Sharp-shinned Hawks propelled themselves through the headwinds with much work today. Cooper's Hawks ripped among the low brushy areas. The buteos seemed to take a local day off. Contrary to the earlier-mentioned birds, the Merlin and Peregrine Falcons sheared through the breeze with ease. Every raptor is uniquely designed. Some are built for speed among the open skies, whereas others are designed for moving swiftly among the branches. A total of five Northern Harriers were documented today. All of them cut through the wind with amazing stability as they angled their wings and held themselves sturdy with their long tails. One of the best ways to learn raptor identification is to watch raptors fly. Watch them on those beautiful blue sky days with a few clouds. Watch them fly with a cool tailwind. Watch them on days like today, where they seem to be fighting their way south among headwinds, each in their own distinct manner. Raptor migration is incredible, and even on the slower days like today, it is a treat to witness this spectacle atop the Cape May Hawk Watch platform.
Tomorrow's forecast looks good for a fun flight of raptor migration. Following tonight's rainstorms we are expected to have very blustery WNW winds for most of tomorrow. Bring on the raptors!
Good hawkwatching,
Erik Bruhnke
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