Soddy Mountain Hawk Watch: November 2023

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.

Thursday, November 30, 2023

As Bill Said, He might make it up a few times more

Bill decided it was just too nice not to spend a little time on the watch as he gets a chance. Cold weather approaching might send some birds south. I know Nashville Radar shows large flocks moving through their area. Here's what Bill saw on Wednesday the 29th. NOvember 29,'23

Saturday, November 18, 2023

CONSIDERING ENDING THE SEASON, FEW BIRDS MOVING THESE DAYS

Thursday November 16, 2023 --In Texas they report one of the greatest years they have ever had. Seems just enough snow fell into the western flyway to push tons of migrants through early. They closed their watch this week, however. The warmth up north and all across the east has not pushed late raptors across our watch such that Bill can see them. Lot's of time spent, but disappointing results in comparison to the past. Here's his report:

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Tuesday, Nov 14 23 A little too warm to believe

Here's the report:

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Sandhills Are Showing Up - Monday November 12, 23

Vultures still moving: Monday's Report

Monday, November 13, 2023

Sunday Brings A New Wave

Power shut off my computer, and it took a bit to get it back up, and then get the program I use to post reports back up. But We are proud to give you Sunday's Report:

Saturday, November 11, 23

We add 32 raptors today from Saturday's report:

Friday, November 10, 2023

Thursday Is The Last Day Before the Rainy Days Coming

I Believe a few Vultures got busy. Bill's report for Thursday is up:

Thursday, November 9, 2023

Record Breaking Hot Temps for November

I remember one year that it was beautiful and warm weather all the way til after Christmas. There are just years like that. Sometimes, I am gungho for snow at Christmas, and some years I am just thankful for an easy Loooonnnngggg fall. I really am loving this one. But does it mean more? Here's Bill's report:

Tuesday, November 7th

Bill's report is a couple pages, but added a new species for the year:

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Warm Weather Returns ~ Feels Like Spring

Actually it is like early summer if it weren't for the fall leaves. Here's Bill's report:

Thursday, November 2, 2023

The Vultures are ON THE MOVE

Vultures can move in large numbers, and today was a great example of them ready to go. (correction to the email: the sharpie was seen in the last hour.