Hawk migration time has arrived

By Thelma Dalmas
Published: September 9, 2008

As we move toward the middle of September, the hawk migration is well underway.

This month the broadwing hawks will take center stage, sometimes flying over by the thousands in a single day. Later in the season, sharp-shinneds and Cooper’s will be the predominant species.

Listed below are the three major hawk watching sites along the ridges in Virginia and the total number of broadwing hawks observed during the 2007 season.

Snickers Gap, Virginia 7 at the Loudon-Clark County line: 8110
Rockfish Gap , U.S. 250 — Afton Mountain: 15214
Harvey’s Knob, MilePost 95 — Blue Ridge Parkway: 9633

Traditionally, the broadwing migration is centered over the mountains of the state. Along the eastern region, the numbers are usually low. The hawk watch site at Kiptopeke State Park on Virginia’s Eastern Shore has relatively few broadwing hawks. However, later in the season the sharp-shinned flight over the area is very good.

Of course, it is always difficult to predict exactly what day the hawks will be moving. I have spent all afternoon watching the sky in the prime season for migration and seen fewer than a dozen birds. I have also observed more than 1,000 hawks spiraling upward at one time, simply covering a whole section of the sky as they swirl within a thermal. Last year, the single-day high counts were:

Snickers Gap, Sept. 17: 4396
Rockfish Gap, Sept. 16: 6235
Harvey’s Knob, Sept. 18: 4074

The best conditions for hawk movement include a day with winds out of the north or northeast. The sky should be partly clear with big cumulus clouds. These clouds produce the warm updrafts of air sought by the birds to assist in their long-distance flight.

It is more difficult to spot the hawks if they are moving across a clear sky. Often, broadwings fly at high altitudes and can only be seen when they pause to “kettle up” within a thermal.

Visitors are welcome at all of the hawk watching sites. If this is a new activity for you, simply mention to one of the hawk watching crew that you are interested in learning more. One of the volunteers will be happy to help you improve your skills as you scan the sky. To make your day more comfortable, you will need to bring a chair and some sunscreen.

News and Notes
The Lynchburg Bird Club will sponsor a bird walk on Sept. 13 at Percival’s Island Natural Area near downtown Lynchburg. Meet at 7:30 a.m. in the parking lot next to the hiking and biking trail at Percival’s Island. The trail crosses the James River and provides a good opportunity for spotting some of the bald eagles that nested near the city. This is a morning walk and will end by noon.
For more information, call (434) 847-4110.