KEMPTON, Pa. — Hawk Mountain's official spring migration count has begun, with more than 300 migrating raptors recorded so far.
“The damp start to April has made for challenging migration, and counting, conditions,” according to a news release from the Berks County sanctuary.
“Low cloud ceilings and persistent rain kept our spring trainees off the rocks for the first three days of the season.
“In between showers and fog, the trainees have counted 302 raptors through April 15.”
Staff and volunteers at the sanctuary have monitored the spring raptor migration since the 1960s, with an average of about 1,000 raptors each 45-day season, according to the organization’s website.
One-day peak counts can reach more than 100 birds in mid- to late-April.
This season’s count continues through May 15. Raptor species totals are updated daily at hawkmountain.org/count.
The first broadwing of the season passed the lookout on April 5, and numbers have been gradually increasing with 54 broadwings observed on April 15 giving the current high-count placeholder at 74 migrants.Hawk Mountain
“Highlights from the 14 species of raptors seen from the lookout include a sub-adult golden eagle observed April 11 and migratory bald eagles and ospreys dodging the local bald eagle pair,” according to the release.
“The first broadwing of the season passed the lookout on April 5, and numbers have been gradually increasing with 54 broadwings observed on April 15 giving the current high-count placeholder at 74 migrants.
“During the solar eclipse, clouds marred the 95% coverage, but the lookout continued to count sharp-shinned hawks migrating throughout the window.”
In addition to raptors, spotters also have recorded ruby-crowned kinglet and purple finch, as well as northern rough-winged, tree and barn swallows.
“Common loon and double-crested cormorant were also moving last week with fantastic views of flocks pushing north,” officials said.
“The day of the eclipse saw 18 common loons pass over the lookout during the morning, including a flock of eight.
“Expect a fast influx of songbirds during the next two weeks with peak warbler diversity expected as April shifts into May.”
Last year, the spring migration count ended with just shy of 1,200 birds of prey recorded — 25% above the 10-year average.
For more information, visit www.hawkmountain.org.
