Birds of Prey are migrating north in big numbers across the United States and Canada, many after migrating north from wintering areas in South America, Central America, and Mexico. Most Swainson's Hawks began their flights north from the grasslands of Argentina, while Broad-winged Hawks are winging north from the Amazon River basin. The Broad-wings are breaking through in impressive numbers in southern Texas, including as many as13,650 crossing the border last Thursday at the Bentsen Rio Grande Valley State Park, and Swainson's Hawks are close behind them. Up north Red-tailed Hawks, Bald Eagles, Sharp-shinned Hawks, and other raptors are migrating in exciting numbers too – plus thousands of Turkey Vultures.
The exciting thing for birders is that we can monitor migrations daily, weekly, or monthly across the Americas! Thanks to the Hawk Migration Association (HMA), daily hawk counts are available from Colombia to Ontario and many American states at HawkCount. Check out the daily raptor migration counts periodically, and take a look at the Monthly Summaries too. Also check for a raptor counting site near you and consider planning a spring visit to experience spring raptor migration firsthand.
Raptor Flight ID Help: Seeing raptors in flight brings a sense of wonder to everyone, but identifying birds of prey can be a bit of a struggle when it comes to seeing them at a distance or when back-lighted as they are flying. A recent presentation, "Hawks on the Wing," was delivered by Josh Haas for the Hawk Migration Association to help everyone identify raptors in flight. This online presentation shows how video clips offer an innovative way to learn how to identify raptors in flight using side-by-side videos of raptors in flight. To watch this interesting, helpful, and informative presentation, refer to Lunch & Learn Series: Hawks on the Wing; A Raptor ID Overview – Hawk Migration Association
Free Downloadable Soaring Raptors Guide: To help you identify birds of prey, even at a distance, All About Birds is also providing a free, downloadable guide to soaring hawks and raptors. You can view it online, and it's best to download the .pdf file and print it to add to your birding library. You can study it before going into the field, and take a printed copy with you to use in hand. To enjoy seeing a greater variety of raptors and more of each species, plan a birding trip to a hawk counting site this spring – it's an awesome experience and a great way to practice raptor ID in the company of experts and other birders.