The hawkwatch, on the James River in James City County, sponsored by Coastal
VA Wildlife Observatory, completed its 2002 season. It ran from February
8-May 27, with a total of 1024 hawks and vultures of 13 species over 62 days
and 106 hours. The total is the second highest in the six years of the count.
The biggest day was March 24, with 129 birds and was followed by 101 on March
25. Black Vulture and Northern Harrier totals were the highest ever and
Red-tailed Hawk tied for the lowest ever. Mississippi Kite and Peregrine were
recorded for the third time each. Totals are:
BV 71
TV 671
OS 92
MK 1
BE 33
NH 41
SS 47
CH 8
RS 3
BW 7
RT 24
AK 24
PG 1
Unid 1
There was an active Bald Eagle nest at the site and 3 active Osprey nests,
one of which blew down in an April storm. Eagles and Ospreys are difficult to
count at the site, becasue there are often 10-20 of each visible, as they
fish. Only high, northbound birds are counted, but many more are certainly
migrants.
Thanks to Tom Armour for help with coverage on 26 days.
Brian Taber
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