As the season progressed beyond the first week of the count, we could see the flow of raptors change as waves of adult birds followed the earlier waves of juvenile birds. Each raptor species peaks in different timeframes. Most recently we've been experiencing waves of the larger late-season birds like Red-shouldered Hawks, Red-tailed Hawks, Bald Eagles, and more! Migration is all about a chain reaction of food availability. When the prey items on the lower portion of the foodchain become scarce or migrate south, the predator items follow. The timing of each raptor species coincides with their food. The American Kestrels follow dragonflies and the smaller birds. Sharp-shinned Hawks' numbers are at their most impressive count when warblers are migrating through in diverse and densely-formed flocks. Every day at the Cape May Hawkwatch is a treat, and every day is different than the day before.
We've had some stellar days of raptor migration this fall, including an exceptionally noteworthy flight of American Kestrels (largest season total since 2003, largest day count since 1999)! A total of 1,936 American Kestrels were tallied at the Cape May Hawkwatch on September 28th of this fall. To see a severely declining raptor zip through with such intensity gave us all goosebumps. I teared up a little while counting them. Sheer migration magic of such a beautiful species, and once again, a species of concern. The flight was fast-paced as they raced south with the strong north winds. Their populations are plummeting throughout much of the country, and they are just one of the indicator species that connects our actions in the environment with their survival as a species.
How can we help the American Kestrels and other animals in the environment? A big yet simple step is to plant native plants around our homes. Make your neighbors aware of how special it is to see dragonflies and butterflies in their yards (not to mention an increase in birds), and how native plants require little care once planted. These personal stopover sites provide homes to migrating songbirds and insects, as well as the wildlife that lives there year round. It's a big world out there, and year after year natural areas are becoming more infringed with populated areas. Providing a home to birds in your yard makes a bigger difference than you may realize. We're all in this game of survival, together. It was fantastic to watch SO. MANY. BIRDS. with you from the Cape May Hawkwatch this fall. Please be good stewards of the land, and enjoy the birds!
Good birding,
-Erik
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| Little shuffle between a Cooper's Hawk (below) and Northern Harrier (above) shortly after sunrise. |
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| Eurasian Wigeon (left) and American Wigeon (right) |
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| Great Black-backed Gull |
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| Two Double-crested Cormorants and a Great Cormorant (right) flying by. |
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| Wrapping up the season. Here's today's count totals. Click the image to see a larger view. |
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