field_report from "Hawk-watch trip to Waggoner's Gap, Pennsylvania" on 11/03/2007 - 10:00am

DC Audubon’s inaugural trip to enjoy the spectacle of hawk migration in Fall commenced in a rather chaotic manner. As a result of somewhat unclear/confusing directions to the site, carloads of expectant hawk-watchers arrived at rather varying times at the given destination – Waggoner’s Gap. Twenty one participants were joined there by invited raptor expert, Ernesto Ruelas Inzunza who drove an amazing 4 hours from Ithaca to be with the group.

The weather was near perfect for watching migrating raptors – wispy clouds scattered in a brilliant blue sky and a moderate wind blowing in from the northwest. The vantage point provided spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.

As was expected based on time-of-year, the day was dominated by Red-tailed Hawks. A single Red-shouldered Hawk added a bit of touch of variety to the day’s ‘Buteo’ action. Though Cooper’s and Sharp-shinned hawks migrated through fair regularity, the real treat within this group were two sightings of the Northern Goshwak. In one instance, an immature flew directly above the gawking group of hawk-watchers, giving an excellent view of its relatively large size as well as the distinctive and prominent streaking to its underside. As is evident from the total official count for the day (data provided below), this species was as abundant as its relatively smaller cousins.

A few Northern Harriers and Bald Eagles added to the diversity and thrill of the day’s hawk-watching. Shortly after the entire group had left, a total of six Golden Eagles passed through the site over the duration of approximately an hour.

All in all, it was a very satisfying day of raptor watching. Given the success of the trip, DC Audubon is currently considering increasing the number of annual visits to the Waggoner’s Gap in following years to two, with the intention of catching the awe-inspiring spectacle of Broad-winged Hawk migration as well.

Turkey Vulture             11

Bald Eagle                                3

Northern Harrier                       3

Sharp-shinned Hawk                2

Cooper’s Hawk                       2

Northern Goshawk                   2

Red-shouldered Hawk              1

Red-tailed Hawk                      40

Unid. Accipiter             1

Turkey Vulture                         17            

Bald Eagle                                4             

Northern Harrier                       12            

Sharp-shinned Hawk                15            

Cooper’s Hawk                       12            

Northern Goshawk                   12            

Red-shouldered Hawk               9             

Red-tailed Hawk                      226           

Golden Eagle                            6            

American Kestrel                      1             

Unid. Accipiter                         1             

Unid. Raptor                            2             

Total:                                        317