Anticipating a good hawk flight after the rain ended on Sunday, I arrived at Cromwell Valley Park at 12:30 PM and immediately saw raptors flying overhead. Within an hour more than 30 hawks had been counted, mostly Sharpies and Redtails. Of particular interest was the height at which many of the Sharpies were flying. Some of them were at or near the limit of visibility, an altitude that is gained usually with thermal lift. With overcast skies and cool temperatures, thermals were out of the question. These birds were flying high using the lift provided by the strong NNW winds over the ridges. Most of the hawks, and both Turkey and Black Vultures, were moving through very quickly. By about 3:00 PM the flight slowed down to a trickle. After speaking with a dog-walker who said the vultures were moving as early as 9:30 AM when there was still a light mist falling, I realized I should have come out much earlier than 12:30 PM to catch the start of the flight.
We will probably reach our 10,000 mark today, Monday the 19th!!!
CVP HawkWatch Sunday - 10/18/09 - 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM - 2 observers
Sharpies - 36
Coopers - 6
A. Kestrel - 4
Merlin - 1
N. Harrier - 2
Redtail - 14
B. Eagle - 1
Unidentified raptors - 4
Jim Meyers
Parkville Md |