The gales buffeted the hawk shack for hours, and out on the deck, they rendered my spotting scope useless as it vibrated whatever I was seeing through it beyond recognition. However, it turned out that the scene unfolding before my eyes was best viewed through my own eyes. Optics of any kind only diminished the grandeur of the Wind Masters, a name, to the best of my knowledge, coined by the great Pete Dunne. I watched the birds before me, Red-tailed and Rough-legged Hawks, Turkey Vultures, and a couple of Northern Harriers riding the winds, expertly navigating their course while Sandhill Cranes struggled to gain any momentum in their own northward journey, and I could not agree with Mr. Dunne more. It was a truly wonderful sight, seeing these raptors defy gravity and powerful gusts of 40 to 50 kph that kept most other birds firmly grounded. Most of all, I was just happy to have some raptors to count finally!
Last week, a major rainstorm seemed to open the door for spring migration to begin. The following day brought several first-of-the-season sightings: Northern Harrier, Merlin, Eastern Phoebe, Killdeer, Common Grackle, Dark-eyed Junco, American Tree Sparrow, and more. Then a beautifully warm and sunny Sunday brought the first major kettles of the season with Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks, Bald and Golden Eagles, and a large number of Turkey Vultures. Once again, birds are in the sky, and the raptors are showing why they are rulers of airways, with more than a few showing off full crops (meaning they are carrying a meal in their gullet). The action of the past few days has undoubtedly put wind in my sails, enough to carry me through the rains that are predicted for the rest of the week. I also have had the pleasure of seeing a few familiar faces up here on the hawk deck, and I look forward to seeing more as the days get nicer and the raptors grow more plentiful. Until then, keep an eye on the skies; even on those windy days, you might just glimpse a raptor or two!
~ Rich Couse
2022 Spring Raptor Counter
Featured photo: Red-tailed Hawk. Photo by Rich Couse
