Cape May Hawk Watch

We did a day trip to Cape May, which of course includes a stop at the Hawk Watch. It is never a long wait for a passing raptor. During my brief stay, my passing overhead or nearby were Red-tailed, Broad-winged, Sharp-shinned, Cooper's, Peregrine, Harrier, Turkey and Black Vulture.

A few even permitted some photos.

Notice the full crop on this juvenile Sharp-shinned Hawk. A good omen for its survival ... it has learned to hunt on its own.

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Bald Eagle - hatch year bird.

Bald Eagle - 1st year

 This Red-tailed Hawk put on a flying display directly over the Hawk Watch platform.

Red-tailed Hawk

Bald Eagle. 

Bald Eagle

 So many hawks migrate through Cape May, that it is common to have two or more species in the glass at one time. Next photo is the same Bald Eagle, but notice the size difference of the Sharp-shinned Hawk in the bottom right corner.

It's always good birding. In Cape May, it is almost always excellent birding.