MONARCH MONITORING PROJECT – Results of the 2020 Census
Perhaps the most important parts of the Cape May Monarch Monitoring Project is the census that we conduct. Â Our census is modification of a technique known as a “Pollard Transect,” whereby a specified route is traveled on a regular basis and butterflies counted by the observer while traveling. Â Our census…...
AVALON SEAWATCH UPDATE – October 28th to November 3rd
Our peak scoter movement continues from last week! Read on to see the day-by-day breakdown, but Halloween was especially notable, with over 68,000 birds, the largest day I have counted at Avalon in my four years! October 28th picked up right where last week left off—with an additional 15,000 Surf…...
AVALON SEAWATCH UPDATE – October 21st to 27th
The scoters have arrived! Massive scoter movement dominated this week, culminating in a 20,000+ bird day, a 35,000 bird day, two 40,000+ bird days, and a 50,000 bird day; back-to-back, in that order! Naturally, Tom and I are quite exhausted from counting such crazy numbers, but here is a short…...
CAPE MAY HAWKWATCH UPDATE – October 23rd to 29th
Yet another week of unsettled weather at the Cape May Hawkwatch sponsored by Swarovski Optik. It seemed like each day produced a unique suite of weather conditions ranging from rainy cold fronts with NW winds, muggy summer-like temperatures, dense fog, and the remnants of Hurricane Zeta. Cape May is such…...
MONTCLAIR HAWKWATCH UPDATE – October 13th to 16th
The weather was tough this week with Monday and Friday being washed out and Tuesday’s count being delayed; however, migration continued and our cast of characters shifted a bit to reflect the changing season. Turkey Vultures are dominating the scene while the ratio of Sharp-shinned to Cooper’s Hawks is widening…...