Hawk Watch Friday October 1, 2010

Well, after the rain finally cleared this morning, a few birds started moving in its aftermath. The count was dominated by Merlins, Peregrines, and a steady stream of Osprey. If you were willing to brave the strong gusts, you were able to see cruising Peregrines and fast-paced Merlins swooping right past the platform. We even had a Cooper's Hawk ambush the House Sparrow flock and actually snatch one in its talons.

We also had a close Whimbrel fly over, 1 Common Loon, 1 Ruddy Duck, and an assortment of shorebirds flying throughout the day. Today wasn't exceptional in terms of migration, but tomorrow holds a great deal of promise. I would suggest doing some serious birding tomorrow.


Cape May
Cape May Point, New Jersey, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 01, 2010
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Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 46
Turkey Vulture 0 0 198
Osprey 181 181 2922
Bald Eagle 1 1 177
Northern Harrier 1 1 472
Sharp-shinned Hawk 36 36 5256
Cooper's Hawk 28 28 912
Northern Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 5
Broad-winged Hawk 1 1 454
Red-tailed Hawk 2 2 141
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 8 8 2807
Merlin 54 54 875
Peregrine Falcon 64 64 341
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 0 0
Unknown Falcon 0 0 1
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 0 0

Total: 376 376 14607
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Observation start time: 05:45:00
Observation end time: 16:30:00
Total observation time: 10.75 hours

Official Counter: Melissa Roach

Observers:

Weather:
Rain in the morning with strong NNW winds all day. Overcast the entire day
as well.

Raptor Observations:
Slow until the rain cleared in the late morning then a decent number of
migrants dominated by Osprey, Peregrines, and Merlins.

Non-raptor Observations:
Whimbrel, Common Loon, Ruddy Duck

Predictions:
With the bad weather finally past us and NW winds all day tomorrow, there
should be a very good flight tomorrow.

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