Last Trip to the Jersey Shore

This will be the last time in 2009 that I'll be going to the shore for bird watching. The last guided walks through the Cape May Bird Observatory end next week (for the year) and I was on vacation this week so I decided to go down for a few days before the rains started. I went down after work on Saturday and after checking into my hotel I went straight to Stone Harbor beach which is close . It was very cold and windy so I didn't spend too much time here. I didn't see too much around but the Sanderlings.

This jetty was quite a ways from me; I didn't notice that there were birds in there until I got home and uploaded the photos. The ocean was very rough.

I hope your able to see the sand blowing across the beach in this shot.

The next morning I got up early and went to the Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge (locally referred to as the "Meadows"). There were a lot of ducks around; here are some Mallards flying by.

The beautiful American Wigeon was there along with many others.

A Mallard carrying on.

Another one of the ducks. There are so many pretty ones!

Some Canada Geese coming in for a landing.

Dark photo but here is a Double-crested Cormorant flying past me.

A Song Sparrow peeking through the branches.

Thank you Resin. That's what I thought. Gadwall's are one of my favorites

Super shots, Pelle! The first one and the Mallards cruising past are my favorites..so far.

I went down to the Cape May Point State Park next to look around from the Hawk Watch platform. Here was an American Coot nearby.

There wasn't a whole lot around at this point but a Northern Harrier flying above.

The Lighthouse

Went to the Stone Harbor Wetlands Institute next. There were loads of European Starlings around feasting on berries.

A beautiful Great Egret was in the first pond.

Stretching that wing.

This one was a complete and wonderful surprise! He only appeared for a few seconds. An American Bittern

A last shot of the Great Egret. I always find the pure white birds hard to photograph.

The same day I went to Rea Farm also known as the Beanery. This was the first time I had ever been here. I unfortunately did not take my camera this first time and of course missed what would have been good shots of a Red-eyed Vireo and a low flying adult Bald Eagle. There were large groups of Turkey and Black Vultures gliding in the sky. Here is a pic of part of the second field you come to. It looks pretty with the Fall colors.

Here is a page with a site description of the Beanery.

http://www.njwildlifetrails.org/DelawareBayshoreTrails/Sites/tabid/440/Scope/site/Guide/DELBAYSH/Site/19/Default.aspx

Here is the main reason I came to this spot. Later I came back with my camera and got some pics of this beautiful young Swainson's Hawk!!! He is a new bird for me and he spent the whole day there hunting and eating lots of juicy crickets. Isn't he gorgeous?

From the back. I was here 3 different times watching him, it was such a joy to see him.

He was running and hopping all over the field , sometimes resting in trees for a break or better look.

One last shot of him.

A Great Blue Heron

I did go on 2 guided walks in Cape May. One at the Meadows and another at 2 Mile Beach in West Wildwood. I did not take the camera but at the Meadows we had great looks at a
Northern Goshawk. Even at this late time of the year we saw at least 48 different species of birds. We were continually hearing a a Virginia Rail around but did not see it.

At 2 Mile we saw beautiful Buffleheads along with Hooded Merganser's, Red-throated Loons and many others.

I can't begin to say enough about the Cape May Bird Observatory and it's programs of walks, boat trips, classes etc. All the people are so well informed friendly and helpful. Their volunteers are just outstanding and you learn so much from them about the birds and other things in the area. If your close enough to ever spend some time here during the long season please be sure to check it out. You'll love it. Here is their website to look at recent sightings, walks and programs.

http://www.birdcapemay.org/index.html

When I first started going on the walks in May I had 75 birds on my Life List, now I have 190.!! Not that thats what it is all about but it goes to show you what great birding spot Cape May really is, Hope you enjoyed the thread.

Wow, love that Hawk. And boy was it cooperative for you!

Thanks for the Tour!

Thanks Mr Ed.

Let me show you the normal Range Map for a Swainson's Hawk. You can see their not supposed to be on the East Coast so that was quite a thrill.

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Swainsons_Hawk/id

whoa! I guess not. they are WAY off!

That hawk is awesome!! You sure captured it beautifully in photos.
You really got some beautiful photos here. I know how hard it is to get good photos of the egrets and you did great. Love the Wigeon photo and Bittern is really a beauty (I remember my first sighting of one of these and it was so exciting!). Actually, I loved seeing all your photos-thanks for taking us with you!!

Sorry it's getting too cold for more trips.

Thanks duc. The 2 full days I was down there we had a warm front with temps in the high 60's so it worked out good.

I think they may be having a walk in January at Jakes Landing ( a little north of Cape May). It would be a great place to see Owls so I'm hoping to go there.

Hi again. I'm adding this link because it explains a lot about Two Mile Beach. It used to be owned by the Coast Guard until they handed it over to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and it's 507 acres became the
Cape May National Wildlife Refuge. From April 1 thru September 30 the 2 miles of beach is completely off limits to people in order to protect shorebirds.




http://www.njwildlifetrails.org/DelawareBayshoreTrails/Sites/tabid/440/Scope/site/Guide/DELBAYSH/Site/4/Default.aspx

Beautiful pictures! Those bird walks sure do pay off!

I definitely want to visit Cape May someday! Thanks Pelle for all the info and the great pictures. Really like the Swainson's, that's quite a distance from its normal range, wonder what made him visit Cape May, glad it did though. :)

Pelle, thank you for a truly wonderful thread. I've so enjoyed the each and every photo and the commentary. What a fantastic place. It does look as if it was wild and very windy at the shore. Great capture of the Mallards in flight. I love the legs on that American Bittern. But boy oh boy, that Swainson's Hawk is a stunner.

Beautiful thread Pelle...you are just so lucky to witness all these birds. Congrats on all the new ones added to your life list and especially the Swainson's Hawk. It looks like you were in seventh heaven...!!

Thanks so much guys!

Yes Rose, I was extremely happy, especially the third time going back there and having the Swainson's right in front of me. I stopped dead in my tracks (I'm sure my eyes were bugged out and mouth agape) I was sure he would fly away as I quickly and quietly tried to spread the tripod legs and get the camera adjusted but he didn't move. I never expected to get a new raptor on my list during this trip so I was really surprised.

Hi Margaret, Since you like the Am. Bitterns legs I'll show you the second shot of him. His head is hidden by the reeds but he is in mid step showing one leg a little better.

Congratulations, pelle, on all your successes at Cape May this year. I am really envious of the Swainson's Hawk. You got some great shots. The American Bittern isn't always easy to locate, either.

Thanks Linth! I was thrilled to get the shot of the Am. Bittern. As you've said they aren't always easy to locate. I've seen them twice (for just seconds) before but didn't have a camera in my hands.