This past week our count was quiet, but we still counted many individuals, and the diversity was high. In total, we tallied 1,221 raptors with the bulk of that number being spread fairly evenly throughout the week. The highest daily count of this past week was October 3rd where 440 raptors were counted.
The majority of October 3rd’s flight was taken up by Turkey Vultures. That statement is a testament to this past week, as we witnessed a strong push of Turkey Vultures across the week. Sharp-shinned Hawks were another frequently spotted species, followed by Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks and American Kestrels. There were also a few Cooper’s Hawks, Red-shouldered Hawks, Broad-winged Hawks, Merlins, Peregrine Falcons, and Northern Harriers. A lone Osprey helped provide some unexpected variety to the count this week.
A non-raptor highlight to this week was a site record of Blue Jays that were counted on Monday, September 28th
with 1,593. With some luck, next week will provide even better conditions for raptor migration!
Submitted by: Patience Holt, volunteer