Bird migration is one of nature's great marvels. Millions of shorebirds, songbirds, waterfowl and birds of prey engage in this twice-annual ritual. In spring, birds migrate from their wintering grounds north to their breeding grounds and vice versa in the fall. Although not all birds migrate and some migrate in an east-west pattern, the movement of birds in the fall, especially birds of prey, attracts numerous bird watchers and nature enthusiasts to observation areas. Here are four great spots in the west for viewing fall hawk migration.
Chelan Ridge, Washington
Located near Lake Chelan in north-central Washington, this site is above the Mitchell Creek Basin at around 6,350 feet in elevation. With spectacular views in all directions, this site offers clear viewing as hawks and eagles pass by the observation location. Fall counts generally record between 2,000 and 3,000 birds, represented by 17 species. Commonly observed species include: sharp-shinned hawks, Cooper's hawks, red-tailed hawks, golden eagles and American kestrels.
Bonney Butte, Oregon
This observation location sits at the southern end of Surveyor's Ridge in northern Oregon. Located about 6 miles from Government Camp, this spectacular site offers great views in all directions, especially to the west towards the White River drainage and Mt. Hood. Average fall counts record between 2,500 and 4,500 birds of prey consisting of 18 species. Similar to Chelan Ridge, the dominant species are sharp-shinned hawks, Cooper's hawks, red-tailed hawks and golden eagles. The site is also good for merlins, a small falcon that has been observed snatching dragonflies out of the air during migration.
Goshute Mountains, Nevada
The Goshutes are a long north-south trending ridge located near the Utah-Nevada border. One of the first ridges that raptors encounter to the west of the Great Salt Lake, this site averages between 10,000 and 25,000 birds of prey during the fall making it one of the largest raptor migration concentrations in the Intermountain West. Although the two-mile trail to the observation location follows a steep and winding trail, the views from the ridge summit are spectacular. Sharp-shinned, Cooper's and red-tailed hawks are the three most commonly observed species at this location; however, opportunities to view peregrine falcons, Swainson's hawks or golden eagles are possible.
Corpus Christi, Texas
This count is conducted at the Hazel Bazemore County Park along the bank of the Nueces River near the town of Calallen, Texas. The wooden observation deck located near sea level offers a 180 degree view to watch migrating raptors. Annual counts here range from over 350,000 to one million birds and represents a birding hot spot that attracts many fall hawk migration watchers. Shear numbers of birds are impressive, but this area also offers opportunities to view broad-winged hawks and both Mississippi and swallow-tailed kites. The 2009 fall count was over 457,000 birds.
Viewing Opportunities
Hawkwatch International, located in Salt Lake City, conducts the counts at these research sites and other raptor migration areas in the west. Biologists conduct counts during the fall and use the data to determine long-term trends of raptor populations, as well as to learn more about the life histories and conservation needs of these birds. All of their sites are open to the public and many have trapping stations, as well. Experienced hawk trappers lure birds into their stations and catch them in mist, bow or dho-gaza nets. After recording body measurements and general health, the birds are outfitted with a US Fish and Wildlife Service leg band with a specific identification number, then released to continue on their winged migration.
Damian Fagan - I am a freelance writer and photographer living in the Pacific Northwest, although I lived in Utah for over 20 years. I've written ...
Join the Conversation