Broadwing hawks pass through area during migration

Every September a great river of life soars overhead, as thousands of hawks move past us on their way to the south. Some of the species, such as the northern harrier and sharp-shinned hawk, will settle down to spend the winter with us here in Central Virginia. However, the real stars of this autumn spectacle of flight are the broadwings and they will fly on to Central or South America to keep their appointment with an endless summer.

It is the broadwings that congregate in spectacular numbers, sometimes filling the sky and streaming overhead by the hundreds. Traditionally, the broadwing migration is centered over the mountains of the state. Listed below are the three major hawk-watching sites along the ridges in Virginia and the total number of broadwing hawks observed for the 2010 season.

»Snickers Gap, Va. 7 at the Loudon-Clark County line, 11,870

»Rockfish Gap, Va. 250 — Afton Mountain, 32,490

»Harvey’s Knob, Mile post 95 — Blue Ridge Parkway, 13,806

Last year, Rockfish Gap set a new all-time high record. The broadwings are already moving over the ridges now and the bulk of the migration will take place within the next week. On Sept. 16, the day after the recent cold front moved through, about 1,000 hawks crossed over both Harvey’s Knob and Rockfish Gap. Of course, it is always difficult to predict exactly what day the hawks will be moving, but the broadwings generally go through here right around now.

I have spent all afternoon watching the sky in the prime season for migration and seen fewer than a dozen birds. I have also observed hundreds of hawks spiraling upward at one time, simply covering a whole section of the sky as they swirl within a thermal. Last year the single-day high counts were:

»Snickers Gap, Sept. 22, 2,010

»Rockfish Gap, Sept. 22, 7,015

»Harvey’s Knob, Sept. 19, 7,313

The best conditions for hawk movement include a day with winds out of the north or northeast. The sky should be partly clear with big cumulus clouds. These clouds produce the warm updrafts of air sought by the birds to assist in their long-distance flight. It is more difficult to spot the hawks if they are moving across a clear sky. Often broadwings fly at high altitudes and can only be seen when they pause to "kettle up" within a thermal.

Visitors are welcome at all of the hawk-watching sites. If this is a new activity for you, simply mention to one of the hawk-watching crew that you are interested in learning more. One of the volunteers will be happy to help you improve your skills as you scan the sky. You will need to bring your binoculars, a chair and sunscreen.

News and notes

For those of you who would like to see broadwing hawks closer to home, the Lynchburg Bird Club will sponsor a hawk watch on Saturday from Candlers Mountain. The count will take place on the backside of Liberty University’s Snowflex ski slope. You will need to bring your binoculars, a folding chair and some sunscreen. For specific directions and parking information, contact Gene Sattler, who will be conducting the count, at 237-1832.

Dalmas, a naturalist, writes a weekly column for The News & Advance. Readers may email her at jtdalmas@juno.com.