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.