This past week wrapped up week 5 of the 2023 fall hawk count. Sporadic weather led to variable daily count numbers and a total weekly count of 1350 raptors.
This week, 483 sharp-shinned hawk sightings accounted for 36% of total observations. Turkey vultures accounted for another 30% of observations. We are still a few weeks away from the peak of the turkey vulture migration, where we can expect to see several hundred birds crossing daily.
We are still seeing a variety of other raptors; a fair amount of broad-winged hawks (203), bald eagles (103), and American kestrels (101) are continuing to make their way south as well as smaller numbers of northern harriers (18), red-tailed hawks (16), and merlins (11). Sightings of red-shouldered hawks (5), ospreys (5), and peregrine falcons (4) are less common.
Highlights for this week include the appearance of an immature Swainson’s hawk on 9/21/2023. Swainson’s hawks are uncommon this far east so this was an exciting observation. Additionally, on 9/24/2023 a male American kestrel hung around the count site and captured and consumed at least two praying mantises!
