Hazel Bazemore Hawk Watch

Corpus Christi, Texas (Nueces County)

All reports are posted daily to the following newsgroups: 
BirdHawk, TexBirds, BirdChat, TexasBirdChat
   

So, just how do we count all those hawks!?
 

Libby's report:

Happy September to you all:

Broad-winged Hawks: 4
Mississippi Kites: 1532
Swallow-tails Kites: 6
American Kestrel: 1
Merlin: 1
Peregrine Falcon: 1
Zone-tail Hawk: 1

Total: 1546

After yesterday, I was pretty sure we had seen all the Mississippi Kites there were to see. Very glad they proved me wrong. As you will see, it wasn't the last time I was wrong today. Actually had a lift off in the morning of almost 400 and they stayed steady for most of the day. Many early kites stayed around the site feeding for about an hour before they headed south. Swallow-tails were right on time, just after noon - grabbing dragonflies generally at higher levels than the missies. The count was 3 adults and 3 immies - great to see those young ones!

The Zone-tail was a very cooperative adult female - gave all our visitors superb looks at her tail bands.

The last hour of the day brought our first Kestrel of the season on the tail of about 20 missies. We were surprised to see this adult female, initially called by me (naked eye) as a straggler missie. Luckily, no one believed me and checked it out. About 10 minutes later, following the same path, I see a initially call out "another Kestrel". I guess I was tired by that point, but again, no one believed me and we got great views and additional surprise, with our first Merlin as well.

You just never know what will fly over next!

-----

Thanks, Libby! What a show on the hill ... you just can't beat the headliners and the seatings always good! 

September 02, 2007:

Joel's report:

Considering the weather a very good day. Completely overcast with a late start and closed for an hour during the middle of the day. It did make for cooler weather and lots of visitors.

Swallow-tailed Kite 2
Mississippi Kite 413
Broad-winged Hawk 1
Osprey 2
Total 418

-----

Thanks, Joel. Weather is still hit and miss as yet another tropical system wends its way over us from Mexico. Here's hoping it'll fade away soon, though the cooler temps are definitely a nice side effect from all the rain. 

September 03, 2007:

Joel's report:

Total rain out today - no raptors.

-----

Thanks, Joel. Feast and famine, the very familiar chant of south Texas hawk watching!

September 04, 2007:

Libby's report:

Broad-winged Hawks: 420
Unid Buteo: 1
Mississippi Kites: 9
Osprey: 1
Total: 431

We started and ended the day with a trickle of Miss. Kites. Highlight of the day obviously was our first good kettle of broadies. The first of 220 came between 3: and 4: followed not 5 minutes later by another kettle of 200. Since our Miss. Kites peaked in one day, it was nice to see the broadies start to take over a little. We're looking for more and more kettles!  

September 5, 2007:

Libby's report:

Broad-wings: 2
Miss. Kites: 162
Total: 164

The kites started our day early, teasing us with hopes of more to come. Alas, it was not to be as the east and southeast winds proved too much of a battle for them. That's okay though, we'll be back on the hill to see them tomorrow.

New rule of hawkwatching: NEVER let responsibility get in the way of hawkwatching! (You all know who wrote that I bet. Same guy who keeps telling us "Hazel Rocks!".)

-----

Thanks, Libby! It's September, the broadies are starting to flow, all right! The kites aren't finished yet; they'll continue to trickle through for another week or two, but the flavor of fall is teasing our tongues, and the bands of buteos are getting closer. We still need a lot of ice to keep that chocolate cool, but soon enough, teaser cold fronts will begin to drop crisp little tendrils of cool our way, and send the humidity and mosquitoes running for cover (and believe me, that's a day we're all anxious to see!).

Have you got your travel plans all set to come to the hill for our Celebration of Flight? We've got the page up for it, so be sure to click on the link on our 2007 fall season and check out the fun! Remember, it's all free and open; just bring yourselves, your chairs and water and sunscreen and prepare to be amazed!  

September 6, 2007:

Libby's report:

Broad-wings: 1
Miss Kites: 128
Swallow-tailed Kites: 7
Peregrine Falcon: 1
Osprey: 2
Harris' Hawk: 1

Total: 140

A few Miss. Kites started our morning. Then just after noon, right on time, Dane spotted a stream of 3 Swallow-tails which shortly turned into 7 total (5 adults, 2 immies). They were immediately followed by our one Miss Kite kettle of the day. The Harris' Hawk was an immature and gave us great looks fairly low and down the middle. The Peregrine (adult) almost snuck by but was caught by Bob streaking low through the east.

The variety of moving raptors will just continue to increase from here. If you haven't been to see yet, every day it just gets better!

-----

Thanks, Libby!

Have you got your travel plans all set to come to the hill for our Celebration of Flight? We've got the page up for it, so be sure to click on the link on our 2007 fall season and check out the fun! Remember, it's all free and open; just bring yourselves, your chairs and water and sunscreen and prepare to be amazed!

September 7, 2007:

Libby's report:

Broad-winged Hawk: 3
Red-tailed Hawk: 2
Swainson's Hawk: 3
Mississippi Kite: 861
Swallow-tailed Kite: 1
Osprey: 1

Total: 871

What a great day on the hill! Hopefully some of you will quit "lurking" in cyberspace, wishing you were here, and come see our raptors.

There are two folks who did not miss out and win the prize for visitors from farthest away yet this season. John from Massachusetts and Antony from the U.K.! Wow! They spent their morning with us and enjoyed about 800 of our Mississippi Kites and a very close fly by from one of our local White-tailed adults. They left and true to form Hazel quickly produced some of their "misses". Within 3 minutes of them leaving our immie Harris' Hawk flew over tree top level, perched on the light pole behind tree 3 and gave us our best looks yet. Within an hour the Swallow-tailed flew over and the dickey birds our visitors wanted to see (buff-bellied hummer, green jay) came to the feeders.

I think our visitors should just act like they're leaving - say goodbye, walk away for a minute and then sneak back.

Anyway, thanks to John & Antony - we love being able to show off the miracle of nature we have. And please come back! Also, thanks to Mike Dillon from Marshall, Tx for his visit, spotting birds, and helping to id dragonflies. More about those later from Dane.  

September 8, 2007:

Dane's report:

Broad-winged Hawk = 1
Mississippi Kites = 1680
Swallow-tailed Kites = 3
Osprey = 1
Zone-tailed Hawk = 1
Total = 1686

What can we say? The Kites just keep on coming (and we are grateful).

Zone-tailed was spotted by Bob while the rest of us were counting Kites. Nice pickup!

Immediately before being rained out at 4:15pm, 3 Mississippi Kites and 1 adult Swallow-tailed Kite flew right over our heads.

At least 120 American White Pelicans showed off for us. We have 150 to 200 White-faced Ibis staying on the floodplain.

One exquisitely feathered Roseate Spoonbill flew by us today.

And, the immie Harris's Hawk wowed us yet again.

We had over 1160 Mississippi Kites counted between 1 and 2pm.

Local White-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks were quite active; and a 'resident' Peregrine powered by as well.

Thank you to our awesome Volunteers and Guests!

Hazel rocks...:

-----

Awesome! Get your seatbelts out. We're now in September, THE peak month for our fall watch, and it's only going to keep getting better and better every day! The rains continue to be a factor, and if this keeps up through winter, we'll have another blockbuster wildflower season next spring! In the meantime, it's making the raptors slalom around the flyways, but most are managing to skid across our skies! Best show on earth, and you can't beat the price. Come see us!

September 9, 2007: 

Libby's report:

Broad-wings: 22
Swainson: 1
White-tailed Hawk: 1
Miss. Kites: 123
Swallow-tailed Kites: 4
Amer. Kestrel: 1
Peregrine: 1
Osprey: 2
Northern Harrier: 1

Total: 156

Birds were steady this morning until the drizzle hit us close to noon. The adult female Northern Harrier circled up early from the river bottom and continued on her way. Best siting of the day was an immie Peregrine who circled tree top level with his body and crop both bulging from breakfast and the remains of the prey (unidentifiable) still gripped in its talons. Three out of our 4 Swallow-tails were really nice, fairly low views against dark grey clouds. Our day ended with 9 broadies coming low down the middle followed quickly by another 10 broadies and 5 Miss. Kites seemingly looking for somewhere to spend the night.

-----

Thanks, Libby!

September 10, 2007:

Joel's report:

Broad-winged Hawk 143
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Swainson's Hawk 1
Zone-tailed Hawk 1
Mississippi Kite 24
Cooper's Hawk 2
American Kestrel 3
Osprey 2
Total 177

The best bird was the Zone-tail that was the first bird of the watch. It flew just overhead at about 150 feet up. We saw this adult male two more times during the day. Six large flights of Anhinga totaling approximately 3000 to 3500 added spice to the day.

-----

Thanks, Joel! Man, I love seeing those zonie numbers rack up. The range is definitely sneaking a bit more eastward in terms of our part of the country, Used to be, one had to trek at least to west Texas to see them with any regularity. Now they're becoming a fixture each fall season over our watch area, as well as being seen frequently along the bounds of the Hill Country to our north and west. Zonies are fun raptors to pick out, especially when they're flying with the vultures, though many seem to be soloing it these days, too.

September 11, 2007 (We Will Never Forget):  

Joel's report:

Broad-winged Hawk 135
Swainson's Hawk 2
Zone-tailed Hawk 1
Mississippi Kite 376
Cooper's Hawk 3
American Kestrel 1
Merlin 1
Osprey 1
Total 520

Again the bird of the day was a Zone-tailed Hawk, this time an adult female. It came in the second hour of the watch and returned just before we closed. Maybe it will stay around for a few days.

-----

Thanks, Joel!

Our buddy, former HMANA Texas Editor and Corpus Christi Hawk Watch emeritus John Economidy has been flying his nimble fingers through the archives some more. Check out these swallow-tailed kite goodies John's compiled:

-----

Veracruz River of Raptors reports a total of 484 Swallow-Tailed Kites as of September 6, 2007.

Compare that finding with tallies for past entire seasons at Veracruz:

Veracruz Counts:
2006: 242
2005: 198
2004: 141
2003: 202
2002: 272

Compare to Corpus Christi Data:
2007: 148 as of September 6, 2007
2006: 99
2005: 56
2004: 34
2003: 21
2002: 57
2001: 37
2000: 0
1999: 31
1998: 6
1997: 7
1996: 0
1995: 1

Add Ontario, Canada to the list of states and regions where STK has popped up along with Mitchell, South Dakota; Yarmouth, Maine; West Virginia; Missouri; and Tulsa, Oklahoma.

-----

Thanks so much, John! These guys are on the move, no question. Extra rations of chocolate to John for poring over those dusty records!

September 12, 2007:

Dane's report:

Broad-winged Hawks = 486
Red-tailed Hawks = 2
Swainson's Hawk = 1
Red-shouldered Hawk = 1
Unidentiified Buteos = 2
Mississippi Kites = 413
Cooper's Hawks = 3
American Kestrels = 21
Peregrine Falcon = 1
Merlin = 1
Osprey = 6
Northern Harrier = 1
Total = 938

Wow! 21 American Kestrels. We also counted 1 Merlin and 1 Peregrine Falcon - giving us a very sweet, Falcon hat-trick.

We had Birds every hour. Eleven 'countable' species were identified. A total of fifteen Raptor species were observed(including residents).

Our local Red-shouldered adults 'welcomed' a migrant Red-shouldered Hawk for the better part of 30 minutes. Hazel being the prime territory that she is; the migrant Bird was quite reluctant to leave. Some serious dogfighting ensued(with ardent vocalizations). Observing the heated battle, I noticed the local immie Red-shouldered Hawk,watching the fracas from above.

Right now, we have the following species of Raptors acting locally : White-tailed Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk(a beautifully marked immie), Swainson's Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Harris's Hawk(again - a beautifully marked immie), Turkey and Black Vultures, Cooper's Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Peregrine Falcon, Zone-tailed Hawk, Osprey, Crested Caracara.

By the way - our guests and volunteers rock! We were glad to see our friend Cameron Cox at the site today.

We feel like there are still some swell Swallow-tailed Kites and many Mississippi Kites to come.

So, come on out and see us because -

Hazel rocks....

-----

Thanks so much, Dane!

September 13, 2007:

Dane's report:

Broad-winged Hawks = 2287
Red-tailed Hawk = 1
Unknown Buteos = 2
Mississippi Kites = 143
Swallow-tailed Kite = 1
Cooper's Hawks = 6
American Kestrels = 10
Merlins = 2
Ospreys = 7
Northern Harriers = 2
Unknown Raptors = 3
Total = 2464

Look out! Here come the Broad-winged Hawks. As we weathered a cold-front(heat index barely over 100 degrees); we were treated to our largest kettle in '07 : 475 Broad-winged Hawks.

As we see Kite numbers wind down, let me express our gratitude, awe, and love for Swallow-tailed and Mississippi Kites. Unless you are a Dragonfly, one must be thankful to witness the grace and elegance these Kite species display.

Raptor diversity and the Broad-winged Hawks are upon us...

Come and see some Birds, because :

Hazel rocks ....

-----

Thanks so much, Dane! And look at the weather! Yesterday, we had Hurricane Humberto nipping at our heels along the Texas coast. Today, the high pressure moved in and it's gee-orr-gee-ous! Get on out to the hill, folks; the chocolate won't melt nearly so fast now!   

September 14, 2007:

Dane's report:

Broad-winged Hawks = 3096
Red-tailed Hawk = 1
Swainson's Hawks = 2
Unknown Buteo = 1
Mississippi Kites = 177
Swallow-tailed Kites = 2
Cooper's Hawks = 2
Unknown Accipiter = 1
American Kestrels = 13
Peregrine Falcon = 1
Osprey = 11
Total = 3307

We are pleased to announce our first set-down of the 2007 Season! More than 200 Broad-winged Hawks came in late, and decided to rest overnight in the Hazel Bazemore area. It was way cool.

The 2 Swallow-tailed Kites were found by Libby and Bob - and of course these Birds are an awesome treat.

Our resident immie Red-shouldered Hawk exchanged pleasantries with a migrating immie Peregrine; and our local did quite well! (Nevertheless, an aerial duel with a Peregrine does not seem to be a very good idea).

3096 Broad-winged Hawks; now that is fun....

Hazel (as always) rocks ...

-----

Thanks, Dane! Hey, never let it be said the immature of any species are necessarily smarter from one to the next, <laugh!>! Like kids, immature raptors don't always use the best judgement. Glad to hear both of the "kids" over Hazel fared well in their encounter today!

And oh, yes, the broadies are making their presence known! Be sure to get on out to the hill tomorrow and see if you can catch the first liftoff of the season!   

September 15, 2007:

Broadwings: 2181
Zone-tail: 1
Miss. Kites: 43
Sharp-shins: 4
Coopers: 3
Unid. accipiters: 2
Am. Kestrels: 4
Peregrines: 1
Merlins: 4
Osprey: 2
N. Harriers: 2
Unid. raptors: 3

Total: 2250

Liftoff started soon after we arrived this morning - Broadies coming out of the trees in every direction. They were steady throughout the day which was cut short at 3:30 with heavy thunderstorms and rain.
The Zone-tailed came up early - we enjoyed a number of close views. A nice showing by Merlins today - one of whom was carrying prey (a bird) which it appeared to be plucking on its way by. We were very happy to see our first Sharp-shin for the season, especially after we got 3 more later in this day. The first sighting of the John Economidy species also occurred today. By the way, John spotted the Zone-tailed.

Thanks to all our visitors for stopping in today; we hope you enjoyed the visit. Many thanks to our "seasoned" spotters for lending a hand.

-----

Thanks, Libby!   

September 16, 2007 (Diez y Seis):

Dane's report:

Broad-winged Hawks = 8455
Red-tailed Hawk = 1
Swainson's Hawks = 4
Red-shouldered Hawk = 1
Mississippi Kites = 32
Swallow-tailed Kites = 7
Sharp-shinned Hawks = 3
Cooper's Hawks = 3
American Kestrels = 7
Peregrine Falcons = 4
Merlin = 1
Unknown Falcon = 1
Ospreys = 10
Northern Harrier = 1
Prairie Falcon = 1
White-tailed Hawk = 1
Total = 8532

First of all, a local White-tailed immie and a temporarily local adult Zone-tailed Hawk, engaged in an aerial dogfight! Luckily no injuries were incurred. It was awesome.

The Prairie Falcon circled directly over our Site, no more than 120 feet above us. This Bird got our adrenaline going!

The Swallow-tailed Kites were all quite high, as we had strong thermals for most of the day.

Hazel Rocks...

-----

Thanks, Dane! Migration is heating up! We're on the ramp about to enter the peak passage period for our watch, so be sure to come on out as soon and as often as you can! You won't want to miss a moment!

September 17, 2007:

Joel's report:
Broad-winged Hawk 2329
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Swainson's Hawk 1
Mississippi Kite 3
Sharp-shinned Hawk 3
Cooper's Hawk 4
American Kestrel 3
Peregrine Falcon 4
Merlin 1
Osprey 1
Unidentified Buteo 2
Unidentified Falcon 1
Unidentified Raptor 1
Total- 2355

The largest group of Broad-wings, 1450 just after noon, kettled three times and were working hard against strong east winds to get south. Another great look at the resident Zone-tailed Hawk plus six separate appearances by a local adult Broad-winged to remind us what they look like up close were today's highlights.

-----

Thanks, Joel!  

September 18, 2007: 

Joel's report:
Today's Total 4826

Broad-winged Hawk 4806
Turkey Vulture 8
Mississippi Kite 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
American Kestrel 5
Osprey 2

Rain shortened the watch today as we were forced to close at 3 pm. Most of the hawks came between 11 and noon with kettles of 1500 and 2100. We had our largest single group of Wood Storks when 78 of them made an appearance with a group of over 100 Anhingas.

-----

Thanks, Joel!

September 19, 2007:

Dane and Libby's report:

Yessir! Here they come:

Broad-winged Hawk: 23097
Swainsons Hawk: 3
Turkey Vulture: 1
Mississippi Kite: 52
Swallow-tailed Kite: 1
Sharp-shin Hawk: 10
Coopers Hawk: 5
Unid. Accipiter: 2
American Kestrel: 2
Peregrine Falcon: 3
Merlin: 3
Osprey: 3
Unident. Raptor: 1

Total: 23183

Another day interrupted by rain. But what is a little rain when you count over 23,000 Broad-winged Hawks? By the way; thank you Bob C. for the awesome help in our counting duties. So; do you even notice the raindrops when a Swallow-tailed Kite flies over your head? And what is a little precipitation on a day when you see three species of Falcons?

Fifty-two Mississippi Kites. Accipiters travelling together. Anyone interested in sharpening their Accipiter ID skills should visit Hazel Bazemore in the next six weeks or so. That is, if you can look past the 2,000 (or more) Broad-winged Hawks filling your binoculars.

Should I even mention the set-down we witnessed involving at least 500 Broad-winged Hawks? (Which means there WILL be a liftoff tomorrow morning).

Happy birthday to our Friend and Brother, Jimmy Swartz - you know we love ya Jimmy!

Well, gotta go walk off the calories from Jimmy's birthday cake (awesome cake Maggie!)

Hazel definitely is rocking...

-----

Oh, man!! Here we go, and here we (Bill and I) are, stuck in a hospital room again, ha! No worries; Bill is doing great and will hopefully go home tomorrow. His gall bladder acted up for the last time this weekend. His surgeon took care of it yesterday and Bill's making a fine recovery. I've been looking out the windows around here periodically, hoping to spot some of these babies, but alas, no migrants over the hospital yet. <laugh!> They're all over at the hawk watch site! Get your booties moving, folks, it's show time! Liftoff tomorrow morning and thanks to Dane and Libby for getting this report in so quickly. Y'all show up and help them count the morning travelers. I'll keep an eye peeled on the bayfront here at the hospital; maybe we'll get some, too!  

September 20, 2007:

Dane's report:

Broad-winged Hawk: 59520
Red-tailed Hawk: 2
Swainsons Hawk: 5
Harris' Hawk: 1
Unid. Buteo: 2
Turkey Vulture: 13
Mississippi Kite: 31
Sharp-shinned Hawk: 10
Cooper's Hawk: 15
Unid. Accipiter: 5
American Kestrel: 10
Peregrine Falcon: 2
Merlin: 4
Osprey: 6
Northern Harrier: 1
Unid. Raptor: 3

Total: 59,630

An incredible liftoff of about 6600 birds was enjoyed by all. While the bulk of them were in the far west (scoped by Joel) almost 1000 broadies lifted up from the park, the golf course and close in the east - an hour long spectacle. While Bob was helping us grab the ones coming low in the east behind us, he got startled by one broadie that came out of the tree about 50 feet in front of him.

As you can see from the numbers, after liftoff they never quit coming.

We also had a late appearance by the Zone-tailed Hawk - a close by loop-dee-loop gave us an awesome dorsal view.

From the reports up north, plenty more are on their way - don't miss them!

Thanks to our visitors and as always, many thanks to Jimmy and Bob for their help today.

-----

Whoo-hooo! And I got to bring Bill home from the hospital today; all's right with the world! Oh, man!! What a day on the hill! That resident zone-tail is just a hoot. We're getting lots of chuckles out of the novelty of having one at the watch this fall. Awesome! I tell ya, it just gets better every single year!

Get yourselves on out there folks; directions are on the web site (www.ccbirding.com/thw/2007/) - now we're starting to cook!!

September 21, 2007:

Libby's report:

Broadwinged hawk: 85739 (incl 2 dark morphs)
Red-tail hawk: 1
Swainson's hawk: 6
Turkey vulture: 8
Miss kite: 36
Sharp-shinned hawk: 33
Cooper's hawk: 47
Unid Accips: 7
American kestrel: 15
Peregrine falcon: 6
Merlin: 1
Osprey: 12
Unid Raptors: 2
Total: 85913

A little bit slower start today that yesterday but the kettles began at 10:00 and did not stop until right before 5:00. A solid day of Broad-wing kettles numbering in the hundreds up to over 16,000. One appearance by our local Zone-tailed Hawk again today - nice of the bird to show for our visitors.

Two Peregrines spotted by Bob coming through the East were shortly followed by two more who circled together right over the road. Accipiters are starting to come in small groups. A number of nice mixed kettles today with accipiters, falcons, ospreys and various buteos.

Lots of visitors today - they picked a good day to come. Thanks to members of the San Antonio Audubon Society for the visit - we enjoyed teaching the "rookies" about hawk watching. And a big welcome to Peter from Arizona - we've been waiting on him but the birds have not.

Get out to the Hill!

-----

Not to repeat myself, but ... whoo-hooo! And they keep on coming! We're in the flight pattern now, heading into the peak passage period for our watch. Generally, that's the last ten days of September, in case you're wondering. Good to see some five-digit kettles shaping up. The the first six-digit broadie kettle isn't far away, maybe even tomorrow. The weather continues to hold in a surprise turnaround of clear skies and whomping good cumulous clouds throughout the area. It's still a bit warm (in Texas, that means it's in the 90's with heat indices in the triple digits), so be sure to bring lots of water along with your sunscreen and chairs and hats.

Don't forget, the Celebration of Flight begins this coming Thursday, September 27 and runs through Sunday, September 30th. We've got all kinds of raptor specialists on hand to answer your questions and provide informative presentations on the hill, so you won't miss a moment of those spectacular flights!

September 22, 2007: 

Joel's report:

Great day, great birds, great people, great weather.

Broad-winged Hawk 97123
White-tailed Hawk 1
Unidentified Buteo 1
Turkey Vulture 4
Mississippi Kite 32
Sharp-shinned Hawk 11
Cooper's Hawk 33
Unidentified Accipiter 8
American Kestrel 8
Peregrine Falcon 4
Osprey 2
Northern Harrier 1
Total- 97228

The hawks came through all day. No mega kettles but constant medium groups. Only a small set down of about 100 so no big liftoff tomorrow.

Our friends from New Jersey, Tony, Pat, and Mary, that have been here for the peak week for 10 of the 11 years arrived this morning. They do a watch at Scott's Mountain in PA before coming here to be an intergral part of our watch. Made new friends from PA and Georgia. Others from Austin, Houston and San Antonio, plus a tour group, and many locals made it a fun day.

-----

So many hawks hit the hill this weekend, it took two days to get them sent over the internet! Just kidding! Well, not about the numbers, obviously. We are in "The Zone" this week, as we've noted, the peak passage period and flights are taking advantage of great south Texas weather to pile in on top of our heads.

Don't forget, the Celebration of Flight begins this coming Thursday, September 27 and runs through Sunday, September 30th. We've got all kinds of raptor specialists on hand to answer your questions and provide informative presentations on the hill.

September 23, 2007:

Libby's report:

Broad-winged Hawk: 62361
Swainson's Hawk: 10
Unid Buteo: 1
Mississippi Kite: 26
Sharp-shinned Hawk: 12
Cooper's Hawk: 24
Unid Accipiter: 1
American Kestrel: 18
Peregrine Falcon: 8
Merlin: 4
Aplomado Falcon: 2
Osprey: 11
Northern Harrier: 1
Crested Caracara: 1

Total: 62,480

Awesome! Is there anything more to say about a pair of Aplomado Falcons? But of course! These beauties came below and through a small group of Mississippi Kites and accipiters. In the distance, What looks like a falcon? A Miss. Kite or a flapping accipiter. All 3 counters came to see this group and all three of us knew something was wrong. Dane saw the first one (trying to sneak through) and Joel and I were on the second. I had the other raptor group first and was sifting through, got on the Aplomado, tried my best to make it a Kite or Accipiter and just couldn't get it done. Dane says "That's not a kite." Joel says "Come on baby, flap for me." The entire group secretly begging the bird to give it up. What's more powerful than a Kite, too dark and powerful to be an accipiter, and the tail too long for either? An Aplomado Falcon of course. We apologize to any of our visitors who did not get to see these beauties, although most got good looks at the second one. Other than marveling at the site, it was a very interesting study on the thought processes of your official observers: first trying to fit it into the "norm"; weeding through everything the bird is not; and then the eureka moment when the identity of one of our most hoped for but rare species pops into our brain. I bet if you looked real hard you could see the exclamation point bubble over our three heads.

Other than the silver grey back of the adult Peregrine right before he stooped on our pond birds this afternoon, I can't remember anything but Aplomados.

Thanks to all our visiting spotters for helping out yesterday - we appreciate you all!

-----

Thanks, Libby! It's pretty remarkable, isn't it, when two little raptors can overshadow the sight of more than sixty thousand of their brothers and sisters overhead! Aplomados are special to us for many reasons, not the least is the magnificent reintroduction effort by the Peregrine Fund to bring these former residents back to native territory in south Texas. From the one lone breeding pair in the Texas valley, numbers are rising and Appies (as we like to call them) are settling in and breeding in the wild as if they never had the pressure on numbers and loss of habitat that drove them out years ago. We're smartening up our own attitudes, too, as a civilization, and every success story is a gift. To have "local" and migratory/transmigratory Aplomados winging overhead is a very special thrill that really does stack up to the mindblowing sight of sheer numbers! I hope you can join us this fall and see it for yourself. There's plenty of room on the hill. We'll save you a seat!

Don't forget, the Celebration of Flight begins this coming Thursday, September 27 and runs through Sunday, September 30th. We've got all kinds of raptor specialists on hand to answer your questions and provide informative presentations on the hill. 

September 24, 2007:

Dane's report:

Broad-winged Hawks = 24,190
Swainson's Hawks = 6
Red-shouldered Hawk = 1
Unknown Buteo = 1
Turkey Vultures = 9
Black Vultures = 6
Mississippi Kites = 38
Sharp-shinned Hawks = 11
Cooper's Hawks = 14
Unknown Accips = 4
American Kestrels = 6
Peregrine Falcon = 1
Merlin = 5
Unknown Falcon = 1
Osprey = 5
Northern Harrier = 1
Unknown Raptor = 3
Total = 24,302

Five Merlins ... Three dark-morph Broadies ... Thirty-eight Mississippi Kites ...

Our guests and volunteers (along with Hazel) rock ....

-----

Thanks, Dane! The Hill is really cooking up, and I don't mean just raptors, either. By ones and twos, our extended family are making their way back for our annual fall gathering. Tony-Pat-Mary from Pennsylvania, Peter from Arizona, Peter from Scotland, Suze from New Hampshire (who brought two more converts!), Julie and Andy from Austin, John from San Antonio ... just a few of the folks who make the trek to Hazel each fall, all coming together again for the kind of special bonding that even our own blood families can't give us. It's family on a whole 'nother level, don't'cha know! If you don't know, get yourself on out to your hawk watch of choice and join in the marvel of this amazing time of year. You'll be back ... again, and again ...

Don't forget, the Celebration of Flight begins this coming Thursday, September 27 and runs through Sunday, September 30th. We've got all kinds of raptor specialists on hand to answer your questions and provide informative presentations on the hill. 

September 25, 2007: 

Joel's report:

That's right no typo, low number but great quality read on!

Broad-winged Hawk 760
Red-tailed Hawk 4
Swainson's Hawk 8
Short-tailed Hawk 1
Black Vulture 2
Mississippi Kite 18
Sharp-shinned Hawk 16
Cooper's Hawk 20
Unidentified Accipiter 2
American Kestrel 12
Peregrine Falcon 13
Merlin 2
Prairie Falcon 1
Crested Caracara 2
Unidentified Falcon 2
Osprey 2
Unidentified Raptor 3

The Prairie Falcon came in low just overhead to provide the ultimate look at the "dirty armpits" and distinctive wing beat in the morning. At 2:30 pm a Peregrine Falcon was found in the west..then a small buteo was found above it. At that distance you could still see the two-tone wing pattern. But it did not have the shape of a Swainson's or White-tail. As it came in closer it exhibited the light graceful flight that is one of its signatures. It was seen in a scope for over three minutes that showed the darker terminal band in the tail and the light pearly-greay head. Almost all 30 people there got to see this beauty.

-----

Thanks, Joel! And another species new to the season is added to the tally! Let's see, that now brings us up to 22 species. Still got some regulars that haven't made the trip through yet. They'll be coming later on in the season. That's one of the beauties of our physical location. The diversity of raptor species that pass through the watch zone is nothing short of remarkable. Nearly all of the North American raptors heading south wing their way through the watch each fall. Don't let today's count fool you. It's just a brief pause in the river of raptors converging on southerly watches from the major flyways. Eastern, western, central and the sub-flyways in between; all southern watches are in the zone now for peak passage.

Having said that, however, in (finally!) looking over data from other hotspot sites north of us, I find it extremely interesting that there have been so few major bulk passages of broadwinged hawks this season over their traditional monitored routes. And that the one major push amongst the key watch sites up north occurred pretty much all on the same day - Sunday, September 16! Which ironically coincided with the date of our latest trip to the emergency room and hospital, and my absence from cyberspace for awhile as Bill eventually underwent surgery this past Tuesday to get a pesky gall bladder out of the way. Wow! Did you see all those other site reports from the 16th?! I know, I know, I'm probably the last to see them, <laugh!>! Sorry about that; I know my excitement is well after the fact, but I'm excited nonetheless! I've only just tonight gotten caught up with the last of my backed up email of the past week while Bill was hospitalized, and I was thrilled and awed to see so many great northeastern US counts on that one day, with other sites even farther north (Holiday Beach and Hawk Cliff in Ontario, Canada for instance) showing their own push even a day or two earlier. Which would traditionally (again, all weather being equal, which it's been anything but this season) put all those birds in our area about what, five to seven days later? Around Sept. 21-23rd, and sure enough, the raptors began converging in mega-numbers over our watch right on schedule, starting Sept. 20th. Storms clear, the backed up hawks come through. It's a well-rehearsed dance that more than any changing leaves or whispers of cool snaps in the air tell us fall is upon us! Know what excites me even more? I'm seeing another little push of hawks up north, which bodes well for bigger broadie pushes through our southern watches through the rest of the month and into early October!

Veracruz, keep your heads up (well, after the latest tropical weather gets through you, that is ... we see yet another potential system heading in your general direction and pray it will be as minimal as possible). We're sending you raptors just as fast as we can!

Don't forget, the Celebration of Flight at the Corpus Christi Hawk Watch begins this coming Thursday, September 27 and runs through Sunday, September 30th. We've got all kinds of raptor specialists on hand to answer your questions and provide informative presentations on the hill, along with our traditional Native American blessing of the watch and migration.  

September 26, 2007:

Dane's report:

Broadwings: 6696
Red-tailed Hawk: 1
Swainson's Hawk: 7
Red-shouldered Hawk: 2
White-tailed Hawk: 2
Unid Buteo: 2
Mississippi Kite: 27
Sharp-shinned Hawk: 38
Cooper's Hawk: 41
Unid Accipiter: 7
American Kestrel: 18
Peregrine Falcon: 18
Merlin: 3
Unid Falcon: 3
Osprey: 8
Northern Harrier: 3
Unid Raptor: 6

Total: 6871

As usual, world-class Volunteers and Guests... And oh yes; the Birds were awesome as well. An incredible dogfight between two of our 'locals': immie Red-shouldered Hawk and Zone-tailed Hawk. This battle went on for several minutes - and both combatants emerged unscathed.

A different type of skirmish for Top-Falcon of the Day unfolded before our very own eyes; final score was American Kestrels 18, Peregrine Falcons 18. What a game! What a day!

Mississippi Kites are still showing up - and of course, greedily we hope that at least 1 more of their Swallow-tailed cousins will fly over.

We figure the Broad-winged Hawks are backed up somewhere. And if they show soon, we will need some help covering the skies. So come on out and join the Celebration of Flight at Hazel Bazemore County Park. (The official Celebration occurs tomorrow the 27th through Sunday the 30th). The folks from Texas State Aquarium will present a live Raptor show on all 4 days: show times are 10am, 12pm, and 2pm (Thursday through Sunday). Admission is FREE... And who knows, you may even see 10,000 Broad-winged Hawks circling right overhead! Bring water, sunscreen, and a chair... And of course, chocolate is welcome...

And by the way -

Hazel Rocks!

-----

Thanks, Dane! What a terrific rundown of a terrific day! And what can one add to such a great report? Only .... "what he said!" See you on the hill!

September 27, 2007:

Dane's report:

Broad-winged Hawks = 7824
Red-tailed Hawks = 2
Swainson's Hawks = 6
Red-shouldered Hawk = 1
Unknown Buteos = 2
Turkey Vultures = 7
Black Vultures = 2
Mississippi Kites = 13
Sharp-shinned Hawks = 66
Cooper's Hawks = 32
Unknown Accips = 7
American Kestrels = 28
Peregrine Falcons = 13
Merlins = 9
Ospreys = 9
Northern Harriers = 4
Unknown Raptors = 2
Total = 8027

We are so spoiled at Hazel that 7824 Broadies seems like a low number; and perhaps it is for this time of year. However, we had several kettles and streams numbering in the hundreds. The Broad-winged Hawks are backed up somewhere, and we fully expect to get slammed any day now.

In the meantime; how about 66 Sharpies, and 32 Cooper's Hawks?! If you like Falcons (and who doesn't?); 28 Kestrels (all American), 13 Peregrines, and 9 Merlins. Wow! One of the Merlins was 'saying hello' to a nearby Cooper's Hawk and a couple of Broadies. This spirited Falcon put on quite the show.

Our guests and volunteers combine with the Birds and Hazel Bazemore, to make the Celebration of Flight one of the greatest shows on Earth. (Now playing at Hazel Bazemore County Park).

Come on out this weekend, and enjoy the Texas State Aquarium Raptor Show (free shows daily at 10am, 12pm, and 2pm; through the 30th).

And you might even get to see an awesome kettle, and/or a stream of Hawks right over your head!

See you there ...

Hazel rocks...

-----

Thanks, Dane! The count is lower than average, but considering weather all around us and north of us throughout the flyways, average for these kinds of conditions. Thanks to Hurricane Lorenzo drifting a bit more north than anyone would like, it appears we might get some scattered showers in our area from the outer reaches of the rain bands, and that will affect the flight paths and flights of migrants. Scattered is the operative word. Don't let that scare you away. We had no rain at the site, a nice shower and rainbows lasting an hour (just in time for the local ABC station to come over to the watch and do their weather casts for the 5 & 6pm shows live on the hill with us). But during the day, it was cumie city; big beautiful puffy cauliflower cumulous clouds that really helped us spot in the kettles that flowed over the park. We anticipate the next three days will be much the same. The small, scattered rain showers that might let loose some wetness between us and the hawks will hopefully not be of much concern.

Don't forget, as part of our annual Celebration of Flight, on Sunday our Native American friends will also be on the hill to conduct their blessing ceremony of the watch and hawk watchers. Ceremony begins at 1:30pm.

September 28, 2007:

Libby's report:

Broad-winged Hawk: 181
Swainson's Hawk: 2
Unid Buteo: 1
Mississippi Kite: 25
Sharp-shinned Hawk: 58
Cooper's Hawk: 31
Unid Accipiter: 9
American Kestrel: 73
Peregrine Falcon: 17
Merlin: 7
Osprey: 7
Northern Harrier: 13
Unid Raptor: 6

Total: 430

Not so much broad-winged action but other species kept us busy. Not sure if the Kestrel number set a record but certainly is pretty high up there.

Two nice views of the Zone-tailed Hawk. One very low, stooped on a Turkey Vulture out front then came right down the middle for awesome views and great photo opportunities. Second view also tree-top height, this local came over the golf course, thought about perching and then flew off east to one of his favorite hunting grounds. We heard a rumor that later in the day, he went and perched behind the Simon's house once again.

Celebration of Flight is on-going and action packed. Get to the hill!

-----

Thanks, Libby! I tell you, that second pass of the zone-tailed hawk as the zonie sailed right over the tree top of the tree at Creglow's corner (east side of the watch) was the best personal close up look I've ever had for one. For a few seconds there, the hill looked like a mound of fire ants someone poked with a stick as folks rushed for position and cameras. The zonie aborted its landing, as Libby noted, but gave us fabulous looks at its undercarriage as it winged over and opted to check out its eastern hunting grounds instead. By the time most of us cleared the rest of the trees on the east side of the site to watch it soar away, it was out of decent camera range (showing us its southern end anyway, which I snapped quickly thinking a butt shot is better than no shot, ha!). But talk about a "naked eye" bird! Fantastic! We joke about those binocular/scope free views; how nice it is to see birds without gear, sometimes close enough to discern varying degrees of detail. That one was so close, it practically reached out to shake hands as it went by! The local zonie, as we've come to think of it, apparently isn't so impressed with all of us on "its" hill to shy away, and that's all the better for us in getting great diagnostic views of this fascinating raptor. The falcons were also hits today, with steady traffic through the watch throughout the day as the remanants of Hurricane Lorenzo came calling in the afternoon. You know falcons ... neither wind, nor rain nor sleet and darn near only dark of night will keep those guys from powering through their selected flight paths! Accipiters made a respectable showing for themselves as well. The action continues on the hill, so come on out and join our Celebration of Flight! 

September 29, 2007: 

Libby's report:

Sharp-shinned Hawk: 8
Cooper's Hawk: 1
American Kestrel: 5
Peregrine Falcon: 2
Zone-tailed Hawk: 1

Total: 17

The weather gods were not on our side today for the Celebration. We did manage to open the watch for 2 1/2 hours before severe weather shut us down for the day. Unfortunately the Aquarium birds could not make the trip and we were happy to not have them stressed. We were able to listen to exciting talks by Jeff Smith, HWI Science Director. The crowd sat under the canopies, warm and dry, while Jeff spoke standing in intermittent drizzle - more dependable than your mail carrier!

And, we can't discount another Zone-tailed Hawk. This star of the day came in for close photos, without showing primary molt as is our current local, proving that it was a different bird. Doesn't get any better than that (unless our local Zonie would have come up and escorted the newbie out). Maybe Sunday.

While the buteo movement was not spectacular we did have a passerine fallout. Many folks saw Warblers, Vireos, Buntings, Grosbeaks and Orioles set down by the rain. Proof positive that even if the hawks don't want to fly, Hazel will produce other gems for those who stick it out.

-----

Thanks, Libby! Honestly, this was every bit a tropical storm. Never mind the severe weather label. The rains were coming down in heavy sheets of water and the winds were gale force. Oh, wait, that was at our house on the coast. Huh. Right. By the time we drove to the watch site, there was enough of that nasty weather that far inland to continue mucking up the works. Let me tell ya, though ... we didn't lose too many folks until the weather got just downright cranky. Are our hawk watchers tough, or what! Real troopers, every one!! Once the rain passed in the late afternoon, it got downright gorgeous outside, with crisp clear skies and fresh air and views forever from the bird house (birding deck) around the bluff from the watch site at Joel and Vicki Simon's home. Hope springs eternal for tomorrow.  

September 30, 2007:

Libby's report:

Broad-winged Hawk: 417
Red-tailed Hawk: 3
Swainson's Hawk: 6
Zone-tailed Hawk: 2
White-tailed Hawk: 2
Unid Buteo: 3
Turkey Vulture: 20
Mississippi Kite: 4
Sharp-shinned Hawk: 53
Cooper's Hawk: 19
Unid Accipiter: 3
American Kestrel: 44
Peregrine Falcon: 20
Merlin: 2
Osprey: 3
Northern Harrier: 3
Unid Raptor: 4

Total: 608

The last day of Celebration of Flight - what a great time had by all. Only a couple of good soakings by Mother Nature. A very moving and calming blessing ceremony by the Gulf Coast Indian Confederation, the beginning of which brought us kettles and all but about 20 of the broadwings for the day.

Awesome diversity today with accipiters and falcons coming non-stop.

Thanks to all of you who visited the site during our Celebration - we appreciate the extra eyes and love to help out those of you who take the extra time to come see what all the hullabaloo is all about. Come again!

-----

Thanks, Libby!    

Click here to go to October's reports