This week started off on a super high note, with an incredible day of 895 raptors on the 9th. 493 Red-tailed Hawks, 259 Turkey Vultures, and 101 Sharp-shinned Hawks made it the best day yet for all three species and best day of the season so far. The following day was also great, with 384 raptors. That day brought the first few Broad-winged Hawks of the season as well as some incredible diversity! A total of 13 raptor species migrated by, including all three accipiter species and all four buteo species, making for an awesome day of hawk watching. The next few days were not as awesome, with rain and strong winds causing unfavorable conditions for both myself and the birds. The count on the 11th was cut short and no count was conducted on the 12th. Very strong winds continued the following day. The rest of the week brought lighter migration days, but still decent numbers for the big three species. The total of new raptors this week was 1,759, bringing the season total up to 3,729.
The count is still going very well, with awesome numbers for almost all species. I have yet to see an Osprey or Peregrine Falcon, but they should start popping up soon. I was also hoping to have a “big red-tail day” this week, and while 493 Red-tails in one day is fantastic and the numbers so far this season are good, I have a feeling that there is still a few really big migration days ahead of me.
The weather this upcoming week looks similar, so I am expecting more of the same bird-wise. Broad-winged hawks should start moving through in higher and higher numbers, and it is about the time for Peregrines and Osprey to start showing up. Looking forward to another awesome week of hawk watching on the island!
