Frames are every 1/2 hour for reflectivity and velocity, and every hour for the regional composite. Click on the thumbnail to view the full-sized animation.
Movement across the region began as NNW –> SSE, and gradually shifted to N –> S by morning. At 5:00am the buoy off of Sandy Hook showed winds at 8kts from the North (thanks Wendy!). The winds inland (Somerset) are calm, but expected to become easterly as the high pressure builds in this morning. Since no precipitation was present with this front, predicting any localized concentrations of bird activity should be based on whether the site is a known migrant trap or not. Coastal and Inland sites are both good bets today given the overall direction of movement.
Good Birding!
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3 responses to “The floodgates are open”
Back at the Celery Farm this morning before work. Not as much activity as I was hoping for–but a decent day–at least considering how poor the migration as been there this fall.
7 warblers for me: Blackpoll (2), BT Green (2), Rumps (several), Black-and-White, Parula, Magnolia, N.Water. Also LINCOLN’S SPARROW, several White-throats, 5+ RE Vireo, my fist BLUE-HEADED VIREO this fall, my first SAPSUCKER of the fall–an Im.–a very uncommon bird at CF and my earliest at the site by 5 days, a late RT Hummer, Sharpie, Gadwall (6+), Shoveler (3), big numbers of Robins (200+) and Blue Jays (50+) migrating early on, several Purple Finch, Bobolink heard.
David’s prediction was right on the mark, for today was the best flight of the season thus far. The day exploded with Northern Flickers everywhere. My eye peeled to a scope for a straight hour gathered up over 600 Northern Flickers. They would leave by themselves, others would leave in trains, as if they were stringed like popcorn on a Christmas tree. After that hour you seem to get this woozy, red on blue sky that makes you unbalanced and nauseated for a good half hour.
Other birds of note were the 20 species of Warbler that accumulated over the hours, Highlights being a Yellow-throated Warbler, and a Hooded Warbler. Over 200 Cedar Waxwings were around in flocks of 10 -35 birds. 175 Red-breasted Nuthatches left in groups of 5- 11 birds. A Dickcissel called overhead. A Ruby-crowned Kinglet graced itself on one of the Walnut trees. A White-throated Sparrow gave it’s contact call and a Swainson’s Thrush in the woods as well. A Common Nighthawk put on a great show in the parking lot of Higbees, waddling back and forth along the tree with it’s stubby legs. A photo of the bird is on Flickr.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sgalick/1433385645/
Leasty took two Least Sandpipers today, one just at daybreak and one later on around 10 o’clock. The other interesting thing is that it has seemingly got other gulls interested in the small waders. The second time Leasty got a Least, a Ring-billed Gull gave it great chase trying to take it’s kill. An adult Herring Gull took it upon itself to take a Semi-palmated Sandpiper in the same, “I’m a gull you don’t need to worry about me,” hunting fashion. Leasty took 2 while I was there today, I’m wondering how many it actually takes in one day. Hm.
Good Birding,
—
Sam Galick
Cape May, NJ
sam.galick@gmail.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sgalick/
Monday in Cumberland County. Brian and I had some birds moving, but not like at Cape May Point. There was lots around. The main component of the flight for Sunday night, Monday morning would be NORTHERN FLICKER, RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, EASTERN PHOEBE. 2 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS at Turkey Point could be the start of the main sparrow flocks rolling south.