Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Dede Johnston, Frank Rohrbacher, Hank Davis, Jim Lewis, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Richard King
Visitors: 14
Weather: Another day of blue skies. Moderate northerly winds, shifting northeast in the afternoon. High in the upper 60s.
Raptor Observations: Moderate activity in the morning, becoming slow for the afternoon. Just over a hundred Turkey Vultures. Other notable totals including 20 sharpies, 9 red-tails, 6 red-shoulders, and 2 harriers. One each of kestrel and Merlin. A lot of eagles at high altitude and chasing each other around but only five showing signs of migration.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Sunshine and some clouds. High around 65F. Winds N at 10-15mph. Another good wind. Hopefully having some clouds will help with spotting. Expect moderate to good migration.
THURSDAY: Sunny. High 68F. Winds NNW at 10-15mph. More good winds, but spotting may be tough. Expect moderate to good migration.
FRIDAY: Mainly sunny. Cooler. High around 60F. Winds NNE at 5-10mph. Expect moderate migration. ======================================================================== 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: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Emma Hovland
Observers: Ann Dinkel, Heidi McGrue, Sharon Borton, Susan Gruver, Tom Stock
Visitors: 10
Weather:
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations: Monarch 10 Brant 7
Predictions: Tomorrow winds out of the north at ~15mph. Partly cloudy. Migration may be slightly higher than today. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Emma Hovland (<emmarhovland...>)
Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8.5 hours
Official Counter: David Brown, Joe Francis, Joe Swertinski
Observers: David Brown, Ian Teaell, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass
Visitors: 8
Weather: Blue skies all day with light northeast winds. Temps starting around freezing and reaching the mid-60s.
Raptor Observations: The raptor flight was light to moderate but the numbers added up throughout the day. Third day in a row with 300+ migrants. Another good Turkey Vulture flight with 222. A moderate Accip flight with 24 sharpies and 13 Coops. Two juvenile Broad-winged Hawks. Small numbers of other expected migrants.
Staying the extra hour at the end of the day paid off with an extra Merlin, kestrel, and an Osprey. At 4:40pm clock time a group of 44 Turkey Vultures glided by to the east. Just before 5pm an immature GOLDEN EAGLE soared high overhead, headed north for a bit, then eventually lost altitude and headed east.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Sunny. High around 70F. Winds NNE at 10-15mph. Similar to today, but slightly stronger winds. I would expect similar results.
WEDNESDAY: Mainly sunny. High 64F. Winds NNE at 10-15mph. Similar.
THURSDAY: Mainly sunny. High 67F. Winds NNW at 10-15mph. Similar again. ======================================================================== 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: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: Ginny Halterman, Ian Teaell
Observers: David Brown, Joe Swertinski, Kim Steininger, Megan Kasprzak, Shannon Modla
Visitors: 10
Weather: Blue skies all day. A light to moderate NE wind. Temps starting just above freezing but becoming pleasant with a high around 60F.
Raptor Observations: Another excellent migration. Spotting was difficult at times with the blue skies. The first highlight of the day was at 9:45am clock time when the first GOLDEN EAGLE of the season (immature) was spotted out near the bump. It was being chased by corvids and went down behind the donut. A few minutes later it was spotted again to our right, still being chased by crows and ravens, as it came through low behind the trees.
If the morning shift started off well, the afternoon shift started off even better. At 12:35pm clock time a juvenile raptor soared up from the left side of Hunter's Field. As I scoped it against the fall foliage I tried to make it into a Cooper's Hawk, but the streaking and tail pattern weren't right. I tried to make it a Red-shouldered Hawk but it didn't have crescents. As it got above the horizon and started to glide and flap heading left all observers got on it. At this point it became clear it was an Accip and a large one. A Sharp-shinned Hawk took a few swipes at it and was dwarfed. It cut across behind the hawk watch and began to soar giving extensive scope views, although in poor light. At one point it soared with a Red-tailed Hawk and was nearly as large. The broad wings with bulging secondaries, mottled topside, extensive streaking down to the undertail coverts, and long tail with thin uneven wavy bands confirmed the identification of juvenile AMERICAN GOSHAWK! This was the first since 2022 (and second since 2016).
Turkey Vultures had another great flight today with 244 including groups of up to 50+. Moderate flights of other raptors including 24 sharpies, 11 Coops, 12 red-shoulders, and five kestrels.
Non-raptor Observations: 90 Canada Geese, American Herring Gull, 3 Common Loons, 2 Common Ravens, 6 Purple Finches, 2 Pine Siskins, 3 Dark-eyed Juncos, 6 Rusty Blackbirds, 6 monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S403579567
New species for season: Rusty Blackbird, Dark-eyed Junco, Golden Eagle, American Goshawk
Predictions: TOMORROW: Mainly sunny. High 66F. Winds NNE at 5-10mph. Similar to today (but no promises of goldens and goshawks!) Expect moderate to good migration.
TUESDAY: Mainly sunny. High around 70F. Winds NNE at 10-15mph. Similar again but slightly stronger winds. Expect moderate to good migration.
WEDNESDAY: Sunny skies. High around 65F. Winds NNE at 10-15mph. Similar again. Expect moderate to good migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 06:00:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 10.5 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Anthony Capone, Carter Chambers, Dede Johnston, Frank Rohrbacher, Ian Teaell, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Maddie Martin
Visitors: 25
Weather: Early morning rain ended by sunrise. Moderate to strong north winds the whole day. Overcast for most of the day with a sudden clearing for the final hours. Temps reaching 50 degrees, but it felt quite cold with the wind!
Raptor Observations: The biggest flight so far this month. Raptors were on the move from sunrise to sunset. The first American Kestrel soared low overhead when it was barely light out. The flight was moderate and steady throughout the day. Cloudy skies helped with spotting which was important because the flight was high for much of the day.
Turkey Vultures were most numerous with another triple-digit day. A good day for big birds with 2 Ospreys and 23 Bald Eagles. Harriers had the best day in several weeks with eight. An excellent Accip flight with the best Cooper's Hawk day of the season (37) and second-best sharpie day (77).
Late-season Buteo numbers are picking up with 18 red-shoulders and 25 red-tails, plus a juvenile Broad-winged Hawk that came through as the last migrant of the day as the sun was setting. A decent falcon flight with 28 kestrels and three Merlins.
Non-raptor Observations: 2,600 Canada Geese, 40 goose sp. (distant flock that was likely Brant), 7 Wood Ducks, 2 Common Mergansers, 60 duck sp. (two large flocks, probably Ring-necked Ducks), 2 Common Loons, 67 Double-crested Cormorants, Great Blue Heron, 2 Common Ravens, Horned Lark, 600+ Tree Swallows, American Pipit, 3 Purple Finches, Pine Siskin, Palm Warbler, 10 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 1 monarch. https://ebird.org/checklist/S403214071
New species for season: Horned Lark, American Pipit
Predictions: TOMORROW: Mainly sunny. Overnight low of 37F but a high around 60F. Winds NNE at 5-10mph. A good wind but spotting will be difficult when raptors get high due to the lack of clouds. Expect moderate migration.
MONDAY: Sunny with a few afternoon clouds. High 66F. Winds NNE at 10-15mph. Another great wind. Spotting will be difficult when there aren't many clouds. Expect moderate migration.
TUESDAY: Intervals of clouds and sun. High around 70F. Winds N at 10-20mph. Another great wind. Spotting will be difficult when there aren't many clouds. Expect moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Date: 10/16/26 5:27 pm From: James Tyler Bell <00000085b810a3aa-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: [de-birds] Hummingbird
Any hummingbird at this date should be scrutinized. Although the default hummer is still Ruby-throated, the chances of a western hummer, particularly Rufous, increase every day. Photos of the spread tail are useful to differentiate between the Selasphorus and folded wings between the Archilocus. Fingers crossed for something different!
Tyler Bell
<jtylerbell...>
California, Maryland
On Friday, October 16, 2026 at 07:45:32 PM EDT, Diane Freebery <chickadeedee25...> wrote:
I suspect this is not that unusual, but we hadn't seen any hummers here in
our yard in west Newark at south end of Middle Run Natural Area for a week
--
Until yesterday - Thursday, Oct 15.
It was here today as well. Juvenile... didn't get glasses on it, though.
Always happy to watch a hummer enjoying our flowers!!!
I suspect this is not that unusual, but we hadn't seen any hummers here in our yard in west Newark at south end of Middle Run Natural Area for a week -- Until yesterday - Thursday, Oct 15. It was here today as well. Juvenile... didn't get glasses on it, though.
Always happy to watch a hummer enjoying our flowers!!!
Date: 10/16/26 4:40 pm From: Andrew Ednie <000006be14ba5998-dmarc-request...> Subject: [de-birds] RBA: Birdline Delaware, October 16th, 2026
RBA * Delaware * Statewide * October 16, 2026 * DEST 26.10.16
*Birds mentioned Snow Goose Cackling Goose American Wigeon Redhead Black Scoter White-winged Scoter Surf Scoter Common Eider Ruddy Duck Wild Turkey Yellow-billed Cuckoo Common Nighthawk Ruby-throated Hummingbird Virginia Rail Sora American Coot Sandhill Crane American Oystercatcher Black-necked Stilt American Avocet Black-bellied Plover American Golden Plover Semipalmated Plover Marbled Godwit HUDSONIAN GODWIT Ruddy Turnstone Solitary Sandpiper Spotted Sandpiper Willet Short-billed Dowitcher Long-billed Dowitcher Wilson’s Snipe Western Sandpiper White-rumped Sandpiper Purle Sandpiper Pectoral Sandpiper Stilt Sandpiper Common Tern Caspian Tern Royal Tern Pomarine Jaeger Parasitic Jaeger Bonaparte’s Gull Common Loon Pied-billed Grebe Great Cormorant Double-crested Cormorant Brown Pelican Northern Gannet Black-crowned Night Heron Yellow-crowned Night Heron Little Blue Heron Tricolored Heron Western Cattle Egret Green Heron Glossy Ibis White Ibis Sharp-shinned Hawk Cooper’s Hawk Broad-winged Hawk Red-headed Woodpecker American Kestrel Merlin Peregrine Falcon Least Flycatcher Blue-headed Vireo Red-eyed Vireo Common Raven Horned Lark Tree Swallow Barn Swallow Brown-headed Nuthatch Red-breasted Nuthatch Swainson’s Thrush Gray-cheeked Thrush American Pipit Purple Finch Pine Siskin CLAY-COLORED SPARROW Saltmarsh Sparrow Seaside Sparrow Lincoln’s Sparrow Fox Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow Bobolink Yellow-breasted Chat Northern Waterthrush American Redstart Black and White Warbler Orange-crowned Warbler Nashville Warbler Tennessee Warbler CONNECTICUT WARBLER Northern Parula Northern Yellow Warbler Magnolia Warbler Cape May Warbler Blackpoll Warbler Pine Warbler Palm Warbler Prairie Warbler Black-throated Blue Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler Blue Grosbeak Indigo Bunting DICKCISSEL
Hotline: Birdline Delaware Date: October 16, 2026 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 16th this is Birdline Delaware from the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science 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 List increased to 323 species this week.
A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was reported at the “magic circle” behind the hawk watch at Ashland Nature Center on Monday. Downstate, a DICKCISSEL was photographed in Cape Henlopen State Park. An early FOX SPARROW, along with LINCOLN’S and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW were found at the McCabe Nature Preserve near Milton. RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH was reported at Abbott’s Mill Nature Center, Cape Henlopen and Gordon’s Pond State Park. Some late lingering birds included COMMON NIGHTHAWK, RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD, LEAST FLYCATCHER, RED-EYED VIREO, BARN SWALLOW, BOBOLINK, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, SCARLET TANAGER, INDIGO BUNTING, and BLUE GROSBEAK.
A late push of warblers is still being seen, including a CONNECTICUT WARBLER at the Hunn Nature Preserve in south Dover. An ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was found in a private yead near Lewes. A total of 19 species of warbler were reported this week including NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH, AMERICAN REDSTART, NORTHERN PARULA, plus BLACK AND WHITE, TENNESSEE, NASHVILLE, CAPE MAY, MAGNOLIA, BLACKPOLL, PINE, PRAIRIE, PALM, YELLOW-RUMPED, plus BLACK-THROATED BLUE, and GREEN WARBLER.
A late GREEN HERON was seen at the Pumphouse Pond in White Clay Creek State Park, along with SWAINSON’S and GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH. PINE SISKINS and PURPLE FINCHES were reported at Ashland Nature Center. COMMON RAVEN was reported at First State National Historical Park and the Ashton Tract in Augustine Wildlife Area. SANDHILL CRANE was reported in this latter site. LITTLE BLUE HERON continues to be seen at Thousand Acre Marsh. BONAPARTE’S GULL was seen at the Port Penn impoundments. A WILD TURKEY was found in a back yard near Boyd’s Corner.
RUDDY DUCK, CACKLING and SNOW GOOSE were found at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. Both MARBLED and a peak count of 8 HUDSONIAN GODWITS were seen, along with 400+ AMERICAN AVOCET, BLACK-BELLIED, SEMIPALMATED and AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER, SHORT and LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER, DUNLIN, plus WESTERN, WHITE-RUMPED, STILT, and PECTORAL SANDPIPER. Waders included TRICOLORED and LITTLE BLUE HERON, YELLOW-CROWNED and BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON and SANDHILL CRANES. An immature RED-HEADED WOODPECKER was seen on Saturday. AMERICAN PIPIT and HORNED LARK were seen along Whitehall Neck Road.
BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, SHORT and LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER, plus WESTERN and PECTORAL SANDPIPER were seen at Taylor’s Gut in Woodland Beach Wildlife Area. A pair of REDHEADS and 50 AMERICAN WIGEONS were seen at the Port Penn Impoundments of Little Creek Wildlife Area. AMERICAN COOT and PIED-BILLED GREBE were seen at the main tract tower. SEMIPALMATED PLOVER and ROYAL TERN were seen at Port Mahon. There was a flyby BLACK-NECKED STILT at the Dike Trail in Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, along with AMERICAN AVOCET, WILLET, and CASPIAN TERNS plus VIRGINIA RAIL were seen. WILSON’S SNIPE and WHITE IBIS were seen at Oyster Rocks Road.
PARASITIC and POMARINE JAEGER, BRANT, BLACK and SURF SCOTER, plus 2000 TREE SWALLOWS with a single BARN SWALLOW were reported in in Cape Henlopen State Park. AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER, BLACK BELLIED PLOVER, COMMON LOON, NORTHERN GANNET, and BROWN PELICAN were seen at Cape Henlopen Point. There was a flock of 500+ WHITE and 5 GLOSSY IBIS at Gordon’s Pond this week, plus TRICOLORED HERON. Shorebirds seen included WESTERN and WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER. SALTMARSH and SEASIDE SPARROW were seen along the bike trail. Birds at the Lewes breakwater included a pair of COMMON EIDERS, AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER, RUDDY TURNSTONE, SPOTTED SANDPIPER, and an early PURPLE SANDPIPER. A single GREAT CORMORANT was among the 600+ DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT and 163 BROWN PELICANS.
COMMON and ROYAL TERNS were seen at Indian River Inlet. SORA and BONAPARTE’S GULL were found at the observation tower in Assawoman Wildlife Area. A flock of 16 WESTERN CATTLE EGRETS were seen at the love Creek Horse Farm off Route 24 near Angola Neck. A SOLITARY SANDPIPER was seen at Trap Pond State Park near Laural.
This is the halfway mark of Delaware Hawk Watches season. It was a rainout at both watches on Sunday. Ashland Nature Center had 34 AMERICAN KESTRELS, 8 MERLIN and 4 PEREGRINE FALCONS with 106 SHARP-SHINNED, 45 COOPER’S and 3 BROAD-WINGED HAWKS this week. A single COMMON LOON was seen flying over Ashland on Monday. Cape Henlopen had 15 PEREGRINE FALCONS today, with 14 AMERICAN KESTRELS and 16 MERLIN for the week. A WHITE-WINGED SCOTER was seen from the hawk watch yesterday. This might be the first Sunday in a month without rain, come on out and watch some hawks!
Thanks to all the people that make the Birdline possible, including, Hank Davis, Rachel Yurchisin, Jac Contrell, Melissa Lafferty, Jessica Shahan, Dorothy Paine, Ed Wrzcsiewski, Randy Fisher, Lucas Pittman, Rebecca Byrd, Wil Martens, Ann Dinkel, Judy Wilson, Debbie Blair, Nancy Cunningham, Steve and Susan McInnis, Martin Selzer, Lynn Jackson, David Thomas, Ed Patten, Sam VanHorne, John Carter, Chris Rankin, Kent Raymond, Carolyn Holland, Mary Braun, Sue Gruver, Rob Blye, Richard Julian, Alice Mohrman, Greg Gough, Phil Misseldine, Tom Stock, Chris and Karen Bennett, Anthony Gonzon, Will Krohn, Jim White, Laureen Eick-Benson, Chase Wilkinson, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, John and Andy Dunn, Wendy Cesario, Joe Francis, Bruce Peterjohn, and Joe Swertinski. Thanks to our two hawk counters David Brown and Emma Hovland. Special thanks to Joe Tricarico for list distribution to DOS members. Remember, Birdline needs your support. Please call your sightings to 302-792-9591. Thank you fo! r your support. This is Andy Ednie wishing you good birding!
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 8.5 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Autumn Heil, Frank Rohrbacher, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Pauletta Brown, Walt Blackwell
Visitors: 14
Weather: A warm day with temps reaching the low-70s. Morning fog lingered into the midday with calm winds. Some afternoon clearing with increasing southwest winds. Sudden late-afternoon clearing with the winds dying off. A line of storms to the north as the sun was setting. The rain hit after dark as a cold front brought a shift to northwest winds.
Raptor Observations: A slow start to the day other than a Merlin rocketing through. Increasing raptor activity as the fog cleared. A midday adult Peregrine Falcon was spotted far out in front then disappeared before popping up and coming over the lookout low. A decent total by the end of the day but the majority was Turkey Vultures (115). Other highlights included two Ospreys, two harriers, and a juvenile Broad-winged Hawk.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Cloudy early with partial sunshine later. High 53F. Winds N at 10-20mph. Excellent winds following a strong cold front. Don't see any reason why it wouldn't be a big day. Clouds will help with spotting. Still plenty of Accips and falcons on the move, plus increasing numbers of late-season Buteos, and eagerly awaiting the first Golden Eagle of the season. Expect moderate to good migration.
SUNDAY: Sunny. High around 60F. Winds NNE at 5-10mph. Still a favorable wind but weaker. Raptors will rely more on thermals and may be hard to spot against the blue sky. Expect moderate migration.
MONDAY: Partly cloudy. High near 65F. Winds NNE at 5-10mph. Similar to Sunday but clouds will help with spotting. Expect moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 06:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 10 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Carolyn Holland, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Mike Fowles, Walt Blackwell
Visitors: 20
Weather: Clear skies to start with only a few small clouds for the morning. Cloud cover increased throughout the afternoon becoming mostly cloudy in the final hours. Moderate northeast winds shifted southeast and weakened. A little chilly in the morning but quite pleasant in the afternoon with a high in the mid-60s.
Raptor Observations: A moderate flight. Some nice looks at low raptors, but the majority of migrants were high altitude and spotting them was hard for much of the day when clouds were lacking.
Turkey Vultures were most numerous with 80. Four Ospreys was a good total for this date. Good Bald Eagle activity including ten migrants. Four harriers including three adult males. A moderate Accip flight with 34 sharpies and 12 Coops. We had a nice look at one sharpie stooping at the bird feeders. Eight Red-tailed Hawks including the first 'northern' of the season. Ten kestrels and two merlins.
Non-raptor Observations: 275 Canada Geese, 10 Common Mergansers, 2 Double-crested Cormorants, Belted Kingfisher, 75 American Crows (including one with some white feathers), Common Raven, Purple Finch, Pine Siskin, Lincoln's Sparrow, 3 Palm Warblers, 15 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 10 monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S402611405
New species for season: Purple Finch
Predictions: TOMORROW: Cloudy skies during the morning followed by thunderstorms in the afternoon. Potential for severe thunderstorms. High 77F. Winds SSW at 10-15mph. An unfavorable wind and limited sunshine until the afternoon will probably result in a slow day for migration. With the current hourly forecast it seems we may get the full day in. Expect light to moderate migration.
SATURDAY: Cloudy early then mostly sunny. High 53F. Winds NNW at 10-20mph. Classic fall hawk watching conditions. Expect moderate to good migration.
SUNDAY: Mainly sunny. Widespread frost likely. High 59F. Winds NNE at 5-10mph. A good wind direction but fairly weak. Migrants will likely be high and difficult to spot against the blue skies. 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: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Dan Noznisky, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass
Visitors: 12
Weather: Partly cloudy quickly becoming mostly cloudy with a brief thunderstorm in the midday. After the rain conditions remained gloomy with calm winds. Some brief periods of sun late. Winds light to moderate from the west.
Raptor Observations: The calm winds meant raptors took a bit to get going, but sunny conditions were favorable for raptor activity. The clouds slowed the flight and the rain shut it down for several hours. A few raptors got up late, but totals remained low.
Turkey Vulture were most numerous with seven, followed by sharpies with 6. Highlights of the morning included a close flyby of an adult male Northern Harrier and an extended look at a juvenile Peregrine Falcon. A juvenile Broad-winged Hawk was the afternoon highlight.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Partly cloudy becoming overcast. High 66F. Winds NE shifting E at 5-10mph. Conditions are looking best for the mid-morning when the wind is more northerly and there is more sun, but could slow as the afternoon goes on. Expect light to moderate migration.
FRIDAY: Cloudy early with partial sunshine late. High 76F. Winds SSW at 10-15mph. Unfavorable conditions overall. Expect light migration.
SATURDAY: Cloudy early then partly cloudy. High 53F. Winds N at 10-20mph. Classic post-coldfront fall hawk watching winds. Expect moderate to good migration. ======================================================================== 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: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Emma Hovland
Observers: Steve McInnis, Susan Gruver
Visitors: 21
Weather:
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations: Monarch 2 Common Loon 1 ======================================================================== Report submitted by Emma Hovland (<emmarhovland...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Dede Johnston, Jeff Buler, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Mike Fowles
Visitors: 18
Weather: Sunny with a few small clouds. Calm winds became a moderate southwest wind by the afternoon. Quite warm with temps reaching the upper 70s.
Raptor Observations: A mix of low and high migrants, though spotting was difficult with the blue skies. As expected Turkey Vultures were most numerous with 83. A moderate Sharp-shinned Hawk flight (19). Good Bald Eagle activity with seven migrating. Three late-day harriers. The only falcons were one kestrel and one Merlin. One juvenile Broad-winged Hawk in the late-afternoon.
Non-raptor Observations: International Space Station followed by SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket seen around 6:40am (NASA's SpaceX CRS-35 (35th Commercial Resupply Services mission))
Great Blue Heron, Belted Kingfisher, 2 Common Ravens, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Lincoln's Sparrow, Nashville Warbler, 2 Palm Warblers, 10 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 2 monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S402102381
New species for season: Red-breasted Nuthatch
Predictions: TOMORROW: Intervals of clouds and sun. High 84F. Winds W at 5-10mph. Should be another pleasant day to be out. The winds may not get a lot of raptors moving, but clouds will help with spotting the ones that are. Expect light to moderate migration.
THURSDAY: Partly cloudy. High 66F. Winds ENE at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration.
FRIDAY: A few morning showers then numerous thunderstorms the afternoon. High 76F. Winds SW at 10-20mph. Largely unfavorable conditions. Count will likely be shortened. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 07:15:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8.75 hours
Official Counter: Christian Scheibe, Joe Francis, Joe Swertinski
Observers: Christian Scheibe, David Brown, Joe Swertinski, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass
Visitors: 10
Weather: Clearing after Hurricane Isaias. Partly sunny to mostly sunny. Moderate northwest winds.
Raptor Observations: A moderate flight. Sharp-shinned Hawks were most numerous with 37. Also 16 Cooper's Hawks. Good Bald Eagle activity, especially in the morning. Two Ospreys. Another falcon trifecta including 15 kestrels and two peregrines.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Sunshine. High 79F. Winds SW at 10-15mph. A headwind for the migrating raptors. A good wind for Turkey Vulture migration, but often slower for other raptors. Good conditions for local raptors to be active. Expect light to moderate migration.
WEDNESDAY: Mostly sunny. High 83F. Winds W at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration.
THURSDAY: Mix of sun and clouds. High 67F. Winds NE at 5-10mph. Expect moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Weather: All day rain from the remnants of Hurricane Isaias. Strong ENE wind. No count.
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations:
Predictions: TOMORROW: Chance of a morning shower. Cloudy skies early will become partly cloudy later. High 73F. Winds NNW at 10-15mph. Excellent winds. Could be a decent flight once it starts to clear up.
TUESDAY: Sunny with a few afternoon clouds. High around 80F. Winds SW at 10-15mph. A headwind for migrating raptors. Could be a good day for Turkey Vultures, but maybe a bit slower for other species. Spotting may be difficult if there aren't many clouds.
WEDNESDAY: Sunny with a few afternoon clouds. High 82F. Winds WNW at 10-15mph. Spotting may be difficult if there aren't many clouds. 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: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Bob Rufe, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Maddie Martin, Meghan Donnelly, Mike Fowles
Visitors: 35
Weather: A thin layer of cirrus clouds that thickened in the afternoon. Light winds that shifted from northeast to east. A pleasant day to be out.
Raptor Observations: The flight took a bit to get going. Light but steady migration throughout the day. Sharpies were most numerous with 23. Other highlights included 11 Cooper's Hawks, 8 kestrels, and 3 Ospreys. One late-day Northern Harrier.
Non-raptor Observations: 100 Canada Geese, 2 Common Loons, 5 Double-crested Cormorants, Fish Crow, 2 Common Ravens, Pine Siskin, 2 Palm Warblers, 12 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 21 monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S401059708
New species for season: Pine Siskin
Predictions: TOMORROW: Rain. High near 65F. Winds E at 10-20mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall possibly over one inch. Count will almost certainly not be conducted.
MONDAY: Rain ending early. Breaks of sun in the afternoon. High 73F. Winds NNW at 10-15mph. Good winds so possibly a flight as it clears up.
TUESDAY: Some morning clouds then mainly sunny. High 77F. Winds SW 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: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Charlotte Rose, Ian Teaell, Jeff Uhlenburg, Joe Francis, Joe Sebastiani, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Mike Fowles, Walt Blackwell
Visitors: 16
Weather: Blue skies to start with a layer of thin clouds moving in from the south (outer bands of the clouds from Hurricane Isaias as it makes landfall along the Florida panhandle). Becoming nearly overcast by the end of the day as the cloud layer thickened. Light to moderate westerly winds shifting WNW in the afternoon. Warm and pleasant day with a high around 73F.
Raptor Observations: An excellent steady flight. Some migrants were low and the cloud cover helped with spotting the others.
Vulture migration was moderate with 49 Turkey Vultures and a group of 12 Black Vultures. Good large raptor activity with 15 Bald Eagles (including up to five soaring together) and three Ospreys. Moderate numbers of harriers (4) and Accips (20 sharpies, 10 Coops). A couple red-tails and red-shoulders. We had the falcon trifecta again including 15 kestrels and 2 peregrines that came through a few minutes apart in the morning.
New species for season: Common Loon, Northern Rough-winged Swallow.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Partly to mostly cloudy. High 72F. Winds NE shifting E at 5-10mph. Winds are more favorable in the morning. Expect light to moderate migration.
SUNDAY: A steady rain early. Showers with thunder in the afternoon. High near 65F. Winds E at 10-20mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall may reach one inch. Count will likely be canceled.
MONDAY: Morning showers then partly cloudy. High 71F. Winds NNW at 10-15mph. Good winds after the rain. Could be a decent day if the current timing holds. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Date: 10/9/26 2:19 pm From: Andrew Ednie <000006be14ba5998-dmarc-request...> Subject: [de-birds] RBA: Birdline Delaare, October 9th, 2026
RBA * Delaware * Statewide * October 9, 2026 * DEST 26.10.09
*Birds mentioned Lesser Scaup Black Scoter White-winged Scoter Surf Scoter Ruddy Duck Yellow-billed Cuckoo Black-billed Cuckoo Common Nighthawk Ruby-throated Hummingbird Sora American Coot Sandhill Crane American Oystercatcher Black-necked Stilt American Avocet Black-bellied Plover American Golden Plover Semipalmated Plover Marbled Godwit HUDSONIAN GODWIT Ruddy Turnstone Solitary Sandpiper Spotted Sandpiper Willet Short-billed Dowitcher Long-billed Dowitcher Western Sandpiper Pectoral Sandpiper Caspian Tern Royal Tern Black Skimmer Parasitic Jaeger Bonaparte’s Gull Common Loon Pied-billed Grebe Horned Grebe Brown Pelican Black-crowned Night Heron Yellow-crowned Night Heron Little Blue Heron Tricolored Heron White Ibis Osprey Bald Eagle Northern Harrier Sharp-shinned Hawk Cooper’s Hawk Broad-winged Hawk Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Red-headed Woodpecker American Kestrel Merlin Peregrine Falcon Least Flycatcher White-eyed Vireo Yellow-throated Vireo Eastern Warbling Vireo Blue-headed Vireo Philadelphia Vireo Red-eyed Vireo Common Raven Barn Swallow Brown-headed Nuthatch Red-breasted Nuthatch Brown Creeper Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Swainson’s Thrush Gray-cheeked Thrush Veery Hermit Thrush Wood Thrush American Pipit Purple Finch Lark Sparrow Lincoln’s Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow Bobolink Rusty Blackbird Yellow-breasted Chat Ovenbird Northern Waterthrush American Redstart Black and White Warbler Orange-crowned Warbler Nashville Warbler Tennessee Warbler CONNECTICUT WARBLER Hooded Warbler Northern Parula Northern Yellow Warbler Chestnut-sided Warbler Magnolia Warbler Cape May Warbler Yellow-throated Warbler Blackburnian Warbler Bay-breasted Warbler Blackpoll Warbler Pine Warbler Palm Warbler Prairie Warbler Black-throated Blue Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler Canada Warbler Wilson’s Warbler Rose-breasted Grosbeak PAINTED BUNTING Indigo Bunting DICKCISSEL
Hotline: Birdline Delaware Date: October 9, 2026 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 9th this is Birdline Delaware from the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science 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. Many thanks to all that shared Birthday Greetings with me this week! The unofficial Delaware Annual List remains at 322 species this week.
The previously reported male PAINTED BUNTING was found again along the Boardwalk Trail at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday. This bird was seen at the entrance and just past the bridge off the right-hand fork of the trail, along with SORA and YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT. Some early arriving waterfowl included LESSER SCAUP and RUDDY DUCK. Both MARBLED and 5 HUDSONIAN GODWIT were seen, along with 500+ AMERICAN AVOCET, BLACK-BELLIED, SEMIPALMATED and AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER, SHORT and LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER, DUNLIN, plus WESTERN and PECTORAL SANDPIPER. Waders included TRICOLORED and LITTLE BLUE HERON, YELLOW-CROWNED and BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON and SANDHILL CRANES. Both YELLOW-BILLED and BLACK-BILLED CUCKOOS were reported this week.
A late push of warblers is still being seen, including CONNECTICUT WARBLERS at the McCabe Nature Preserve near Milton and at Middle Run Natural Area near Newark. The McCabe Preserve also reported CANADA and YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER. Middle Run reported TENNESSEE, CHESTNUT-SIDED and WILSON’S WARBLER. An early ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was found at the circle path behind the Ashland Nature Center Hawk Watch yesterday and a Bombay Hook today. A female HOODED WARBLER was banded at the University of Delaware’s Ag Farm. More WILSON’S WARBLER was reported at Arden Green in Brandywine Hundred and near Holts Landing State Park. A total of 26 species of warbler were reported this week including OVENBIRD, NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH, AMERICAN REDSTART, NORTHERN PARULA, plus BLACK AND WHITE, NASHVILLE, CAPE MAY, MAGNOLIA, CHESTNUT-SIDED, BLACKBURNIAN, BAY-BREASTED, BLACKPOLL, PINE, PRAIRIE, PALM, YELLOW-RUMPED, plus BLACK-THROATED BLUE, and GREEN WARBLER
Downstate, a LARK SPARROW was photographed at Ft. Miles in Cape Henlopen State Park and there was a flyover DICKCISSEL at Ft. Miles and Gordon’s Pond. LINCOLN’S SPARROWS were found at Coverdale Farms, Ashland Nature Center, Middle Run, Bombay Hook and the McCabe Preserve. New this week was YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, BROWN CREEPER, HERMIT THRUSH, PURPLE FINCH, RUSTY BLACKBIRD and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW. There were 6 species of VIREO reported at White Clay Creek State Park this week, including PHILADELPHIA, YELLOW-THROATED, WARBLING, WHITE-EYED, RED-EYED and BLUE HEADED. There were also 7 species of THRUSH reported including VEERY, SWAINSON’S, GRAY-CHEEKED, HERMIT and WOOD THRUSH. RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH was reported near Lums Pond State Park. Some late lingering birds included COMMON NIGHTHAWK, RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD, LEAST FLYCATCHER, BARN SWALLOW, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, BOBOLINK, SCARLET TANAGER, INDIGO BUNTING, and ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK.
RUDDY DUCK, HORNED and PIED-BILLED GREBE were seen at the Newark Reservoir. LITTLE BLUE HERON was seen at Lums Pond State Park. SANDHILL CRANE, COMMON RAVEN and CASPIAN TERN were reported at the Ashton Tract in Augustine Wildlife Area. BONAPARTE’S GULL and CASPIAN TERNS were reported at Augustine Beach. AMERICAN COOT and PIED-BILLED GREBE were reported at the Main Tract in Little Creek wildlife Area. SURF SCOTER and BROWN PELICAN were seen at Big Stone Beach.
AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER, BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, RUDDY TURNSTONE, and WESTERN SANDPIPER were seen at Mispillion Inlet from the DuPont Nature Center, along with ROYAL TERN. AMERICAN AVOCETS, BLACK SKIMMER, and CASPIAN TERNS were seen at the Dike Trail in Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge. WILLET, PECTORAL SANDPIPER and over 200 WHITE IBIS were seen at Oyster Rocks Road.
EASTERN WARBLING VIREO, RED-BREASTED and BROWN-HEADED NUTHATCH was found at the Seaside Nature Center in Cape Henlopen State Park. AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER, BLACK BELLIED and AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER, BLACK SKIMMER, COMMON LOON, and BROWN PELICAN were seen at Cape Henlopen Point. A RED-HEADED WOODPECKER was seen near the comfort state at the Point on Wednesday. A PARASITIC JAEGER was seen from the Cape May- Lewes Ferry. SOLITARY SANDPIPER was reported at the McCabe Preserve. SPOTTED SANDPIPER was found at Trap Pond State Park. A SORA was near the tower at Assawoman Wildlife Area.
It was a big week at the both Delaware Hawk Watches, despite getting rain over the weekend. Ashland Nature Center had 79 AMERICAN KESTRELS, a MERLIN and 3 PEREGRINE FALCONS with 91 SHARP-SHINNED, 27 COOPER’S and 12 BROAD-WINGED HAWKS on Saturday. This was the third highest single day total of Kestrels recorded at Ashland. There was also a total of 69 BALD EAGLES, 19 NORTHERN HARRIERS, and 19 OSPREYS for the week. Cape Henlopen was a washout over the weekend, but there was a big flight after the storm on Monday with 30 AMERICAN KESTRELS, 50 MERLIN, and 28 PEREGRINES plus 61 OSPREYS. There was a total of 48 BALD EAGLES, 88 SHARPIES and 30 COOP’S also reported for the week. Now, let’s see what the weekend storm brings in!
Thanks to all the people that make the Birdline possible, including, Ryan Weeks, Barbara Conway, Mike Lathman, Mike Bowen, Hannah Girgente, Nancy Cunningham, Melissa Powell, Rebecca Byrd, Paige Magrogan, Steve and Susan McInnis, Martin Selzer, Lynn Jackson, Sheryl Johnson, Sharon Dounce, Kevin Bronson, John Skibicki, Gary Griffith, Joe Sebastiani, David Thomas, Ed Patten, Sam VanHorne, Frank Rohrbacher, John Carter, Chris Rankin, Kent Raymond, Carolyn Holland, Mary Braun, Sue Gruver, Rob Blye, Richard Julian, Alice Mohrman, Greg Gough, Tom Stock, Chris and Karen Bennett, Anthony Gonzon, Will Krohn, Jim White, Laureen Eick-Benson, Judy Montgomery, Chase Wilkinson, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Ian Teaell, Laureen Eick-Benson, Chris Machulski, John and Andy Dunn, Wendy Cesario, Mike Moore, Joe Francis, Bruce Peterjohn, and Joe Swertinski. Thanks to our two hawk counters David Brown and Emma Hovland. Special thanks to Joe Tricarico for list distribution to DOS members. Remember,! Birdline needs your support. Please call your sightings to 302-792-9591. Thank you for your support. This is Andy Ednie wishing you good birding!
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Kent Raymond, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Richard King, Sue Martin
Visitors: 12
Weather: Blue skies and calm winds to start. The winds became a moderate WNW for most of the day and it became partly cloudy for the afternoon. Quite warm and pleasant with a high in the mid-70s.
Raptor Observations: Surprisingly slow given the conditions and results from other recent days. The flight took a while to get going. A light flow of Turkey Vultures throughout the day but otherwise low numbers. Sharp-shinned Hawks were next most numerous with only five. Four kestrels. A few nice looks including some adult Bald Eagles chasing each other and a very low adult Red-shouldered Hawk at the end of the day.
Non-raptor Observations: Non-raptor activity was lower today as well.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Generally sunny with a few afternoon clouds. High 74F. Winds WNW at 5-10mph. Overall similar to today except with slightly weaker winds. Should be a pleasant day to be out. Expect light to moderate migration.
SATURDAY: Intervals of clouds and sun. High 72F. Winds NE shifting SE at 5-10mph. Favorable winds for the morning. Expect moderate migration.
SUNDAY: Cloudy with periods of rain. High 63F. Winds E at 10-20mph. Chance of rain 100%. Count may be shortened or canceled. ======================================================================== 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: David Brown
Observers: Carol Spease, Joe Sebastiani, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Laureen Eick-Benson, Mike Fowles, Sheryl Johnson, Steve Minner
Visitors: 12
Weather: Blue skies again with the exception of one or two tiny clouds that appeared on the horizon then quickly dissipated. Calm winds that became a moderate south wind. Cool in the morning with the first frost of the season on the roof of the lodge, but becoming pleasantly warm.
Raptor Observations: We often see our biggest Turkey Vulture flights on southerly winds and today was no exception with the first triple-digit Turkey Vulture flight of the season.
Otherwise migration was light to moderate, with a good variety of raptors, but tough spotting with the blue sky. Activity was best in the mid-morning. The highlight of the day was a juvenile falcon that spent a few minutes chasing a Turkey Vulture around low overhead!
Three Ospreys including a juvenile that dropped into the valley that came back up a short while later, soared high, and continued on. A good Bald Eagle flight with ten migrating. Eight sharpies, six Coops, and 8 kestrels. A Merlin perched briefly near the end of the day completing the falcon trifecta.
One interesting Red-tailed Hawk was heavily marked below with a bold subterminal tail band, but with a white throat. No Broad-winged Hawks, which kept us from the sweep of expected species.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Sunny. High 77F. Winds WNW at 10-15mph. A somewhat favorable wind and decent speed. Hawks should be on the move again, but spotting high birds may be difficult as the blue skies continue. Expect moderate to good migration.
FRIDAY: Sunny. High 73F. Winds WNW at 10-15mph. Similar to tomorrow.
SATURDAY: Mainly cloudy. High around 70F. Winds NE shifting SE at 5-10mph. 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: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Frank Rohrbacher, Joe Francis, Lana Glass, Mike Fowles
Visitors: 12
Weather: Sunny without a single cloud the whole day. Light to moderate northwest winds. Cool in the morning becoming pleasant.
Raptor Observations: Moderate migration. Tough spotting with the blue skies, but some nice looks at migrants and locals.
Turkey Vultures were most numerous with nearly fifty. A moderate Accip flight with 24 sharpies and 12 Coops. Eleven kestrels and two Merlins. Good Bald Eagle activity but only five counted as migrating. One Osprey. A handful of Buteos including one broad-wing.
One memorable moment was when a group of Black Vultures crossed low in front of us flapping frantically followed shortly after by three adult Bald Eagles chasing each other.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Sunny. High near 70F. Winds SSW at 5-10mph. Similar to today except a bit warmer and a switch to southerly winds. Conditions are good for raptors to be active, but the less favorable winds may slow down migration. Spotting high raptors will be difficult. Expect light to moderate migration.
THURSDAY: Mainly sunny. High 77F. Winds W at 10-15mph. Expect moderate migration.
FRIDAY: Sunny. High 71F. Winds NW at 5-10mph. Expect moderate to good 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: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7.22 hours
Official Counter: Tom Stock, Tom Stock, Greg Gough, Caroline Holland, Tom Stock, Greg Gough, Caroline Holland, Ann Dinkel, Steve McInnis, Sue Gruver, Phil Misseldine, Nancy Cunningham, Tom Stock, Greg Gough, Caroline Holland, Ann Dinkel, Steve McInnis, Sue Gruver, Phil Misseldine, Nancy Cunningham, Will Martens
Observers: Ann Dinkel, Caroline Holland, Greg Gough, Nancy Cunningham, Phil Misseldine, Steve McInnis, Susan Gruver, Will Martens
Weather:
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations: Common Raven 1, Monarch 41 ======================================================================== Report submitted by Emma Hovland (<emmarhovland...>)
Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: David Brown, Joe Francis, Joe Swertinski
Observers: Byron Swift, David Brown, David Goodman, Ian Teaell, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Pat Goodman
Visitors: 14
Weather: Early morning fog with calm winds. Partly sunny in the morning becoming mostly sunny in the afternoon. A moderate northwest wind that was gusty at times. A pleasant day to be out.
Raptor Observations: Favorable conditions all day. A moderate raptor flight for most of the day with a peak in the early afternoon. Seventeen Black Vultures counted as migrants, as we continue to see increasing numbers of this species. Twenty-one Turkey Vultures, mostly from a late-day push. A good day for big raptors with five Ospreys and 28 Bald Eagles.
A moderate Accip flight with 48 sharpies and 7 Coops. Three harriers including an adult male. Broad-winged Hawks continue to trickle through with another ten today, plus a handful of red-shoulders and a red-tail. An adult and two immature Red-shouldered Hawks gave excellent looks at they soared low over the lookout. Another falcon trifecta with 37 kestrels, a Merlin, and a peregrine.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Mainly sunny. High 63F. Winds NW at 5-10mph. The good wind direction continues, though weaker than today. Should be another day of good migration. Spotting may be difficult when the raptors get high if there aren't many clouds. Expect moderate to good migration.
WEDNESDAY: Mainly sunny. High around 70F. Winds SSW at 5-10mph. A less favorable wind direction, though fairly weak. Raptors should be active regardless. Expect moderate migration.
THURSDAY: Mainly sunny. High 78F. Winds W at 5-10mph. 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: Ginny Halterman, Ian Teaell, Will Krohn
Observers: Frank Rohrbacher
Weather: Overcast with frequent mist and drizzle. Moderate northeast winds that weakened late.
Raptor Observations: A small number of raptors pushed through the gloomy weather. Accips were most numerous with 8 sharpies and 5 Coops. Four Ospreys. The only falcons were three kestrels. Two Turkey Vultures and one Bald Eagle.
New species for season: Savannah Sparrow, Golden-crowned Kinglet
Predictions: TOMORROW: Areas of patchy fog early. Some morning clouds then mainly sunny. High around 70F. Winds NW at 10-20mph. Good winds so it should be a decent flight once the wind picks up. Spotting may be difficult if we lose the clouds. Expect moderate to good migration.
TUESDAY: Mainly sunny. High 64F. Winds NW at 5-10mph. Expect moderate migration.
WEDNESDAY: Mainly sunny. High near 70F. 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: 06:00:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 11 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Dede Johnston, Joe Swertinski, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Maddie Martin
Visitors: 15
Weather: The day began with extensive rain just to the south and blue skies to the north. A bit gloomy for a few hours with a few minutes of sprinkles. After that it got nicer with partly sunny skies. Moderate north winds became a weaker northeast wind.
Raptor Observations: A fantastic raptor flight! Activity started early but was slow for the first several hours as gloomy weather persisted. The 12-1pm clock hour brought a strong flight of over a hundred raptors. A moderate flight continued throughout the afternoon before slowing down, then ending with a late pulse. During the peak time the flight was mostly high overhead, but the clouds helped with spotting.
Sharp-shinned Hawks were most numerous with 91. Cooper's Hawks had a very strong flight too with 27. AMERICAN KESTRELS had a spectacular flight with a total of 79, including a group of 9 that came through in the 5pm clock time hour. This was the third highest day ever for kestrels at Ashland! We also had one Merlin and three Peregrines (2 immatures, 1 adult).
A moderate vulture migration. Noticeably more Black Vultures around today including some groups counted as migrants. Five Ospreys was a great total for October. Sixteen Bald Eagles were counted as migrating, but many more seemed to be constantly soaring around. A moderate Buteo flight including 12 broad-wings and a handful of red-tails and red-shoulders.
Non-raptor Observations: 210 Canada Geese, Northern Pintail, 68 Double-crested Cormorants, 6 Great Blue Herons, another woodpecker septafecta including 3 Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers and 2 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS, 450 Blue Jays, 37 Fish Crows, Common Raven, Swainson's Thrush, 2 White-crowned Sparrows, White-throated Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, 5 Eastern Meadowlarks, Black-and-white Warbler, Nashville Warbler, 2 Cape May Warblers, Blackburnian Warbler, 3 Palm Warblers, 6 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 3 Scarlet Tanagers, 43 monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S398857058
New species for season: Northern Pintail, White-crowned Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Eastern Meadowlark, Nashville Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler
Predictions: TOMORROW: Overcast with rain showers at times. High 64F. Winds ENE at 5-10mph. Chance of rain 60%. A decent wind direction. Seems like the day will be gloomy overall which would normally hold back the flight, but this is peak time for species that don't mind powering through so maybe there will be some action.
MONDAY: Partly cloudy. High around 70F. Winds NW at 10-20mph. Great winds. Spotting may be difficult if the clouds go away. Should be a lot of raptors on the move if we can spot them. Expect moderate to good migration.
TUESDAY: Mainly sunny. High 64F. Winds NW at 5-10mph. Good conditions again. Expect moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Date: 10/2/26 4:32 pm From: Andrew Ednie <000006be14ba5998-dmarc-request...> Subject: [de-birds] RBA: Birdline Delaware, October 2nd, 2026
RBA * Delaware * Statewide * October 2, 2026 * DEST 26.10.02
*Birds mentioned Black Scoter Yellow-billed Cuckoo Common Nighthawk Ruby-throated Hummingbird Virginia Rail Sora American Coot Sandhill Crane American Oystercatcher American Avocet Black-bellied Plover American Golden Plover Semipalmated Plover Marbled Godwit HUDSONIAN GODWIT Ruddy Turnstone Solitary Sandpiper Spotted Sandpiper Willet Short-billed Dowitcher Long-billed Dowitcher Western Sandpiper White-rumped Sandpiper Pectoral Sandpiper Stilt Sandpiper Common Tern Caspian Tern Royal Tern Black Skimmer Parasitic Jaeger BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE Bonaparte’s Gull Common Loon Pied-billed Grebe Brown Pelican Black-crowned Night Heron Yellow-crowned Night Heron Little Blue Heron Tricolored Heron White Ibis Sharp-shinned Hawk Cooper’s Hawk Broad-winged Hawk Barred Owl Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Red-headed Woodpecker American Kestrel Merlin Peregrine Falcon Least Flycatcher Eastern Kingbird Blue-headed Vireo Philadelphia Vireo Common Raven Brown-headed Nuthatch Red-breasted Nuthatch Brown Creeper Ruby-crowned Kinglet Golden-crowned Kinglet Marsh Wren Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Swainson’s Thrush Gray-cheeked Thrush Veery Wood Thrush American Pipit Lincoln’s Sparrow White-throated Sparrow Dark-eyed Junco Bobolink Baltimore Oriole Ovenbird Northern Waterthrush American Redstart Black and White Warbler Nashville Warbler Tennessee Warbler CONNECTICUT WARBLER Hooded Warbler Northern Parula Northern Yellow Warbler Chestnut-sided Warbler Magnolia Warbler Cape May Warbler Yellow-throated Warbler Blackburnian Warbler Bay-breasted Warbler Blackpoll Warbler Pine Warbler Palm Warbler Prairie Warbler Black-throated Blue Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler Summer Tanager Rose-breasted Grosbeak PAINTED BUNTING Indigo Bunting
Hotline: Birdline Delaware Date: October 2, 2026 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 2nd this is Birdline Delaware from the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science 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 List remains at 322 species this week.
The big storm that hit Delaware last weekend caused tidal flooding in Bethany, Dewey and Slaughters Beach. Unfortunately, no mega rarities were found during the storm. The previously reported immature BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE was last seen at Indian River Inlet on Saturday. BLACK SCOTER, AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER, and RUDDY TURNSTONE were seen at the inlet, plus COMMON, CASPIAN and ROYAL TERNS. COMMON LOON and BROWN PELICAN were seen offshore. TRICOLORED HERON, WHITE IBIS and YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERON were seen at Burton’s Island in Delaware Seashore State Park. A WILLET was found at Bethany Beach.
Good numbers of lingering warblers are still being seen, including a CONNECTICUT WARBLER with a PHILADELPHIA VIREO at Holts Landing State Park yesterday. A YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER and LEAST FLYCATCHER were seen at the McCabe Nature Preserve today. A HOODED WARBLER and GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH were seen at Brandywine Creek State Park yesterday. A total of 24 species of warbler were reported this week including OVENBIRD, NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH, AMERICAN REDSTART, NORTHERN PARULA, plus BLACK AND WHITE, TENNESSEE, NASHVILLE, CAPE MAY, MAGNOLIA, YELLOW, CHESTNUT-SIDED, BLACKBURNIAN, BAY-BREASTED, BLACKPOLL, PINE, PRAIRIE, PALM, YELLOW-RUMPED, plus BLACK-THROATED BLUE, and GREEN WARBLER
Upstate, a LINCOLN’S SPARROW was photographed from Middle Run Natural Area near Newark and seen at Ashland Nature Center. RED-HEADED WOODPECKER and YELLOW-BREASTED SAPSUCKER were reported from Ashland Nature Center. Both RUBY-CROWNED and GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS were reported this week along with VEERY, SWAINSON’S and WOOD THRUSH. RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH was found at the Mt Cuba Center. Some late lingering birds included YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO, COMMON NIGHTHAWK, RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD, BLUE-HEADED VIREO, WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, BOBOLINK, SCARLET TANAGER, INDIGO BUNTING, and ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK.
AMERICAN COOT and MARSH WREN were found at the Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge at Delaware’s Riverfront. BTW, Russell Peterson’s birthday is October 3rd!. COMMON TERN and BONAPARTE’S GULL were seen at Bull Hill in New Castle post storm on Monday. A SOLITARY SANDPIPER was seen at the Ferris School walking trail. SANDHILL CRANE, SORA, and VIRGINIA RAIL were reported at the Ashton Tract in Augustine Wildlife Area. PIED-BILLED GREBE and SPOTTED SANDPIPER were reported at Augustine Beach. LITTLE BLUE HERON and BARRED OWL were reported from Lums Pond State Park. The first AMERICAN PIPIT of the season was at the Tybout's Tract in Blackbird State Forest.
A male PAINTED BUNTING was found along the Boardwalk Trail at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge on Wednesday. This bird was seen just past the bridge off the right-hand fork of the trail. Both MARBLED and 5 HUDSONIAN GODWIT were seen, along with 500+ AMERICAN AVOCET, BLACK-BELLIED, SEMIPALMATED and AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER, SHORT and LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER, DUNLIN, plus WESTERN, WHITE-RUMPED, STILT, and PECTORAL SANDPIPER. Waders included WHITE IBIS, TRICOLORED HERON, YELLOW-CROWNED and BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON. SANDHILL CRANES. MERLIN, KESTREL, and PEREGRINE FALCON were reported at the refuge.
PARASITIC JAEGER was seen at the hawkwatch on Wednesday at Cape Henlopen State Park. BROWN PELICAN, BLACK SKIMMER, CASPIAN, and ROYAL TERN were seen at Cape Henlopen Point. BROWN-HEADED NUTHATCH, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, BALTIMORE ORIOLE and DARK-EYED JUNCO were seen at the Seaside Nature Center. VIRGINIA RAIL and COMMON RAVEN were reported from Gordon’s Pond. A late lingering EASTERN KINGBIRD was seen at Roosevelt Inlet, along with 300+ WHITE IBIS. Late SUMMER TANAGERS were seen Assawoman Wildlife Area and in a yard near Harbeson.
It was a dull week at the Ashland Nature Center Hawk Watch, with 2 BROAD-WINGED HAWK seen Thursday, along 7 AMERICAN KESTRELS, 4 MERLIN and 2 PEREGRINE FALCONS. New sightings included a BROWN CREEPER today. Cape Henlopen was a washout over the weekend, but there was a big flight after the storm on Tuesday with 125 SHARP-SHINNED and 16 COOPER’S HAWKS plus 14 AMERICAN KESTRELS, 9 MERLIN, and 7 PEREGRINES.
Thanks to all the people that make the Birdline possible, including, Natalie Cavalieri, Nancy Cunningham, Alissa Kegelman, Vivian Gray, Lina Rosenberg, Marshall Mumford, Judith Piciotto, Carter Chambers, Steve and Susan McInnis, Mike Rosengarten, Edie Parnum, Jason Horn, Megan Kasprzak, Joe Sebastiani, David Thomas, Ed Patten, Sam VanHorne, Frank Rohrbacher, John Carter, Phil Misseldine, Rod Murray, Chris Rankin, Kent Raymond, Carolyn Holland, Mary Braun, Sue Gruver, Rob Blye, Richard Julian, Greg Gough, Tom Stock, Chris and Karen Bennett, Anthony Gonzon, Will Krohn, Jim White, Laureen Eick-Benson, Kim Steininger, Holly Merker, Ian Teaell, Laureen Eick-Benson, Chris Machulski, Joellen Bunch, Paul Beckman, Matt Webster, John and Andy Dunn, Wendy Cesario, Mike Moore, Joe Francis, Bruce Peterjohn, and Joe Swertinski. Thanks to our two hawk counters David Brown and Emma Hovland. Special thanks to Joe Tricarico for list distribution to DOS members. Remember, Birdline needs your! support. Please call your sightings to 302-792-9591. Thank you for your support. This is Andy Ednie wishing you good birding!
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Autumn Heil, Carol Spease, Frank Rohrbacher, Jim Lewis, Joe Francis, Joe Sebastiani, Joe Swertinski, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Meghan Donnelly, Mike Fowles
Visitors: 15
Weather: Sunny with an extensive layer of thin clouds. Light to moderate southwest winds. Very warm with temps reaching the mid-80s. Thickening clouds late in the day ahead of approaching storms and a cold front.
Raptor Observations: A slow day overall. Small groups of Turkey Vultures throughout the day for 27 total. American Kestrels were next most numerous with six, including a group of five in the early morning. One Osprey landed in a tree near the creek for a bit before continuing on. One late day Northern Harrier made a close pass. A handful of Accips. A few Buteos, but no broad-wings.
Non-raptor Observations: Common Nighthawk, 2 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Double-crested Cormorant, Common Raven, Brown Creeper, Northern Mockingbird, 2 Lincoln's Sparrows, Swamp Sparrow, American Redstart, Cape May Warbler, Norther Parula, Pine Warbler, 2 Black-throated Green Warblers, 2 Scarlet Tanagers, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, 2 Indigo Buntings, 20 monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S398407627
New species for season: Brown Creeper
Predictions: TOMORROW: Partly cloudy. High 71F. Winds NE at 5-10mph. A favorable wind. Clouds should help with spotting. Expect moderate to good migration.
SUNDAY: Morning rain showers then steady afternoon rain. High 64F. Winds ENE at 5-10mph. Chance of rain 70%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch. Count will likely be shortened.
MONDAY: Partly cloudy. High 71F. Winds NW at 10-15mph. Excellent conditions. Expect moderate to good 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: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Daena Ford, Ian Teaell, Jim Lewis, Lana Glass, Meghan Donnelly, Randy Ford
Visitors: 12, including Daena and Randy Ford from the Braddock Bay Hawk Watch!
Weather: Overcast and foggy with calm winds to start. Becoming mostly sunny by the late morning with light southwest winds. Quite warm with temperatures reaching the low 80s.
Raptor Observations: A slow start, but activity picked up when the sun came out. Some small groups of Turkey Vultures drifting through for a total of 27. Otherwise small numbers of an excellent variety of raptors. The only expected species we didn't see today was Osprey. We had the falcon trifecta with 7 kestrels, 2 peregrines, and four Merlins including one that rocketed through low at the end of the day. One late-day juvenile Northern Harrier. A kestrel and Cooper's Hawk battled in midair. Bald Eagle activity was high but only four migrated.
Non-raptor Observations: American Black Duck, 15 Common Nighthawks, 7 species sweep of woodpeckers (including Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and RED-HEADED WOODPECKER), Blue-headed Vireo, 50 Blue Jays, 2 Common Ravens, 200 Common Grackles, Black-and-white Warbler, Cape May Warbler, Palm Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, 26 monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S398130944
New species for season: American Black Duck
Predictions: TOMORROW: Mix of sun and clouds. Hot. High 86F! Winds SW at 5-10mph. Similar to today. Expect light to moderate migration.
SATURDAY: Partly cloudy. High 72F. Winds N shifting NE at 5-10mph. Pretty good conditions. Expect moderate migration.
SUNDAY: Cloudy with showers. High near 65F. Winds ENE at 5-10ph. Chance of rain 60%. The rain may prevent a flight. ======================================================================== 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: David Brown
Observers: Jennifer Xie, Joe Swertinski, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Laureen Eick-Benson, Richard King, Sheryl Johnson
Visitors: 30, including about 15 from a group of homeschool families.
Weather: Overcast with light and variable winds, becoming partly sunny with light southwest winds. Warm.
Raptor Observations: A slow start to the raptor activity without much sun or wind. Never much migration. Sharp-shinned Hawks were most numerous with a dozen. A handful of Turkey Vultures moving through. Other than that just a few Bald Eagles, Cooper's Hawks, and a Red-shouldered Hawk.
It was the best September for Ospreys since 2018. Merlins tied for the highest September total ever.
Non-raptor Observations: A nice amount of songbirds working the treeline in the morning!
New species for season: Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Blue-headed Vireo, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blackpoll Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Cloudy skies early followed by partial clearing. High 82F. Winds SW at 5-10mph. Similar to today.
FRIDAY: Partly cloudy. Hot! High 86F. Winds SW at 5-10mph. An unfavorable wind direction for migration but at least there will be some sun and wind to get raptors up. Obnoxiously hot for October.
SATURDAY: Partly cloudy. High 73F. Winds NNE at 5-10mph. Much better! Good winds and a more comfortable temperature. ======================================================================== 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: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Emma Hovland
Observers: Greg Gough, Steve McInnis, Susan Gruver, Tom Stock
Visitors: 16
Weather:
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations: Monarch 2 Common Nighthawk 1 Common Raven 1 Mute Swan 9 ======================================================================== Report submitted by Emma Hovland (<emmarhovland...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Holly Merker, Joe Sebastiani, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Mike Fowles
Visitors: 22, including a group from the NCCL school.
Weather: Partly cloudy becoming mostly cloudy and eventually overcast. Light northwesterly winds. Warm.
Raptor Observations: A moderate flight. Sharp-shinned Hawks were most numerous with 28. Thirteen Turkey Vultures. Small numbers of other expected migrants including six Bald Eagles and six Red-shouldered Hawks. Two kestrels. One broad-wing.
Decent raptor activity overall. The sky was good for spotting, but the weak winds didn't seem to get a lot of raptors moving despite being the first day after several days of poor weather. Activity slowed in the final hours as the sky clouded over.
Non-raptor Observations: 77 Canada Geese, 7 Common Nighthawks, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Great Blue Heron, 8 Northern Flickers, 100 Blue Jays, 2 Common Ravens, 20 Eastern Bluebirds, Cape May Warbler, 19+ species of butterfly including AMERICAN SNOUT, 15 monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S397561957
New species for season: Chipping Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow
Predictions: TOMORROW: Some morning sun then increasing clouds. High 77F. Winds light and variable. Overall similar to today and would expect similar results.
THURSDAY: Cloudy early then partial clearing. High 81F. Winds SW at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration.
FRIDAY: Intervals of clouds and sun. High 86F. Winds SW 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: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: Joe Francis, Joe Swertinski
Observers: David Brown, Lana Glass, Meghan Donnelly
Visitors: 8
Weather: Overcast with periods of misty rain and the sun occasionally peaking out. Light northerly winds.
Raptor Observations: Some bursts of activity during times of better weather. Sharp-shinned Hawks were most numerous with 12. Also 5 Cooper's Hawks. A single Broad-winged Hawk which was a lifer for one observer. The falcon trifecta including a Merlin diving at a Peregrine Falcon.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Partly cloudy then overcast. High 74F. Winds NW at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration.
WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and clouds. High 77F. Winds light and variable. Expect light to moderate migration.
THURSDAY: Mix of sun and clouds. High 83F. Winds SW 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
Weather: Strong northerly winds and rain from continuing nor'easter. No count.
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations:
Predictions: TOMORROW: Cloudy. High 66F. Winds NNW at 5-10mph. A good wind direction but quite weak. The flight will depend on how much it clears up. If it stays damp and gloomy there might not be much flight. Expect light to moderate migration.
TUESDAY: Mix of sun and clouds then cloudy. High 73F. Winds NW at 5-10mph. A good wind direction, but weak. However those winds and a bit of sun should be enough to get some raptor moving after several gloomy days. Expect moderate migration.
WEDNESDAY: Partly cloudy. High 77F. Winds light and variable. Raptors should be active with the sunshine. Light winds may reduce the migration. 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: David Brown
Observers: Joe Swertinski
Visitors: 3
Weather: On and off rain due to nor'easter. Moderate to strong north winds with occasional stronger gusts. Low overcast cloud cover and reduced visibility.
Raptor Observations: Despite the poor conditions small numbers of raptors moved throughout the day taking advantage of the favorable wind. Turkey Vultures (11) and Sharp-shinned Hawk (7) were most numerous. Small numbers of other expected species including four Cooper's Hawks, three kestrels, and one Broad-winged Hawk. A high streaming Osprey in the afternoon was a nice highlight.
Predictions: TOMORROW: A steady morning rain then afternoon showers. High 62F. Winds NNW at 15-25mph. Chance of rain 100%. Count will likely be shortened or canceled.
MONDAY: Cloudy. High around 65F. Winds NNW at 5-10mph. A good wind direction, but if it stays too gloomy that could hold back the flight.
TUESDAY: Partly cloudy becoming cloudy. High 72F. Winds NW at 5-10mph. Another good wind direction, though quite weak. A bit of sun after several dreary days could get some birds moving. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Date: 9/25/26 5:36 pm From: Andrew Ednie <000006be14ba5998-dmarc-request...> Subject: [de-birds] RBA: Birdline Delaware, September 25th, 2026
RBA * Delaware * Statewide * September 25, 2026 * DEST 26.09.25
*Birds mentioned Blue-winged Teal American Wigeon Black Scoter COMMON EIDER Common Merganser Wild Turkey Northern Bobwhite Yellow-billed Cuckoo Black-billed Cuckoo Common Nighthawk Ruby-throated Hummingbird Virginia Rail Sandhill Crane American Oystercatcher Black-necked Stilt American Avocet Black-bellied Plover American Golden Plover Semipalmated Plover Marbled Godwit HUDSONIAN GODWIT Willet Short-billed Dowitcher Long-billed Dowitcher Ruddy Turnstone Western Sandpiper Pectoral Sandpiper Stilt Sandpiper Wilson’s Snipe RED-NECKED PHALAROPE Black Tern Common Tern Caspian Tern Sandwich Tern Royal Tern Black Skimmer Parasitic Jaeger BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE Bonaparte’s Gull Common Loon Pied-billed Grebe LEACH’S STORM-PETREL Brown Pelican Northern Gannet American Bittern Black-crowned Night Heron Yellow-crowned Night Heron Little Blue Heron Tricolored Heron Green Heron Western Cattle Egret White Ibis Osprey Sharp-shinned Hawk Bald Eagle Broad-winged Hawk Barn Owl Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Red-headed Woodpecker American Kestrel Merlin Peregrine Falcon Least Flycatcher OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER Eastern kingbird Blue-headed Vireo Philadelphia Vireo Common Raven Brown-headed Nuthatch Ruby-crowned Kinglet Golden-crowned Kinglet Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Swainson’s Thrush Gray-cheeked Thrush Wood Thrush Swamp Sparrow White-throated Sparrow Dark-eyed Junco Bobolink Yellow-breasted Chat Ovenbird Northern Waterthrush American Redstart Black and White Warbler Blue-winged Warbler Nashville Warbler Tennessee Warbler CONNECTICUT WARBLER Northern Parula Northern Yellow Warbler Chestnut-sided Warbler Magnolia Warbler Cape May Warbler Blackburnian Warbler Bay-breasted Warbler Blackpoll Warbler Pine Warbler Black-throated Blue Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler Wilson’s Warbler Canada Warbler Summer Tanager Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Hotline: Birdline Delaware Date: September 25, 2026 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 25th this is Birdline Delaware from the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science 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 List increased to 322 species this week.
A big storm is heading to Delaware tomorrow. Tidal flooding has been reported in Bethany, Dewey and Slaughters Beach. Already, a LEACH’S STORM-PETREL was seen from Lewes Beach after 4 days of northeast winds, along with RED-NECKED PHALAROPE. Small flock of BLACK SKIMMERS were sitting on the sand. A COMMON EIDER was photographed at Cape Henlopen State Park. BLACK and SURF SCOTER, AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER, and RUDDY TURNSTONE were in Cape Henlopen Point, plus BLACK, SANDWICH, COMMON, CASPIAN and ROYAL TERNS. COMMON LOON and BROWN PELICAN were seen offshore. Shorebirds reported included BLACK-BELLIED, SEMIPALMATED and AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER, plus BONAPARTE’S GULL. BROWN-HEADED NUTHATCHES were seen at the Seaside Nature Center along with PHILADELPHIA VIREO, and BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER.
The previously reported immature BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE continues to be seen at Indian River Inlet. This bird was seen along with SANDWICH, COMMON, CASPIAN and ROYAL TERNS plus PARASITIC JAEGER, NORTHERN GANNET, BROWN PELICAN, and AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER. TRICOLORED and GREEN HERON, WHITE IBIS plus YELLOW-CROWNED and BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON were seen at Burton’s Island in Delaware Seashore State Park along with PEREGRINE FALCON.
Upstate, a late BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO was reported from Middle Run Natural Area near Newark. COMMON RAVEN was found at the University of Delaware Ag Farm. RED-HEADED WOODPECKER and YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT were reported from Ashland Nature Center. Both RUBY-CROWNED and GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS were reported this week along with GRAY-CHEEKED, SWAINSON’S and WOOD THRUSH, WINTER WREN, WHITE-THROATED and SWAMP SPARROW, DARK-EYED JUNCO, BLUE-HEADED VIREO, and YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER.
An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER was photographed at Alapocos Woods State Park. LEAST FLYCATCHERS were found at Ashland Nature Center, Bombay Hook, and McCabe Nature Preserve near Milton. An EASTERN KINGBIRD was seen at the Woodside Creamery in North Star. Some late lingering birds included YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO, COMMON NIGHTHAWK, RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD, BOBOLINK, and ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK.
A CONNECTICUT WARBLERS were reported this week in a private yard near Greenwood. A total of 24 species of warbler were reported this week including OVENBIRD, NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH, AMERICAN REDSTART, NORTHERN PARULA, plus BLACK AND WHITE, TENNESSEE, NASHVILLE, CAPE MAY, MAGNOLIA, YELLOW, CHESTNUT-SIDED, BLACKBURNIAN, BAY-BREASTEED, BLACKPOLL, PINE, CANADA, WILSON’S plus BLACK-THROATED BLUE, and GREEN WARBLER
A family of COMMON MERGANSERS continues to be seen along the Red Clay Creek at Ashland Nature Center. SANDHILL CRANES and AMERICAN BITTERN were seen at the Ashton Tract in Augustine Wildlife Area. LITTLE BLUE HERON was seen at Thousand Acre Marsh. NORTHERN BOBWHITES were reported at Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area.
Both MARBLED and HUDSONIAN GODWIT were seen at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge this week. Shorebirds seen included 400+ AMERICAN AVOCET, BLACK-NECKED STILT, BLACK-BELLIED, SEMIPALMATED and AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER, SHORT and LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER, WILLET, DUNLIN, plus WESTERN, and PECTORAL SANDPIPER. Waders included WHITE IBIS, TRICOLORED HERON, WESTERN CATTLE EGRET, BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON, SORA, plus SANDHILL CRANES. MERLIN, KESTREL, and PEREGRINE FALCON were reported at the refuge. A BARN OWL was seen in the evening at the refuge headquarters. WILD TURKEY, BOBOLINK, and YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT were also reported.
AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER was seen at Mispillion Inlet. AMERICAN AVOCET and VIRGINIA RAIL were reported from the Dike Trail in Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge along with BLACK SKIMMER and CASPIAN TERN. WHITE IBIS was seen at Oyster Rocks Road. An early WILSON’S SNIPE along with PECTORAL SANDPIPER were found in a retention pond near Angola Neck. AMERICAN WIGEON, BLUE-WINGED TEAL, and PIED-BILLED GREBE were at Assawoman Wildlife Area. SUMMER TANAGER was seen at Redden State Forest.
It was a big week at Delaware’s hawk watches today. A total of over 4000 BROAD-WINGED HAWKS were reported at Ashland Nature Center, along with 40 BALD EAGLES, 220 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS and 90 AMERICAN KESTRELS. Additionally, 250 BROAD-WINGED HAWKS were counted on Saturday on the White Clay Creek Bird Census. Cape Henlopen reported 100 OSPREYS and 12 PEREGRINE FALCONS this week. Now’s the time to get out and visit Delaware’s hawk watches!
Thanks to all the people that make the Birdline possible, including, Teddy Burke, Sergio Savino, Ryleigh Sweet, Jeremy Bird, Adam Balick, Jac Cottrell, Judith Piciotto, Julia Sheehan, Graham Stewart, Sam Heragety, Carter Chambers, Steve and Susan McInnis, Ashley Norton, Bert Filemyr, Mike Rosengarten, Megan Kasprzak, Joe Sebastiani, David Thomas, Ed Patten, Jen Driscoll, Sam VanHorne, Frank Rohrbacher, John Carter, Phil Misseldine, Rod Murray, Chris Rankin, Kent Raymond, Carolyn Holland, Mary Braun, Sue Gruver, Rob Blye, Richard Julian, Greg Gough, Tom Stock, Chris and Karen Bennett, Anthony Gonzon, Will Krohn, Grace Meunch, Jim and Amy White, Laureen Eick-Benson, Natalie Weber, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Ian Teaell, Ellie McDonald, John and Andy Dunn, Wendy Cesario, Mike Moore, Joe Francis, Bruce Peterjohn, and Joe Swertinski. Thanks to our two hawk counters David Brown and Emma Hovland. Special thanks to Joe Tricarico for list distribution to DOS members. Remember, Birdl! ine needs your support. Please call your sightings to 302-792-9591. Thank you for your support. This is Andy Ednie wishing you good birding!
Observation start time: 06:30:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 9.5 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Frank Rohrbacher, Holly Merker, Jeff Uhlenburg, Joe Swertinski, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Sue McLaughlin
Visitors: 15
Weather: Moderate to strong northeasterly winds, sometimes shifting more northerly. Mostly cloudy becoming mostly sunny then back to mostly cloudy. Temps starting in the low 50s and reaching the low 70s.
Raptor Observations: Another steady flight dominated by Sharp-shinned Hawks (44) and American Kestrels (26), with many streaming high overhead. A decent push of migrating Turkey Vultures. Small numbers of other expected species including eight Broad-winged Hawks. Black Vulture "247" was seen for the first time this season.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Periods of rain. High 61F. Winds N at 15-25mph. A good wind direction but overly strong. The current hourly forecast looks like a high chance of rain for much of the count period. Might be some migration, but I wouldn't expect a big day. Perhaps a chance of an unusual sighting due to the storm. Count may be shortened.
SUNDAY: Rain likely. Winds NNW at 15-25mph. Chance of rain 90%. Count may be shortened or canceled.
MONDAY: Showers in the morning then cloudy. High near 65F. Winds NNW at 5-10mph. A favorable wind, but flight may be slow if it is too gloomy. ======================================================================== 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: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Emma Hovland
Observers: Heidi McGrue, Rachael Yurchisin, Susan Gruver
Visitors: 9
Weather:
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations: Monarch 1 Common Loon 1 ======================================================================== Report submitted by Emma Hovland (<emmarhovland...>)
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 9.5 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Ian Teaell, Jim Lewis, Joe Sebastiani, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Laureen Eick-Benson, Walt Blackwell
Visitors: 14
Weather: Mostly cloudy with some periods of more clouds and some sunnier periods. A moderate to strong northeast wind that weakened later in the day. Another cool fall-like day.
Raptor Observations: A light but steady flight throughout the day, though quite a bit less than yesterday. The late-day flight was still quite high due to the tailwind, which made me suspect that birds were moving at high altitude and just hard to spot. Again we saw all species that are expected for this date.
Sharp-shinned Hawks were most numerous with 39, plus 7 Cooper's Hawks. Another moderate kestrel flight with 13, plus two Merlins and a Peregrine for another falcon trifecta. Fewer big raptors today with only three Ospreys and five migrating Bald Eagles. The only two harriers migrated together late in the day. Only six Broad-winged Hawks, but one juvenile gave a great look as it glided over low.
The sweet stray cat "Kittiwake" was captured, checked out at the vet, and adopted by a loving home :)
Predictions: TOMORROW: Partly cloudy. High 72F. Winds NNE at 10-20mph. Overall similar again. A favorable wind direction, but fairly strong. The sun and wind direction may send the birds high again, but hopefully we'll have enough clouds to help spot them. I would expect another moderate flight.
SATURDAY: Partly cloudy. High 64F. Winds N at 10-20mph. Another similar day. Looks like the showers may hold off until after the count.
SUNDAY: Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers. High 63F. Winds NNW at 10-20mph. Gloomy conditions would normally hold back the flight but those winds may keep the powered fliers moving. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 06:30:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 9.5 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Joe Francis, Joe Sebastiani, Joe Swertinski, Kent Raymond, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Sally O'Byrne, Samir Saadeh
Visitors: 18
Weather: Overcast becoming partly sunny. Moderate northeasterly winds. A bit chilly in the morning!
Raptor Observations: A steady, moderate flight throughout the day. A great variety of raptors with all species that are expected on this date. The flight was a mix of low and high altitude, but we had some nice looks at both resident and migrating raptors.
Seven Ospreys brought the season total to a tie with the entire 2022 season as the highest total since 2021. Excellent Bald Eagle activity with 19 migrating.
Ten harriers was the second best flight of the season. Moderate Accip flights with 38 sharpies and 12 Coops. Only 13 broad-wings, perhaps a sign that the easterly component to the wind is pushing them west of us.
A handful of red-shoulders and red-tails. A juvenile red-shoulder perched in a tree next to the hawk watch for a few minutes until a juvenile Cooper's Hawk landed nearby then chased it away.
Only the second falcon trifecta of the season with 30 kestrels, 5 Merlins (season high), and an adult peregrine. A Merlin dove close and came back up with a common green darner.
Non-raptor Observations: 86 Canada Geese, 5 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 3 Double-crested Cormorants, 300+ Blue Jays, 2 Common Ravens, 125 Cedar Waxwings, Pine Warbler, American Lady, 46 monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S395619361
New species for season: Lesser Black-backed Gull
Predictions: TOMORROW: Partly to mostly cloudy. High 67F. Winds NE at 10-20mph. Overall similar to today and I would expect similar results.
FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy. High 73F. Winds NNE at 10-20mph. Similar again.
SATURDAY: Overcast with showers at times. High 64F. Winds N at 10-20mph. Good winds, but the gloominess may hold back the flight. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Observation start time: 10:30:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 4.5 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Joe Sebastiani
Visitors: 1
Weather: Rain delayed the start of the count. Remaining low overcast with moderate northeast winds. Cool and fall-like weather! Drizzle in the last half-hour became a steady rain for the hike down.
Raptor Observations: A steady flight with some nice looks as the conditions kept most migrants low. Seven each of Osprey and Bald Eagle. A moderate Accip flight with 20 sharpies and 6 Coops. A dozen Broad-winged Hawks migrated including a group of six. Falcons were steady with 11 kestrels and four Merlins.
Non-raptor Observations: 21 Canada Geese, 11 Common Mergansers, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, 6 Northern Flickers, 2 Common Ravens, 175 Cedar Waxwings, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, 36 monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S395335278
Predictions: TOMORROW: Cloudy. High 67F. Winds NE at 10-20mph. Similar to today when it wasn't raining, though hopefully not as damp. I would expect a steady flow of migrants again. Chances of broad-wings is hard to predict. Large numbers are still being reported north of us but the easterly component to the wind may push them west to the mountain sites. Expect moderate migration.
THURSDAY: Partly cloudy. High 67F. Winds NE at 10-15mph. Overall similar but the sunshine may result in thermals and higher altitude flight. Expect moderate migration.
FRIDAY: Intervals of clouds and sun. High around 70F. Winds NNE at 10-20mph. Similar again, but more sun and stronger winds. 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: Joe Francis, Joe Swertinski
Observers: Andy Ednie, David Brown, Joe Sebastiani, Joe Swertinski, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Walt Blackwell
Visitors: 14
Weather: Mostly sunny becoming overcast for the afternoon. Light to moderate northeast winds that weakened in the afternoon.
Raptor Observations: A light to moderate flight throughout the day, with a peak in the afternoon then a sudden drop in activity as the overcast skies got thicker. Sharp-shinned Hawks were most numerous with 27, followed by kestrels with 20. Seven each of Osprey and Cooper's Hawk. One Peregrine Falcon.
Non-raptor Observations: 77 Canada Geese, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, 6 Northern Flickers, 2 Common Ravens, American Redstart, 71 monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S395047055
Predictions: TOMORROW: Light rain early then cloudy with afternoon showers. High 63F. Winds NE at 10-15mph. Expect minimal migration. Count will likely be shortened.
WEDNESDAY: Cloudy. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 66F. Winds NE at 10-20mph. A favorable wind and fairly strong. Perhaps that will be enough to get some birds moving even if the sky is gloomy.
THURSDAY: Mostly cloudy. High near 65F. Winds NE at 10-20mph. Similar to Wednesday. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
Weather: Morning rain then remaining overcast with low cloud cover and moderate southwest winds. No count conducted.
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations:
Predictions: The switch to rainy, gloomy weather with southerly winds prevented a raptor flight throughout the region today. However, after today the wind shifts northerly for the next week. Conditions will largely be cloudy with a few more rainy days (Tuesday and Wednesday). However, large numbers of Broad-winged Hawks moved through New England yesterday, so depending on where the wind blows them we may end up with more broad-wing flights this week.
TOMORROW: Mostly cloudy. A bit of morning sun. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 71F. Winds NE at 10-15mph. Decent conditions. Expect moderate migration. Hard to predict the chances of broad-wings. Conditions seem unfavorable for kettles, but some may be pushing through on the strong winds. However, we are still in peak time so sometimes we get surprised.
TUESDAY: A steady rain in the morning then showers. High 62F. Winds NE at 10-20mph. Chance of rain 70%. Count may be shortened. Probably little migration regardless.
WEDNESDAY: Showers in the morning then cloudy. High around 65F. Winds NE at 10-20mph. The flight will depend on how much it clears up, but likely not expecting much. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
