April 14-Last Evening For the Season

Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks-3
Turkey Vultures-15

Discussion:
A blustery day with intermittent rain, wind and clouds. By 9A the hawks and TV's were gone, possibly migrating through Palm Canyon. As the sun sets, so does the blog for the year. It's been a great year with the total number of Swainson's Hawks approaching 5,000. A full summary will be available in Hawk Migration Studies, a publication of Hawk Migration Association of North America. It will probably be available in late fall. Last year we counted almost 9,000 Swainson's Hawks. This year was a good example of "it's not the numbers". We had close encounters with kettle after kettle of hawks this year. Great close looks and wonderful evenings of hawk fall outs was the norm. The numbers below illustrate the spread of days with over 200 hawks in March (SW). Although huge numbers like 1,800 in a day last year, are exciting, they can be high and far away. Many days this year the SW's flew almost at eye level.

Evening Watch:
The wind continues and 5 Swainson's appeared but the roost site was not discovered.

Prediction for Tomorrow:
The temperature will increase tomorrow into the 80's with a warming trend all week. The possibility still exists for a number of Swainson's Hawks to come through. They may have been backed up by the storm. Hopefully tomorrow will provide surprises.

April 12-13-Season Will Officially End on April 15

Migration April 12-1 Turkey Vulture
Migration April 13-11 Turkey Vultures

Discussion:
It looks like the season is coming to an end-pretty abruptly. Swainson's Hawks and TV's will continue to trickle through all the way into early May. I will be leaving for Chicago on Sunday so tomorrow. When I complete the summary for the season, I will put it into the blog. I finally figured out how to Youtube. A little late, but exciting for next season. I'll share my first with you. It's only a few seconds and the dialog isn't very exciting. Go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqwq5u3Zuy0&feature=youtu.be 


Evening Watch:
Rained out. We need the rain so we aren't complaining.

April 11-Blown Away Today

Migration Today:
Turkey Vultures-4

Discussion:
Cool (60's), slight drizzle, becoming very windy with puffy fair weather cumulus clouds- a perfect hawkwatching sky. No Swainson's apparently migrated today. The TV's came up from Roadrunner Club and moved over the watch and out of town.

Question:

Tamarisk Killer-4/11/12 off of Di Giorgio Road

What's the status of all the Tamarisk Trees in rows everywhere in Borrego Springs? Today I watched as a tractor gobbled up dead and dying Tamarisk Trees. Two weeks ago over 100 Swainson's Hawks were roosting in these trees. The trees were planted as wind breaks as early as the 1950's, to protect the grape vineyards. When the grape industry ceased production in the 60's, the trees began to die as water was cut off. Today thousands of trees line roadways and stretch out between. They are water suckers and folks in Borrego hate them. Well, not the Swainson's Hawk lovers. The trees provide tremendous roosting opportunities throughout the valley. We believe that it will take 20 years or more to get rid of all of them.

Evening Watch:
At 6:40P a lone intermediate morph Swainson's Hawk flew in circled and landed in the Date Farm. The expected followers didn't show. Perhaps that have come in late.

Prediction for Tomorrow:
The wind should pick up overnight. Any hawks in town will depart early. Rain is forecast for tomorrow night into Friday.

April 10-Windy Tonight-Maybe Some Hawks on the Way

Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks-30
Turkey Vultures-13

Discussion:
Weather was clear, hot (mid 80's) and light increasing wind. First lift off was at 8:30A as 4 Swainson's Hawks came out of Ellis Farm. By 10A 26 more lifted off from the same area. TV's began to rise from the Roadrunner Club at 9:20A. They apparently moved through Palm Canyon.

Question:

Do the Swainson's Hawks move through Borrego Springs as they migrate south in fall? Yes, some repeat the journey south, however in limited numbers through our valley. In Mid-October we have had over 300 in a kettle spend the night and then move on. Totals for the fall have never been more than 500 or so. We do not monitor the migration as frequently.

6 Swainson's of over 50 beginning to stream 4/9/12

Evening Watch:
Only 4 Swainson's were counted this evening, going into Ellis Farm. Ten TV's were observed going into the back of the Date Farm.


Prediction for Tomorrow:
Windy conditions will prevail through the night. If it is still windy tomorrow early, the hawks and TV's will be gone by 7:30A.

April 9-Still Some Action Today

Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks-85
Turkey Vultures-61

Discussion:

Perched Swainson's Hawk in a Tamarisk Tree on Henderson Canyon Road

Weather was clear with some broken clouds, calm wind and warming into the 80's. Lift off from the Fun Farm and fields to the north and the Date Farm. Kettles up to 30 formed and then the hawks streamed as they moved north past the day site then northwest through Coyote Canyon. The Turkey Vultures mixed in with the SW's as they made their way out of the valley.

Question:
How can we help with an understanding of the migration route of Swainson's Hawks? Well, I have just begun to put SW migration sightings (not breeding sites) in California on a map. Anyone can contribute information with the number, time and date of Swainson's observations. Send the information to me (Hal) at Raptorhal3@gmail.com

Evening Watch:
A beautiful evening and no apparent migration.

Prediction for Tomorrow:
Unless their is a late arrival this evening not much of a migration is expected. However, the wind is picking up and arrivals to the south and east may present themselves.

April 8-Spectacular Morning

Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks-247
Turkey Vultures-115

Discussion:

Roosting Swainson's around the new Solar Field 4/8/12

Weather today included calm wind, hot (80's by 10A) and high clouds. We arrived at the day site by 7:45A and viewed over 100 Swainson's along Henderson Canyon Road and the adjacent fields to the south and east. Hawks were even stationed in the new solar field including the top of the fence and on the ground. Turkey Vultures and Swainson's Hawks were also observed near Pekoff Farm on Borrego Springs Road. Lift-off began at 9A as hawks begin to rise directly to the east of the hawkwatch count site. Several kettles began to form as the hawks moved northwest. The Swainson's continued to kettle and stream from the east until 10:30A. The total included some SW's observed at Pekoff. Most of the Turkey Vultures departed from Borrego Springs Road near Pekoff Farm.

Evening Watch:
At 6:30P around 50 Turkey Vultures flew in from the west. At 6:45P a group of around 70 Swainson's Hawks began to drop into the west side of the Date Farm and other moved south and landed in Tamarisks near the Fun Farm. Remaining in the area until 7:20P paid off as more Swainson's came in from high.

Prediction for Tomorrow:
If the wind remains calm we can expect around 100 Swainson's and 50 TV's to lift off between 8:30 and 9A. The best place to view the Swainson's Hawks is on Di Giorgio just north of The Springs RV Park. Most likely the hawks will re-locate to dead Tamarisks near Di Giorgio. The whereabouts of most of the TV's is unknown. Based on events from earlier today (more SW's than expected) we may see more than 100 SW's.

April 7-Nice Views Today

Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks-63

Discussion:
Weather today included calm wind, sunny with broken clouds and temperature 60's-lower 70's. First lift-off at 9A from a few places. Two Swainson's Hawks emerged from trees only a few hundred yards from the day site (see photo). They kettled up over the watch site, moved south to join 6 SW's from the Date Farm. By 9:15A hawks began to rise from Ellis and east of Ellis Farm. This kettle included around 45 birds. It appears that some of the hawks moved directly north as did the big kettle. The hawks streamed northwest making counting easy today. Additional small kettles formed at both Ellis Farm and the Date Farm.

Question:
What type of camera do you use to take photo's? I don't have a fancy camera. I use a Panasonic Lumix 24X mainly just for documentation. It's rather small and easy to carry. It does an adequate job but not as good as the pro's with their big lenses. The bird today was mighty close so it was easier to get a decent photo.

Subadult Light Intermediate Morph Swainson's Hawk-4/7/12

 Evening Watch:
Another calm beautiful evening. At 6:15P about a dozen Swainson's Hawks were spotted very high. They didn't land. At 6:45P a large group of hawks was sighted to the north. At least 35 TV's and 15-20 Swainson's Hawks have landed near the day site.

Prediction for Tomorrow:
Weather should be calm and warming into the 80's tomorrow. Lift-off should take place between 8:30 and 9:15A. The best place for viewing is at the day site on Di Giorgio Rd near Henderson Canyon Road.

April 5-6-Catch Up-65-100 Hawk Drop-In Tonight

Migration April 5:
Swainson's Hawks-39
Turkey Vultures-1

Discussion:

Swainson's Hawk flying to the moon-Ray Spence April 3, 2012

Weather warm, 63-77 F, winds calm then breezy at 15 mph, wispy clouds. First lift-off at 8:15A from Ellis Farm. Kettles began to appear to the north as hawks streamed in from the east along Coyote MT. For the past few days we have observed some hawks moving to our north. Pictured here today is a Swainson's Hawk moving through the moon. Ray Spence took this picture earlier this week. A kettle of SW's were observed with the moon in the background.

Migration April 6:
Swainson's Hawks-26
Zone-tailed Hawk-1
Turkey Vultures-7

Discussion:
Weather was cool, 60 F, wind was calm with high clouds. First lift-off at 8:20A from the east. Once again we began to see small kettles just below Toro Peak. It appears that most of the hawks are coming in from the east/southeast along Coyote Mountain before kettling below Toro. We watched a hawk move from the Date Farm area, at a distance identifying it as a Turkey Vulture. As it approached it became apparent that it was buteo size with a bigger head. The body was blackish with white primaries (similar pattern to a TV), the tail had a dark subterminal band.

Evening Watch:
A beautiful calm evening with a drop-in. At 6:30P we watched a lone Swainson's Hawk fly from Ellis going south. It joined a large group of streaming hawks going toward Ellis Farm. In all I counted 65 birds before they dropped into Ellis. I

Prediction for Tomorrow:
Calm conditions will keep the hawks in late. Lift-off between 8:15-9A from Ellis Farm. Expect anywhere from 65-100 Swainson's Hawks. Best viewing will be from the day site and Henderson Canyon Road where it intersects Borrego Valley Road.

April 4-Surprise Hawks Today

Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks-102
Turkey Vultures-1

Discussion:
High clouds, warm (upper 70's) with a slight breeze. By 9:30A 50 Swainson's moved through the valley. Most coming up from Ellis Farm and points to the east. At 11A a kettle of SW's began to form to the north, just below Toro Peak. The kettle grew and birds began to stream through Coyote Canyon. New SW's from the east came into view. Some Swainson's came in from the south as well. The second wave probably roosted near highway 78 and arrived late.

Saul Miller creates cartoons for the The Borrego Sun

Question:
Do the Swainson's Hawks eat rabbits? Yes, but only on the breeding grounds. Borrego Bunnies are safe.

Evening Watch:
Only a handful of Swainson's this evening. Some going to the Date Farm and a few roosting at Ellis Farm.

Prediction for Tomorrow:
Hopefully we will have another surprise fly-in of Swainson's Hawks. Light wind should keep the hawks in until around 9A. Best place to view from will be the day count site on Di Giorgio Road.

April 3-Only a Few Swainson's Trickling In

Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks-14
Turkey Vultures-7

Discussion:
Some clouds, warm (70's) and light wind. Most of the hawks kettled up from Ellis Farm. The TV's came out of the Date Farm.

As of today I will report every few days unless there is a large number of Swainson's Hawks arriving.

Evening Watch:
Sixteen Swainson's Hawks and 13 TV's came in around 6:15P. It appears that the SW's put down in Ellis Farm and the TV's at the Date Farm. The wind has picked up and should continue through tomorrow.

Prediction for Tomorrow:
Once again the raptors will move early if the winds continues into the morning hours. The day count site on Di Giorgio Rd is probably the best spot to view the hawks.

 

April 2-Not Much Happening

Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks-10

Discussion:
Mostly sunny with light wind and warming to 70's. Seven Swainson's Hawks took off from Ellis Farm at 9:15A followed by 3 separate hawks.

Evening Watch:
We watched 11 Swainson's Hawks fly into the valley as singles. A few of the SW's moved to Ellis Farm close to the night site. We anticipated more hawks as the singles came from very high. Perhaps we have missed some birds late.

Prediction for Tomorrow:
Once again only a few Swainson's Hawks have roosted in the Date Farm and Ellis Farm. Calm wind tomorrow will get the birds up late, 8:30-9A.

Another shot  of SW's from Saturday March 31 along Borrego Springs Rd. 

April 1- Summary for March 2012

Migration Today:

Toro Peak (8,900 feet) with a kettle of Swainson's Hawks 3/31/12

Swainson's Hawks-26
Turkey Vultures-8


Discussion:
Very windy, clear and cool weather today. We had blowing sand throughout the morning hours. Hawks began to move by 6:45A. There was no kettling as hawks moved out of the valley at tree level to avoid the west/northwest wind, blowing up to 40mph. By 10A the last of the hawks and vultures was counted.

This year we have had 4,147 Swainson's Hawks migrate through the valley in March. The highest March count was last year, 2011. Only one other year (2008) was higher than 2012.


Evening Watch:
The wind has simmered down but hawks have also slowed down. We had only 4 Swainson's Hawks and 4 TV's fly into the valley. At least 3 SW's are roosting at the Date Farm. One lone SW flew to Ellis Farm.

Prediction for Tomorrow:
The wind should pick up again this evening. The few hawks and TV's will probably leave the valley early.

March 31, 2012 A Wonderful Day for Hawks

Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks-421
Turkey Vultures-13

Discussion:
Calm wind with increasing breeze, clear and warm 60's-80. The Swainson's were lined up on Tamarisk Trees along Borrego Springs Rd and Pekoff Farm. The first lift-off of one SW from Borrego Springs Rd at 8:40A. By 9A hawks were flapping low across Borrego Springs Rd to kettle to the west. Over 300 Swainson's flew to a few large kettles. Several SW's lifted off from the Date Farm. Some SW's came out of Ellis. The hawks streamed through Coyote Canyon by 10A.

3/31/12 Swainson's on Borrego Springs Rd. 

This is the last addition from PORTS. We finally made it happen! 1700 students were able to learn about the Borrego Valley Hawkwatch and the conservation of Swainson's Hawks and other migratory species. Forty sessions were taught in March! Using a scope and binoculars encouraged students to get out and take a closer look. LuAnn will meet with some classes again this spring and will start by asking how many have done some additional birding, listening or maybe even listing. 


This final week 21 Classes came out to the Hawkwatch via the PORTS program. Olive Vista Middle School from Los Angeles and Windermere Ranch from Contra Costa County up north where some of the hawks are headed.Thanks for bringing your students to California State Parks to learn about conserving animal species through understand their habitats and natural history. LuAnn hopes to hear about the new birds your student's have discovered when she meets you later in the spring with more Science in California State Parks. 


Question:
When does the season end? We may have hawks move through into May. However, the watch officially closes down April 15. By the end of the first week of April the number of hawks falls sharply. 


Evening Watch:
Some crazy folks stayed at the evening watch site in 40 mph wind and sand blasting. At least a dozen Swainson's Hawks stayed aloft and landed at the Date Farm. While we were hiding from the wind, someone found 24 Swainson's hawks coming to roost in Tamarisks along Borrego Valley Road near Ellis Farm and Roadrunner Tree Farm. This may be only part of a larger group in that area. 


Prediction for Tomorrow:
Wind may get the hawks up very early. Some will kettle up from the Date Farm. Additionally a larger group will lift off from Ellis and Roadrunner Tree Farm. There might be more near the potato fields. The best viewing spots are Henderson Canyon Road and Borrego Valley Road and at the evening site. 

Maybe Tonight? Yes!!!-ALERT-MEGA KETTLE

Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks-23

Discussion:
Weather today was calm and warm-65-85 degrees with high clouds and light breeze. The first lift off was at 9:05A from the Date Farm. At 10:15A more SW's appeared from the southeast and more at 10:15A west of the watch site. The later arrivals probably roosted further from the day site.

Question:

Coming in to roost late

Is the season coming to a close? Well, the migration through our valley has slowed down. However, there is mounting evidence that Swainson's Hawks are moving through other areas. Another radioed hawk has crossed the border and moved northwest on the east side of the Salton Sea. At least 60 SW's were sighted at Joshua Tree National Park the other day. Another dozen were seen near Holtsville, CA. So the short answer is no, the hawks are moving but not through Borrego Springs. UPDATE-WE HAVE A WAVE of SWAINSON'S

Evening Watch:
At 6:15P the first kettle came in with around 28 Swainson's. Soon another small group came in. It appears that the 40 or so SW's have settled into Ellis Farm. At 6:45P a mass of Swainson's Hawks appeared to the west. They grew and began to kettle looking like a tornado. They finally touched down in the back of the Date Farm and probably on Tamarisks west of Di Giorgio Rd. Too many to count. Wild estimates of 350-600 Swainson's Hawks totally.

Prediction for Tomorrow: The predicted wind for tomorrow will start late hopefully. Lift-off at 8:15A-9:30A with best observation points on Di Giorgio Road north of The Springs RV Park. Also on Di Giorgio Road near Big Horn. Expect huge kettles.

Hopefully the Big Push Will Develop Soon

Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks-12
Turkey Vultures-14

Discussion:
Weather today was sunny with stringy clouds and warming into the 80's and light wind. At 8:45A the first Swainson's was observed low over Ellis. It flapped its way toward Coyote Canyon. All of the SW's moved in small groups of 2 or 3. There was some aerial feeding over the potato fields to the east of Ellis. TV's lifted off from both the Date Farm and east of the Roadrunner Club. Very little kettling today.

Question:

Does this look like a kettle? TV's 3/29/12

What is a kettle? As the raptors begin to rise on warm air, they circle about creating the image of a kettle. Use your imagination.

Evening Watch:
Not much to report. Four TV's and 7 Swainson's Hawks dropped into the Date Farm.

Prediction for Tomorrow:
Warm calm weather predicted for tomorrow. It looks like we have a few Swainson's Hawks that are hanging around. Best place to view takeoff is at the evening site on Borrego Valley Road.

Still Waiting for the Big Day

Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks-42
Turkey Vultures--5

Discussion:

View of the mountains at 7:30P Today

Weather was calm, warm with only a light breeze. Just after 9A a Swainson's Hawk took off and headed into Coyote Canyon followed by 13 SW's from The Springs RV Park. Turkey Vultures kettled up at 9:30A and headed west then northwest out of the valley. The wind picked up after 10A and more SW's migrated possibly from Ellis Farm. At 11A a late arrival of 23 Swainson's were spotted along Coyote Mountain. We have been getting late arrivals in this direction for a few days now. This indicates a roost site near Ocotillo Wells.

Question:
Why do you watch for incoming hawks after the sun goes down. Our photo today is the sky at 7:30P. The hawks would have no problem negotiating the sky in this light. Almost every evening we have very late incoming hawks.

Evening Watch:
Around 25 Swainson's and 24 TV's came in to roost at the Date Farm this evening. We had a great sky and were very optimistic about a big drop in. March 28, last year we had over 1,800 Swainson's.

Prediction for Tomorrow:
Unless we have a surprise visit of hawks from roost sites further south or east, we can expect around 30 Swainson's Hawks and 24 TV's to take off between 8 and 9A. The hawks will probably take off from the Date Farm. The best place to view the lift off is the evening site on Borrego Valley Road.

Nice Day With Surprises

Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks-281
Turkey Vultures-11

Discussion:
Clear skies with a light breeze throughout the morning. We were surprised by the number of Swainson's Hawks roosting near the day count site. Sixty plus birds perched on the ground at sunrise in the fields west of the day count site. At 8:35A 25 SW's kettled up above the cars before streaming north. Smaller groups of 4 to 5 hawks took off from Ellis Farms and the potato fields. Just after 10A a kettle of 25 SW's was observed in the gap between San Ysidro and Indian Head. Several other SW's kettles came in from the east swelling this new group to 165.  

March 23, 2012-Route of a Swainson's Hawk from the border.

Recently 2 of the radioed birds mentioned in previous posts, crossed the border with Mexico (March 23rd). The map pictured here provides the route of one of the hawks. It crossed the border 2 miles east of Mexicali. It stayed over for several hours in the agriculture fields about 5 miles east of Calexico. In the afternoon it continued northwest apparently not stopping as it passed 4 miles east of El Centro, then 5 miles west of Brawley, 5 miles west of the southern tip of the Salton Sea, 13 miles east of Borrego Springs, 3 miles east of Anza and then over Hemet to finally roost near Pasadena. Hopefully I am correct in calculating the distance as over 175 miles.
This is quite interesting and impressive. Did the hawk move through Clark Valley? Or through Borrego Valley? Thirteen miles east would put the bird near Truckhaven. Get those maps out and comment.

Question:
Where near Pasadena do the hawks roost? The second hawk that passed through the border on March 23 also roosted near Pasadena. I don't have the answer. Perhaps someone has observed them near Pasadena.

Evening Watch:
We were disappointed by the low number of raptors this evening. Perhaps more surprises are awaiting us. Only 13 Swainson's and 12 TV's were observed. The SW's are roosting in the Date Farm.

Predictions for Tomorrow:
Maybe there are some late arrivals. With continued mild conditions the raptors will probably ring up around 8:30A tomorrow from the Date Farm. It is always possible that many Swainson's Hawks have roosted an hour from Borrego Valley. If so we will again have late arrivals (around 10A).                                      

In Between Waves

Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks-6
Turkey Vultures-1

Discussion:

Cool morning with scattered clouds and a slight breeze. At 8:50A the Swainson's Hawks lifted off from the Roadrunner Club. The TV took off in the same direction.

Question:

Mating flying ants

What is aerial feeding? Often the Swainson's Hawks fly about and pounce on ants or other insects in the air. After a rain and a warming trend, winged females and winged males are produced. The ants will fly fairly high and copulate in the air. Females will drop to the ground and begin a new colony. The males die shortly after mating. Three days ago we had over 200 feeding Swainson's Hawks. 

Evening Watch:

Swainson's Hawk pouncing on flying ants

Only 28-30 Swainson's Hawks were observed coming to roost near the day site on Di Giorgio Rd. Twelve Turkey Vultures were seen earlier, roost site unknown.

Prediction for Tomorrow:

The wind should be light tomorrow so take off from the day site should take place around 8:30A

Remarkable Views of Over 500 Swainson's Today

Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks-576
Turkey Vutures-6

Discussion:

Swainson's Hawks 6:45A today on the ground

Fearing an early departure I ventured out at 6:20A. The wind was up and at 6:30A a huge gathering of hawks lifted up from the Date Farm. They did not rise high and descended into the trees and adjacent field. The first real lift off occurred at 8A from the Date Farm and Ellis Farm. Several kettles began to form and the hawks moved west. Many crossed Di Giorgio Road then returned to the east to join other kettles. Finally hawks began to stream to the west in earnest. Some at tree level The kettling and streaming lasted for an hour. From 9A-10A small kettles formed, some low, some very high. A few individuals remained in the area, aerial feeding.

Question:
How far will the hawks fly today? Well, we don't know. The average daily flight is somewhere around 80 miles or so. The hawks may fly further if conditions are right. Two hundred miles in a day is possible. We have very little information from points north after the hawks leave Borrego Springs.

Evening Watch:
Only a few left over hawks were observed this evening. The rainy conditions may have slowed the migration. Of course we may have surprises tomorrow.

Prediction for Tomorrow:

We do not expect much of a migration tomorrow. However, we have been fooled in the past. Tomorrow evening, after the storm, may be productive. The best migration days are coming soon.

ALERT-Over 300 Swainson's in Tonight

Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks-295
Turkey Vultures-63

Discussion:
At 8:40A kettles of Swainson's Hawks began to develop from the Date Farm. They continued to stream off the Eucalyptus Trees for 30 minutes. Kettles formed and streaming continued as the hawks moved north closer to the day site. They began to arial feed on ants. They began to drift east over the potato fields. Over 200 SW's moved about pouncing on flying ants. By 10A they began to stream out through Coyote Canyon. Several Turkey Vultures followed them out.

Swainson's showing a bow stature streaming to the roost 3/24/12

Question:
Why don't you count in the evening? We do count but it is difficult to get an accurate count as the hawks fly high and spread out. This evening is a good example. At least 75 SW's settled into the Ellis Farm. The remainder flew high and landed in the Date Farm. The day site is situated in an area that allows us to watch all directions as the hawks migrate.

Evening Watch:
Another spectacular evening. At 6:20P hundreds of Swainson's Hawks were observed far to the north. They kettled then streamed back and forth. Finally at 6:50P a huge stream moved over the night watch site. The SW's descended into the back of the Date Farm. Estimates range from 300 to 500 or more Swainson's and a handful of TV's

Prediction for Tomorrow:
Unfortunately we may experience early AM wind. This will spur the Swainson's to begin flying just after sunup at 6:45A or so. If lucky the wind will wait until later. Aerial feeding may take place. If so, the hawks will remain in the area a little longer. Best places to view the hawks are at the night site on Borrego Valley Road, or Di Giorgio Road north of The Springs RV Park or the day count site on Di Giorgio.

Best Day of the Year and the Wave Continues-ALERT

Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks-618
Turkey Vultures-10

Discussion:

A dark morph among some light morphs 3/23/12

Wispy high clouds dominated the sky today. Temperature was warm, 60-s to low 70's. Several watchers came out for the show. We thought that fresh breezes would stimulate the hawks early. The watch began at 6:30A. The flight began at 8:20A, a long wait. Swainson's Hawks roosted on trees leading into the Fun Farm and the date farm as well as isolated trees. At least 60 SW's moved from perches to the ground early. Only a few appeared to be feeding, probably on flying ants. The first liftoff brought the hawks close to the day site. By 9:10A most of the hawks were airborne. Kettles formed and dissipated as the hawks meandered back and forth before streaming toward Coyote Canyon. The day site counted 435 Swainson's. Additionally, 126 SW's were counted flying close to Coyote Mountain. These hawks flew from an outlying area to the east. At 10A a large kettle of Swainson's Hawks was sighted very high toward Coyote Mountain. Additional hawks joined the kettle. At least 50 and probably more SW's were moving close to the mountain toward Coyote Canyon.

Question:
I keep hearing about morphs? What is a morph? A morph is a genetic variation, like blond, brunette, redhead. Most of the Swainson's Hawks we see are light morphs, some are very dark and some rufous or intermediate. Strangely the literature indicates that only 10-15% of California Swainson's are light in summer. See the variation between light and dark in the photo above. Swainson's Hawks do not have subspecies and only Red-tailed Hawks have more color variety.



Evening Watch:
Two hundred plus Swainson's Hawks and 50 Turkey Vultures dropped in this evening. The SW's are roosting across the road from the evening watch site on Borrego Valley Rd. The whereabouts of the TV's is unknown.

Prediction for Tomorrow:
The wind should be light so expect lift off between 8 and 9A. The best place to watch the kettles form are at the evening site on Borrego Valley Rd,  or on Di Giorgio north of the Springs RV Park and at the day site on Di Giorgio Rd.

ALERT-The Next Wave in Borrego!-Hundreds of Swainson's Here!!

Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks-34
Turkey Vultures-1

Discussion:
Weather was clear and calm to start, with a slight southeast breeze developing later. Temperature 55-80 degrees. Lift off of 25 SW's from the Date Farm at 9:05A. The hawks flapped their way out of the valley through Coyote Canyon. The second group took off at 9:30A and streamed out of the valley. One lone TV came out of the Roadrunner Club.

Some of the Hawkwatch Leaders

This week Emerson Middle School and Griffith Middle School from Los Angeles visited the Hawkwatch.  Thanks for bringing your students to share this conservation story. All of the classes generated amazing hypotheses as to why these hawks' populations have decreased over time.  We were also impressed with the list of raptors and other California bird species that sixth grade students were able to generate.  We challenge you all to get out and listen as all of the spring bird songs begin and look to the sky!



Evening Watch:
At least 300 and perhaps 500 Swainson's have descended into trees lining the road to the Fun Farm on Di Giorgio Rd. A dozen or more TV's have shown up as well.


Prediction for Tomorrow:
If the wind does not develop during the night expect a huge kettle or kettles to form between 8A and 9:30A tomorrow. Best place to view will be just north of The Springs RV Park on Di Giorgio Rd. If the winds pick up early the hawks will depart just after sunup.

Fewer Swainson's Than Expected Today

Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks-79
Turkey Vultures-18


Discussion:

Swainson's Hawk-3/19/12-Courtesy of Pam Albers

Weather today was sunny with calm wind. Temperature ranged from 60-70 degrees. At 9A the Swainson's kettled up from the driveway of the Fun Farm. At 9:30A Turkey Vultures begin to rise from Roadrunner Club in small groups. Around noon time a late arrival of 45 Swainson's Hawks was spotted near Indian Head Peak. The photo at the right was taken through a scope using a point and shoot camera. 


Question:
I didn't answer the question asked yesterday. Why is there a discrepancy between the number of hawks counted coming into roost in the evening and leaving the following day. Today was an exception. We counted more hawks last night than what we observed leaving today. Perhaps some of the hawks re-located to other roost sites that were not observed from the count site. In actuality most of the time we see fewer in the evening and more in the morning exiting the valley. We believe that hawks continue to arrive after dark. Our perception of darkness and the hawks view are different. Hawks can see far later into the evening hours than we can. 


Evening Watch:
This evening 25 Swainson's Hawks came into the Date Farm to the northwest side. A few TV's also flew into the area. We now have around 6 resident TV's.


Prediction for Tomorrow:
Light winds indicate a late take off, probably around 9A. Again, watching from Di Giorgio Rd near the entrance to the Fun Farm is best. 

Stable Weather and Hawks Trickle In

Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks-79
Turkey Vultures-15


Discussion:

Light Morph Swainson's Hawk

Skies were clear and blue for a few hours before a haze from the east moved in. Wind was cam to a light breeze. At 9:15A 11 Swainson's lifted off from Ellis Farms kettled up and streamed into Coyote Canyon. Several distant kettles of 10-20 birds were seen at the back of Ellis, probably at the potato fields. Several nice kettles wee observed between Ant Hill and Inspiration before all streamed into Coyote Canyon. At 10:30A 11 TV's were seen circling above roadrunner. One lone dark morph SW was spotted near De Anza. 


Question:
Why are the number of hawks arriving in the evening always lower than the number of hawks leaving the next day? See Prediction below.


Evening Watch:
At 6:15P TV's and some Swainson's were spotted to the south near Roadrunner Club. The SW's streamed to the Date Farm and began to kettle up. Other SW's joined the mix from the north. In all, 46 Swainson's were counted going to roost in the back of the date farm. 


Prediction for Tomorrow:

The number of hawks observed arriving at roosts is almost always lower than the number leaving the following day. We can predict anywhere from 46-100 Swainson's leaving tomorrow. The sky will be clear and the wind calm. Departure will be around 9A. A good place to view the hawks will be on Di Giorgio Rd. north of the Springs RV park. 












  

Surprise Numbers of Swainson's Today Migrating

Migration Today:

Swainson's Hawks-584

Turkey Vultures-24

Discussion:

The weather this morning included a mostly cloudy sky, temperatures in the 40's with a breeze from the north. The Swainson's Hawks that were observed yesterday evening spread out to several roost locations. Liftoff began at 7:25A from the Roadrunner Club and the Fun Farm off of Di Giorgio. The hawks streamed to the northwest in several kettles. Swainson's Hawks began to appear as a very high stream from the southeast. They kettled above Di Giogio Rd before departing to the northwest. These birds probably roosted at Bowen Ranch and La Casa Del Zorro. We counted 287 SW's in the early liftoff. We waited on Di Giorgio Rd as a large number of Swainson's were perched in Tamarisks in rows radiating west from Di Giorgio Rd. At 9:15A the SW's left the trees and formed many kettles. During a 45 minute period, kettles formed and streamed northwest. Small kettles began to form to the south with mixed SW's and TV's. The totals in the late departure included 297 Swainson's and 24 TV's.

Question:

Perched Swainson's Today at Sunup

What happened to the hawks with transmitters on them?

1.  Information from a week ago. One Swainson's Hawk entered California on March 7 about 12 miles west of Calexico, continued northwest crossing the west portion of Anzo-Borrego SP and then up to Julian and Valley Center.   

2.  The second entered on March 12 about 6 miles east of Calexico, continued to El Centro and travelled northwest from El Centro to Ranchita. This bird was just south of the border at 0900 hrs on March 12th. The next reading was from Ranchita late evening of the 12th. The following day the bird was north of LA near Santa Clarita. This bird may have passed through Borrego Springs up Hell Hole Canyon or Montezuma Valley Road. This bird moved very fast and never spent the night in Borrego Valley. This raises questions as to when it may have passed through our valley. That is, if indeed it did pass through Borrego Valley  

So both of these birds used the same general trajectory, one further east than the other. It does look like they flew through a portion of the Anza- Borrego SP. 

As of March 15th, two hawks are still in South America, one in Central America, and 4 in Mexico. The birds in Mexico may have moved past our region already. More information later.

Evening Watch:

15 Swainson's flew into the area at 6:35P. They apparently landed at Ellis Farm. 11 TV's were observed in the vicinity of the date farm earlier.

Prediction for Tomorrow:

First kettle of the day-3/19/12

Calm wind tomorrow so liftoff around 8:30-9A. The day count site on Di Giorgio Rd might be the best place to be.

 

  

Snowy Day-No Migration-Monday ALERT

Migration Today:

Borrego Springs? or Yellowstone 3/18/12

0

Discussion:

40's today and snow down to 2500'. One lone Swainson's Hawk was observed at the day site. 

Question:

What will the weather do for migration in the coming days? By Tuesday we should have good migration as the front has stalled migration from Mexico. At this point only 2 of the 11 radioed Swainson's have crossed the border. Details to follow.

Evening Watch:
We were surprised this evening as over 200 Swainson's appeared over Roadrunner Club. They settled into Eucalyptus trees only to be blown away. They relocated to trees north of the Springs RV park. Many are still at the Roadrunner Club. Additionally at least 50 have been located at La Casa Del Zorro to the south.

Coming into roost at Roadrunner Club-3/18/12

Prediction for Tomorrow:
The windy conditions will remain into the morning hours. The 200 plus Swainson's Hawks and Turkey Vultures (around 25-35), will probably depart the valley at first light. Folks planning to venture into town should check the roads. Approaching from the mountains may require chains. Temperature in Borrego tomorrow will be in the 50's early, rising into the 60's. Di Giorgio Road north of the Springs RV Park may be the place to be.

Roosting in Eucalyptus Tree RR Club-3/18/12