October 5, 1999

Hi folks, another busy one today with great diversity. Clouds were

non-existent but a strong north wind and some haze seemed to keep the

birds within limit of vision. The Broad-wingeds tried to soar but

apparently there were no good thermals and they were going round and

round looking for some rising air. Kestrels were pouring through in

groups of 3 to 5, and although the sharpies and cooper's started a little

later today they were plenty abundant. The Swainson's hawks arrived late

in the day and were a welcome treat for sun-blazed eyes. Thanks to those

of you who helped count and spot today. The count:

1 Black Vulture

4 Turkey Vulture

1 Osprey

5 Mississippi Kite

15 Northern Harrier

233 Sharp-shinned Hawk

40 Cooper's Hawk

1 Red-shouldered Hawk

274 Broad-winged Hawk

2 Swainson's Hawk

2 Red-tailed Hawk

170 American Kestrel

3 Merlin

1 Peregrine Falcon

2 Unidentified Accipiter

754 Total Hawks

Until tomorrow,

Kyle McCarty

Official counter

Smith Point Hawk Watch is made possible by donations from Exxon,

Hawkwatch International, Houston O.G., Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, and

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Computer donated by Texas Partners in Flight and Compaq. Thank you all.