Both the Cape Henlopen Hawk watch and the Ashland Hawk Watch begin the 2011 hawk watch season September 1, and all birders are invited to visit and volunteer to help spot the raptors as they migrate southward. Cyrus Moqtaderi will be returning to Ashland for his third season, and we welcome a new counter at Cape Henlopen, Seth Cutright.   Both the Ashland Nature Center Hawk Watch and the Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch are open to the public, seven days a week, typically operating from 9 a.m. through 3 p.m., depending on weather conditions. The season will continue until November 30, with a variety of raptors expected as the days get shorter and cooler.  Photo shows the Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch; observers (left to right) are Martin, Melony, Seth, Sue, Sally, and Lynn.

 

The Delmarva Ornithologist oversees and administers both hawk watches, in partnership with the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife, Delaware Nature Society, and the Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation.   The funding for the hawk watches is provided through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's State Wildlife Grant Program, and the funding comes through the efforts of Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife.

 

Volunteer counters are a vital part of each hawk watch sight, necessary for both spotting and counting assistance.  In addition, volunteer hours are a match for the funding we are receiving, so birders willing to be trained and somewhat regular in their observations are very helpful.

For more information about the hawk watch program, please contact Anthony Gonzon at 302-735-8673. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Joe Sebastiani, Ashland Hawk Watch, at 302-239-2334, ext. 115, or Sue Gruver, Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch, at 302-645-6390.

 

Delaware is fortunate to have the two hawk watches in very different geographic locations, the coast and Piedmont, and the raptors you find may be very different at each on a daily basis.   We look forward to seeing you at one or both of the hawk watches this season.  

 

Sally O'Byrne

DOS Hawk Watch Oversight Committee