We were amazed by the number of American Kestrels we saw yesterday, a whopping 515 of them were spotted heading south over our platform. This is far and away the highest of the season yet, and a personal best for our hawk counter Anna. We expect many more of these small falcons as the season continues.
 |
| American Kestrel (Steve Thornhill) |
Many times over the past two days, large kettles of Broad-winged hawks have appeared in the sky seemingly out of nowhere. "Another kettle!" was often exclaimed and a finger pointed in the direction of 40-60 broad-wings, where seconds ago there had been only clear blue sky.
 |
| Broad-wing kettle (Steve Thornhill) |
We have also gotten good looks at Bald Eagles, Merlins and Peregrine Falcons thanks to low clouds bringing these raptors close to the ground.
 |
| Merlin (Steve Thornhill) |
 |
| Immature Bald Eagle (Julia Magill) |
This Saturday is the Kiptopeke Challenge, a fundraising event for which we will aim to record as many bird species as we can from the Hawkwatch platform. Other teams will be competing along the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Wish us luck!
If you want to get in on this migration action then please stop by our hawk watch platform. We are always eager for skilled eyes and birding beginners alike. There are picnic benches and many fun trails close by to our platform.
Julia
