Today felt more like a waterbird count than a hawk count. In the 5 hrs of counting I managed before it started raining, 991 Canada Geese flew over migrating north. I found this movement to be quite unusual for late May. I’m not sure what these geese are thinking. Perhaps they are nonbreeders moving together to a different summering ground, or perhaps these geese are still intending to attempt breeding. Other waterbirds included two Great Egrets flying southwest, two Great Blue Herons, a Common Merganser, and a Caspian Tern.
Hawk movement was pretty subdued, probably due to the impending rain. Most notable bird was a Northern Harrier. Another highlight was the local Merlin pair flying over calling. Tomorrow looks pretty good with the rather uncommon wind direction of WSW.
Turkey Vulture – 4
Northern Harrier – 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk – 1
Broad-winged Hawk – 89
Red-tailed Hawk – 1
