General information for newer birders:
Mid-Sept. (about the 11th through the 22nd, or so) is the peak of the
autumnal broad-winged hawk migration in the mid-Atlanitc (that's us folks).
Broad-winged hawks ( broadwings) are often easier to see than some other
migrating raptors because they frequently migrate in large groups across a
broad front. What this means is that you do not have to go to a mountain
ridge or other raptor concentration points to see migrating broadwings. My
best broadwing day ever was Sept. 18, 2001, when there were large kettles
of broadwings all over Fairfax County. Just driving down Rt 123 through
Vienna, I could see a kettle at almost every stop light through the car
windows. I stopped for the light at International Drive and Rt. 123, right
beside the Tysons Corner mall, and had THREE kettles over the mall visible
through the car window. I have seen them in several years at Rt. 193 and
the beltway. I have seen them more than once driving out the Dulles toll
road. Keep your eye on the sky from now on for about two weeks or so. Any
day, when there is no rain and not much wind, look up; especially if it is
partly or mostly cloudy. You may see a kettle of birds swirling around in a
cloud -- broadwings. Scan the sky and clouds with binoculars, because
sometimes you cannot see them with the naked eye. Wherever you are, you
may find broadwings. Look especially from about 8:30 to 10:00 in the
morning, before they get too high. But you may well see them any time of
day as well. If it gets windy, the mountain ridges are better. Snickers
Gap is very good on a NE wind. I often look , day after day, and do not see
broadwings, but when I find a day that they are really coming through, it is
a great show to watch.
Good Hawking!
--
Donald Sweig
Falls Church,Va.
