As the Cape May Songbird Stopover Banding Project entered its fifth week (September 14th–20th), our team was met with a significant change in the weather. A series of cloudy, rainy days settled in, including two days where conditions prevented us from keeping nets open for the full six-hour duration of our banding operations. These slower days served as a reminder that while bird migration can be relentless, it’s still at the mercy of the weather.
Despite the damp conditions and a reduced number of banding hours, we managed to band a total of 282 birds during the week. This lower-than-average total reflects both the inclement weather and the transition phase in the migration season, when early migrants begin to taper off and mid- to late-season species start moving through.
Even with the challenges, Week 5 delivered exciting moments. We recorded five first-of-season (FOS) species — always a highlight in the banding station’s logbooks. These new arrivals included:
- Sharp-shinned Hawk – A small, agile raptor and a thrilling catch for the team.
- Marsh Wren – A skulking inhabitant of wetlands, now on the move southward.
- Swamp Sparrow – A classic fall migrant whose numbers will likely increase in the coming weeks.
- Wilson’s Warbler – Always a favorite, with its bright yellow plumage and black cap.
- Blackburnian Warbler – A stunning canopy-dweller, even in fall’s more subdued colors.
As we head into the latter half of the banding season, we’re eagerly anticipating an uptick in activity. October often brings waves of sparrows, kinglets, and other late-season migrants. With clearer skies ahead, the nets will be open, and our team will be ready.
Stay tuned for next week’s update — we’re hoping for dry weather and busy mornings!
All bird capture, handling, and banding are authorized under appropriate state and federal permits.
Sharp-shinned Hawk by Stephanie Bartlett
Wilson’s Warbler by Stephanie Bartlett
Blackburnian Warbler by Noah Nei
Marsh Wren by Maia Nguyen
