Something for everyone - with more to come

Migration through Cape May got a much-needed injection of new blood this morning, as Higbee Beach saw a pretty good morning flight - which included well over 100 Baltimore Orioles - and many locations around the point buzzed with bird activity. The rapidly disappearing specks that entertain folks at Higbee Dike may not be everyone's idea of prime birding, but it's certainly worth visiting the site on a good passage day, just for the experience of the whole adrenalin-charged show. The rush of birds was felt in the Higbee fields this morning too, and especially noticeable was the influx of Baltimore Orioles, as well as an increase in the range of warbler species flitting along the field edges.

The Northwood Center is starting to attract a trickle of migrants now, with Canada and Magnolia Warblers among the expected Black-and-white Warblers and American Redstart, and a Least Flycatcher was active in the elms.

Elsewhere, beaches continue to attract larger numbers of loafing gulls and terns - and more will come once disturbance tails off after this coming Labor Day weekend and tired migrants will be able to find a few quiet corners to gather up their strength for the next leg of the journey. Shorebirds moving through the backbays ensure that there is always plenty to see in the afternoons and, for those who want a really full day of birding, The Meadows provide excellent sunset fare, with this evening producing Sora, American Bittern and several Green Herons - the last two species spiralling up against a rosy sky and heading out over the bay.

Here's a quick picture journey through a day at Cape May in late August...

Right now, your day would do well to start at Higbee Dike, where the golden wash of dawn might highlight the wings of one of our local Bald Eagles...

As the sun slowly warms the day, Bobolinks start to head over the tree tops...

Then the warblers to start to pass by - here a male Cape May Warbler heads north to find suitable cover to spend the day.

Meanwhile, swallows gather on South Cape May Beach to warm up before continuing their journey - Tree, Barn and Bank Swallows all share the dune fence...

Back at the Higbee Beach fields, warblers seek insects along the woodland edge - Chestnut-sided Warblers peak from the Virginia Creeper....

....and Black-and-white Warblers creep along thicker branches like humbug nuthatches.

Then of course there are the surprises - today's highlights included a movement of Common Nighthawks, several of which could be found sitting on branches at Higbee Beach and, well, not doing too good of a job in trying to look like a dead branch!

Shorebirds will continue to pass through in good numbers for several weeks yet, like these cinnamon-tinted juvenile Short-billed Dowitchers at The Meadows...

...and, for those with eyes on things in addition to birds, migratory dragonflies will be reaching a peak in the next few weeks - a steady passage of northbound individuals was taking place at Sunset Beach today, with Carolina and Black Saddlebags, Swamp and Green Darners, Twelve-spotted Skimmers and Wandering Gliders (above) all involved. Photos by Mike Crewe

It's time to head to Cape May again!