Enjoying the raptor migration
While some species of raptors can become a pest at feeders, they are amazing birds to watch. One of the most exhilarating experiences I have had with my backyard feeding station was the day a red tailed hawk inspected our yard. Each fall, millions of these magnificent birds migrate south and head through a narrow corridor in central Veracruz, Mexico. That, I am sure, is a truly amazing sight. I have read that it is like watching a river of hawks flying overhead as they make their way to their winter homes. I am sure that these pictures do the event little justice.
While nothing quite that amazing shall be occurring here in the United States, our raptors are readying themselves for this migration. In fact, according to the Hawk Migration Association of North America, the peak period for observing the fall migration is between September 20 and October 20. Check here for an interactive map which will help you find where a viewing site may be located in your state. Participating in a count day can be very educational, and experienced birders are generally available to assist in identification and to answer questions. If you cannot make the count day, however, a trip to the area any time during the migration will likely yield a few memorable sightings.
hawks, birding, backyard birding, birdwatching, migration
September 28th, 2007 at 1:10 am
[...] we will be taking a field trip to the Loess Hills of Iowa to catch what we can of the raptor migration. I will post pictures of what we see over the weekend. In the meantime, fellow 451Press blogger [...]
October 1st, 2007 at 10:13 pm
[...] Over the weekend, we drove out to the Loess Hills for the grand opening of their new lodge and the annual Hawkwatch. The Loess Hills in Western Iowa consist of a geologically unique stretch of yellow loess which [...]