Anyone who has ever enjoyed much time at area hawk-watches could not have looked outside today, Friday October 29th, without considering what potential this weather holds!  Here it is, late October, a cold front passing through, winds out of the WNW, a nice mix of sun and clouds......PERFECT for raptor migration!  
I arrived at 9:00 AM, a half hour after Mark Scarff, and we both commented on how early the Turkey Vultures were up and moving.  Song birds were coming through in waves, including Robins, Cedar Waxwings, Black birds and Bluejays.  In the field just above the HawkWatch Mark spotted, among others, Winter Wrens, Field Sparrows and one Woodcock.  By 10:00 AM Sharpies, Redtails and Redshoulders began to move in numbers.  At least 3 local B. Eagles were seen moving back and forth, diving at and chasing each other.  The 11 o'clock hour brought a steady flight of migrant hawks, and I regretted having to leave Mark on his own trying to keep count.  Fortunately Joe Stag and John Hoffman joined the effort some time after noon, and their careful scanning resulted in an impressive count that might have gone un-accounted!!

Cromwell Valley Park HawkWatch - 10/29/10 - 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM - 4 observers at various times

Sharpies - 51

Coopers - 11

Redtails - 90

Redshoulders - 12

N. Harriers - 6

B. Eagle - 2

Osprey - 1

Peregrine Falcon - 1- carrying prey and eating on the wing

Also seen - 1 Great Egret and 9 Loons

Saturday we hope to see a good movement of buteos....

Jim Meyers
Parkville MD