Thanks to other volunteers Tom Armour, Fred Blystone, Bill Williams and Dean Shostak, we were able to set a new season total of 1811, surpassing the previous high of 1666 set in 2007. The hawkwatch operated from February 9th through May 24th. Our 177 hours were the most in our 15 years and our 85 days were also the most, surpassing the 82 in 2007. We had our best February, 2nd best March, 5th best April and 6th best May. The early season boosted our totals, despite much wind, rain and and cool temperatures and the second half of the season mostly saw very small flights, despite seemingly fine weather for migrating. Our biggest day was the 3rd best ever for the site, 146 on April 3rd.
We recorded 14 species and set new season highs for Turkey Vultures and Ospreys. Northern Harrier was 2nd highest. The single Broad-winged Hawk was the lowest, except for 1998 when none were seen and coverage was less than half of this year.
Totals
Black Vulture 65
Turkey Vulture 1189
Osprey 289
Mississippi Kite 1
Bald Eagle 82
Northern Harrier 41
Sharp-shinned Hawk 49
Cooper's Hawk 10
Red-shouldered Hawk 9
Broad-winged Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 38
American Kestrel 29
Merlin 5
Peregrine 1
Rarities at the site included Glaucous Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Least Bittern, Sandhill Crane on 2 occasions and White-winged Dove.
We see many variations on immature Bald Eagles, including the quite unusual and striking one pictured above.
It's always a pleasure watching birds cross the James River at this site during late winter and spring. If anyone wants further details, please contact me.
Brian Taber
