Dear Hawk Watching Friends,
Some say fall migration doesn't start until September and that August is
too soon to begin the fall hawk watch. However, in recent days BirdHawk
reports from several hawk watch sites that have already begun their fall
season indicate the fall migration is underway. The numbers are low but
the momentum will build in the coming days and weeks. During these last
"Dog Days of Summer", the migrants don't seem to be in a hurry to reach
their southern wintering grounds and oftentimes we have an opportunity to
observe and study, and refresh identifying skills.
Occasionally observers witness rare or uncommon vagrants like the Anhinga
that showed up at the hawk watch on two different days back in 2003. I'm
happy to report the compiled documentation from several observers of this
first record submitted for review was accepted by the Virginia Avian
Records Committee this past spring.
Our 29th season at Rockfish Gap officially started today, Friday, August
12. The success of any hawk watch depends on its volunteers and we need
your help. I hope you will consider helping out this season. For those
of you with email and access to the web, below is link to the sign-up
sheets. With a click of the "Submit" button, you can quickly and easily
sign-up by emailing your time blocks. This information will be updated on
a regular basis so check back often. Stats and reports are also available
in pdf format.
Daily counts will be submitted to HawkCount (HMANA Raptors Online) to
provide up-to-date information and can be accessed by going to
http://www.hawkcount.org Select "Monthly Summaries" or "Day Summaries";.
In the drop-down box scroll down to Rockfish Gap and select. And while
you're at it, please consider joining Hawk Migration Association of North
America (HMANA) whose mission is "To conserve raptor populations through
the scientific study, enjoyment and appreciation of raptor migration. "
Membership includes both the fall and spring issues of Hawk Migration
Studies. Membership forms will be available at the hawk watch or you can
join simply by going to http://www.hmana.org and click on "Join/Renew.";
Looking ahead, Fall 2006 will mark our 30th year and we are in early
planning stages for a weekend celebration similar to the one held in 2001.
Gordy Adamski has agreed to chair the 30th Anniversary Committee and we
are seeking volunteers for this very special event. Please contact Gordy
either by email (g.adamski@xxxxxxxxxxxx) or telephone (434-989-2590).
It's time to look skyward and I hope to see you this season at Rockfish
Gap Hawk Watch.
Best wishes,
Brenda Tekin, Co-coordinator
Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch, VA
(434) 962-4936 / brenda@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Leave behind what you find; if you must take something, take pictures."
Link to August/September Sign-up sheet:
http://home.ntelos.net/~btkin/rockfish_gap_hawk_watch/Database/august-sept
ember_signup_page.htm
Link to Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch:
http://home.ntelos.net/~btkin/rockfish_gap_hawk_watch/
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