2023 Raptor Migration / Hawk Watch in S.C.

Published in the November Issue of Trilogy Outdoors

Typically the months of September, October and November are associated with songbirds moving from North to South ahead of Winter. The same formula is at work for raptors and vultures too, and South Carolina has two stations along the coast to monitor them. The Center for Birds of Prey in Awendaw and the Botany Bay WMA on Edisto utilize volunteers to sit, observe and count these birds as they pass by during these three months. Bald eagles are frequently seen during these counts, with many of these being mated pairs returning to South Carolina to use previously established nesting sites. 

In fact, the number of Bald eagles nesting in S.C. is at unprecedented levels as conservation efforts the past two decades have helped preserve prime coastal habitat. Bald eagles are the earliest birds to nest each year, getting a jump start on all others, with some bald eagles laying eggs in December and January. So if you observe bald eagles on a nest in November, they likely are shoring up its structure with fresh sticks or moss, and this behavior also serves as a prelude to mating. Bald eagle clutch sizes range from one to three eggs, with incubation taking five weeks, and young ones can remain in the nest for twelve weeks after hatching. Great-horned owls are also early nesters, usually laying eggs in February.

Bald eagles are no longer listed as an Endangered Species, as their recovery continues to soar. The S.C. bald eagle nest survey in 2009 recorded 253 eagle nests, and their population growth was estimated at 10% per year. Bald eagles eat roadside carrion, can catch fish with ease, and they feast on waterfowl that overwinter on coastal areas. An interesting fact is that Bald eagles do not have all-white heads and tailfeathers until they reach maturity at five years old. The immature eagles appear all brown, but at years three and four they can have a mottled appearance as white feathers begin to appear, giving advanced birders unique traits to look for.

            

As a volunteer for the Hawk Migration Association of North America (HMANA) I attended a training class ahead of the 2023 Fall migration. One thing I learned during training was that Turkey Vultures are migratory, and then during my days in the field I learned that they migrate A LOT! As of press time for The November issue of Trilogy Outdoors, the Edisto site has recorded 18,146 Turkey Vultures that flew right overhead, going down the coast. Other notable migration totals from Edisto are Osprey at 329, Bald Eagle at 241, Northern Harrier at 177, Sharp-shinned hawk at 128, Cooper’s Hawk at 155, Red-tailed Hawk at 82 and American kestrel at 358. To view data from any counting site in the HMANA database visit www.HawkCount.org on the Internet.

To view past blog entries from Trilogy Outdoors click on Kiawah Bird Banding -  2023 Crappie Camp -  Early Birds of September -  SCDNR Salt Fishing Clinics -  Silver King Makes Big Splash - S.C. Mahi Series - 2023 Yawkey Wildlife Center - 2023 Hammock Coast Birding Festival - 2023 Lowcountry Oyster Festival - 2022 Sea Turtle Season - Navigating an S.C. Public Draw Deer Hunt - Crappie Camp - Blessings of a Sporting Father