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!?
 

November 1, 2007:

Red-tailed Hawks = 4

Turkey Vultures = 122

Black Vultures = 40

Cooper's Hawks = 3

Northern Harriers = 2

White-tailed Hawks = 2

Total = 173

We counted 2 White-tailed Hawks; 1 sub-adult, and 1 juvie. While Raptors are slowing down, Geese, Wood Storks, Anhingas, and White Pelicans are going strong.

The Season is winding down, but Hazel still rocks ....

-----

Thanks, Dane! 

November 02, 2007:

Swainson's Hawks = 2

Unknown Buteos = 1

Turkey Vultures = 85

Black Vultures = 35

Sharp-shinned Hawks = 9

Cooper's Hawks = 11

Unknown Accips = 3

Northern Harriers = 16

Unknown Raptor = 1

Total = 163

Awesome day for Northern Harriers! The day's tally included excellent looks at 4 adult males. It doesn't get much better than that.

Hazel rocks...

-----

Thanks, Dane!  

November 03, 2007:

Dane's report:

Broad-winged Hawks = 2
Red-tailed Hawks = 2
Swainson's Hawks = 4
Unknown Buteos = 4
Turkey Vultures = 153
Black Vultures = 18
Sharp-shinned Hawks = 6
Cooper's Hawks = 15
Unknown Accip = 1
Northern Harriers = 4
White-tailed Hawk = 1
Total = 210

Nice diversity (9 species counted; 13 species observed, including local Crested Caracara, Red-shouldered Hawk, Osprey, American Kestrel).

Non-Raptor highlights include 1 Clapper Rail found on our pre-count walk around the pond(nice spot Bob!) Also, Marsh and Sedge Wrens, Sandhill Cranes, Lincoln's and Savannah Sparrows, Brown Thrasher.

Hazel is rocking... 

November 04, 2007:

Libby's report:

Red-tail: 1
Swainson: 1
Red-Shouldered: 1
Turkey Vulture: 146
Sharp-shin: 4
Cooper: 2
Unid Accipiter: 1
N. Harrier: 2

Total: 158

-----

Thanks, Libby!

November 05, 2007:

Libby's report:

Swainson: 3
Unid-Buteo: 2
Turkey Vulture: 201
Black Vulture: 35
Sharp-shin: 2
Cooper: 3
Unid Accipiter: 1
Am. Kestrel: 1
Peregrine: 2

Total: 250

The two peregrines were a male and female pair - size difference is striking with these birds in flight. A very nice surprise!
Platform construction has begun and we are temporarily moved while the crew & their trucks block our views and heavy equipment rattles our brains. If we are not at our usual location, please come to the bottom of the hill - our current perch is at the picnic table near the entrance of the nature trail. Instead of taking the first left at park entrance, go straight then turn right at the "T" - you'll see us.

-----

Thanks, Libby!

November 6, 2007:

Dane's report:

Broad-winged Hawks = 3
Red-tailed Hawks = 4
Turkey Vultures = 61
Black Vultures = 1
Sharp-shinned Hawks = 2
Cooper's Hawks = 2
American Kestrel = 1
Ospreys = 2
Northern Harriers = 2
White-tailed Hawk = 1
Zone-tailed Hawk = 1
Unknown Raptor = 1
Total = 81

Tough light conditions prevented us from aging Zone-tailed Hawk.

Of course, non-Raptor highlight was the return of our friend, the Gray Kingbird. Obviously, we cannot say with complete certainty that this is the same Bird from last year; but it does seem likely. Regardless, way cool! Nice find, Clay!

Hazel always rocks...

-----

Thanks, Dane! 

November 7, 2007:

Dane's report:

Broad-winged Hawk = 1
Red-tailed Hawk = 1
Turkey Vultures = 60
Black Vulture = 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk = 1
Cooper's Hawks = 4
Northern Harrier = 1
Total = 69

The one Red-tailed Hawk we counted was an immie Krider's; a very beautiful Bird.

Gray Kingbird was found again, but not until late afternoon.

Hazel rocks...

-----

Thanks, Dane!  

November 8, 2007: 

Libby's report:

Broad-wing: 1
Red-tail: 4
Harris' Hawk: 1
Ferruginous Hawk: 1
Turkey Vulture: 661
Black Vulture: 14
Sharp-shin: 3
Cooper's: 2
Am. Kestrel: 1
Peregrine: 1
Osprey: 1
N. Harrier: 1
Cr. Caracara: 1

Total: 692

Wow! Who would have expected this on Nov. 8th? Thirteen migrating raptor species along with our local White-tails & Red-shouldereds made for Hazel's (probably) last of the season showing of the extraordinary diversity of our Hawkwatch. We also enjoyed diversity within one species - out of the 4 Red-tails, one was a light morph Harlan's immie and another immie was an intermediate rufous morph. And don't get me started on that gorgeous Ferruginous (also an immie).

About 500 of the TVs came in one huge stream over about a one hour period.
AND (yes, there's more) we added a new species to our dickie bird count today and we suspect a new bird for the Hazel Bazemore checklist - two Northern Gannets. Those were a real shocker.

Lots of twitchers looking for the Gray Kingbird - thanks to those of you who came by for a visit.

November 9, 2007:

Libby's report:

Swainson's: 1
White-tail: 3
Harris' Hawk: 1
Turkey Vulture: 195
Black Vulture: 4
Sharp-shin: 1
Cooper's: 1
Am. Kestrel: 1
Peregrine: 1
Unid Raptor: 2

Total: 210

Today started with 4 adult White-tail Hawks in the air together - our local pair showed the intruders the door! The third White-tail was an immie who was also escorted through.
The Kestrel was a male. We now have 3 male locals staying in or near the park. The migrant male thought it looked like a great spot and all 3 of the locals took turns dive-bombing the poor boy who was finally convinced into migrating further. Four in the air together was a sight to see.
Lots of work for our locals today. 

November 10, 2007:

Libby's report:

Red-tail: 1
Swainson's: 1
Turkey Vulture: 27
N. Harrier: 1

Total: 30

Little bit slow today - had to pass the time helping folks find the Gray Kingbird today. The notable bird was the Swainson's - a rufous morph.

November 11, 2007:

Libby's report:

Broad-wing: 1
Red-tail: 2
Swainson's: 1
White-tail: 1
Turkey Vulture: 83
Black Vulture: 4
Cooper's: 1
Peregrine: 1
N. Harrier: 1

Total: 95

Today was a great day to be at the Hawkwatch! Really nice weather, blues skies with puffy clouds breezing through.....and Jon Dunn finally got the Gray Kingbird for Texas!
We had a little bar-b-que and enjoyed hosting Mr. Dunn and many other distinguished guests at our little watch.
One Red-tail was an adult intermediate morph Harlan's Hawk - too cool for words.
Things are winding down bird-wise but progress is being made on the platform for next year. Those of you who haven't been by in the the ten days should make a point of checking it out soon - looks very exciting for next year!

November 12, 2007:

Joel's report:

Turkey Vulture: 9

Total: 9

November 13, 2007:

Joel's report:

Broad-winged Hawk 6
Red-tailed Hawk 7
Swainson's Hawk 1
Unidentified Buteo 2
Turkey Vulture 307
Black Vulture 9
Sharp-shinned Hawk 2
Cooper's Hawk 2
Northern Goshawk 1
Northern Harrier 1
Total- 338

Beautiful day with great clouds and clear viewing weather. The bird of the day was found by Dane and Bob had it in a scope for several minutes...the third goshawk of the season! One of the red-tails was an adult dark morph. The Gray Kingbird was seen only once at about 9;45 am.

November 14, 2007:

Dane's report:

Red-tailed Hawks = 5
Swainson's Hawk = 1
Turkey Vultures = 360
Black Vultures = 2
Sharp-shinned Hawks = 3
Cooper's Hawk = 1
Northern Harrier = 1
White-tailed Hawk = 1
Unknown Raptor = 1
Total = 375

Nice day for Red-tailed Hawks.

As we know, Hazel rocks...

November 15, 2007:

Dane's report:

Broad-winged Hawk = 1
Red-tailed Hawks = 3
Turkey Vultures = 122
Cooper's Hawk = 1
Northern Harrier = 1
Crested Caracara = 1
Golden Eagle = 1
Total = 130

Although we were fairly certain the Golden Eagle was an adult Bird, the light conditions were difficult at best; so officially it's age was listed as unknown. Regardless, this majestic Bird was a tremendous highlight, and further proof of just how much Hazel rocks...

Speaking on behalf of Libby, Joel, and Hawkwatch International; we want to give a heartfelt thanks to all of our awesome guests and volunteers. And of course to Patty and Bill, for everything that they do as well. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

We look forward to 2008...

Hazel rocks....

-----

Thanks, Dane! Wow, it's hard to believe the 2007 fall season is actually over! I was so glad to see the golden eagle finally get through in time to be counted. We usually get at least one each season before count ends; more come down to overwinter here in the brush country and points south.

I'm going to hold off on a season recap, because our own hawk watcher emeritus John Economidy is working on that very thing. So we'll post one more time with a final look at the remarkable 2008 season where some records were shattered, and other sightings showed new trends forming.

On the closing of this season, new growth begins. For those of you who know how many years we've been praying, hoping, conniving, bribing, groveling and whining for a tower (over ten years) ... it's finally under construction! Okay, I was exaggerating a little, no bribing took place. At least none anyone will admit to, <laugh!>. I was just teasing, as we're actually getting tons of help and cooperation from the county government for the set-aside and tower. A huge tower of thanks goes directly on watch coordinator Joel Simon's shoulders. Joel has bird-dogged this project relentlessly and thanks to his perseverance, it is about to become a reality. Next fall when you all join us, with luck you'll be looking up to see the hawks AND the counters! We are all tremendously excited about this, and can't wait for its completion. Joel assures me he's taking photos to document the construction and progress, as are some other hawk watchers, so with luck, we'll have a web section up on the tower soon, and will add to it as progress and photos continue. Whoo-hoo!! <happy dance!>

Another huge set of warm hugs and thanks to Libby, for bird-dogging the watch tshirt project. Again, for years, we've all said we really need to get tshirts one of these days. Libby finally got tired of hearing us whine, and she stepped forward and did it!

Dane is just awesome. There just aren't enough words to express our affection for Dane and how lucky we are that he relocated from Florida to south Texas to join the watch full time each fall. As site coordinator, Dane's expertise, friendship and attention to detail have raised the watch to new levels. And honestly, that guy never gets upset! No matter how hot, tired, sweaty, achy, sunroasted or sore he gets, Dane always has a ready smile for everyone and can find a positive aspect to any situation. You are a gem, my friend.

And two others who deserve special merit and notice ... Bob Creglow and Jimmy Swartz. Award-winning volunteers, they are the volunteer linchpins of the watch every fall. They, too, have helped raise the watch effort to new highs. Congratulations to Bob for receiving the Hawkwatch Volunteer of the Year award this fall!

Joel, Dane and Libby, a million thanks and pounds of extra chocolate rations to you all from me for putting such a great effort into not only getting the numbers to me for our reports each day, but taking the extra time to add in the local color in your observations that is so important to bring the watch up front and personal to everyone who couldn't be on the hill. Reading their renditions of raptor air races, fly-bys and encounters of all kinds -- just made the daily reports so much richer! And my job as scribe, webmaster and all around documenter so much easier! Now, if we can only keep those email gremlins out of Joel's computer next fall ... <grin!> ...

A warm, fuzzy, and huge hug to everyone who made the 2007 fall season such a resounding success! Special thanks and a'ho's to the Gulf Coast Indian Confederation, which comes on site to bless the watch and site each fall during the Celebration of Flight.

Watch mom Vicki Simon also gets high fives and warm hugs for keeping the entire watch staff, volunteer and paid, in line, but opening up her heart and her home to hawk watchers from all over the globe. Vicki and Joel's hospitality is legendary and their warmth and generosity have helped make many of our visitors permanent returnees each fall! Mary-Pat-Tony (the best 3-for-1 deal we've ever seen!), Arizona Peter, Wales Pee-tah, Clay, Sooz, Bill - just to name a few; you all know who you are! We love and appreciate each and every one of you and can't wait to see you all again in 2008!

Keep that chocolate cool and dry, and keep your eyes to the skies ... we'll all be back on the hill again before you know it!