KEMPTON, Pa. — Hawk Mountain's official spring migration count has begun, with almost two dozen trekking birds recorded on the first day.
- Staff and volunteers at Hawk Mountain have begun the spring migration count
- So far, almost two dozen birds of prey have been recorded
- A rainy, cold April may force the birds to migrate in several tight windows
“A sharp-shinned hawk kicked off the official migration count on April 1, as southwest/west winds made for a good day on the lookout once the morning rain showers ended,” according to a news release from the Berks County sanctuary. “The day ended with 23 migrants as 17 turkey vultures, two bald eagles, two sharp-shinned hawks, one red-tailed hawk and one unknown raptor caught the tailwinds and headed north.”
The day ended with 23 migrants as 17 turkey vultures, two bald eagles, two sharp-shinned hawks, one red-tailed hawk and one unknown raptor caught the tailwinds and headed north.Hawk Mountain officials
So far this season, 137 birds of prey have been counted, according to the release. The count continues through May 15.
Staff and volunteers at the sanctuary have monitored the spring raptor migration since the 1960s, with an average of about 1,000 raptors each 45-day season, according to the organization’s website. One-day peak counts can reach more than 100 birds in mid- to late-April.
The Appalachian Mountains provide an ideal passageway for migrating raptors, according to the state Game Commission.
“In early autumn, bald eagles journey through the Appalachians to spend the winter in scattered locations throughout eastern North America where rivers and lakes remain ice-free and food is available,” according to the Game Commission's website. “Other migrating birds of prey may winter throughout the east and along [the] Atlantic coastline or continue traveling south to the Gulf of Mexico and even Central and South America, like the broad-winged hawk, which may end its journey as far south as Argentina.”
Cold, rainy weather later this month may influence flight patterns.
Long-range forecasts predict a rainy mid-April with below-average temperatures, according to the release. The weather may work to group raptor migration into “several tight windows.”
“To witness a good flight, visitors should target partly to mostly cloudy days with sustained southerly winds, avoiding days with sustained headwinds out of the north and precipitation,” according to the release. “Keep an eye on weather conditions towards the end of April when we typically see our peak passage as the broad-winged hawk migration wave washes through the region.”
Sanctuary staff welcomes both beginner and expert birders to join the official count from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at the North Lookout. Trail fees for non-members cost $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and $5 for children ages 6 to 12. Tickets can be purchased at hawkmountain.ticketleap.com.
For more information, visit www.hawkmountain.org.
