Thanks to Hawkwatcher Eli Gross's interest and ability, Purple Finches were
again counted at the Kiptopeke Hawkwatch, which concluded the season Nov 30th.
The record total of 968 far exceeds last year's record total of 373 for the
season, which was slightly above the record that was set in 2012. Prior to
2012, generally only dozens were documented there. A very large portion of
Eli's total was on three days. There were not many Pine Siskins this season,
though there were many good American Goldfinch flight days. There were few
Red-breasted Nuthatches, though a White-breasted Nuthatch, rare at that
location, was observed. Coastal VA Wildlife Observatory plans to continue finch
and nuthatch migration studies there.
Brian Taber
CVWO
