Last Thursday, Nov. 2, thinking that the date was right and the weather
looking promising, (just after a front passed and with 10-15 MPH NW winds)
I drive the 125 miles from my house in Fairfax to the Waggoner's Gap
hawkwatch in Pa . It was surely worth the drive! The total count for the
day was an impressive 522 birds. But the real treat was the
Record-breaking, one-day Golden Eagle count of 29 birds. Ten or more of
these birds flew by close to the watch affording excellent views of birds
and plumage. A full-adult golden flew low right over the hawkwatch, midday,
and about 3:30 two birds literally popped-up out of the trees 100 -200
yards in front of the watch. They were so close together that they were
initially in one scope field, and then flew by in a singular binocular
field. They even tussled with each other in the air as they flew by. The
record-breaking 29th golden eagleappeared at about 4:30. It was a very
satisfying day.
The next morning, as the weather was still good, I decided to drive back
for a second day. There were less birds yesterday, Fri. Nov.3rd (381 total/
13 golden eagles) but the views were better than on Thursday. . Most of
Friday's Golden's were low and close to the hawkwatch affording excellent
views. There were several times when there were more that one golden eagle
to look at at the same time. The final Golden eagle of the day showed up at
about 4:30. By then, the late afternoon was coming in also horizontally,
with soft, but still bright, yellowish-golden light. This last eagle of the
day flew directly into this wonderful light as it passed the hawkwatch. The
golden feathers on the back of the head and neck and on the leading edge of
the inner wings just glowed in the light,. It was really a memorable viewing
experience.
Earlier in the day there was also a super opportunity to view an immature
Northern Goshawk as it flew in low and close to the watch. The plumage
details were easy to see on this bird as well.
It was a lot of driving for two days, but well worth the trouble. I hope,
and plan, to be able to get back up there in the next week or two if the
weather cooperates.
The Waggoner's Gap hawkwatch is about 10-miles west of Carlisle,Pa. on Rte.
74. There is some parking at the top of the mountain by the communications
towers, across the road from the short trail to the hawkwatch. About
100-yards over the mountain is a new and larger official hawkwatch parking
area with marked trails to the top of the hill. Dress warmly. It is often
very cold there in the wind (best on N, NW, or WNW wind about 10-15 mph )
GOOD HAWKING!!
--
Donald Sweig
Falls Church,Va.
