[TN-Bird] Mendota Hawk Report for September 18, 2007

Mendota Hawk Watch Report for Tuesday, September 18, 2007
It was another relatively busy day at the tower as we continued to experience 
good numbers of Broad-winged hawks. The skies were again mostly clear with 
only a few thermal-produced clouds in the afternoon to provide a little 
backdrop. The temperature ranged from 60 F to about 80F by mid-afternoon. 
Visibility 
was 15-20 miles with some haze, and the morning wind was out of the Southeast 
at about 10-15 mph. As the day warmed, the wind subsided and became very light 
and variable. Hawks could be seen rather easily with the naked eye in the 
morning, but by 1:00 p.m., they were getting very high and hard to see, as has 
been the pattern since last Saturday. Finding them in the heat of the day can 
be 
a lot of work and strain.

Tom Parker, Greenville, TN, and I arrived at 9:00 a.m. and stayed until 6:30 
p.m. Other observers were Ron Pendleton, Kingsport, TN, and Bob Riggs, 
Lebanon, VA. Sue Carter, teacher at Twin Springs HS, Scott County, was there 
with six 
enthusiastic students from her ecology class. The hawks cooperated and put on 
a good show for them. It was amazing how quickly the students learn to spot 
and correctly identify the hawks. They got a good look at the two immature Am. 
Bald Eagles, a Cooper's hawk, Kestrel, and 317 Broad-winged hawks. The usual 
array of vultures, Red-tailed hawks, and Common Ravens also made their 
appearance.

Today's Totals and Year-To-Date (YTD)

Broad-winged hawk:  587   YTD: 3203
Osprey:                      3    YTD: 13
Am. Kestrel:               1    YTD: 5
Cooper's hawk:           2    YTD: 10
Am. Bald Eagle:         2    YTD: 9
Peregrine falcon:        0    YTD: 3
Northern Harrier:         0    YTD: 1
Red-shouldered hawk: 1    YTD: 1

We also counted 20 Monarch butterflies as time permitted.

The Mendota Hawk Watch is held at the Mendota Fire Tower (Elevation 3020) on 
Clinch Mountain, which sits on the Washington/Russell Counties line, three 
miles north of Mendota, VA. Come join the fun. No experience is necessary. OJT 
is 
provided.

Don't forget to attend the Mendota Hawk Festival, Saturday, September 22, 
2007. Start your day off with a good country breakfast, then enjoy arts and 
crafts, displays, music, and nature displays. Members of the Bristol Bird will 
be 
at the Mendota Fire Tower keeping the count and greeting folks who want to 
learn more about hawk watching. We will also have a booth on the grounds. The 
festival is located at the Mendota Community Center (old elementary school) on 
route 802.

Ron Harrington
Bristol, VA





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