Back on the Hook

Today I started the migration watch on Sandy Hook (New Jersey), which runs between mid-March and mid-May. Sunny skies and light westerly winds made for pleasant hawk watching, even though the numbers at point in the season remain modest. Turkey Vulture was the most numerous migrant (26), followed by Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks (5 of each), Northern Harrier (4), Red-shouldered Hawk (3) and Red-tailed Hawk (1).

This immature Red-shouldered Hawk came in low for a few shots.

An early migrant this species, most of the adults will likely have passed already.