Smith Point Hawk Watch (3 raptors)

John and Lynn Wright filled in for Bob today so he could have a day off. They reported only three migrating raptors – a group of Swallow-tailed Kites that sailed by low around 9:40. Early in the day 40 Magnificant Frigatebirds delighted them. The swallows are still coming on strong. Other than that not much to report. The cold front … Read More

Smith Point Hawk Watch 8/30/20 (1 raptor)

Bob reports only one migrating raptor today, an Osprey. There was water spout on the bay, a garter snake on the tower ramp, lots of swallows and a single Chimney Swift. There’s always something to entertain at Smith Point! John and Lynn Wright as well as Marvin Masters were there to enjoy it with Bob.

Smith Point Hawk Watch 8/29/20 (16 raptors)

Bob reports 16 migrating raptors today. Swallow-tailed Kite 5 Mississippi Kite 2 Cooper’s Hawk 2 Red-shouldered Hawk 1 Broad-winged Hawk 3 Swainson’s Hawk 3 There were also lots of pelicans, vultures, and frigatebirds soaring. Migrants are moving through too including Upland Sandpipers, Purple Martins and four Olive-sided Flycatchers perched on tree snags. Smith Point is back in business!

Smith Point Hawk Watch 8/28/20 (1 raptor)

It sure was good to see the above view at the hawk watch with everything looking normal today when we moved the RV for Bob back into its spot at Smith Point. Sadly only one migrant today – a Northern Harrier. There were small numbers of swallows through the afternoon fighting the persistent strong south winds. Once all this weather … Read More

Smith Point Hawk Watch 8/27/20 (0 raptors)

And now back to our regularly scheduled program! Thankfully no damage at Smith Point from Hurricane Laura and Bob was back on the tower today. Sadly there weren’t any migrating birds though. Probably to be expected with the hurricane up the pipe. We shall see what tomorrow brings.

Smith Point Hawk Watch 8/24/20 (9 raptors)

Bob reports 9 migrating raptors today. Swallow-tailed Kite 1 Mississippi Kite 8 Northeast wind til late in the day but it did not bring birds. The pipeline is likely affected by Marco. The stars of the day were love bugs, dragonflies and Purple Martins. Dave Hanson helped out today. Thanks to him and John Huffman from the USFWS for moving … Read More

Smith Point Hawk Watch 8/23/20 (6 raptors)

Bob reports 6 migrating raptors today. Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 Broad-winged Hawk 2 Mississippi Kite 2 Northeast winds in the morning did not produce and then the wind shifted southeast.

Smith Point Hawk Watch 8/22/20 (6 raptors)

Bob reports 6 migrating raptors today. Cooper’s Hawk 1 Broad-winged Hawk 1 Mississippi Kite 4 Lots of cumulus clouds and rain in the area but none at the tower. Slow day.

Smith Point Hawk Watch 8/20/20 (426 raptors)

Bob reports 426 migrating raptors today. Mississippi Kite 406 Broad-winged Hawk 10 Swainson’s Hawk 10 Mostly southeast winds but with a mild shift to the north for an hour and a half some birds showed up! John Whittle helped out today.

Smith Point Hawk Watch 8/19/20 (736 raptors)

Bob reports 736 migrating raptors today. Swallow-tailed Kite 15 Mississippi Kite 605 Cooper’s Hawk 2 Broad-winged Hawk 106 Swainson’s Hawk 8 Mostly north winds brought some birds! Sara Harrison and Linda Hoffman helped out today.