[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]


                                                                           FINAL PRODUCT       FY'94 Task 2.10
                                                                           Northampton      Avian Migration at Kiptopeke State Pork







                                                  SUMMARY REPORT
                                                          OF THE
                                            1995 AUTUMN I IAWKWATCH
                                                             AT
                                       KIPT0PEKE STATE PARK, VIRGINIA





                                                         Conducted by
                                   Kiptopeke Environmental Station Research Education Laboratory
                                                         K. E. ST.R.E.L.





                                                    Research and Report by
                                                        Brian L. Sullivan
                                                          377 9th St.
                                                      Surf City, NJ 08008
                                                         609-361-1164












                                     K.E.ST.R.E.L, P.O. Box I 11, Franktown, Virginia 23354
                                                         804-229-6095










                      This report was funded, in part, by the Department of Environmental Quality's Coastal Resources Management
                      Program through Grant #NA470Z0287-01 of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of
                      Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended.
 








                 INTRODUCTION
                 For more than 18 years the Kiptopeke Hawkwatch has been conducted by volunteers.
                 During the fall of 1995 the first full-time hawk count was taken by a single observer.
                 From 15 August to 30 November a total of 79,208 raptors of seventeen species were
                 recorded during 966.5 hours of observation. All season totals were new record high
                 counts. All daily counts were new records as well, with the exception of Northern
                 Goshawk and Merlin. A total of 273 species of birds were recorded on the peninsula
                 during the count period. Counts were conducted on a daily basis, except when
                 precipitation or unfavorable winds were prevalent. In future years count methodology will
                 remain consistent to ensure the comparability of the data. Funding for this project was
                 provided by a grant attained through Virginia Coastal Management Resources Program
                 (804-678-0477). This report is the final document in the 1995 contract between Brian L.
                 Sullivan and Kiptopeke Environmental Station Research Education Laboratory
                 (K.E.ST.R.E.L.).


                 PURPOSE
                 The purpose of the hawkwatch is to gather long-term data regarding the fal] migration of
                 raptors down the Atlantic Flyway of Virginia's Eastern Shore. By establishing a long-term
                 census project, populations and migratory trends can be assessed and monitored. The
                 secondary purpose is to provide public education concerning raptors, their migration, and
                 usage of vital habitat found along the Eastern Shore.

                 METHODOLOGY
                 Consistent count methodology is important to ensure the legitimacy of the project. To
                 avoid observer bias, K.E.ST.R.E.L. requires one individual counter to conduct the
                 hawkwatch throughout the entire count period. Relief days were covered by skilled
                 observers famifiar with the site and its migration. All census and weather data were
                 recorded hourly on forms provided by the Hawk Migration Association of North America
                 (MvIANA). All raptors were tallied individually on hand-held clickers. The hawkwatch
                 platform was utilized on all weather conditions,, and proved to be the best place to view
                 the majority of migrants. Counting was attempted for a few hours at two other locations,
                 the GATR Tract, and The Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildfife Refuge, when,
                 during strong northwest winds, migrants were thought to be moving down the eastern side
                 of the peninsula. However, both sites proved to be inferior to Kiptopeke during these
                 flight conditions. The observer used Zeiss 7x42 binoculars and a Kowa 30x spotting
                 scope. All eagles, Rough4egged Hawks, and Northern. Goshawks were aged when
                 possible.

                 STUDY AREA
                 Kiptopeke State Park is located roughly 3 miles north of the southern tip of the Delmarva
                 Peninsula along the Chesapeake Bay. Migrating raptors moving south become
                 concentrated by the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Chesapeake Bay to the west.
                 Because of the geography of the peninsula, raptors migrating directly south towards Cape
                 Henry, Virginia, become condensed along the bayshore eventually passing over
                 Kiptopeke,











                  WEATHER AND FLIGHT LINES
                  A wide variety of weather conditions can be conducive to large movements of raptors at
                  Kiptopeke. The observer found that during favorable winds, i.e. northeast and east, the
                  main line of flight occurred directly over the hawk platform at Kiptopeke, with smaller
                  numbers of migrants moving south over the Chesapeake Bay and down Route 13. The
                  height of migration varied greatly with wind speed. During strong winds, raptors moved
                  low, often at tree-top level, but during moderate winds raptors rn@igrated on all levels;
                  high, medium, and low. On light winds migrants were frequently counted at the limit of
                  binocular range. On calm winds few migrants were observed. Other wind directions
                  proved to be conducive to bringing large numbers of migrants over Kiptopeke as well.
                  North, northwest, and southeast, in order of decreasing productivity, all proved to be
                  excellent. During north and northwest winds large numbers of migrants were present, but
                  were usually observed moving south over Route 13 and extremely high. Southeast winds
                  brought smaller numbers of migrants directly over Kiptopeke and typically at moderate to
                  low heights. South,@Arinds were found to be good for small movements of accipiters, and
                  excellent for numbers of Peregrine Falcons, Southwest and west winds were productive
                  only during the peak of the season. On all combinations of westerly winds migrants were
                  detected moving far to the east and away from the observers at Kiptopeke. Heavy
                  precipitation stopped migration, but during the peak of the season, accipiters, falcons, and
                  barriers all migrated during light rainfall. Low, heavy clouds were typically unproductive,
                  cutting off thermal production for soaring migrants.

                  MONTHLY SUMMARIES


                  AUGUST
                  Due to the considerable amount of northeast wind experienced throughout August, the
                  month was productive, The first raptor of the season, an American Kestrel, was recorded
                  at 7:14 AM on 8/15/95. A total of 22 raptors were recorded the first day including the
                  season's first Bald Eagle, a first-year adult. Evacuation from Hurricane Felix left the 16th,
                  17th, and 18th uncovered. The peak flight in August occurred on 8/29 with 135 raptors
                  counted including 67 American Kestrels and 42 Ospreys. As expected, American
                  )Cestrels, Ospreys, and Northern Harriers were the most abundant species recorded during
                  August. Also of note were 3 Bald Eagles recorded on 8/20 and 20 Northern Harriers on
                  8/23. August brought us a total of 655 raptors during 123 hours of observation.

                  SEPTEMBER
                  September began slowly with a week of west and southwest winds. The first east wind on
                  9/8 brought 385 raptors, including 298 American Kestrels and 57 Ospreys. The second
                  day of northeast winds on the 9th produced 940 raptors including 741 American Kestrels,
                  120 Ospreys, and 30 Northern Harriers. The first four-digit flight of the year occurred on
                  9/10 when 1321 raptors were counted, including 1059 American Kestrels. Also recorded
                  on the I Oth were 119 Ospreys and 5 Bald Eagles. A total of 920 raptors were counted on
                  the I I th punctuated by 8 Bald Eagles and 26 Merlins. Although 9/12 was slow overall, it
                  brought us the first Swainson's Hawk of the season, a juvenile dark-morph. Topping off








                 the first two weeks of September were 2651 raptors recorded during a strong northeast
                 wind on 9/15. American Kestrels set a new single day record, 2136, only to be broken
                 later the same month. Also counted on 9/15 were 80 Merlins, 42 Northern Harriers, and
                 the season's first push of Sharp-shinned Hawks, 274.

                 The last half of September was nothing short of spectacular. On 9/18 an extraordinary
                 3078 raptors were recorded including 1358 American Kestrels, 975 Sharp-shinned Hawks,
                 346 Ospreys, a record at the time, and 6 Bald Eagles. On 9/19 a virtual repeat of the
                 previous day occurred when 3046 raptors were counted. Another 1326 American
                 Kestrels were seen as well as 136 Merlins, 1166 Sharp-shinned Hawks, 206 Ospreys, and
                 ajuvenile light-morph Swainson's Hawk. The 20th was somewhat slower, yet produced
                 another Swainson's Hawk, a heavily marked juvenile light-morph. Excellent flights
                 continued until 9/27 when a four-day streak of favorable winds produced the largest
                 numbers of raptors ever recorded at Kiptopeke. On 9/27 a remarkable 4546 raptors were
                 counted including 2271 Sharp-shinned Hawks, 1539 American Kestrels, 234 Ospreys, and
                 a record 16 Bald Eagles. The 28th continued our good fortune when a total of 3751
                 raptors were tallied for the day. On September 29th, a strong northeast wind brought us
                 the most spectacular flight in the history of the hawkwatch. An astounding 8757 raptors
                 were counted including a string of new daily records: 3842 Sharp-shinned Hawks, 2427
                 American Kestrels, 513 Ospreys, 340 Cooper's Hawks, and 119 Northern Harriers. Also
                 of note were 1316 Broad-winged Hawks, a new single-day record at the time. The
                 volume of migrating raptors that day can not be understated. Hawks were migrating in
                 numbers through every part of the sky. Many observers were on hand to help find flight
                 lines. Their help was needed and greatly appreciated. I have never seen such numbers
                 migrating on such a broad front. The flight was massive, continuing as far as one could
                 see over the bay, as well as to the east over Route 13. Overhead, migrants were thick at
                 all levels, low, medium, and at the limit of binocular vision. It is impossible to capture the
                 magnitude of that day. It was truly remarkable. The 30th continued the streak with 5544
                 raptors, the second biggest flight ever recorded at Kiptopeke, but paled in comparison to
                 the previous day. Excellent numbers of all species were recorded, with a highlight of 2454
                 Broad-winged Hawks, a new record. An incredible 42,979 raptors were counted during
                 295.5 hours of observation. Also noteworthy were the fourteen days of northeast or east
                 winds expefienced during September.

                 OCTOBER
                 October continued the streak with three 2000+ days in a row. On 10/1, 2161 raptors were
                 punctuated by 81 Peregrine Falcons, I I Bald Eagles, and 287 Ospreys. October 2nd
                 produced 2463 raptors while the third produced 2680 raptors including a record 102
                 Peregrine Falcons. Oddly, the flight on 10/3 occurred in less than three hours between 12
                 PM and 3 PM on southerly winds. Flights were poor for the next 3 days due to southerly
                 winds and varying amounts of precipitation. A cold front on the night of October 7th
                 brought five 1000+ days in a row, with exceffent counts for most species. Of note were
                 13 Bald Eagles on 10/8, the season's first Northern Goshawk on 10/10, three days of 200+
                 Cooper's Hawks from 10/ 10 to 10/12, and the first two Golden Eagles of the year on
                 10/11.









                Poor numbers were recorded on the 14th and l5th, however, each day brought a different
                Swainson's Hawk. A juvenile dark-morph on the 14th, and a juvenile light-morph on the
                15th. Mediocre flights continued for the next weekvNith a scarcity of northeast winds.
                The next gust of northeast wind on 10/25 brought with it 1660 raptors including a record
                684 Turkey Vultures. Also noteworthy was a late 122 Ospreys and I I Bald Eagles. The
                northeast wind continued on 10/26 bringing us another 1587 raptors including a record
                182 Black Vultures,569 Turkey Vultures, 175 Red-tailed Hawks, 64 Northern Harriers,
                10 Bald Eagles, and 4 Golden Eagles. Poor winds and mediocre flights would close out
                the month with the exception of 748 raptors counted on 10/30. A total of 27,185 raptors
                were counted during 340.25 hours of observation.

                NOVEMBER
                Although the first two weeks of November suffered from the lack of northeast winds,
                good numbers of migrants appeared with the passage of cold fronts and northwesterly
                winds. On 11/4 a respectable 383 raptors were recorded including I I Bald Eagles and 2
                Golden Eagles. A few hours of northeast wind on 11/5 brought us 109 Red-tailed Hawks,
                7 Bald Eagles, and 4 Golden Eagles. On the 8th, 848 raptors were tallied including I I
                Bald Eagles and 319 Turkey Vultures. The northwest wind continued on 11/9 and
                produced a record 5 Golden Eagles and 12 Bald Eagles. Also recorded on 11/9 was
                perhaps the rarest bird of the year, an adult dark-morph Harlan's Red-tailed Hawk. On
                11/12 a northwest wind produced 670 raptors including 487 Turkey Vultures, 9 Bald
                Eagles, and 5 Golden Eagles. On the night of 11/12 an incredible 124 Saw-whet Owls
                were banded by David Whalen from William & Marys Owl Research Project, a new
                record for the east coast.


                Above average flights continued through 11/20 with a total of 7 Golden Eagles, and
                records for both Red-tailed and Red-shouldered hawks on 11/17, totalling 176 and 31
                respectively. On 11/21 the first, and last, Rough-legged Hawk of the season was
                recorded, a juvenile light-morph. On 11/22 the sixth Swainson's Hawk of the year was
                counted, also a juvende fight-morph. The final week of the hawkwatch was quiet, with
                small numbers of migrants trickling through. A total of 8389 raptors were recorded
                during 207.75 hours of observation in November. The last raptor of the season, an adult
                male Northern Harrier was recorded on 11/28, surely not the last hawk to drift south over
                Kiptopeke this year. 1995 was an extraordinary year at Kiptopeke, however, fiulher
                research is essential in making useful comparisons within the long-term data set.

                SPECIES ACCOUNTS


                Black Vulture (CoragWs atralus)
                1995 was perhaps the first time an accurate attempt to count Black Vultures was made at
                Kiptopeke. Small numbers of Black Vultures were present on the peninsula during
                August when the hawkwatch began. Suspected n-dgrants were seen on favorable winds
                throughout August and early September, however, few were counted until late September.
                Numbers of Black Vultures increased until the peak flight of 182 on 10/26. Black








                Vultures along with Turkey Vultures present a special problem for counters at Kiptopeke
                because of their reluctance to cross the bay. Often in late afternoon, after a days
                migration, large numbers of vultures would move north past Kiptopeke, with single kettles
                often eclipsing the total count for the day. When this occurred the daily total would
                consist only of birds moving south throughout the day. One explanation for this
                occurrence is that vultures migrate on a broad front, down the entire peninsula,
                Wngregate at the tip, and then move north up the bayshore eventually circumventing the
                bay. Typically, after a good vulture flight, very few would be seen the next day, possibly
                indicating that they moved out of the area. This phenomenon occurred for Red-tailed
                Hawks and to a lesser extent in other buteos. Also of note was the fact that on some wind
                conditions vultures and buteos were seen crossing the bay. They were found to cross
                most often on northeast and southeast winds, possibly suggesting a fear of being blown
                over the ocean by westerly winds. I feel that the methodology used to count vultures was
                the most conservative, and is almost certainly an undercount of migrants through the area.
                The season total of 2172 is evidence of this species northward range expansion. Numbers
                of Black Vultures counted at Kiptopeke should continue to increase given their current
                trend.


                Turkey Vulture (Catharles aura)
                Like the Black Vulture, Turkey Vultures have had a population explosion and range
                expansion over the past few decades. 1995's season total of 8034 is in keeping with
                increasing counts along the Great Lakes during spring migration, as well as steadily
                climbing fall counts at Cape May, New Jersey. The single day record of 684 on 10/25 was
                impressive with over 500 vultures in the air at one time. Three different individuals were
                observed in early October with radio telemetry wires on their backs, as well as one with a
                red patagial marker on the left wing.

                Osprey (Pandion hahaeetus)
                An incredible 5762 Ospreys were counted at Mptopeke this fall, the largest Osprey flight
                ever recorded in North America. This species has increased markedly after the banning of
                DDT in the U.S., and numbers observed at Kiptopeke should continue to increase as
                more nesting habitat is occupied throughout the Northeast and Canada. Seventeen days of
                100+ Ospreys were recorded this season with a peak of 513 on 9/29. Of note was the fact
                that the majority of Ospreys aged during November were juveniles. Ospreys seemed to
                migrate in good numbers during most weather and wind conditions, and were often seen
                crossing the bay well before reaching Kiptopeke. Lines of Ospreys would form far out
                over the bay and often extremely high. Ospreys and Bald Eagles were found to use similar
                ffight lines on most weather conditions. Ospreys were also found to be good indicator
                birds during high flights throughout September and early October. When scanning a blue
                sky for migrants, an Osprey would typically indicate a line of incoming birds ranging from
                a few dozen to hundreds.









                 Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
                 This year's spectacular flight of Bald Eagles is a promising sign of their rebound after the
                 banning of DDT. With large wintering areas on the Chesapeake Bay area and its
                 surrounding rivers, i.e. the James River, the Delmarva Flyway is perhaps the largest
                 migratory route for Bald Eagles in the eastern U. S. The season total of 264 is incredible,
                 but seems logical considering the number of Ospreys recorded. With a few resident pairs
                 of Bald Eagles in the vicinity of Kiptopeke, much care was taken to ensure that the
                 counted eagles were actually migrants. The local eagles behavior was typically a clear
                 giveaway, differing markedly from that of the migrants. Two local adults were often seen
                 harassing migrants in their territory, but were rarely observed using the high flight fine
                 often taken by migrant eagles. An interesting observation from the chart below is the
                 small window of migration utilized by 2, 3, and 4-year old eagles, compared to the
                 extended migration period used by juveniles and to a lesser extent, adults. The peak flight
                 of 16 on 9/27 was a new record for Kiptopeke. Also of note were 20 days of 5+, and 9
                 days of 10+. Bald Eagles, Ospreys, and Peregrine Falcons were observed taking a nearly
                 east to west flight line high over Kiptopeke on several occasions. Both Bald and Golden
                 eagles were observed migrating in twos and threes on good flights, and were often seen
                 interacting together. A juvenile Bald Eagle with almost completely white flight feathers
                 was observed at Cape May on 10/8 and at Kiptopeke on 10/9. This individual was
                 distinctive giving the appearance of having only dark wing-tips and completely white
                 secondaries.


                                   8/16-8/31          9/1-9/16      9/19-9/30     10/1-10/16  10/16-10/31  11/1-11/16     11/16-11/30    Totals
                 JUVENILE               5                 5              21           29           16           19               7          102  
                 BASIC I                                  2               8            3            8            6               2          31
                 BASIC II                                                              2            6            6               1          16
                 BASIC III (TRANS)                        2              10            3            5           4                           24
                 1ST ADULT              2                 3               4             5            3           1                          18
                 ADULT                  1                 9              20            12           11          18                          71
                 UNKNOWN AGE                              1                                          1           1                           3
                 TOTALS                 8                22              63            64           60          67               10        264 

                 Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus)
                 1995's season total of 1697 was a record, but seems low considering the total number of
                 migrants counted. The peak flight of 119 occurred on 9/29 and was also a record. A few
                 things may be responsible for the lower number of harriers counted. They are much less
                 reluctant to cross large bodies of water than other migrants, and perhaps cross the bay
                 well before reaching Kiptopeke. Also large numbers of harriers move south down the
                 barrier islands far to the east of Kiptopeke. Much larger counts occurred on northeast
                 winds suggesting that wind-blown birds end up along the bayshore. Very few adult female
                 harriers were observed at Kiptopeke until late October and November, however, numbers
                 of adult males were seen as early as August.
 







                 Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus)
                 The total of 26,3 5 5 is remarkable considering the apparent crash of Sharp-shinned Hawk
                 populations in the northeast, Although numbers suffered in October from the lack of
                 northeast winds, Kiptopeke's count was nearly equal to that of Cape May during fall 1995.
                 The peak flight was 3842 on 9/29. The recent increase over the past few years in the
                 northeast is heartening, and bodes well for future years. Perhaps we will once again see
                 numbers of Sharp-shinned Hawks approaching those counted in the early 80's at Cape
                 May.

                 Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperfi)
                 1995 was a spectacular year for Cooper's Hawks throughout the northeast. The season
                 total of 3625 was punctuated by a peak flight of 340 on 9/29, Five days of over 200
                 Cooper's Hawks were recorded as well as six days of 100+. Record numbers of Cooper's
                 were banded at Kiptopeke this year.

                 Northern Goshawk (Accipiler gentilis)
                 Although 14 Nor-them Goshawks is a record for Kiptopeke, one would expect more
                 considering the numbers of accipiters counted. Cape May and Hawk Mountain both
                 experienced above average seasons for the species, possibly suggesting that they stop and
                 winter somewhere between Kiptopeke and Cape May. All Northern Goshawks were
                 juveniles with the exception of one adult on November 4th. A second adult female was
                 reported from the banding project at Wise Point, three miles south of Kiptopeke. The
                 peak flight was 4 on 11/8.

                 Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus)
                 The lack of northeast winds during the last six weeks of the watch greatly reduced the
                 number of Red-shouldered Hawks observed at Kiptopeke. The season total of 153 is well
                 below what one would expect given the number of raptors counted. Buteos are observed
                 in good numbers only on northeast winds, whereas eagles are often seen in numbers on
                 north and northwest. The seasons peak count was 3 1 on I 1/ 17. Much larger numbers
                 could be expected given the right conditions during their peak.

                 Broad-winged Hawk (Buteoplatypterus)
                 1995's total of 5211 is excellent for any coastal hawkwatch. Good amounts of
                 northeasterly winds during their peak produced a record flight of 2454 on 9/30. Broad-
                 winged Hawk migration is unpredictable and much larger numbers could possibly show up
                 on the peninsula. Of interest was the flight line utilized by Broad-wingeds on the bigger
                 days. Broad-wingeds were observed coming in off the bay from behind the hawkwatch in
                 huge numbers. They were perhaps attempting to cross the bay further up the peninsula
                 and were seen returning over Kiptopeke. Another scenario is that they were migrating in
                 large numbers down the east side and turned north past Kiptopeke after encountering the
                 bay. Large kettles of 300+ Broad-wingeds were breaking in from the water and moving
                 northeast over Kiptopeke without ever being seen passing on their way south. A casual
                 observer may have thought they were crossing the bay from the west side and m@igrating
                 north. A good number of Broad-wingeds were not counted on the big days due to our








                inexperience with the flight lines. No other species of raptor was observed n-dgratingAith
                Broad-Aringeds in this manner. Hopefully next time we will be able to recognize this flight
                line immediately without missing a significant number. Broad-wingeds did not utilize this
                flight line on small to medium sized flights. They used a typical north to south line
                overhead along with most other migrating raptors.

                Swainson's flawk (Buteo swainsoni)
                The six Swainson's Hawks counted at Kiptopeke nearly doubles the number of records for
                the state of Virginia. Two juvenile dark-morphs and four juvenile light-morphs were
                counted on six separate dates. A juvenile light-morph was seen in the vicinity of
                Kiptopeke on 10/17 but was presumably the same bird recorded on 10/15. Althoughnot
                previously recorded from Kiptopeke, the species is probably an annual migrant.
                Swainson's Hawks have an extended migration through the East and should be looked for
                throughout the entire season.

                Red-tailed Hawk (Buteojamaicensis)
                Like Red-shouldered Hawks, Red-tailed Hawk numbers suffered from the lack of
                northeast winds during late October and November. Even with only a few hours of
                northeast winds, good numbers of Red-tailed Hawks were seen over Kiptopeke. The
                season total of 2083 was punctuated by a peak flight of 176 on 11/17, An adult dark-
                morph Harlan's Red-tailed Hawk (B. j. harlani) was recorded on 11/9. The Harlan's
                passed directly over the hawkwatch at Kiptopeke, providing an excellent view. After
                soaring for about forty seconds, it turned west and flapped, directly into a 25 to 30 mph
                head-wind, across the bay.

                Rough-legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus)
                This arctic breeding raptor was not expected in numbers this far south, as there are few
                wintering areas south of Kiptopeke. One individual was recorded on the morning of
                11/21, a juvenfle light-morph.

                Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
                1995 was an excellent year for Golden Eagles at Kiptopeke and throughout most of the
                Northeast. Record numbers were recorded at Cape May and Hawk Mountain. An oddly
                plumaged juvenile with a large white primary patch on the right wing, and a nearly all dark
                left wing, was seen at Cape May on 10/25 and at Kiptopeke on 10/26. The total of 37 is
                remarkable for any coastal hawkwatch. Kiptopeke is farther downridge than most other
                coastal sites, however, few wintering Goldens have been found south of the Delmarva
                peninsula. Goldens are not known to winter in the vicinity of Kiptopeke, with only two
                records from the Cape Charles Christmas Bird Count in nearly thirty years. Perhaps they
                angle west after crossing the bay and winter in the mountains of Virginia, Tennessee, and
                North Carolina. The daily peak was 5 on 11/9 and 11/12, but two days of 4 were also








                 recorded. Four were seen in the air at one time on three occasions and five together on
                 11/12, an impressive sight anywhere in the East. Of interest was the fact that eagles, both
                 Bald and Golden, appeared in good numbers on northwest winds but buteos did not.
                 Vultures were also recorded in good numbers on northwest winds and Golden Eagles
                 were observed associating with them on numerous occasions.


                                                  JUVENILE                34
                                                  BASIC 1                  2
                                                  BASIC It                 0
                                                  SUB-ADULT                0
                                                  ADULT                    0
                                                  UNKNOWN                  1
                                                  TOTALS                  37


                 American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)
                 The flight of American Kestrels recorded at Kjptopeke this fall is one of the highest counts
                 ever recorded in North America. The season total of 20,682 was punctuated by two huge
                 flights of 2427 and 2136, on 9/29 and 9/15 respectively. Eight days of 1000+ American
                 Kestrels made this season unforgettable. Kestrels took advantage of the strong northeast
                 winds experienced throughout September to move in big numbers early in the season.
                 Good flights continued through the beginning of October, and migrants trickled through
                 into late November. American Kestrels have been on a decline over the past decade
                 throughout the Northeast, and such a high count may be an indicator that they are on the
                 rebound. The past few seasons at Cape May have shown an increase in overall numbers.
                 Although Kiptopeke's count was extraordinary, Cape May did not observe Kestrels in
                 large numbers this year. Although the discrepancy is probably weather related, American
                 Kestrel populations should continue to be closely monitored.

                 Merlin (Falco columbarius)
                 1995 was a record year for Merlins with 2126 counted. Like Kestrels, Merlin numbers
                 were increased by favorable winds throughout their peak period. Large numbers of all
                 three species of falcons migrate down the barrier islands and could be easily missed at
                 Yjptopeke. Northeast winds help push these migrants off the islands and over the
                 peninsula. Merlins are also frequently seen far out over the bay, and a growing tree line a
                 Fjptopeke could hamper efforts to count them in the future. The peak ffight of 201 on
                 9/25 was only 14 short of breaking the daily record set on September 21, 1992. As
                 observed at Cape May, Merlins at Kiptopeke typically peaked during the last few hours of
                 the day, often migrating in numbers until dark.








                 Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
                 Kiptopeke's season total of 985 is second only to Cape May's record count of 1101 during
                 the fall of 1995. Northeast winds helped send numbers through the roof, but oddly the
                 peak flight of 102 occurred on a southeast wind on 10/3. South and southeast winds were
                 found to be excellent for Peregrines at Kiptopeke. On these conditions Peregrines seemed
                 to hug the treetops and pass directly over the hawk platform. On other winds such as
                 northeast, north, and northwest, large numbers of Peregrines were seen over the center of
                 the peninsula. On this typically high flight line, Peregrines would ri-@igrate in twos and
                 threes for hours at a time. These migrants were often hard to see and entire flights could
                 easily be n-@issed in a blue sky. Northeast winds seem essential for bringing record
                 numbers of Peregrines in from the ocean and the barrier islands.

                 Unidentified
                 One unidentified accipiter was observed on the morning of 9/25 at 7:04 EST. The bird
                 was seen at close range for 15 seconds soaring in front of the platform and eventually
                 overhead. It was so close that a scope was unnecessary, only about 15 feet high. Out in
                 front the bird was an obviously brown backed accipiter with a sturdy flight style, and
                 shaped much like a male Cooper's Hawk. When seen overhead I noticed that the bird was
                 completely barred below with reddish brown. A distinct eye line was visible, and the
                 prominent yellow eye was striking. I was unsure but called the bird into the hawk banders
                 as a European Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nissus). Unfortunately they were outside the blind
                 and could do nothing but watch it continue south. Having no prior experience with the
                 species I was uncertain of the identification and recorded it as U11D. If anyone reading this
                 report has thoughts or comments on the bird, they would be greatly appreciated. I have
                 sketches and field notes taken at the time of the sighting, and wifl provide them upon
                 request. I have seen many juvenile Sharp-shinned Hawks with prominent barring in the
                 flanks but never across the chest and on the underwing coverts. I thought it may have
                 been a second-year Cooper's Hawk that suspended molt in an odd way during migration.
                 Of interest is a report of a similarly plumaged accipiter seen near Kiptopeke on November
                 5th.


                 RARITJ[ES
                 A juvenile Northern Wheatear was seen on 10/15, a Yellow-headed Blackbird on 9/15,
                 and Western Kingbirds on three dates in late September.

                 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
                 I would like to express my thanks to everyone who helped with the count this year:
                 Bil.1 Williams, Brian Taber, Butch Pearce, Brian Patteson, Ned Brinkley, Paul Smith, Harry
                 Armistead, Hal Wierenga, Lynn Davidson, Bob Rineer, Margaret Abbott, Dot Silsby, Bob
                 Anderson, Georges and Paula McNeil, Tony Quezon, Earl Hodnett, Gary Williamson,
                 and Bryan Watts. Thanks also to the staff at Kiptopeke State Park, Scott Flickenger,
                 Dave Summers, and Gary Williamson for their ffiendliness and hospitality. Special thanks
                 to Mary Anne Kellam and everyone at KESTREI. for a great season.






                                                                     SUMMARY TOTALS AUTUMN 1995


                             SPECIES                  TOTAL          PEAK FLIGHT & DATE RANGE OF OCCURANCE_
                    BLACK VULTURE                         2172                  182-10126                     9/8-11/26
                    TURKEY VULTURE                        8034                  684-10/25                     8/20-11/27
                    OSPREY                                5762                  513-9/29                      8/19-11/26
                    BALD EAGLE                            264                   16-9/27                       8/15-11/24
                    NORTHERN HARRIER                      1697                  119-9/29                      8/15-11/28
                    SHARP-SHINNED HAWK                    26355                 3842-9/29                     8/23-11/28
                    COOPER'S HAWK                         3625                  340-9/29                      8/20-11/27
                    NORTHERN GOSHAWK                      14                    4-11/8                        10/10-11124
                    RED-SHOULDERED HAWK                   153                   31-11/17                      8/20-11/24
                    BROAD-MNGED HAWK                      5211                  2454-9/30                     8/15-11/6
                    SWAINSON'S HAWK                       6                     1-6 DATES                     9/12-11/22
                    RED-TAILED HAWK                       2083                  176-11/17                     8/15-11/28
                    ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK                     1                     1-11/21                         11/21
                    GOLDEN EAGLE                          37                 5-11/9,11/12                     10/11-11/20
                    AMERICAN KESTREL                      20682                 2427-9/29                     8/15-11/24
                    MERUN                                 2126                  201-9/25                      8/29-11/18
                    PEREGPJNE FALCON                      985                   102-10/3                      8/19-11/26
                    UNIDENTIFIED                          1                     1-9/25                          9/25
                    @OTALS                             79208                 8757-9/29       ---- 8115-11/28






                                                       DAILY TOTALS AUGUST 1995


                          BV TVJ OS BEI NHI SS           IRS Bwj SW RTJ RLI GE AKI MLJ PGJ UID TOTALS HOURS! WIND
                 8/1                    1   1                  2      1                               22      10    ENE
                 8/1                                                                                                 NC
                 8/1                                                                                                 NC
                 8/18/95                                                                                             NC
                 8/19/95       2            3                         1            27      2          35        5   ENE
                 8/20/95       2   10   3   4      1      1-   4      3                               44      11       E
                 8/21/95                                                                                2     11    WSW
                 8/22/95       3     7  2 11                                                          64      12    NW
                 8/23/95           25      20                                                         115     11       E
                 8/24/95                                                                                1     10     W
                 8/25/95           Ill      15                                                        95        9    NE
                 8/26/95                                                                                             Nc
                 8/27/95                                                                                             NC
                          BV
                       95
                        5
                    6ï¿½,@/ t@95
                      ,/95
                    7/95












                 8/28/95           27       81                                     24      1          61      11     NE
                 8/2           3   42   2   9      2           4               1-      2              13             NE
                    9/95                                                       1    7      4            5     12
                                                                                         -----------
                 8/30/95                    2       1                                                 Z7      11    N
                 8/31/95           12       3  2 2             1                   341                54      10
              ITOTALS      0  115J 149 81 76 39- 6 0 11 131 0 71 01 0 - 3711 21 91             01     655     123






                                                                                                DAILY TOTALS SEPTEMBER 1995



                                     BV TV              OS BE NH                   SS        CHI NGJ RSI          BWI SW RT RLI GEI                    AKI        ML      PGI UID TOTALS HOURS WIND
                      9/1/95-                            6                                                                                                  4         1                       11             6         W-
                      9/2/95                                                                                                                                                                                           NC
                  --j/3-/95                                                                                                                                                                                            NC
                      9/4/95                                                                                                                                                                                           NC
                      9/5/95                                                                                                                                                                                           NC
                  ----s                                  3        1
                      9A/9'--                                                                                                                          42                                     46           10       NW
                      9/7/95                            22               3           3          1                      1           1                   75                                   106            10          SE
                      9/8/95                     6      57        2    10            3          2                                                                     2      1        1     385            10          El
                      9/9/95                     1    120              30                                              5           4                  741         14 _3                     940            13          E
                     9/10/95           8         6    119         5    40          36                              12          --10                 1059          16         2             1321            13          N
                     9/11/95           6      14        49        8    1           44           7                  26              5                  712                                   920         13.5           NE
                     9/12/95           3      14        26        2-2.---          42,.-----.--2 ------      -----2         1                  ------- 1,64           2                     261            10          SE
                     9/13/95                             1                         11 -1                                                               20             1                       34           10          W
                     9/14/95                            13                         28           2                                                      33             6                       82           10          W
                     9/15/95'        12          61     46        4-   42        274         2  -4                 17  ---         5                213     -,6   80  --     5             2651            13          NE
                     9/16/95                     41     82        4    12        161         10                        3                              271       101          3              651         11.5           E
                     9/17/95                            33        1      4         19                                                                  34         28         8              127            10     WNW
                     9/18/95         51       27      346         6    44        975         91                    7ï¿½-- 1-2                                       72      17               3078         13.5           NE
                     9/19/95           7      12      208         3    24       11 C6        54                    88       1      5 __J_______1326-            1361      16               3046-        13.5           NE
                     9/20/95                            97        4      4       246-        28                    75 - I --                          150         26         2              633            13       E/W
                     9/21/95                     1      29               1       116            7                  18                                 149         46         3              370,           10          SE
                     9/22/95                            23               1         45-          1                             -                        26         34-        6---           136            10          S
                     9/23/95        ----                50-            25        420 ----,-40                                      1                  309         19         1              874            10       NNE
                     9/24/95                            87        2    51        972-        95                    65              1                  609       124       is               2021            12          NE
                     9/25/95           5      11      231         2    28       1515         93                    66           10                    336       201       54       1       2553            12          E
                     9/26/95                            47               2         45                                                                       1     36         4              135            10          W
                                                         9
                                                         9



















                     9/27/95         26       22      234 16           39       2271       177            1        81           12                  1539          71      57               4546         12.5        NW
                     9/28/95                          172      12      48       1186       235                    354           10                  lS30        156       48               3751            13       ENE
                     9/2        5      2         4    513         9  119        3842       340                  1316               9                2427        143       33               8757            13       ENE
                     9/30/95         141         61   2851        41   911      16491      2331       1   2  1  2454   1        ill      1     1      629   1   108,      58,         1    5544,           131      EN
                  TOTALS           1371 1341        28991      851  6361     150881      14531      01 41       46721       31  971    01 01 159781            14491    3431      -11     429791       295.51






                                                                           DAILY TOTALS OCTOBER 1995



                                BV     TV      OS    BE    NH      SS      CH NG RS I BW I SW        RTJ  RLI GE!     AK ML       PG I UID TOTALS1 HOURSI WIND
                  10/1/95       11        8   287    11    49      941    134         1 214                                 77    81           2161
                  10/2/95              12     174--2-      34    105 6 ----l---3-5        66          7            _L16     28    33           2463 __ 131            W
                  10/3/95       11     33     260       1  15      992    132             18          9             1083    24 102             2680        12.51 SSW
                  10/4/95                      31       1    2     42       9                                         23     4       2          114          10       SE
                  10/5/95         ---          40--                16  --                                                                                             S
                                                                                                                      32--6-      47-----       147          10.
                  10/6/95                      40            4     52       7                                         7s     5    14            197          9.5      SW
                  10/7/95                 5    24            4     126     11                                         22    14    21            227        12.5       s
                  10/8/95.      22     48     250    13    41      581    187         1   841        13              487    23    20           1770        12.5       NW
                  10/9/95     118     144,    163       6, 26      3201   112         3   161        21          1   143    42-   33           1147          12       E
                10/10/95      139     143     171       3  23    11241        -11     3   361        61              191-   22    24           2171        11.5       ENE
                10/11/95      112     131     167       7  35      848    281         4   131--      34     1-21     139    27    37           1837        11.5       ENE
                10/12/95        60    156     150       7    9   1061     220         4   121        39          1   178    20,   43           1960          11,      E
                10/13/95        36     33      66          10      128     42         1   is         11               54    13    23            432          8.5      Sl
                10/14/95                       26,         14      38       9                   1                     48     8    14            158       12.25       SE
                10/15/95               12      521      3  10      46      18         1         1     9               77    27       7          263          12       NW
                10/16/95          7      9       91          4     10       3    1                                      4    9                    56         11       W
                10/17/95        59    168      14       G.   2     77      15               ro       20                 4    7       1          379          11   WNW
                10/18/95      133     196      80          25      257-66-            4   23         23               60    25       6          892          11       W
                10/19/95      107     186      46       3  17      145     27         1                               27    19       9          615          11       SE
                10/20/95        39    104      24       1- 19      175     17               1         4               34    14    13            445.         10       SE
                10/21/95                       11       1    2       6      1                                                8       2            35         10       W
                10/22/95        38     96      27            7     35       4         1     1         6                 8   14       6          243          10       W
                                                                                                                                                85  7           0     SE
                10/23/95      117     268      45       2  11      1                  1     1        29               13          17
                10/24/95                                     3-                                       3               23    35    11            381          11       S
                10/25/95      139     684            11    62      383     71        12              72               75    18    11           16   0           1     N
                10/26/95      182     569            10    64      405 --46          20              1751        4    -31-   9       1 -       1587          11       NE
                10/27/95        25    113      33,         39,     202     24                         9               21 -35      11            512          11       SE
                10/28/95        10     52      431      4  141     GO       9                                    1    13    42       8-         263          10       W
                10/29/95          6    18      11       5  18      57       8               1                         10     6       3          166        10.5       NW
                10/30/9S        47,   380      52       3    6     86      27    1    7     2        701    1 11      45,   16       5                       11    NNW
                10/31/95        621173         42       4  37      146     24    1    8     2        771    1    1    221   18       3          619             9     SW
              TOTALS         14851 3749      2581    104   608   98281 19071     51 72.           1 7511   01 101 43031   6541 6081      0 27185
                                                                                                     23 H'





                                                                           DAILY TOTALS NOVEMBER 1995


                                 BV      TV OS        BE   NH      SS CH NG RS BW SW                    RTJ RL    GE! AK      ML  PG UID TOTALS            HOURS WINE
                   11/1/95                        5          5     23      2                                                                        36           4         SE
                   11/2/95                                                                                                                                                 NC
                   11/3/95        4             12      1  21      83 12                                  7              6      3    2             151           9         W
                   11/4/95       451    182       7-11     17--35-        2-3 - 1                                                 -                383         9.5     NNW
                   11/5/95        81    255     13      7  15      58     22     1    7     7           109          4   2      1    2             511           9    NE/NW
                   11/6/95       161    131     11      2- 28      77--   14-- 3            1           70           1   4      3    2             363           8         NW
                   11/7/95          1                                                                                                                              1       NC
                   11/8/95      1191    319       9   11   46     171     39 4                          118          1   3      3    5             848           101   NNW
                   11/9/95       211    306     17    12   16      48---11-           2                                                            560           91    NNW
                 11/10/95        291    383     10         22     156     2 1-        2-                86           1-         2                  712         9.5       VAR
                 11/11/95           1    14       8     1  12      45                                     4                     1    2              99           7         S
                 11/12/95        141    487       7     9  19      50      5     1                      712          5                             670        11.5         NWI
                 11/13/95        28     191       2     2  15     193 22         1    8                 9 8                          1             563           9         E
                 11/14/95                                                                                                                                                  NC
                 11/15/95         3      14       3     1  is      20- 4                                                        3                   63           9         W
                 11/16/95         7     111       31         9     18      4          4---                7        .2                1             166           8         NW
                 11/17/95        61     275       5     4  28     149 -1              1-                176          2          1    1             750           8         NE
                 11/18/95                         4          3     48      7                                                    1                   68           9         SW
                 11/19/95        45     192       5     3  21-    117     10          7             ----74 --.----2 -2----           1-            479           10      NNE
                 11/20/95        691    193       2     1  16      31      8          6                 48           1                             375           9     N/SW
                 11/21/95                   6     1          2       8     2                              3                                         23         8.5         NW
                 11/22/95         31    113       1        11      30      5          1           1     -52                                        218           8         NW
                 11/23/95        19     200                11      24  --  3                            37                                   ----294             9         SW
                 11/24/95         4     250       1     2  11      21                 3                 57                           3             362,          6       NNE
                 11/25/95               101       3        14      10      2                              7                                        137         8.5     NNW
                 11/26/95        55     406       2        15        3                                  2 5-                         1             523           7         N W
                 11/27/95                14@                 2       5                                    3                                         25        6.25         sw
                 11/28/95                                    3       3                                    4                                         10           6         S
                 11/29/95                                                                                                                                                  NCI
                 11/30/95                                                                                                                                                  NCI
                                                                                                                              21
              FT-OTALS ___ 1   5501 _414                   3771 14 3 6 17-591    9176       81 _11   12281 11771 301-                            83891 207.751







                                                                                                         KIPTOPEKE HAWK WATCH ANNUAL TOTALS



                        YEAR         BV          TV            Os           BE        NH             Ss            CH       NG       RS         BW         SW       RT        RL GE             AK           ML          PG         UID       TOTALS            HOURS
                        1 977             10        118          254             0     152             6354          28         0          6      428         0          27       0      0      1076                42      10             1       8506
                                                                                                                         5      0          0        1 1       0           6       0      0        131               26         S           13      2048              3 3.9 S
                        1978                                     195             1           1 7       1
                        1979              0            16        26i0----3 2@---50 --- 2- -2                                --o            -1     20- --0              -2 4       0      1      123- 9        10 -8         -3- -6   -6 4          6794              50.75
                        1980              2         100          249             9           75        3416          29         0          0      322         0----32             0      0        4-52        111-3 --30                   80      4909 --- 73.8
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           f       9780             1 3 4.75
                   -1981                  4 7       929          304         1 8       175             5141          38         1                 810         0       1 57        0      0      1708          107           5 8
                        1                                                                              7           1 4          0                                                               2135                                                    'I
                        982               20        3@5--SC8-72-3                                                                                                                                                                                12.K 1             13 5.75
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           9 1   1 9846                  277
                        1983              43        6 6          523         28        242         1 5045          142          2      1 6        120         0       248         0      2      2452          21 7          49
                        1984              82     T 6-@ -1      -6 Ifi-           6     @ 1-6    -1 -9 d@ -3    -2-9-1                                                                                                               310          28497                   380
                        1-9 6-5-- --l 66            867        1051          1 6       Cl 0         12337         -2--8-(;-     8- ----2-4                       ------2-1 lo --3 ---2 ---4--1-4-7---3 8--6- --l 5-6            - 1-8 8-      -2 1-2 f 1-6       - -3 9-7
                        1986              1 5                                                                                                                                                   2961          431        21 5 - 81-              1 51( 4                 382
                        1-9@7-            64        909          809         1-5                       434         288          2          5      758         0       149         1      1      2765          403        158               6 9   1 1 062            403.65
                                                    847                                                            274          1      1 1                                                      2441         --@6@     -1 @3-
                   -1988               123                     1191          54        404             5840                                       775         0       196                                                                        li8--:i@8           4 26.2
                                                    253          864         3 8       2                                        2                 173         0       319         0      1      2874          516        21 8              9 7   10416              3 8 5.75
                        1989              8                                                  54        4512          6 Z          -Y5
                                                                                                 -4-6@-4           678          0 --46                                                                                           -1-83-
                   -1 990                 3 4                  1097          2 3       285                                                                                                          7 9       495        4  49                   11 61 2            470.4-5
                        1991              3 0    1389            717         1 8       259             4674        523          4          5        5 7       0       222         0      3      2273          285        245          107        1 081 1            540.05
                                          9                                                                                                                                                       1 45                      71  -1-1 1-          1011 6              574.1
                   -1992                  4         819          384         27              1  -4672 --69@@
                                                                                                                                                  289         0       443 0              4
                   -1993               119       1 560           90S        130        648             6396        819,      1 1       1 6                                                        533         3                       144        1 5580               17.4
                                                                                                                                                                                                              63
                        1994          i go           3                       86                        6210        926          1      28        1789         0       S58         0      6      5224                5    293               88    1 9594              E 92.4
                        995        2172         8034 1 5762 1 264 16                         -   26355 3625                  14     153        521 1        @+?083                11 37      20682         2126          985                     79208              966.55
                                   3176 204491 181121 7WI 77041 1                                                        'I 481 3991          141511          6    56061          6 1 641 6!                                               18+3  1(       ij E;93


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           4






                                                                              DAILY NUMBER OF VISITORS 1995



                          8/15/95              1                   9/1/95             0                   10/11/95           56                   111/11/95--           1
                          8/16/95              0                   9/2/95             0                   110/2/95           78                   11/2/95               0
                          8/17/95              0                   9/3/95             0                   110/3/95           44                     -1/3/95             3
                          8/18/95              0                   9/4/95             0                   10/4/95            27                                       16
                          8/19/95              2                   9/5195             0                   10/6/96            45                   11/6/95             22
                          8/20/95              7                   9/6/95            11                   10/6/95            52                   11/6/95               3
                          8/21/95              2                   9/7/95            26                   10/7/95           198                   11/7/95               0
                          8/22/95              1                   9/8/95             8                   10/8/95           244                   11/8/95               4
                          8/23/95              1                   9/9/95            22                   10/9/95            88                   11/9/95               5
                          8/24/95             11                  9110/95            27                  10/10195           ill                  11/10/96               5
                          8/25/96              3                  9/11/95            13                  10/11/95            72                  11/11196             12
                          8126/95              0                  9/12/95             8                  10/12/95            24                  11/12./95            10
                          8/27195              0                  9/13/95             6                  10/13/95            28                  11/13/95               0
                          8/28/95,             2                  9/14/95            17                  10/14/95            31                  11/14/95               0
                          8/29/95              6                  9/15/95            10                  10/15/95            17                  11/15/95               6
                          8/30/95              6                  9116/95            22                  10/16/95            12                 -IT/11 -6/95            2
                          8131196              2                  9/17/96            15                  10117196           2-3                --fl-/17/96              I
                      TOTAL                                       9/18/95            18                  10/18/95            15                 --i-l/-18/95          10
                                                                  9/19/95            12                  10/19/95            33                  111119/95            17
                                                                  9/20/95             8                  10/20/95            28                  11/20/95               2
                                                                  9/21/95            17                  10/21/95            18                  11/21/95               1
                                                                  9/22/95            49                  10/22/95            15                  11122/95               5
                                                                  9/23/95            26                  10/23/95            23                  11/23/95               2
                                                                  9/24/95            22                  10124195            22                  11124/96               2
                                                                  9/25/95            18                  10/25/95            30                  11125/95               0
                                                                  9/26/95            28                  10/26/95            34                  11126/95               3
                                                                  9/27/95            34                  10/27/95            13                  11/27/95               0
                                                                  9/28/95            42                  10/28/95            12                  11/28/95               1
                                                                  9129/96            59                  10/29/95            16                  11/29/96               0
                                                                  9/30/95            67                  10/30/95                                11/30/95               0
                                                              TOTAL                  585                 10/31/95               7             TOTAL                  133
                                                                                                      TOTAL
                     kO- T--A-            2186'







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