Hawk Watch

On Sunday, October 18th, we made the pilgrimage to the lake bluff at Concordia University in Mequon, Wisconsin, for the fall hawk watch. It was a clear, warm day. Temperatures were in the low 60s. Winds were gentle to brisk, and blew from the west over Lake Michigan.

We brought our yard chairs, a leftover scone from the day before, and warm water. We settled in.

As soon as we sat down, a lone Sharp-shinned Hawk glided past us over the lake. Smaller than its nearly identical cousin, the Cooper’s Hawk, the “Sharpie” will beat its wings quickly then sail. Flap-flap-glide. Flap-flap-glide.

The non-raptor highlight was an unexpected Bonaparte’s Gull in non-breeding plumage.

Two Merlins zoomed past us overhead.

We stayed there for two hours.

We had expected there to be more action from other raptors. They were waiting for more favorable winds.

I will keep watching the forecast.