Cape May, The Fall Migration

Sharp-shinned hawk

      Cape May, NJ is without question one of the premier birding hotspots on the east coast.  In the fall, hawks by the thousands fly overhead in an attempt to stay over dry land for as long as possible on their journey south.  Warlbers are also funneled down to this point of land which is the final dry spot before venturing out across Delaware Bay.  The birds will spend some time here, fattening up a bit and waiting for the perfect northwest winds to help carry them across the bay.  Even though the winds were not perfect on this beautiful warm fall weekend, the birds were still plentiful.  Warblers, vireos, raptors, thrashers, creepers, ducks of many varieties and more were all to be had for those who had do nothing more than look around.

Yellow-throated vireo

      We were up on each day before the sun rose in an attempt to get the birds when they first become energized after spending the night in the protection of the foliage.  When the sun rises and begins to warm the vegetation, the insects become more active.  When the bugs get going, so do the birds which feed upon them.  Warblers and sparrow can be found flitting along the ground, at mid-level of the trees, and up into the highest levels of the canopy.  In summer, the show usually quiets down as the morning wears on, but here in fall, the activity just keeps going as the birds seize the opportunity to get a free meal in preparation for the continuation of their journey to Central and South America.

Cape May warbler

     Our best spottings of the weekend were some birds who have traveled further than normally would be expected.  A fine Brown booby, a bird normally found around the extreme southern tip of Florida past the keys.  For whatever reason, this bird has found New Jersey and for the time being is quite content to spend some time with the other tourists.  The bird has been here for over two months now and nobody knows when the bird will head back down south.  For now, it makes for some rare viewing for us northern birders.

Brown booby

    A Cackling goose also showed up this weekend.  This smaller version of the Canada goose is distinguished from its larger relatives by size and by a small stubby bill.  Again, this is not a goose common to our area.

Cackling goose in front of larger Canada goose

     And finally, to add to the 115+ species we found at Cape May this weekend, a female Eurasian wigeon from the Old World has made a showing.  While these birds are now known to nest in North America, they do make an occasional appearance here in the US and today, we are privileged to be able to watch here swim among here American counterparts, the American wigeons.  All in all, the Cape has produced what she promised....three days of wonderful birding in wonderful warm October weather.