The Sandy Hook Migration Watch started yesterday March 15th and counter Calvin Brennan will be at the platform counting everything that flies by until May 15th. A hawk count at Sandy Hook has been in existence since 1979 and in 2003 was expanded to include other migrating birds. The photo above shows a view of the NYC skyline visible from the platform. The photo was taken in early spring, if I remember correctly. Later in the season the dunes are awash in blooming beach plums and migrating warblers.

The counter has a great job, I think, but it must be pretty miserable sometimes out there in the cold, wind, and rain when birds aren’t moving. Most groups who are out birding will pay a visit to the platform and often bring snacks to the lonely counter and get an update on what’s being seen.

These photos were taken a few years ago during one of the Sunday morning bird walks I like to do at Sandy Hook. We usually meet at 7 am (6 am during May) and go till 1 or 2 in the afternoon, making our way around the Hook. We’ve been doing this for years, and Ed and I (his photo is there at left) do an awful lot of BS-ing while we bird. He was on the very first *real* bird walk I went on, and was so helpful and friendly. I never felt intimidated as a new birder joining this group and Ed helped me get a lot of life birds. Thanks, Ed!

Mid-April is peak time for migrating raptors at Sandy Hook (4,000 – 6,000 birds of prey are counted in a typical year) and the majority of migrants are Sharp-Shinneds, Cooper’s, Kestrels, and Merlins. Rarities include Goshawk (most likely seen in March), Swallow-Tailed Kite (late April), and Mississippi Kite (May). More information, directions, and count stats are available here.

Come on out, bring snacks, we’ll be glad to have you!