Broad-winged Hawks are migrating
Broad-winged Hawk Migration
The Broad-winged hawk (Buteo platypterus) is a small, compact summer resident of the forest in Dutchess County. It’s call is a piercing two-part whistle. These hawks begin to migrate en masse in September to their wintering grounds in Central and South America. They form large, sometimes spectacular, flocks (called “kettles”) and can be seen soaring upwards on thermals following the leading lines of mountain ridges. Since Dutchess County does not have long ridges like the Shawangunks, large kettles are generally not seen, but small groups or solitary birds can often be seen. Nearby Hawk Watches include: Chestnut Ridge (Westchester), Quaker Ridge (Westchester), Mohonk Preserve (Ulster), Hook Mountain (Rockland), Mt Peter (Orange) and State Line Overlook (NJ Palisades Parkway). Visitors are welcome!
To find a Hawk Watch where Broad-winged hawks and other migrating raptors are counted by observers, go to:
Sources: THE BIRDS OF DUTCHESS COUNTY (DeOrsey and Butler)
All About Birds, Cornell Lab : http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Broad-winged_Hawk/id
Broad-winged Hawk
Juvenile Broad-winged Hawk seen near Tymor Park
Broad-winged Hawk
A section of a kettle of Broad-winged Hawks
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