547 Raptors Pack Monadnock, more to come

Broad-winged Hawk, juv., went zipping by in a tuck over our heads yesterday at Pack Monadnock Raptor Observatory. Note the illuminated pale wing panels on outer wing.

Yesterday we had 547 raptors migrating over Pack Monadnock Raptor Observatory here in NH, there are still lots more raptors to come. Strong westerly winds blew apart thermals, which Broad-winged Hawks need to migrate. In spite of that, many Broadwings moved, usually in very small groups, or zipping by over the mountain with their wings tucked. Today there are light sw winds, with rain coming in later. Hawks prefer northerly winds, but they still may move today, especially if there are thermals. The one thing we have learned in over 30 years of watching migrating hawks is, during prime hawk migration season in Sept., you need to go every possible day if you want to catch the big numbers of hawks. Stay tuned.