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September was an exceptional month back at the raptor blind. Our September totals were higher than the season total last year!We trapped a total of 8 broad-winged hawks in September - up from last year’s 2. With the season average in recent years hovering around 7 Broad-winged Hawks, seeing 8 in September alone is quite exciting. Our Sharp-shinned Hawk capture numbers have already eclipsed the total number for 2025.Additionally, we have banded more American Kestrel total at our main station from last season. Other special highlights include a Bald Eagle, 28 Merlins, and 14 Red-tailed Hawks from the main station! With plenty of time left in the trapping season, we are excited to see what the rest of October will bring!📸SY F Cooper’s hawk*All birds handled with appropriate state and federal permits for research purposes*
1, 100, 1,000 owls!Last night, the owl banders caught the 1,000th new Northern Saw-whet Owl of the season at Hawk Ridge. The 1st owl was caught on opening night, the 100th owl five nights into the season, and now the 1,000th 10 nights ahead of last year! In addition to this exciting benchmark of the season, we also doubled our Long-eared Owl total last night, going from 4 to 8. We cannot wait to see what the rest of October brings to the Hawk Ridge owl banding station.
While Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory is known for its excellent fall migration of raptors, it hosts a diversity of life outside of birds. Meet some of the other animals that call Hawk Ridge home.Red-bellied Snake - Growing up to 16 inches in length, the red-bellied snake is perfectly at home under a rock or log. If you are lucky, you might also see this snake in your backyard where it feeds on pesky slugs. Did you know instead of laying eggs this snake gives birth to live young?Franklin’s Ground Squirrel - This plucky little rodent is a regular guest of Hawk Ridge’s bird feeders. Instead of climbing trees, this squirrel prefers to live in underground burrows. Fairly soon they will be nestled up for winter hibernation. We have seen them as late as November at Hawk Ridge.Spring Peeper - Have you ever heard a bird that Merlin couldn’t identify? It might be because it’s not a bird - it’s a frog! These fingernail sized frogs are named for their surprisingly loud chirping call. Though peepers breed in the spring, they can be heard calling well into the fall. Photo credit: Jedda
See the number, speed, direction, and altitude of the birds cruising through the darkness on spring and fall nights by visiting BirdCast.
