Borrego Valley Hawkwatch 2013

Kettle of Swainson's Hawks

Here we are at the Hawkwatch again this spring, although with temperatures in the high 90's it seems more like summer! We've been here for about a week and are having a good time in spite of the hot weather.

This year I am participating in the Hawkwatch as a volunteer leader on occasion and as an assistant on most days, morning and evening. Our biggest day since we've been here was yesterday, when over 500 Swainson's seemingly appeared magically above the evening site. They soared on the thermals for about an hour, before settling and resettling a few times into a group of Eucalyptus trees. This morning, due to windy conditions they lifted off very early at 6:35. Luckily I arrived in time to be treated to an amazing view of over 700 hawks migrating out through Coyote Canyon! Even on days when the numbers are low, it is exciting to watch the hawks and learn what I can from their behavior. And of course the desert setting is beautiful and relaxing.

We've had some pretty extreme weather in the last week, ranging from snow at Culp Valley to 50mph wind gusts, and 97 degree afternoons in the valley.

My bird list is as follows, with new birds for the year in bold type. Verdin, Roadrunner, Violet-green Swallow, Swainson's Hawk, Raven, Turkey Vulture, Red-tail Hawk, Osprey, Cooper's Hawk, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Lesser Goldfinch, White-winged Dove, House Finch, Shrike, Crow, Anna's Hummingbird, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Costa's Hummingbird, Mockingbird, Red-winged Blackbird, White-crowned Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Phainopepla, Wrentit, and Western Kingbird.

This weekend Borrego Springs hosts the Circle of Art, which is always fun. Art, music and food. Who could ask for more?

Pretty sky at Morning Site

Sand Verbena

Closer view of Swainson's Hawks



Sunrise over Font's Point