by Dan Casey, JBHW Coordinator

The 2022 migration season at the Jewel Basin Hawk Watch has been characterized by sunny skies, consistent coverage, and above average numbers across almost all species. As of October 18th, we had conducted 47 surveys averaging 6.6 hours each, and had tallied 2,776 raptors of 17 species. Along the way we recorded our 26,000th Accipiter, our 18,000th Sharp-shinned Hawk, our 4,000th Buteo and our 1,000th American Kestrel over the history of our count. We are now just 39 birds shy of 40,000 raptors counted since 2007. Our season totals have exceeded our 14-yr mean counts for 15 species, with only Northern Goshawks and Peregrine Falcons recorded in below average numbers. Our totals through October 18th, as the season may be nearing its end, were as follows; thank you to our stalwart technician, Josh Covill, and to all the volunteers who have made this season a success.

  • Turkey Vulture – 5
  • Osprey – 8
  • Bald Eagle – 65
  • Northern Harrier – 47
  • Sharp-shinned Hawk – 1,303
  • Cooper’s Hawk – 392
  • Northern Goshawk – 22
  • Unidentified Accipiter – 62
  • Broad-winged Hawk – 47
  • Swainson’s Hawk – 4
  • Red-tailed Hawk – 230
  • Ferruginous Hawk – 2
  • Rough-legged Hawk – 22
  • Unidentified Buteo – 13
  • Golden Eagle – 416
  • American Kestrel – 78
  • Merlin – 25
  • Peregrine Falcon – 10
  • Prairie Falcon – 12
  • Unidentified Eagle – 3
  • Unidentified Raptor – 10

TOTAL – 2,776