Hawkwatch Begins, 09/01/18

~This is one of two Broad-winged Hawks that passed over the platform relatively low. One of the birds was calling the entire time as they passed over – and then as they headed towards the valley, the two birds tangled briefly. Mt. Peter Hawkwatch, 09/01/18.~ 

I can hardly believe that it is time for hawkwatch already – this summer just flew by. Today was the first day of my 7th season counting at Mount Peter Hawkwatch, and I believe this is the first time I’ve counted on opening day – September 01. My expectations were low, mostly because it’s so early in the season, and also because the winds were not entirely favorable – I had an East and East Southeast wind throughout the day. After no raptor movement at all for the first two and and a half hours, I was pleasantly surprised to have a good couple of hours with a total of 15 migrating hawks (13 Broad-winged Hawks and 2 Sharp-shinned Hawks).  Other highlights included a pair of RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES that were hanging around for most of the day and a brief appearance of a CAPE MAY WARBLER.  I thought it was a pretty darn good start to the season, and I’m totally looking forward to an autumn full of Saturdays up on Mount Pete. You can see my complete report at the bottom of this post.

~Always a great bird to see – RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH at Mt. Peter Hawkwatch, 09/01/18.~ 

 

4 thoughts on “Hawkwatch Begins, 09/01/18”

  1. Congratulations on an excellent opening day for Hawkwatch Season, Matt. I hope this bodes well for the remainder of the 2018 Hawkwatch.

    1. Thanks Kathy. You read my mind – I am really hoping that this is an indication of a good season ahead. Matt

  2. Hard to believe that the migration is beginning. Was at Bombay Hook yesterday but missed getting the stilt. A good number of Avocets were present. Also had a singing sedge wren about 10 miles north of Bombay Had not seen one in over 20 years

    1. Sounds like some good birding Bruce. I’ve never had a Sedge Wren yet, and Avocets are always a favorite. Matt

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