After Friday evening's descent of over 500 Broadwinged Hawks into the area at Cromwell Valley Park, a group of about a dozen observers hoped to see the BWs rise from their overnight roosts.  Beginning at about 9:00 AM we got what we were looking for as small groups of BWs were seen rising up from the trees on both sides of the valley.  More than a few of the birds passed right overhead quite low, and the clicking sound of camera shutters mixed with the OOOHHS! and AAHHS! of delighted observers.  Over 300 BWs were seen in that hour ending at 10:00 AM.
The BWs quickly gained height in a sky that was clear blue, with very few clouds to help us pick out these high flyers.  More observers arrived throughout the morning, and with so many eyes scanning the sky we were able to spot dozens of kettles and groups of streaming hawks.  These ranged in numbers from a few to around 100 birds.  This was the case most of the day, with a bit of a lull around 1:30 PM.  In spite of the difficult sky and high flight, each hour averaged around  200+ BWs  after 2:00 PM.
Our final count of BWs was 2110 birds.  Our BW numbers all week have been some of the highest of the watch-sites here on the east coast.  If anyone has any ideas as to why we had such good numbers and other sites in our mid-atlantic area did not, please let me know what you think.  A wind out of the north-west was part of it certainly.  Go to HAWKCOUNT.ORG to compare regional site numbers.
We had no late afternoon descent today, so Sunday morning's lift-off may not be as good as Saturday's.  
Also of note were the 16 N. Harriers counted today, a new record for Cromwell I believe.
Thanks to everyone for a wonderful effort!!

CVP HawkWatch  Saturday, 9/18/10 - 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM-  25+ observers/visitors

Broadwings - 2110

Sharpies - 59

Coops - 4

Osprey - 3

Am. Kestrel - 17

N. Harrier - 16

B. Eagle - 4

Jim Meyers
Parkville MD

Un. Id. - 3