The weather tested birds and people alike today. Cool winds howled relentlessly out of the east, carrying sustained winds of 30 mph as well as over an inch of rain that fell locally! The ocean was fierce and powerful.
The raptor flight overall was quiet. A few Osprey and Peregrine Falcons made up most of the 17 raptors observed today. One determined Broad-winged Hawk was seen soaring low over the tree line. The few Peregrine Falcons we observed were cutting through the turbulent air with purpose and power. It was an incredible show of flight throughout the intense elements we encountered. Migration happened, because it's part of these birds' survival and existence.
Strong eastern winds are not optimal for raptor migration here in Cape May, but these winds are renowned for bringing seabirds closer to shore. In the early afternoon we got on a Manx Shearwater being chased by a Parasitic Jaeger. It was incredible to see the shearwater from shore, as this species is often seen far out on the open ocean. Earlier in the day we spotted not one, not two, but a flock of four Hudsonian Godwits! It was a day of unusual birds.
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