8 replies to this topic

[BirdingBlues]

I know there are subtle differences between BC and Carolina, I'm hoping this photo indicates one or the other. It was taken in Cape May, NJ. Thanks!

[Kryptos18]

Cape May is way south of the Black-capped's range in NJ. However it's also missing the tell-tale white "hockey stick" on the wing that the Black-capped would have.

[MWM]

Kryptos, had a question. My Sibley's show the BC range to include all of PA & NJ, just wondering (in NY state all we normally have are BC Chickadees so never paid much attention to it).

[BirdingBlues]

This means it's more than likely a Carolina?

[psweet]

I'd agree with Carolina. As Krypto alluded to (the hockey stick), Black-capped should show some white edging on the secondaries and greater coverts.

[BirdingBlues]

Thanks for the explanations/field marks to look for - certainly will be helpful in the future.

[birdbrain22]

Yes.. By range, Cape May is Carolina country!!! LOL

[Kryptos18]

I believe Black-cappeds start showing up about halfway through NJ, but they can possibly irrupt in harsh winters.

[birdbrain22]

Yep I am right in the overlap zone. In fact a popular spot (Sandy Hook), which is a peninsula jutting north toward Brooklyn, NY has BC Chickadees, while across the Sandy Hook/Raritan Bay and Navasink River are Carolinas