Fall Season 2021 is Underway

Bill Haley has begun sending reports from the hill for the September watch of 2021. This will be the 28th year the watch he began has been manned. And the data we've posted and kept may be the longest running public data on Hawks and their migration from a single location ever in Tennessee. We sincerely hope that this legacy is a blessing to future generations about the status of Hawks moving through the eastern flyway over us on the mountain. It is often hard to spend long days in the weather, and blue skies, and heat or severe cold and wind. But it's in the blood once you've seen the big kettles or the constant flow of precious birds flying by...you want to see it again and again. Like Christmas coming every year, your excitement rises the closer the big week comes, or the closer that beautiful Eagle rides the air for its long glide. Within a day or two I will post Bill's first 3 reports. Once I am caught up, I'll try to keep it sort of caught up. I just had cataract surgery on both eyes. Am only about 1 week out from the second surgery, so I have to protect my eyes for a bit. Jimmy and I are both much better than we were physically. Able to move about much better. But our energy levels are not what they were, so we will have to spend limited hours at the watch if we can get out there. I'll stop for tonight. Except to say, we are mindful of the Covid continued threats, and must be careful to do what we can to protect one another. If you come to the watch, please do all the things you can to protect yourself and others. But also come very prepared with water, food, protective gear, binocs, and a good chair. Please bring sunscreen and bug spray. And again....plenty of water. Facilities are not available most days. Jimmy and I may bring a portable if we come, but not sure how safe that is to everyone???I can spray with Microban 24...but it's close quarters. Sort of scarey. I certainly hope with these cooler temps, there is a good chance that birds might stay lower this year? maybe...The week of the 20th is always the best one. It tends to be when the greater numbers of BWs get to us. Depending on the weather. Weather...just a reminder, or for anyone new...Rain means there is no count. lightning means no count. Severe weather means no count. So ck the radars around and moving toward Soddy Daisy to know if it is safe. Or if the day is a wash...literally. thank you for following us... Cynthia and Jimmy Wilkerson ON BEHALF OF BILL HALEY. AND ANY WHO HELP THIS YEAR ON THE WATCH. Now--KEEP LOOKING UP!!!