migration if it clears up early enough. Good winds. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 12:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Bruce Peterjohn
Observers: Ann Dinkel, Sharon Borton, Susan Gruver
Visitors: thank you to Bruce, Ann, Sharon and David and Diane WSeber for stopping by
Weather: temp 17c, zero clcv, no measurable wind or direction, then up to 6, visb 20k
Raptor Observations: a few Osprey and Kestrels, 18 Sharp-shinned hawks, few Falcons
Non-raptor Observations: Blue-Headed Vireo, Ruby-Crowned and Golden Crowned Kinglets, Black-Throated Green Warblers, Cape May and Pine Warbler
Predictions: high 81, Sunny, wind SSW 5-10 ======================================================================== Report submitted by Sue Gruver (<srgruver...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Chase Wilkinson, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Mike Fowles
Visitors: 20
Weather: Blue skies except for a partial cirrus layer moving in throughout the day. Light and variable winds, settling into WSW. Chilly in the early morning then becoming very warm.
Raptor Observations: Decent variety, but small totals. A trickle of Turkey Vultures. Two Ospreys. Ten sharpies, three harriers. Small numbers of other expect species. A mix of high and low altitude migrants. Tough spotting with the blue skies.
Predictions: Tomorrow: Sunny. Very warm. High 81F. Winds SW at 5-10mph. Similar to today and would expect similar results.
Monday: Sunny. High 81F. Winds SSW at 5-10mph. Similar conditions again.
Tuesday: Partly cloudy then cloudy. High around 80F. Winds SSW at 10-15mph. Expect light migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Jennifer Ottinger
Observers: Heidi McGrue, Susan Gruver
Visitors: Thanks to Sue and Heidi for helping with the count today! Thanks to Donna West for stopping by! Visitors 21
Weather: Clear skies, temp 24C, light NW,W wind at 5mph turning E in the afternoon, visb 23km
Raptor Observations: Black and Turkey vultures, several Osprey, 3 Bald Eagles, a couple of Harriers, a good Sharp-shinned flight, several Cooper's Hawks, Kestrels, Merlin and Peregrine Falcons.
Non-raptor Observations: Brown Pelican, Great Blue Heron, Barn Swallow, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Pine Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler.
Predictions: Sunny, high 77F, SE wind 5mph
======================================================================== Report submitted by Jen Ottinger (<Jottinger.co...>)
Date: 10/4/25 8:12 am From: Andrew Ednie <000006be14ba5998-dmarc-request...> Subject: [de-birds] RBA: Birdline Delaware, October 3rd, 2025
RBA * Delaware * Statewide * October 3, 2025 * DEST 25.10.03
*Birds mentioned Brant Black Scoter Surf Scoter Common Merganser Red-breasted Merganser Yellow-billed Cuckoo Common Nighthawk Ruby-throated Hummingbird Sora Virginia Rail Sandhill Crane American Oystercatcher American Avocet Black-bellied Plover American Golden Plover Semipalmated Plover HUDSONIAN GODWIT Marbled Godwit Ruddy Turnstone Spotted Sandpiper Solitary Sandpiper Wilson’s Snipe Short-billed Dowitcher Long-billed Dowitcher Wilson’s Phalarope Red Knot Dunlin Western Sandpiper White-rumped Sandpiper Pectoral Sandpiper BAIRD’S SANDPIPER Stilt Sandpiper PARASITIC JAEGER Bonaparte’s Gull Caspian Tern Common Tern Royal Tern Black Skimmer Common Loon Northern Gannet AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN Brown Pelican ROSEATE SPOONBILL Little Blue Heron Tricolored Heron Green Heron Black-crowned Night Heron White Ibis GOLDEN EAGLE Broad-winged Hawk Red-headed Woodpecker Yellow-bellied Sapsucker American Kestrel Merlin Peregrine Falcon Least Flycatcher Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Eastern Phoebe Eastern Kingbird Blue-headed Vireo Warbling Vireo White-eyed Vireo Yellow-throated Vireo Philadelphia Vireo Common Raven Red-breasted Nuthatch Brown-headed Nuthatch Brown Creeper Ruby-crowned Kinglet Golden-crowned Kinglet Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher Swainson’s Thrush Gray-cheeked Thrush American Pipit Purple Finch Saltmarsh Sparrow Lincoln’s Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow Rusty Blackbird Baltimore Oriole Ovenbird Northern Waterthrush Hooded Warbler Black and White Warbler American Redstart Prothonotary Warbler CONNECICUT WARBLER Tennessee Warbler Nashville Warbler Blue-winged Warbler Northern Parula Cape May Warbler Magnolia Warbler Chestnut-sided Warbler Yellow Warbler Blackburnian Warbler Bay-breasted Warbler Blackpoll Warbler Palm Warbler Prairie Warbler Black-throated Blue Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler Canada Warbler Scarlet Tanager Indigo Bunting Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Hotline: Birdline Delaware Date: October 3, 2025 To Report: Andy Ednie 302-792-9591 (VOICE) Compiler: Andy Ednie (<ednieap...>) Coverage: Delaware, Delmarva Peninsula, nearby Delaware Valley, Southern New Jersey, Maryland
For Friday, October 3rd, this is Birdline Delaware from the Delaware Museum of Natural History in Greenville. The Birdline is sponsored by the Delaware Ornithological Society (DOS). Statements made on the Birdline do not necessarily reflect the views of the sponsors. The unofficial Delaware Annual list remains at 328 species this week.
A couple of CONNECTICUT WARBLERS were reported this week from Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge and Bay Point at Summit Bridge. There was numerous PALM and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS reported this week, Warblers commonly seen included, OVENBIRD, BLACK AND WHITE, AMERICAN REDSTART, NORTHERN PARULA, MAGNOLIA, CHESTNUT-SIDED, CAPE MAY, BLACKPOLL, BLACKBURNIAN, BAY-BREASTED, plus BLACK-THROATED BLUE and BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER.
A few RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRDS are still coming to feeders right now. If you see an unusual hummer, please contact the Birdline at the sites above. Some late fall lingerers included BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, BALTIMORE ORIOLE, SCARLET TANAGER, ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK, and INDIGO BUNTING New arrivals for the fall included RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, RUBY-CROWNED and GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET, YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, and BLUE-HEADED VIREO. EASTERN PHOEBES are migrating in force right now, the official bird of the MLB playoffs.
YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO, TENNESSEE and NASHVILLE WARBLER were seen at Middle Run Natural Area. Another PHILADELPHIA VIREO was seen in a yard near Newark. Both PHILADELPHIA and WARBLING VIREO were seen at Ashland Nature Center, along with BLUE-WINGED, TENNESSEE, and WILSON’S WARBLER. A LINCOLN’S SPARROW continues by the pavilion next to the lodge, and there was a flyover PURPLE FINCH. A female COMMON MERGANSER was seen along the Red Clay Creek.
A LEAST FLYCATCHER was found in a backyard in Wilmington near Lancaster Pike. NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH and CANADA WARBLER were seen at First State National Historical Park-Brandywine Unit. SOLITARY SANDPIPER and 5 COMMON RAVENS were seen at Brandywine Creek State Park along with GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH and LINCOLN’S SPARROW behind the maintenance shed. Another GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH was seen near the Wild Bird Store in Hockessin.
SANDHILL CRANES were seen at the Ashton Tract in Augustine Wildlife Area. A YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER was reported last Saturday and PHILADELPHIA VIREO was photographed on Thursday at the Ashton Tract. COMMON RAVEN was reported at the Port Penn impoundments.
An AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN made a brief stop at Shearness Pool in Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge near Smyrna yesterday. Shorebirds at Bombay Hook included a BAIRD’S SANDPIPER last Saturday at Bear Swamp and winter plumaged WILSON’S PHALAROPE seen yesterday. Other shorebirds included both 8 MARBLED and 13 HUDSONIAN GODWIT, plus a big count of 1000 AMERICAN AVOCETS, with BLACK-BELLIED, SEMIPALMATED and AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER, DUNLIN, LONG-BILLED and SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER, plus SPOTTED, WHITE-RUMPED, PECTORAL, WESTERN and STILT SANDPIPER, and CASPIAN TERN. Waders found included SORA, VIRGINIA RAIL, SANDHILL CRANE, and LITTLE BLUE HERON. At least 10 PEREGRINE FALCONS and a MERLIN were seen hunting shorebirds over the impoundments. Interesting landbirds included the first WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW of the season plus WHITE-EYED and PHILADELPHIA VIREO, LINCOLN’S SPARROW, and an immature RED-HEADED WOODPECKER along the Boardwalk Trail. A late PROTHONOTARY WARBLER was seen at! Fork Landing Road near Frederica.
BLACK-BELLIED and AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER, were seen at Mispillion Inlet from the Dupont Nature Center. An AMERICAN PIPIT was spotted flying over at Lighthouse Road. RUDDY TURNSTONE was found at Fowlers Beach in Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge. YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO and RUSTY BLACKBIRD were seen at Prime Hook headquarters. BLACK SKIMMER and AMERICAN AVOCET were seen along the Dike Trail. TENNESSEE WARBLER and WARBLING VIREO were reported in a yard near Milford.
There was a high count of 4 PARASITIC JAEGERS at Cape Henlopen State Park on Wednesday, along with RED-BREASTED MERGANSER, BROWN PELICAN, NORTHERN GANNET and COMMON LOON. AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER, WHITE IBIS, plus COMMON, CASPIAN and ROYAL TERN were seen at Cape Henlopen Point. EASTERN KINGBIRD, WHITE-EYED, and PHILADELPHIA VIREO was seen at the Seaside Nature Center in Cape Henlopen State Park along with BROWN-HEADED and RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH. A pair of immature RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS were seen flying over the hawkwatch. SURF and BLACK SCOTER were seen at the bayside lighthouse. PURPLE FINCH and the first BROWN CREEPER of the season was seen along the Walking Dunes Nature Trail.
It was a feeding frenzy at Gordon’s Pond with HUDSONIAN GODWIT, BLACK-BELLIED, SEMIPALMATED and AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER, RUDDY TURNSTONE, LONG-BILLED and SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER, RED KNOT, WILSON’S SNIPE, plus PECTORAL and WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER along with TRICOLORED, LITTLE BLUE, and GREEN HERON with approximately 1200 WHITE IBIS. COMMON, CASPIAN and ROYAL TERNS were seen along with a single BONAPARTE’S GULL. SALTMARSH SPARROW and PRAIRIE WARBLER were seen along the trail. BRANT was seen along the breakwater from the Cape May-Lewes Ferry.
There was a peak count of 9 TRICOLORED HERONS, along with BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON and WHITE IBIS at Burton’s Island in Delaware Seashore State Park. YELLOW-THROATED VIREO, HOODED and YELLOW WARBLER were seen along the Burton’s Island nature trail. RED-HEADED WOODPECKER continues to be seen at the Peninsula Golf Couse on Long Neck.
The first GOLDEN EAGLE of the season was reported at the Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch on Wednesday. A ROSEATE SPOONBILL was seen flying past Cape Henlopen after earlier leaving Cape May. Good numbers of AMERICAN KESTREL, MERLIN, and PEREGRINES were seen all week. Ashland Nature Center reported 12 species of raptor although low numbers. Highlights were 39 BROAD-WINGED on Wednesday. COMMON RAVENS are being seen almost daily and a COMMON NIGHTHAWK was seen on Tuesday. Thanks to our hawk counters Jen Ottinger and David Brown.
And thanks to all the people that make the Birdline possible, including Al Guarente, Aaron Reb, Kent Raymond, Alissa Kegelman, Gina Sheridan, Lynn Jackson, Martin Selzer, Mike Hudson, Frank Rohrbacher, Declan O’Neil, Jen Driscoll, Chase Wilkerson, Rod Murray, Carolyn Holland, Mary Braun, Gary Griffith, Rob Blye, Sue Gruver, Greg Gough, Phil Misseldine, Richard Jullian, Wayne Longbottom, Greg Wittt, Matthew Herron, Ellen and Jake Jacobson, Chris and Karen Bennett, Jim and Amy White, Kim Steininger, Dave Brown, Wendy Cesario, Will Krohn, Aaron Coolman, Megan Kasprzak, Ian Stewart, Chris Machulski, Mike Moore, Bruce Peterjohn and Joe Swertinski. Special thanks to Joe Tricarico who distributes this list to DOS members. Birdline needs your sightings. Please call your reports into 302-792-9591 or email <ednieap...> Until next week, this is Andy Ednie wishing you good birding and let’s go Phillies!
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Jennifer Ottinger
Observers: Autumn Heil, Heidi McGrue, John Barczewski, Steve McInnis, Steve Minner, Susan Gruver
Visitors: Thanks to Sue, Heidi, Steve McInnis, Autumn, Steve M. and John B. for helping with the count today! I appreciate seeing John - it's been a long time! Visitors 4
Raptor Observations: A few Turkey Vultures, several Osprey, 7 Bald Eagles, a couple of Harriers, 19 Sharp-shinned and 5 Cooper's Hawks, a Red-tailed and a few Kestrel, Merlin and Peregrine.
Non-raptor Observations: Great Blue Heron, Kingfisher, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Chipping Sparrow. Monarch 2
Predictions: Sunny, high 76F W wind 5mph turning SE in the afternoon.
======================================================================== Report submitted by Jen Ottinger (<Jottinger.co...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Joe Swertinski, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass
Visitors: 7
Weather: A thin layer of cirrus covering much of the sky. Light and variable winds, settling into SW. Cool in the early morning but becoming warm.
Raptor Observations: A good amount of overall raptor activity especially in the morning, but relatively few migrants compared to other recent days. Sharpies were most numerous with 10. Two kestrels and a Merlin. One juvenile Broad-winged Hawk.
Non-raptor Observations: Morning hike: Philadelphia Vireo, Swainson's Thrush, American Redstart, Magnolia Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Rose-breasted Grosbeak. https://ebird.org/checklist/S276973084
Predictions: Tomorrow: Sunny. Very warm. High 81F. Winds light and variable. We have had a good amount of local raptor activity recently on similar conditions with some nice looks, especially in the morning. There should be some migration but probably not large numbers. Expect light to moderate migration.
Sunday: Mainly sunny. Very warm. High 83F. Winds SSW at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration.
Monday: Sunny. High around 80F. Winds SSW at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Carolyn Holland, Kim Steininger
Visitors: 10
Weather: Partly sunny with a nice mix of cumulus clouds and a high layer of cirrus clouds above. Light northeasterly winds. Chilly in the morning but comfortable after that.
Raptor Observations: A steady flight with some nice looks, but also some high altitude migrants. A good variety of raptors with every species we expect this time of year. Some small groups of Turkey Vultures were obvious high-altitude migrants with 23 total. Sharpies were next most numerous with 21. We had the falcon trifecta with 6 kestrels, 2 Merlins (including one relentlessly diving at a Cooper's Hawk), and a distant Peregrine Falcon that was eating on the wing. Two Broad-winged Hawks.
Predictions: Tomorrow: Mix of sun and clouds. High 73F. Winds light and variable. Expect light to moderate migration.
Saturday: Sunny. Very warm. High 81F. Winds light and variable. Expect light to moderate migration.
Sunday: Sunny. Very warm. High 81F. Winds SSW at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Jennifer Ottinger
Observers: Greg Gough, Heidi McGrue, Susan Gruver, Vincent Gambal
Visitors: Thanks to Sue, Heidi, Vince & Greg for helping with the count! Thanks to David and Diane Weber for stopping by! Visitors 26
Weather: Partly cloudy, temp 19C, E wind 10-15mph, visb 20km
Raptor Observations: A few vultures, a good Osprey flight, 8 Bald Eagles, a couple of Harrier, Sharp-shinned, and Cooper’s hawks, several Kestrel, Merlin and Peregrines.
Predictions: Partly cloudy, high 70F with light winds. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jen Ottinger (<Jottinger.co...>)
Raptor Observations: A few vultures, a nice Osprey flight, 4 Bald Eagles, a few Harriers, Sharp-shinned and Cooper's hawks, several Kestrel, Merlin and Peregrine came through in the afternoon, our first Golden Eagle (juvenile) of the season.
Non-raptor Observations: Pelican, Glossy Ibis, White Ibis, Great Blue Heron (12), Golden-crowned Kinglet, Pine Warbler. Monarch 10
Predictions: Sunny, high 70F, NE wind 15mph ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jen Ottinger (<Jottinger.co...>)
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Daniel Noznisky, Jim Lewis, Laureen Eick-Benson, Richard King
Visitors: 12
Weather: Cloudless skies with moderate winds shifting from NNE to NE. Quite cool to start but warmer by the afternoon.
Raptor Observations: The wind started the flight early. A good morning flight with a mix of high and low altitude migrants. Slower in the afternoon. Broad-winged Hawks were most numerous with 39 total including several small kettles. A lot of Bald Eagle activity with 9 migrants. A moderate accip flight with 20 sharpies and the highest day for Cooper's Hawks this season with 13. The only falcons were 14 kestrels. Black Vulture '247' was seen again.
New species for season: Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Yellow-rumped Warbler
Predictions: Tomorrow: Partly cloudy. High 71F. Winds ENE at 5-10mph. Decent conditions for raptor activity. Expect light to moderate migration.
Friday: Partly cloudy. High 72F. Winds SSW at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration.
Saturday: Sunny. Very warm. High 79F. Winds light and variable. Expect light to moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Carol Spease, Joe Swertinski, Samir Saadeh
Visitors: 20
Weather: Mostly cloudy with a thinner cirrus layer in the midday that brought an impressive show of halos including a complete parhelic circle that stayed visible for several hours. Light to moderate northeast winds. Warm
Raptor Observations: A slow but steady flight. The cloudy sky made spotting easier. Sharp-shinned Hawks were most numerous with 20. Eight kestrels. Three harriers. Most raptors had a below-average September.
Non-raptor Observations: Morning hike: American Redstart, 2 Northern Parulas, Magnolia Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Scarlet Tanager. https://ebird.org/checklist/S276459056
Hawk Watch: Common Nighthawk, Common Raven, 750 Tree Swallows, Swainson's Thrush, Black-and-white Warbler, Palm Warbler, 2 Black-throated Green Warblers, Scarlet Tanager, Indigo Bunting, 29 monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S276550230
Predictions: Tomorrow: Sunny skies. High 71F. Winds NNE at 10-15mph. Good winds but blue skies may make spotting difficult if the raptors get up high. Maybe the stronger northerly winds will finally get some sharpies and kestrels moving. Probably the best migration day coming up if we can spot them. Expect moderate migration.
Thursday: Sunny except for a few afternoon clouds. High 69F. Winds ENE at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration.
Friday: Mix of sun and clouds. High 72F. Winds light and variable. Expect light to moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Raptor Observations: A good Osprey flight, 2 Bald Eagles, a couple of Harriers, several Kestrel, Merlin and Peregrines.
Non-raptor Observations: Pintail, Red-breasted Merganser, Oystercatcher, White Ibis, Common Loon, Great Egret, Great Blue Heron (4), Red-breasted Nuthatch. Monarch 2
Predictions: Cloudy, high 78F, NE wind 10-20 gusting to 30mph
======================================================================== Report submitted by Jen Ottinger (<Jottinger.co...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: David Brown, Sally O’Byrne
Observers: Lana Glass, Steve Minner
Visitors: 2
Weather: A bit of morning sun then overcast. Light northeasterly winds.
Raptor Observations: Few migrants due to lack of sun and wind. Four each of sharpie and kestrel. Two Cooper's Hawks. One harrier, broad-wing, and turkey vulture.
Non-raptor Observations: Morning hike: Common Merganser, 3 Double-crested Cormorants, 2 Blue-headed Vireos, 2 Philadelphia Vireos, 2 Swainson's Thrushes, 4 Black-and-white Warblers, 4 American Redstarts, 3 Northern Parulas, 4 Magnolia Warblers, Black-throated Blue Warbler, 3 Palm Warblers, 5 Black-throated Green Warblers. https://ebird.org/checklist/S276296449
Predictions: Tomorrow: Mostly cloudy. Very warm. High near 80F. Winds NNE at 5-10mph. If there is some sun then raptors should be flying. Winds are a decent direction but very light. Migrants may be high in the afternoon. Expect light to moderate migration.
Wednesday: Mainly sunny. High 73F. Winds NNE at 10-15mph. Spotting may be tough, but winds are pretty good. Expect moderate migration.
Thursday: Mostly sunny. High around 70F. Winds ENE at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 17:30:00 Total observation time: 9.5 hours
Official Counter: Bruce Peterjohn
Observers: Ann Dinkel, Greg Gough, Jennifer Ottinger, Sharon Borton, Susan Gruver, Tom Stock
Visitors: thank you to Bruce, Tom, Greg, Ann, Sharon
visitors 14
Weather: wind NNE/N/NNW at 5-14 mph, temp. 21-23 c., clcv 100-60%, visb 20k, m
Raptor Observations: nice Osprey count, B. Eagles, Kestrels, Merlin's and Peregrines
Non-raptor Observations: Oyster Catchers, Wood Ducks, White Ibis, BT Green Warbler, Cape May Warbler, Parula, Palm and Pine Warblers
Predictions: high 76, wind Ne at 5-10 ======================================================================== Report submitted by Sue Gruver (<srgruver...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: David Brown, Kim Steininger
Observers: Aaron Coolman, Carolyn Holland, David Brown, Joe Swertinski, Kim Steininger, Mike Fowles
Visitors: 25
Weather: Sunny except for a few clouds. Light winds, mostly northwest. Warm and pleasant day.
Raptor Observations: Good variety but relatively low totals. A few nice looks in the morning, but tough spotting in the afternoon when the raptors were high against the blue sky. Highlights included 9 Ospreys, 12 sharpies, and a peregrine. An adult male Northern Harrier gave a nice look as it soared above in the morning. Only 6 broad-winged hawks.
Predictions: Tomorrow: Mostly cloudy. High 81F. Winds NE at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration.
Tuesday: Cloudy. High 79F. Winds NNE at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration.
Wednesday: A few clouds, otherwise sunny. High 72F. Winds NNE at 10-15mph. Expect moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Frank Rohrbacher, Kim Steininger, Mike Fowles, Richard King, Samir Saadeh
Visitors: 15
Weather: A bit of morning sunshine then overcast. Light winds, mostly easterly. A few sprinkles in the afternoon. Warm and humid.
Raptor Observations: A steady flight in the morning but slower in the afternoon. Highlights included 14 sharpies, 11 broad-wings, and 14 kestrels. Black Vulture with yellow patagial tag 247.
Non-raptor Observations: Morning hike: Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Red-headed Woodpecker, Blue-headed Vireo, Philadelphia Vireo, Golden-crowned Kinglet, 11 species of warbler including Nashville. https://ebird.org/checklist/S275741565
New species for season: Golden-crowned Kinglet, Blue-headed Vireo, Nashville Warbler
Predictions: Tomorrow: Chance of a morning shower. A few clouds early otherwise mostly sunny. High 82F. Winds light and variable. Expect light to moderate migration.
Monday: Partly cloudy then overcast. High 82F. Winds ENE at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration.
Tuesday: Cloudy. High around 80F. Winds NNE at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Bruce Peterjohn
Observers: Ann Dinkel, Greg Gough, Kevin Bronson, Phil Misseldine, Rich Downs, Susan Gruver
Visitors: thank you to Bruce, Greg, Phil, Ann and Kevin for their help in trying to find a few migrants
Weather: wind NE/ENE/E at 6-14 mph, temp 23-24c, clcv 90%, visb 20,light rain in the last hour
Raptor Observations: almost no migration. just a few Osprey Kestrel, Merlin and Peregrine
Non-raptor Observations: Oyster Catchers, Brown Pelicans, Common Yellow-throated Warbler, Palm and Yellow Warblers, Red-Headed Woodpeckers
Predictions: mostly cloudy, chance of AM shower, high 74, wind NE at 10-15 ======================================================================== Report submitted by Sue Gruver (<srgruver...>)
Date: 9/26/25 5:40 pm From: Andrew Ednie <000006be14ba5998-dmarc-request...> Subject: [de-birds] RBA: Birdline Delaware, September 26th, 2025
RBA * Delaware * Statewide * September 26, 2025 * DEST 25.09.26
*Birds mentioned Brant Black Scoter Yellow-billed Cuckoo Ruby-throated Hummingbird Sora Virginia Rail Sandhill Crane American Oystercatcher American Avocet Black-bellied Plover American Golden Plover Semipalmated Plover HUDSONIAN GODWIT Marbled Godwit Whimbrel Ruddy Turnstone Short-billed Dowitcher Long-billed Dowitcher Dunlin Western Sandpiper White-rumped Sandpiper Pectoral Sandpiper BAIRD’S SANDPIPER Stilt Sandpiper FRANKLIN’S GULL Laughing Gull Caspian Tern Common Tern Royal Tern Black Skimmer Brown Pelican America Bittern Little Blue Heron Tricolored Heron Black-crowned Night Heron Yellow-crowned Night heron White Ibis Glossy Ibis MISSISSIPPI KITE Osprey Sharp-shinned Hawk Cooper’s Hawk Red-shouldered Hawk Broad-winged Hawk Red-headed Woodpecker American Kestrel Merlin Peregrine Falcon Alder Flycatcher Least Flycatcher Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Eastern Kingbird Warbling Vireo Philadelphia Vireo Common Raven Red-breasted Nuthatch Brown-headed Nuthatch White-breasted Nuthatch Ruby-crowned Kinglet Golden-crowned Kinglet Veery American Pipit Purple Finch Field Sparrow Saltmarsh Sparrow LARK SPARROW Lincoln’s Sparrow White-throated Sparrow Dark-eyed Junco Bobolink Northern Waterthrush Hooded Warbler Black and White Warbler American Redstart Prothonotary Warbler CONNECICUT WARBLER Tennessee Warbler Nashville Warbler Blue-winged Warbler Northern Parula Cape May Warbler Magnolia Warbler Chestnut-sided Warbler Yellow Warbler Blackburnian Warbler Bay-breasted Warbler Palm Warbler Black-throated Blue Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler Wilson’s Warbler Summer Tanager Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Hotline: Birdline Delaware Date: September 26, 2025 To Report: Andy Ednie 302-792-9591 (VOICE) Compiler: Andy Ednie (<ednieap...>) Coverage: Delaware, Delmarva Peninsula, nearby Delaware Valley, Southern New Jersey, Maryland
For Friday, September 26th, this is Birdline Delaware from the Delaware Museum of Natural History in Greenville. The Birdline is sponsored by the Delaware Ornithological Society (DOS). Statements made on the Birdline do not necessarily reflect the views of the sponsors. The unofficial Delaware Annual list increased to 328 species this week. The yearly average for total species is 343 species in Delaware, but October and November are notorious for rarities. The single highest year was 2020 (the year of the pandemic!) with 357 species.
New this week was a winter adult FRANKLIN’S GULL roosting with LAUGHING GULLS at Lewes Beach on Wednesday evening. Efforts to re-find this bird were unsuccessful. Lewes Beach is located at the end of Savannah Road in Lewes, just past the Dairy Queen. This is possibly the same FRANKLIN’S GULL that was seen in Cape May Harbor on Wednesday morning and has been hanging around Cape May all summer.
At the north side of Rehoboth Beach, a pair of LARK SPARROWS with a flock of FIELD SPARROWS were seen near the Gordon’s Pond pavilion. BROWN-HEADED NUTHATCH, HOODED and WILSON’S WARBLER were seen along the Gordon’s Pond trail. WHITE IBIS were seen roosting in the trees by the island in the pond. TENNESSEE WARBLER was seen at the Seaside Nature Center in Cape Henlopen Sate Park along with the NUTHATCH trifecta, WHITE BREASTED, BROWN-HEADED and RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH. AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER, BLACK-BELLIED and SEMIPALMATED PLOVER plus RUDDY TURNSTONE were seen at Cape Henlopen BLACK SCOTER and BROWN PELICAN were seen at the bayside lighthouse.
A late EASTERN KINGBIRD was photographed at Lake Gerar Woods in Rehoboth. A RED-HEADED WOODPECKER was reported at Holland Glade near Midway. NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH and SUMMER TANAGER was reported at Harbison. A NASHVILLE WARBLER was found near Georgetown. ALDER FLYCATCHER, PHILADELPHIA VIREO and SALTMARSH SPARROW were seen at the Marion Okie Preserve on Long Neck along with WHITE IBIS and YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERON. A late PROTHONOTARY WARBLER was seen Bay Forest in Bethany Beach. COMMON TERNS were seen at Indian River Inlet. There was a peak count of 30 TRICOLORED HERONS, along with LITTLE BLUE and YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERON and another SALTMARSH SPARROW seen by kayak in the Rehoboth Marshes off Burton’s Island.
BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, WILLET plus BLACK SKIMMER and CASPIAN TERN were seen along the Dike Trail at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge. YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO was seen at Prime Hook headquarters. AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER, BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, CASPIAN and over 200 ROYAL TERNS were seen at Mispillion Inlet from the Dupont Nature Center. Some birds at Milford Neck Wildlife Area included a PHILADELPHIA VIREO along Stratham Lane, plus LEAST FLYCATCHER and a late BLUE-WINGED WARBLER were seen at the Dog Training Area.
Shorebirds at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge near Smyrna included a BAIRD’S SANDPIPER today at the south end of Shearness Pool on a grassy peninsula opposite the speed bump. Other shorebirds included both 8 MARBLED and 10 HUDSONIAN GODWIT, plus a big count of 800 AMERICAN AVOCETS, with BLACK-BELLIED, SEMIPALMATED and AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER, DUNLIN, LONG-BILLED and SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER, plus WHITE-RUMPED, PECTORAL, WESTERN and STILT SANDPIPER, and CASPIAN TERN. Waders found included SORA, VIRGINIA RAIL, SANDHILL CRANE, AMERICAN BITTERN, YELLOW-CROWNED and BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON, plus WHITE and GLOSSY IBIS. At least 10 PEREGRINE FALCONS and a MERLIN were seen hunting shorebirds over the impoundments. The first AMERICAN PIPIT of the season was seen along Whitehall Neck Road.
Several CONNECTICUT WARBLERS were reported this week from Ashland Nature Center, Middle Run Natural Area near Newark, and Bay Point at Summit Bridge. There was numerous PALM WARBLERS reported this week, along with a few YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS. Warblers commonly seen included, BLACK AND WHITE, AMERICAN REDSTART, NORTHERN PARULA, MAGNOLIA, CHESTNUT-SIDED, YELLOW, CAPE MAY, BAY-BREASTED, BLACKBURNIAN, plus BLACK-THROATED BLUE and BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER.
RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRDS are still coming to feeders right now. If you see an unusual hummer, please contact the Birdline at the sites above. Some other commonly occurring migrants this week included VEERY, BOBOLINK, and ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK. Some early arrivals for the fall included RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, plus RUBY-CROWNED and the first GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET of the season.
TENNESSEE WARBLER and PHILADELPHIA VIREO were seen at Middle Run Natural Area. Both PHILADELPHIA and WARBLING VIREO were seen at Ashland Nature Enter along with LEAST and YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER. A LINCOLN’S SPARROW continues by the pavilion next to the lodge, and there was a flyover PURPLE FINCH. A RED-HEADED WOODPECKER was seen at Auburn Valley State Park.
SANDHILL CRANES were seen at Dragon Run and the Ashton Tract in Augustine Wildlife Area. LITTLE BLUE HERON and GLOSSY IBIS were at Thousand Area Marsh. A WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER was seen at the Port Penn impoundments.
Delaware’s two hawkwatches had good days today. Ashland Nature Center reported 12 species of raptor although low numbers. Highlights were 6 BROAD-WINGED, 9 SHARP-SHINNED 3 COOPER’S and a single RED-SHOULDERED HAWK. COMMON RAVENS are being seen almost daily. There was a big flight of FALCONS at the Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch including 142 AMERICAN KESTREL, 52 MERLIN, and 20 PEREGRINES PLUS 231 OSPREYS. A MISSISSIPPI KITE was seen at the hawk watch on Monday. Some other highlights at the Cape included BRANT, WHIMBREL, and WHITE IBIS. Thanks to our hawk counters Jen Ottinger and David Brown.
And thanks to all the people that make the Birdline possible, including Alissa Kegelman, Kelley Nunn, Doug Batt, Lynn Jackson, Martin Selzer, Dennis Johnston, Chuck Mitchell, Luke Mullan, Marshall Brown, Rod Murray, Carolyn Holland, Mary Braun, Gary Griffith, Rob Blye, Sue Gruver, Greg Gough, Phil Misseldine, Richard Jullian, Ellen and Jake Jacobson, Chris and Karen Bennett, Jim and Amy White, Kim Steininger, Dave Brown, Wendy Cesario, Will Krohn, Aaron Coolman, Megan Kasprzak, Ian Stewart, Chris Machulski, Ian Teall, Ed Patten, Brooke Cherry, Mike Moore, Bruce Peterjohn and Joe Swertinski. Special thanks to Joe Tricarico who distributes this list to DOS members. Birdline needs your sightings. Please call your reports into 302-792-9591 or email <ednieap...> Until next week, this is Andy Ednie wishing you good birding!
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: Jennifer Ottinger
Observers: Autumn Heil, Jodi McLaughlin, Susan Gruver, Tom Stock
Visitors: Thanks to Sue, Tom, Autumn, Jodi, Vince, Greg and Scott for helping with the count today! Visitors 25
Weather: Overcast then turning partly cloudy, temp 27C, very light NNE,ENE,E winds, visb 23km
Raptor Observations: The front passed thru around 11:00 then the skies opened and the raptors started pouring through. Excellent late day falcon and Osprey migration with 200 raptors counted from 3:00-6:00pm. Mostly Osprey and Ketrels, 20 Harrier, 52 Merlin and 20 Peregrine.
Non-raptor Observations: 2 Common Raven, White Ibis, Great Blue Heron, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Pine Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler. Monarch 10
Predictions: Afternoon showers, cloudy, high 78F, E wind 10mph ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jen Ottinger (<Jottinger.co...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Andrew Bogush, Joe Swertinski, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Sally O'Byrne
Visitors: 12
Weather: Mostly sunny with light to moderate northwesterly winds. Fewer clouds as the day went on. Warm.
Raptor Observations: A good variety of raptors but not big numbers. We saw all expected raptor species for this time of year. The highlight was two peregrines (a juvenile in the morning and an adult at the end of the day). Only nine sharpies and 6 broad-wings. Many raptors probably went undetected due to high altitude against blue skies.
Predictions: Tomorrow: Considerable cloudiness. Occasional afternoon showers. High 78F. Winds light and variable. Expect light to moderate migration. Conditions will probably be better in the morning than the afternoon.
Sunday: Chance of a morning shower. Partly to mostly cloudy. High 79F. Winds NNE at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration.
Monday: Cloudy. High near 80F. Winds ENE at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 10:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers:
Visitors: None
Weather: Rain delayed the start of the count. It remained humid and overcast with light southerly winds. Some clearing in the last hour with increasing winds.
Raptor Observations: No migration until the last hour when one Osprey and 15 Turkey Vultures were counted. Non-migrating Cooper's Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, and Red-tailed Hawk were seen.
New species for season: Swamp Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird
Predictions: Tomorrow: Cloudy skies early then partly cloudy. High 81F. Winds NW at 5-10mph. Good conditions following the passage of a cold front. A favorable wind direction, though fairly light. The flight might take a bit to get going if it hasn't cleared up early, but it should turn into a nice hawk watching sky. It might be too little too late for a good broad-winged flight, but it could be a decent day for other species after the poor weather the past several days. Probably the best conditions of the week so far and the best coming up. Expect moderate migration.
Saturday: Cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. High 77F. Winds light and variable. Expect light to moderate migration.
Sunday: Cloudy early then partial clearing. Slight chance of an afternoon shower. High 76F. Winds NE at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Date: 9/25/25 1:34 pm From: Andrew Ednie <000006be14ba5998-dmarc-request...> Subject: [de-birds] Brandywine Bird Walk on Sunday 09/28/2025
The monthly bird walk at Brandywine Creek State Park will be this Sunday, Sept.28th starting from the nature center at 8 am. The date was changed due to the big Cross Country event at the park on Saturday. Jim White and Keely Melbourne will be leading the walk. Hopefully I'll be back to help in October.
Good birding, Andy
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Joe Sebastiani, Joe Swertinski
Visitors: 10
Weather: Overcast with light and variable winds. Warm and muggy. Steady afternoon rain.
Raptor Observations: One sharpie plus one Osprey that came through during the steady rain in the afternoon. Non-migrant Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Bald Eagles, and Turkey Vultures.
Predictions: Tomorrow: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm in the morning, then lingering showers. High 76F. Winds SSW at 10-15mph. Expect minimal migration. Count will probably be shortened or canceled.
Friday: Mix of sun and clouds. High 81F. Winds NW at 5-10mph. Decent conditions. Expect moderate migration.
Saturday: Cloudy. High 78F. Winds ENE at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Kim Steininger, Lana Glass
Visitors: 22, including about 15 from OLLI birding class
Weather: After a foggy and overcast early morning it started to clear up in time for the hawk watch, becoming mostly sunny by the late-morning. Increasing clouds at the end of the day. Light southwesterly winds. Very warm.
Raptor Observations: Raptor migration was pretty weak overall and not even much local raptor activity. Twenty Turkey Vultures made up the majority of the migration. Four sharpies and two Coops. One Osprey and a few eagles.
Non-raptor Observations: Morning Hike: 2 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Philadelphia Vireo, 20+ Red-eyed Vireos, 2 Veery, Black-throated Green Warbler. https://ebird.org/checklist/S275041266
New species for season: Purple Finch, Brown-headed Cowbird
Predictions: Tomorrow: Overcast. High 83F. Winds light and variable. Expect light migration.
Thursday: Variable clouds with scattered thunderstorms. High 76F. Winds SSW at 5-10mph. Expect light migration.
Friday: Partly cloudy. High 81F. Winds NW at 5-10mph. Better conditions. Expect moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Raptor Observations: Several Osprey, 6 Bald Eagles, a few Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks, a Broad-winged Hawk that lifted off to the west of the pavilion this morning, a Red-tailed, very few Kestrel, Merlin and Peregrines.
Non-raptor Observations: White Ibis, Brown Pelican, Black-bellied Plover, Pine Warbler. Monarch 1
Predictions: Partly cloudy, high 83F, SW wind 5mph.
======================================================================== Report submitted by Jen Ottinger (<Jottinger.co...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Joe Swertinski, Sally O’Byrne
Observers: Brooke Cherry, David Brown, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Walt Blackwell
Visitors: 12
Weather: Overcast in the morning with calm winds. Suddenly clearing to blue skies in the early afternoon then becoming partly cloudy with light southeasterly winds.
Raptor Observations: Slow day overall. Small numbers of expected migrants including 4 sharpies, 3 Bald Eagles, and a harrier. One Merlin was the only falcon. No migrating Buteos.
Predictions: Tomorrow: Partly cloudy. High 84F. Winds SSW at 5-10mph. Should be a nice day to be out with some local raptor activity. Expect light to moderate migration.
Wednesday: Some sun in the morning then increasing clouds. High 83F. Winds light and variable. Expect light to moderate migration.
Thursday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. High 79F. Winds S at 5-10mph. Migration will depend on the rain, but not looking good. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Not in Delaware, admittedly, and about 100 miles South of the Freeberys but equally rather unexpected this early in the season, I had a female Red-breasted Nuthatch this morning at the Glenstone Museum site near Potomac, Montgomery County, Maryland, just West of Washington DC. Only the second record of this species at this site in the five years I have birded there.
Maybe this will be a Red-breasted Nuthatch fall and winter!
Mike BowenMember, Sussex Bird Club
D. H. Michael Bowen
8609 Ewing Drive
Bethesda, Maryland 20817Phone: (202) 236-0510Ambassador for American Bird Conservancy, helping ABC help the birdseBird volunteer Hotspot Reviewer/Editor for Maryland, Delaware, the District of Columbia, and the Republic of Ghana
On Monday, September 22, 2025 at 10:54:33 AM EDT, Diane Freebery <chickadeedee25...> wrote:
Sitting out in our garden this morning, we just saw 2 RB Nuthatches
visiting our feeders, as well as 3 hummers still visiting here, chasing
around.
Diane & Steve Freebery
South End of Middle Run Natural Area
Newark
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Bruce Peterjohn
Observers: Ann Dinkel, Diane Kane, Greg Gough, Susan Gruver
Visitors: Thank you to Bruce, Ann, Greg, Heidi, and Diane for their help today. visitors 8
Weather: wind NE/E/SE at 5-10. When the wind shifted to Se the flight shut down. temp. 19-25 C., clcv 25%, visb 20K
Raptor Observations: Osprey (82), B. Eagles, Harriers, Sharp-shinned Hawks, few Kestrels, and Merlins
Non-raptor Observations: Mississippi Kite, Red-Headed Wood Pecker, White Ibis
Predictions: high 83, mixed sunshine and clouds, wind SSW 5-10 ======================================================================== Report submitted by Sue Gruver (<srgruver...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 8.5 hours
Official Counter: Bruce Peterjohn
Observers: Ann Dinkel, Kevin Bronson, Sharon Borton, Susan Gruver
Visitors: thank you to Bruce, Ann, Sharon and Kevin for their help today. visitors 22
Weather: wind-E/ ENE ay 11-19 mph, temp. 21-22 C., clcv 90-50%,visb 18-20K
Raptor Observations: A nice Osprey count, B. Eagles, Merlin, Kestrels, Peregrines
Non-raptor Observations: Brant, B. Pelican, Whimbrel, Common Loon
Predictions: high of 73,partly cloudy, wind E at 5-10 mph ======================================================================== Report submitted by Sue Gruver (<srgruver...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Ginny Halterman, Kim Steininger
Observers: Andy Dunn, David Brown, John Dunn, Kim Steininger, Sally O'Byrne
Visitors: 15
Weather: Mostly cloudy to partly cloudy. Light to moderate easterly winds.
Raptor Observations: A light flight that was high altitude especially in the afternoon. Highlights included 16 Ospreys, 3 harriers, and 8 sharpies. Five kestrels. No broad-wings or other migrating Buteos.
Hawk Watch: Common Nighthawk, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, 2 Common Ravens, 750 Common Grackles, 2 Northern Parulas, 8 monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S274767809
New species for season: White-throated Sparrow
Predictions: Tomorrow: Sun and a few passing clouds. High 78F. Winds SE at 5-10mph. A less favorable wind direction. Spotting may be difficult with few clouds. Local raptors should be active but migration could be light to moderate. Big broad-wing numbers are still a possibility but the easterly component to the wind is less likely to bring them to our region.
Tuesday: Partly cloudy. High 81F. Winds SSW at 5-10mph.
Wednesday: Mix of clouds and sun then afternoon showers. High 81F. Winds light and variable. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Carol Ralph, Carter Chambers, David Beattie, Ginny Halterman, Ian Teaell, Jim Lewis, Joe Swertinski, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Richard King, Sarah Zaritsky
Raptor Observations: The flight started early due to moderate winds. A pumpkin-bellied Northern Harrier gave a nice low flyby plus 25 broad-wings before the normal start time. The morning liftoff was moderate with some nice looks at broad-wings but no large groups ever materialized and none were seen in the afternoon. The final broad-wing count for the day was 80.
Totals for other raptors were generally good with highlights including 14 Ospreys, 11 harriers, 55 sharpies, 28 kestrels, and 4 Merlins.
Migrants were high in the afternoon but clouds helped with spotting.
Non-raptor Observations: Morning hike: Philadelphia Vireo, Black-and-white Warbler, 5 American Redstarts, Rose-breasted Grosbeak. https://ebird.org/checklist/S274399369
Hawk Watch: 40 Canada Geese, Philadelphia Vireo, 4 Common Ravens, Red-breasted Nuthatch, 1,000 Common Grackles, Northern Parula, Palm Warbler, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, 27 monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S274528145
New species for season: Common Grackle
Predictions: Tomorrow: Cloudy early then partial clearing. High 76F. Winds E at 5-10mph. Cloudy skies and light winds may delay the start of the flight, but the migration should be moderate once it gets going. The clouds will help with spotting. Easterly winds are less favorable for broad-wings, but this time of year we can always be surprised.
Monday: A few passing clouds, otherwise sunny. High 78F. Winds SE at 5-10mph.
Tuesday:Partly cloudy. High 84F. Winds SSW at 5-10mph. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Jennifer Ottinger
Observers: Greg Gough, Heidi McGrue, Susan Gruver
Visitors: Thanks to Sue, Heidi and Greg for helping with the count today in the strong winds! Thanks to John and Andrew Dunn and to Liz for stopping by today! Visitors 32
Weather: Partly cloudy, temp 23C, very gusty E wind 20mph, visb 20km.
Raptor Observations: A good Osprey flight, 7 Bald Eagles, a few Harriers, only one Sharp-shinned and Cooper's in the strong winds, several Kestrels, Merlin 28, Peregrine 6.
Non-raptor Observations: Black Skimmer (20), Oystercatcher, Common Tern, Great Blue Heron (15), White Ibis (60). Monarch 1
Predictions: Cloudy in the morning then clearing, high 74F, E wind 10-15mph
======================================================================== Report submitted by Jen Ottinger (<Jottinger.co...>)
