SITE DESCRIPTION

SITE DESCRIPTION:
"The Soddy Mountain hawk lookout is located in southeast Tennessee on the eastern face of Walden's Ridge (the Cumberland Escarpment) in Hamilton County, a short distance north of the town of Soddy-Daisy, TN. It lies at the eastern terminus of Jones Gap Road atop a bluff overloooking Hwy. 111 and the beautiful Tennessee River Valley to the east. The hawk lookout location is state-owned land, and there are currently no restroom or eating facilities nearby. Hawk watchers are advised to bring their own folding lawn chair, sunscreen, a hat, and drinking water, as well as binoculars and a field guide. Caution should be used at all times, especially if children are present, as there is no fence to prevent a fall off the nearby 75 foot bluff. The hawk lookout proper is level ground." *

No Shelter is available, and parking is on a level below the lookout grounds. The climb to the watch site is up a steep bank about 8' high. Other helpful tools might include an umbrella or spotting scope, although on a good day, you might not find time to use either.*

Courtesy of William G. (Bill) Haley, compiler and author of the brochure, Soddy Mountain Hawk Lookout, produced for TOS.

Red-tailed Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk
Falconer Mr. Johnson's Red-tail

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

The First Black Vulture Kettles of the year

Bill has only a few more chances this season.
Here's the post -

Soddy Mountain, TN hawk report, Mon., Nov. 25, 2019

Time on lookout: 1215-1600 = 3.75 hr.
Counter: Bill Haley

Weather: Clear all afternoon, 1215 wind SSE 5-10, visib. 20K, temp. 51 F. 1300 wind calm, temp. 55F. 1400 wind E 1-4, temp. 58F. 1500 wind calm, visib. 60K, temp. 60F.

Raptors by hour:
1215-1300: BV 27, RS 1, RT 1
1300-1400: BV 9, RT 2
1400-1500: BV 6, CH 1
1500-1600: 0

Total raptors: BV 42, CH 1, RS 1, RT 3
Total: 47 raptors

Counted the first Black Vultures of the fall. They are always problematic, as they are kind of all over the place, and we see them every day. I strive to only count groups moving southward and not the many locals. A kettle of 27 at 1255 was hard to ignore, and they all sailed south together. The others counted were all in groups as well.

I hope to spend some time on the lookout the next couple of days, but it'll be later in the afternoon tomorrow. On Wednesday rain is predicted in the afternoon, so maybe I can catch a break that morning. Some major rain events, possibly continuing through the weekend, may put an end to fall season 2019. 

Other sightings: Sandhill Cranes 64.

Reporting: William G. (Bill) Haley
__________________________________________

Everyone have the very best THANKSGIVING.   This year we are Thankful for Bill, for way more reasons than one.  May all of you be blessed!!!

and if you get a chance....
KEEP LOOKING UP!!!!
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