Ridges, Rivers and Coastlines

In the Northeast, coastlines, rivers, and mountain ridge systems guide the fall migration of raptors, concentrating them along certain routes and creating exceptional viewing opportunities in places such as southern New Jersey. An average of 50,000 to 60,000 raptors pass through Cape May Point each fall on their way to the tropics. Raptor migration takes place in spring and fall, and while it is closely linked to seasonal change, it is more directly tied to the availability of food. Sixteen species of raptors commonly migrate through the eastern United States. During summer they prey heavily on insects, song birds, rodents, and reptiles, but as cold temperatures begin these food sources become scarcer, forcing hawks to move into more temperate climates in search of new sources. Safe passage on journeys of 1,000 to 3,000 miles depends on suitable habitat along the way: hawks, warblers, fly-catchers, and thrushes require extensive forest tracts; shorebirds require mudflats for feeding and secluded sand bars and beaches for roosting; and ducks, blackbirds, and wading birds need marshes that may be fresh, salt, or brackish. Protecting these critical areas in New Jersey is essential, because destroying habitat jeopardizes the existence of birds.

New Jersey · United States