Over the next ten days, or so, the big wave of migrating broad-wing hawks
will pass through the mid-Atlantic states. Broad-wings migrate in very
large numbers and large groups. It is possible to see lots of them almost
anywhere. Look at the sky, especially clouds, and preferably with
binoculars anytime you can. If you see a bunch of birds swirling around
together in a cloud, or in the clear sky, you probably have a kettle of
broad-wings. I have seen very large concentrations of broad-wings even over
congested Northern Virgina. If it gets windy go to the hawk watches.
Snickers Gap in No Va. is often good for broad-wings, especially on a strong
N.E. wind, and Rockfish Gap , on I-64 west of Charlottesville is an
excellent hawk watch with folks to help you find the birds. There are also
excellent hawk watches within an easy drive in Maryland and in Pennsylvania.
Seeing 50, or 100, or even 500, broad-wings at the same time in a cloud is a
memorable experience.
GOOD HAWKING !!
P.S.: The broad-wings are moving. They counted over 1,400 in Duluth
Minnesota yesterday. No big counts in NY or PA yet, but they are not far
off. Start looking!
--
Donald Sweig
Falls Church, Va.
