Cape May Cape May Point, New Jersey, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Sep 20, 2014 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 5 5 Turkey Vulture 0 95 95 Osprey 46 1611 1611 Bald Eagle 4 212 212 Northern Harrier 1 108 108 Sharp-shinned Hawk 29 1405 1405 Cooper's Hawk 1 357 357 Northern Goshawk 0 0 0 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 2 2 Broad-winged Hawk 1 72 72 Red-tailed Hawk 1 66 66 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 0 0 American Kestrel 11 1270 1270 Merlin 17 278 278 Peregrine Falcon 5 64 64 Unknown Accipiter 0 3 3 Unknown Buteo 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 1 1 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 1 1 Total: 116 5550 5550 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 05:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 11 hours Official Counter: Mary Raikes Observers: Weather: Most cloudy skies all day with E/SE winds 10-15mph. Temps between 65 and 75 degrees. Raptor Observations: A slow day with the southeast winds; Merlins along the dunes, Ospreys high to the north of the platform, and sharp-shinned hawks in the am. Non-raptor Observations: WHISKERED TERN(1) made very brief appearance on the pond late morning, mainly seen on beach today. Little Blue Heron(2), Green Heron(1), American Wigeon, Northern Pintail, Green and blue winged Teal, Pied-billed Grebe(1). A few large flocks of double-crested cormorants(175). Predictions: Chance of showers early with temps in the mid-70's. Winds W/NW 5-10mph. ======================================================================== Cape May information may be found at: http://www.njaudubon.org/Centers/CMBO/
Hawkwatch - 20 September 2014
Hawkwatch - 19 September 2014
Cape May Cape May Point, New Jersey, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Sep 19, 2014 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 5 5 Turkey Vulture 0 95 95 Osprey 126 1565 1565 Bald Eagle 8 208 208 Northern Harrier 9 107 107 Sharp-shinned Hawk 156 1376 1376 Cooper's Hawk 25 356 356 Northern Goshawk 0 0 0 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 2 2 Broad-winged Hawk 1 71 71 Red-tailed Hawk 5 65 65 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 0 0 American Kestrel 88 1259 1259 Merlin 39 261 261 Peregrine Falcon 8 59 59 Unknown Accipiter 0 3 3 Unknown Buteo 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 1 1 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 1 1 Total: 465 5434 5434 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 05:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 11 hours Official Counter: Mary Raikes Observers: Weather: Partly sunny skies with strong NE winds (15-20mph, gusts up to 25mph). Temps between 55 and 70 degrees. Raptor Observations: A scattered sharp-shinned flight for two hours in the morning, as well as a steady falcon movement throughout the day and high osprey. Non-raptor Observations: WHISKERED TERN(1) continues to visit Bunker Pond periodically throughout the day. Black Tern(1), Caspian Tern(3), Forster's Terns, Common Terns, Royal Terns, Black-crowned night heron(4), Little Blue Heron(2), Great Blue Herons, Belted Kingfisher(2), Pied-billed Grebe(1), Northern Pintail, American Widgeon, Green-winged Teal, Glossy Ibis(4). Movement of Northern Flickers(15+). Predictions: Slight chance of showers in the afternoon with winds from the southeast 10-15mph. Temps in the mid-70's with mostly cloudy skies. ======================================================================== Cape May information may be found at: http://www.njaudubon.org/Centers/CMBO/
Morning Flight – 19 September 2014
It was a good morning at the dike. A widespread nocturnal flight over the Northeast appeared to reach Cape May after midnight, and though the winds had shifted to (and were steadily increasing from) the northeast, many birds peppered the Higbee sky at daybreak.
Today's was a front-heavy flight, with the majority of it in the books by about 8:00am. American Redstart, Northern Parula, and Palm Warbler served as the warbler frontrunners, and there were many silhouettes over the back treeline that went unnamed. "Best" birds of the morning included two Connecticut Warblers, two late Summer Tanagers, a Bay-breasted Warbler, and a Philadelphia Vireo.
Weather and time: mostly sunny and dry; 55–70 ºF; winds NE at 10–20 mph; 20–40% cloud cover; excellent visibility; 0645 sunrise; 4.25 hours. Observer: Tom Reed.
Morning Flight Count totals:
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) 1
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) 3
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) 144
Eastern Wood-Pewee (Contopus virens) 5
Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus) 2
Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) 9
Philadelphia Vireo (Vireo philadelphicus) 1
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) 12
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea) 13
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) 170
Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla) 6
Northern Waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis) 27
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) 53
Tennessee Warbler (Oreothlypis peregrina) 6
Nashville Warbler (Oreothlypis ruficapilla) 2
Connecticut Warbler (Oporornis agilis) 2
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) 302
Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) 10
Northern Parula (Setophaga americana) 265
Magnolia Warbler (Setophaga magnolia) 5
Bay-breasted Warbler (Setophaga castanea) 1
Blackburnian Warbler (Setophaga fusca) 2
Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia) 3
Chestnut-sided Warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica) 5
Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata) 29
Bay-breasted/Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga castanea/striata) 13
Black-throated Blue Warbler (Setophaga caerulescens) 24
Palm Warbler (Setophaga palmarum) 131
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata) 3
Prairie Warbler (Setophaga discolor) 3
Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) 5
warbler sp. (Parulinae sp.) 242
Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) 1
Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra) 2
Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea) 7
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) 9
Blue Grosbeak (Passerina caerulea) 2
Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) 12
Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) 23
Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) 29
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) 19
Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus) 2
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) 8
Today's was a front-heavy flight, with the majority of it in the books by about 8:00am. American Redstart, Northern Parula, and Palm Warbler served as the warbler frontrunners, and there were many silhouettes over the back treeline that went unnamed. "Best" birds of the morning included two Connecticut Warblers, two late Summer Tanagers, a Bay-breasted Warbler, and a Philadelphia Vireo.
Weather and time: mostly sunny and dry; 55–70 ºF; winds NE at 10–20 mph; 20–40% cloud cover; excellent visibility; 0645 sunrise; 4.25 hours. Observer: Tom Reed.
Morning Flight Count totals:
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) 1
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) 3
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) 144
Eastern Wood-Pewee (Contopus virens) 5
Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus) 2
Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) 9
Philadelphia Vireo (Vireo philadelphicus) 1
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) 12
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea) 13
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) 170
Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla) 6
Northern Waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis) 27
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) 53
Tennessee Warbler (Oreothlypis peregrina) 6
Nashville Warbler (Oreothlypis ruficapilla) 2
Connecticut Warbler (Oporornis agilis) 2
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) 302
Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) 10
Northern Parula (Setophaga americana) 265
Magnolia Warbler (Setophaga magnolia) 5
Bay-breasted Warbler (Setophaga castanea) 1
Blackburnian Warbler (Setophaga fusca) 2
Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia) 3
Chestnut-sided Warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica) 5
Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata) 29
Bay-breasted/Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga castanea/striata) 13
Black-throated Blue Warbler (Setophaga caerulescens) 24
Palm Warbler (Setophaga palmarum) 131
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata) 3
Prairie Warbler (Setophaga discolor) 3
Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) 5
warbler sp. (Parulinae sp.) 242
Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) 1
Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra) 2
Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea) 7
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) 9
Blue Grosbeak (Passerina caerulea) 2
Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) 12
Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) 23
Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) 29
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) 19
Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus) 2
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) 8
Hawkwatch – 18 September 2014
Cape May
Cape May Point, New Jersey, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Sep 18, 2014
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 3 5 5
Turkey Vulture 43 95 95
Osprey 221 1439 1439
Bald Eagle 15 200 200
Northern Harrier 17 98 98
Sharp-shinned Hawk 563 1220 1220
Cooper's Hawk 118 331 331
Northern Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 2 2
Broad-winged Hawk 7 70 70
Red-tailed Hawk 7 60 60
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 193 1171 1171
Merlin 31 222 222
Peregrine Falcon 17 51 51
Unknown Accipiter 0 3 3
Unknown Buteo 0 0 0
Unknown Falcon 0 1 1
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 1 1
Total: 1235 4969 4969
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 05:30:00
Observation end time: 16:00:00
Total observation time: 10.5 hours
Official Counter: Tom Reed
Observers:
Weather:
Seasonable. Skies clear during AM, becoming mostly cloudy by mid-PM. Winds
calm during early-AM, becoming NW @ 5-10mph for rest of day. Visibility
excellent.
Raptor Observations:
A quiet start was gradually replaced by a strong flight over a broad front
through the midday hours.
Non-raptor Observations:
WHISKERED TERN (1; continuing for 7th day), Great Cormorant (1), Tricolored
Heron (2), Parasitic Jaeger (2), Black Tern (2), Eurasian Collared-Dove
(2), Dickcissel (1)
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S19869252
Monarch (250+), Com. Green Darner (1000+)
Predictions:
Partly sunny, 71ºF, winds NE 15-20mph.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Tom Reed (coturnicops@gmail.com)
Cape May information may be found at:
http://www.njaudubon.org/Centers/CMBO/
Morning Flight – 18 September 2014
Today held a light and quick-lived flight at the dike. Still at this time of the fall it's difficult to not see over 10 species of warblers on any given day. Perhaps tomorrow or Monday and Tuesday will be when our surge of migration really returns!
Weather and time: sunny and clear; 58–63 ºF; winds NNE at 1-3 mph; 5% cloud cover; very good visibility; 0643 sunrise; 2.25 hours.
Morning Flight Count totals:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) 1
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) 2
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) 2
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea) 3
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 4
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) 39
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) 41
Northern Waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis) 15
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) 7
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) 32
Northern Parula (Setophaga americana) 10
Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia) 3
Chestnut-sided Warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica) 1
Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata) 4
Bay-breasted/Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga castanea/striata) 5
Black-throated Blue Warbler (Setophaga caerulescens) 5
Palm Warbler (Setophaga palmarum) 3
Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) 1
Prairie Warbler (Setophaga discolor) 1
Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) 1
warbler sp. (Parulinae sp.) 17
Blue Grosbeak (Passerina caerulea) 1
Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) 1
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) 6
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) 6
There's no full list for today, yet. The most unusual non-Morning Flight species observed was Mute Swan.
Weather and time: sunny and clear; 58–63 ºF; winds NNE at 1-3 mph; 5% cloud cover; very good visibility; 0643 sunrise; 2.25 hours.
Morning Flight Count totals:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) 1
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) 2
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) 2
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea) 3
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 4
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) 39
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) 41
Northern Waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis) 15
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) 7
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) 32
Northern Parula (Setophaga americana) 10
Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia) 3
Chestnut-sided Warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica) 1
Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata) 4
Bay-breasted/Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga castanea/striata) 5
Black-throated Blue Warbler (Setophaga caerulescens) 5
Palm Warbler (Setophaga palmarum) 3
Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) 1
Prairie Warbler (Setophaga discolor) 1
Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) 1
warbler sp. (Parulinae sp.) 17
Blue Grosbeak (Passerina caerulea) 1
Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) 1
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) 6
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) 6
There's no full list for today, yet. The most unusual non-Morning Flight species observed was Mute Swan.
![]() |
| A Black-throated Blue Warbler often announces itself with a junco-like flight call. |
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| Studying the shape and profile of the songbirds is the key to success up on the dike. Here, Northern Parula. |
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| Mute Swan-- not a neotropical migrant passerine! (Photos by: Glen Davis) |
Morning Flight – 17 September 2014
Weather and time:
sunny and clear; 58–63 ºF; winds ENE at 8-10 mph; 5% cloud cover; very good
visibility; 0642 sunrise; 2.25 hours.
Morning Flight Count totals:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) 1
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) 5
Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) 5
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) 5
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea) 7
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 1
Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) 2
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) 5
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) 55
Northern Waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis) 9
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) 11
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) 19
Northern Parula (Setophaga americana) 33
Magnolia Warbler (Setophaga magnolia) 2
Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia) 2
Chestnut-sided Warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica) 1
Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata) 10
Bay-breasted/Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga castanea/striata) 4
Black-throated Blue Warbler (Setophaga caerulescens) 6
Palm Warbler (Setophaga palmarum) 15
Prairie Warbler (Setophaga discolor) 1
Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) 1
warbler sp. (Parulinae sp.) 31
Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea) 3
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) 1
Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) 1
Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) 31
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) 3
Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus) 1
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) 1
Today's full list can be viewed at: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S19860089
Morning Flight Count totals:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) 1
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) 5
Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) 5
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) 5
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea) 7
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 1
Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) 2
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) 5
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) 55
Northern Waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis) 9
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) 11
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) 19
Northern Parula (Setophaga americana) 33
Magnolia Warbler (Setophaga magnolia) 2
Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia) 2
Chestnut-sided Warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica) 1
Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata) 10
Bay-breasted/Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga castanea/striata) 4
Black-throated Blue Warbler (Setophaga caerulescens) 6
Palm Warbler (Setophaga palmarum) 15
Prairie Warbler (Setophaga discolor) 1
Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) 1
warbler sp. (Parulinae sp.) 31
Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea) 3
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) 1
Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) 1
Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) 31
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) 3
Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus) 1
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) 1
Today's full list can be viewed at: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S19860089
![]() |
| What's the ID on this one? I'll drop a hint, it rhymes with frowny hoodpecker. |
![]() |
| Northern Flicker is the only woodpecker that passes Morning Flight in large numbers |
![]() |
| Photos by: Glen Davis |
Hawkwatch – 17 September 2014
Cape May
Cape May Point, New Jersey, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Sep 17, 2014
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 2 2 2
Turkey Vulture 6 52 52
Osprey 80 1218 1218
Bald Eagle 8 185 185
Northern Harrier 3 81 81
Sharp-shinned Hawk 249 657 657
Cooper's Hawk 27 213 213
Northern Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 2 2
Broad-winged Hawk 0 63 63
Red-tailed Hawk 3 53 53
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 87 978 978
Merlin 16 191 191
Peregrine Falcon 1 34 34
Unknown Accipiter 0 3 3
Unknown Buteo 0 0 0
Unknown Falcon 0 1 1
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 1 1
Total: 482 3734 3734
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 05:15:00
Observation end time: 16:00:00
Total observation time: 10.75 hours
Official Counter: Tom Reed
Visitors:
600+
Weather:
Seasonable. Sunny; cloud cover 10% or less throughout. Winds NE @ 5-10mph
becoming SE @ 5mph during PM. Visibility excellent.
Raptor Observations:
Early morning exodus of OSPR, SSHA, and AMKE, followed by a painfully high
flight from mid-AM to mid-PM.
Non-raptor Observations:
WHISKERED TERN (1; continuing for 6th day), Common Loon (4), American
Golden-Plover (1), Pectoral Sandpiper (9), Wilson's Snipe (1), Parasitic
Jaeger (1), Lesser Black-backed Gull (1), Black Tern (1), Cape May Warbler
(2), Yellow-rumped Warbler (1), Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1), Dickcissel
(1).
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S19860854 Monarch (266), Cloudless Sulphur (10+), Commmon Green Darner (9000+), Black Saddlebags (3000+), Wandering Glider (1000+), Spot-winged Glider (800+), Carolina Saddlebags (500+), Swamp Darner (400+), Twelve-spotted Skimmer (200+). Predictions: Sunny, 73ºF, winds NNW 5-10mph. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Tom Reed (coturnicops@gmail.com) Cape May information may be found at: http://www.njaudubon.org/Centers/CMBO/
Morning Flight – 16 September 2014
Since it rained today and no migrants were tallied at Morning Flight, even after the rain stopped, let's recap the action from yesterday's memorable flight. 5,156 birds were totaled but 86% (4,459) of these came in less than one hour. This first hour included 2,482 American Redstart and 967 warbler sp. or species. Northern Parula, Black-and-white Warbler, and Northern Waterthrush were also notably abundant with 298, 118, and 96 respectively for that first hour. With the intent to count the magnitude accurately and ID as much as possible this flight was very challenging to tackle. Special thanks to Sam, Louise, and Michael for the vital help. It was a thrilling great time!
The highest September counts for numbers and diversity can often fall in the middle of September. The Morning Flight has been going on now from 16 August-16 September. Below is a tallying of the numbers thus far.
The highest September counts for numbers and diversity can often fall in the middle of September. The Morning Flight has been going on now from 16 August-16 September. Below is a tallying of the numbers thus far.
| Total | Max | Max Date | |
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | 133 | 33 | 17-Aug |
| Belted Kingfisher | 6 | 3 | 13-Sep |
| Red-headed Woodpecker | 0 | 0 | 16-Aug |
| Red-bellied Woodpecker | 3 | 1 | 24-Aug |
| Yellow-bellied Sapsucker | 0 | 0 | 16-Aug |
| Downy Woodpecker | 8 | 3 | 18-Aug |
| Hairy Woodpecker | 0 | 0 | 16-Aug |
| Northern Flicker | 23 | 20 | 15-Sep |
| Eastern Wood-Pewee | 10 | 4 | 15-Sep |
| Alder Flycatcher | 1 | 1 | 6-Sep |
| Least Flycatcher | 1 | 1 | 15-Sep |
| Empidonax sp. | 3 | 1 | 24-Aug |
| Eastern Phoebe | 2 | 1 | 12-Sep |
| Great-crested Flycatcher | 38 | 36 | 12-Sep |
| Western Kingbird | 0 | 0 | 16-Aug |
| Eastern Kingbird | 1,693 | 346 | 29-Aug |
| Warbling Vireo | 2 | 1 | 4-Sep |
| Philadelphia Vireo | 4 | 1 | 4-Sep |
| Red-eyed Vireo | 51 | 8 | 15-Sep |
| Horned Lark | 0 | 0 | 16-Aug |
| Red-breasted Nuthatch | 1 | 1 | 29-Aug |
| White-breasted Nuthatch | 0 | 0 | 16-Aug |
| Golden-crowned Kinglet | 0 | 0 | 16-Aug |
| Ruby-crowned Kinglet | 1 | 1 | 15-Sep |
| kinglet sp. | 0 | 0 | 16-Aug |
| Blue-gray Gnatcatcher | 223 | 57 | 18-Aug |
| Catharus sp. | 3 | 3 | 15-Sep |
| American Robin | 34 | 16 | 29-Aug |
| Northern Mockingbird | 12 | 6 | 3-Sep |
| American Pipit | 0 | 0 | 16-Aug |
| Cedar Waxwing | 1,971 | 316 | 7-Sep |
| Blue-winged Warbler | 8 | 2 | 12-Sep |
| Tennessee Warbler | 41 | 22 | 15-Sep |
| Orange-crowned Warbler | 0 | 0 | 16-Aug |
| Nashville Warbler | 9 | 3 | 14-Sep |
| Northern Parula | 738 | 391 | 15-Sep |
| Yellow Warbler | 450 | 85 | 15-Sep |
| Chestnut-sided Warbler | 43 | 11 | 29-Aug |
| Magnolia Warbler | 57 | 20 | 12-Sep |
| Cape May Warbler | 51 | 12 | 28-Aug |
| Black-throated Blue Warbler | 166 | 58 | 15-Sep |
| Yellow-rumped Warbler | 5 | 3 | 15-Sep |
| Black-throated Gray Warbler | 1 | 1 | 29-Aug |
| Black-throated Green Warbler | 13 | 6 | 15-Sep |
| Blackburnian Warbler | 16 | 5 | 15-Sep |
| Pine Warbler | 3 | 1 | 24-Aug |
| Prairie Warbler | 17 | 3 | 18-Aug |
| Palm Warbler | 165 | 66 | 12-Sep |
| Bay-breasted Warbler | 6 | 2 | 4-Sep |
| Blackpoll Warbler | 53 | 24 | 12-Sep |
| "Baypoll" warbler | 15 | 7 | 12-Sep |
| Cerulean Warbler | 0 | 0 | 16-Aug |
| Black-and-white Warbler | 378 | 177 | 15-Sep |
| American Redstart | 4,865 | 2,631 | 15-Sep |
| Prothonotary Warbler | 8 | 1 | 16-Aug |
| Worm-eating Warbler | 11 | 4 | 16-Aug |
| Ovenbird | 9 | 3 | 15-Sep |
| Northern Waterthrush | 686 | 147 | 10-Sep |
| Louisiana Waterthrush | 3 | 1 | 17-Aug |
| Connecticut Warbler | 3 | 2 | 15-Sep |
| Common Yellowthroat | 16 | 14 | 15-Sep |
| Hooded Warbler | 1 | 1 | 15-Sep |
| Wilson's Warbler | 6 | 2 | 4-Sep |
| Canada Warbler | 3 | 2 | 29-Aug |
| warbler sp. | 1,464 | 1,006 | 15-Sep |
| Summer Tanager | 2 | 1 | 29-Aug |
| Scarlet Tanager | 23 | 9 | 15-Sep |
| Chipping Sparrow | 0 | 0 | 16-Aug |
| Clay-colored Sparrow | 0 | 0 | 16-Aug |
| Vesper Sparrow | 0 | 0 | 16-Aug |
| Lark Sparrow | 0 | 0 | 16-Aug |
| Savannah Sparrow | 0 | 0 | 16-Aug |
| White-crowned Sparrow | 0 | 0 | 16-Aug |
| Dark-eyed Junco | 0 | 0 | 16-Aug |
| Rose-breasted Grosbeak | 15 | 9 | 15-Sep |
| Blue Grosbeak | 20 | 3 | 29-Aug |
| Indigo Bunting | 58 | 7 | 25-Aug |
| Dickcissel | 5 | 1 | 24-Aug |
| Bobolink | 4,349 | 1,724 | 4-Sep |
| Eastern Meadowlark | 0 | 0 | 16-Aug |
| Rusty Blackbird | 0 | 0 | 16-Aug |
| Orchard Oriole | 3 | 2 | 16-Aug |
| Baltimore Oriole | 241 | 130 | 29-Aug |
| Purple Finch | 2 | 2 | 15-Sep |
| Pine Siskin | 0 | 0 | 16-Aug |
| House Finch | 460 | 77 | 18-Aug |
| American Goldfinch | 79 | 39 | 4-Sep |
| House Sparrow | 67 | 16 | 21-Aug |
Hawkwatch - 16 September 2014
Cape May Cape May Point, New Jersey, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Sep 16, 2014 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 0 46 46 Osprey 87 1138 1138 Bald Eagle 22 177 177 Northern Harrier 5 78 78 Sharp-shinned Hawk 103 408 408 Cooper's Hawk 26 186 186 Northern Goshawk 0 0 0 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 2 2 Broad-winged Hawk 0 63 63 Red-tailed Hawk 3 50 50 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 0 0 American Kestrel 109 891 891 Merlin 26 175 175 Peregrine Falcon 9 33 33 Unknown Accipiter 0 3 3 Unknown Buteo 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 1 1 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 1 1 Total: 390 3252 3252 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 05:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 11 hours Official Counter: Mary Raikes Observers: Weather: Heavy rain showers from 0600-0800 then clearing. Winds early from the south/southwest then switching to west/northwest. Raptor Observations: Slow in the morning with early am showers, then a nice movement of sharpies and kestrels in the mid-afternoon. Flight path fairly low east to west over the treeline. Non-raptor Observations: WHISKERED TERN(1), Black Tern(1), Gull-billed Tern(1), Royal Tern(2), Caspian Tern(1), Common Terns, Forster's Terns. American Widgeon(3), Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Little Blue Heron, Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, Glossy Ibis(3), American Golden Plover(1), Pectoral Sandpipers(8), Killdeer(8), Sora. Predictions: Sunny, NE winds 10 mph, 72. ======================================================================== Cape May information may be found at: http://www.njaudubon.org/Centers/CMBO/
Morning Flight – 15 September 2014
It was a fantastically amazing time at Morning Flight today! 4,446 warblers! 2,331 American Redstart, 391 Northern Parula, 277 Black-and-white Warbler, 137 Northern Waterthrush, 85 Yellow Warbler. 26 species of warblers. 1006 warbler sp. This last number reflects how quickly the birds came through and that a good portion of this early pulse was over in the sun glare to the eastern treeline. But the 22.5 degree component of west in the NNW wind seemed to provide us watchers with a good show happening on the west side of the dike too. Photo opportunities were great if you could pick out a subject amidst the chaos of a hundred birds a minute!
Weather and time: sunny and clear; 58–63 ºF; winds NNW at 5 mph; 0% cloud cover; excellent visibility; 0640 sunrise; 4.25 hours.
Morning Flight Count totals:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) 6
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) 1
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) 1
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) 20
Eastern Wood-Pewee (Contopus virens) 4
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (Empidonax flaviventris) 1
Least Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus) 1
Empidonax sp. (Empidonax sp.) 1
Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) 1
Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) 20
Philadelphia Vireo (Vireo philadelphicus) 1
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) 8
Fish Crow (Corvus ossifragus) 61
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea) 19
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula) 1
Veery (Catharus fuscescens) 1
Catharus sp. (Catharus sp.) 3
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) 25
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) 249
Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla) 3
Northern Waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis) 137
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) 277 118, 55, 4
Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea) 1
Tennessee Warbler (Oreothlypis peregrina) 22
Nashville Warbler (Oreothlypis ruficapilla) 3
Connecticut Warbler (Oporornis agilis) 2
Mourning Warbler (Geothlypis philadelphia) 1
Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) 14
Hooded Warbler (Setophaga citrina) 1
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) 2331 2182, 110, 25, 3
Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) 6
Northern Parula (Setophaga americana) 391 2 predawn, 298, 80, 8, 3
Magnolia Warbler (Setophaga magnolia) 12
Bay-breasted Warbler (Setophaga castanea) 2
Blackburnian Warbler (Setophaga fusca) 5
Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia) 85 54, 18, 11, 2
Chestnut-sided Warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica) 5
Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata) 11
Bay-breasted/Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga castanea/striata) 2
Black-throated Blue Warbler (Setophaga caerulescens) 58
Palm Warbler (Setophaga palmarum) 58
Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata) 3
Prairie Warbler (Setophaga discolor) 1
Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) 6
Wilson's Warbler (Cardellina pusilla) 2
warbler sp. (Parulinae sp.) 1006 976, 30
Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea) 9
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) 9
Blue Grosbeak (Passerina caerulea) 2
Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) 5
Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) 84
Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) 20
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) 4
Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus) 2
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) 1
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) 2
Today's full list can be viewed at: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S19840163
Weather and time: sunny and clear; 58–63 ºF; winds NNW at 5 mph; 0% cloud cover; excellent visibility; 0640 sunrise; 4.25 hours.
Morning Flight Count totals:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) 6
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) 1
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) 1
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) 20
Eastern Wood-Pewee (Contopus virens) 4
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (Empidonax flaviventris) 1
Least Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus) 1
Empidonax sp. (Empidonax sp.) 1
Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) 1
Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) 20
Philadelphia Vireo (Vireo philadelphicus) 1
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) 8
Fish Crow (Corvus ossifragus) 61
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea) 19
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula) 1
Veery (Catharus fuscescens) 1
Catharus sp. (Catharus sp.) 3
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) 25
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) 249
Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla) 3
Northern Waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis) 137
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) 277 118, 55, 4
Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea) 1
Tennessee Warbler (Oreothlypis peregrina) 22
Nashville Warbler (Oreothlypis ruficapilla) 3
Connecticut Warbler (Oporornis agilis) 2
Mourning Warbler (Geothlypis philadelphia) 1
Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) 14
Hooded Warbler (Setophaga citrina) 1
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) 2331 2182, 110, 25, 3
Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) 6
Northern Parula (Setophaga americana) 391 2 predawn, 298, 80, 8, 3
Magnolia Warbler (Setophaga magnolia) 12
Bay-breasted Warbler (Setophaga castanea) 2
Blackburnian Warbler (Setophaga fusca) 5
Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia) 85 54, 18, 11, 2
Chestnut-sided Warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica) 5
Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata) 11
Bay-breasted/Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga castanea/striata) 2
Black-throated Blue Warbler (Setophaga caerulescens) 58
Palm Warbler (Setophaga palmarum) 58
Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata) 3
Prairie Warbler (Setophaga discolor) 1
Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) 6
Wilson's Warbler (Cardellina pusilla) 2
warbler sp. (Parulinae sp.) 1006 976, 30
Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea) 9
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) 9
Blue Grosbeak (Passerina caerulea) 2
Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) 5
Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) 84
Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) 20
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) 4
Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus) 2
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) 1
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) 2
Today's full list can be viewed at: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S19840163
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| Third most abundant warbler of the day (277) Black-and-white Warbler. |
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| One of two Connecticut Warblers, which gave quick but reasonable views. |
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| Thanks to Sam for these three great captures! Northern Waterthrush to complete the trio. (Photos courtesy of: Samuel Galick) |
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| The east treeline just before the surge to come for the next hour and a half! |
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| First of season Purple Finches (2) happened too. |
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| Many Red-eyed Vireos stayed in Cape May today to fuel up for the next leg of their journey. |
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| Palm Warblers seem to gravitate slightly toward flying on the sunny side of Morning Flight-- over the impoundment itself. |
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| These Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are true characters! |
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| The colors of this juvenile Peregrine Falcon belie its tundra heritage. |
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| Many blackbirds are dealing with "tail issues" at this time of season (Photos by: Glen Davis). |
Hawkwatch - 15 September 2014
Cape May Cape May Point, New Jersey, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Sep 15, 2014 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 0 46 46 Osprey 56 1051 1051 Bald Eagle 18 155 155 Northern Harrier 6 73 73 Sharp-shinned Hawk 96 305 305 Cooper's Hawk 31 160 160 Northern Goshawk 0 0 0 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 2 2 Broad-winged Hawk 17 63 63 Red-tailed Hawk 8 47 47 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 0 0 American Kestrel 30 782 782 Merlin 23 149 149 Peregrine Falcon 2 24 24 Unknown Accipiter 0 3 3 Unknown Buteo 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 1 1 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 1 1 Total: 287 2862 2862 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 05:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 11 hours Official Counter: Mary Raikes Observers: Weather: Light and variable winds from the N/NW/W all day 0-5mph. Very clear skies with high cirrus clouds in the late afternoon. High temperature of 70. Raptor Observations: A slower day with a high flight of mainly accipters. Nice mid-day kettles directly overhead. Non-raptor Observations: WHISKERED TERN(1) continues pattern of feeding on the pond then resting on the beach. Black Tern(1), Common Nighthawk(1), Belted Kingfisher(2), Sora(1), American Widgeon(4), Green-winged Teals, Northern Shovelers, Northern Pintail, Little Blue Heron, Green Heron, Northern Parula, Northern Waterthrush. Predictions: Chance of showers in the am with winds from the southwest 7-14mph, switching to north in the afternoon. Partly cloudy skies with temps in the mid-70's. ======================================================================== Cape May information may be found at: http://www.njaudubon.org/Centers/CMBO/
Morning Flight – 14 September 2014
The quick front that cleared yesterday evening made for clear and windy conditions this morning. Did the nocturnal songbird migrants take advantage of this wind? The answer seems to be that they did in a small way today, but PERHAPS WITH MORE COMING TOMORROW. Sixteen species of warblers showed at Morning Flight and at times the action was really quick with these little winged forms getting batted around by the wind. Early morning raptors were the best they've been yet this season with frequent passes by Sharpies and Merlins at the dike today.
Weather and time: sunny and clear; 59–62 ºF; winds NNE at 10-15 mph for H1; NE at 12-20 mph for H2 and H3; 0% cloud cover H1; 5% cc H2 and H3; very good visibility; 0640 sunrise; 3.25 hours.
Morning Flight Count totals:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) 1
Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) 1 1 south
Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) 46
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) 1
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) 29
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) 105
Northern Waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis) 9
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) 9
Tennessee Warbler (Oreothlypis peregrina) 1
Nashville Warbler (Oreothlypis ruficapilla) 3
Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) 2
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) 86
Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) 2
Northern Parula (Setophaga americana) 41
Magnolia Warbler (Setophaga magnolia) 5
Blackburnian Warbler (Setophaga fusca) 2
Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia) 5
Chestnut-sided Warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica) 1
Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata) 5
Bay-breasted/Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga castanea/striata) 1
Black-throated Blue Warbler (Setophaga caerulescens) 5
Palm Warbler (Setophaga palmarum) 20
Prairie Warbler (Setophaga discolor) 1
warbler sp. (Parulinae sp.) 18
Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea) 1
Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) 2
Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) 34
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) 1
Today's full list can be viewed at: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S19828963
Weather and time: sunny and clear; 59–62 ºF; winds NNE at 10-15 mph for H1; NE at 12-20 mph for H2 and H3; 0% cloud cover H1; 5% cc H2 and H3; very good visibility; 0640 sunrise; 3.25 hours.
Morning Flight Count totals:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) 1
Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) 1 1 south
Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) 46
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) 1
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) 29
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) 105
Northern Waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis) 9
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) 9
Tennessee Warbler (Oreothlypis peregrina) 1
Nashville Warbler (Oreothlypis ruficapilla) 3
Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) 2
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) 86
Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) 2
Northern Parula (Setophaga americana) 41
Magnolia Warbler (Setophaga magnolia) 5
Blackburnian Warbler (Setophaga fusca) 2
Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia) 5
Chestnut-sided Warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica) 1
Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata) 5
Bay-breasted/Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga castanea/striata) 1
Black-throated Blue Warbler (Setophaga caerulescens) 5
Palm Warbler (Setophaga palmarum) 20
Prairie Warbler (Setophaga discolor) 1
warbler sp. (Parulinae sp.) 18
Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea) 1
Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) 2
Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) 34
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) 1
Today's full list can be viewed at: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S19828963
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| Even a long-distance champ like Blackpoll Warbler has to juke and jive in a heavier wind. |
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| It was a great morning for Common Nighthawk with 8 seen. |
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| Merlin eyeing up the sun. |
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| What are you doing reading this when there's still a WHISKERED TERN in Cape May!!! (Photos by: Glen Davis) |
Hawkwatch - 14 September 2014
Cape May Cape May Point, New Jersey, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Sep 14, 2014 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 3 46 46 Osprey 121 995 995 Bald Eagle 50 137 137 Northern Harrier 11 67 67 Sharp-shinned Hawk 106 209 209 Cooper's Hawk 35 129 129 Northern Goshawk 0 0 0 Red-shouldered Hawk 1 2 2 Broad-winged Hawk 25 46 46 Red-tailed Hawk 11 39 39 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 0 0 American Kestrel 65 752 752 Merlin 18 126 126 Peregrine Falcon 2 22 22 Unknown Accipiter 0 3 3 Unknown Buteo 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 1 1 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 1 1 Total: 448 2575 2575 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 05:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 11 hours Official Counter: Mary Raikes Observers: Weather: A cold front passed through overnight with cooler temperatures and winds from the north 10-15mph in the morning and then light northwest winds in the afternoon. Mainly clear skies with high cirrus clouds. Raptor Observations: A good flight for most of the day with a nice variety, including several buteo species in the mid-day. Also, a steady, high flight of ospreys and bald eagles continued throughout the day. Non-raptor Observations: WHISKERED TERN(1), Black Tern(1), Killdeer(4), American Oystercatcher(11), Common Nighthawk(1), Northern Pintail(2), American Widgeon(1), Little Blue Heron(1), Green Heron(1), Palm Warblers, Blue Gray Gnatcatchers. Predictions: Northwest winds overnight. Sunny, low 70's, north winds 5-8 mph. ======================================================================== Cape May information may be found at: http://www.njaudubon.org/Centers/CMBO/
Hawkwatch - 13 September 2014
Cape May Cape May Point, New Jersey, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Sep 13, 2014 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 0 43 43 Osprey 27 874 874 Bald Eagle 2 87 87 Northern Harrier 1 56 56 Sharp-shinned Hawk 20 103 103 Cooper's Hawk 2 94 94 Northern Goshawk 0 0 0 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 1 1 Broad-winged Hawk 1 21 21 Red-tailed Hawk 1 28 28 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 0 0 American Kestrel 46 687 687 Merlin 13 108 108 Peregrine Falcon 1 20 20 Unknown Accipiter 0 3 3 Unknown Buteo 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 1 1 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 1 1 Total: 114 2127 2127 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 05:00:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 10.5 hours Official Counter: Mary Raikes Observers: Weather: Early east winds increasing till noon then switching to southeast/south with intermittent bands of rain throughout the early afternoon. Late afternoon storm front with heavy rain and gusts from the southwest/west. Raptor Observations: An early movement of falcons, ospreys, and sharp-shinned hawks with the majority of the flight occurring before noon. Non-raptor Observations: 6 tern species: WHISKERED TERN(1), Black Tern(1), Caspian Tern(1), Common Terns, Royal Terns, and Forster's Terns. Marbled Godwit(1), Killdeer(1), Snipe(1), Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Pectoral Sandpiper(3), Stilt Sandpiper(1), American Widgeon(1). Predictions: Sunny, 70's, N/NW winds 12-17mph in the morning then decreasing in the afternoon. ======================================================================== Cape May information may be found at: http://www.njaudubon.org/Centers/CMBO/
Morning Flight – 13 September 2014
First, we have to savor over yesterday. It was one of those great Cape May days. There was a substantial flight at the dike with a nice diversity of species (see yesterdays entry for the totals). Then, Cape May got its and the USA's third-ever Whiskered Tern!
Today there was a small but fun-to-watch movement at the dike with birds continuing to move, a little, on northeast winds. If the rain is not to heavy tonight in the region we could be in for another exciting day AT THE DIKE TOMORROW with strong north winds forecast
Weather and time: sun and clouds; 67–75 ºF; winds NE at 5 mph for H1; ENE at 8-10 mph for H2; ENE at 10-15 mph; 50% cloud cover H1; 80% cc H2; 95% cc H3; very good visibility; 0639 sunrise; 3.25 hours.
Morning Flight Count totals:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) 1
Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) 3 2 south, 1 north
Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) 4
Philadelphia Vireo (Vireo philadelphicus) 1
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) 1
Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) 1
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) 20
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) 30 23 north, 7 south
Northern Waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis) 35
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) 5
Tennessee Warbler (Oreothlypis peregrina) 4
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) 42
Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) 3
Northern Parula (Setophaga americana) 38
Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia) 4
Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata) 1
Bay-breasted/Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga castanea/striata) 1
Black-throated Blue Warbler (Setophaga caerulescens) 2
Palm Warbler (Setophaga palmarum) 6
warbler sp. (Parulinae sp.) 12
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) 1
Blue Grosbeak (Passerina caerulea) 3
Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) 4
Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) 108 2 north, 106 south
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) 2
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) 1
Today's full list can be viewed at: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S19820758
Today there was a small but fun-to-watch movement at the dike with birds continuing to move, a little, on northeast winds. If the rain is not to heavy tonight in the region we could be in for another exciting day AT THE DIKE TOMORROW with strong north winds forecast
Weather and time: sun and clouds; 67–75 ºF; winds NE at 5 mph for H1; ENE at 8-10 mph for H2; ENE at 10-15 mph; 50% cloud cover H1; 80% cc H2; 95% cc H3; very good visibility; 0639 sunrise; 3.25 hours.
Morning Flight Count totals:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) 1
Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) 3 2 south, 1 north
Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) 4
Philadelphia Vireo (Vireo philadelphicus) 1
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) 1
Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) 1
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) 20
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) 30 23 north, 7 south
Northern Waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis) 35
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) 5
Tennessee Warbler (Oreothlypis peregrina) 4
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) 42
Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) 3
Northern Parula (Setophaga americana) 38
Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia) 4
Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata) 1
Bay-breasted/Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga castanea/striata) 1
Black-throated Blue Warbler (Setophaga caerulescens) 2
Palm Warbler (Setophaga palmarum) 6
warbler sp. (Parulinae sp.) 12
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) 1
Blue Grosbeak (Passerina caerulea) 3
Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) 4
Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) 108 2 north, 106 south
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) 2
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) 1
Today's full list can be viewed at: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S19820758
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| One of the drabbest and trickiest birds to ID at the dike: female Black-throated Blue Warbler |
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| Eastern Wood-Pewee |
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| Tennessee Warbler |
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| Northern Parula |
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| This Merlin has a full crop and probably enjoys morning flight even more than I do! |
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| Cameras are amazing! This is a record shot of a Common Loon over 1 mile away flying north up the Delaware Bay, as seen from the dike. |
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| Lesser Yellowlegs and a small suite of other waders have enjoyed the influx of dredge material to the top of the Higbee dike impoundment. |
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| In other news... Did you see WHISKERED TERN in the last two days!?!? What a cooperative bird, regularly patrolling Bunker Pond for food, especially odonates (dragonflies and damselflies). |




























