Recent sightings

Observations from hawkwatch platform; temps around 50ºF with moderate NW winds. Red Admiral flushed from sunny part of platform when I arrived, followed by 2 more flying west during late AM. Single Monarch flew s/se over Bunker Pond at 12:29.

[This report continues our now-11-year streak of at least one monarch in December on our log. Like this one, they are found most often in and around Cape May Point, apparently aiming to cross the Bay from there and "hoping" to make it to Mexico (or maybe Florida?) jc]

Incidental sightings while birding in the park today. Mostly sunny & temperature about 47 degrees.

Still waiting for our First killing Frost…not with bated breath mind you…..

Observed while conducting CMBO hawkwatch. Always shocked to see a Monarch flying after multiple days with near freezing temperatures.

Abundant sunshine, ~50°F and light SW winds

Out in the marsh between the welcome center and water tower. Always fun seeing butterflies at this time of year. Individual looked in good condition and was flying west in a hurry.

10:05am, sunny. SW 14mph, 48 degrees.

Observations from hawkwatch platform; 2 Monarchs during the late AM/early PM while temps were ca. 48-50ºF.

[Interesting to hear about these late migrants still trying to cross the Bay, presumably. jc]

While I was looking at the Am. Lady sunning itself on some leaves, I also observed another butterfly but it took off before I could ID it. Possibly Red Admiral.

Sunny, temp about 50 , winds 5 MP

Sunny, breezy, mid 40's.

Sunny, 39°F, wind chills in low 30s. Observed while conducting CMBO hawk migration count. Sunning itself on grass in front of the platform.

[JA: Interesting to hear under the weather conditions. (We almost went a week w/o a butterfly report.) Keep these reports coming when you can – over the last few days of hawk count? jc]