November is a lively month in Cape May, and in 2021 the weather was exceptionally mild, with temperatures never coming close to the freezing point. There were plenty of birds to enjoy, from the continuing raptor migration and the abundance of waterfowl to the transition from neotropical migrant songbirds to those that stick around the temperate zone all winter long. Dramatic skies are another hallmark of late fall and early winter in Cape May. I share a few highlights from the month here.
November 2021
A young Bald Eagle, right, takes umbrage at the arrival of a migrating young Golden Eagle.
November sunsets
Many birds are on the move in November. Above, left to right: White Ibis, Northern Harrier, Red-tailed Hawk.
Below left: Great Blue Heron. Below right: Canada Geese.
White-throated Sparrow (left) and Field Sparrow are common November birds in Cape May.
Clay-colored Sparrow (left) and Western Kingbird are scarce birds in Cape May, but one or more show up most falls.
Hermit Thrush
Baltimore Oriole
Green-winged Teal
Northern Saw-whet Owl at daytime roost. Katy Duffy has been banding and studying these little owls for decades.
Herring Gull with lunch
Trackless beach of November
A small crowd gathers to celebrate the end of the hawkwatch season on Nov. 30.