Broad-winged Hawks Migrate South

Hawk identification is a tricky business but less so when you’re in the company of experts who each year gather atop Pennsylvania mountain ridges to identify and count the number of species flying south during the fall migration. Two weeks ago Sunday, I was in the company of just such a group gathered atop Jack’s Mountain, a roadside outlook in Mifflin County, to witness and record whatever raptors might sail overhead. As September is the peak migration time for Broad-winged Hawks, when large numbers congregate to fly south, expectation was high that we might see hundreds of these stocky raptors. (Photo courtesy of the Nick Bolgiano.)

The day was warm with clear blue skies—beautiful but not perfect hawk-watching conditions. Hawks can fly so high that they disappear from view in the deep, vast firmament. A backdrop of white clouds provides better contrast against the dark raptors. Across the valley, another group of enthusiast kept watch (and count) from Stone Mountain, about a half hour drive southwest of State College.

In my short time there, about two hours, I was lucky enough to see several species of migrating raptors, including hawks, falcons, and even a Bald Eagle. Several Broad-winged Hawks also sailed overhead, only a few flying low enough for me to see and identify. For me, the Broad-winged Hawk’s most conspicuous characteristic, one by which I can identify him, is the thick white band in his dark tail. Several hawks have alternating white and black tail bands but the Broad-wing’s central white band is thick, with only a thin strip at the tail base and tip. (You can see two of these white bands in the photo provided.)

Broad-wings are “summer” raptors; you see them only during breeding season. Otherwise they winter in South America. Typically I see at least one each season in the trees at Black Moshannon State Park, but on this Sunday I was eager to see large flocks, known as “kettles,” flying overhead.

By the time our small group left Jack’s Mountain, about 1:00 p.m., the official count was at 30 for Broad-wings. Later that day, on the birding listserv, I was to learn that Stone Mountain observers counted some 1300 plus Broad-wings! The photo I share with you today was taken by someone witnessing and recording their migration that day over Stone Mountain.

Until next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne