Swallows n' Seabirds

The raptor migration is off to a slow but steady start, with mostly Ospreys moving through over the past week. We have been rewarded with some beautiful, low views of a few birds, like this Bald Eagle (top) and Merlin (bottom).

Photos by Steve Thornhill

We have also been very busy watching non-raptors moving through. Some of these sightings have involved unusually high numbers, such as the 30 Blue-gray Gnatcatchers recorded on September 1 and 19 Red-headed Woodpeckers on September 4. Hundreds of Barn Swallows and Purple Martins have been zipping their way through on most days. White Ibises and Glossy Ibises have been flying past in small flocks, including one single mixed flock of both species. 

White Ibis; photo by Steve Thornhill

Today, a Parasitic Jaeger passed very close over the beach, and a Black Tern flew over the platform. The trees behind the platform were buzzing with passerine activity this morning, including a variety of warbler and vireo species. Tonight's cold front ought to bring in some more interesting migrants, and hopefully an increase in raptor numbers, tomorrow morning. We hope you can join us to enjoy the migration soon!

-Anna