KEMPTON, Pa. — Hawk Mountain's official spring migration count has ended with a record set for the number of bald eagles recorded soaring past the lookout.
“The bald eagle count of 87 was 74% above the 10-year average and a new record high!” according to a news release from the Berks County sanctuary.
“Counts of black vultures, sharp-shinned hawks, and merlins were 54%, 16% and 64% above average, respectively.
“Counts of turkey vultures and red-tailed hawks were 17% and 19% below average, respectively. All other species had average counts this year.”
The high day was April 19 with 117 birds including 3 ospreys, 5 bald eagles, 1 northern harrier, 4 sharp-shinned hawks, a season high 101 broad-winged hawks, 1 red-tailed hawk and 1 American kestrel."Hawk Mountain officials
During this year’s spring migration count, which runs from April 1 through mid-May, Hawk Mountain volunteers and staff tallied 1,001 birds — 6% above the 10-year average.
Officials 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.
“The high day was April 19 with 117 birds including 3 ospreys, 5 bald eagles, 1 northern harrier, 4 sharp-shinned hawks, a season high 101 broad-winged hawks, 1 red-tailed hawk and 1 American kestrel,” officials said.
Weather was an issue
While the last day of the count was scheduled for May 15, weather proved an issue.
“The count ended with a whimper as low clouds shrouded the mountain on May 15,” according to the release. “Clouds lifted in the afternoon, but no migrating raptors were counted.
“The last official migrant of the 2024 spring count was an adult red-tailed hawk soaring north between 1 and 2 p.m. on May 14.”
Similarly, a damp April made for challenging migration and counting conditions when the season began.
In addition to birds of prey, spotters also noted non-raptor migrants. However, officials said that group was “decidedly fickle” during this year’s count.
“Non-raptor migrants were decidedly fickle this spring with an okay showing of northbound common loon and double-crested cormorant, but an underwhelming push of neotropical migrants,” officials said.
“Black-and-white warblers reclaimed territories along the ridgetop, and the loud ‘whee-eep’ of great crested flycatchers announced their return.
“Migrating scarlet tanagers emblazoned the spring green with their brilliant alternate plumage, and a male indigo bunting finished the count season singing his claim to the lookout.”
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.
