2011 Count Totals
By Rafael A. Gálvez
The fall of 2011 was a great season for raptor migration in the Florida Keys. We experienced plenty of renewed enthusiasm about the hawkwatch and excellent flights of migratory birds. Not only did we tally good numbers of several raptor species throughout the traditional Sep 15 through Nov 13 season, but we also experienced great migrations of various birds species, including waterbirds, waders, and passerines.
It is important to keep in mind that although we have often used our daily counts to build enthusiasm about the 2011 hawkwatch, a single season of monitoring tells us relatively little about the status of these birds. As we “celebrate” or “lament” highs and lows, we must keep in mind that FKH 2011’s efforts are only a small part of much larger and continuous endeavor. This season’s data is significant when considered as part of long-term analyses of raptor population trends, such as the RPI (Raptor Population Index) project.
A good season for Northern Harriers or Peregrine Falcons (as was 2011) does not necessarily indicate an increase – or stability – in the populations of these species. Likewise, comparatively low numbers of migrating Ospreys or American Kestrels (as in 2011) are not necessarily indicative of population trends for these species. A minimum of 10 years of count data is recommended in order to draw population trend estimates of relative precision. The Florida Keys raptor migration data may in turn be presented alongside estimates from multiple sites to generate population trends that may serve as indices of the status of North American birds of prey. The RPI currently presents a preliminary analysis that takes into account six years of data from the Florida Keys. Additionally, it has been suggested that raptor migration data begin to achieve higher levels of precision at more than 10 years (Lott 2009).
Considering these factors, the Florida Keys Hawkwatch has made an effort during the 2011 season to continue the standardized methods for daily migration counts as described by Lott (2006) for Curry Hammock State Park, in order to extend the historical data series towards the necessary number of years to generate trend analyses of significant precision.
Please note that although FKH data was entered regularly throughout the 2011 season into the online repository HawkCount, the data as is currently presented in HawkCount for Curry Hammock State Park is still undergoing updates and adjustments, and therefore not yet complete. FKH is working hard to update the site’s historical data, and include totals for all raptor species in HawkCount; currently, only the 8 primary migrants are featured the majority of the years, and data for the remaining species – although collected during migration and in our database – has not yet been entered online. The table above represents totals for 2011 compared to collected data of all raptor species from 1999 through 2011 at FKH.
A full report of the 2011 season will follow soon. Thank you.
Citizen Science Success
By Rafael A. Gálvez
Florida Keys Hawkwatch 2011 could not have been possible without the untiring contributions of volunteers. The project managed to fulfill its monitoring duties by complementing the commitment of two full-time counters for the entire season, with the assistance of 32 registered part-time volunteers. Out of a serious dedication to the important tasks related to the monitoring of migratory birds of prey from our Curry Hammock observation site, a total of 1,700 accumulated hours were granted to the hawkwatch over 60 days by citizen scientists.
It should be noted that although monitoring tasks were shared by several individuals during any given day throughout the season, at least one of the two official counters – both during the great majority of the season – was present to ensure that the standardized monitoring methods used historically at the site were practiced. For a detailed description of this methodology, please refer to Lott (2006). Rain or shine, counters were there daily throughout the season except during a single day in mid-October, when torrential rain and flooding associated with a tropical system defied even our most persistent efforts. The best-quality binoculars and telescopes were provided by our official optics sponsor – Leica Sport Optics – and made accessible to volunteers, providing unparalleled opportunities for fulfilling standardized scanning routines for the detection and identification of migrating raptors.
Although the inclusion of a citizen science component as part of this project may seem unprecedented and inconsistent in light of count methods used historically at Curry Hammock, its value has been multifaceted, proving to be an important part of a model for the long-term sustainability of this hawkwatch. It has served prominently in raising awareness, deflecting costs associated with the hiring of additional field technicians, and in fulfilling a mission towards outreach, education and recreation towards the appreciation of birds of prey. It has also allowed our supporters to participate and interact with the project, generating a shared sense of responsibility about the project, rooting a regionally-based sense of “ownership” necessary for long-term support. More importantly, citizen scientists have formed part of a community that has engaged in enlivened discussions about raptor appreciation, identification, education and conservation throughout the season. It has been our hope that after engaging with the Florida Keys Hawkwatch – whether onsite or vicariously through the web – participants have retained an interest in raptors that will transmit to a growing commitment to raptor conservation.
Simply, we could not have asked for a better team of dedicated counters, committed to monitoring raptors according FKH protocols. Our deepest gratitude goes foremost to our registered citizen scientists: Rudy Brancel, Mary Butterfield, Kevin Calhoon, Charles Caudill, Colleen Caudill, Dave Cenker, Gabe Cenker, Jen Cenker, Dan Click, Lilly Ferguson, Darrell Hartman, Sue Hartman, Jeff Madsen, Larry McDaniel, Carey Parks, Ruth Parks, Eric Pineiro, Julie Reagan, Karen Riedle, Samantha Sardes, Gayle Sheets, David Simpson, Bob Stalnaker, Steve Tryon, Christine Vaskovic, Jenny Welch, and Tedor Whitman. However, there are several individuals without whom this season would not have been possible. Jeff Bouton has been an ardent ally of this project from the promotional stages of the 2011 season, through the day-t0-day grind at Curry Hammock, and much more. He supplied his wide-ranging expertise with friendliness, and took part in our renewed banding effort during this season; we look forward to continued collaborations with Jeff. Mark Hedden is that essential friend that serves as a beacon of reliability in the Florida Keys; from the moment he voiced a commitment, there was no doubt he would be an ardent supporter of the project – we could not be more grateful that Mark continues watching over FKH. Dennis Olle served as kingpin for two important supporting organizations of the hawkwatch, and came through without hesitation time and again – thank you Dennis. Angel and Mariel Abreu of Badbirdz Reloaded were excellent in helping promote our efforts via their blog throughout the season, and joined us onsite for an exploratory session. Kevan and Linda Sunderland supplied beautiful photos taken throughout the season, which helped illustrate this blog and other collateral – thank you. Most importantly, the tremendous task of preparing for this 2011 season would not have been possible without the moral and strategic support provided by Begoñe Cazalis. The hawkwatch is also grateful to the following individuals for their relentless support, great advice, and friendship: Frank Albergaria, Julie Brown, Jim Duquesnel, Pete Dunne, Jerry Lorenz and Pete Frezza of the Tavernier Science Center, Ernesto Ruelas Inzunza, Ken Troisi and the staff of rangers and volunteers at Curry Hammock State Park.
Above – The Last Counters Standing: Left to right, Jim Eager, Rafael Galvez, and Jeff Madsen. The three of us managed to cover the last week of monitoring and additional duties to wrap up the 2011 season.
There is not enough space here to mention the hundreds of friends and visitors that stopped by and took part in the hawkwatch; but we are deeply indebted to their enthusiasm and interest, and we hope they will return time and again. With enhanced efforts towards the promotion, visibility and accessibility to the project, there is little doubt that the hawkwatch received more visitor this season than ever. Folk from all corners of Florida stopped by to spend time hawkwatching with us, in addition to visitors from 31 states. International visitors hailed from Brazil, Germany, Spain, United Kingdom, Panama, Venezuela, Finland, Denmark, Australia, South Africa, and other locations.
We are proud of the coalition we have built with our 2011 hawkwatch partners, and our success this season is directly connected to their belief in the project; a big thank you to: Tropical Audubon Society, Space Coast Audubon Society, Florida Keys Audubon Society, Hawk Migration Association of North America, Florida Ornithological Society, Leica Sport Optics, William H. and Patricia M. Kleh, Carlton Fields – Attorneys at Law, and the Florida Keys Birding and Wildlife Festival.
Season-to-date: 10-29-11
By Rafael A. Gálvez
Below are our season-to-date totals as of the end of the watch, 10-29-11.
15 days remaining of watch, and still counting!!
Raptor Quiz Answers
By Rafael A. Gálvez
We appreciate all the interest in the quiz and thanks to all who posted their answers. Follow the link for the original post and comments: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=150183795080494&set=a.120555191376688.20354.105695709529303&type=1&theater This is one of several such quizzes we have posted since the season’s start in September. Please look back on our Facebook page for other interesting challenges.
As has been discussed during this quiz and in previous opportunities, it is often very difficult to identify a flying raptor from a single still image, particularly if that image was taken from an odd angle or if it is distant and blurry. Hawkwatchers rely on a combination of shape, form, and flight behavior to identify species. Most species do not have a single diagnostic feature that immediately helps us tell them apart from others. Instead, we must hone in on a number of different features, some of them structural, maybe even topographical, and certainly behavioral to make a correct identification. Practice, experience, patience – and humility – all help.
The answers below are how these birds were logged in our documentation forms as they were tallied at the Florida Keys Hawkwatch deck. These birds were observed at the hawkwatch from October 24 through October 26. The counters those days included Jim Eager, Tedor Whitman, Colleen and Charles Caudill, Steve Tryon, and I. Here we will look at each bird at a time:
1 – ML AD MALE. This bird went down on our data forms as an adult male Merlin.
Note the colorful undertail coverts, with plenty of visible orange/rust. Also, this is a rather pale bird below, with a golden wash to the underparts and relatively pale wings. The underwing coverts look relatively unmarked; these are typically much bolder and darker marked in adult females. The bold mustache is also a clue for a male Taiga (columbarius) bird.
2 – SS. This bird went down on our data forms as a Sharp-shinned Hawk.
It is all in the flight style for Sharpies vs Cooper’s, but that is not apparent from a single photo. Sharpies beat their wings faster and “whispier,” using mostly the outer wing and little force, whereas Cooper’s use more of the whole wing, and are more methodical, deeper and more powerful with their beats. As has been mentioned in the Facebook comments, and plenty of times before in previous quizzes, the square vs round tail for Sharpie vs Cooper’s simply does not work for very many birds. Note this bird’s small hands on a short wing, smallish head, and narrow waist. Cooper’s have noticeably longer “hands” and wings in general, bigger heads and a broader tail base. It is difficult to remember if we affixed any more detail to this particular bird because we saw many Sharpies this day. In reality, it went directly into the hourly counter along with many others. Although the photo is a small crop of a much larger picture that is 90% sky, with a bit of digital sharpening, we can make out hue differences in the underbody coloration. The upper breast, the lower-central belly and underwing coverts are rustier and lighter – almost appearing as bars compared to the darker streaked breast . But the pits and general chest area is decidedly streaked – heavily so – enough to raise the flag of an immature bird. I will add that this bird just “reads” on the large side, so I will agree with Kevin Karlson on immature female Sharpie.
3 – SW. This one went down as simply Swainson’s Hawk because of the large kettles of mixed SWHAs that passed by, and our pressed time.
Most of the birds in this kettle, like the one in this photo, were immatures, many exhibiting variable plumage. Some were substantially buffy, like this one, while others were nearly white or very rusty. What all immatures show is an incomplete “bib” and “helmet,” as in this bird, whose head markings manifest more like a combo of mustache, eye-strip and nape brace on an otherwise pale head. Regardless of age, all SWHA are long winged with narrow “hands.” Their wings fold angular, reminiscent of a Northern Harrier, and their tail may appear long or sharply cornered, as in this case.
4 – ST D Imm. This bird was entered in our data forms as an immature dark Short-tailed Hawk.
One need not see much detail in the coloration or plumage of this bird to note it is a Short-tailed Hawk. The image to the right is the same bird from the back view, and silhouetted using a bit of digital manipulation. What remains is a silhouette of a broad-winged Buteo, with sharply upturned hands, particularly the primary feathers. Note also the bulging secondaries. This telltale wing GISS, combined with a methodical, slow manner of foraging and kiting typical of the species is all one usually needs to ID this bird, even at a distance. This is much like the bird posted on the quiz of October 18 (link: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=146987795400094&set=a.120555191376688.20354.105695709529303&type=1&theater ). Note also the extensively pale bases of the primary feathers, typical of all Short-tails, regardless of color or age. The fact that this bird lacks any sort of defined dark trailing edge of the wings and tail indicates it is immature. In the field, spotting on the underwing coverts and body were evident, again indicating immature.
5 – SW. Again, another of the many immature Swainson’s Hawks migrating through the area that day.
I will include Jeff Bouton’s comments on this bird, because they recap it nicely: “As Kevin (Karlson posted), subadult Swainson’s Hawk – the underwing has developed the more adult-like look with the darker flight feathers being more distinctly contrasting, the body plumage has moved to the white basal coloration devoid of streaking (as adult) yet it lacks the full dark hood and bib of full adult. This is a bird that would have been born in summer 2010, so is approaching 1.5 years old.”
I will add that this bird is also showing an impression of a darker terminal band at the tail and flight feathers, which hatch-year birds lack – another indication of a subadult. As in all Swainson’s Hawks, this bird shows very long pointed wings with a narrow hand and relatively smooth edges. Note also the “headlights” on the leading edge at the bend of the wing – light catching on the relief of the wing structure.
6 – NH, Imm. This bird went into our data forms as juvenile Northern Harrier.
As explained by others in the Facebook commentary, the long thin tail and long angular wings indicate a Northern Harrier. The photo on the right is the same bird, showing the typical gliding posture of the species. The middle rendition is of the photo on the right, with a fair amount of contrast manipulation, to bring the bird out of the shadowed light it was photographed with and denote additional details. As can be seen, the bird shows an unmarked underbody with rich buff/orange, as is typical of juvenile birds; this contrasts against a dark head. An adult female would typically show substantial barring throughout the underbody and underwing coverts. Also, the dark secondaries of juvenile birds are obvious on these photos.
7 – BW Ad. Adult Broad-winged Hawk.
This is certainly an adult Broad-wing. Despite the fact that the great majority of the birds of this species seen through the Florida Keys are immature birds, this archetypal adult was captured on camera by Steve. Again, as others have commented, this bird has the bold dark terminal band on the underwing, the boldly patterned tail, and the rich rusty barring across the chest against a dark head. All Broad-wings show “candle-flame” wings, which are relatively pointed at the tip, broad at the base, and broadest at the center, with no prominent bulges or angles.
8 – BW Juv. This bird went into our data forms on 10/24/11 as immature Broad-winged Hawk.
From this angle, the wings might appear longer and more angularly cut than expected for this species, but the combination of broad wings and stocky body is readily visible, which allowed this bird to stand out from nearby Swainson’s Hawks; that species has a more slender body and noticeably longer wings. The overall pale plumage of typical immature birds is evident here, with little markings to the underbody and underwing coverts. Some birds, like this one, have a buff wash below, but their flight feathers are always nearly-white. Although this bird is missing the bold dark trailing edge of the wings that adults attain – see #7 – a dark outline is already evident. The pointed and dark finger tips combined with otherwise unmarked flight feathers help differentiate this bird from other contenders. A Short-tail would read as having dark and marked secondaries, and their bulge would stand out from this angle. A young Red-shoulder’s wing might look very similar, but they would appear square cut at the tips, with more visible splay at the outer primaries. In this photo, one can also see the classic streaking to the upper breast that many young Broad-wings have, although this can certainly be variable.
9 – SS. This bird went into the data forms as a Sharp-shinned Hawk.
Please see the comments for bird #2 since for the most part, they apply to this bird as well. I will also include Jeff’s answer to this bird because it addressed vital points:
“Adult (male?) Sharp-shinned Hawk. You can detect the orangish barring on the breast (bars blend to a uniform orange wash at distance like this) and hint of grayish coloration on the upperwing typical of adult. Shows classic small head, squarish tail, but further we can see the hood and reduced light cheek typical of SSHA, Coops show more extensive light here that wrap and almost connect behind the head so this dark line connecting back and crown is often not seen.”
10 – CH, imm. This was an immature Cooper’s Hawk.
The long tail and rounded wings indicate an Accipiter. Note the long, rather straight wings on this bird, and the broad base of the tail; compare to the Sharp-shinned Hawk – bird #2. Cooper’s often glide with a hunched back, as in this bird, somewhat drooping the wings and keeping shoulders raised. Compared to Sharpies, their flapping is harder, deeper and more paced, often involving more of the wing. They will in turn soar with a slight dihedral that may be noticeable at a distance. As has been posted on this quiz thread, do not rely on the square vs. round tail for your ID.
11 – BW, Juv. This bird went into our log books as an immature Broad-winged Hawk.
This is much the way we experience Broad-wing Hawks at FKH. High flying immature birds right below the sun. I’ve added here another image of the same individual bird for a different look. Juvenile Broad-wings are highly variable, with some birds being nearly unmarked and very pale, or other much like bird #8, and some that are very streaked or buffy below. Over 90% of the Broad-wings seen at FKH are young birds. The shot on the left - the quiz shot – shows the bird on a full soar, betraying the expected pointed wing tip of the species. Even though the “fingers” – or the outer primaries – are fully splayed, these feathers show little gap between them. As a result, the wings have a rather “squarish” look, somewhat reminiscent of a Red-shouldered or Red-tailed Hawk. However, the wing retains its “candle-flame” form, with no abrupt bulges; considering the very little gap between the splayed fingers, the wings retain enough of a pointed appearance. Note also the near-white flight feathers of the species on nearly unmarked wings, except for the dark fingers and trailing edge of wings and tail.
12 – SW. Swainson’s Hawk
The center photo was the sole image included as #12 in the quiz. This bird was photographed within a loose kettle of 21 Swainson’s Hawks, and just like all other birds in the group it proved to be a SWHA. Photos “a” through “c” were taken within fractions of a second of bird # 12; “d” through “g” a few minutes later – they are all Swainson’s Hawks. Note the very long wings, forming a rather straight leading edge and an angular trailing edge, with an irregular bulge across the secondaries, typical of the species. Note also the long tail, that often looks sharply cornered when slightly fanned, as in “a”, or slender and flared-out towards the tip, as in “c”, “f” and #12, or even spatulate as in “d” and “e”. The impression of a Swainson’s Hawk can be unbelievably similar to that of a Northern Harrier. It is a dynamic Buteo that may at times also give the impression of a Short-tailed Hawk, as in “e”, or even like that of a Broad-wing. Like Northern Harriers, Swainson’s are buoyant flyers, making their differentiation all the more confusing; to make matters even more interesting, Swainson’s often exhibit white uppertail coverts that contrast their dark backs and tails. Look at bird marked with the asterisk (*): long tail, long wings, dark head and contrasting paler underbody – and then the field mark that most folks grip on – the white uppertail coverts. Northern Harrier? No, the asterisk bird is a Swainson’s Hawk. Note the dark flight feathers, which are also noticeable on “c”, “d”, “f”, and “g”.
13 – SW Imm. Swainson’s Hawk, immature.
At the left is the bird head-on/ventral view, and to the right the same individual dorsal. Please see the comments for birds # 3, 5 and 12 for more information.
14 – RS, juv. Red-shouldered Hawk, juvenile.
Here is bird #14 with an additional dorsal view photographed fractions of a second later. Even from the left head-on shot one can discern the squarish wing tips of the Red-shouldered Hawk. If you look carefully, even the telltale translucent crescents of the outer wing are visible on the left photo. Note the crooked bow of the Red-shoulder’s wings, another helpful hint for identifying the bird at a distance.
15 – BE, juv. Bald Eagle, immature.
Now, this is one of the nicest shots taken by Steve this day. At this larger size, the photo should reveal it clearly as an eagle. With Jeff ‘s permission, I will use his post as part of the answer to the quiz because he says it all:
“Immature Bald Eagle by large head and bill, longish tail. One year old bird by uniform very dark upperparts, black bill and very broad secondary base (or secondary bulge). In year 2 & 3 will adopt a whitish belly and back; as they age, their more Red-tailed Hawk-like wing profile (broad secondary base) moves to a slim tapered wing. The bill will begin to lighten by year 3 as well, and in 4th year will approach the typical adult look, with an Osprey like head (white with dark eyestripe) mostly light bill, white tail with dark tip.”
16 – AK Female. American Kestrel, adult female.
The odd angle of this photograph – tail-on – combined with the hovering posture of this bird might have you taking second and third looks. This is behavior typical of Kestrels, as they forage and scan below for potential prey. The colorful rusty tail is immediately evident, and the wings contrast grayer. One might be tempted to judge the contrast between the tail color and the wings as that of an adult male, but note the lack of a broad black terminal band on the tail, which would be indicative of a male bird. Note also that if this were a male bird, the trailing edge of the wings would have visible white or whitish spotting. Adult female American Kestrels often show a grayish cast to their flight feathers; the impression of this is enhanced by the foreshortened angle.
Thanks for participating. Look forward to comments.
Red-tails into the Buteo Mix
By Rafael A. Gálvez
It was a great day for Buteos at FKH; all 5 species were present including 2 Red-tailed Hawks! FKH typically averages roughly 1 Red-tail every 3 years, however today’s birds add up to 3 total for that species so far this season; this is a new seasonal high.
After a few days of reluctant migrants, particularly foraging Kestrels and Accipiters, it was great to have a day of “no-nonsense” migration, with few back-trackers or localized foragers. The Broad-wings however, seemed to have stalled. We’ve had the same kettle of about 160+ birds of that species lingering in the area for the last couple of days. Our total of 458 “southbound” birds today included:
Osprey – 6
Northern Harrier – 27
Sharp-shinned Hawk – 158
Cooper’s Hawk – 71
Short-tailed Hawk – 5
Red-shouldered Hawk – 11
Red-tailed Hawk – 2
Swainson’s Hawk – 31 (in a single kettle!)
American Kestrel – 112
Merlin – 12
Peregrine Falcon – 23
Other observed raptors exhibiting non-migratory behavior:
Broad-winged Hawk – a kettle of roughly 167 birds remained in the area throughout the day
Turkey Vulture
It was a nice quiet day this Tuesday, with few visitors and no other official counters. We had a visit late in the afternoon from Eric Pineiro, from Titusville, who is on his way to the Dry Tortugas. Eric will be helping us with the hawkwatch later this week.
We recently said our goodbyes to 2 great friends of the project – Colleen and Charles Caudill (above). They dedicated a tremendous amount of time to the hawkwatch and proved time and again to be fantastic counters. They shared with us excellent days of hawkwatching for nearly 2 weeks, as they camped at Curry Hammock. We will miss their attentiveness, their focus and positive spirit, the excellent conversations, and most of all their presence at the deck. We hope Charles and Colleen a great time in the Everglades – their next adventure – and a safe trip back home. They promised they will be back next year, and we are holding them to their word!
The photos from the composite above were taken by Steve Tryon, from Tampa, who joined the project for a few days. We are very grateful for Steve’s time and interest in the project, and for the treasure-trove of photos he took and shared with us. We hope him the best and that he will return to FKH in the future. Photo below, at the FKH deck, left to right: Jim Eager, Steve Tryon, Rafael Galvez.
If you think you can identify all or any of the birds featured in the composite above, please leave a comment!
Peregrine Record Surpassed
By Rafael A. Gálvez
By the end of today’s watch, 2,864 Peregrine Falcons made up our seasonal total for that species. The site’s all-time high of 2,858 birds (established 2003) has been surpassed. This is a new seasonal max for that species.
However, it was the Swainson’s Hawks that stole the show today. Below is one of several photos of the species taken this day at FKH.
Our totals for today included:
Osprey – 6
Northern Harrier – 18
Sharp-shinned Hawk – 66
Cooper’s Hawk – 24
Red-shouldered Hawk – 1
Swainson’s Hawk – 22
American Kestrel – 47
Merlin – 2
Peregrine Falcon – 11
It is a great time for diversity at the hawkwatch, and a great opportunity to observe mixed flocks.
One of the day’s highlights was a slow-moving kettle of 21 Swainson’s Hawks. The photo below is a handheld shot of a portion of this kettle. It is interesting to note that every now and then, we get visitors at the hawkwatch that simply cannot believe that this species happens in the Keys. They will stare at our banners and seem unconvinced that this is a fact. Today was a day when we wished such folks were around. This photo was taken using a Leica V-Lux 30 digital camera – an awesome little machine!
Counters today included Tedor Whitman and his wife Margaritte, Steve Tryon, Jim Eager and Rafael Galvez.
Season-to-date totals as of 10-23-11.
By Rafael A. Gálvez
Above are our season-to-date totals as of 10-23-11, 5pm.
10/21/11 – 10/22/11
By Rafael A. Gálvez
A combined total of 1,290 birds were tallied October 21 and 22, with 715 on Friday and 575 on Saturday.
Cooper’s Hawks had a great day today, Saturday, with the 3rd daily max for that species in 12 years, at a total of 124 birds. It was also a very nice day for diversity, with 13 raptor species seen – 11 migratory. We also had the daily max for Red-shouldered Hawks, with an impressive 15 birds seen migrating in high kettles with other species.
Friday was a good numbers day, with good flights of Sharpies, Kestrels and Northern Harriers.
A total of 575 for 10/22/11 included:
Short-tailed Hawk – 5
Red-shouldered Hawk – 15
Non-migratory raptors included Bald Eagle and Turkey Vulture.
A total of 715 for 10/21/11 included:
Best Flight of Raptors over South Florida!!!
By Rafael A. Gálvez
3,423 migrating raptors were seen today at the Florida Keys Hawkwatch.
Never before in the 12-year history of full-season hawkwatches at Curry Hammock State Park – or to our knowledge anywhere else in the state of Florida – have more raptors been tallied in a single day (9 hours).
Additionally, we experienced the highest daily count for Sharp-shinned Hawks today than ever in the history of this project, with 1,525 – the previous single-day high for this species was 1,472 in 2008.
We also broke the daily high count for Northern Harriers at this site, with 238 – the previous high was 150 in 1999.
We also broke the daily high count for Short-tailed Hawks at this site with 7 – the previous high was 4 in 2007/2010.
Our numbers for Peregrines, Broad-wings (3rd highest for this site), Kestrels and Cooper’s Hawks were also excellent. Great diversity and numbers – Our total of 3,423 included:
Osprey – 28
Northern Harrier – 238 (new FKH daily high count)
Sharp-shinned Hawk – 1,525 ( new FKH daily high count)
Cooper’s Hawk – 71
Short-tailed Hawk – 7 (new FKH daily high count)
Broad-winged Hawk – 899 (3rd FKH daily count)
Red-shouldered Hawk – 2
Swainson’s Hawk – 10
American Kestrel – 368
Merlin – 8
Peregrine Falcon – 267
Non-migratory raptors:
2 young Bald Eagles in localized movement
Turkey Vultures – the first substantial flights for this species this fall, with a couple hundred estimated.
With the intense amount of rain over the past days pushing violently up the Keys into the mainland, birds were backed up north of this tropical system. This combined with a sudden shift to perfect tailwinds out of the NW, to make the “perfect storm” of raptors over the Florida Keys Hawkwatch.
I must commend the excellent eyes we had on deck today. Jim and I were joined by two excellent couples, Colleen and Charles Caudill – who have been with us now for nearly a week, and Sue and Darrell Hartman from Gainesville, who just joined the project and will remain with us for a few more days. We managed to run the watch like a well-oiled machine. Compared to some of the previous days of extreme distance hawkwatching, today’s birds were brought primarily overhead. Some necks might be sore tonight.
We are all very excited; the following days promise to bring more of the birds backed up by the storm. No doubt, it was a great day for raptors in the Florida Keys!
Drastic Weather = Raptors 19 + Songbird Saturation
By Rafael A. Gálvez
Today’s hawkwatch was only a partial count, starting at 1:30pm and running until 4pm. It rained until early afternoon, at times very hard, with winds out of the SW and gusts up to 40 kph. The nearby city of Marathon closed public school this morning. Early lightning and thunder were very impressive.
By mid-day, the winds came nearly to a complete halt. As I write this (9:45pm), the winds have considerably increased, holding steady out of the NW at around 20 kph, with gusts up to 35 kph.
Only 19 birds of prey of 3 species were observed engaged in “southbound” flight including:
Osprey – 2
Merlin – 1
Peregrine Falcon – 16
Additionally, several American Kestrels were observed in localized non-migratory movement, in addition to Broad-winged Hawks and Short-tailed Hawks.
Song bird activity after the rain was much like the previous day; warblers and other passerines were evident in nearly every tree in the Middle Keys. Tennessee remained as the most common warbler, but there was no lack of American Redstarts, Black-throated Blues and Cape May Warblers. An increase of Worm-eating, Magnolia, and Black-and-white was also noticeable. Birds not seen yesterday but seen today included Scarlet and Summer Tanagers and Baltimore Oriole. Additionally, my first Whip-poor-will of the season and a Nighthawk sp. were seen.
The Overseas highway today was somewhat deserted once the storm let-up. The bodies of many Yellow-billed Cuckoos and warblers were strewn about. I managed to rescue 2 Black-throated Blue Warblers from flooded lots.
The photo composite above was taken handheld using a Leice V-Lux 30. Clockwise: Broad-winged Hawk juv., Nighthawk sp., Eastern Wood-Pewee, and Bay-breasted Warblers. One of the highlights of the current weather event and related migration activity has been the presence of more Bay-breasted Warbler than I can ever remember in South Florida before.
