Hawkwatch - Friday - Sunday, November 10-12, 2017

Over the past few days the air was filled with an arctic chill and many raptors. Seasonally-cold temperatures vigorously pushed through the air, starting Friday and Saturday morning's temperature in the 20's with windchill in the teens. Migration was hurried along as strong northern winds gave raptors a tailwind.

Friday was the opening day of the cold front. Often times the leading edge of the cold fronts cause birds to come through in concentrated movements. A total of 64 Cave Swallows, 6 Golden Eagles, 94 Sharp-shinned Hawks, and SO MUCH MORE was tallied on Friday. Saturday's buteo flight was really exciting with numerous Red-tailed Hawks and Red-shouldered Hawks, and we had a Black-necked Stilt fly by throughout the afternoon hours. A mid-morning Short-eared Owl was icing on the cake. Sunday's raptor flight was a little slower but good and steady. In the afternoon we had an Orange-crowned Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Palm Warbler, Indigo Bunting, and Bobert the Northern Bobwhite just beyond the end of the hawkwatch platform. Throughout the cold front came Tundra Swans, as well as the hawkwatch's first Purple Finch and Snow Bunting of the season.

Uncommon late-season migrants like Northern Goshawk and Rough-legged Hawks are possible through the end of the season, especially when significant cold fronts push through. Hope to see you at the hawkwatch!

Juvenile Broad-winged Hawk (upper left) and juvenile Red-shouldered Hawk (bottom right).

Golden Eagle

Short-eared Owl

Bobert the Northern Bobwhite, doing well this November!

Black-necked Stilt, a rarity for the Cape May Hawkwatch!

Northern Harrier cutting low over the dunes.

Cave Swallow flying over the Cape May Lighthouse

Iceland Gull (top center). Look at those frosty light-tan wings.

Adult Northern Gannet over the ocean.

Northern Mockingbird and Brown Thrasher

Tundra Swans

Savannah Sparrow on the platform.

Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin and Red-throated Loon, digiscoped from the hawkwatch platform.

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

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

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