Issues → September/October 2009 → Features →
Hawk Migrations
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By the end of the season, the eagle count here will eventually reach a record 155. (In 1974, a lone bald eagle was spotted.) The peregrines' success also jumps out: a record 183 for the fall of 2008, up from just two in 1975. But the broader hawk numbers have been in worrisome decline.
The highest count of sharp-shinned hawks passing over Lighthouse Point occurred in 1981, when 13,925 came through. That number has dwindled steadily, down to 4,229 when 2008 is all totaled. Same for Cooper's; its 1,160 this fall are half 1993's count. Banks mentions the effect of poisons that are still present in the hawks' Mexican and Central American wintering grounds, and the relentless loss of habitat in the Northeast.
Sharp-shinned hawks, for instance, feed primarily on warblers (in addition to other small songbirds), whose numbers are shrinking along with the loss of large tracts of intact forest. American kestrels--besides northern hawk owls the only other diurnal birds of prey on the East Coast to nest in the cavities of dead trees--are finding fewer snags and less of their preferred habitat, tree-lined open farmland, every year.
These trends worry Banks and the other counters, but the thrill of the hunt keeps them excited. Fifteen minutes after Don Morgan, Andrew McGee arrives, down from Northampton, Massachusetts. He's driven two hours to be here. He introduces himself, and Banks says, "You know Greg? He was here yesterday. Got 825 birds and 15 eagles."
"Well," McGee answers, taking a sip of coffee, "I guess I'll have to beat that!"
Where to see hawks
MASSACHUSETTS
Mount Wachusett
The summit offers a 360-degree vista and a view of the Boston skyline in addition to raptors. Last fall volunteer spotters, who help visitors identify species, counted more than 5,000 hawks, eagles, falcons, and ospreys. Wachusett Mountain State Reservation, Mountain Road, Princeton, MA. 978-464-2987; mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/wach.htm
Mount Watatic
This long, steep hike brings fewer people and more room to view raptors throughout the fall. Midstate Trail and Wapack Trail, off Route 119, Ashburnham, MA. 978-597-8802; mass.gov/dcr/stewardship/rmp/rmp-mtWatatic.htm; midstatetrail.org
CONNECTICUT
Lighthouse Point
This coastal plain site overlooks scenic views of Long Island Sound. The "Migration Festival" here (September 27 this year) is filled with live bird-of-prey demonstrations, guided tours, and fellow enthusiasts. 2 Lighthouse Point Road, New Haven, CT. 203-946-8790; cityofnewhaven.com/parks/ranger/eastshore.asp#hawkwatch
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Pack Monadnock
Miller State Park's auto road takes you to the summit parking lot and the trail to the observation site, where during the fall you'll find Audubon guides to help you identify red-tailed, broad-winged, and sharp-shinned hawks. Route 101, Peterborough, NH. 603-924-3672; nhstateparks.org; nhaudubon.org/center_pack.php
MAINE
Cadillac Mountain
You can either drive or climb to the top of the highest peak on the Eastern Seaboard's coastal islands. Soaring raptors compete for your attention with spectacular views of Bar Harbor and Frenchman Bay. Cadillac Mountain Road, Acadia National Park, ME. 207-288-3338; nps.gov/acad/naturescience/hawkwatch.htm
VERMONT
Putney Mountain
The survey point here is considered one of the most important along the entire Atlantic flyway. This easy-to-moderate half-mile hike over gentle terrain offers a great view of the Connecticut River Valley and the spine of the Green Mountains. Putney Mountain Road, Putney, VT. 802-434-3068; putneyvt.org/hawks/index.php
Reader Comments
Comment from Cynthia Sparks on September 29, 2009
We have a pair that stay on the hill behind our house. They are beautiful birds.
Comment from VANESSA COUTU on October 17, 2009
I wonder if the decline in the number of hawks is because more are wintering here instead of migrating. It seems to me, that I see more hawks around South Eastern Connecticut in the winter, than I ever recall in years past. I have not seen as many kestrels or ospreys during the warmer months. I do see more eagles on the major rivers in eastern Connecticut. I work outside and I have more oportunity to see these birds than the average person. I also have a few bird feeders and the hawks are hunting the feeder birds more in the colder months than ever before. This is just an observation on my part, I have no scientific data to back up my claims. If anyone has noticed this I would like to hear your opinion. I love to watch the birds of prey and am very concerned over their loss of habitat.
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