Hawk Watch Friday October 21, 2011

A very fun and exciting day on the platform filled with migrating raptors, shorebirds, Chimney Swifts, and many more! The dark morph Swainson's Hawk in the afternoon was a wonderful treat that many people got to see since it stuck around for almost an hour (and is most likely still hanging around the point; it was last seen perched in the first field at Hidden Valley where I suspect it roosted).

I would anticipate an even BETTER day tomorrow with light Northwest winds forecasted for the entire day.

Cape May
Cape May Point, New Jersey, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 21, 2011
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Species            Day's Count    Month Total   Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture                0             29             44
Turkey Vulture               0            270            291
Osprey                      20           1183           2530
Bald Eagle                  15            192            317
Northern Harrier             6            324            495
Sharp-shinned Hawk         453           8288          11959
Cooper's Hawk               62           1758           2242
Northern Goshawk             0              0              0
Red-shouldered Hawk          3             30             39
Broad-winged Hawk            0            884            963
Red-tailed Hawk              0             88            131
Rough-legged Hawk            0              0              0
Golden Eagle                 0              2              2
American Kestrel            54           2792           5002
Merlin                      28            682           1440
Peregrine Falcon             7            492           1021
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
Swainson's Hawk              1              2              4

Total:                     649          17016          26480
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Observation start time: 06:45:00 
Observation end   time: 16:00:00 
Total observation time: 9.25 hours

Official Counter:        Melissa Roach

Observers:        

Weather:
The day began with moderate to strong West-southwest winds that soon turned
West and eventually became Northwest for much of the day.  Mostly clear
skies with some clouds developing in the afternoon.

Raptor Observations:
A great flight for mid to late October with lots of Sharp-shins and
Cooper's Hawks, Bald Eagles, and decent numbers of Kestrels.  Highlight of
the day was a dark morph Swainson's Hawk found in the afternoon that
drifted very close to the platform and provided some great views for
visitors.

Non-raptor Observations:


Predictions:
It should be good....really good.
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Report submitted by Melissa Roach (roach.mc1@gmail.com)
Cape May Hawkwatch information may be found at:
http://www.njaudubon.org/Centers/CMBO/