Date: 9/18/25 2:09 pm From: trwdsd via groups.io <trwdsd...> Subject: [hmbirds] HMBC Field Trip summary- Hawk Watching and Songbirds at Thacher State Park- 9/14
The weather was favorable for hawk migration on Sunday. The morning started off mostly cloudy, with haze limiting the visbility, and a light and variable wind. The first 'good' bird of the day was actually a Cape May Warbler that appeared in a bush atop the overlook not far from the assembled birders, allowing brief but satisfying looks before it continued on its way along the escarpment. By late morning the wind had freshened from the north, helping to provide uplift, and raptors and vultures began to appear. During the ~4 hr 30 min observation period, the official count was 52 Broad-winged Hawks, never in groups larger than four-to-six. A few birds did come right overhead, pleasing the new hawkwatchers (there were quite a few!) and the photographers present. One highlight for many were two Peregrine Falcons, interacting with each other at first, then diving on a Red-tailed Hawk repeatedly until it headed into tree cover.
I've attached an eBird checklist for the day below. We want to thank all the club members that turned out for the event, it wouldn't be as thorough nor as much fun without all the extra 'eyeballs' to help. As usual, there were many members of the public that stopped by to ask questions, watch birds, and enjoy the spectacle. Special thanks to HMBC Social Media & Outreach Chair David Massa for setting up the outreach booth and the other volunteers that staffed it during the day.
See you out there.
