Tad reports 283 migrating raptors today.

Swallow-tailed Kite 2
Mississippi Kite 155
Cooper’s Hawk 4
Sharp-shinned Hawk 8
Broad-winged Hawk 106
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Swainson’s Hawk 7

It was a good day at the hawk watch today. Pleasant temperatures and little humidity with a gentle breeze throughout the day. Passerines put on a show early before the raptors started flying. There were lots of Eastern Kingbirds, Great Crested Flycatcher, Blue Grosbeak and gnatcatchers. The grassland surrounding the tower has not been mowed, so many smaller birds were feeding among the tall weeds.

Raptors flew from 9am on, but on only two occasions was there more than 15 seen at a time.

Other notable birds were an eye level fly by Common Nighthawk and skeins of ibis fly overs all day.

A number of first time visitors had a good trip.