Wave after Wave of Red-tailed Hawks

As Bill Haley continues to man the hawk watch in this cold weather, he reports that the Red-tailed Hawks are coming through in consistently small groups.  On a humorous note, he found he saw them each time his pastor called. And has decided he would be delighted for his pastor to call more often if he so desired. LOL

The report for 11/11/14 is:

6 Sharp-shinned
1 Coopers
23 Red-tailed
1 Red -shouldered
2 Northern Harriers - 1 M, 1 F

Jimmy and I have been hard at work trying to get all my plants situated into a new hoop house, needing to complete shelving before that could be done.  Knowing this very cold front was approaching, I regretted that we couldn't spend at least one day with Bill.  I have braved the cold and winds up there one November, many years ago when I was much younger and it was extremely difficult, so I doubt I could withstand many hours. We used to discuss how we might get a source of warmth up there.  Cuddos to Bill for any time he is spending there now!!!

But if you are in a warm place, and have an hour or two, don't forget to

Keep Looking UP!!! 

You just might see your own little group of migrating raptors - Red-tails, Turkey Vultures, Accipiters, and Eagles. They are still on the move.

Oh BTW, I heard Sandhills yesterday.  Couldn't place the direction of their movement, but they should be moving south.

Thanks for checking in.
C

Immature Golden Eagle

Thanks to Bill Haley for his reports, as he continues to be able to go up to the hill every chance he gets.  His report for today, includes a note that he has several days this week he plans to watch hawks.

Jimmy reported to TN-birds the following post:

On Nov 10, 2014, at 8:16 PM, TenacBirder@comcast.net wrote:

  11/10/14
 Soddy Mtn Hawk Watch
Hamilton Co., TN

Bill Haley has often jokingly chided me that the hawks don't
 stop flying over the lookout just because Broad-winged season
 is over.  He spent many days on the lookout during October and
 now he has a week off in November.  Today he saw

 5 Sharp-shinned Hawks,
 28 Turkey Vultures,
49 Red-tailed Hawks,
 5 adult Bald  Eagles
and a first of this season immature Golden Eagle.
(updated on this report is 1 Red-shouldered Hawk also seen.)

 If  memory serves me correctly, I think he was also responsible for
the only Golden Eagle on the count last year.

If he reports anything good tomorrow I'll probably be posting
again.

 Keep Looking Up!
 Jimmy Wilkerson


P.S.  On November 6, Bill was up for 2 hours and had
 1 Cooper's Hawk.


We wish to add that we saw and heard Ravens (2 at least) above the Ocoee River at Chilhowee Recreation Area.  Elevation, 2100 ft.  Sunday, November 9th.

It's Red-tailed and Turkey Vulture migration counting time.   We saw about 40 moving through at Chilhowee as we drove along the ridge road.  

N E Winds benefit the Migrants

Hawk Mtn. reports that they watch for NE Winds that cause lift along the ridges that benefit the raptor migrants this time of year.  The best days to consider raptor watching may be the ones with NW Winds, now.

Check out their reports:
https://www.facebook.com/HawkMountainSanctuary
  Keep Looking UP!!!!!