Migration's Not Over

Bill had a chance to get up to the Hawk watch just before the Holiday began and sent us this report:


November 23,

- the day before Thanksgiving, and some might think the fall migration is about over. I'm not one of them.

This fall migration has been one of the most unusual yet, and I am beginning to believe that it may stretch out longer than usual. Our extended "summer" has finally come to an end and the hawks and eagles all of a sudden have reasons to come south. Another cold front (and we hope maybe a little rain) will come through tonight. We might still have a chance at a good late season movement of raptors, and it could possibly extend into December.  

I had a chance to hawk watch this afternoon, and I arrived at 1:30. The wind was strong from the south 5-15 MPH,  45% clouds, visibility of 35K,  barometric pressure was 30.17 and the temperature was 64F. By 3:00 the wind was occasionally gusting to over 20 mph, temperature was 67 and the pressure had dropped to 30.13.

At 1:52 a female Northern Harrier came sailing south. I have an inordinate fondness for Northern Harriers and I thought if it was the only migrant I saw it was well worth the trip today. It was the first one I'd seen since October 15! Maybe it would be a good omen?

I've been wondering lately where all the eagles have been. The last Bald Eagle I counted was on October 22 - over a month ago. They showed up today! An adult Bald Eagle glided overhead at 2:06, It was followed six minutes later by an immature. At 2:26 another immature BE, this one with a lot of white on the underwings,  belly, and even on the upper side of the body passed overhead very close. On it's approach it actually dropped below the level of the wires as it crossed over Jones Gap and Hwy. 111, luckily gaining enough altitude to easily clear the wires before sailing past the lookout.

Three Red-tails were counted and several groups of Black Vultures, seemingly in a hurry to get south, finished out the day. I left at 4:00.

The migration is definitely not over. In fact, it might just be starting to get interesting!

Today's totals:

Black Vulture - 20

Bald Eagle 3 (1 ad., 2 imm. )

Northern Harrier - 1

Red-tail - 3

Reporting: Bill Haley

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Now that you know, that it's not too late, take every opportunity you have to glance toward the skies, and remember it's never too late to

 

KEEP LOOKING UP!!!