The fall hawkwatch season is off to a good start here at Kiptopeke, and I (Anna Stunkel) am so glad to be back! So far, Ospreys have been migrating in decent numbers, and other species such as American Kestrels are starting to move along. The weather has been hot, with stagnant high pressure. However, a cool front tonight and a shift to northeasterly winds should bring in a lot of passerines tonight, and hopefully some good raptor flights if there isn't too much rain this weekend.
Several rarities have been causing excitement on the platform during the past few days. First, a Wood Stork showed up on September 4, and was seen on and off throughout the day. The bird often circled among vultures, and eventually headed southwards.
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| Wood Stork; photo by Steve Thornhill |
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On that same day, a Lark Sparrow showed up near the hawkwatch parking lot. The dapper sparrow was hanging around and feeding amidst a flock of Chipping Sparrows.
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| Lark Sparrow; photo by Steve Thornhill |
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On September 5, an Anhinga was seen, and two Anhingas flew northwards over the platform on the following day. The birds were flying too high to obtain photographs, but hopefully they might make an appearance again.
If this season plays out similarly to recent years, Osprey and small falcon movement should pick up considerably within the next week or so. We hope to see you on the platform soon, so you can experience the thrill of migration with us!
~Anna
