A total of 4609 raptors were counted through the season, 14% below the 11 year average since full time counting began in 2001. Most species were likewise below average; bright spots included a new seasonal record of 238 Bald Eagles, and a modest increase in Sharp-shinned Hawks. Red-tailed Hawk numbers were 1/3 below average, which accounts for most of the total dropoff. Also notable is that for the first season in 23 years, no Rough-legged Hawks were counted.
Golden Eagles rebounded from last season's very low count. 160 Goldens were tallied, 10% down from the average of 179. The big Golden Eagle day came on Oct. 30, when 31 were spotted. Dec. 1 brought another good flight of 17. Interestingly, this season both October and December had more Golden Eagles than November--usually the peak month for the species.
The hawkwatch had 760 hours of coverage, beginning Aug. 21. Steve Hall once again carried the biggest part of the coverage load. The balance was spread among Andy Cooper, Larry Dake, Fred Fries, Becky Gretton, Marilyn Leahy, Andrea Lodovice, Randy Lynch, Ralph Niederlander, Andy Mason, Ron Milliken, with help from regular spotters Richard Hendrick, Leslie Preston, Bob Shultis, and numerous others. Many thanks to all who made this another successful season.
2011 totals are below. Complete Franklin Mt. Hawkwatch statistics are available at www.hawkcount.org .
Franklin Mt. Hawkwatch
Species 2011 Season Total
Turkey Vulture 352
Osprey 96
Bald Eagle 238
Northern Harrier 44
Sharp-shinned Hawk 593
Cooper's Hawk 87
Northern Goshawk 17
Red-shouldered Hawk 37
Broad-winged Hawk 1424
Red-tailed Hawk 1384
Rough-legged Hawk 0
Golden Eagle 160
American Kestrel 88
Merlin 27
Peregrine Falcon 19
Unidentified Raptor 44
Total: 4609
1039 Peck St.
Jefferson, NY 12093
(607) 652-2162
andyma...@earthling.net
--
NYSbirds-L List Info:
Archives:
Please submit your observations to eBird!
--
