Eastern Shore Migration Update: October 14, 2026

Southwest winds brought a very active southbound flight today at Sunset Beach, and good numbers of raptors were moving into the light winds at the Kiptopeke Hawkwatch. Totals of 49 species and 5317 individuals were counted.

Passerines were streaming into the wind all morning, heavily dominated by 3260 southbound Yellow-rumped Warblers. The flight picked up very quickly out to the east over the refuge and highway and continued throughout the first hour, trailing off in the second hour. As Yellow-rumped numbers slowed, warbler diversity picked up, and other species including 13 Blackpoll, 11 Cape May, five Northern Parula, four Black-and-white, two Black-throated Blue, and singles of American Redstart and Palm were also predominately southbound. Blue Jays and House Finches also featured prominently in the southbound movement, totaling 753 and 230 respectively. Woodpecker numbers were subdued overall, with 20 Northern Flickers being the most numerous.

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Peregrine Falcon

The Chesapeake Bay also produced southbound migrants, the most numerous of which were 122 Black Scoters, a good count for this site. Surf Scoters totaled 20, and two Northern Pintail were the only other ducks counted. A Common Eider was a nice surprise bobbing in the waves to the north of the count site, possibly the same individual found in Cape Charles several days prior. The early eider was nicely juxtaposed with the now record late Mississippi Kite that appeared out to the east in the fourth hour as it kettled up with seven Broad-winged Hawks and other raptor miscellanea. Audrey’s detection of the kite later on at the Kiptopeke Royal Farms suggests that it once again declined to set off across the bay.

Black and Surf Scoters

The Kiptopeke Hawkwatch had a good flight totaling 443 raptors. The southerly element to the winds kept birds lower for the first part of the day before the flightline shifted east in the afternoon. Accipitrine hawks ruled the count, with 141 Sharp-shinned and 119 Cooper’s Hawks.  The Hudsonian Godwit continued today on the beach on both the south and north side of the fishing pier.

Southwest winds tonight shift more northerly by dawn and will be out of the northeast throughout the day under overcast skies, which should make for a hopefully interesting morning flight and good day at the hawkwatch.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s daily migration update on CVWO social media and the CVWO blog: https://vawildliferesearch.org/cvwo-blog

And follow along with the count live every morning on Trektellen: https://trektellen.nl/count/view/3748/20261014

Eastern Shore Migration Update: October 13, 2026

Light northwest winds overnight brought a significant flight of migrants to the Eastern Shore. Diversity and numbers alike were strong today, and totals of 69 species and 3276 individuals were counted.

The light winds made for a hectic start to the morning, and warblers were swirling overhead calling high as they descended from high, making counting a challenge. The typical overhead northbound flightline slowly materialized throughout the flight as birds gained their bearings. Yellow-rumped Warblers were the exception as is typical, and 508 were southbound throughout the day in small groups and only 208 were northbound with the other warblers, mostly in the first two hours. Northern Parulas made a solid later season push with 126, alongside more modest numbers of 40 Cape May, 27 Palm, and 19 Blackpoll Warblers.

Other diversity at Sunset was also quite good, including 32 Ruby and nine Golden-crowned Kinglets, the best numbers for the season so far. Red-breasted Nuthatches continued to trickle north with five, and Blue Jays were a constant presence totaling 952 southbound. Woodpeckers had a good showing today with 164 Northern Flickers, 26 Red-bellied Woodpeckers, six Red-headed Woodpeckers, four Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, and a high-flying Downy Woodpecker moving south. The season’s first six Surf Scoters were counted, all in a single southbound flock. Three Dickcissels was also a good count.

The Kiptopeke Hawkwatch had a nice flight today as well, including a solid later season push of 48 Osprey. The lingering Mississippi Kite miraculously continued as well.  A few non-raptor highlights included the largest Blue Jay flight of the season so far with 1314 southbound individuals counted. A Dickcissel dropping in to the gap was also a treat.

We always expect the unexpected on the Eastern Shore, but nobody anticipated a Hudsonian Godwit hanging out on the Kiptopeke SP Beach! This juvenile may well have never seen humans before, and it seemed perfectly content to feast on mole crabs within just a couple feet of observers. The clear, calm conditions are not typically associated with an offshore migrant like this away from regular stopover sites, and it seems possible this individual came in off the ocean yesterday with the strong easterly winds.

Hudsonian Godwit

Hudsonian Godwit

Monarch CVWO-Sage

Southwest winds return tomorrow along with warmer temperatures, and migration will surely slow as a result. These winds could keep birds from today in place, or bring in more unexpected visitors.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s daily migration update on CVWO social media and the CVWO blog: https://vawildliferesearch.org/cvwo-blog

And follow along with the count live every morning on Trektellen: https://trektellen.nl/count/view/3748/20261013

Eastern Shore Migration Update: October 12, 2026

Winds were roaring out of the northwest this morning, but southwesterlies all night stifled overnight migration and made for a slow morning. Totals of 24 species and 209 individuals were counted. 

Despite the strong northwesterlies, the lack of overnight liftoff made for very light morning flight overall for the date. Most birds were northbound into the wind as expected, including the majority of the day’s 51 Yellow-rumped Warblers, nine Blackpoll Warblers, four Northern Parulas and one Cape May Warbler. An Eastern Meadowlark was also nice to see moving north, the second sighting this season. A few raptors were moving around including 12 Cooper’s Hawks and 10 Osprey. Five Great Blue Herons were seen moving south high up.

Blackpoll Warbler

The Kiptopeke Hawkwatch was likewise slow with 74 raptors counted, and 18 Sharp-shinned Hawks being the most numerous species followed closely by 14 Cooper’s. A high flock of 45 scoters far out to the east of the count site over the seaside was a first-of-season for any of the three scoter species.

Up in Cape Charles, two early north Atlantic waterbird species have frequented the harbor over the past two days, a Common Eider and up to two Great Cormorants. Both of these species are scarce away from their usual wintering areas around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel islands at the mouth of the bay. The strong easterlies may have brought them farther up the bay yesterday, and it will be interesting to see how long they hang around.

Great Cormorant

Tomorrow holds much more promise following a strong liftoff tonight and light northwesterlies overnight and into the morning. Tomorrow could be one of the last days of some modest warbler diversity in morning flight before the truly staggering Yellow-rumped Warblers drown out the others. Hawkwatching will probably also be good given the lighter winds and clearer skies.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s daily migration update on CVWO social media and the CVWO blog: https://vawildliferesearch.org/cvwo-blog

And follow along with the count live every morning on Trektellen: https://trektellen.nl/count/view/3748/20261012

Eastern Shore Migration Update: October 11, 2026

Strong east-southeast winds and light rain associated with the passing remnants of Hurricane Isaias made for a slow morning at Sunset Beach. Things picked up a bit at the hawkwatch later on with another good showing of Peregrine Falcons. Totals of 14 species and 55 individuals were counted.

Having had a very dry season so far, today’s 45-minute rain delay for the count was a first for 2026. Though the Eastern Shore did not get much rainfall in total from the tropical system, the strong winds and blowing rain made for challenging counting conditions to start. The flight was quite subdued by the adverse weather overall, and very little was moving over the Chesapeake Bay. The few highlights were unsurprisingly waterbirds, including one Short-billed Dowitcher, three Dunlin, and four Northern Pintail. Huge clouds of Tree Swallows were swarming around the area and were frequently harassed by Merlins making for impressive spectacles.

Northern Pintails

The Kiptopeke Hawkwatch had a better go of things for most of the day before rain to the north shut down the raptor activity. Peregrine Falcons had another good day totaling 29, though few other raptors were on the move. Four Northern Rough-winged and three Barn Swallows were nice to see for the date, bringing a touch of diversity to the scores of Trees. Continuing the streak of successful Monarch tracking, the sixteenth tracked monarch of the season, CVWO-Baxter, was captured, tagged, and released by Monarch specialist Audrey Anderson! You can follow along with all of our tagged Monarch journeys using the Project Monarch app.

Fairly strong southwest winds tomorrow switch to northwest by the afternoon, calming down by the evening. Though migration will probably be generally slow, southwesterlies sometimes have interesting potential for bay watching and could always bring something surprising up the shore.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s daily migration update on CVWO social media and the CVWO blog: https://vawildliferesearch.org/cvwo-blog

And follow along with the count live every morning on Trektellen: https://trektellen.nl/count/view/3748/20261011

Eastern Shore Migration Update: October 9, 2026

There was a good liftoff of nocturnal migrants last night with light northeasterly winds. The lack of stronger winds made for an interesting morning flight consisting of many high birds moving all over the sky in both directions, and many backlit warblers out to the east. Despite the challenging flight, there was good diversity and solid numbers, with 67 species and 2809 individuals counted at Sunset Beach.

Today marked the arrival of high Yellow-rumped Warbler numbers on the Eastern Shore, a true harbinger of late fall and winter. Most of the Yellow-rumps were high southbound birds with the calm winds totaling 422, though there were still 160 in typical northbound morning flight. Other warbler numbers were fairly diminished by comparison, though 41 Cape May, 32 Northern Parula, and 26 Blackpoll Warblers were respectable totals amid a frustrating 213 warbler sp., largely high backlit birds in the east.

Non-warblers provided the bulk of today's diversity. A light flight of five northbound Red-breasted Nuthatches was nice to see in an off year for the species. Likewise, a second early Pine Siskin passed overhead this morning, perhaps hinting at larger numbers yet to come. Two northbound Dickcissels were well-heard at different points in the morning. The season’s first American Pipit was also heard well as it moved over. Strong Blue Jay numbers continue, today totaling 367. Southbound blackbird flocks were also a fixture of the morning, consisting of 230 Red-winged, 197 Brown-headed Cowbird, and 38 Common Grackle. Waterbirds were represented by four northbound Wood Ducks and a southbound Common Loon.

Common Loon

Black-throated Blue Warbler

Things were slow to start today at the Kiptopeke Hawkwatch, though by the late afternoon and evening an excellent flight of Peregrine Falcons was underway. Incredibly, Peregrines were the most numerous raptor counted today reaching 144, one of the best counts for the species at the hawkwatch in recent years! Remarkably, the continuing Mississippi Kite was also seen, quickly approaching the latest report for this species in Virginia.

Light easterly winds will likely make for a slower morning flight, though we are getting to the time of year when lighter winds can make for great southbound landbird flights. Tomorrow may be another interesting day at the Kiptopeke Hawkwatch as well.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s daily migration update on CVWO social media and the CVWO blog: https://vawildliferesearch.org/cvwo-blog

And follow along with the count live every morning on Trektellen: https://trektellen.nl/count/view/3748/20261008

Eastern Shore Migration Update: October 8, 2026

Stronger southwesterly winds came in overnight, stalling out overnight migration and bringing somewhat warmer temperatures to the area today. Sunset Beach morning flight was slow, with totals of 21 species and 153 individuals were counted.

Not much was moving this morning at Sunset Beach on the steady southwesterlies. The slight trickle was primarily southbound into the wind, with Yellow-rumped being the most numerous with 18. There were a few raptors moving into the wind, including a migrating juvenile tundra type Peregrine Falcon. Other falcons were clearly finding something to eat around the area on the windy day, and both a Peregrine and a Merlin were seen eating unidentified passerines on the wing while floating into the wind.

Tundra Peregrine Falcon

Raptors continued on the move at the Kiptopeke Hawkwatch. Birds were lower on the southerly winds, and falcons had a decent little push in the afternoon. One notable sighting at the hawkwatch was a very late Orchard Oriole in the shrubs around the platform and checking out the hummingbird feeder, typically one of the earliest migrants to depart the area and not expected past early September. Twenty-two American White Pelicans were also spotted out to the seaside as they drifted north, always an unexpected surprise on any given day on the Eastern Shore but fairly regular in later fall.

Orchard Oriole

Northerly winds return overnight, which should hopefully bring a good flight of nocturnal migrants to the area tomorrow. Winds are forecasted to remain light out of the northeast with cloud cover throughout the day, which should make for good hawkwatching.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s daily migration update on CVWO social media and the CVWO blog: https://vawildliferesearch.org/cvwo-blog

And follow along with the count live every morning on Trektellen: https://trektellen.nl/count/view/3748/20261007

Eastern Shore Migration Update: October 7, 2026

Light easterly winds and clear skies made for a somewhat slower morning at Sunset Beach, though as always there were still some birds on the move including a few more first-of-seasons. Totals of 45 species and 1608 individuals were counted.

Today featured the expected blend of light morning flight and forward migration associated with a calm day following a significant flight two nights ago, with generally diminished numbers and diversity compared to yesterday. Both nocturnal and diurnal migrants were moving in both directions as birds milled around the tip of the peninsula on very light winds. The most numerous migrant counted was Blue Jay, totaling 571 southbound and 228 northbound individuals as flocks streamed by towards the tip of the peninsula while others reversed course. There was a modest flight of 90 Northern Flickers as well, 75 of which were southbound. Yellow-rumped Warblers were primarily southbound, with 119 south and 24 northbound. By contrast, 44 of the day’s 50 Northern Parulas were northbound. First-of-seasons for the count were represented by six northbound Eastern Meadowlarks and a northbound calling Pine Siskin.

Eastern Meadowlark

Magnolia Warbler

The Kiptopeke Hawkwatch had a solid flight, similar to yesterday but slower overall, totaling 477 raptors. There were more pockets of low birds today for a bit of change of pace. In keeping with previous days, Sharp-shinned Hawks led the flight with 164, followed by 111 American Kestrels, and 107 Cooper’s Hawks. Of note, the hawkwatch cracked a thousand Blue Jays, totaling 1095.

Cooper's Hawk

Blue Jays

5 new Monarchs were captured released with BlūMorpho transmitters today. These new additions are CVWO-Sabrina, CVWO-Tammy, CVWO-Kristen, CVWO-Aharon, and CVWO-Ariella. CVWO-NonnieWayOut was deployed yesterday making 6 total active monarchs on the shore. Favorable Northeast winds are predicted Friday so this Monarch posse may utilize these conditions to move south and cross the bay. In the meantime, CVWO-Stephen has made significant progress and is now South of Raleigh, NC. His journey now totals 287 km in a direct line from Kiptopeke State Park.

Southwest winds overnight should stall out most nocturnal migration, though if winds are light during the day a few raptors could be moving and flying lower. 

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s daily migration update on CVWO social media and the CVWO blog: https://vawildliferesearch.org/cvwo-blog

And follow along with the count live every morning on Trektellen: https://trektellen.nl/count/view/3748/20261007

Eastern Shore Migration Update: October 6, 2026

The cold front provided an incredible diversity of migrants on this crisp and clear October day, and the northerlies made for a high and challenging but fun raptor flight with a standout rarity. Totals of 91 species and 2506 individuals were counted at Sunset Beach.

This was a record-setting morning in terms of overall diversity at Sunset Beach with 91 species of migrants and a total of 100 species of birds including residents in five hours of counting! A little bit of just about everything was moving this morning. There were a handful of first-of-seasons for the count including two Ring-necked Ducks, seven Dunlin, five Golden-crowned Kinglets, one each of Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Song and Swamp Sparrow, two White-throated Sparrows, and four Dark-eyed Juncos. Seeing these winter arrivals alongside early season migrants like Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and Northern Yellow Warbler emphasizes just how diverse early October is on the Eastern Shore.

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Black-throated Green Warbler

White Ibis

Black-throated Blue Warbler

While no species was present in extraordinarily high numbers, several birds still had good flights including the first notable push of Red-bellied Woodpeckers, 12 southbound and 25 northbound of which were counted interspersed with a nice flight of Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, totaling eight south and 25 north. Modest Blue Jay numbers continued with 245 mostly southbound. Northern Parulas continue to be the most numerous warbler with 108, closely trailed by 78 Yellow-rumped Warblers.  

The Kiptopeke Hawkwatch had a very active day with a great flight of 1030 total raptors. For most of the day starting predawn the flight was punishingly high, and oftentimes raptors would simply materialize as specks into view while scanning the blue. American Kestrels totaled 349, and Sharp-shinned Hawks also showed strongly with 274. Cooper's Hawks were also numerous totaling 157. The major highlight came towards the end of the day at 5:15 when a dark immature Swainson’s Hawk was spotted high to the northwest of the platform! The Swainson’s circled for several minutes giving great views to all before setting its wings and tracking high to the south. Notably, Cape May Bird Observatory Hawkwatch recorded two Swainson’s Hawks today including one dark immature, so this could plausibly be the first of their two birds continuing on its way some 134 miles south and 6.5 hours later.

Swainson's Hawk

Monarch NonnieWayOut with transmitter

Light easterly winds tomorrow shifting southeast will probably make for a slower morning flight, though the conditions could still be good for a nice movement of raptors.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s daily migration update on CVWO social media and the CVWO blog: https://vawildliferesearch.org/cvwo-blog

And follow along with the count live every morning on Trektellen: https://trektellen.nl/count/view/3748/20261006

Eastern Shore Migration Update: October 5, 2026

North winds and high overcast skies accompanied an active day of visible migration on the Eastern Shore. New high counts were obtained for two passerine migrants at Sunset Beach and raptor movements built throughout the day at the hawkwatch. Totals of 67 species and 3516 individuals were counted.

The birds of the day today at Sunset Beach were iconic early October species. Gray Catbirds had a strong flight with 404 counted as they shot north through the shrubs. Even more notable was the flight of 147 Blackpoll Warblers. Blackpolls are champion offshore migrants, performing over-ocean flights from the mid-Atlantic coast to South America. This count is nearly triple historical peak counts at this site, and a mere 20 were counted in the entire 2025 season. The recent drizzly nights and northeast winds may have brought higher numbers of this species to shore in recent days. Several other warblers appeared in good numbers as well including 29 Common Yellowthroat, 27 American Redstart, 34 Cape May Warbler, and 78 Northern Parula.

Blackpoll Warbler

Other migrants had a strong showing at Sunset Beach as well, including a Gray-cheeked/Bicknell’s Thrush giving a high call early on, a good showing of nine Belted Kingfishers, an unusual wood-pewee showing a dark lower mandible, and the late lingering Mississippi Kite out over the refuge. Four Baltimore Orioles was a good count for the date, and eleven Indigo Buntings was the best count for the season so far.

The Kiptopeke Hawkwatch had a nice flight including a classic evening falcon flight kicking into gear later in the day. American Kestrels were the most numerous overall species totaling 238, followed by 190 Merlin, and 45 Peregrine Falcons were also a good count. Sharp-shinned Hawk numbers have yet to fully materialize, and only 87 were counted today.

A cold front pushing through the area tonight seems poised to bring a slew of arrivals to the area tomorrow, though northeasterly winds will trim down the totals of overnight migrants before dawn. It should still be a very active if chilly morning at Sunset Beach, hopefully followed by a great raptor flight.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s daily migration update on CVWO social media and the CVWO blog: https://vawildliferesearch.org/cvwo-blog

And follow along with the count live every morning on Trektellen: https://trektellen.nl/count/view/3748/20261005

Eastern Shore Migration Update: October 3, 2026

Northeast winds and heavy overcast skies with the arriving cold front made for an active day of migration on the Eastern Shore. Warblers were moving in fair numbers with an uptick in diversity, and raptors and waterfowl showed strongly as well. Totals of 52 species and 537 individuals were counted at Sunset Beach.

Despite the northeast winds, the flight path for the majority of reorienting migrants was directly overhead, allowing for closer studies of warblers than is typical for days with this wind setup. A significant proportion of the flight consisted of more Appalachian type migrant warblers, including 39 Cape May, six Black-throated Green, four Tennessee, and singles of Chestnut-sided and Blackburnian Warbler. Other passerine diversity was fairly lacking, but two Eastern Wood-Pewees and an eastern Phoebe coming in off the bay were also counted.

Tennessee Warbler

Eastern Phoebe

Waterfowl had their best day yet with good diversity and numbers. Northern Pintail were the most numerous duck counted with several small flocks amounting to 61 in total. Blue-winged Teal tallied 25, and small numbers of American Wigeon mixed with pintail added up to 10. Two Lesser Scaup were also counted, on the earlier side for this diving duck. Sterna terns were on the move out over the bay consisting of 48 Forster’s and 43 Common, a good count for the latter species at this date. Raptors were consistently streaming over low under the clouds, highlighted by good counts of 61 American Kestrel and 14 Northern Harriers.

Raptor activity remained steady for most of the day at the Kiptopeke Hawkwatch. Good totals of 287 American Kestrel, 214 Sharp-shinned Hawk, 119 Merlin, and 107 Cooper’s Hawk were obtained. Non raptors were also exciting with a clear highlight being a high flock of 16 American Golden-Plovers southbound out towards the bay. Fifty-six Great Blue Herons was a good count, as were the 90 Northern Pintail with 15 American Wigeon mixed in. Two Common Nighthawks passed over in the late afternoon, fairly late in the season for this species.

Tomorrow has interesting potential with a strong migrant liftoff tonight and chances of rain throughout the night into tomorrow. If rain holds off, it could be a good day at both Sunset Beach and the Kiptopeke Hawkwatch.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s daily migration update on CVWO social media and the CVWO blog: https://vawildliferesearch.org/cvwo-blog

And follow along with the count live every morning on Trektellen: https://trektellen.nl/count/view/3748/20261003

Eastern Shore Migration Update: October 2, 2026

Southwest winds made for a slow night of nocturnal migration, and a slow morning flight. There were a fair number of waterbirds migrating out over the Chesapeake Bay along with a good early morning raptor liftoff. Totals of 37 species and 536 individuals were counted.

Most of the birds counted this morning were Forster’s Terns, which were shooting south in tight flocks low over the water totaling 130, with the largest flock being 70. A few other terns were also on the move including 23 Commons and 6 Sandwich. Three groups of Blue-winged Teal totaled 43, and one Green-winged Teal was heading north close in off the beach. American Kestrels had a nice liftoff with 38 counted. The Cooper’s to Sharp-shinned Hawk ratio was rather high, with eight coops and fourteen sharpies. Passerines were on the slower side overall. Cape May Warblers were the most abundant warbler species with 10. Blue Jays had another little push with 125 southbound and 36 northbound.

It was a somewhat slower day at the Kiptopeke Hawkwatch, but the southwest winds were keeping things low down giving good views throughout the day. American Kestrels had the best numbers totaling 127, and Sharp-shinned Hawks totaled 89. Peregrine Falcons had a good count with 21, many of which were adults coming in fairly low.

Merlin

Peregrine Falcon

Northern Harrier

In Monarch news, there are currently 3 active transmitting Monarchs. The newest addition, CVWO-BrianSoar, was released late this morning from the Kiptopeke Hawkwatch, his last transmission for the day was off of US13 as he headed south of Kiptopeke State Park. CVWO-Connor released on 9/27 is still north of Roanoke Rapids, NC. CVWO-Stephen, released on 9/28 is now north of Lexington Park, MD after riding the Southwest winds north from Cape Charles. Three Monarchs in almost three different states! You can view live updates of these Monarch’s progress south to their wintering grounds on the Project Monarch app or website.

A cold front moves into the area tomorrow morning, bringing cooler temperatures and some chances for overnight rain. Depending on the rain, there could be good overnight migration, and northeast winds tomorrow will probably make for a good raptor flight. 

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s daily migration update on CVWO social media and the CVWO blog: https://vawildliferesearch.org/cvwo-blog

And follow along with the count live every morning on Trektellen: https://trektellen.nl/count/view/3748/20261002

Eastern Shore Migration Update: October 1, 2026

Happy October! The first day of the month was on the quieter side at Sunset Beach on light southwesterlies, though there were still a handful of warblers moving alongside some signs of the transition to the third quarter of fall migration. Totals of 44 species and 974 individuals were counted.

Southwesterly winds made for more forward migration than typical in nocturnal migrants, and even splits of northbound and southbound individuals were achieved for the day’s 30 Northern Flickers and 20 Northern Parulas. Early morning raptor liftoff was fairly strong following yesterday’s big flight, and 60 Sharp-shinned Hawks and 39 American Kestrels. A lingering Mississippi Kite appeared once again after a several day absence, marking one of few October records on the Eastern Shore.

Raptors were pushing south into the wind at the hawkwatch today, and Sharp-shinned Hawks and American Kestrels both had solid counts with 244 and 260 respectively. Birds were moving through low all day, including a few of the day’s 20 Peregrine Falcons. One of the more notable migratory movements today was the arrival of Blue Jays in numbers, totaling 158 southbound and 101 northbound at Sunset and 193 southbound and one northbound at the hawkwatch. Blue Jays are an irruptive boreal migrant, and numbers vary year-to-year based on acorn crops. Jays did not irrupt last year, and Sunset Beach counted only 43 the entire season. It will be interesting to track jay movements on the Eastern Shore this fall given few other boreal species are irrupting, though the Kiptopeke Hawkwatch did log its first Red-breasted Nuthatch of the season today.

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Merlin

Winds are out of the south again tomorrow, bringing with them more warm temperatures. A large flight of migrants is not anticipated, though more raptors may continue to push on.  Tomorrow will be the last warmer day ahead of a cold front with rain chances tomorrow night through the weekend.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s daily migration update on CVWO social media and the CVWO blog: https://vawildliferesearch.org/cvwo-blog

And follow along with the count live every morning on Trektellen: https://trektellen.nl/count/view/3748/20260930

Eastern Shore Migration Update: September 30, 2026

Very light northwest winds and clearing skies made for an active morning of migration at Sunset Beach, with totals of 55 species and 1075 individuals counted.

It felt like a little bit of everything was moving today at Sunset Beach during the very calm conditions. Warblers did well for the calm conditions, and 89 Northern Parulas were most numerous. Six Northern Waterthrushes were the most counted in a little while. Yellow-rumped Warblers increased also with six, and Ruby-crowned Kinglets totaled four. A Dickcissel gave two distinctive flight calls as it moved south. Raptors were active as well highlighted by a solid flight of 64 Sharp-shinned Hawks. Four Yellow-billed Cuckoos were counted, the first that have been around in some time. The season’s first Wood Ducks were also counted, a southbound and northbound drake.

Osprey

Northern Flicker

Black-throated Blue Warbler

Northern Harrier

The Kiptopeke Hawkwatch saw nearly nonstop action all day during an excellent flight of 1577 raptors with birds all over the sky. Some raptors were finding thermals and soaring up incredibly high, while others seemed to be contending more with the light southerly winds and were coming over throughout the day at treetop height. Sharp-shinned Hawks had their first big flight of the year totaling 770, and American Kestrels also showed strongly with 410. Northern Harriers were surprisingly in third place coming in at 93, and many gave excellent views over the platform. High Bald Eagles were a steady presence throughout and brought the day’s total to 50, a very good count for the site.

Radar indicates a strong local liftoff of nocturnal migrants tonight, though southwest winds will probably keep migration limited. If winds remain light through the day it could be a good day at the hawkwatch, though with diminished numbers as fewer raptors migrate into the headwind.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s daily migration update on CVWO social media and the CVWO blog: https://vawildliferesearch.org/cvwo-blog

And follow along with the count live every morning on Trektellen: https://trektellen.nl/count/view/3748/20260930

Eastern Shore Migration Update: September 29, 2026

Winds were almost completely calm today at Sunset Beach, and with little overnight wind drift, few migrants were exhibiting morning flight. There was a fair bit of activity around the count site throughout the morning under overcast skies. Uncommon migrant highlights included two Bay-breasted Warblers, one Nashville Warbler, and a Rose-breasted Grosbeak. A northbound Ruby-crowned Kinglet and two southbound Yellow-rumped Warblers were also counted, both sure signs that mid-fall is upon us.

It was an active day at the Kiptopeke Hawkwatch, with a high raptor flight highlighted by of the best count of Sharp-shinned Hawks this season to date, tallying  236. Northern Harriers also had a good flight with 23. Monarchs were the talk of the town today, and these butterflies were in fact the most abundant migratory species counted at either of our sites! The majority of Monarchs at Sunset Beach were northbound totaling 155 before the flight began to switch to southbound towards the end of the third hour with 21 counted. The hawkwatch had primarily southbound Monarchs, with 422 moving south and 24 moving north.

Gray Catbird

CVWO now has two Project Monarch trackers currently active! CVWO-Connor was released from Kiptopeke State Park on 9/27 and CVWO-Stephen was released on 9/28. Stephen is currently on the shore, after taking a brief spin south to the ESNWR and Sunset Beach, it headed north of Kiptopeke where it transmitted from Bulter’s Bluff Road this evening. Connor arrived across the bay last night and worked its way southwest throughout the day heading towards Roanoke Rapids, NC. You can view live updates of these Monarch’s progress south to their wintering grounds on the Project Monarch app or website.

Monarch

Light south winds are forecasted for tomorrow, which may slow down migration overall though some birds should continue to move into the wind provided it stays light. Temperatures are expected to build this week for a warm finish to September.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s daily migration update on CVWO social media and the CVWO blog: https://vawildliferesearch.org/cvwo-blog

And follow along with the count live every morning on Trektellen: https://trektellen.nl/count/view/3748/20260929 

Eastern Shore Migration Update: September 28, 2026

West northwest winds provided favorable conditions for migration, though few birds were aloft last night with rain to the north associated with the lingering coastal low off the mid-Atlantic coast. There were still a few birds on the move today, and 35 species and 512 individuals were counted at Sunset Beach.

Though numbers were quite low, there was a bit of warbler diversity including two Black-throated Blue, one Magnolia, and one Blackpoll Warbler alongside more abundant species. Two Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers continued to show their regional arrival. A flock of 29 southbound Fish Crows was counted as well, the first such flock noted this season.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Activity over the Chesapeake Bay was on the slow side, though Forster’s Terns have really pushed into the area in the past few days and 17 were counted this morning as migrants alongside plentiful others feeding in the vicinity. One of the local Northern Mockingbirds returned to its preferred lookout point perch this morning as well.

Northern Mockingbird

The Kiptopeke Hawkwatch had a moderate flight of raptors, highlighted by 90 Osprey. Most other migrants were in generally low numbers, though there were a few highlights including four American White Pelicans, a first of season for this rare migrant on the lower Eastern Shore, and the hawkwatch’s first Dickcissel of the 2026 season

Very light winds tonight into tomorrow will probably not much of a flight, though there are some birds working south on the mid-Atlantic coast tonight following the passing nor’easter, and there could be some moderate morning flight to follow. The hawkwatch may similarly see a slower day with the lack of winds, though many raptors are probably rearing to go following the spell of bad weather lately.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s daily migration update on CVWO social media and the CVWO blog: https://vawildliferesearch.org/cvwo-blog

 

And follow along with the count live every morning on Trektellen: https://trektellen.nl/count/view/3748/20260925

Eastern Shore Migration Update: September 25, 2026

The strong north winds and overcast skies made for less-than-ideal conditions for observing morning flight, but a food migration flight last night at least brought some volume down to the lower shore. Totals of 50 species and 1295 individuals were counted.

Though there was a solid morning flight this morning, poor lighting in the early morning coupled with the strong winds forcing birds to cross the clearing low and fast made for difficult viewing, and many warblers went unidentified early on. Nonetheless, good totals of 221 American Redstart, 125 Northern Parula, and 47 Palm Warblers were counted, as well as the season’s first substantial push of 26 Common Yellowthroats and 88 Northern Flickers. Clearly storm-driven birds were less apparent this morning, though a high southbound Black Tern over land early on was a clear sign of the bad weather.

Common Yellowthroat

The Kiptopeke Hawkwatch had a good flight today with the first push of Sharp-shinned Hawks totaling 95, 89 American Kestrels, and 22 Merlins. A few other migrants moved by in good numbers too, including 200 mostly northbound Northern Flickers, 70 Gray Catbirds, and 11 brown Thrashers. Two Rose-breasted Grosbeaks wee good to see, and the continuing Mississippi Kite made an appearance after its first absence yesterday.

The weather tomorrow shows strong north-northwest winds with the nor'easter low pressure system sitting just off the coast. The winds could bring a significant migratory movement, though precipitation up the coast may limit numbers.

Tomorrow is the annual Coastal Virginia Birdathon Fundraiser, where teams of birders descend on the coast for some friendly competition to try to see as many birds as they can. Our morning flight team will be represented by team Morning Warblers! The hawkwatch crew will be on team Counting Crows. Donate to both of our teams here: https://vawildliferesearch.org/coastal-va-birdathon

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s daily migration update on CVWO social media and the CVWO blog: https://vawildliferesearch.org/cvwo-blog

And follow along with the count live every morning on Trektellen: https://trektellen.nl/count/view/3748/20260925

Eastern Shore Migration Update: September 24, 2026

Nor’easter conditions continued today on the Eastern Shore, and both our counts saw direct impacts of the weather on bird migration. Nocturnal migration was limited by the northeasterly wind and morning flight subdued by heavy overcast skies and strong winds, but there was a very strong movement of diurnal migrants and a handful of surprises. Totals of 41 species and 2371 individuals were counted at Sunset Beach.

The harsh reality of nor’easters on coastal species was evidenced by a fresh roadkill Clapper Rail on the turn into Sunset Beach off Route 13 before sunrise. These storms flood tidal marshes with storm surge, driving marsh species upland and into dangerous situations. Fortunately, two Seaside Sparrows were able to find cover in the shrubs around Sunset Beach, and will hopefully be able to reorient to the saltmarsh.

The biggest surprise of the morning came early on when a beautiful juvenile Little Gull flew north right over the beach, a rare and early pelagic migrant surely driven into the bay by the storm. Miraculously, both of our hawk counters were able to detect the gull at points north following its passage off Sunset at 7:30; Sage saw it pass the Kiptopeke SP pier at 7:43 and Audrey picked it up over the Cape Charles pier at 8:26, making for an average speed of around ten miles per hour. Not bad for a Little Gull fighting a big wind!

Little Gull (photo by George Arnold)

Morning flight was on the slow side, but two first-of-season Blackpoll Warblers were counted. Forward migrants stole the day, with the most numerous species being 611 White Ibis, 206 Double-crested Cormorant, 81 Osprey, and 31 Great Blue Heron. Large groups of Tree Swallows were moving steadily north into the wind all morning totaling 1248.

The Kiptopeke Hawkwatch had a productive day with another strong flight primarily composed of 127 Osprey, 132 Merlin, and 53 American Kestrels. Northern Harriers also had a good day with 17 counted, while Peregrine Falcons dropped off hard from yesterday with only 4. An unexpected nor’easter related highlight was a Virginia Rail flushed from the field next to the platform.

Strong north winds tonight and tomorrow should bring good nocturnal and diurnal migration tonight and tomorrow, and it will be interesting to see if storm-related impacts continue on our counts.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s daily migration update on CVWO social media and the CVWO blog: https://vawildliferesearch.org/cvwo-blog

And follow along with the count live every morning on Trektellen: https://trektellen.nl/count/view/3748/20260924

Eastern Shore Migration Update: September 23, 2026

Today was the first full day of bona fide nor’easter conditions with howling northeast winds, low overcast skies and intermittent drizzle throughout the day. The conditions were not conducive to nocturnal migration, though several species of raptor capitalized on the tailwinds making for a great flight at the Kiptopeke Hawkwatch.

Sunset Beach saw a relatively slow morning overall given the blasting winds, though terns and especially Laughing Gulls were streaming past the count site in good numbers, perhaps in response to being pushed up into the bay. Other bayside sightings included a Sanderling and a Western Sandpiper that put down on the beach briefly before continuing north. The count logged the first two American Black Ducks of the season as well as two Northern Pintail.

Sanderling and Western Sandpiper

The Kiptopeke Hawkwatch saw an excellent flight of Osprey today totaling 410, including many individuals moving south before sunrise and after sunset. An incredible show of 62 Peregrine Falcons and 168 Merlins, an especially high Peregrine total for this month before their peak migration.

Strong northeast winds will continue tomorrow, and with a much more significant migratory liftoff tonight there may actually be some morning flight, though nearly all birds are probably trying to get off the coastline all together. With similar conditions, it could be another great day up at the hawkwatch.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s daily migration update on CVWO social media and the CVWO blog: https://vawildliferesearch.org/cvwo-blog

And follow along with the count live every morning on Trektellen: https://trektellen.nl/count/view/3748/20260923

Eastern Shore Migration Update: September 22, 2026

East winds were blowing in advance of the arriving nor’easter under heavy overcast skies today on the lower Eastern Shore. Migratory movement was moderate overall, though there were some standout highlights. Totals of 24 species and 177 individuals were counted at Sunset Beach.

While there was essentially no morning flight today at Sunset Beach, the Chesapeake Bay provided some quality action. The clear highlight was a southbound juvenile Sabine’s Gull that passed just off the beach at the end of the second hour giving incredible looks and photo ops in the brief moment it was in view! Sabine’s are a very rare offshore migrant that are not recorded annually in Virginia, and this individual was likely brought into the bay ahead of the building nor’easter.

Sabine's Gull

Other highlights in the bay included a southbound Parasitic Jaeger, six Lesser Black-backed Gulls, and singles of Northern Harrier and American Kestrel. Landbird migrants were slower overall, though two Eastern Kingbirds and four late Purple Martins were nice to see. There was no appreciable morning flight, though two northbound American Redstarts and a southbound Palm Warbler put in appearances.  

 he Kiptopeke Hawkwatch had a fairly slow flight but still logged a number of migrating raptors in the subpar conditions, including periods of light rain later in the afternoon, led by 27 Osprey. The continuing Mississippi Kite continued to hang out near the count site. A handful of flyover shorebirds were also seen in the drizzly weather including eight Pectoral Sandpipers, two Semipalmated Plovers, and a Solitary Sandpiper.

Strong northeast winds will build tomorrow with increased chances of rain in the first half of the day. We may see a weather cancellation depending on the intensity of the rain, though oftentimes conditions are drier than forecasted on the Eastern Shore and we hope to be out there counting in the morning!

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s daily migration update on CVWO social media and the CVWO blog: https://vawildliferesearch.org/cvwo-blog

And follow along with the count live every morning on Trektellen: https://trektellen.nl/count/view/3748/20260922

Eastern Shore Migration Update: September 21, 2026

Winds were out of the northwest today at Sunset Beach, but the shift occurred early morning following southerlies all night so little morning flight took place. Totals of 38 species and 266 individuals were counted at Sunset. A shift to the northeast by afternoon brought a nice flight to the Kiptopeke Hawkwatch.

There was a fair bit of diversity and local bird activity at Sunset, though fairly low migratory activity overall. American Robins and Brown-headed Cowbirds were active around the count site today, and 61 and 45 of each were counted each. Warblers were slow, with six Northern Parulas being the most abundant species. Other passerines counted included three Eastern Kingbirds on the later side, 17 Bobolinks, a Scarlet Tanager, and an Indigo Bunting.

Indigo Bunting

The Kiptopeke Hawkwatch had a nice steady flight following the northeast wind shift, with 101 American Kestrels, 69 Merlins, and 57 Osprey featuring most prominently. Thirteen Northern Harriers were a good count for the season so far. The hawkwatch also logged 517 Tree Swallows, the highest count for the season so far of this mid-fall migrant. Local activity around the platform included the continuing Mississippi Kite, Bay-breasted and Nashville Warblers, and a male and female Striped Saddlebags.

Merlin and Mississippi Kite

Weather is predicted to take a turn for the worse this week as a strong offshore low pressure system forms. This system could well turn into a full blown nor’easter bringing strong northeast winds and rain to the Atlantic coast. Impacts could arrive as soon as tomorrow, with afternoon showers and building easterly winds possible. This setup seems likely to temporarily stall out overnight migration for passerines, though some raptors should continue to move through during rainless periods. Shorebirds and other offshore migrants could be grounded throughout the week depending on how the storm shapes up.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s daily migration update on CVWO social media and the CVWO blog: https://vawildliferesearch.org/cvwo-blog

And follow along with the count live every morning on Trektellen: https://trektellen.nl/count/view/3748/20260921