A Brewing Kettle!

I was down at the beach on November 4th in the morning, sunny with 

strong winds out of the Northeast. 

I saw the kettle brewing. 

It was spectacular with over 50 birds, mostly Turkey Vultures, circling in a thermal 

over the dunes of the Point. 

Perhaps, they were gathering in preparation for migration.

It lasted for over 20 minutes, dynamically changing in shape and size with a variety of bird species. It grabbed the attention of many raptors in the area, who joined in, including several juvenile Red-tailed hawks with their dark shoulder bars, and Northern Harriers.

At the end of the gathering, the Turkey Vultures left, leaving only the hawks, soaring and circling right over my head on Ocean Avenue.

Fall Reflections: Monarch Migration Snapshot

On a gusty and sunny September 29th, 2012, the monarchs were feasting, some right out my window on the non-native english ivy, nourishing themselves with nectar to prepare for the long journey ahead.

Evening was drawing near and they congregated en masse in the evergreens next to the dunes at the end of Cape Avenue. The following morning had the promise of a good time to cross the wide Delaware Bay.

The day closed with a beautiful sunset.

The next morning was sunny and mild and off they soared, by the dozens, a continuous flow, up over the dunes, like miniature birds,

over the sands,

and on over the bay waters, off to Mexico. 

So an amazing journey, 

an animal so delicate and fragile can endure and fly so very far.