Cromwell Valley Park HawkWatch      Tuesday,  9/16/08

One hundred and sixty eight Broad-winged hawks were counted rising from their overnight roosts just north of the watch site beginning at 9:10 am.  Cloud cover prevented thermals from forming, so these birds did not gain much altitude as they gathered in small groups of 5 to 20 or so and slowly moved off. By 10:15 we began to see more small groups at greater heights.  As the clouds gave way and some sun appeared, widely scattered kettles and streams of BWs were seen throughout the day at high altitudes.  The largest single kettle was 82 hawks at about 4:00 pm.  The skill and diligence of our observers was invaluable as most of the BWs were very high and difficult to spot.  WE LOVE THIS STUFF!  Thanks to everyone.

CVP HawkWatch numbers -   9/16/08 -  8:00 am until 6:00pm - 10 observers

Sharp-shinned hawk - 12
Coopers hawk - 3
Broad-winged hawk - 823
Osprey - 9
B. Eagle - 3
Am. Kestrel - 14
N. Harrier - 5

JIm Meyers
Parkville Md