Hawkwatch, 17 September 2016

East winds had nothing on this beautiful day. Typically west and northwest winds are thought of as the conditions that really bring the raptors to Cape May on a large scale. West winds that lead into trailing winds from the north can also be quite ornithologically thrilling.  It wasn't a crazy busy day nor was it a day of too few raptors; it was an easy going day of birds and great raptor study both up close and at a distance. Bald Eagles and Osprey were seen flying overhead as several Merlin zipped low inland and over the dunes. A few warblers flew overhead too!

Magnolia Warbler

Nashville Warbler

Today's totals.