The Great Push After the Rains

September 26, 2025 Friday. Jimmy and I spent a little time counting from our deck since it was a surefire day Friday. After 2 days of rain, and listening to a local Red-shouldered Hawk scream at every passing bird all day, I knew I had to eek out some time yard watching for Hawks. Not officially numbers for the Soddy Count, because this is Hixson after all, it was still fun, and a great indicator to us that Bill was having a great day. Jimmy has scarring on his eye from the shingles, so the light hurts, and he was unable to look for long periods of time. But he did get on several hawks. Our count was from 3:30 to 4:30 and our results were: 3:30 to 4 - 1 RS, 1 BW,low; 4:00 - 57 BW, 1 BE, 1 RS, 1 CH, and 5 BV. All migrated on except the RS and the BVs, of course. 4- 4:15 2 BV, 6 BW and hundreds of dragon flies and damselflies etc. Never saw so many at once. There were more than a dozen butterflies, most were Monarcs.Jimmy then saw from 4:15 to 4:30 - 2 BE (3rd yr), 8 BW and Vultures popping in and out. Last of the day was a TV. It was fun while it lasted but I had supper to fix. I ran out a few times to scan while things cooked, but the TV was the last bird passing in sky where we could see them. Winds had changed too, and were quite brisk out of the NE. Fun...BUT not as fun as BILL's whole day!!!! Here's his report. With his NH we are actually up to 8 species now. He had 7 for the day, but we also have American Kestral, which he did not get one of yesterday. The variety was insane yesterday. That makes the day fun: