December 22, 2014

Swamp Sparrow
Cape Henlopen SP
Dec. 2014
Click on photo to enlarge.

Today’s major site was Cape Henlopen State Park. We met a friend of Teddy’s, Rachael,  and starting walking along the trail to Gordons Pond from the north. Along the trail we spotted many White-throated Sparrows, Song Sparrows and Yellow-rumped Warblers. A single Harrier and Bald Eagle were the only raptors.

On the water we spotted Buffleheads and two American Wigeons mixed with a small flock of American Black Ducks. At least one American Black Duck showed evidence of hybridization: partially green iridescence of the head. This seems to be a growing concern, but very few resources (and even fewer current resources) indicate the severity of its impact on the species as a whole. Some resources I have found are:

Description and Identification of American Black Duck, Mallard, and Hybrid Wing Plumage from NPWRC in association with USGS

Red-breasted Nuthatch
Cape Henlopen SP
Dec. 2014
Click on photo for more.

A Century of Hybridization Conservation Genetics, 2004. If you are not inclined to read a science paper, this summary/review is good.

Unable to identify them in the field, I later used photos to ID two Swamp Sparrows seen near the north end of Gordons Pond.

Nearing the parking lot, still along the raised portion of the trail in the pine trees, we spotted both Brown-headed and Red-breasted Nuthatches with a small group of Chickadees.

Brown-headed Nuthatch
Cape Henlopen SP
Dec. 2014
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After returning to the parking lot, we walked up to Herring Point to spot several Black Scoters and on to THE Point and were pleasantly surprised to easily find a flock of Snow Buntings from the parking lot overlook.

Snow Bunting
Cape Henlopen SP
Dec. 2014

We ended the day with Snow Geese, LOTS of Snow Geese. A large flock across from Epworth UMC in Rehoboth Beach, DE and then on to Prime Hook NWR on the way back home. Thousands of Snow Geese passed overhead at Prime Hook, flock after flock streaming (noisily) overhead for close to five minutes at dusk. I conservatively estimated 5000 in my eBird list.

Snow Geese
Prime Hook NWR
Dec. 2014
I have lightened this photo a little. This is but one snapshot of the amount of geese that passed overhead.