Hi all,
Another season began on Sunday atop the hawk watch platform at Cape May Point State Park. Though the weather was unfavorable (southerly winds with some hit-or-miss showers during the late afternoon), we still managed to record the first three birds of the season: one Merlin and two Ospreys.
Perhaps more interesting was the light but steady procession of shorebirds throughout the day, headlined by two American Golden-Plovers that blasted past at sunrise, and a strong total of 82 Pectoral Sandpipers-- including a single flock of 23 during the middle of the day.
The early morning hours played host to a small movement of Bobolinks, along with two Dickcissels and a smattering of expected warblers (Yellow, Redstart, Northern Waterthrush, etc.).
The day's complete list can be found here: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S15069715
Once we get everything squared away, readers will be able to find daily raptor counts on www.hawkcount.org, and we'll hope to get those reports rolling soon. Likewise, future reports from the hawkwatch will also include photos, so keep an eye out for that. Many thanks to everyone who stopped to say hello on the first day and helped welcome our new seasonal staff.
Here's to another great fall in Cape May!
-tom
