Hawk Mountain reports seeing more than 25,000 raptors.
By Christian Berg Of The Morning Call

Hawk Mountain biologist Laurie Goodrich has watched thousands of red-
tailed hawks soar past the sanctuary's North Lookout, but the one she
spotted at 11:45 a.m. last Wednesday was special.

That hawk was the 25,000th raptor recorded in this year's Autumn
Hawkwatch. Officials from the Kempton-area conservation group say
it's the first time in 20 years — and just the sixth time in the
count's 70-year history — that threshold has been reached.

In addition to spotting large numbers of raptors this year, Hawk
Mountain has set records for a number of unusual species, including
203 merlins and a record-tying 62 peregrine falcons.

Keith Bildstein, the sanctuary's director of conservation science,
said the increase in raptor biodiversity is something to celebrate.

''We counted only 50 bald eagles in 1986, but 198 this year; 43
golden eagles in 1986 but 150 this year; 25 peregrine falcons in 1986
but 62 this year; only 77 merlins in 1986 but 203 this year,''
Bildstein said. ''All I can say is wow!

''That uncommon species are appearing in increased numbers in recent
years is good news. Higher biodiversity signals a healthier
environment, and healthy environments are good for people, too.''

According to Hawk Mountain officials, one reason for this year's
large flight may be optimal weather conditions, including a series of
unseasonably cold mornings, the likes of which have not been seen
since 1978. For example, following a series of chilly mornings, the
migration season received a jumpstart Sept. 12, when 7,508 broad-
winged hawks passed the North Lookout, marking the fourth-highest one-
day count in Hawk Mountain history.

This year's species totals, as of Dec. 5, included 11,801 broad-
winged hawks, 5,480 sharp-shinned hawks, 3,844 red-tailed hawks, 929
Cooper's hawks, 675 ospreys, 198 bald eagles, 150 golden eagles and
271 northern harriers.

Totals for late-season migrants, such as bald and golden eagles, red-
tailed hawks, northern goshawks and rough-legged hawks are expected
to continue climbing through Friday (December 15th), when this year's
Hawkwatch concludes.

The all-time record for migrants at Hawk Mountain occurred in 1978, a
season known to veteran hawkwatchers as ''The Miracle Year.'' That
year, counters tallied an astonishing 40,698 raptors from Aug. 15
through Dec. 15, including an astounding 29,519 broad-winged hawks on
Sept. 14 alone.

Hawk Mountain's Autumn Hawkwatch is the world's longest running
annual count of migrating raptors. Results allow biologists to track
the status of raptor species, many of which are highly secretive at
other times of year.

Scientists say raptor watches, which are conducted by trained
observers who record every bird spotted, are the most cost-effective
way to estimate populations of hawks, eagles and falcons. Results
also help identify conservation needs and direct efforts where most
needed.

Daily and season totals from the Autumn Hawkwatch, along with
searchable archives dating back to 1998, are available on the Hawk
Mountain Web site at http://www.hawkmountain.org . Information also
is updated after 6 p.m. daily on the sanctuary's information line at
610-756-6000, ext. 7.

christian.berg@...

610-778-2252