March 17th 2020-The Hawkwatch Continues Despite the Virus

Borrego Springs is responding to the Coronavirus crisis as is the rest of the nation and world. For all of us at the hawkwatch, our hearts go out to those that are suffering from the virus and hardships that have been created. We are trying to continue monitoring the migration of Swainson's Hawks and at the same time remain safe. At both the day watch and evening watch we ask folks to not congregate on the hill. A sign is posted at the bottom of the day site hill indicating that only the leader and assistants should climb the hill. At the evening site we ask folks to maintain a respectful distance from each other and do not share scopes.

I will NOT be sending out ALERTS to 400 plus folks when we have enormous numbers of Swainson's Hawks in town. To curtail the spread of the virus we are trying to minimize travel to the area. However, the number of hawks recently has taken a nosedive. So travel to Borrego Springs for the hawks is a non-starter. I believe that a recent flower bloom with possible caterpillars in Organ Pipe National Park, Arizona and the contiguous biosphere park in Mexico have stalled migration. The Swainson's Hawks are probably gorging on the caterpillars (if present). I am trying to locate someone in the area of Southern Arizona and Northern Mexico with information concerning the possible food source.

Here are some recent photos of hawks that we observed last week.

Tuck Russell-SW feeding on Crane Flies

Tuck Russell-Feeding on Crane Flies

Tuck Russell

Hal With the Only Bird of Prey He Can Photograph

Kettle of Hawks-Karen Orso

Early Morning Gathering on Mesquite Dunes Before Migrating-Karen Orso