Hawkwatch - Sunday, October 15, 2017

Southwest winds meandered many of the birds into the far northern viewing limits of the Cape May Hawkwatch. Small kettles of Sharp-shinned Hawks pushed through the skies as Osprey and Merlin flew overhead. Yellow-rumped Warblers and American Robins zig-zagged among each other in the early morning hours. If you haven't seen the early morning flights of songbirds, you must witness it! The flurry of songbirds (especially on busier mornings of migration) is spectacular and breathtaking. Keep an eye out for early morning American Kestrels, Northern Harriers, and Ospreys, as these three species are known for taking flight in the early hours of the day.

Two of the three Dickcissel seen this morning were found feeding among the edges of the bushes. As the day progressed Peregrine Falcons and Northern Harriers were seen flying gracefully over the distant horizon. Sharp-shinned Hawks and a Merlin concluded today's count in the late afternoon hours.


Osprey migrating by past the hawkwatch.

One of the three Dickcissel seen this morning. They are such handsome birds!

Find the Turkey Vultures among the Tree Swallows.
This is what the skies looked like while scanning for raptors.

Peregrine Falcon

Merlin flying towards the hawkwatch with speedy wings.

Today's totals. Click on the image to see a larger view.

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