birdmeister
Well-known member
Hello all,
It has been reported on the New Jersey birding listserv that there are unprecedented Razorbill numbers passing Cape May now.
Back in mid-late December, 4,000+ were counted (north- and southbound) past the Avalon Seawatch in 8 days just as the season was ended. Another 3,000+ were counted more recently in a single day (!), with 7 Dovekies/Little Auks (!!!) mixed in. Also, a Black Guillemot was reported flying south past Sandy Hook, in the northern part of the state.
To give a bit of perspective, the Avalon Seawatch's previous season high was 86 Razorbills, I believe. I guess it's possible that they had a tremendous breeding season, but it seems more likely to me that something catastrophic has happened to the food source up north.
I am hoping to head down next week and see if I can catch a bit of the action.
It has been reported on the New Jersey birding listserv that there are unprecedented Razorbill numbers passing Cape May now.
Back in mid-late December, 4,000+ were counted (north- and southbound) past the Avalon Seawatch in 8 days just as the season was ended. Another 3,000+ were counted more recently in a single day (!), with 7 Dovekies/Little Auks (!!!) mixed in. Also, a Black Guillemot was reported flying south past Sandy Hook, in the northern part of the state.
To give a bit of perspective, the Avalon Seawatch's previous season high was 86 Razorbills, I believe. I guess it's possible that they had a tremendous breeding season, but it seems more likely to me that something catastrophic has happened to the food source up north.
I am hoping to head down next week and see if I can catch a bit of the action.
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