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!