Big Broad-winged Hawk Flights Are Underway – LIFE IN THE LOWER SUSQUEHANNA RIVER WATERSHED

Flights of southbound Broad-winged Hawks have joined those of other Neotropical migrants to thrill observers with spectacular numbers. In recent days, thousands have been seen and counted at many of the regions hawkwatching stations. Now is the time to check it out!

A "kettle" of Broad-winged Hawks gaining altitude by soaring on a thermal updraft. — A “kettle” of Broad-winged Hawks gaining altitude by soaring on a thermal updraft.

Migrating Broad-winged Hawks — Broad-winged Hawks gliding away to the southwest after climbing in a column of rising warm air.

A migrating Broad-winged Hawk enroute to the tropics for winter.

Other diurnal migrants are on the move as well…

Migratory Woodpeckers: Red-bellied Woodpecker and Northern Flicker — The Red-bellied Woodpecker (left) and the Northern Flicker (right) are migratory species of woodpeckers that begin heading south during the last half of September each year.

Migrating Blue Jay — Running a bit early, large numbers of Blue Jays having been moving through the area for several weeks now.

Flock of Cedar Waxwings — Flocks of Cedar Waxwings roam widely as they creep ever southward for winter.

Adding to the diversity of sightings, there are these diurnal raptors arriving in the area right now…

Juvenile Sharp-shinned Hawk — Numbers of migrating Sharp-shinned Hawks are building and will peak during the coming weeks.

Juvenile Cooper's Hawk — As will numbers of Cooper’s Hawks.

The Merlin and other falcons peak in late September and early October.

Adult Bald Eagle — And Bald Eagles are moving throughout the fall season.

For more information and directions to places where you can observe migrating hawks and other birds, be certain to click the “Hawkwatcher’s Helper” tab at the top of this page.

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