With the first day of August, Hawk Migration Season is officially open. Even as far south as Corpus Christi, TX they were excited to see which would be the first bird of the season to count.
THIS WILL BE OUR 25TH YEAR AT SODDY MOUNTAIN! If there are dedicated watchers who would like to sign up for a day rather than be there all the time, let Jimmy know. But come everyday you would like!!!
For us, it is simply too hot and sunny, to man the watch this early for very many hours. Instead, we may get out and look for some migrants to see what's moving. Locals would probably hold the show for most of the time if we sat in August. But, there are Raptors to be seen.
Eagles often begin to pass us in August with their young. And there would always be a hope to see Juvenile kites. Thing is...it is believed they move North before moving South for some reason, so we might see them and not be able to count them, until they are decidedly on the move South. Of course, last year the best views of them was in Bledsoe Co. I think. But they have been reported North of our watch, possibly where there is more farm land? So if you have a ridge further north, be advised that we watched Swallow-tailed Kites move down the ridge moving south, in a tight formation of circling, riding very close to the treetops. So, if you have opportunity, spend a little time starting at the gorges and scan the tree tops near the crests of the ridges where you are. Look very closely because they are quite small, and might not be seen without binoculars, even in a group.
Unlike Broad-wings, they were seen mid-day and were not using the thermals much at all.
I can't believe it is already time to prepare for September. We just aren't sure how much we can do this year, so if you want to be on the watch a particular day, please e-mail Jimmy so we can plan to be with you. Or feel free to go alone or in groups, and report your stats. It may be difficult for me to put up the facilities, or help Jimmy drag up the tent, because we are both on weight lifting restrictions. But I plan to try as soon as possible- about mid September. We will begin ckg with Bill for his plans soon, and we now have phones which should allow us to update in real time occasionally. Hopefully. LOL
So dedicate a little time to join us at the watch or just where you are:
KEEP LOOKING UP!!!
Jimmy and Cynthia Wilkerson
