Memories of Cape May, New Jersey Day 3

Yet again it was another early start as we met up by the bus at 6:30am for the short journey to Higbee Beach WMA and the famous Warbler flight. We climbed up the steep bank to the top of the dike with the slurry pit behind us and waited for the sun to start rising over the tree's and the Warblers to start their migration over the Delaware Bay.

Sunrise over the Slurry Pit, Higbee Beach WMA

 This is where the official count takes place and is manned every day by a 'paid' counter to record Warbler numbers as they pass through. It was a quiet morning with little movement but we did add Bald Eagle, Northern Waterthrush, Red-Bellied Woodpecker, many Northern Flickers (including one of the Western Red Shafted forms), a flock of Cedar Waxwings and several Red-winged Blackbirds.
We moved down to the 'Flight Deck' and added good views of Carolina Wren, Brown Thrasher, House Wren, Grey Catbird and a Ruby-Throated Hummingbird.

The Flight Deck

House Wren

Grey Catbird

Bald Eagle

Northern Flicker

Northern Cardinal

 A walk back to the car park afforded good views of a Baltimore Oriole.

Baltimore Oriole

Around 10am we headed back to the CMSP Hawk Watch Point and some raptor action. We had spectacular displays by both Black and Turkey Vultures, Cooper's, Sharp-Shinned and Broad-Winged Hawks, Bald Eagles, American Kestrels, Merlins, Peregrines and Ospreys.

Black Vulture

Turkey Vulture

Sharp-Shinned Hawk

Whilst we were there we had a Glossy Ibis arrive at the Bunker Pond. After this raptor 'fest we headed to Stone Harbour for a long a fruitless search for Piping Plover but we did see Western & Semi-Palmated Sandpipers, American Oystercatcher, and our only view of Brown Pelican. James and I were lagging behind the others so were the only ones to see a flypast Common Loon (Great Northern Diver).
On our way back to the motel we stopped at the local liquor store and I treated myself to a couple of local brews to enjoy with my evening meal.
One from the Tuckahoe Brewing Co. , Holly Beach, which was a spiced pumpkin ale and one from the Freewill Brewing Co. and lowercase IPA @ 4%. We enjoyed yet another good evening and then headed back for our customary early night.