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.