Caterpillar dining on California Primrose, Camissonia californica
Caterpillar on California Primrose (Camissonia californica)
March 20, 2010

Swainson's Hawks Over Borrego Valley 2010

April 3, 2010
Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks 122
Turkey Vultures 5

Discussion: A partly sunny day with light wind and temps in the mid 60's. Several hawks up at 7:45A at the east potato fields. They immediately went north and northwest along Coyote Mt. We chased them down to the end of DiGiorgio Rd. They streamed out of the valley as we counted them passing our newly named knob (Swainson's Knob). Additionally 13 SW's worked their way northwest as they aerial fed. The TV's came out of Roadrunner Club.

Evening Watch: At 7:15P a large kettle of Swainson's was observed again east of the potato fields. They streamed due west to Ellis Farms. The photo below was taken at Borrego Valley Rd and Ellis at 7:40P. The count is a conservative 115 SW's with estimates approaching 150. Only 3 TV's were sighted near Roadrunner Club.

Prediction: We should have light to medium wind tomorrow AM. The hawks will be up before 8A from Ellis Farms and east. Kettles of 30-50 SW's are expected.

April 2, 2010
Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks 24
Turkey Vultures 24

Discussion: A pleasant day with high clouds, light wind and temps in the 60's. Turkey Vultures kettled up from Roadrunner Club at 9A. Swainson's Hawks kettled up from the flower field at 9:15A. Most of the SW's were counted from the end of DiGiorgio Rd as they streamed out of the valley. Below are some remarkable shots taken by K.C. Choo, ARPS in Alberta in 2006.

If you would like to view all of the reports for the season you can access them at two sites from different organizations:

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park-Foundation
http://theabf.org/2010_daily_hawkwatch_reports

Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association
http://www.abdnha.org/pages/08wildlife/reports/2010.htm

Evening Watch: At least 30 Swainson's Hawks flew into the flower fields on Henderson Canyon Rd at 6:45P.

Prediction: Winds should be light tomorrow morning. The best place to view the Swainson's Hawks is once again on Henderson Canyon Rd. The should be in the air before 9A.

April 1, 2010
Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks 13

Discussion: It was cold, cloudy (becoming sunny) with some wind today. We had nice looks at a few Swainson's Hawks at the flower field. Hawks departed around 10A.

On Monday I am off to Columbia and Peru. The last e-mail report for the season will be sent Saturday night. When I return at the end of April I will send out a final report on totals.

Evening Watch: Again around 10-15 SW's flew over the road from the flower field to the potato field to roost.

Prediction: Not a lot of hawks are in the area unless we have a late flyin. The flower field on Henderson Canyon Rd. still remains the only reliable place to see Swainson's Hawks. It is a great place to take photo's as they move across the road, sometimes directly overhead.

Light Morph Swainson's Hawk April 1, 2010 at the potato field

March 31, 2010
Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks 3
Turkey Vultures 22

Discussion: A very windy sunny day with temps in the 50's-low 60's. It was a very tough day for counting as hawks sat in the flower field area, kettled up then down again. Around 40 SW's were counted in the area. They did not seem inclined to migrate.

I have begun to look at old photo's to try to determine the ratio of morphs that pass through Borrego Valley. The literature suggests that summer SW's in California are predominately "dark". This includes dark and intermediate birds. Only a small percentage of California SW's in summer are light morphs. East of the Rockies the summer population includes almost all white morphs.

Below is a photo taken in March of 2008. Take a look at it and try to determine the number of light, intermediate and dark birds. Some interesting questions begin to surface.

Swainson's Hawk, kettle (Borrego Springs, 3-23-08)

Now let's turn to the hawkwatch report for March 29, 2010, which included two photos of soaring birds and asked you to guess their identity. I will now tell you they are a Swainson's and a Raven. The point of this exercise is to demonstrate that, because we have probably 1,000 Ravens in the Borrego Valley, identification can be confusing at a distance, especially since Ravens will kettle and glide like hawks. Look at the photos and notice how close the birds are in size.

Evening Watch: We did see around 40 Swainson's this evening near the potato fields. At least 4 TV's were spotted as well. It is difficult to determine if these are new birds or some that didn't migrate today.

Prediction: Windy conditions will continue tonight. Once again, if it is windy tomorrow AM, hawks will be on the move early. Best views of the SW's will be on Henderson Canyon Rd.

March 30, 2010
Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks 446
Turkey Vultures 17

Discussion: As predicted, the SW's were flying early today. At least 200 were in the air just after 6A. From daybreak until 10A there was a steady stream of Swainson's leaving the valley. Some of the hawks moved a bit east before departing low along the flanks of Coyote Mountain. It was very windy early then tapering off. Many SW's aerial fed on ants before leaving. Below is a fine shot of an intermediate SW taken by Dennis Morrison.

Intermediate Swainson's Hawk
courtesy of Dennis Morrison March 30, 2010

Some interesting news from Anza (the exit point for Coyote Canyon to the northwest). Frank Sterrett was kind enough to watch for our Swainson's as they exited the canyon. He did see more than 150. This is the first time a large group of our birds was observed north of us.

Evening Watch: At least 20 Swainson's and 15-20 Turkey Vultures were observed at a few locations. The date farm has some of the SW's as well as the potato field area or possibly Ellis Farms.

Prediction: It is windy now and will continue windy through tomorrow with cloudy skies. Rain is also in the forecast tomorrow night and Thursday. Swainson's Hawks will be up early. Henderson Canyon Rd should provide some activity. It is possible even with some wind that hawks will remain in the area if it is cloudy as forecast.

March 29, 2010
Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks 131

Discussion: Sunny, calm wind, temperature around 65. At 8:45A a large kettle of SW's was observed at the base of Coyote Mt. We drove from the flower field to DiGiorgio at the north end of the road. Here we watched as several kettles of Swainson's passed by. Each group spent a few minutes aerial feeding on ants before streaming to the northwest. This spot has become a vantage place to count the SW's as they migrate. Below are a few shots taken by Jonathan Levy. Which bird is the Swainson's? What is the other bird? Or are they both SW's?

Jonathan Levy March 27, 2010-What are these birds?

Evening Watch: Out to the flower field again this evening. Located on Henderson Canyon Rd about 1 mile east of Borrego Valley Rd, the flower field has become the staging area for Swainson's Hawks. This evening we counted over 50 SW's on the ground in the distance. A few nice kettles of SW's came in between 6:30P and 7P bringing totals up to 200 SW's. A counter went into the field and discovered several more SW's. The hawks began to fly from the fields to Roadrunner Tree Farm by 7:20P. Totals of well over 300 Swainson's is probable. At least 17 TV's were spotted as well.

Prediction: Unfortunately, winds exceeding 25-mph are expected tonight through Wednesday. Then rain and wind are expected Wednesday night through Thursday. Although the rough weather seems to bring in hawks, they will depart tomorrow very early. I will be out at first light to try and intercept them before they depart the valley. I will first go to the flower field on Henderson to scout them out. Then on to the end of DiGiorgio Rd to count them as they leave the valley. Maybe we will be lucky and the wind will hold off tomorrow. As I write this note, there is no wind.

March 28, 2010
Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks 34
Turkey Vultures 29

Discussion: A sunny day with calm wind. At least 12 SW's were perched in the flower field early in the morning. Several SW's were observed aerial feeding on ants. The photo below is of a sub-adult (a light intermediate morph) courtesy of Judy Davis.

Photo courtesy of Judy Davis, March 27, 2010

Evening Watch:Five Swainson's Hawks flew into the date farm at 6:45P. At least 8, perhaps more SW's were observed in flight north of the flower field.

Prediction: Winds should be light in the morning. The number of SW's in the area is down. The best place to observe hawks tomorrow is from the flower field on Henderson Canyon Rd. or the hawkwatch site on DiGiorgio Rd. Hawks will probably take flight around 9A. It looks like a weather change in the next few days. Tomorrow evening it will be windy. Tuesday through Thursday it will continue to be windy with some clouds. This change in the weather pattern usually brings some hawks into the area.

March 27, 2010
Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks 256
Turkey Vultures 19

Discussion: Clear skies with temperatures ranging from 56-70F, calm wind. Several SW's were in the flower field when folks arrived at 7:30A. Additionally some SW's were in trees near the potato field and on Borrego Valley Rd. Turkey Vultures roosted at the Roadrunner Club. By 8:30A Hawks were up aerial feeding on ants. By 9:15A large kettles began to form. Most of the hawks moved along Coyote Mt to the east before working their way Northwest and out of the valley. A high count of 296 Swainson's was taken before most departed. Only 256 were actually observed migrating. We believe the remainder are still in the valley.

Evening Watch: From the flower field on Henderson Canyon Rd, at least 40 Swainson's were observed. Many of the hawks were aerial feeding and may be roosting near Ellis Farm. Twenty-nine Turkey Vultures may be roosting at Pecoff Farm.

Prediction: At least 40 Swainson's are in the area and probably will arrive in the flower field early. The wind will be calm tomorrow. It will be in the upper 80's. Expect the SW's to sit in the fields, take some caterpillars then aerial feed, before departing the valley. Henderson Canyon Rd east of Borrego Valley Rd will probably be the best vantage point for viewing the Swainson's.

Early Morning Swainson's Hawk
before departing for the flower field
March 27, 2010

Part of a large kettle of Swainsons
March 27 after 9AM near the flower field

A feeding light morph Swainson's
near the flower field March 27
courtesy of Judy Davis

March 26, 2010
Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks 63
Turkey Vultures 25
Cooper's Hawk 1

Discussion: Very windy this morning (10-20mph from the N at 7A). It did calm down over the next 2 hours. TV's lifted off from the Roadrunner Club at 7:35A. There was a lot of feeding activity at the flower fields on Henderson Canyon Rd. This is where 63 SW's kettled up by 10A. One Coopers Hawk was also counted as a migrant.

Evening Watch: It is becoming an evening event to come out to the flower field to watch Swainson's Hawks. This evening we watched as over 125 SW's came in high to the Henderson Canyon area. They descended into Tamarisks along Borrego Valley Rd as well as trees near the potato field. At 7:30P the Swainson's began to move south along Borrego Valley Rd. (See photo's below). Some streamed to the west as well. The photo's below were taken at 7:30P as the hawks flew over us. Their location is probably the Roadrunner Tree Farm, the date farm, Ellis Farms and possibly near the day watch site as well. Multiple roosts means multiple kettles. Our leader will need help tomorrow.

Prediction: Winds should be light with a little breeze by 9A. The numbers could range from 125-200 Swainson's tomorrow. There will probably be feeding at the flower field as well as aerial feeding on flying ants. Some hawks are roosting at Roadrunner Tree Farm (on Borrego Valley Rd) Ellis Farms, the potato fields, and near the day site on DiGiorgio. I plan to try first at the flower field on Henderson Canyon Rd. Then I will rove around looking for other roosting sites. You can check in at the day site to find out where the hawks will be taking off from. It could be a day with several kettles forming in different locations.

Photo's tonight between 7:15P and 7:30P
Swaisons coming into Tamarisks along Borrego Valley Rd.

7:30P Beginning to roost

March 25, 2010
Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks 5
Turkey Vultures 3

Discussion: A sunny day with temperature in the mid-70's, calm wind, increasing steadily throughout the day. Only a few SW's and TV's to report migrating today.

Evening Watch: Below are photo's taken today on DiGiorgio at the Roadrunner Club. At least 25 Turkey Vultures moved about with the moon in the background. Reports from 6-7P of up to 20 SW's north of Seely at Ranch at the end of Borrego Valley Rd. Additionally from 7P to 7:20P at least 56 Swainson's moved from the flower fields low across Henderson Canyon Rd. Winds were steady from the west all evening.

Prediction: The wind will continue to dominate through tonight and into tomorrow AM. The SW's will probably be on the move early. By 7A many SW's will probably move across Henderson Canyon Rd from the south. A good location for observations is at the flower field on Henderson Canyon Rd 1-2 miles east of Borrego Valley Rd. If the hawks migrate, they will probably leave the valley before 9A. The Turkey Vultures will also be on the move early tomorrow.

Turkey Vulture March 25, 2010

March 24, 2010
Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks 158
Turkey Vultures 4

Discussion: A mostly clear sky with calm wind, 70 degrees. Most of the SW's were found in the fields near the flower field on Henderson Canyon Rd. More than 20 Swainson's kettled up from the date farm. Most of the flower field SW's began to kettle up at 9A and began to aerial feed. With crops full, the SW's began to move Northwest and out of the valley. We followed the progression as they streamed out. Below is a photo of a small portion of a very large kettle today.

Part of a large kettle of Swainson's Hawks
March 24, 2010, near the flower field

Evening Watch: Two Swainson's Hawks were still at the flower fields on Henderson Canyon Rd. One of the hawks was aerial feeding at 6:45P. At 7:20P five Swainson's Hawks came in very high and then descended into the back of the date farm. Three TV's are in the area as well.

Prediction: The late arrival may be the trigger for a large group. This is speculation only, so don't get too excited. At this point we have only seven confirmed SW's in the area along with three TV's. You might want to check in at the day watch site on DiGiorgio Rd near Henderson Canyon Rd. to find out where the hawks are. It is supposed to get windy tomorrow afternoon, always a good sign for migration. Expect lift-off tomorrow morning around 9A. If it becomes windy early the lift-off will also be early.

March 23, 2010
Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks 125
Turkey Vultures 14

Discussion: A beautiful partly cloudy sky today with very light wind from the southeast. The SW's in the photo below and more than 75 others were near the ground off of Henderson Rd. very early. Swainson's Hawks continued to fly from the south across Henderson until 8A. Apparently the hawks are feeding on caterpillars, resting, then aerial feeding on ants before departing the valley. Additionally 4 TV's appeared near Ellis Farm and 10 additional TV's moved out of the date farm.

Evening Watch: At least 40 Swainson's Hawks are on the ground near the flower fields on Henderson Canyon Rd. Additionally 31 Swainson's flew into the back of the date farm and another 25 are perched along Borrego Valley Rd North of Henderson Canyon Rd. Four TV's flew into the date farm as well.

Prediction: Light winds are predicted for tomorrow morning. A good place to view the hawks is on Henderson Canyon Rd., east of Borrego Valley Rd. Lift-off should occur around 8:45A. Many hawks will fly into the flower fields by 7:30A before feeding on the ground and aerial feeding.

Photo courtesy of Steve Bier-March 23, 2010

March 22, 2010
Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks 92
Turkey Vultures 34

Discussion: First, I'd like to apologize for sending out a trick photo. Only 2 responded to the mistake. The Swainson's Hawk from March 21 was a male Harrier, not a SW. One of the winners is a co-leader in Borrego. The other winner gets a grand prize-a personalized tour of the Borrego Springs Hawkwatch. Today we had a warm day with calm wind. It was hazy with high scattered clouds. Swainson's Hawks lifted off from the potato fields and the flower fields north of Henderson. Lift-off at 8:55A. Turkey Vultures lifted off from Pecoff Farm at 9:30A. Once again the SW's were on the ground probably feeding on caterpillars (White-lined Sphinx Moths). Below are remarkable photo's taken yesterday that confirm that many hawks are aerial feeding on flying ants. Both photo's show the hawks with an ant dangling from their beak.

Evening Watch: A very breezy evening. Only 2 Swainson's flew into the date farm. Another SW was spotted at the flower field on Henderson Rd. Ten TV's settled into the date farm and 4 TV's are roosting at Ellis Farms.

Prediction: Unless we have a repeat of today (many Swainson's sneaking into the flower field), we do not expect a big migration. We will check out the flower field early tomorrow. Check in at the DiGiorgio site to find out where to observe Swainson's. The wind we are now experiencing will die down with a chance of rain tonight. It might be a late take-off with cloudy skies tomorrow.

Check out the ant in the beak. Photo courtesy of BJ Stacey

Raven (left) with feeding hawk. Photo courtesy of Eric Kallen

March 21, 2010
Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks 123

Discussion: The weather today was hazy with calm wind. The temperature ranged from the mid-60's to 75 degrees. Most of the SW's were found north of the flower field below. The hawks were sitting on creosote bushes or amongst the flowers. At least 85 SW's were within 200 yards of the folks in the photo below. They had no idea what they were missing.

Flower people located only 200 yards from perched SW's March 21, 2010

The second photo is of a Harrier flying above the group below.

A fly-over Harrier from the potato fields, March 21, 2010

Lift-off took place in the potato fields to the south of the flower field. Twenty-eight SW's took off at 9A and began aerial feeding on ants. Over the next 11/2 hours the flower field hawks began to lift-off. They kettled up and began to aerial feed to the east before streaming NW along the flank of Coyote Mt. They finally departed the valley by 11A.

Evening Watch: Only one Swainson's Hawk was observed perched in Tamarisks near the potato field. The last photo was taken at 7:15P at the evening site.

Sunset from the evening watch, March 21, 2010

Prediction: Unless there is a fly-in from further south, tomorrow could be a slow day. We are still waiting for the mass of SW's to arrive.

March 20, 2010
Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks 37
Turkey Vultures 12

Discussion: Lift-off at 8:15A but at a distance. We did have a few SW's aerial feeding before departing. Most of the hawks were near Henderson Canyon, feeding on caterpillars. The TV's departed from the date farm. Caterpillars are now fattening up on California Primrose (Camissonia californica).

Evening Watch: Only 4 SW's flew in near the date farm. We received a report that several SW's were feeding and sitting near the great wildflower site on Henderson Rd. In fact, as many at 60 SW's are in that area.

Prediction: Winds should be light tomorrow. Most of the hawks are in the Henderson area. Hopefully they will remain in the area, feeding on the caterpillars. I will be at the Henderson site (managed area for wildflowers-about 1 1/2 miles east of Borrego Valley Rd. on Henderson Rd. Look for our cars around 8A).

Swainson's hawk in a Tamarisk Tree
Above Henderson Road, March 20, 2010

March 19, 2010
Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks 118
Turkey Vultures 62

Discussion:The weather was warm with light winds increasing as the day wore on. We were alerted to several Swainson's Hawks roosting near the potato fields. They flew low from the base of the Santa Rosa Mt at 7P Thursday evening. In the morning the Sw's were on bushes near Henderson Rd. They lifted off in small groups, headed north-east before cruising west along the flanks of the mountains. Turkey Vultures were observed at a few locations. The first two photo's below are of a Sw perched on a creosote bush before departing today, and a desert lily at the same location.

Evening Watch: Four Swainson's Hawks glided into the date farm at 6:30P. Earlier at least 7 TV's flew into the date farm. At 7:15P our scout found several Swainson's on the road to the potato field. The last photo is of one of the Sw's on potato road.

Prediction: Tomorrow will be warm with calm wind. Once again hawks will be rising from the area near Henderson Rd and the potato rd. We will lead folks from the day site on DiGiorgio Rd to the roosting Sw's. Also, a few Swainson's and TV's will kettle up out of the date farm. Lift-off will probably take place around 8:15-9A. We are still waiting for a big evening flight. If you haven't seen the wildflower display on Henderson Rd, this is a good opportunity to see both the hawks and flowers at the same time. The tour to the potato field will take place at 8:30A promptly.

One of Several Swainson's Hawks near the ground March 19, 2010

Desert Lily in the same location as the roosting hawks

7:15P March 19, 2010

March 18, 2010
Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks 28
Turkey Vultures 120

Discussion: Lift-off at 9:20A from the potato farm for both species. Weather was clear, mid-70's with a slight breeze. Most Sw's departed the valley going north to Coyote Mt then west along the flank. The TV's roosted at Ellis, potato field and Roadrunner. At least 75 TV's descended into the fields across from Ellis.

These old grape orchards still have red-wood stakes that look like grave markers. The white cylinders are old irrigation pipes from the 60's to regulate water through the field. The TV in the first shot is overlooking the field filled with TV's. Horror films are made from scenes like this. Late TV's were observed streaming up Coyote Canyon at 11:35A.

Evening Watch: By 6:15P we had a nice flight of TV's (at least 40) followed by two more flights for a total of around 70. The TV's are roosting at the end of the date farm and Roadrunner Mobile Park. There are also reports of roosting TV's from another area. Two Swainson's flew in with the TV's. An additional dark morph Sw flew into the date farm. We had a ?wonderful sky with a nice wind that usually produces many Sw's. It didn't happen. We did have our largest group of folks waiting.

Prediction: An early lift-off is possible if the wind picks up by 8A. The TV's and few Sw's should make for a nice kettle between 8A and 9:15A. DiGiorgio Rd near Big Horn might be a good spot to watch lift-off. We are now in the prime time for a large group of Swainson's Hawks to arrive.

Turkey Vulture overlooking the grape grave yard March 18, 2010

Turkey Vultures Waiting for takeoff March 18, 2010

March 17, 2010 (St. Patrick's Day)
Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks 39
Turkey Vultures 7

Discussion: By 8A Sw's were up and feeding. Several Swainson's flew from Ellis Farm and Henderson Canyon Rd. to join the aerial feeding. By 8:30A they returned to trees. Feeding both on the ground (probably ants emerging) and in the air commenced again before some of the Sw's began to migrate out of the valley. By 10A most of the hawks had departed. Roost sites included Ellis Farm, across the road from Ellis and the date farm.

Evening Watch: 19 Swainson's came in at 6:15P to the distant tamarisks near the potato fields. At 6:45P a squadron of Turkey Vultures flew into the tamarisks along Borrego Valley Rd at Ellis Farm. We counted around 100 TV's. One of these birds was of interest, possibly a Zone-tailed Hawk.

Prediction: Light winds should continue tomorrow morning on a very clear warm day. Lift-off should be early for feeding (8A). Henderson Road and Borrego Valley Rd should be a good place to view the TV's taking off. The Sw's are a bit further east on Henderson Rd. The wind should pick up tomorrow afternoon. Increased wind usually brings in a number of Swainson's in the evening.

Perched Swainson's Hawk near the date farm March 17, 2010

March 16, 2010
Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks 9
Turkey Vultures 38

Discussion: SW's were up and feeding from 8:35A-10A. Most of the hawks were east of Ellis Farm. Flying ants were all over the desert today including the hawkwatch. The TV's departed the valley very low and flying west to the mountains, then north on updrafts. The air was still most of the morning.

We are now entering the high season for numbers. This weekend we are having a festival of hawks. I will be presenting a program at the town library at 2P on Saturday. The program is free and open to everyone. We will have volunteers available all weekend at the hawk sites to answer questions. It will be very crowded in town this weekend as the flowers will be in abundance. A very nice art fair will also take place at Christmas Circle. Hotels will be full but free camping is available throughout the area.

Today Dennis snapped the nice shot below of a SW grasping ants with an open talon. The second shot is one I took this evening at 6:40P to show what incoming Swainson's look like when first observed very high. As we watched a few hawks, the numbers kept changing as additional hawks dropped in. How many do you see in this shot?

Evening Watch: One Swainson's came to roost early at the Ellis Farm. Three TV's flew into Tamarisks east of the potato fields early. At 6:40P 6 Swainson's were sighted very high. Within a few minutes many more were observed. A total of 34 was counted before they descended into Tamarisk trees probably at the Roadrunner Tree Farm at Henderson and Borrego Valley Rd.

Prediction: Light wind and clear skies are predicted for tomorrow morning. A nice lift-off and feeding near Henderson and Borrego Valley Rd is expected. Good feeding photo opportunities should be available. At least 35 Swainson's are in the area and this number might rise with late arrivals.

Swainson's Hawk grasping ants with an open talon
Photo courtesy of Dennis Morrison

This evening, March 16, 2010, at 6:40P
What it looks like when you first see them

March 15, 2010
Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks 55

Discussion: The weather was clear and warm with an occasional light breeze. Lift off at 8:43A from DiGiorgio and Henderson Canyon, Ellis Farm, Date Farm and Roadrunner. 14 SW's were observed at Ocotillo Wells. These birds were counted as they made it though the valley. We could not locate the 17 TV's observed Sunday evening.

Evening Watch: At 5:45P 38 TV's flew over the Date Farm and may now be roosting at the Roadrunner Mobile Park. Shortly after 6P, 8 Swainson's Hawks flew in from the southeast and eventually landed at Ellis Farm. One additional SW's flew low past the watch at 7P. The Anna's below joins us every night at the evening site. On a balmy night the sunsets can be glorious.

Prediction: Tomorrow winds should be light, so lift-off between 8A-9A is probably. We have multiple roosting sites again, so lift-off could take place anywhere. It is now light enough to have a late fly-in of SW's after 7:15P. At least 9 SW's should be up and feeding. There probably will be other SW's in the area.

Andy the Anna's Hummer Who visits the evening site every night

Sunset tonight
Wouldn't this be a nice sky for a few hundred Swainson's

March 14, 2010
Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks 8
Turkey Vultures 8

Discussion: Lift-off was at 8:45A and all the SW's began aerial feeding, 3 up to 2.5 hours. Today was warm, calm and sunny. Below is a shot taken last season of all 3 color morphs of Swainson's Hawks.

Evening Watch: 7 Swainson's flew low into the date farm. They appear to have moved on to the fun farm. 17 TV's flew in and probably roosted at the Roadrunner Mobile Park.

Prediction: Tomorrow the hawks will probably aerial feed before departing the valley. Light winds are predicted. Look for a lift-off between 8A-9A.

3 Swainson's Morphs
Light above right, Dark center, Intermediate bottom

March 13, 2010
Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks 26
Turkey Vultures 24

Discussion: Lift-off today at 7:30A from the date farm. Remember tomorrow we change to daylight savings time. The watch still begins at 8A, but the clock (sun) time for the hawks is 7A. So today's departure would be at 8:30A if at daylight savings time. This means on a sunny calm wind day you can sleep in for another hour. Confused?

There have been some sightings of caterpillars in the valley. The White-lined Sphinx Moth (photo below) feeds on the native wildflowers each spring. In exceptionally good flower seasons, the desert floor is covered with the caterpillars. Swainson's Hawks feast on the caterpillars. It will be interesting to see if the behavior of the incoming SW's changes over the next few weeks.

Evening Watch: Six Swainson's Hawks and 6 TV's flew into the date farm this evening.

Prediction: Light winds are predicted for tomorrow. Not a lot of hawks in town but with the wind we had today, hawks may have touched down in other sites in the valley.

White-Lined Sphinx Moth Caterpillar

March 12, 2010
Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks 42
Turkey Vultures 14

Discussion: The first lift-off this morning was at 8:35A from the Fun Farm off of DiGiorgio Rd. At that time several SW's and some TV's kettled up. Six of the SW's began to aerial feed near the date farm. An additional 11 SW's began feeding above the Fun Farm. Most of the hawks drifted east before heading north. Very light wind kept the hawks close. One SW fed directly above the watch.

Below is my favorite feeding shot (courtesy of Eric Kallen last season). The ants (courtesy of Diana and Art Kado) were captured a few days ago and were mating when found. Although only a few centimeters of food, they must give some sustenance.

Evening Watch: At 5:55P 18 TV's dropped into the back of the date farm. Additionally some Swainson's Hawks were observed in trees toward the back of the date farm. The totals for Swainson's Hawks will probably exceed 20.

Prediction: The Wind has been predicted to pick up after midnight tonight. Gusty wind is probable at sunup. The hawks and vultures will be on the move very early (possibly before 6A).?Tomorrow?evening may continue to be windy (often brings in the Swainson's). Sunday AM will have light wind.

Swainson's Hawk Borrego 3-13-09
Credit: Eric G. Kallen

Flying Ants

March 11, 2010
Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawk 219
Turkey Vultures 25

Discussion: We had multiple roosting sites last night. Liftoff today was 8:30A of a single SW's. The first group kettled up at 8:35A. The largest group probably roosted on a tree line off of DiGiorgio that is on private property. At 8:42A we had another lift-off of 21 SW's from the potato fields to the east. I counted 164 Swainson's and several TV's in one kettle at 9:30A against the western mountains. Most of the hawks and vultures moved west and then north along the mountains, making observation difficult.

The first photo below is a shot of the hawk mound that puts us above tree line. Every year Mike Spieckerman, manager of Roadrunner Tree Farm has the mound rebuilt with a bulldozer (Thanks Mike).

Evening Watch: At 5:07P at least 45 Swainson's Hawks settled down into the fun farm (a rather new roosting spot) near DiGiorgio Rd and the Springs RV Park. A few TV's flew with the SW's.

Prediction: Light winds are expected tomorrow. Lift-off should take place between 8A-9A. A good location to view the hawks kettling up is ?1 1/2 miles north of Palm Canyon Drive on DiGiorgio Rd. If some birds come up from the potato fields or Ellis, the best location for lift-off is the day count site on DiGiorgio. I will be on DiGiorgio Rd at the first location above. I'll check in with the day site to see where hawks may be kettling.

Day watch site where official count is tabulated

A dark morph SW today
with Eucalyptus trees in the background. Date Farm

Part of a mixed kettle today including both TV's and SW's
The entire kettle had 164 raptors.

March 10, 2010
Migration Today:
Turkey Vultures 1

Discussion: Very little migration on a very windy day again. Only 1 TV.

Evening Watch: At 4:30P at least 100 Swainson's descended into the date farm. Some of the hawks flew directly over the watchers. At least 20 TV's also landed in the date farm.

Below are photo's of a stream and a kettle of SW's. A question often asked is "when and how do you count the hawks." When only a few birds are present, it is easy. However when there are more than 20 it is best to wait until they stream in photo one. We might try and get estimates of a large kettle then wait for them to stream before making an accurate count. When the hawks rise as high as the bubble of warm air (a thermal) takes them, they begin to descend in the direction of migration (Northwest in our valley). We use a hand held counter and click the birds off. If we have a huge group, perhaps as many as 1,500, we might count in 5's or 10's. Sometimes we have several kettles at the same time. Then we have a few counts going on simultaneously.

Prediction: We should have light winds with a clear sky tomorrow morning. The 100 + Swainson's will probably kettle up between 8-9A. A good spot for observation will be the evening watch on Borrego Valley Rd. 1.5 miles north of Palm Canyon Rd. There probably will be aerial feeding as well. The recent rain and warmer temperatures tomorrow may stimulate ants to fly.

SW's Streaming

Kettle of SW's

March 9, 2010
Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks 216
Turkey Vultures 97
Red-tailed Hawk 1

Discussion: Last night winds picked up (30-40mph). At 5:45A today, almost all of the hawks and some TV's were ringing up. They began to stream west into a rainy front. By 6:30A the SW's returned east and settled down into Ellis Farm. The TV's continued migrating. The wind died down around 9:00A and the SW's departed the valley. Additional hawks streamed into the valley from the east at 10:00A.

The following question was asked today. "How are we doing versus previous years." I checked the data and it appears that we are doing pretty good, numbers wise. The average number of Swainson's Hawks observed through March 9 in the past 7 years, is 404. We have exceeded this number today. This year's SW count so far is 517. Is this important? Our biggest year for SW's was 2005 (552-through March 9). Our numbers so far are not far off the 2005 mark. There are many variables concerning the migration pattern of our Swainson's. Wind and food sources can influence the migration. All we can do is sample the migration through our valley and hope that Swainson's Hawks continue to fair well in their breeding grounds, migratory path and wintering area's

Evening Watch: Only 5 Turkey Vultures were observed coming to roost at the date farm. This is the 6P report. Hopefully some hawks will come in late.

Prediction: Unfortunately the windy conditions today, will continue through tomorrow. All migrants coming in tonight we be up and moving by dawn tomorrow.. The weather forecast indicates light wind for Wednesday. Hopefully we will get a migration tomorrow evening.

1st light at 5:45A Today, March 9, 2010 Swainson's ringing up in 40mph wind.

Additional SW's moving through at 10A March 9, 2010.
Great clouds for following high flyers.

March 8, 2010
Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks 18
Turkey Vultures 9
Red-tailed Hawks 2

Discussion: A blustery day with some sun and lots of cumulus clouds. Hawks were in flight before 7A. I received a phone call at 1P concerning 19 Swainson's Hawks sighted near Ocotillo Wells. We could not find these hawks but did see over 30 White Pelicans in the valley.

Evening Watch: A wonderful display of several behaviors associated with migration into the valley this evening. Turkey Vultures in at least 3 kettles floated around the Roadrunner Mobile Park, the date farm and east of Borrego Valley Rd. The best count was 52 TV's. At 5P a very low flying group of Swainson's Hawks flew from Ellis Farm to the date farm. These hawks began to ascend higher and spread out in the windy conditions. Many Swainson's came in from the east and south very low. Suddenly we spotted several very high SW's to the west. Swainson's continued to stream in low as we watched the high flyers. Counting was very difficult. At least 92 SW's were in the high group. The first low group had at least 35 hawks. Additionally 25 SW's continued to stream in as we counted high and medium birds. It appears that most of the SW's touched down in the back of the date farm on Borrego Valley Rd.

Prediction: The weather forecast for tomorrow includes winds with gusts to 30-mph in the morning. The 150+ Swainson's will probably be on the move at first light. By 7A these hawks may be out of the valley. If we are lucky and the wind holds off, the hawks may hang around until 9A. I'll be out at first light tomorrow. A good vantage point for close viewing will probably be at the evening watch site on Borrego Valley Rd, 1.5 miles north of Palm Canyon Rd. You can always check in at the day count site on DiGiorgio Rd to see what is happening. The windy conditions are supposed to persist through Wednesday. Windy conditions often bring in more birds. So tomorrow evening could be interesting.

A low flying SW with a nice pink cloud in the background. 3/8/2010

One of several TV's near the Roadrunner Mobile Park. 3/8/2010

March 7, 2010
Migration Today:
No Migration Today-Watch rained out

Discussion: It rained most of the day and it appears that the 18 Swainson's spotted yesterday evening are still in the valley. 4 TV's were observed as well. Two TV's at the fun farm (Bill Wrights driveway) and 2 at Ellis Farm.

Below is a shot of the fog in the background today with five SW's.

Evening Watch: At least 2 of the TV's and 10 SW's were located this evening.

Prediction: Tomorrow it should be partly cloudy and warmer with some wind. The SW's may move early if it is windy. The best location to catch them kettling up is about one mile north of Palm Canyon Drive on DiGiorgio Rd. You can always check in at the hawkwatch on DiGiorgio Rd (2.8 miles north of Palm Canyon Drive on DiGiorgio Rd.) for the best information about the hawks. The storm probably stalled the migration south of us as well. Monday or Tuesday evening may bring in some hawks.

The Borrego Springs Swainsons. Their game is basketball.

March 6, 2010
Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks 9
Turkey Vultures 3

Discussion: Partly sunny, calm wind, high clouds. SW's were perched in Tamarisks along Borrego Valley Rd at Ellis Farm. Evidently there was another roost site behind us, north of Henderson. Lift-off began north of the watch at 8:45A. These two Swainson's began to aerial feed. Fifteen minutes later the Ellis SW's began to aerial feed. We enjoyed an hour of feeding above us as flying ants ascended. Below are some photo's taken today of aerial feeding. The first photo shows the silhouette of a SW rearing up to pounce on ants. In the second photo the SW is reaching out for the capture. A Merlin spent some time next to the watch perched in a Tamarisk tree.

Evening Watch: It was very windy with blowing sand this evening. Fifteen Swainson's Hawks descended into the date farm along with two TV's. Additionally four TV's dropped into Ellis Farm.

Predictions: We expect some rain tonight through tomorrow. If during the day the sun comes out, the Swainson's Hawks will probably become active. Numbers beyond 15 are likely. With the shake-up in the weather, migration should pick up in the next few days. Rain and warmer weather during the week will stimulate more ant flights. Caterpillars are on the way. A few small White-lined Sphinx moths have already been observed feeding on the abundance of wildflowers in the valley.

Rearing up for an ant capture

Pouncing on the ants

March 5, 2010
Swainson's Hawks 9
Turkey Vultures 54

Discussion: Lift-off of TV's at 8:20A on a sunny, clear, calm day. Swainson's Hawks departed the valley separately including the electrifying one illustrated below. A kettle of 35 TV's came through at 10:30A. The TV's probably roosted an hour outside of the valley last night.

Evening Watch: Seven Swainson's Hawks dropped straight down into Ellis Farm on Borrego Valley Rd. Hopefully we missed others that might be there as well.

Predictions: Light winds will give way to a blustery, rainy afternoon. Look for the SW's kettling up near Henderson Rd and Borrego Valley Rd. Rain on Sunday. Monday evening might bring in more Swainson's.

High-Voltage Swainson's, March 5, 2010

March 4, 2010
Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks 144
Turkey Vultures 39

Discussion: An eventful morning that started at 6:15A. The first photo below was taken at 6:15A at first good light. Notice the streamlined swept-back posture.The SW's that had roosted near the Springs RV Park were already up and moving when I arrived.

The wind was blowing at 20-mph from the west and the SW's headed Northwest. Over 130 SW's began to stream. Within a few minutes, most turned and began to descend into a line of Tamarisks near DiGiorgio Rd. By 7:00A almost all of the hawks had settled into the trees (2nd and third photo below-only a portion of the tree line covered with hawks).

More than 40 hawks continued to move very high toward the NW. Turkey Vultures flew at tree-top level to the Northwest. At 8:45A the SW's began to kettle up and moved out of the valley. Several late comers moved through after 9A.

The alert worked as several folks came out to watch the spectacle.

Evening Watch: 18 TV's came into the valley and are roosting at an undetermined site. No Swainson's tonight.

Predictions: Light winds are predicted for tomorrow. Lift-off of the TV's will probably be around 9A. Hopefully we will have some surprise SW's as well.

Swainson's at 6:15A Thursday, March 4, 2010

SW's on near DiGiorgio Rd at 7A March 4

SW's close-up on DiGiorgio March 4

Morning Watch March 3, 2010-A mix of SW's and TV's

March 3, 2010
Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks 44
Turkey Vultures 18
Red-shouldered Hawk 1

Discussion: An interesting day as hawks and vultures came up from a few roost sites. At 8:45A, seven Swainson's Hawks kettled up from Ellis Farm and began to feed before departing the valley to the north. At 9A, several SW's began to kettle from the western end of the date farm. Turkey Vultures begin to rise at 9:20A, probably from Roadrunner Mobile Park. After 10A an additional group of TV's came up from Ellis Farm. Above is a shot of a mixed TV and SW kettle today.

Evening Watch: At 4:30P a large kettle of Swainson's Hawks was observed flying high and west. The kettle spent the next 1-1/2 hours meandering around the valley before settling into the Springs RV Park on DiGiorgio Rd. A high count of 133 is probably on the low side. Additionally 19 TV's settled into the date farm.

Predictions: If it is windy in the morning, the hawks will kettle up early (7A). If it calms down, they will leave the roost between 8A and 9A. Unfortunately, it looks like a windy forecast. Best viewing would be about 3/4 mile north of Palm Canyon Drive on DiGiorgio Rd. Don't enter the RV park. Go north of the park.

A small piece of the very high Swainson's Hawks
in the evening March 3, 2010

March 2, 2010
Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks 10
TV's 4

Discussion: The day began with a partly cloudy sky and light wind from the SW. Swainson's Hawks were visible in trees south of the watch near DiGiorgio Rd before taking off at 9A. For an hour the SW's continued to aerial feed on flying ants. Eventually they flew directly over the watch and continued to feed, as illustrated in the last photo below. Someone asked about the photographic equipment used for the photo's. I gave up all of my Nikon camera's and lenses (not digital) a few years ago. All of the photo's below were taken with a simple Panasonic Lumix 18X Digital set at 23X optical. Sorry nothing is?tack?sharp but this little camera works well for documentation. The hawk below searched and caught a flying ant (last photo). Another question asked. How big are the ants? With wings, about 12-15 mm or a little over 1/2 inch. Perhaps the hawks select copulating ants, getting 2 for the price of 1 (this is not a joke).

Evening Watch: An eventful evening with both incoming TV's and SW's. Five Swainson's Hawks came in to roost early in the evening. At 5P we spotted a large kettle of Swainson's to the west. For 45 minutes the group meandered about the valley. Some descended into the back of the date farm. Others may have touched down near DiGiorgio Rd. Totals included at least 35 Swainson's and 12 TV's.

Predictions: At least 35 Swainson's Hawks were counted this evening. Often this number is low as some birds come in very late. Tomorrow we should see a nice lift-off. If it is windy, the hawks will be up by 8A. Aerial feeding is a good possibility. If you are looking for a good photo opportunity we suggest checking in at the day watch site (2.8 miles north of Palm Canyon Drive, on DiGiorgio Rd). Big Horn and DiGiorgio Rd is usually a good place to view the hawks.

Swainson's Hawk, 2 March 2010

The Same Hawk

Pouncing, on an ant? Ants?

March 1, 2010
Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks 2
Turkey Vultures 5

Discussion: Weather continues to be mild with light wind. At 9A the TV's began to lift off followed by the SW's.

An interesting note came in from Friends of the Swainson's Hawks in the Central Valley of California. They have had very few hawks returning to nesting areas. Many of the birds that pass through Borrego Valley are on their way to Central Valley. Perhaps our birds have not arrived yet.

Evening Watch: We had a very small drop in at 5:15P of at least 6 Swainson's Hawks. They are probably roosting near DiGiorgio Rd and Big Horn. Additionally 2 other SW's were spotted. From past experience we often see more leaving the valley the following day than counted the evening before. Additionally 4 TV's were spotted coming to roost.

Predictions:
At least 7, perhaps more will show up tomorrow. Hope for more.

February 28, 2010
Migration Today:
Turkey Vultures 4
Cooper's Hawks 2

Totals for February 2010
Swainson's Hawks 46 (The average for the past 6 years in February is 201)
Turkey Vultures 341 (The average for the past 6 years in February is 331)
Red-tailed Hawks 5
Cooper's Hawks 4

Discussion:
The number of SW's for this February falls well below the average for the past 6 years. Turkey Vultures exceeded the average for February. We are looking forward to March with hopes for a good migration.

Not much action today but great weather in the mid 60's sunny and calm winds. The Vultures lifted off from the date farm at 8:55A.

Evening Watch:
Only 1 TV came in to roost at Ellis Farm.

Prediction:
We don't expect much migration tomorrow but March is here, our best month.

February 27, 2010
Migration Today:
Turkey Vultures 12
Swainson's Hawks 2

Discussion: A rainy/sunny day but with a little migration. In the past this kind of weather often brings in some hawks. Tomorrow will be interesting. A summary of the month will be out tomorrow. Unless we have a productive day tomorrow, the number of Swainson's Hawks will be the second lowest in 7 years.

Evening Watch: With wind and some drizzle a group of unknown raptors was observed over the date farm. Perhaps we'll get a surprise tomorrow.

Predictions: The rain and wind should die down tonight. We hope for a migration tomorrow.

February 26, 2010
Migration Today:
Turkey Vultures 11
Unidentified Raptors 4

Discussion:
Lots of nice high clouds today with temps in the upper 50's. Winds were light. The TV's roosted in the Date Farm. Four unidentified raptors were far off to the west.

I have received a few questions concerning photo's and the term "streaming". Below are two photographs of streaming birds, one of Swaison's Hawks and one of Turkey Vultures. It is easy to track down the kettles as they form and drive below them for photography.

Kettle of Streaming Swainson's from perhaps a mile away

Streaming Turkey Vultures

Streaming refers to all the birds in a group spreading out and moving in the same direction. Counting hawks is not difficult when they begin to stream.

Evening Watch: Two TV's and one SW flew into the date farm.

Predictions: Rain is expected tomorrow with winds approaching 40-mph. Often this kind of weather brings in Swainson's and TV's in the evening.

Swainson's Hawks beginning to feed on ants

February 25, 2010
Migration Today:
Swainson's Hawks 24
TV's 15
Cooper's Hawks 2

Discussion: A beautiful day in the valley. No wind, 70 degrees and some migration. Sorry to hear about all the weather in the midwest and east. Yesterday evening we did have 4 SW's come in to roost. Today 8 SW's were located on DiGiorgio Rd near Big Horn. By 9A several SW's began to thermal up near Pecoff Farm. As some of these hawks started aerial feeding on flying ants, several other SW's joined them. A total of 19 SW's were counted feeding together.

Evening Watch: 9 TV's dropped into the date farm at 5:15P.

Predictions: No SW's were observed coming into the valley this evening. Hopefully we will be surprised with late comers.

Feeding behavior of Swainson's Hawks

Turkey Vultures in a tree
Roadrunner Mobile Home Park, Feb. 20
Hal Cohen photo

February 24, 2010

Migration Today:
10 TV's (Turkey Vultures)
3 Red-tailed Hawks

Discussion:
The migration of Swainson's has not picked up yet. The first wave may occur within the next few days. We have had some Turkey Vulture movement, with several roosting in the valley over the weekend.

Totals for the season thus far are:
Swainson's Hawks-20
Turkey Vultures-299
Red-tailed Hawks-5

You can access our daily counts at Hawkcount.org. This site provides information concerning most hawkwatching sites in North America. Scroll to Borrego Valley to see our totals from 2003-2010.

Evening Watch:
This evening 12 TV's came in around 5:15P and probably settled into the back of the date farm.

Predictions:
A blustery weather pattern is shaping up for the weekend. Windy rainy weather usually brings in some migrants. Hopefully the wave of Swainson's will greet us sometime in the next few days.

75+ Turkey Vultures in a tree
Roadrunner Mobile Home Park, Feb. 20
Len Carpenter photo

February 19, 2010

Migration Today: No migration today

Discussion: This morning the wind drove the leaders off the newly groomed hill. No migrants were counted.

Evening Watch: Reports are coming in of up to 79 Turkey Vultures roosting at the Roadrunner Mobile Park.

Predictions: Rain is predicted for tomorrow morning. This will slow down any migration out of the valley. Often some Swainson's Hawks are in the valley when we see large numbers of TV's. It is possible that our first wave of Swainson's will show up in a few days. This weather pattern usually brings in the SW's.

February 17 — No birds were observed migrating February 15 and 16, the first two days of the hawkcount. However today, February 17, 23 Turkey Vultures (TV's) and one Swainson's Hawk (SW) migrated.

Discussion:
The adult SW below (all 3 photo's of the same hawk) was perched next to DiGiorgio Rd today. We had hoped this hawk would be joined by additional SW's. Twenty-three TV's migrated past the watch at 9:45A. The vultures came out of the date farm on Borrego Valley Rd. where they apparently roosted. Yesterday evening the TV's touched down in the Roadrunner Mobile Park. They may have moved just after dark or early AM today.

Evening Watch:
No raptors were observed coming in to roost this evening.

Predictions:
We do not expect much of a migration tomorrow. The warm weather will continue to dominate the valley. The temperature is approaching 80 with calm to light wind and no clouds. Most migration waves usually follow a shake up in the weather such as rain or wind. It is still very early in the season, but the first wave of Swainson's occurs a few days before and after February 25. Long range forecasts predict a front next Monday February 22nd.

Dark Morph Adult Swainson's Hawk in Tamarisk Tree on DiGiorgio Rd.

Keep Those ...

Eyes to the Sky!

Migrating Turkey Vultures

Hello Hawkwatchers:

Above is the first photo of the year of migrating Turkey Vultures taken at 8A today (3 February 2010). Over 30 TV's dropped into Eucalyptus trees at the Roadrunner Mobile Park yesterday evening. I checked for Swainson's Hawks in the area without success. The SW's are due soon as well.

While the hawkwatch officially starts February 15, the hawks don't watch the calendar.

During the past year several folks have shown interest in volunteering to help count the hawks. Now is the time to set up a day or days of the week to join the watch.

You do not have to be an experienced hawkwatcher to help (we need eyes). As a volunteer, you would get on the job training with the daily leader. So please let me know of your interest in helping – Raptorhal@cableusa.com.

We have leaders present at the watch 7 days a week 8A-11A. We also monitor incoming hawks every evening beginning one hour before sunset.

Of course, you do not have to volunteer to watch the migration. Join us anytime of the season, February 15-April 15. The peak migration occurs during the last 2 weeks of March.

The day site is located 2.8 miles north of Palm Canyon Drive on DiGiorgio Rd. The evening site is located 1.5 miles north of Palm Canyon Drive on Borrego Valley Rd.

Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association
P O BOX 310 ( 652 Palm Canyon Drive) Borrego Springs, CA 92004-0310
Office 760-767-3052 | Desert Store & Nature Center 760-767-3098 | FAX 760-767-3099