Swainson's Hawks

[b1schmor]

Hello birders,

I was birding Matsqui Trail Park today and saw, what I believe were, three Swainson's Hawks. The birds flew over the park and then began to follow the river east. The birds were a long way away when I saw them, but with my recent visits up to find the Ferruginous Hawk, I have had a little practice with Swainson's Hawks. Maybe they were heading to Island 22 since all the action seems to be there.

Matsqui Trail was very quiet, except for hundreds of Vaux's Swifts and Barn Swallows.

Cheers,
Brent Schmor
Abbotsford

[Gord]

Nice find, Brent! They do migrate in flocks, the time of year is perfect and the weather is also good for hawk migration, so makes perfect sense!

Your find prompted a little research which Ill share for interest's sake. I did a little reading on them and their migrating habits, and they are one of the most migratory of the hawks in North America. They migrate to Argentina in South America where they winter before coming back up in the spring to breed. Pretty neat to think about when you see a Swainson's hawk. This bird flew over the Amazon River probably several times if an adult!!

As I mentioned about the weather for migrating hawks, they seem to like to move right before the passage of a low-pressure system, such as happened last night. The winds/air currents that accompany this type of weather is favourable for flying south with the least amount of effort and expelled energy.

Information about weather for migrants can be read at the link below. Although it focuses on weather patterns in the East, it gives an idea.

www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/birds/migratio/weather.htm

[b1schmor]

Gord, thanks for the info. The hawk migration seems to be in full swing. On my run today I saw three Red-tailed Hawks at the top of trees in the urban areas of Abbotsford. Each day this week while driving to Mission I have seen a Merlin. I hope Thor can send down the Golden Eagle he saw today.

Cheers,
Brent Schmor
Abbotsford