Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Kempton, has reported 466 migrating hawks, eagles and falcons since August 15, and experts at the world-famous Sanctuary expect the number to jump by mid-month. The tally includes 14 raptor species to date, among them bald eagles (68), ospreys (51) and broad-winged hawks (171).

So far the busiest day has been August 23 when a cold front carried 84 birds of prey including 20 bald eagles. To see the full count, including daily updates, the season high, and individual species totals, visit The Count webpage on the Hawk Mountain website.

The first two weeks of September are the best time to see bald eagles, American kestrels and ospreys. Both ospreys and eagles have been spotted almost every day, although visitors also are seeing non-migrating bald eagles that have local nests.

Ospreys on the other hand, are moving with purpose, sailing overhead on their way to South American wintering grounds.

The early morning hours also are a great time to see other migrants, such as the colorful migrating warblers and other songbirds that stop to rest and feed at the Lookout at dawn.

September is most notable for broad-winged hawk numbers which will build steadily, peak, and then drop quickly before month's end.

An average 8,000 broadwings soar by Hawk Mountain each September and pass in flocks, using thermals of hot rising air to ‘kettle’ or rise in a swirling funnel in the sky, lifting to great heights before they stream south to find the next thermal. This unique strategy allows the small hawks to save energy by soaring, which helps fuel their long-distance flight to Central and South America.

The peak for broadwing migration occurs only during a very short window of time, between September 15 and 22, when the broadwings will pass on just one or two days, soaring through in impressive flocks of hundreds, and with one-day counts totaling well over 1,000. In some years, visitors and counters see several thousand in just one day.

“The best way to see broadwings is to follow the count on the Hawk Mountain website and to sign up for the Hawk Mountain eNewsletter,” explains Sanctuary president Jerry Regan. “Our staff updates the count every evening on our website, and offers tips in a weekly email that are based upon the upcoming weather patterns. It’s a great help and will increase your chances of success,” he explains.

In autumn, a general rule is that a nice breezy day will offer the best chance to see raptor movement, but always bring binoculars, something soft to sit on, and a daypack to carry your gear in and out.

Interested visitors can also call the Sanctuary’s info line at 610-756-6000, option 6, for weather updates, the previous day’s hawk count and more flight tips, or, visit the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary website or call the Visitor Center, daily, at 610-756-6961.

9/9/2013