A Short Pause After Being Almost Skunked

 October 28, 26

Bill is taking a few days to sell his beautiful goods and paintings. So today's post was the last until November.  Yikes.  It's on top of us -came too soon for me.  

Here's the report:

Chilly Mornings

 Oct 27 26 Tuesday

Northern Harrier, where have you been?

Closest Merlin and Vultures on the Move

Temps are still dropping a bit at night.  Fall colors are not a total loss.  Trees still holding their leaves  are beginning to show some color.  Almost Halloween! How so fast?  

Here's the report:

 

Sunny Sunday Report October Countdown

 October 25 26 Sunday 

Merlin yes please. 

Here's the report;

Closed Notices

 Sat Oct 24, 26

Diving Sharpies and Barometor Readings

10 23 26 Friday

In this post, Bill speaks of Sharp-shinned Hawks diving on other Hawks.  This is a behavior we often see when migrating hawks pass over the breeding territory of local hawks.  The local birds tends to shoo them on through.  Not generally excessively threatening. but just enough to say, when you come back this way in spring, remember this is MY territory.  But interestingly enough, that doesn't mean that we have mixed kettles or multiple close kettles of differing birds attacking  each other the whole way.  In fact it is not abstract to look up to find a mixed kettle  gladly sharing a lift of air, to make the next glide from heights to miles away a little easier for all involved.  

Bill also mentions the barometric pressure went down.  Through the years, it had become obvious at some point to record keepers that when the barometric pressure dropped and generally approached 30 or below. some good flights have arrived.  We have discussed that it may have a lot to do with this lift thing. Birds can come from heights as the barometer falls. because there is an actual something happening in the air around us, when is the life's blood of migration.  Where columns of air provide lift, is the trail most migrants prefer for the greater part of their trek.  There will always be a bit of weather data on Bill's report, and seeing the correlation through the day is often an interesting thing. 

Here's the report:

OCTOBER IS GOING TOO FAST

 Thurs. October 22, 2026

American White Pelicans - A Personal Fave

October 21 '26 , Wednesday

It's fun to be able to record other sightings at the Hawk Watch. I remember the first time I saw a flock fly low over our heads from the South.  I remember saying. "Look UP!" Being directly over my head, I couldn't exactly tell what they were. I was hoping someone with a better angle would.  They often congregate just north of us on the Tennessee River near Hiwassee, on or near the Island across from the Indian Museum Overlook.  But they can be found all along the River's edge in little nooks from the watch all the way up. 

Welcome, Jim Rowell! Thanks for coming up.

Here's the report:

Beautiful Weather and Continued Hawks

 Tuesday October 2026

Turkey Vultures are generally midday birds. They seldom leave a perch until their wings dry midmorning. Sharpies will fly early. Bald Eagles leave their roosts at about 7am.  So it's never a surprise to have the midday have Vulture numbers.

Here's the report:

Largest Number Of Turkey Vultures Yet This Season

I have been very sick for several days so I am behind in posting. But I felt like I could get at least on of these up. More if it goes well and I don't make mistakes.  But it is going to be short and sweet because I am still struggling.  So excited that Bill is able to capture these latter season TVs.  There could be a lot more to come. Here's the report:

Good Numbers of TVs Going Forward?

October 18, '26 Sunday

It is said Turkey Vultures and Red-Tailed Hawks merely shift more than Migrate. Ok, I might call the Red-tailed move a shift because they just aren't seen farther south into South America I think it is. But Turkey Vultures  can bee seen in large kettles all across the sky when we travel West to Nashville and again in spring. This is no small movement. And the numbers get huge on the border watches.  So what does it look like in comparison in the Panama region. It is easy to find out with 

https://hawkcount.org/ 

At the time of my writing the server is a bit overloaded with people catching up on their reports .  So I will have to come back to this.  Or maybe you can.  Compare the rise in Red-tailed Hawks counted at sites south of the border to the rise in Turkey Vulture counts south of the border.  It because of data that I can make an entirely unsubstantiated claim, off the top of my head, right or wrong, and you can go and find the truth. Nowdays, I almost demand you find out for yourself. Put the numbers to the test but be fair.  Consider there are more than one flyway for migrating Hawks. vast areas of difference in ecological differences in the nesting grounds of various birds leaving out of the North. And the numbers from the East of the US don't directly compare to the numbers out of the Western counts. Most specifically, to the kinds of raptors which can be found in the west vs the east, how their competition for food and other life blood needs will differ. Just always be fair. 

Here's the report:

GETTING LATE ENOUGH TO START COUNTING TV'S

Saturday Oct 17, 26 

Welcome to our visitor, Julie!! Come again some time. 

Loved seeing the Tree Swallow numbers, locals of Bald Eagles possibly pairing up to nest soon,  and others on the move - responding to the cool down.  Winds as usual meant little except Sharpies dare migrate unless too high to see.  And I think I just figured out how to fix the side bar running numbers charts.  All is good. Here's Bill's Report:

(Just a note to explain something. On Phones, the Side Bar Info does not show. It is clipped to make things viewable on the phone. To see the running totals for instance at the left and right side of the blog post, one must be on a laptop or desktop computer. Or purhaps an Ipad size?) 

FALL YALL!!! Is actually rushing in.

Oct 16 26 Friday. Winds can hamper hawk flights sometimes. But Sharpies seem not to mind so much. That is why this is a great time for them to migrate.  There are places up north which had their first snows last night. This will push more hawks to move south.  Would like to see more Coopers Hawks.  

The side bars still do not allow me to update daily. Even if I made a new. This will be a problem going forward. I've had a running total for many years.  Making it public has been a key to the reason for having a blog.  Hopefully we can get a fix before 13 years like with the former problems. LOL For the record. last entries were on Tuesday the 13 Oct.

Here's the Report:

Sharp-shinned Numbers Keep Going UP!

This is the time when Sharp-shinned Hawks like to migrate. I'll try to paste a chart from another page below to show the general pattern of when various hawks tend to fly through our area. Bill put this chart up years ago to help with our expectations of what to expect that we can see on the move. Here's todays Report: 

12 Migrating Hawks Today, 10 of Which Were Sharpies

 Wednesday, October 14, 2026

It was a Sharpie kind of day.  But a Merlin was the Cherry on top. 

( Something was wrong today and I could not update the side bars.. I didn't add the numbers from this report on either side. The totals listed are through yesterday, the 13th.  )

Here's the report:

Turkey Vulture Count Began Today

 Tuesday, 10 13, 26    Bill had some good looks today. Loving that hawks were able to get up and going as the hurricane gets out to sea. Turkey Vultures have begun to move in a way Bill can tell they are heading south. Let's see the report:

Post Hurricane Isaias Which Did a Lot Of Damage In Western NC Again

Oct 12,26 Monday.  Since Friday, Hurricane Isaias (esa-ias) came and went, entering on the panhandle coast of Florida near Pensacola. It ran up thru Alabama and GA bringing rain into our area as well. Since it was much needed. we can't complain. But the N.E edge and East side of it brought 53 tornado reports as is ran through GA, SC. and NC. Hitting several areas around Raleigh.  Some damage in Cary where my brother lives as well. But the hardest hit once again was the Chimney Rock/ Bat Cave area in NC and over into Pensacola NC on Bear Wallow Rd. All such familiar places to me.  Hwy 226 I believe was reported to have several land slides with huge rocks over the roads.  A lot of previously washed out roads were hit again.  I am so thankful it was not the horror of Helene 2 years ago. Reports say the alert systems worked very well and had people going to higher ground in plenty of time this go round. What a blessing.  But while that was all going on, we let the rains soak in and restore our heavily affected flora, to get a little restoration.  And Bill get a little rest. But as Monday opens up, he was expecting more. 

Here's the report:

Top It Off With A Merlin!

Friday, 10 9, '26 

This one accidentally didn't get sent, so we are a bit late getting it up.  But better late than never. LOL

Here's is Friday's report:

When The Hawks Aren't Flying

Sometimes, you just have a little time to spend on the watch.  It used to be quite a drive for some of us. It is up a mountain side after all. But even with Bill being closer than when he lived near town, there just aren't enough hours in the day.  So will the hours you choose be the same as the hawks choose? Not always, of course. So some days the data reflects that. And only that. And THAT is the nature of our data.  Any data is DATA.  Even when the numbers are ZERO.  The hours were spent seeing what was moving at that point in time. It's good data even when the count is 0. Like I always say- DATA IS DATA EVEN WHEN IT IS ZERO.

Here's the report:

Sharpies Keep Growing Their Numbers!

 Thurs. October 7, 2026.   I love seeing the SS hawks #s increasing  by leaps and bounds.  Not that they don't most years. But it's is obvious quite early this year to me. Maybe I never noticed so much. Shame on me.  

Here is the report for a great raptor day. We might get another in before the left overs from the Hurricane to our south bring us rain. Today and maybe some tomorrow before it gets to us. Remember: no watch time in the rain.

A Practical WARNING For Hawkwatchers Everywhere!!!

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

I am just going to let Bill's report speak to the very important warning we give to come prepared to watch hawks. I don't think I gave it enough messaging yet this year.  Regardless of your age or health, being prepared with food and especially hydration is a must for sitting in our hot sun on that hill. And then actually consume it.  Here's the story for Tuesday, and Bill's admonishment. Much love to our long time friend, Ruth Ann Henry and a hawk-watch enthusiast who comes every year, but succumbed to the heat. I have been there, myself. The sweat from my entire body just dried up and I felt it. Thankfully, Jimmy and either Bill or Harold (? not sure which) were aware that meant I was about to have a heat stroke. I was prepared, I just got too busy watching hawks and forgot my water.  But for all day, water may not be enough. Something with electrolytes became my go to after that.

Here's the Report:

After Some Rains - Early October

October 5, '26 - Monday. 

The long awaited rain, and a little reduction in heat starts a hope for continued variety in possibly a little easier time sitting out on the watch. Alas, it was back to blue skies as the clouds moved away. 

Welcome to the visitors!  Anupa Doraiswami and K.V. Pratap please come again. I hope you enjoyed your visit.  

Here's the report:

Clouds Rolled In and Bill Added His First Red-tailed Hawk

Fri 10 2 26 - Friday's clouds were exactly what you like to see, at least what we were seeing in the valley. Tall and billowing, make a great background for the high ones that stream through with purpose, or gather in thermals so small you can't see them with a naked eye. So glad for this day of Hawks he could actually see. 

Here's the report:

October Already, Needing Rain

Bill has continued to brave the Blue skies, with a slight repreave from the heat. Thursday opened a new month. And Bill's favorite time to hawk watch. He likes the variety of hawks species far better than the masses of BWs. Time to check each bird out. To watch it's behavoir, flight habit, wing positions, and learn it's silouette. He did much of that years ago. But each year we would all renew our license to judge by studying each bird as closely as the flight would allow. There is always room to learn.........Great to see Beth Barron up for a second trip. Hope she was able to see another species or two. Always welcome! Here's the report for the first day of October 26'.

Peregrin Falcon Makes an Appearance

The BW numbers will slow now. Large numbers moved South early this year according to many watchers. The Nor'Easter which went up the eastern coast pushed them a little west of us. Holly Taylor up in Putnam Co. TN around Clarkville reported a huge push of BWs, showing videos online of a pure river of BWs migrating by them a few days ago. I mentioned it looked like being in Corpus Christi. While Corpus Christi racked up 80.000 plus 2 days in a row. There are no shortages of BW hawks. They just have not made a huge showing over Soddy Mountain while Bill was able to be there. Thankfully, he's had a steady stream of help and visitors, and that is very motivating, and fun. And he's had enough hawks to help people get to see them. Even with some variety. Today's count is pretty much a good example. And just seeing the hawks, and getting to know them is often better than a thousand BWs. Here's the report:

Clear Blue All Day!

Monday September 28, 26 Jimmy and I were on the deck, while Blake was replacing more of the boards - sawing. talking. and just all around making noise, when Jimmy asked about a small bird in the trees. Before we knew it, there were a couple dozen, and every one seemed to be a small warbler, at first. We had a little fall out of great species and turned our eyes skyward to ck for hawks. And the first thing Jimmy said was, I would not be on the Lookout today. The skies were so blue they seemed solid. So this report was pulled out of the near impossible:

Mystery Bird in Tami's Message

Sunday, Sept 27 26. I love that Tami included a mystery bird in her message and report today. We sometimes record them as Unidentified, but Tami lost the bird in the sun, as will often happen. We can't know if it was a migrant. But it warrants discussion. Because, it is not always easy to ID even the common Hawks as opposed to something we would love to record, that is not so common. With Red-tailed hawks, there are also some features that make them unique. Examples woulld be, Light and Dark Morphs, Harlans and Leucistic birds...and other titles given to certain looks of Red-tails,which are not typical - with a red tail. Another factor, for identification of all hawks, is that a juvenile bird can look quite a bit different than an adult. So since this Mystery Bird caught a long-time counter's attention, I know it was worth checking out. After this report I am putting up some pictures I gleaned from online to represent 3 hawk species which can be misidentified pretty easily when they are not in the expected plumage of an Adult version........... It takes a long look sometimes to find the features you need to make an ID. That is exactly what Tami was trying to do when her hawk didn't present with common ID features. She was going down a checklist of things that could help ID a unique bird, and as she did that, nothing was coming up difinitive. Then the bird flew into the sun, and her check list was interrupted before she could ck it all out. When that happens, it leaves you with a sense of wanting to have seen more. It sticks with you for a few days. Ask me how I know. There are things that given time, would have identified her bird. But they might not be the first things you look at..... Distant birds sometimes require a silouette ID. Knowing wingshape, tail length, and relative size in comparison to something else. This is true between 3 specific Hawks. And Tami was on the trail to Identifying any one of the 3.( I added the 3rd to the discussion, not her, for discussions sake.) Although after the fact, we would probably rule out at last one, based on it being a Western Hawk, stranger things have happened than seeing a bird out of it's expected range. But she rightly focused on 2...... Noting features that could occur mostly in one or the other, but in morphs or juveniles can occur in both, or either or. Gets complicated. And notice, in her message, she said "spots on the legs like..." Guess what. The bird with the most dominant spotted legs in light morph is the western bird. LOL So, she was trying to gather evidence, if you will. The 3 hawks are Red-tailed, Rough-legged, and Ferrouginous. I looked through dozens of online photos and kept seeing articles of how these 3 were most like one of the others as a similiar species. ...................Here is a quote from one of our posts many years ago, where I searched for the instances we have seen the Rough-legged Hawk: "But the one thing I haven't mentioned at all are the unique individuals that we have seen.(# 8) In all these years we have only managed to count 3 Mississippi Kites, 1 Northern Goshawk, and 1 Rough-legged Hawk. The rarest of our species. But there have only been 61 Merlins, and 18 Golden Eagles. I didn't get to see the NG or the RL, and am not sure I could have ID'd them at the time." Now, Numbers for Merlins and Golden Eagles may have changed since then. But the other 2, not so much. I didn't have time to actually search for an actual update; Bill would probably know off the top of his head. But Rough-legged would have been pretty cool for Tami and Bill..... Years ago, there was one that stayed around for the winter on the other side of the mountains in the Sequatchie Valley. Like with kites, things are seen over there, we wish would come over to our valley. So it was also not unreasonable for Tami to ck out a hawk that wasn't common looking. I really hate she didn't have a little more time. But even then sometimes, you just can't be sure. Thanks for bringing me back to the watch, with memories of trying to ID a hawk but, only walking away with visions of it in my head. LOL Here's her message and her count sheet, followed by 4 hawk pics to review, that if I saw these backlit by sun, I am sure I would struggle to pick out the Rough-legged for certain.

Light Morph RT Aug 28 25 Echo Oregon by Mark Ludwick of Pacific NW Birding on FACEBOOK .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Light Morph Rough-Legged Hawk from FACEBOOK New England Wildlife ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Juvenile RT from Birdfact.com, articles on RT Hawks .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Ferrufinous Hawk from All About Birds....................... Notice the banding on the tail, which Tami described, is missing on THIS bird. I could not find an instance where a feruginous had banding on it's tail. However they have a very reddish upper tail in many cases, which when backlit by sun looks just like a lighter colored adult RT. The exceptionally long wings, and no bands on the tail...Not her bird, no possibility for a rare Western fluke. Not that she considered it. Just noting, how to rule the rare one out definitively. One final note. I have seen Red-tails almost completely devoid of the checkerboard banding on their underwings, shown in these 2 RT pictures, and the one at the top of our page. Some RTs are so white underneath you wonder if they are leucistic. Which we have seen. But it has to be noted, that at least 1 completely Albino looking RT has been reported on several occasions by people up on Jones Gap RD. Reputable birders have tagged me in pics, or mentioned them on FACEBOOK and I saw it. If the is a local, and has nested, there could be some very Feruginous looking RTs up there. If they happen to migrate over the watch, it might be a little confusing unless the counters are aware! Happy Birding to all. KEEP LOOKING UP!!! Jimmy and Cynthia

Largest Number of Hawks and Count Visitors

September 26,'26 Saturday As far as regular count days, not events, there were the most visitors to the watch Saturday yet this year. Tami was able to be there too to help with the count. Thank YOU! But we always say, more eyes to the skies, and our visitors were able to pick out or point out the hawks, as well. Welcome to all! Barb and Tim Baldwin, Aaron Thomas, Jasper Kaloi, Mina Claire, Emerson Smith, Casey Burks. Thanks for coming! What a lovely report. So glad everyone got to experience seeing hawks in numbers. Great Job everyone. Here's the report (Merlin was the new spcies for the day):

Friday With Visitors And Hawks To See!

Friday 9 25 26 - After vieving a post from Holly Taylor, showing floods of Hawks pouring into Tennessee in Putnum County, I was definitely hopeful that Bill and friends would have soome good looks. There was a Nor'Easter off the East Coast this week, which flooded some of the hawk watch towns like Cape May. That kind of storm pushes large masses of birds to inland Migratory opportunities. Having folks up in Putnam County get to experience so many, was exciting to see. It honestly looked like a day at Corpus Christi, TX from her video. She zoomed in and out to give some perspective of what size clouds and how close the birds were respectively. It was awesome to have them close enough to capture on what appeared to be her phone?? But it was a great capture at any rate. Jimmy did a little research and found that up there is a state area, where Holly has reported from recently to another records keeping source, other than HMA. That was back on Sept 18th, I think he said. Boy am I being ambiguous. I am just trying to relay that he ckd it out to see if they were another hawk watch like ours. But that location, near Cookville, could have great numbers I am sure. Anyway it was a great indicator which raised my hopes for Bill and his guests to see hawks. And they did! So glad to see our long time friend Susan Schott up, and she brought her friend Kym Martin. Hello and welcome to her. But the visitors who were the most unlikely, were brought in by Iron Man Chattanooga, occuring on Sunday. So Happy to have Boise Idaho residents Toni and Lenore Holthuijzen! Thanks for making the Hawk watch one of your destinations! Soooo happy there were hawks for you to see: Here's the Report: (in 2 parts)

Late in the Day On a Thursday...

Sept 24, 26 Thursday. Bill sent a note earlier that indicated after 2 attempts he had to leave the watch due to rain. So initially, he expected to go up tomorrow. But the rain broke about 4 and he chanced a late flight. Not a bad move. Wish he had had a flood, as has happened. But alas, We will take what he got. NOt a bad day after all. Here's the report:

Visitors To The Hawkwatch See the 80,000 Broad-winged Hawk added to the Count!!

We are questioned a lot after news articles, or TV reports about the Hawkwatch. Can I come up to see the hawkwatch? The answer is a resounding yes. During Hawkwatch seasons, it is even expected. There is a tremendous amount of interest in what it is like to be a hawkwatcher. Lately birdwatching in general is becoming attractive to younger people. From kids to young adults. the HOBBY has gotten a boost in interest across all of the US. SO, YES is the answer. But there are quite a number of things which must be understood. It is not glamorous. It's either Hot or Cold some days, rainy some days. and inconvenient every day. At our watch there are no facilities, there is no cover, and there is a bluff edge. Children are welcome, but care must be taken. Someone coming to bring their family for a half hour or so, no need for being prepared necessarily. But, if you really want to experience the hawk watch, you first need chairs. Blankets would work for kids, but there are ants and bugs... like any picnic scene, it's nature after all. Sunscreen is a must even for a little while. Water and possibly snacks are crucial. And for the best experience, at least one pair of binoculars helps. Kids who are just learning, will ususally have Turkey Vultures, Red-tails, and Bald Eagles that are possiblities and large enough to see without binoculars. And there is an infrequent opportunity with many other individual hawks to come in close enough for watchers to view them. But a lot of hawk watching is done through the binoculars and they are often quite small even then. However, on the unique day that a kettle of BWs comes in close, it will be a mesmerizing very exciting experience. Once seen it's something you will always hope to see again and again. So people sit for hours in hopes of that kettle. Yet, over time, it is just as awesome to see each and every species which passes over, and you are willing to scan the sky for hours to do that. If YOU are a Hawkwatcher at heart. Here's todays report, including exactly one family,and especially 1 of those children who just loves watching birds...who came up to see what hawk watching was all ablout. Welcome to the Longbrook family! and to Karin Britton! and a shout out to Jim Rowell, a long time watcher and and Hawkcounter on our watch. Thanks for another pair of eyes! >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Here's the report: I realized after the post that we hit the nail on the head. They saw the 18 BWs needed to reach and grand total of 80,000 BWs for the 34 years of counting! Yay!

Highest BW Count So Far

Tuesday Sept 22 26, was a cloud dotted sky day for most of the morning in the valley. So we hoped it would be the same for Bill on the lookout. I was not surprised to see he had success finding a nice number. Here's the report:

Another Day With a Good Variety!

Monday, 9 21 26, and I have been slammed busy today, so I am almost learning with the reader just how the day went. Bill has been hit with thunder storms in the afternoons, so staying on the hill, is not an option with lightning possible. Here's the report:

Sunday and the Hawk Migration Association With Tami

On Sunday Sept 19, 2026 Bill was only able to come up to sit with Tami, who was already there, for a short while; so the report gets to be a little different today. Tami is our reporter, and I get to tell a bit about her. First of all, she more than doubled our count so far, with 143 BWS as a count. She's not a magician, the environment was just good for hawks to be showing up. LOL Tami once counted in SC with a group who used the page form from, what was then, the Hawk Migration Association of North America or HMANA. Today I am posting her pdf in two parts from screenshots I took of it. And her lovely story of how the day went, which she emailed over with the form. Although we report to the Hawk Migration Association, now the HMA, we have never used their sheets, simply because all the guys adopted Bill's notation pattern which they all kept in a spiral notebook. Many of the hawks listed on the HMA report sheets are western species and were always highly unlikeley for us to see, But they were versatile if you were a traveling watcher. Also, in discussing the hawks from the west in teaching sessions for any who might wish to visit a western sight, like Corpus Christi, TX. A very desirable site, because it is the funneling area for all the hawks crossing our border to sights further south. The counters there are an incredible bunch with skills beyond amazing, to capture the 100s of thousands they see. But we appreciate Tami adding to her life's work in the same form she always has. It makes storing records easier, that's for sure. I want to thank Tami for her involvement over the years, especially the coverage of hours when Bill has not been able to be there, and her support when ever she is able to come all the way from across the river to be there! >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> (This version of Blogger doesn't allow me to make new paragraphs, so I have to do something to note a new one. Thus the arrows.) Anyway, with this discussion, I am able to make my annual nod to the HMA tools for storing the records from all the lookouts which participate in recording and sending their stats. We are one of them, but there are sites from Canada and Mexico and further south, which also share data, which I love to see. Those stats are recorded at HAWKCOUNT.ORG. This is where Jimmy records the data Bill, Tami and Niclole send, which makes a permanent record which anyone who visits the site can see. That site allows us to compare data with other sites across the North American continent. Now, we don't compare to sites like places where the rivers of hawks flow through. But we can compare to the other smaller sites, mostly North of us, with similar numbers to ours. Because it takes all the hawks passing little sites across the nation, and then some not counted in between, to make the magnanimous numbers flowing through places like Corpus Christi. I could talk all day about the experiences from the data at all these sites, but for now I want the focus to be on how we partner with them to make the numbers count. One last note I want to make before posting Tami's sweet note and the bits from my screenshots, is that Bill from early on sent our records to HMANA, but at that time the data was sent via mail, not entered directly into a website as it is now. It was recorded somewhere, but we don't know where. But now you CAN look back either on our site or on Hawkcount.org for many years of data using our search vehicles. Therefore, all the years of the hawk watch under Bill's direction and when we were primarily the ones up there too, are available to the public. Here is a slightly different form of report showing the mechanics of things as recorded:

EVENT DAY, 2 BWs RELEASED

Yesterday, on Saturday September 19, 2026, Alix Parks and Wayne brought 2 Broad-winged Hawks to release in time for the migration. In hopes they will join a small kettle coming in from the North. We have done this before on a couple of occasions, and are always blessed when Alix comes. Her organization is Happinest Raptor Rescue, and their facilities continue to grow and provide them plenty of work to do. With all that growth there is plenty of need, for the tools to bring back good health and a long life to the birds she rescues. Public gatherings are probably her greatest asset to sharing the work and the need to a public audience. We are always happy to help them when we can in that regard. A nice crowd gathered, many new faces, who are now aware there is a count, and a rescue which have been decicated to the well being of migrating raptors and hawks in general for many years. Thanks to all who came and especially to Wayne who helped us by cutting down the trees blocking our view. Here's the report:tap to view

Adding a Little Variety on September 18th

Wow!! I am posting this on Saturday, after the tremendous turnout for the Raptor release with Wayne and Alix from HAPPINEST RAPTOR REHAB. We have featured them in years past and have the greatest reguard for their work. Big Shout Out to Wayne for cutting down our trees blocking the view over the bluff! What an amazing gift! More on that later. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Friday's report is awesome for its variety. Great to add Osprey, Coopers Hawk, and American Kestral. But the BW numbers were up as well. Here's the report:

Slow Day, 9-17, 26 Thursday

Playing catch up. Couple of busy days for me. So short and sweet- Here's the report. THX Bill.

Wednesday Sept 16 2026

The Sun and Heat Dome, (the worst in the whole world they are reporting) whatever that means is taking it's tole. Thankfully next week is supposed to bring better temps. Here's the report: