Cape May Cape May Point, New Jersey, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 01, 2012 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 61 Turkey Vulture 22 22 384 Osprey 7 7 2742 Bald Eagle 2 2 271 Northern Harrier 28 28 927 Sharp-shinned Hawk 1019 1019 15276 Cooper's Hawk 92 92 2942 Northern Goshawk 1 1 5 Red-shouldered Hawk 4 4 66 Broad-winged Hawk 2 2 668 Red-tailed Hawk 3 3 328 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 1 1 1 American Kestrel 10 10 5342 Merlin 13 13 1818 Peregrine Falcon 3 3 1145 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 0 0 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 2 Total: 1207 1207 31978 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 06:15:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 9.67 hours Official Counter: Tom Reed Observers: Weather: Cool and breezy. A 50/50 sky for most of the morning, becoming overcast for the afternoon. Winds from the west at 10-15mph throughout. Raptor Observations: A fine flight, dominated by SSHA throughout. The season's first Golden Eagle appeared at 3:15pm (EDT). Non-raptor Observations: Where to begin? White-winged Dove (1), Evening Grosbeak (9), Pine Siskin (2700+), Purple Finch (100+), American Robin (14,000), Yellow-rumped Warbler (1300+), Palm Warbler (40+), Eastern Bluebird (125), American Pipit (40), Cave Swallow (10), Barn Swallow (9+), Chimney Swift (2), Tennessee Warbler (1), Cape May Warbler (1), Blackpoll Warbler (3), Blue Grosbeak (2), Dickcissel (2) Predictions: Cool, plenty of clouds, winds from the west @ 10-20mph.
Cape May Hawk Watch - 1 November 2012
Cape May Hawk Watch - 31 October 2012
Cape May Cape May Point, New Jersey, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 31, 2012 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 50 61 Turkey Vulture 0 305 362 Osprey 29 1165 2735 Bald Eagle 2 124 269 Northern Harrier 13 617 899 Sharp-shinned Hawk 307 11623 14257 Cooper's Hawk 22 2335 2850 Northern Goshawk 0 3 4 Red-shouldered Hawk 1 59 62 Broad-winged Hawk 0 450 666 Red-tailed Hawk 4 298 325 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 0 0 American Kestrel 5 2652 5332 Merlin 21 1210 1805 Peregrine Falcon 5 829 1142 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 0 0 Swainson's Hawk 0 1 2 Total: 409 21721 30771 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 06:30:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 9.5 hours Official Counter: Tom Reed Observers: Weather: Cool and breezy, with variable cloudiness throughout. Some dramatic backgrounds courtesy of the trailing edge of Sandy. Winds from the SW/WSW throughout, 10-15mph. Raptor Observations: **Today's count was conducted from The Nature Conservancy's Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge (South Cape May Meadows), on account of Cape May Point State Park being closed due to hurricane clean-up. A steady trickle of SSHA, particularly during the midday hours. A smattering of other critters. Non-raptor Observations: Cave Swallow (2), Cape May Warbler (1), Blackpoll Warbler (1), Vesper Sparrow (1) Predictions: Cool with a 10-15mph west wind
Cape May Hawk Watch - 28/29/30 October 2012
No counts were conducted on these days due to Hurricane/Superstorm Sandy.
Cape May Hawk Watch - 27 October 2012
Cape May Cape May Point, New Jersey, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 27, 2012 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 50 61 Turkey Vulture 0 305 362 Osprey 6 1136 2706 Bald Eagle 0 122 267 Northern Harrier 2 604 886 Sharp-shinned Hawk 35 11316 13950 Cooper's Hawk 2 2313 2828 Northern Goshawk 0 3 4 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 58 61 Broad-winged Hawk 0 450 666 Red-tailed Hawk 0 294 321 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 0 0 American Kestrel 5 2647 5327 Merlin 2 1189 1784 Peregrine Falcon 1 824 1137 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 0 0 Swainson's Hawk 0 1 2 Total: 53 21312 30362 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 06:15:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 9.75 hours Official Counter: Tom Reed Observers: Alyssia Church, Cameron Rutt, Erin Lehnert, Libby Errickson Weather: Overcast, raw, winds from the ENE/NE at 10-20mph throughout. Raptor Observations: Non-raptor Observations: Predictions: Washout. Due to Superstorm Sandy, Saturday ended up being the last day of the 2012 season with the rest of our seasonal staff. Many, many thanks to each of them for their assistance during the past two months: Alyssia Church - George Myers Field Naturalist Libby Errickson - Hawk Watch Interpretive Naturalist Erin Lehnert - Hawk Watch Interpretive Naturalist Cameron Rutt - Morning Flight primary counter
Mourning Flight - 28-31 October 2012
In a very anticlimatic end to the season, Hurricane Sandy prematurely truncated the count, making 10/27 the final count day of 2012. With the trajectory of this massive storm system, its projected wind and rainfall, as well as its severe flooding potential, the remaining count days were scraped, even though the dredge spoils at Higbee Beach are one of the highest perches around.
Stay tuned, though, for some number-crunching and analyses in the aftermath of the 2012 Morning Flight season.
Stay tuned, though, for some number-crunching and analyses in the aftermath of the 2012 Morning Flight season.
Morning Flight - 27 October 2012
With East winds picking up in advance of Hurricane Sandy, today's morning flight was sparsely attended. However, nothing seems to deter the robins (1312), which were aloft and moving about, heading both north (counted) and south (not counted). The highlight of the morning was a single Blue-headed Vireo and Field Sparrow, both rare species detected taking part in morning flight here.
Red-bellied Woodpecker - 1
Blue-headed Vireo - 1
Red-breasted Nuthatch - 4
Red-bellied Woodpecker - 1
Blue-headed Vireo - 1
Red-breasted Nuthatch - 4
American Robin - 1312
American Pipit - 2
American Pipit - 2
Cedar Waxwing - 104
Yellow-rumped Warbler - 113
Palm Warbler - 3
Blackpoll Warbler - 1
Blackpoll Warbler - 1
Field Sparrow - 1
Eastern Meadowlark - 2
Purple Finch - 16
Purple Finch - 16
Pine Siskin - 7
Total = 1567
Other highlights included the first scaup sp. (5) of the fall, American Oystercatcher (1), Northern Rough-winged Swallows (3), and Barn Swallow (1). Thanks to a tip, I walked out to the end of the south jetty at the Cape May Canal and was pleased to find three Purple Sandpipers there (among the first returnees to Cape Island this fall).
Other highlights included the first scaup sp. (5) of the fall, American Oystercatcher (1), Northern Rough-winged Swallows (3), and Barn Swallow (1). Thanks to a tip, I walked out to the end of the south jetty at the Cape May Canal and was pleased to find three Purple Sandpipers there (among the first returnees to Cape Island this fall).
Morning Flight - 26 October 2012
Although variety was slim, Vince Elia once again counted American Robins (3080) flying in the thousands. Otherwise, surprisingly few Yellow-rumped Warblers were registered in northbound morning flight.
American Robin - 3080
American Robin - 3080
Cedar Waxwing - 68
Yellow-rumped Warbler - 14
Purple Finch - 1
Pine Siskin - 7
Total = 3170
Avalon Seawatch, October 20 - 26, 2012
Week 5 results:
Snow Goose 2
Brant 173
Canada Goose 164
Wood Duck 220
Gadwall 2
American Wigeon 149
American Black Duck 218
Mallard 8 Mallard/Black Duck 70
Blue-winged Teal 3
Northern Shoveler 17
Northern Pintail 38
Green-winged Teal 4027
Ring-necked Duck 5
Greater Scaup 47
Lesser Scaup 58
Scaup sp. 37
Common Eider 3
Surf Scoter 54639
White-winged Scoter 36
Black Scoter 24550
Dk-wing Scoter 7540
Scoter sp. 915
Long-tailed Duck 1
Hooded Merganser 1
Red-breasted Merganser 49
Red-throated Loon 68
Common Loon 423
Northern Gannet 10705
Brown Pelican 209
Double-crested Cormorant 44034
Great Cormorant 9
Great Blue Heron 85
Laughing Gull 1228
Bonaparte's Gull 1
Ring-billed Gull 236
Herring Gull 290
Great Black-backed Gull 56
Black-legged Kittiwake 1
Caspian Tern 3
Common Tern 3
Forster's Tern 546
Royal Tern 46
Parasitic Jaeger 12
Total 150927
Snow Goose 2
Brant 173
Canada Goose 164
Wood Duck 220
Gadwall 2
American Wigeon 149
American Black Duck 218
Mallard 8 Mallard/Black Duck 70
Blue-winged Teal 3
Northern Shoveler 17
Northern Pintail 38
Green-winged Teal 4027
Ring-necked Duck 5
Greater Scaup 47
Lesser Scaup 58
Scaup sp. 37
Common Eider 3
Surf Scoter 54639
White-winged Scoter 36
Black Scoter 24550
Dk-wing Scoter 7540
Scoter sp. 915
Long-tailed Duck 1
Hooded Merganser 1
Red-breasted Merganser 49
Red-throated Loon 68
Common Loon 423
Northern Gannet 10705
Brown Pelican 209
Double-crested Cormorant 44034
Great Cormorant 9
Great Blue Heron 85
Laughing Gull 1228
Bonaparte's Gull 1
Ring-billed Gull 236
Herring Gull 290
Great Black-backed Gull 56
Black-legged Kittiwake 1
Caspian Tern 3
Common Tern 3
Forster's Tern 546
Royal Tern 46
Parasitic Jaeger 12
Total 150927
Cape May Hawk Watch - 26 October 2012
Cape May Cape May Point, New Jersey, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 26, 2012 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 50 61 Turkey Vulture 0 305 362 Osprey 10 1130 2700 Bald Eagle 1 122 267 Northern Harrier 10 602 884 Sharp-shinned Hawk 96 11281 13915 Cooper's Hawk 19 2311 2826 Northern Goshawk 0 3 4 Red-shouldered Hawk 2 58 61 Broad-winged Hawk 2 450 666 Red-tailed Hawk 1 294 321 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 0 0 American Kestrel 2 2642 5322 Merlin 7 1187 1782 Peregrine Falcon 14 823 1136 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 0 0 Swainson's Hawk 0 1 2 Total: 164 21259 30309 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 06:15:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 9.75 hours Official Counter: Tom Reed Observers: Weather: Mostly sunny and mild. Winds from the east for most of the day; generally 10-15mph. Raptor Observations: A bit more action than yesterday, but still not much moving on east winds. Non-raptor Observations: Double-crested Cormorant (11,130-- 8,000+ during first hour), "dark-winged" scoter (3000+), Northern Gannet (500+), Common Loon (20+), Barn Swallow (10+), Northern Rough-winged Swallow (6+), Brown Pelican (4), Pine Siskin (170), Lesser Scaup (1) Predictions: Mostly cloudy and staying mild, with winds from the east at 10-15mph. A chance for showers during the afternoon.
Cape May Hawk Watch - 25 October 2012
Cape May Cape May Point, New Jersey, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 25, 2012 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 50 61 Turkey Vulture 0 305 362 Osprey 8 1120 2690 Bald Eagle 0 121 266 Northern Harrier 12 592 874 Sharp-shinned Hawk 18 11185 13819 Cooper's Hawk 4 2292 2807 Northern Goshawk 0 3 4 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 56 59 Broad-winged Hawk 0 448 664 Red-tailed Hawk 0 293 320 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 0 0 American Kestrel 6 2640 5320 Merlin 10 1180 1775 Peregrine Falcon 8 809 1122 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 0 0 Swainson's Hawk 0 1 2 Total: 66 21095 30145 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 06:15:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 9.75 hours Official Counter: Tom Reed Observers: Weather: Cool and overcast throughout. Winds from the east at 10-20mph. Raptor Observations: Slow day on east winds. Non-raptor Observations: An excellent waterbird flight today was highlighted by: Black/Surf Scoter (18,740), Double-crested Cormorant (5,170) and Northern Gannet (700+). Also-- Pine Siskin (250+), Purple Finch (6), Parasitic Jaeger (5+), Field Sparrow (3), Barn Swallow (11), Lesser Black-backed Gull (1), Eurasian Collared-Dove (1) Predictions: Partly sunny with continuing easterly winds.
Morning Flight - 25 October 2012
Today was yet another large songbird flight (14,761), bringing to a close a week of heavy flights (I have the day off tomorrow and do not plan on counting birds!). More than 92,000 birds have been tallied in the past five days alone, nearly equaling the season total (~95,000) through 10/20.
It was another day with lots of robins (12,365) aloft - the peak count so far this fall. Cedar Waxwings (489) staged another good flight, adding to their record total. However, today's highlights were birds that flew singly: a late Black-and-white Warbler (the last one seen 10/17), the first Vesper Sparrow of the year here, and a Dickcissel (only the third this month).
Northern Flicker - 1
Red-breasted Nuthatch - 9
Eastern Bluebird - 2
It was another day with lots of robins (12,365) aloft - the peak count so far this fall. Cedar Waxwings (489) staged another good flight, adding to their record total. However, today's highlights were birds that flew singly: a late Black-and-white Warbler (the last one seen 10/17), the first Vesper Sparrow of the year here, and a Dickcissel (only the third this month).
Northern Flicker - 1
Red-breasted Nuthatch - 9
Eastern Bluebird - 2
American Robin - 12,365
American Pipit - 4
American Pipit - 4
Cedar Waxwing - 489
Yellow-rumped Warbler - 1649
Palm Warbler - 6
Blackpoll Warbler - 5
Black-and-white Warbler - 1
Blackpoll Warbler - 5
Black-and-white Warbler - 1
warbler sp. - 28
Chipping Sparrow - 8
Savannah Sparrow - 4
Vesper Sparrow - 1
Dark-eyed Junco - 5
Dickcissel - 1
Eastern Meadowlark - 5
Rusty Blackbird - 8
Purple Finch - 39
Savannah Sparrow - 4
Vesper Sparrow - 1
Dark-eyed Junco - 5
Dickcissel - 1
Eastern Meadowlark - 5
Rusty Blackbird - 8
Purple Finch - 39
Pine Siskin - 131
Total = 14,761
Other highlights included 9 flyover Common Loons, an immature male Common Eider, hundreds of northbound scoters, 1 Greater Yellowlegs, an adult light-morph Parasitic Jaeger, and 4 Barn Swallows.
Other highlights included 9 flyover Common Loons, an immature male Common Eider, hundreds of northbound scoters, 1 Greater Yellowlegs, an adult light-morph Parasitic Jaeger, and 4 Barn Swallows.
Cape May Hawk Watch - 24 October 2012
Cape May Cape May Point, New Jersey, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 24, 2012 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 4 50 61 Turkey Vulture 26 305 362 Osprey 21 1112 2682 Bald Eagle 7 121 266 Northern Harrier 50 580 862 Sharp-shinned Hawk 308 11167 13801 Cooper's Hawk 89 2288 2803 Northern Goshawk 0 3 4 Red-shouldered Hawk 6 56 59 Broad-winged Hawk 39 448 664 Red-tailed Hawk 9 293 320 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 0 0 American Kestrel 16 2634 5314 Merlin 23 1170 1765 Peregrine Falcon 41 801 1114 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 0 0 Swainson's Hawk 0 1 2 Total: 639 21029 30079 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 06:15:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 9.75 hours Official Counter: Tom Reed Observers: Weather: Mild with variable cloudiness. Winds light and variable to start, becoming W/NW by mid-morning and staying there until suddenly shifting to E at 10-15mph for the final two hours. Raptor Observations: A nice little flight during the late-morning and early-afternoon, perhaps highlighted by yet another late Peregrine movement. Non-raptor Observations: Vesper Sparrow (1), Red-headed Woodpecker (1), dark-winged scoter sp. (15,000+ -- appeared to be mainly Surf), Double-crested Cormorant (1200+), White-crowned Sparrow (3), American Robin (4500), Pine Siskin (180), Eastern Bluebird (40+), Common Loon (~20), Barn Swallow (4), Blackpoll Warbler (6), Indigo Bunting (1) Predictions: More clouds, cooler, east wind ~10mph
Morning Flight - 24 October 2012
Slowly, the large numbers of birds have continued to recede since Sunday's (10/21) big flight (40,000+). Yellow-rumped Warblers (534), especially, continue their precipitous decline since the 31,000+ on 10/21.
The flight today was dominated by robins (5776), but Cedar Waxwings (1235) staged their largest single-day movement of the year. In fact, the past five days - with hundreds of waxwings each day - have pushed the 2012 season total (8898) well past the next best year (6774 in 2005). The Morning Flight average is only 4141, less than half of this year's count. So we can now add Cedar Waxwings to the growing list of birds (Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Red- and White-breasted Nuthatches, and Pine Siskins) that are having gargantuan autumns in Cape May.
Red-bellied Woodpecker - 5
Northern Flicker - 2
Brown Creeper - 1
Red-breasted Nuthatch - 83
White-breasted Nuthatch - 4
Golden-crowned Kinglet - 1
Eastern Bluebird - 2
The flight today was dominated by robins (5776), but Cedar Waxwings (1235) staged their largest single-day movement of the year. In fact, the past five days - with hundreds of waxwings each day - have pushed the 2012 season total (8898) well past the next best year (6774 in 2005). The Morning Flight average is only 4141, less than half of this year's count. So we can now add Cedar Waxwings to the growing list of birds (Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Red- and White-breasted Nuthatches, and Pine Siskins) that are having gargantuan autumns in Cape May.
Red-bellied Woodpecker - 5
Northern Flicker - 2
Brown Creeper - 1
Red-breasted Nuthatch - 83
White-breasted Nuthatch - 4
Golden-crowned Kinglet - 1
Eastern Bluebird - 2
American Robin - 5776
American Pipit - 9
American Pipit - 9
Cedar Waxwing - 1235
Tennessee Warbler - 1
Tennessee Warbler - 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler - 534
Palm Warbler - 6
Blackpoll Warbler - 2
Blackpoll Warbler - 2
warbler sp. - 19
Chipping Sparrow - 5
Savannah Sparrow - 1
Dark-eyed Junco - 7
Eastern Meadowlark - 4
Rusty Blackbird - 6
Purple Finch - 19
Savannah Sparrow - 1
Dark-eyed Junco - 7
Eastern Meadowlark - 4
Rusty Blackbird - 6
Purple Finch - 19
Pine Siskin - 41
Total = 7763
Other highlights included an immature Great Cormorant and the largest northbound flight of House Finches (180) this year.
Other highlights included an immature Great Cormorant and the largest northbound flight of House Finches (180) this year.
Cape May Hawk Watch - 23 October 2012
Cape May Cape May Point, New Jersey, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 23, 2012 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 46 57 Turkey Vulture 50 279 336 Osprey 50 1091 2661 Bald Eagle 2 114 259 Northern Harrier 20 530 812 Sharp-shinned Hawk 143 10859 13493 Cooper's Hawk 85 2199 2714 Northern Goshawk 1 3 4 Red-shouldered Hawk 9 50 53 Broad-winged Hawk 13 409 625 Red-tailed Hawk 42 284 311 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 0 0 American Kestrel 27 2618 5298 Merlin 13 1147 1742 Peregrine Falcon 13 760 1073 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 0 0 Swainson's Hawk 0 1 2 Total: 468 20390 29440 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 06:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 10 hours Official Counter: Pete Dunne Observers: Weather: Mild with increasing cloudiness. Winds from the SW/WSW during the morning, becoming S then E during the afternoon. Raptor Observations: Non-raptor Observations: Predictions: Mostly cloudy, mild, light NW winds.
Cape May Hawk Watch - 22 October 2012
Cape May Cape May Point, New Jersey, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 22, 2012 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 46 57 Turkey Vulture 0 229 286 Osprey 13 1041 2611 Bald Eagle 4 112 257 Northern Harrier 63 510 792 Sharp-shinned Hawk 708 10716 13350 Cooper's Hawk 106 2114 2629 Northern Goshawk 2 2 3 Red-shouldered Hawk 4 41 44 Broad-winged Hawk 34 396 612 Red-tailed Hawk 85 242 269 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 0 0 American Kestrel 32 2591 5271 Merlin 23 1134 1729 Peregrine Falcon 21 747 1060 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 0 0 Swainson's Hawk 0 1 2 Total: 1095 19922 28972 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 06:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 10 hours Official Counter: Vince Elia Observers: Weather: Sunny, mild, W/NW winds throughout. Raptor Observations: A good AM flight, fading during the afternoon. Both Goshawks passed by between 10am-12pm EDT. Non-raptor Observations: Predictions: Indian Summer continues, with light SW winds.
Morning Flight - 23 October 2012
Without the barrage of Yellow-rumped Warblers today, it almost felt slow at times, despite enumerating nearly 10,000 birds. But American Robins (7836) picked up whatever warbler slack there was; there have now been over 24,000 robins in just the past three days alone.
The winds slackened and it warmed up nicely today, which may have accounted for the reduced numbers of northbound nuthatches, kinglets, warblers, and finches. However, waxwings (703), sparrows, and blackbirds flew in larger numbers than days past. In fact, this was only the second waxwing flight in excess of 500 birds since 9/24. Chipping Sparrows (18), Dark-eyed Juncos (37), Eastern Meadowlarks (42), and Rusty Blackbirds (84) all had their largest flights of the fall.
Red-bellied Woodpecker - 6
Northern Flicker - 58
Eastern Phoebe - 5
Blue-headed Vireo - 2
Horned Lark - 1
Red-breasted Nuthatch - 20
White-breasted Nuthatch - 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet - 16
Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 9
kinglet sp. - 5
Eastern Bluebird - 1
The winds slackened and it warmed up nicely today, which may have accounted for the reduced numbers of northbound nuthatches, kinglets, warblers, and finches. However, waxwings (703), sparrows, and blackbirds flew in larger numbers than days past. In fact, this was only the second waxwing flight in excess of 500 birds since 9/24. Chipping Sparrows (18), Dark-eyed Juncos (37), Eastern Meadowlarks (42), and Rusty Blackbirds (84) all had their largest flights of the fall.
Red-bellied Woodpecker - 6
Northern Flicker - 58
Eastern Phoebe - 5
Blue-headed Vireo - 2
Horned Lark - 1
Red-breasted Nuthatch - 20
White-breasted Nuthatch - 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet - 16
Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 9
kinglet sp. - 5
Eastern Bluebird - 1
American Robin - 7836
American Pipit - 31
American Pipit - 31
Cedar Waxwing - 703
Tennessee Warbler - 1
Tennessee/Nashville Warbler - 1
Northern Parula - 3
Black-throated Blue Warbler - 3
Tennessee Warbler - 1
Tennessee/Nashville Warbler - 1
Northern Parula - 3
Black-throated Blue Warbler - 3
Yellow-rumped Warbler - 908
Palm Warbler - 23
Blackpoll Warbler - 4
Blackpoll Warbler - 4
warbler sp. - 68
Chipping Sparrow - 18
Savannah Sparrow - 8
Dark-eyed Junco - 37
sparrow sp. - 6
Eastern Meadowlark - 42
Rusty Blackbird - 84
Purple Finch - 20
Savannah Sparrow - 8
Dark-eyed Junco - 37
sparrow sp. - 6
Eastern Meadowlark - 42
Rusty Blackbird - 84
Purple Finch - 20
Pine Siskin - 30
Total = 9950
The highlight of the day was a juvenile Northern Goshawk that briefly showed well before diving into the woods. Other interesting sightings included the largest concentration of Killdeer (23) this fall and the best northbound flight of Mourning Doves (97) this season.
The highlight of the day was a juvenile Northern Goshawk that briefly showed well before diving into the woods. Other interesting sightings included the largest concentration of Killdeer (23) this fall and the best northbound flight of Mourning Doves (97) this season.
Morning Flight - 22 October 2012
Today was day two of back-to-back big-time flights (60,000+ in the past two days!). Although only a third as many Yellow-rumped Warblers (10,147) flew out as yesterday, the American Robin (8751) flight picked up steam.
Otherwise, season high counts were amassed for Golden-crowned Kinglet (62) and Dark-eyed Junco (22). The other major news was yet another good finch flight today, continuing this fall's irruptive trend. Today's 608 Pine Siskins was their third-highest flight this year, bringing the 2012 total up to 3566, which far exceeds the next best year (800 in 2010)!
Northern Flicker - 59
Eastern Phoebe - 3
Red-breasted Nuthatch - 70
White-breasted Nuthatch - 7
Brown Creeper - 5
Golden-crowned Kinglet - 62
Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 8
kinglet sp. - 3
Otherwise, season high counts were amassed for Golden-crowned Kinglet (62) and Dark-eyed Junco (22). The other major news was yet another good finch flight today, continuing this fall's irruptive trend. Today's 608 Pine Siskins was their third-highest flight this year, bringing the 2012 total up to 3566, which far exceeds the next best year (800 in 2010)!
Northern Flicker - 59
Eastern Phoebe - 3
Red-breasted Nuthatch - 70
White-breasted Nuthatch - 7
Brown Creeper - 5
Golden-crowned Kinglet - 62
Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 8
kinglet sp. - 3
American Robin - 8751
American Pipit - 17
American Pipit - 17
Cedar Waxwing - 221
Northern Parula - 2
Black-throated Blue Warbler - 3
Northern Parula - 2
Black-throated Blue Warbler - 3
Yellow-rumped Warbler - 10,147
Palm Warbler - 31
Blackpoll Warbler - 9
Blackpoll Warbler - 9
warbler sp. - 213
Chipping Sparrow - 8
Savannah Sparrow - 1
Dark-eyed Junco - 22
Eastern Meadowlark - 8
Rusty Blackbird - 7
Purple Finch - 40
Savannah Sparrow - 1
Dark-eyed Junco - 22
Eastern Meadowlark - 8
Rusty Blackbird - 7
Purple Finch - 40
Pine Siskin - 608
Total = 20,305
Other highlights included a amelanistic Red-winged Blackbird (almost wholly white) and a good flight of American Goldfinches (564). Finally, compared to a large flight of House Finches (~1500 per Michael O'Brien) at the Cape May Point, only 32 were in northbound flight at Higbee Beach.
Other highlights included a amelanistic Red-winged Blackbird (almost wholly white) and a good flight of American Goldfinches (564). Finally, compared to a large flight of House Finches (~1500 per Michael O'Brien) at the Cape May Point, only 32 were in northbound flight at Higbee Beach.
Morning Flight - 21 October 2012
Today's flight was huge. Yellow-rumped Warblers (31,117) and American Robins (7625) flew en masse today, filling the eastern sky for the first two hours (a combined ~24,000 in just the first hour after sunrise alone!). In fact, more Yellow-rumped Warblers and American Robins flew today than had cumulatively flown all season.
Despite the mass exodus of birds, most observers agreed that today's clear highlight was the White-breasted Nuthatch (22) flight. Even though Red-breasted Nuthatches (105) made a good showing, they only outnumbered White-breasted Nuthatches about 5:1. The White-breasted Nuthatch flight was so engaging that a small cadre of observers lingered into the afternoon today in hopes of tacking on yet another bird. But try as we might, we fell one short of the all-time Cape May record (23), tallied on 18 October 2010. However, today's surge was enough to push the season total to 54, eclipsing the prior season record (52) set in 2010. These two standout White-breasted Nuthatch years are leaps-and-bounds above the other Morning Flight years, which total only 38 birds during eight entire seasons. The Birds of Cape May (Sibley 1997) states that the previous high count (13+) occurred on 30 September 1995.
Today's passage included the first triple-digit Northern Flicker (136) flight since 10/7, a good movement of Eastern Phoebes (20), ten species of warblers (!), the 3000th (!) Red-breasted Nuthatch of 2012 (season total now up to 3069), and the best Chipping Sparrow (16) flight of the season.
Red-bellied Woodpecker - 3
Northern Flicker - 136
Eastern Phoebe - 20
Blue-headed Vireo - 1
Red-eyed Vireo - 1
Red-breasted Nuthatch - 105
White-breasted Nuthatch - 22
Brown Creeper - 4
Golden-crowned Kinglet - 27
Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 17
kinglet sp. - 4
Despite the mass exodus of birds, most observers agreed that today's clear highlight was the White-breasted Nuthatch (22) flight. Even though Red-breasted Nuthatches (105) made a good showing, they only outnumbered White-breasted Nuthatches about 5:1. The White-breasted Nuthatch flight was so engaging that a small cadre of observers lingered into the afternoon today in hopes of tacking on yet another bird. But try as we might, we fell one short of the all-time Cape May record (23), tallied on 18 October 2010. However, today's surge was enough to push the season total to 54, eclipsing the prior season record (52) set in 2010. These two standout White-breasted Nuthatch years are leaps-and-bounds above the other Morning Flight years, which total only 38 birds during eight entire seasons. The Birds of Cape May (Sibley 1997) states that the previous high count (13+) occurred on 30 September 1995.
Today's passage included the first triple-digit Northern Flicker (136) flight since 10/7, a good movement of Eastern Phoebes (20), ten species of warblers (!), the 3000th (!) Red-breasted Nuthatch of 2012 (season total now up to 3069), and the best Chipping Sparrow (16) flight of the season.
Red-bellied Woodpecker - 3
Northern Flicker - 136
Eastern Phoebe - 20
Blue-headed Vireo - 1
Red-eyed Vireo - 1
Red-breasted Nuthatch - 105
White-breasted Nuthatch - 22
Brown Creeper - 4
Golden-crowned Kinglet - 27
Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 17
kinglet sp. - 4
American Robin - 7625
American Pipit - 3
American Pipit - 3
Cedar Waxwing - 191
Tennessee Warbler - 3
Nashville Warbler - 2
Tennessee/Nashville Warbler - 4
Northern Parula - 5
Magnolia Warbler - 1
Cape May Warbler - 1
Tennessee Warbler - 3
Nashville Warbler - 2
Tennessee/Nashville Warbler - 4
Northern Parula - 5
Magnolia Warbler - 1
Cape May Warbler - 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler - 31,117
Pine Warbler - 2
Pine Warbler - 2
Palm Warbler - 33
Blackpoll Warbler - 11
Blackpoll Warbler - 11
Common Yellowthroat - 1
warbler sp. - 335
Chipping Sparrow - 16
Clay-colored Sparrow - 1
Dark-eyed Junco - 4
Eastern Meadowlark - 10
Purple Finch - 68
Clay-colored Sparrow - 1
Dark-eyed Junco - 4
Eastern Meadowlark - 10
Purple Finch - 68
Pine Siskin - 271
Total = 40,044
Lastly, a huge thanks to Ramsay Koury for tabulating the Yellow-rumped Warblers on the bayshore flight line throughout the morning.
Lastly, a huge thanks to Ramsay Koury for tabulating the Yellow-rumped Warblers on the bayshore flight line throughout the morning.
Cape May Hawk Watch - 21 October 2012
Cape May Cape May Point, New Jersey, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 21, 2012 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 46 57 Turkey Vulture 42 229 286 Osprey 16 1028 2598 Bald Eagle 6 108 253 Northern Harrier 49 447 729 Sharp-shinned Hawk 714 10008 12642 Cooper's Hawk 195 2008 2523 Northern Goshawk 0 0 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 9 37 40 Broad-winged Hawk 17 362 578 Red-tailed Hawk 24 157 184 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 0 0 American Kestrel 46 2559 5239 Merlin 31 1111 1706 Peregrine Falcon 24 726 1039 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 0 0 Swainson's Hawk 0 1 2 Total: 1173 18827 27877 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 05:30:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 10.5 hours Official Counter: Tom Reed Observers: Weather: Seasonably mild with sunny skies throughout. Winds from the W/WNW/NW all day; 10-15mph in the morning, 5-10mph in the afternoon. Raptor Observations: A decent but challenging day, with many flight lines and no clouds from start to finish. Things didn't really get rolling until mid-morning, with accipiters being the main attraction along with a trickle of falcons- highlighted by another 24 Peregrines. A nice Harrier flight included 5 adult males. Non-raptor Observations: Red Crossbill (1- male Type 3, westbound at 12:15pm), Cattle Egret (5), Tennessee Warbler (1), Yellow-rumped Warbler (10,000+), American Robin (7,000+), Pine Siskin (200+), Lincoln's Sparrow (1), Barn Swallow (8), Northern Rough-winged Swallow (10+), Purple Finch (20), House Finch (125 migrants), Ring-necked Duck (1), Northern Gannet (500+), Eastern Meadowlark (~10), Rusty Blackbird (5+) Predictions: Sunny, mild, light west wind.
Cape May Hawk Watch - 20 October 2012
Cape May Cape May Point, New Jersey, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 20, 2012 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 4 46 57 Turkey Vulture 11 187 244 Osprey 14 1012 2582 Bald Eagle 4 102 247 Northern Harrier 25 398 680 Sharp-shinned Hawk 460 9294 11928 Cooper's Hawk 195 1813 2328 Northern Goshawk 0 0 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 3 28 31 Broad-winged Hawk 4 345 561 Red-tailed Hawk 7 133 160 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 0 0 American Kestrel 36 2513 5193 Merlin 38 1080 1675 Peregrine Falcon 48 702 1015 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 0 0 Swainson's Hawk 0 1 2 Total: 849 17654 26704 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 06:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 10 hours Official Counter: Tom Reed Observers: Weather: Mild and sunny. Winds from the WSW to start, quickly shifting to W and then NW/WNW for the afternoon hours. Raptor Observations: A high flight, though not in outer space, with biggest numbers during the PM hours. A surprisingly good afternoon Peregrine flight. Non-raptor Observations: American Robin (~4000), Yellow-rumped Warbler (~500), Parasitic Jaeger (1), Northern Rough-winged Swallow (10+), Pine Siskin (20), Caspian Tern (2) Predictions: Sunny, seasonable, winds NW 5-10