When you are on vacation in the Outer Banks during the autumn, be sure to bring your binoculars, field guide, and camera with you. After that, make your way to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore to observe the amazing arrival of raptors that are migrating. There are hundreds of thousands of hawks, falcons, eagles, and ospreys that migrate to their wintering habitat every autumn. These birds come from summer breeding locations that are as far north as the Arctic. There are some of their locations that are located inside the southern region of South America. The majority of raptors are birds that fly quite high and rely on updrafts to assist them on their journey. They are able to ride updrafts and thermals with remarkable efficiency, which allows them to lock their wings and hastens the process of flapping them. When they have reached vast heights, they drop at an angle that covers large lateral distances, and then they catch another updraft and continue the process. Because of these actions, they are able to reduce the amount of fat in their bodies and travel extended distances in a matter of weeks. Kettles of migratory species follow well-defined land pathways and shorelines as they make their way toward their habitats in the south. This is because they are hesitant to go over vast bodies of water where there are no updrafts. As a result of this, certain geographical regions develop concentration zones, which are places where these birds of prey congregate before traversing a limited length of water. These areas, such as the Outer Banks, are fantastic sites to see animals that are migrating through the area. The following is a list of species that you could come across on the Outer Banks, along with information on their dietary patterns that will assist you in determining the areas where you will have the highest chance of seeing them. Accipiters These predatory birds belong to the family Accipitridae and are slender in appearance. They have wings that are short, wide, and rounded, and they have a long tail that helps them to fly stealthily and make fast spins as they hunt other birds while they are flying. They are able to kill their prey with their strong legs and long, sharp talons, and they are able to eat with their hooked beak that is very sharp. The majority of the time, these hawks ambush their prey, which consists of tiny birds, and then catch it after a brief pursuit. The following are examples of travellers who make their way to the Outer Banks: These raptors are known as Sharp-shinned Hawks, and they are able to surprise and catch all of their prey when flying quickly through thick foliage or while hiding in cover. This hawk consumes a significant portion of its diet consisting of small birds, particularly songbirds. • Cooper’s Hawks: Certain raptors, such as the Cooper’s Hawk, are able to stay in North America and hunt birds in backyards or any other location where humans have put up feeders. Falcos Falcos, often known as falcons, have wings and tails that are long and tapering. Other birds and tiny animals are the prey of these nimble and fast-moving divers. Peregrine Falcons: It has been observed that peregrines may dive or stoop at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour, which puts them in the position of being the creatures that move the quickest on Earth with their speed. The majority of the birds that these falcons consume are those that they have successfully captured in the air, such as pigeons, ducks, and pheasants. This little falcon hunts by hovering or perching and searching the ground for prey. Its name comes from the American Kestrel. It consumes mostly insects, reptiles, small animals, and other birds as its primary sources of nutrition. Pandions •Ospreys: The Osprey is the sole species included in the Pandion genus. It is a bird of prey that hunts during the day and consumes fish as its primary food source. When it comes to grabbing and transporting fish, the talons of the osprey are optimized. Owls are the only diurnal raptors that employ this configuration, while other diurnal raptors do not use it. The surface of their talon is made of a coarse material, and their toes may be positioned with three front and one back or with two forward and two behind. Buteos However, the genus Buteo is comprised of raptors that range in size from medium to big and have broad wings and a robust body. The majority of people are familiar with these hawks that are flying really high. Because they will hunt practically any kind of little animal, all species are fairly opportunistic when it comes to hunting. They will prey on almost any kind of animal. On the other hand, the majority of them have a great liking for rodents and small animals specifically. On the Outer Banks, you may have the opportunity to see buteos such as the following: • Hawks with a Red-tailed Tail: In addition to being a carnivore, the Red-tailed Hawk is also an opportunistic feeder. It consumes mostly small animals, although it also consumes birds and reptiles as part of its diet. It is possible for rodents to make up as much as 85 percent of a Red-tailed Hawk’s diet, however the availability of their food varies depending on the location and the season. There are Red-shouldered Hawks. Red-shouldered Hawks are permanent inhabitants over the most of their territory; but, northern birds do migratory, primarily to the central region of Mexico. In particular, voles, gophers, mice, moles, and chipmunks are the prey of red-shouldered hawks when they are hunting small animals. In addition to this, they are renowned for their ability to chase rabbits and tree squirrels, as well as assault birds as big as pigeons. Eagles •Golden Eagles: Golden Eagles are able to capture a wide range of food, including hares, rabbits, marmots, and ground squirrels, thanks to their agility and speed, as well as their strong feet and enormous, sharp talons. •Bald Eagles: The Bald Eagle is an opportunistic predator. Depending on where they live, fish accounts for around 56 percent of their food. In addition, they consume birds and mammals as part of their diet. Scavenging for their food is something that they do very often. Birdwatchers from all over the United States go to Cape Hatteras National Seashore in order to see the breathtaking migration of these spectacular birds of prey during the autumn season. If you are planning a trip to the Outer Banks during the autumn, you should take your family to one of the lookouts along the coast. From there, you will be able to see raptors hunting in the thickets and over the waters. Have you been searching for the ideal holiday property on the island of Hatteras? Dial 1-877-866-5640 to get in touch with Shore Vacations.
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