Today started off really nice with nearly 300 Broad-winged Hawks lifting off during the first half hour. Most or all of these early morning birds actually crossed the Straits pretty soon afterward — confirmed even further by Steve Baker who was watching from the other side of the Straits at Point LaBarbe. This is a bit atypical for Broad-winged Hawks with an easterly wind, who often hesitant more than other raptors to cross the Straits. The wind may have had a bit of an ESE component which could have assisted them. After lift off, it was fairly slow all day, but with a consistent trickle of birds moving through.
Highlights: at least 4 Northern Red-tailed Hawks.
Turkey Vulture – 65
Osprey – 1
Bald Eagle – 3
Northern Harrier – 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk – 49
Red-shouldered Hawk – 1
Broad-winged Hawk – 423
Red-tailed Hawk – 34
Rough-legged Hawk – 4
Golden Eagle – 1
