Swainson's Hawks Over Borrego Valley

Photo of a Swanson's Hawk being banded
A Swainson's Hawk is banded on March 20, 2008

Borrego Valley Hawkwatch 5 April 2008

Swainson's Hawks 6

Discussion: The season is winding down. Unless we get a good evening migration in the next few days, this report may be the last of the season. We will send a final report after completion of the season April 15. Along with the report we will send some of the highlight photo's taken by a number of photographers. Thanks to our dedicated volunteers we have had a wonderful season.

Evening Watch: One lone Swainson's Hawk came into the date farm. It appears that this bird has been flying in for the past 3 evenings.

Predictions: We will continue to monitor migration each day until April 15. Tomorrow we expect a very light migration.

Borrego Valley Hawkwatch 4 April 2008

Swainson's Hawks 17
Turkey Vultures 2

Discussion: The first 2 Swainson's came up from the date farm at 8:10A. Just after 11A 15 Swainson's showed up from afar.

Evening Watch: Only 1 high flying Swainson's came in to roost near the potato field.

Predictions: Once again we do not anticipate a large migration.

Borrego Valley Hawkwatch 3 April 2008

Swainson's Hawks 5
Turkey Vultures 12

Discussion: It appears we have entered a lull period in migration. Data from the past 5 years suggests that very few triple digit days are expected for the rest of the season. The exception was in 2003 when we had 4 big days April 4-7.

Evening Watch: Only 1 Swainson's with a full crop came into the date farm.

Predictions: We do not expect much of a migration tomorrow.

Borrego Valley Hawkwatch 2 April 2008

Swainson's Hawks 156

Discussion: A very windy day prompted the hawks to move very early. We have now established a new record for Swainson's Hawks observed in a season. The previous high was 5,228. Today we stand at 5,296.

If you have not done so already, you might want to take a look at the data for the past 6 years at Hawkcount.org. Scroll down to Borrego Valley. You can access information concerning all of the established hawkwatches across North America at this site. Hawk Migration of North America is responsible for gathering and storing data from most hawkwatches.

Evening Watch: Cold and windy weather greeted us this evening. At 7P low flying Sw's flew over the watch and into the date farm. Only 15 Sw's were counted. Although low numbers the close view made for a nice evening.

Predictions: With the persistent wind we can expect another early lift-off.

Borrego Valley Hawkwatch 1 April 2008

Swainson's Hawks 154
Turkey Vultures 9

Discussion: Kettles began to form near the date farm at 8:40A. Most of the hawks moved west and then north along the mountain range. TV's followed the same route.

Evening Watch: Approximately 200 Swainson's Hawks settled into the south-east corner of the potato field. This location is just south of Henderson Rd and east of Borrego Valley Rd. It is possible that the hawks are attracted to dead insects and other animals that have been sprayed last Friday. We are going to make the public aware of the pesticides that are being used on the fields.

Predictions: Expect a good migration tomorrow depending on the weather. Wind and rain are possible. Tomorrow good views of take-off will probably be east of Borrego Valley Rd on Henderson Canyon Rd. It may be windy in the morning. Hawks will fly early.

Borrego Valley Hawkwatch 31 March 2008

Swainson's Hawks 36
Turkey Vultures 5

Discussion: Calm winds kept the hawks down until 9:10A. One kettle of hawks drifted NW and out of the valley.

Evening Watch: At 7P 12 TV's flew into the valley and landed in the date farm. As the evening progressed discussion about very late drop-ins ended at 7:30P as a large kettle of Sw's was sighted coming in from the west.

They probably flew very high before turning around to drop into the date farm. They dropped much like a curtain falling straight down. We counted close to 150 Sw's before they all disappeared into the Eucalyptus trees.

Predictions: Tomorrow should produce a nice kettle of Swainson's rising from the date farm. We will exceed 5,000 Swainson's tomorrow. Our record year (2004) produced 5,228 Sw's. If we don't break our previous high tomorrow, we certainly will soon. It also looks like our predicted cluster of high counts around April 1-4 is upon us. Remember, if it is windy tomorrow the hawks will leave early. The forecast is for light wind. The leader will be at the watch around 8A unless it is windy. Best viewing will probably be at the official count site on DiGiorgio Rd.

Borrego Valley Hawkwatch 30 March 2008

Swainson's Hawks 86
Turkey Vultures 13

Discussion: Windy conditions created a very difficult count starting at 7:30A. The hawks kettled up very high and drifted southeast before departing the valley very high.

Evening Watch: A count of 45 Sw's and 5 TV's appears to be the final number this evening. The Sw's stayed aloft for a few hours kiting in the wind.

Predictions: If the wind persists into the morning hours, migration will take place early. Feeding Sw's may slow departure for some. Unsettled weather is forecast for Tuesday evening through Wednesday with the possibility of rain. Often we have a good Swainson's count during turbulent weather. The next predicted cluster of large migration numbers is March 31-April 5th.

Borrego Valley Hawkwatch 29 March 2008

Swainson's Hawks 51
Turkey Vultures 13

Discussion: Small kettles of SW's came up from the date farm and aerial fed on ants. Several SW's dropped into a mustard field on DiGiorgio to feed on caterpillars. It appears that a dozen or so SW's are lingering in the valley. Many of the migrants flew directly over the watch site very high.

Our total raptors for the season (6,180) have surpassed the record year of 2004 of 6,117. The next few days will be interesting with some weather moving into the valley. Windy, partly cloudy and a chance of rain by Tuesday could stimulate migration into the valley. Caterpillars are still plentiful as well.

Evening Watch: This evening 85 SW's dropped into the valley at the date farm.

Predictions: It is supposed to be windy again tomorrow so migration will be early. The counters have the job of picking out migrants from feeding hawks. With favorable wind conditions we expect 85 plus SW's to take off.

Borrego Valley Hawkwatch 27 March 2008

Swainson's Hawks 417

Discussion: Another remarkable day. SW's feeding early on caterpillars lifted off at 7:40A. The wind carried them very high (limit of binoculars) and they streamed over the watch site covering horizon to horizon. For two hours kettles continued to rise from the feeding area near the date farm.

Evening Watch: A spectacle again starting early and continuing as hundreds of SW's and at least 100 TV's swirled over the watchers near the date farm. Many birds are in the fields and will probably rise to roost at the date farm. The TV's may have roosted at Pecoff Farm.

Predictions: Tomorrow could be another banner day with estimates beyond 300 SW's and TV's. If the wind is up in the AM the hawks will take off before 8A so don't be late. A good viewing site would be at the evening watch on Borrego Valley Rd. Drive 1.2 miles north of Palm Canyon Drive on Borrego Valley Rd. Also the hawks may come over the official count site on DiGiorgio Rd. I left the site early to make this posting so additional hawks may have come in, in the past hour.

Borrego Valley Hawkwatch 26 March 2008

Swainson's Hawks  677
Turkey Vultures  49
Coopers Hawks 0
Red-tailed Hawks  0
Merlin  0
Northern Harrier 0
Ospreys 0
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0
Peregrine Falcon 0
Ferruginous Hawk 0

Discussion: Most of the Swainson's Hawks were located near the burn area just off of Henderson Canyon Rd and Borrego Valley Rd. They kettled up in a few large groups at 8:40A. By 9A they began to stream west. Hawks could be observed from far east to far west covering the sky. TV's were mixed in the kettles.

A look at the past 6 years of data:

We have now had 4,035 Swainson's Hawks migrate. This is the second highest season count. The highest season count was 5,228 in 2004 We have now had 1,172 TV's migrate. The highest season count was 1,258. We now have had a total of 5,236 raptors migrate. The highest raptor count was 6,117 in 2004.

Evening Watch: From 4P until dark we witnessed 85 plus SW's feeding and flying near the date farm. It appears that these hawks either came in early or did not leave the valley in the morning. They gave us quite a show before settling into the Eucalyptus trees in the date farm. Most of these hawks had full crops from feeding on caterpillars.

Predictions: We will probably see many SW's leave the roost to feed on the ground before departing the valley. Observations from the evening watch site (1.4 miles north of Palm Canyon Drive on Borrego Valley Rd) may be rewarding. By 9A it is possible that a large kettle will form near the date farm for departure from the valley.

Borrego Valley Hawkwatch 25 March 2008

Swainson's Hawks  1,008
Turkey Vultures  31
Coopers Hawks 0
Red-tailed Hawks  0
Merlin  0
Northern Harrier 0
Ospreys 0
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0
Peregrine Falcon 0
Ferruginous Hawk 0

Discussion: Shortly after 9A Swainson's Hawks were beginning to rise from several locations. The numbers of local lift-offs were 19 in the first hour. Shortly after 9A visitors from Sea and Sage Audubon hurried up to the hill to announce that hundreds of SW's were flying in downtown Borrego. Other folks began to arrive at the watch with the news. Finally Paul Jorgensen called in with a count of more than 850 SW's. The hawks were moving west and away from our view. Finally we saw large kettles at a distance over Indian-head. The hawks were moving north. When I made contact with other folks in town, they indicated that the hawks were low and swirling around for some time in town. Borrego Springs Rd traffic came to a halt as people stopped their cars to gawk at the hawks. Tennis players stopped playing to look up. My gardener rushed to our watch site to alert us. Strangely, I still have not taken a Swainson's Hawk as a yard bird!! Yet all my neighbors, gardener etc. have seen many now from our home.

Kettles continued to move north an hour after the large group. The third predicted cluster of big migration dates is now upon us. The next major cluster period is predicted between March 30-April 7.

Evening Watch: The bizarre day continues. A fire at Ellis Tree Farm has attracted a huge number of Swainson's Hawks. They probably are interested in rodents, snakes and insects roasted by the fire. We counted 369 plus SW's and over 50 TV's before dark. The SW's settled into Ellis.

Predictions: At least 369 Swainson's and probably more will take off from Ellis Tree Farm at the junction of Henderson Canyon Rd and Borrego Valley Rd. If you have respiratory problems the smoke could be a hazard. Also, TV's are roosting at the date farm and on Henderson Canyon Rd west of Borrego Springs Rd. Best viewing spots would be at the junction of Henderson and Borrego Valley.

Borrego Valley Hawkwatch 24 March 2008

Swainson's Hawks  24
Turkey Vultures  25
Coopers Hawks 0
Red-tailed Hawks  0
Merlin  0
Northern Harrier 0
Ospreys 0
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0
Peregrine Falcon 0
Ferruginous Hawk 0

Discussion: Although not expected because of a light flight the night before small groups of SW's migrated including one kettle of 11. Two of the Swainson's were very close to Borrego Springs Rd and our bander made an attempt to capture one of them without succeeding. The TV's moved west and then north before departing the valley.

Evening Watch: Tonight (March 24) 19 TV's dropped into the Pecoff Farm. At 7:30P a late group of Swainson's Hawks began descending into the date farm. The estimate of this group is 35-45 SW's.

Predictions: We should see a decent kettle of Swainson's leave the date farm tomorrow. However, there is now a significant number of caterpillars and the SW's will probably take advantage of this food source. It wouldn't surprise me if the SW's didn't leave their roost site early and begin feeding on the ground. The light winds we have been experiencing usually mean a late migration (9-10:30A).

Borrego Valley Hawkwatch 23 March 2008

Swainson's Hawks  2
Turkey Vultures  14
Coopers Hawks 0
Red-tailed Hawks  0
Merlin  0
Northern Harrier 0
Ospreys 0
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0
Peregrine Falcon 0
Ferruginous Hawk 0

Borrego Valley Hawkwatch 22 March 2008

Swainson's Hawks  169
Turkey Vultures  42
Coopers Hawks 0
Red-tailed Hawks  0
Merlin  0
Northern Harrier 0
Ospreys 0
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0
Peregrine Falcon 0
Ferruginous Hawk 0

Discussion: Swainson's Hawks spent some morning time feeding on caterpillars just to the southeast of the hawkwatch. Rather than a big kettle in the still air, the SW's fly low and west before departing the valley. Kettles of 15-20 hawks formed to the south before migrating. TV's moved along the western mountains. Another Swainson's was banded today.

Evening Watch: We had over 70 participants wait patiently for incoming hawks and TV's. Only one Swainson's was sighted. A disappointing evening however their are loads of hawks yet to move through the valley.

Predictions: Based on the the lack of birds this evening we do not anticipate a big migration tomorrow. It was pointed out that 3 years ago we had a 0 evening and 658 SW's the next day. Our next average peak cluster will occur tomorrow through March 26. Perhaps tomorrow evening will be more productive.

We will have a crowd of people coming in this weekend for the Festival of Hawks, the Circle of Art show and of course the wildflowers. Expect big crowds at all events.

Borrego Valley Hawkwatch 21 March 2008

Swainson's Hawks  15
Turkey Vultures  42
Coopers Hawks 0
Red-tailed Hawks  0
Merlin  0
Northern Harrier 0
Ospreys 0
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0
Peregrine Falcon 0
Ferruginous Hawk 0

Discussion: We were surprised at the number of hawks and TV's based on the figures from last night. Small kettles of hawks and vultures moved directly overhead.

Evening Watch: At 6:30P a group of 50-60 Swainson's came in from the north and settled into Ellis Tree Farm.

Predictions: Tomorrow should be a nice lift-off with best viewing either from the hawkwatch site or Henderson Canyon Rd and Borrego Valley Rd. Light winds are predicted so lift-off will probably take place between 8:30A and 9A. However there are now some caterpillars in the valley. Some of the hawks will probably feed on the ground before leaving the valley. Also, with the hot weather predicted there will be flying ants as well. Look for aerial feeding.

We will have a crowd of people coming in this weekend for the Festival of Hawks, the Circle of Art show and of course the wildflowers. Expect big crowds at all events.

Borrego Valley Hawkwatch 20 March 2008

Swainson's Hawks  609
Turkey Vultures  22
Coopers Hawks 0
Red-tailed Hawks  0
Merlin  0
Northern Harrier 0
Ospreys 0
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0
Peregrine Falcon 0
Ferruginous Hawk 0

Discussion: At 8:30A kettles from a unknown northern roost site began to form. At the same time kettles formed over Ellis Farm and the date farm. The entire eastern horizon held feeding and kettling SW's by 9A. Eventually they streamed north and northwest and out of the valley. By 10:30A most of the SW's migrated. A few SW's were observed to the east and SW's were sighted very high passing directly over us. Indications are that Swainson's Hawks were coming in from roosting sites about 15-20 miles south of Borrego Valley. By 11:45A we had counted an additional 53 high flyers before we lost all clouds. It is possible that migration continued at higher altitude. Most of the TV's migrated in the last hour. Chris Briggs (working on his Doctorate concerning Swainson's Hawks) banded two SW's in the past two days. Information gathered from captured Swainson's Hawks will add valuable data concerning migration and possibly where the birds breed and winter.

Evening Watch: No Swainson's Hawks were observed. 20 TV's roosted in the Roadrunner Mobile Park.

Tomorrow evening we begin our annual Hawk Festival. Each evening during the coming weekend we will meet at the night site (1 mile north of Palm Canyon Drive) on Borrego Valley Rd. We meet at 5:45P until dark. It is here that we wait for incoming hawks and vultures that roost in the valley. Saturday and Sunday morning we will meet at the day site between 8 and 11A located on DiGiorgio Rd (2.6 miles north of Palm Canyon Drive). Additionally on Saturday at 2PM we will have a slide show/lecture concerning the migration of hawks at the Park administration building conference hall. Take Palm Canyon Drive west to the first set of buildings on the left. Parking may be a problem so come early.

Predictions: We do not anticipate Swainson's Hawk migration tomorrow. The next predicted big migration is a few days off. Our biggest day since 2003 was March 26, 2004 (1,406 SW's) The period March 24-26 has been very productive.

Borrego Valley Hawkwatch 19 March 2008

Swainson's Hawks  437
Turkey Vultures  35
Coopers Hawks 0
Red-tailed Hawks  0
Merlin  0
Northern Harrier 0
Ospreys 0
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0
Peregrine Falcon 0
Ferruginous Hawk 0

Discussion: A remarkable flight directly over the hawkwatch. At 8:45A hawks began to kettle up from the date farm. Several kettles carried the hawks within easy viewing of the watch.

Evening Watch ALERT: This evening we watched 15 SW's feeding near Ellis Farm. A view to the east brought us another evening surprise. A huge kettle of SW's was sighted moving to the west. It was difficult to count as the hawks spread out across the sky. At least 250 hawks were in the group, perhaps more. They settled down into Ellis Farm. Some TV's were counted as well.

Predictions: At least 250 SW's should migrate tomorrow. The best viewing spot is probably Borrego Valley Rd. and Henderson Canyon Rd. As today it is possible that the hawks will move over the watch site on DiGiorgio Rd. The wind will determine the time of Lift-Off. If the conditions are similar to today, the hawks will leave between 8 and 9A. If windy, the hawks could move earlier than 8A.

Borrego Valley Hawkwatch 18 March 2008

Swainson's Hawks  8
Turkey Vultures  32
Coopers Hawks 0
Red-tailed Hawks  0
Merlin  0
Northern Harrier 0
Ospreys 0
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0
Peregrine Falcon 0
Ferruginous Hawk 0

Discussion: The SW's kettled up and fed for an hour before departing the valley. The TV's moved out in small kettles.

Evening Watch ALERT: Tonight we had 10 aerial feeding SW's settle into the Ellis Tree farm. At 7P we spotted many high SW's. They dropped into the west side of the date farm. I stopped counting at 575. It is possible that we will have a number exceeding 600. Thirty-one TV's also were sighted.

Predictions: Tomorrow could be the biggest lift-off of the 2008 season. Last year on March 20 we had over 1300 SW's. Please do not climb the hill at the watch site unless you are a leader or assistant. You can observe the hawks easily from the foot of the hill. Observation from Big Horn and DiGiorgio Rd could put you underneath large kettles. Lift-off will probably take place between 8 and 9A. Earlier if there is some wind. Predictions are for light wind. Join us for a spectacle.

Borrego Valley Hawkwatch 17 March 2008

Swainson's Hawks  102
Turkey Vultures  18
Coopers Hawks 0
Red-tailed Hawks  0
Merlin  0
Northern Harrier 0
Ospreys 0
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0
Peregrine Falcon 0
Ferruginous Hawk 0

Discussion: At 9A SW's began to kettle up from tamarisk trees near Pecoff farm. A few smaller kettles formed and all the hawks flew west to the base of Indian head. TV's began to stream in the same direction.

Evening Watch: 10 Swainson's and 32 TV's were counted, most coming into the date farm. Some were aerial feeding. However it appeared that both the SW's and TV's may have chosen a different roost site.

Predictions: Based on the number of SW's that arrived, we do not anticipate a large number moving tomorrow.

Borrego Valley Hawkwatch 16 March 2008

Swainson's Hawks  36
Turkey Vultures  14
Coopers Hawks 0
Red-tailed Hawks  0
Merlin  0
Northern Harrier 0
Ospreys 0
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0
Peregrine Falcon 0
Ferruginous Hawk 0

Discussion: A cold windy day was the backdrop for a tough count. Hawks and Vultures kettled up very high before departing the valley.

Evening Watch: Although cold and rainy this evening a large kettle of Swainson's came into the valley. The highest count of Swainson's Hawks was 117. At least 18 TV's came into the date farm as well. It appears that the SW's settled into the Pecoff Farm on Borrego Springs Rd.

Predictions: The wind is supposed to abate overnight so tomorrow could produce a nice lift-off. A large percentage of our seasonal Swainson's count is due this week.

Borrego Valley Hawkwatch 15 March 2008

Swainson's Hawks  2
Turkey Vultures  2
Coopers Hawks 0
Red-tailed Hawks  0
Merlin  0
Northern Harrier 0
Ospreys 0
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0
Peregrine Falcon 0
Ferruginous Hawk 0

Discussion: At least 15 SW's were observed on the ground near Ellis Farm this morning. These birds kettled up but did not appear to migrate. The very windy conditions and food (probably caterpillars) may have influenced migration today.

Evening Watch: Both wind and rain did not prevent some SW's from flying into the valley. At least 33 Swainson's settled into the date farm. Some of these birds may have spent the day in the valley. 6 TV's joined the SW's.

Predictions: The wind and rain are predicted to persist tomorrow morning. It is doubtful we will see any sizable migration. Based on the past 4 years, it is possible that Swainson's numbers will begin to build in the next few days. Monday through Wednesday could be very productive.

Borrego Valley Hawkwatch 14 March 2008

Swainson's Hawks  92
Turkey Vultures  0
Coopers Hawks 0
Red-tailed Hawks  0
Merlin  0
Northern Harrier 0
Ospreys 0
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0
Peregrine Falcon 0
Ferruginous Hawk 0

Discussion: Migration today occurred very early as the winds picked up overnight.

Evening Watch: Early Swainson's came into the valley and settled down at Ellis Farm. Another small group landed in the date farm. At least 12 additional SW's landed at Ellis just after 7P. The totals coming in to roost include 35-45 Swainson's and 1 TV.

Predictions: If the wind continues into early AM tomorrow the lift-off could occur as the sun comes up.

Borrego Valley Hawkwatch 13 March 2008

Swainson's Hawks  257
Turkey Vultures  22
Coopers Hawks 0
Red-tailed Hawks  0
Merlin  0
Northern Harrier 0
Ospreys 0
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0
Peregrine Falcon 0
Ferruginous Hawk 1

Discussion: This was our biggest day of the season. At 8:20A SW's lifted off from the date farm. A large kettle of over 150 hawks formed. For an hour the birds moved back and forth feeding and drifting about. At least 70 SW's came up from Ellis Farm as the first group moved northwest. At least 50 SW's remained in the area aerial feeding on ants. The TV's came up later and moved North. By 11:15A all of the hawks had moved out of the valley.

Evening Watch: By 6P at least 9 SW's were spotted very high and gliding around the valley. At 6:50P we observed a large kettle of SW's and followed them until dark. They finally descended into the Pecoff Farm area west of the date farm. A good spot to watch them take off tomorrow would be Borrego Springs Rd and Big Horn.

Predictions: We counted around 75 SW's tonight. There will probably be more than this figure taking off tomorrow. Only a few TV's were observed.

Borrego Valley Hawkwatch 12 March 2008

Swainson's Hawks  33
Turkey Vultures  5
Coopers Hawks 0
Red-tailed Hawks  0
Merlin  0
Northern Harrier 0
Ospreys 0
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0
Peregrine Falcon 1

Discussion: SW's left roosting sites at Ellis Farms and the date farm just before 9A.

Evening Watch: This evening at 6P a single Swainson's was observed. We followed the hawk to a large kettle of 45 SW's. Another kettle flew in to increase the number to near 100. Other SW's joined the group and the number approached 160. The SW's spent the next hour moving about the valley very high. At 7P they descended into the date farm. Some of the SW's located at Ellis Farm. At least 15 TV's came in to roost as well at the date farm.

Predictions: At least 160 Swainson's will take off tomorrow. Numbers above 200 could be expected. The large migration fits nicely into our predicted pattern of the past 4 years. It could be a spectacular event tomorrow sometime between 8A and 9:30A. The first sphinx moth caterpillars have been observed feeding on flowers.

Borrego Valley Hawkwatch 11 March 2008

Swainson's Hawks  83
Turkey Vultures  18
Coopers Hawks 0
Red-tailed Hawks  1
Merlin  0
Northern Harrier 0
Ospreys 0
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0

Discussion: At 8:15 many Swainson's Hawks were perched in tamarisks to the east and west of the hawkwatch. At 9:30A hawks began to rise from both of these sites. All of the hawks began aerial feeding on ants. Additional kettles of SW's and a small kettle of TV's began to form over the date farm. Most of the Swainson's flew directly over the count site displaying all color morphs (dark, light and rufous (intermediate). At 10AM a fire in a nearby citrus plantation attracted the attention of a large kettle of SW's. The hawks moved quickly to the smoky plume and were enveloped in the smoke while rising rapidly in the artificial thermal. Activity continued until 11:45A.

Evening Watch: At least 16 Swainson's Hawks dropped into trees near the date farm.

Predictions: Tomorrow should produce at least 16 and probably more SW's. Numbers in the evening are only a fraction of migrants the following day. The weather pattern for the weekend (possibility of rain) will be good for wildflowers and migration. Next week could produce a great migration.

Borrego Valley Hawkwatch 10 March 2008

Swainson's Hawks  0
Turkey Vultures  6
Coopers Hawks 0
Red-tailed Hawks  0
Merlin  0
Northern Harrier 0
Ospreys 0
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0

Discussion: A quiet day with only TV's on the move.

Evening Watch: At 6:30P a group of 24 Swainson's were spotted feeding to the north. This group settled into Ellis Farms very close to the road. Another small group of SW's landed in the date farm.

Predictions: More than 30 Swainson's will take off tomorrow. Because of available food (flying ants), the SW's will probably spend some time feeding before migrating. Without wind expect take-off from 9-10A. If windy, take-off will occur before 9A.

Borrego Valley Hawkwatch 9 March 2008

Swainson's Hawks  32
Turkey Vultures  4
Coopers Hawks 0
Red-tailed Hawks  0
Merlin  0
Northern Harrier 0
Ospreys 0
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0

Discussion: Most of the SW's kettled up from the date farm and began aerial feeding directly over the hawkwatch. Two SW's lingered very low directly above the watch before migrating. A continuing Merlin is hanging around the watch site. The period March 10-13 has historically had a least a day with triple digit Swainson's.

Evening Watch: 6 TV's came into the area. No SW's were observed.

Predictions: Another sunny day with light winds. Besides the TV's we are due for a nice SW flight.

Borrego Valley Hawkwatch 8 March 2008

Swainson's Hawks  16
Turkey Vultures  121
Coopers Hawks 0
Red-tailed Hawks  0
Merlin  0
Northern Harrier 0
Ospreys 0
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0

Discussion: Nice kettles of TV's (78 in one kettle) from both the date farm and Pecoff farm. Some of the SW's were feeding on flying ants. We are approaching that time of the month when large groups of SW's should be arriving.

Evening Watch: A beautiful evening with late arriving Swainson's, (30+). They spent 45 minutes using the wind to gain height and hover. They eventually dropped straight down into the date farm.

Predictions: There should be a nice lift-off from the date farm of the 30+ Swainson's. It is now windy and if the wind continues lift-off will be early. Remember to set your clocks ahead one hour. Lift-off should occur between 8 and 9AM new time if windy. 9-10AM if not windy.

Borrego Valley Hawkwatch 7 March 2008

Swainson's Hawks  2
Turkey Vultures  25
Coopers Hawks 0
Red-tailed Hawks  0
Merlin  1
Northern Harrier 0
Ospreys 0
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1

Discussion: TV's and SW's came up from the date farm at 9:50A, very late. We are now anticipating more arrivals of large groups of Swainson's Hawks.

Evening Watch: At 5P this evening 34 TV's and at least 12 Swainson's Hawks flew into the date farm. The SW's were easily in sight in a Eucalyptus tree from the evening site.

Predictions: Tomorrow should be sunny with light winds. Because there has been plenty of flying ants in the vicinity, the SW's will probably feed before departing the valley. Hopefully additional SW's came into the area late this evening.

Borrego Valley Hawkwatch 5 March 2008

Swainson's Hawks  15
Turkey Vultures  8
Coopers Hawks 0
Red-tailed Hawks  0
Merlin  0
Northern Harrier 0
Ospreys 0

Discussion: The SW's kettled up just past 8A and spent 2 hours aerial feeding on flying ants. The hawks came very close to the watch site, grasping ants in their talons and bending head and beak down to consume the ants. The TV's moved through later in the morning.

We had 0 migration on March 3 and 4. It is not unusual to have a lull in migration before things heat up again. It is possible that we have had migration from specific wintering grounds in Mexico during the month of February. For the past 4 years migration has picked up around the 10th of March.

Evening Watch: 1 Swainson's Hawk and 3 Turkey Vultures

Predictions: Unless there is a late flight this evening, we expect only a few raptors migrating tomorrow.

Borrego Valley Hawkwatch 1 March 2008

Swainson's Hawks  27
Turkey Vultures  3
Coopers Hawks 0
Red-tailed Hawks  0
Merlin  0
Northern Harrier 0
Ospreys 0

Discussion: An interesting day with small kettles of SW's forming just before 9A. All of the SW's began to aerial feed on flying ants before migrating through Coyote Canyon.

Evening Watch: Very windy conditions brought several raptors into the valley. At last count before touchdown, we had 75-100 TV's and 60-80 Swainson's Hawks. Most of the birds put down in the Pecoff Farm located on Borrego Springs Rd south of Big Horn. For a large kettle lift-off tomorrow, locate on Borrego Springs Rd and Big Horn. It appears that a separate group of Swainson's may have roosted in the date farm.

Predictions: Totally we expect between 125 and 200 in a mixed group tomorrow. Because of the windy conditions (if it persists tomorrow AM) lift-off will probably be very early (7A-8A). If the wind dies down lift-off will probably be a bit later.

Borrego Valley Hawkwatch 29 February 2008

Swainson's Hawks  10 (303 seen since 8 February)
Turkey Vultures  64 (553 seen since 8 February)
Coopers Hawks 0 (1 seen since 8 February)
Red-tailed Hawks  6 (15 seen since 8 February)
Merlin  0 (1 seen since 8 February)
Northern Harrier 1  (3 seen since 8 February)
Ospreys 2 (3 seen since 8 February)

Discussion: A bright warm day as small kettles of TV's took flight before 9A. from the date farm. Swainson's Hawks migrated from Ellis Tree Farm half an hour later spending time aerial feeding on flying ants.

Monthly Summary: We have now completed 5 years of February counts. This month produced our second highest February count. TV's made up the bulk of the count 553, considerably higher than the average of 277. Swainson's Hawks at 303 were much higher than the average (190). Other hawks included 15 Redtails, 3 Ospreys, 3 Northern Harriers, one Coopers Hawk and 1 Merlin.

Traditionally March is our best month. The expectation for a good caterpillar year is encouraging. The addition of a good food source may increase our Swainson's numbers.

Evening Watch: This evening only 2 Swainson's Hawks were observed coming to roost at the date farm.

Predictions: Unless late migrants came in to roost, only a few Swainson's will migrate.

Borrego Valley Hawkwatch 25 February 2008

Swainson's Hawks  63 (276 seen since 8 February)
Turkey Vultures  79 (380 seen since 8 February)
Red-tailed Hawks  6 (15 seen since 8 February)
Merlin  0 (1 seen since 8 February)
Northern Harrier 0  (1 seen since 8 February)

Discussion: At 8:50A mixed kettles of TV's and SW's began to rise southwest of the hawkwatch site. The SW's and TV's moved west then north to Coyote Canyon. Apparently the majority or TV's and all of the SW's came in late in the evening undetected.

A question was raised concerning the Swainson's migration and sphinx moth caterpillars. It is possible that for hundreds of years SW's have migrated through Borrego Valley hot-wired for possible food resources. It will take years of data gathering to make possible links to the wildflowers-caterpillars-Swainson's Hawks. We have witnessed feeding behavior every year we have monitored the valley. Already we have observed aerial feeding on flying ants. As the season progresses we will probably see aerial feeding on dragonflies and ground feeding on caterpillars and potato beetles. If indeed we have a good crop of caterpillars linked with many SW's we will have a few pieces of the puzzle.

Evening Watch: 10 TV's and 1 SW were observed coming into the date farm roost.

Predictions: We left the evening watch at 6:15P so any new birds would have to land in dim light. Tomorrow should produce the few TV's and 1 SW and ?

Borrego Valley Hawkwatch 24 February 2008

Swainson's Hawks  33 (213 seen since 8 February)
Turkey Vultures  1 (301 seen since 8 February)
Red-tailed Hawks  0 (9 seen since 8 February)
Merlin  0 (1 seen since 8 February)
Northern Harrier 0  (1 seen since 8 February)

Discussion: The Swainson's Hawks lifted off in the 9 o'clock hour and headed west then northwest.

Evening Watch: 30 TV's moved about the valley this evening. No Swainson's Hawks were observed. It was very windy this evening.

Predictions: Tomorrow expect some TV movement.

Recently I received a few e-mails asking when is the best time to come to Borrego Springs for the hawkwatch. We often think of the 3rd week of March as the peak migration. I looked at the past 4 years of data and I found 3 clusters of days with good Swainson's Hawk flights. All of the clusters are for the month of March and are for Swainson's Hawks only.

2004-March 13-105 2004-March 24-230 ; March 25-283; March 26-1,406
2005-March 13-134 2005-March 19-658 2005-March 26-154
2006-March 13-74 2006-March 20-186 2006-March 26-71
2007-March 10-114 2007-March 20-1,365 2007-March 25-266

So during the dates of March 10-13; March 19-20; and March 24-26 we have had significant flights. It appears that the biggest flights occur during the March 19-20 period. Of course 4 years of data does not guarantee a flight at a particular time. Join us at any day and evening. If the hawks aren't flying the wildflowers will delight you. We had more rain last night and the wildflowers are beginning to increase daily.

Keep those eyes to the sky

Borrego Valley Hawkwatch 23 February 2008

Swainson's Hawks  70 (180 seen since 8 February)
Turkey Vultures  115 (300 seen since 8 February)
Red-tailed Hawks  3 (9 seen since 8 February)
Merlin  0 (1 seen since 8 February)
Northern Harrier  1 seen since 8 February)

Discussion: The TV's roosted near Ellis Farms and began to fly northwest at 8:25A. The SW's kettled up at 9A and some moved directly over the watch site.

Evening Watch: At least 23 Swainson's Hawks flew low and roosted in the date farm. Only 1 TV was observed.

Predictions: If the predicted rain does not develop we should have a nice lift off of Swainson's from the date farm.

Borrego Valley Hawkwatch 22 February 2008

Swainson's Hawks  0 (110 seen since 8 February)
Turkey Vultures  14 (185 seen since 8 February)
Red-tailed Hawks  0 (6 seen since 8 February))
Merlin  0 (1 seen since 8 February)
Northern Harrier  1 seen since 8 February)

Discussion: A rainy blustery day. The TV's left town at 12 noon.

Evening Watch: At 3:45P I watched 45 TV's from an RV park near the date farm. The kettle was joined by 50 Swainson's Hawks. By 5PM from the evening watch over 150 TV's and possibly an equal number of Swainson's Hawks were observed. Hawks and TV's were observed descending by 5:30P. We could not locate the roost site.

Prediction for Saturday Feb 23: If it is windy tomorrow the raptors will leave before 8A. We estimate at least 150 TV's and possibly 125 plus Swainson's Hawks. It will be a very interesting lift off. This might be the biggest February migration in our hawkwatch history.

Borrego Valley Hawkwatch 20 February 2008

Swainson's Hawks  47 (110 seen since 8 February)
Turkey Vultures  19 (171)
Red-tailed Hawks 0 (6)
Merlin  1
Northern Harrier  1

Discussion. Migration began early today. 18 SW's kettled up at 7:50P. The hawks were roosting in a tree alongside Borrego Springs Rd. During the 8 o'clock hour 29 SW's and 16 TV's were observed northwest of the watch. This large kettle finally moved northwest and out of the valley.

Evening Watch. No raptors were observed from the evening site. Windy conditions and blowing sand may have obscured any migration into the valley.

Predictions. Rain and wind are predicted for tomorrow Feb 21. We will monitor the watch unless there is continuous rain. Remember rain in one part of the valley doesn't mean that it is raining everywhere.

Borrego Valley Hawkwatch 19 February 2008

Swainson's Hawks 3
Turkey Vultures 16

Discussion. The TV's and SW's kettled up slowly today. Calm wind conditions and not much lift created a slow migration pattern. Finally the TV's streamed north and northwest through Coyote Canyon. The SW's traveled due west before turning north toward Coyote Canyon.

Evening watch. For February, this evening was especially exciting. 18 TV's began a descent just after 4:00P. An equal number of SW's were also observed coming down. None of the birds landed in the date farm. The SW's disappeared and the TV's moved west and south before we lost them. The Swainson's appeared again at 4:45P and the number began to increase. 12 became 15 became 21 and the last count was 29 by 5P. The SW's were still very high when we left the evening site. This SW's behavior is typical of mid-March migration. Perhaps this will be a banner year.

Predictions for 20 February. At least 18 TV's and 29 plus Swainson's should be migrating tomorrow. It is supposed to be a windy morning so lift off will probably be early, perhaps at 8A.

Borrego Valley Hawkwatch 18 February 2008

Swainson's Hawks 11
Turkey Vultures 76
Red-tailed Hawks 2

Evening watch: At 4:20PM -20 plus TV's came in to roost in the date farm. 3 Swainson's were counted as well.

Discussion: We are still very early in the season. Migration today was interesting. The TV's moved in small groups from the date farm north roosting directly east of the watch. After a period of time they continued north and then northwest through Coyote Canyon. The SW's kettled up much later than the TV's, a few migrating north and then northwest, the rest moving west and then north. The still air and mostly cloudy sky probably had some influence on migration. If you would like to access the records for the past 6 seasons go to Hawkcount.org.

Borrego Valley Hawkwatch 17 February 2008

Today as predicted the number of migrating hawks exceeded the count at the roost site yesterday evening.
Swainson's Hawks  46
Turkey Vultures  8
Red-tailed Hawks  4

A nice display of kettles started forming at 9:10 a.m. There is mounting evidence that these early migrants have arrived from winter sites in Mexico.

Borrego Valley Hawkwatch Week of 8-14 February 2008

52 Turkey Vultures
3 Swainson's Hawks

Not much to discuss this week. The Swainson's Hawk migration is just beginning. Turkey vulture migration is continuing but slower than last year. The rain this weekend assures us of a good wildflower season with hopes for sphinx moth caterpillars. Swainson's Hawks were
again observed feeding on flying ants.