A Disappointing Fall Raptor Migration Season at Mount Watatic

The 2019 Fall raptor migration at Mount Watatic was highly disappointing compared to the last several years. Despite the best efforts of watchers on the mountain, the Broad-winged Hawks that make up the lion’s share of our count were simply not seen.  

Hawk watchers logged 94.75 hours over 13 days of coverage at Watatic, which is an increase of about 10 hours over last year’s numbers. The season total of 2,486 migrating raptors was nearly 2,000 birds lower than the 2018 standard.  Our neighbors to the south at Mount Wachusett saw a second consecutive down season, bottoming out below 5,000 birds for the first time since a down coverage year in 2011. Not all hope was lost regionally however, as Pack Monadnock bounced back from their subpar 2018 with another 10,000+ bird season.  

New All-time High for Bald Eagles at Mount Watatic

This year’s 64 Bald Eagles in September represents a new all-time high in the Mount Watatic record books. Despite the overall down year, numbers were consistent to last year for accipiters (201 Sharp-shinned Hawks, 23 Cooper’s Hawks) and the small falcons (46 American Kestrels, 13 Merlin).  A migrating adult Northern Goshawk was the site’s first in the last 9 years!

Our high day of the season was September 17th, our only 4-digit day of the Fall (1,068 Total.)  We had a decent push before and after that day, but did not see a triple digit flight after the 18th.  

Hawkwatching Hopes Target on September 2020

We hope 2020’s Fall migration season will satisfy our longing for big flights and big numbers.  Please reach out if you are interested in experiencing some of the Watatic magic yourself this coming September!  

Full Season Details at Hawkcount.org: https://hawkcount.org/month_summary.php?rsite=229&ryear=2019&rmonth=09