Eastern Shore Migration Update: August 28, 2025

Today's Sunset Beach Morning Flight Count featured south-southwest winds off the bay, and a varied overcast sky that allowed a very nice sunrise. A nice varied flight followed, and the morning was fairly laid-back due to a somewhat lower volume of birds but still enjoyably diverse. A total of 31 species and 533 individuals were counted in migration this morning. 

One of the more notable movements of the day was a Sandwich Tern movement that took place later on in the morning. A steady trickle of Sandwich Terns lasted for several minutes, including many birds forming tight small groups low over the water as they moved south in apparent active migration. A total of 58 Sandwich Terns were counted, by far the season high count for the species. 

Another highlight was a Canada Warbler that moved through low in the shrubs, but still came out into the open long enough for some very nice views. Canada Warblers are an uncommon species out here on the Eastern Shore and are often difficult to see well due to their habit of staying low in dense thickets and undercover. This individual however seemed intent on providing some good views. 

Without a significant reverse migration to speak of, forward migrants had a good day including a tally of 101 Bobolink and 258 Eastern Kingbird counted. A total of 199 kingbirds were counted moving south, while 59 moved back north. An interesting kingbird insight came mid-morning when Audrey texted that hundreds of kingbirds were headed south and should be arriving at Sunset. However, these flocks never materialized at Sunset until later in the morning, suggesting the birds put down somewhere mid-morning to forage or rest, possibly in the vicinity of the Taylor Pond. 

The Kiptopeke Hawkwatch also had a diverse day with Ospreys, a Cooper's Hawk, and Northern Harriers counted for the day. A good southbound flight of passerines was also counted, including a total of 1076 southbound Eastern Kingbirds. A total of 85 Purple Martins were also counted with a majority being males, unusual for this time of year on the Shore.

Winds swing around to the south and over to the southwest and eventually west tomorrow. Another cold front is forecasted to pass down through on Friday night, and will hopefully bring another significant migration movement!

Stay in the loop by following the daily Eastern Shore Migration Updates here on the CVWO Blog, and follow along with our counts live on Trektellen for real-time updates every day: 

Sunset Beach Morning Flight Count: https://trektellen.nl/count/view/3748/20250828

Kiptopeke Hawkwatch: https://trektellen.nl/count/view/4022/20250828