Larger Hawks Highlight November Migration

MEDFORD, MASSACHUSETTS, Nov. 5 -/E-Wire/-- The spectacular fall migration of hawks in North America begins to ebb in November, drawing to a close in December and January. The overwhelming majority of migrant raptors seen at most hawk watch sites pass by in September and October. November, however, offers one of the best opportunities to see a wide variety of migrant hawks.

For many observers, especially in the northeastern quarter of the continent, the hawks of November are special. (The migration wanes earlier in the west and south.) The enthusiasm of hawk watchers is not diminished by the smaller numbers, strong winds, or plummeting temperatures of November. A number of hawk watch sites in the northeast and midwest, and in southeastern Canada, report their highest tallies of Red-tailed Hawk in November. With the shorter days and lower arc of the sun in the sky, the late autumn light on the russet-and-white hawks is often spectacular.

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November also offers spectacular views of other buteos, such as the elegant Red-shouldered Hawk (relatively uncommon in the northern U.S. and Canada) and the Rough-legged Hawk, an uncommon visitor from the far north, seen only in late fall and winter. Other highlights include the "Gray Ghost" of the forest, the Northern Goshawk (the largest and least common accipiter), and the Golden Eagle, one of the two largest migrant hawks in North America. Though relatively common throughout much of the west, Golden Eagles are a treasured late season migrant in the eastern portion of the continent.

Thousands of migrant Turkey Vultures, who have been expanding their breeding range and population for the past several decades, are also seen at many sites along the eastern half of the U.S. - Canada boundary. Smaller but impressive numbers of Bald Eagles are seen there as well, especially at sites like Hawk Ridge in Duluth, Minnesota. There is also the opportunity for the extremely rare Gyrfalcon in southern Canada and the northern U.S.

Some of the better known locations for observing the November hawk migration include:

Waggoner's Gap (central Pennsylvania). Hundreds of Bald Eagles, thousands of Red-tailed Hawks, and numerous Golden Eagles can be seen as well as the occasional Rough-legged Hawk.

Kiptopeke Hawkwatch (tip of Virginia's eastern shore). The late coastal migration, including Northern Harrier, and Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks, can be captured here.

Cape May Point (southeastern most tip of New Jersey). Due to the approaching expanse of Delaware Bay, many migrating hawks pause here prior to continuing their southward journeys, offering excellent views.

Holiday Beach (southwestern Ontario). The northern shore of Lake Erie funnels migrants into an increasingly narrow corridor as they approach Michigan near Detroit. Impressive numbers of Turkey Vultures, Bald and Golden Eagles, and Red-shouldered, Red-tailed, and Rough-legged Hawks can be seen.

Hawk Ridge (Duluth, Minnesota). Lake Superior serves as a barrier to migration for many species, funneling them into an increasingly narrow corridor along the lakeshore northeast of Duluth. Remarkable tallies of Bald Eagle, Red -tailed Hawk and often Northern Goshawk and Golden Eagle are possible.

These and many other hawk watch sites are staffed during November and welcome visitors. More information on these and on other hawk watch sites closer to you can be found at www.hawkcount.org.

The Hawk Migration Association of North America (HMANA) is a volunteer, membership-based organization. HMANA's mission is the conservation of raptors through the scientific study, enjoyment and appreciation of raptor migration. For more information on hawk migration and HMANA, visit www.hmana.org or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Contact Info:

Paul M. Roberts

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Website : the Hawk Migration Association of North America