Hawk Watch Friday September 24, 2010

It was pretty quiet on the platform today. The Southeast winds aren't exactly ideal for fall migration so there weren't many birds moving. There weren't even that many birds on the pond except for some scattered ducks, egrets, herons, and gulls. A Spotted Sandpiper, Killdeer, and Caspian Tern all made appearances on the pond throughout the day as well. Tomorrow looks to be similar to today with Southwest winds so I'm not expecting large numbers.

Cape May
Cape May Point, New Jersey, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Sep 24, 2010
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Species            Day's Count    Month Total   Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture                0             46             46
Turkey Vulture               0            198            198
Osprey                      41           2419           2419
Bald Eagle                   0            157            157
Northern Harrier             3            365            365
Sharp-shinned Hawk          84           3602           3602
Cooper's Hawk                9            757            757
Northern Goshawk             0              0              0
Red-shouldered Hawk          0              5              5
Broad-winged Hawk            2            435            435
Red-tailed Hawk              1            135            135
Rough-legged Hawk            0              0              0
Golden Eagle                 0              0              0
American Kestrel            16           2426           2426
Merlin                      10            629            629
Peregrine Falcon             5             51             51
Unknown Accipiter            0              0              0
Unknown Buteo                0              0              0
Unknown Falcon               0              0              0
Unknown Eagle                0              0              0
Unknown Raptor               0              0              0

Total:                     171          11225          11225
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Observation start time: 05:45:00 
Observation end   time: 16:00:00 
Total observation time: 10.25 hours

Official Counter:        Melissa Roach

Observers:        

Weather:
Fog and calm in the morning, then light Southeast winds for the majority of
the day.  Partly cloudy.

Raptor Observations:
Slow movement today consisting mostly of Sharp-shinned Hawks and Osprey,
but also some American Kestrels, Merlins, and Peregrines.

Non-raptor Observations:
Spotted Sandpiper, Caspian Tern, Wilson's Snipe

Predictions:
Moderate Southwest winds all day tomorrow will keep most birds put so I'm
not expecting much movement tomorrow.