Over the next ten days, or so, the big wave of migrating broadwing hawks
will pass through the mid-Atlantic states. Broadwings migrate in very large
numbers and large groups. It is possible to see lots of them almost
anywhere. Look at the sky, especially clouds, and preferably with
binoculars anytime you can. If you see a bunch of birds swirling around
together in a cloud, or in the clear sky, you probably have a kettle of
broadwings. I have seen very large concentrations of broadwings even over
congested Northern Virgina. If it gets windy go to the hawk watches.
Snickers Gap in No Va. is often good for broadwings and Rockfish Gap , on
I-64 west of Charlottesville is an excellent hawkwatch with folks to help
you find the birds. There are also excellent hawkwatches within an easy
drive in Maryland and in Pennsylvania. Seeing 50,or 100, or even 500,
broadwings at the same time in a cloud is a memorable experience.
GOOD HAWKING!!
--
Donald Sweig
Falls Church, Va.
