Bob reports 56 migrating raptors today. Turkey Vulture 30 Northern Harrier 2 Bald Eagle 6 Broad-winged Hawk 7 Swainson’s Hawk 1 Red-tailed Hawk 7 American Kestrel 2 Merlin 1 The wind was strong out of the NNW all day but two Wood Storks decided today was the day to move and they flew over the tower. Possibly the latest ones … Read More
Smith Point Hawk Watch 11/29/20 (0 raptors)
Bob reports no migrating raptors today. The wind was strong out of the NW all day. There were some nice rafts of Red-breasted Mergansers and flights of white pelicans. Sara Harrison and Marvin Masters kept Bob company. Tomorrow is the last day of the count!
Smith Point Hawk Watch 11/26/20 (6 raptors)
Bob reports six migrating raptors today. Northern Harrier 3 Cooper’s Hawk 1 Bald Eagle 1 Red-tailed Hawk 1 There was a strong east wind all day and the skies were mostly overcast. Sara Harrison joined Bob on this Thanksgiving day.
Smith Point Hawk Watch 11/25/20 (2 raptors)
Bob reports one migrating Cooper’s Hawk and one migrating Merlin today. The weather was excellent with moderate north winds. Highlight of the day was a pair of duetting Great Horned Owls.
Smith Point Hawk Watch 11/24/20 (5 raptors)
Joe Kennedy report 5 migrating Northern Harriers today. Local raptors included a Crested Caracara, an American Kestrel, 2 Red-tailed Hawks and 4 Turkey Vultures. Other birds of note included 300 Red-breasted Mergansers, 300 Double-crested Cormorants, a fly by Common Loon, and a female Black-chinned Hummingbird.
Smith Point Hawk Watch 11/23/20 (46 raptors)
Bob reports 46 migrating raptors today. Turkey Vulture 40 Northern Harrier 2 Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 Cooper’s Hawk 1 American Kestrel 1 The wind was moderate out of the ENE all day. It was overcast until about 1:30 and then the sun broke through and the Turkey Vultures arrived. Other birds included 5 Common Loons, 3 rafts of Red-breasted Mergansers totaling … Read More
Smith Point Hawk Watch 11/22/20 (72 raptors)
Bob reports 72 migrating raptors today. Black Vulture 3 Turkey Vulture 50 Northern Harrier 8 Cooper’s Hawk 2 Bald Eagle 2 Red-shouldered Hawk 1 Broad-winged Hawk 3 Red-tailed Hawk 2 Merlin 1 The wind was mild and multi-directional today. A raft of 190 Red-breasted Mergansers was nice and 70 Sandhill Cranes flew over.
Smith Point Hawk Watch 11/20/20 (8 raptors)
Bob reports 8 migrating raptors today. Turkey Vulture 7 Northern Harrier 1 The wind was strong out of the SE today and there were lots of clouds. The Tree Swallows performed their morning swirl, about 2,000 of them and 42 Sandhill Cranes flew over. Winnie Burkett helped out today.
Smith Point Hawk Watch 11/19/20 (35 raptors)
Bob reports 35 migrating raptors today. Black Vulture 12 Turkey Vulture 20 Northern Harrier 1 Cooper’s Hawk 1 Red-tailed Hawk 1 The wind was strong out of the ESE all day. The Tree Swallows are still putting on a show and there was a lone Roseate Spoonbill to brighten up the day.
Smith Point Hawk Watch 11/18/20 (38 raptors)
Bob reports 38 migrating raptors today. Turkey Vulture 27 Osprey 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 1 Broad-winged Hawk 4 Red-tailed Hawk 5 The winds were moderate out of the ENE in the morning but then switched to pretty strong E and didn’t let up. There were still a lot of swallows around and we had some visitor’s from Waco. Photo above is … Read More
Smith Point Hawk Watch 11/17/20 (144 raptors)
John and Lynn Wright report 144 migrating raptors today. Turkey Vulture 134 Northern Harrier 3 Cooper’s Hawk 1 Bald Eagle 1 Red-tailed Hawk 5 Beautiful weather. There was sea fog or a smoke plume which lead to thousands of swallows resting on the ground early in the morning.