[Tweeters] Hawk watching in Port Townsend -- Swainson's, Broad-winged, others

[Steve Hampton via Tweeters]

The hill at Fort Warden State Park can be an excellent hawk watching venue
in mid-May, especially (probably only) on a sunny, calm, and warm day. In
the past couple years, I've encountered Swainson's Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk,
and Golden Eagle -- either there or making their way there via other hills
in town, such as Morgan Hill. They are usually kettling with Turkey
Vultures.

Today was no exception. We hosted a Big Sit Hangout thru Admiralty Audubon
(soon to be something Bird Alliance) and tallied 54 species (plus a
Bullock's Oriole near the lighthouse just before the Big Sit and a
Broad-winged Hawk just as we were leaving.) The highlight during the
hangout were two different Swainson's Hawks. Turkey Vultures were present
throughout, as were good numbers of Red-tailed and Sharp-shinned Hawks.
Both of the Swainson's and nearly all of the Redtails were immatures. I
once heard Redtails won't cross water, but we watched some follow the TUVUs
across Admiralty Inlet three miles to Whidbey Island. Presumably the SWHA
and BTHA did the same.

Pics here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S173730794
And the Broad-winged Hawk here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S173741637

good birding!

-- 
Steve Hampton
Port Townsend, WA  (qatáy)
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