A Slow Start to April

After a solid start to the count in March, migration is suddenly far behind schedule here at the Point. Eight days into April only five species of raptor have been recorded for the month, and their numbers have been dismally low: one Turkey Vulture, 18 Bald Eagles, two Northern Goshawks, a mere seven Red-tailed Hawks, and two Golden Eagles. While a few hours have been lost due to inclement weather, this total of just 31 raptors is the result of over 52 hours of counting. This averages out to over an hour and 40 minutes of watching for each individual raptor seen!

No new raptors have been seen yet in April, meaning that Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned, and Rough-legged Hawk and Merlin are all still missing for the season through each ought to have arrived some time ago. In fact, of all 35 years since 1984 in which the hawk count has started on March 15, Sharpie and Rough-legged were first seen later than this just once each. Harrier’s arrival date has been later than today’s date just twice, though one spotted at the Point by waterbird counter Louie Dombroski during a visit on March 28 is more in line with expectations. Similarly, no Merlin has been recorded during the hawk count yet this season, placing this year as at least its third-latest arrival date since 1984, but Louie snagged one for the Point also on March 28.

It’s not just the raptors that have been slow lately. The only new arrivals for the month have been a trio of Common Goldeneye on April 3; a lone Ruffed Grouse at the end of the day on April 8;  Hairy Woodpecker April 3, 7, & 8; and a single Golden-crowned Kinglet April 7. Usually expected in droves this time of year, Robins and Blackbirds have been conspicuously absent every day in April, and the spectacular finch migration from early in the season has completely dried up. Still no Red-breasted Nuthatch. Surely whenever migration starts back it’s going to be amazing!