Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Spring Migration Raptor Count 30% Above 10 Year Average

On June 30, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary reported the 2020 Spring Migration Count was different than any experienced before.  The count was 30 percent above the 10-year average with notably higher counts of turkey vultures and broad-winged hawks. Counts of bald eagles also were above average.

Several species had below average counts including black vulture, northern harrier, and sharp-shinned hawk.

As a research facility Hawk Mountain Sanctuary was deemed essential and the long-term spring count could continue, but with social distancing and limited contact. 

Despite the lonely days on the lookout, the 2020 Spring Count was a success. The Count tallied 1,269 raptors of 14 species from April 1 through May 15.

A non-migrant brought some excitement to the lookout near the end of the count. On May 12, an adult Mississippi kite flew low over North Lookout heading down ridge in a southwest direction. 

This is only the 7th spring record of Mississippi kite for the Sanctuary!

Non-raptor Migrants

Raptor flights waned after May 2, with most daily counts less than 10 birds, but songbird flights picked up. A large flight of black-and-white warblers occurred on May 3 with 28, including 10 in one tree. Songbird flights continued through the end of the count with tree and barn swallows and yellow-rumped warblers seen almost daily.

Click Here for more complete results.

For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary website or call 610-756-6961.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Sanctuary, Like them on Facebook, Follow on Twitter, visit them on Flickr and visit their YouTube Channel.  Click Here to support Hawk Mountain.

[Posted: June 30, 2020]  PA Environment Digest