Westskyline Hawk Count has been up and running since 1 March. May The month of May has turn the numbers of raptor to above 20,000, which this counter did not think would happen. At the end of April, the count was just under 12,000. The weather and count the first few days of May were poor and did not look promising for any movement. The 4th the weather had turn and so came southwest winds, but all we saw was a small flight of 508 raptors. The next day (5/5) there was a front that move a sizable push of 1916 raptor before the rain had shut them down by noon.
With the past two days flights and weather coming in for the weekend I was hoping there would be a big flight. On the 6 May, Dave Carmen and I counted a record flight (latest large flight) in the counts nine year history. See below for the numbers. Seen today included an adult light morph Swainson's Hawk, record flight of Sharp-shinned and Broad-winged hawk. There were several dark Broad-wings and an adult dark Red-tail. Most the red-tails were still adults. The immature flight should soon follow. Also seen were Chimney Swifts, 585 Bonapart's Gulls, 36 White pelicans. Below you can view today and this season's count which is up to date as of 6 May. You may also view the count on a daily basis at "HAWKCOUNT. ORG" and look for West Skyline Hawk Count. I would like to thank the MOU committee's and Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory for funding the count this year. West Skyline Hawk Count Minnesota, USA Daily Raptor Counts: May 06, 2005 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 67 144 722 Osprey 47 91 185 Bald Eagle 26 51 2820 Northern Harrier 1 2 35 Sharp-shinned Hawk 719 1219 2341 Cooper's Hawk 12 15 35 Northern Goshawk 0 0 10 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 4 Broad-winged Hawk 9206 11152 13072 Red-tailed Hawk 85 143 2587 Rough-legged Hawk 5 7 131 Golden Eagle 1 1 47 American Kestrel 6 10 43 Merlin 2 9 21 Peregrine Falcon 1 2 3 Unknown 0 0 0 Swainson's Hawk 1 1 2 Total: 10179 12847 22058 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 9 hours Official Counter: Frank Nicoletti Observers: Dave Carman Weather: Temps 51-63. N 5-10, turning NE5-10. Mostly sunny and clear Skies.
