Two dozen members of the DVOC and guests from Gloucester County Nature Club met on an outstanding, weather-wise, Spring morning. Unfortunately, the birding wasn't quite as cooperative as the weather. With a lack of any significant weather front during the past week, spring migrants were scarce. We started the day at the Riverwinds scenic trail, where we tallied Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Blue-headed Vireo, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Eastern Phoebe & Brown Thrasher. Notably, Northern Bobwhite, a breeder, wasn't heard until late in the morning as we were driving out of the complex, and then only briefly.
Following our walk on th trail, we stoped at the retention pond located near the tennis center, where we recorded 3 Buffleheads. Unfortunately, early leaf-out prevented a glimpse at the distant Mantua Creek Bald Eagle nest. However, we did discover an active Osprey nest & enjoyed watching 4 recently hatched Killdeer chicks.
From Riverwinds, we traveled to the National Park Dredge Spoils, an area where American Coot, Common Moorhen & Pied-billed Grebe were commonly recorded. The draw down of the water level in the impoundments however resulted in a complete dip of these species. Our disappoint was somewhat soothed by finding recently arrived Yellow Warblers plus a lingering Common Loon and 2 Horned Grebes in the adjacent Delaware River.