Location: Cape May Bird Observatory Hawk Watch Site
Number of species: 30
The cold, northeast winds may not have blown in a huge number of raptors today, but the Hawkwatch Platform was fortunate enough to have a few rare treats. There was an impressive flock of Northern gannets that were feeding just past the rip tides along with a couple of parasitic jaegers looking to find a free meal. An estimated 10,000-20,000 scoters were seen making their way down the ocean. Pine siskin could be heard all around the platform, and a small flock did eventually make an appearance.
Now strictly speaking raptors, visitors had the chance of seeing 3 special treats today. A juvenile swainson's hawk was spotted through the scope and could been skimming the tree line. Shortly after, an immature golden eagle gave the platform a fantastic view as it flew RIGHT OVER!! This bird surely had Delaware on its mind because it went straight on through; it didn't linger like most of the other raptors. Last, but not least, the banding project brought a variety of live birds throughout the day including a female kestrel, an immature sharp-shinned hawk, 2 immature cooper's hawk, an immature red-tailed hawk, AND an adult female cooper's hawk. It was a certified raptor-palooza!!
Brant-18
Canada Goose-X
Mute Swan -2
Wood Duck-2
Gadwall-15
American Wigeon-6
American Black Duck-1
Mallard-X
Northern Shoveler-7
Northern Pintail-3
Green-winged Teal-20
Ruddy Duck-2
Common Loon-1
Northern Gannet-600
Double-crested Cormorant-57
Great Blue Heron-8
American Coot-1
Killdeer-1
Lesser Yellowlegs-30
Pectoral Sandpiper-1
Royal Tern-2
Rock Pigeon-X
Belted Kingfisher-2
Blue Jay-25
crow sp.-25
Tree Swallow-X
Palm Warbler (Yellow)-1
Eastern Meadowlark-1
Pine Siskin-X
House Sparrow-X
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