An average of 17 species are counted here from September Thousands of hawks, including Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons and many others, pass over Cape May Point every fall, heading south for the winter. Viewing Birds of Prey. by Peter Dunne, Cape May Bird Observatory There are few places in North America that have been birded longer or have more birding advocates than Cape May, New Jersey. Today marks the first day of the 2018 fall Cape May Hawk Watch. Cape May Point State Park the site of the Cape may pop watch and every single fall tens of thousands of Raptors migrate through Cape May and since 1976, Cape May Observatory has been identified and counting all of those Raptors gathering really valuable data on Raptors. The benches on the hawk watch platform make for a comfortable morning. Cape May Bird Observatory’s Special Field Trips offer you a chance to experience the natural wonders of the Cape May area alongside our Associate Naturalists. It's a quaint little town, went to the bird observatory as my girlfriend is really into watching birds. Did you know that Cape May has been a destination point for birds (and bird observers) for over two centuries? photo credit: Bob Kothenbeutel Northern harriers are seen regularly at Cape May Bird Observatory. The platform also serves as the social hub for local and visiting birders alike, a place to share information. The Cedars and greenery which currently surround the site have all been planted since that first Hawk Watch. March 1st until last day in … As the day warms, thermal production increases and flights gain altitude,  often exceeding the limits of the unaided eye to see high flying birds. I proudly introduced myself as the hawk counter with New Jersey Audubon’s Cape May Bird Observatory and extended my hand. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Cape May County. Cape May Bird Observatory Lorrimer Sanctuary Nature Center of Cape May Plainsboro Preserve Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary Wattles Stewardship Center Sanctuaries Avalon Seawatch Hawk Rise Sanctuary Petty’s An official Hawk Counter is on duty from September 1 – November 30. Double-crested cormorant drying its feathers in the sun. Cape May, a peninsula bordered by Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, serves as a natural funnel for migrating raptors. Where to Watch Cape May Hawk Watch takes place from Sept. 1st to Nov. 30th.The count is conducted by the Cape May Bird Observatory in cooperation with New … I have been to Cape May several times and the Bird Observatory has many volunteers that lead birding walks. Hawkwatching (sometimes referred to as hawkcounting) is a mainly citizen science activity where experienced volunteers count migratory raptors (birds of prey) in an effort to survey migratory numbers. An average of 17 species are counted here from September through November. Different hawk counters, different weather patterns and an actual variation in the number of birds who successfully make it from nest to migration contribute to the different numbers. Cape May is considered the Raptor Capital of North America. I have been to Cape May several times and the Bird Observatory has many volunteers that lead birding walks. Cape May’s regular raptors include Accipiters like the Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, and Northern Goshawk; Buteos like Red-tailed Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Rough-legged Hawk and Swainson’s Hawk; Falcons like the Peregrine, Merlin and American Kestrel. 5. The drive and passion of Cape May Bird Observatory and New Jersey Audubon come together every fall to study the migration of birds. It was fun … Surely only Ace Rimmer could achieve such a feat! A number of people have taken the Hawk Counter post at Cape May over the years. Got to see a lot of birds, even a hawk. I went on a "BirdingBy Ear" six Volunteers to ten participants. 5. I went on a "BirdingBy Ear" six Volunteers to ten participants. New Jersey Audubon Society is a 501 (c)(3) • All Rights Reserved. The platform is located just east of the parking lot. In 2002, hawkwatcher Jason Guerard, helped to count more than 35 thousand raptors at Cape May Point. I have been to Cape May several times and the Bird Observatory has many volunteers that lead birding walks. The drive and passion of Cape May Bird Observatory and New Jersey Audubon come together every fall to study the migration of birds. The Cape May Springwatch, NJ Audubon Cape May Bird Observatory’s newest long-term seasonal research project, is positioned perfectly to capture the diversity and quantity of this bird migration phenomenon, involving over 100 species and 100,000+ individuals. Also seen regularly are Osprey, Northern Harrier, Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle, as well as Turkey Vulture and Black Vulture (technically storks, but honorary raptors). Exquisite, with expert birder leading the way. by Peter Dunne, Cape May Bird Observatory There are few places in North America that have been birded longer or have more birding advocates than Cape May, New Jersey. It is a fundamental tenet of the natural world that predators remain less common than their prey. Experience an afternoon boat ride through Cape May Harbor into the salt marsh and back-bay environment, with a … Very peaceful here as well. Exquisite, with expert birder leading the way. Cape May Bird Observatory, Cape May Point: See 71 reviews, articles, and 22 photos of Cape May Bird Observatory, ranked No.3 on Tripadvisor among 3 attractions in Cape May Point. I decided to focus my lens on a certain kind of bird, and for this time of year on the peninsula of Cape May, those birds would be hawks. One might even say that there are SO. Cape May Hawkwatch – September 1 to November 30 Sunrise to 5:00 P.M. in Sep/Oct, sunrise to 4:00 P.M. after switch to EST in Nov. Join CMBO naturalists on the Hawkwatch Platform at Cape May Point State Park under one of the greatest hawk migrations in North America. Osprey peak between mid-September and mid-October. Port Crescent Hawk Watch. While attending the Cape May Birding Festival, I visited this park several times. But what hawk watchers live for, are those days when weather conditions cause hawks to move in great numbers. birders and volunteer counters for years, but now Cape May Bird Observatory has established this site as an official count and research station. Cape May Hawk Watch platform in Cape May Point State Park. Explore Cape May Point State Park, site of the world-famous Cape May Hawk Watch, to spot the inhabitants of beaches, ponds, marshes, fields and coastal forests. Cape May Bird Observatory Hawk Watch 2002 totals. He is now New Jersey Audubon’s birding ambassador at-large. Enjoyed Cape May. September started out quietly, record … The Cape May hawk watch is one of the best known in the country. There are some trails that start nearby that can take you through some wetlands, scrubby woods, around the pond that fronts the platform, and along the lee side It was ignored. Field guides that deal specifically with the identification of hawks in flight are invaluable. But birds of prey can be seen at any time of day: hunting, feeding, perching, or just soaring over the peninsula. The Hawk Watch and manned by the observatory as well as providing equipment and expertise. Peregrine Falcons are more restricted. We then drove back through Cape May Harbor to the north side of the harbor to dine at the Harbor View restaurant. For most species, under most wind conditions, the Hawkwatch at Cape May Point State Park offers the best perspective. I have been to Cape May several times and the Bird Observatory has many volunteers that lead birding walks. Holiday Beach Migration Observatory. Other species like the Swainson’s Hawk and Rough-legged Hawk are locally uncommon, seen only a few times a season, or have a migration period that is very restricted. Along with the visitors center, bathrooms, lighthouse and beaches, the bird watching is spectacular! The Hawk Watch and manned by the observatory … An average of 36,000 hawks are counted from September through November each year by the official Cape May Bird Observatory hawk counter, all from the Cape May Hawk Watch platform in Cape May Point State Park. Exquisite, with expert birder leading the way. The Hawk Watch is not only elevated, so one can see above the nearby vegetation, but there are also observers and volunteers from the Cape May Bird Observatory to help the novice and more experienced birder see and identify hawks as they pass. The best place to see hawks and other birds of prey is often the Cape May Hawk Watch platform at Cape May … Northern Harriers, American Kestrels and Bald Eagles have very protracted migrations, August through December. Contrary to popular belief, September 1, 1976, did not mark the beginning of hawkwatching at Cape May Point, New Jersey. What species you will see depends upon the time of your visit and the weather conditions you experience. This makes Cape May a natural funnel, catching and directing southbound birds to the peninsula’s terminus at Cape May Point. Includes both unreviewed and reviewed/approved observations. There were many highlights throughout the season, and the remarkable total of 53,495 raptors, recorded between September 1 and November 30, represents the highest raptor count since 1999. I have been to Cape May several times and the Bird Observatory has many volunteers that lead birding walks. 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cape may bird observatory hawk watch

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