There were some raptors migrating early today but with the winds switching to the East coupled with dreary skies, migration came to a stop and most birds were simply hanging around the area foraging. Light rain developed around noon and eventually became persistent and heavy, cutting the count 2 hours short. We were able to see some really nice views of Merlins zipping past before the rain drenched the platform.
A typical view of a fast-flying Merlin: a small dark falcon zipping by so fast it looks like a blur (photo by Jon McRay).
Cape May
Cape May Point, New Jersey, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Sep 17, 2011
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 9 9
Turkey Vulture 0 8 8
Osprey 22 765 765
Bald Eagle 0 82 82
Northern Harrier 8 94 94
Sharp-shinned Hawk 62 1027 1027
Cooper's Hawk 4 166 166
Northern Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 5 5
Broad-winged Hawk 1 24 24
Red-tailed Hawk 1 23 23
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 37 807 807
Merlin 4 274 274
Peregrine Falcon 1 85 85
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 0 1 1
Total: 141 3370 3370
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 05:45:00
Observation end time: 13:45:00
Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Melissa Roach
Observers:
Weather:
The day started with North-northeast winds but they gradually turned
completely to the East. Cloud rolled in fairly soon in the morning, and
the sky remained overcast for the remainder of the day. Light rain started
around noon and continued for the rest of the day. The count was cut short
at 1:45 STD due to increased rain.
Raptor Observations:
Some movement in the morning but most birds seemed to be milling around the
area and not actually leaving. Only 2 raptors were counted in the last 3
hours due to steady rain.
Non-raptor Observations:
========================================================================
Report submitted by Melissa Roach (roach.mc1@gmail.com)
Cape May Hawkwatch information may be found at:
http://www.njaudubon.org/Centers/CMBO/
No comments:
Post a Comment