February 14, 2012 Migration Today-Opening of the Hawk Season

Migration Today:
Red-tailed Hawks-4

Red-tailed Hawk Borrego Springs Road 2/14/2012

Swainson's Hawks-20
Turkey Vultures-43

Discussion:
Shortly after 8A this morning we recorded the first Swainson's sighting of the season. 2 SW's and 4 Red-tailed Hawks were observed kettling up near Henderson Canyon Rd. and Borrego Valley Rd. At 8:40A several Turkey Vultures and Swainson's Hawks begin to lift off southeast of Big Horn and Borrego Springs Rd. Another group begin to kettle up near The Springs RV park. The raptors moved northwest toward Coyote Canyon.

Evening Watch:
At 4:30P 7 Turkey Vultures dropped into the date farm on Borrego Valley Rd. 14 Swainson's Hawks were spotted at 5P and finally settled into the date farm as well.

Prediction:
Our first official count day will most likely begin with kettling hawks and TV's between 8A and 9A. You have the option of seeing the raptors from the evening site on Borrego Valley Rd 1 1/2 miles north of Palm Canyon Drive. This location is across the road from the date farm. Another viewing site would be at the junction of Big Horn and DiGiorgio Rd. Or come to the day site where experienced watchers will be located. The day site is 2.8 miles north of Palm Canyon Drive on DiGiorgio Rd. If it is windy expect an early departure. The day site has a leader every day from 8A-11A. Most often migration takes place before by 9A.