Monday, October 17, 2005
It is nice to see that Pronatura Veracruz has begun to make posts on Hawkcount of their migration totals. Although I have had some good days this year in raptor observation here in the tropical wet/lowlands, nothing compares with the visuals of of Cardel, Chichicaxtle and the higher ridges of Paso de Ovejas.
Sunday, October 16, 2005
After more rain in the morning the sun finally came out and I headed to San José Papaloapan to observe.
I was able to observe for 0ne hour (13:00-14:00) When I arrived I saw Swainson´s hawks and Turkey vultures just beginning to come up and form "kettles" All movements were slow
Here´s my count for the hour:
Swainson´s hawk...................467
Turkey Vulture......................233
Broad-winged hawk.................56
Sharp-shinned hawk..................3
Osprey..........................................1
American Kestrel........................1
Total............................................761
**Note that after one hour of observation the rain started in again. I stayed around for another hour looking for a break and then headed back to Tlacotalpan.
I was able to observe for 0ne hour (13:00-14:00) When I arrived I saw Swainson´s hawks and Turkey vultures just beginning to come up and form "kettles" All movements were slow
Here´s my count for the hour:
Swainson´s hawk...................467
Turkey Vulture......................233
Broad-winged hawk.................56
Sharp-shinned hawk..................3
Osprey..........................................1
American Kestrel........................1
Total............................................761
**Note that after one hour of observation the rain started in again. I stayed around for another hour looking for a break and then headed back to Tlacotalpan.
Saturday, October 15, 2005
Now for today´s weather.....I woke up to a downpour, took advantage of a letup of the rain and ventured out to take a few pictures.
If this moisture in the Gulf of Mexico gets to us I would not be surprised to see a bit of flooding here in the next 24 to 36 hours. As I write this the sun is shining, so who knows?
This has been one crazy year weather wise.
It will be nice to see some raptors.....I promise, there are still some out there!
Areas that I would normally bird this time of year (in hiking boots) are presently only accesible with a good horse...or canoe.
Good birding,
David
If this moisture in the Gulf of Mexico gets to us I would not be surprised to see a bit of flooding here in the next 24 to 36 hours. As I write this the sun is shining, so who knows?
This has been one crazy year weather wise.
It will be nice to see some raptors.....I promise, there are still some out there!
Areas that I would normally bird this time of year (in hiking boots) are presently only accesible with a good horse...or canoe.
Good birding,
David
Friday, October 14, 2005
Forty days and forty nights..........looking for wood to build the ark.....how many cubits?
Believe it or not....more rain...steady all day....... much more of this and I am changing the name of the blog from Veracruz Hawk Watch to Veracruz Weather Report......(laughs)
I did catch a glimpse of a Peregrine falcon on the telecommunications tower here in Tlacotalpan....that will have to do for the moment.
David
Believe it or not....more rain...steady all day....... much more of this and I am changing the name of the blog from Veracruz Hawk Watch to Veracruz Weather Report......(laughs)
I did catch a glimpse of a Peregrine falcon on the telecommunications tower here in Tlacotalpan....that will have to do for the moment.
David
Thursday, October 13, 2005
I am taking a "break" today...the combination of heat, humidity and sun communicated to my body that I needed to sit this one out. Below is a photo that I took yesterday at San José Papaloapan Veracruz. (CLICK for a larger view)
The fall migration is incredible. Yesterday as I was watching for migrating raptors here in Veracruz, I was able to note the energy of the southward flow of the non- raptors.
There was not a single moment that there was not some type of migratory movement.
V´s of white and white faced ibis flying low over the fields of sugar cane with a backdrop of crystal blue skies and a dollop here and there of white puffy clouds.
As the breeze comes in gently from the NNE it offers a little relief fron the heat and humidity of the tropics.
Waves of swallows pass............ Barn, Cliff, Northern rough-winged and Tree swallows, at times I witness countless thousands pass by in a single day.
I love to watch the groups of white collared swifts, on the far horizon, when they gather in a thermal they can be sometimes mistaken for raptors.
Wood storks a treat........their grace in flight, the striking contrast of white, black and the dazzling blue background of the sky.....as they enter a thermal they all circle in unison, at times the group seems to dissapear as they slowly turn, then as if by magic they reappear in bright white flashes of reflected sunlight off their wings.
The Wood storks and American white pelicans move slowly and relaxed, they easily zigzag off of the north to south line of the compass.
The distinctive shape of the Anhinga and it´s movement in unison as they enter thermal is another visual pleasure.
The flapping wings and flashing of pink of the Scissor-tailed flycatcher as the move south in search of an abundant food source. (I have seen hundreds in a single day)
I consider myself most fortunate.......I only counted 17 birds of prey yesterday but it was offset by the scenic beauty and movement in the sky of birds on the move....... southward.
Good birding All,
David
The fall migration is incredible. Yesterday as I was watching for migrating raptors here in Veracruz, I was able to note the energy of the southward flow of the non- raptors.
There was not a single moment that there was not some type of migratory movement.
V´s of white and white faced ibis flying low over the fields of sugar cane with a backdrop of crystal blue skies and a dollop here and there of white puffy clouds.
As the breeze comes in gently from the NNE it offers a little relief fron the heat and humidity of the tropics.
Waves of swallows pass............ Barn, Cliff, Northern rough-winged and Tree swallows, at times I witness countless thousands pass by in a single day.
I love to watch the groups of white collared swifts, on the far horizon, when they gather in a thermal they can be sometimes mistaken for raptors.
Wood storks a treat........their grace in flight, the striking contrast of white, black and the dazzling blue background of the sky.....as they enter a thermal they all circle in unison, at times the group seems to dissapear as they slowly turn, then as if by magic they reappear in bright white flashes of reflected sunlight off their wings.
The Wood storks and American white pelicans move slowly and relaxed, they easily zigzag off of the north to south line of the compass.
The distinctive shape of the Anhinga and it´s movement in unison as they enter thermal is another visual pleasure.
The flapping wings and flashing of pink of the Scissor-tailed flycatcher as the move south in search of an abundant food source. (I have seen hundreds in a single day)
I consider myself most fortunate.......I only counted 17 birds of prey yesterday but it was offset by the scenic beauty and movement in the sky of birds on the move....... southward.
Good birding All,
David
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Excellent day! 14 kilometers to the southwest of Tlacotalpan........San José Papaloapan
10,327 raptors counted.
Yesterdays count here in Tlacotalpan........47 raptors. Today I rode the bus to San José Papaloapan (14 kilometers to the southwest) and was able to observe 10,327 raptors (12 species)........in hawkwatch terms...it was a good solid day.
Eight days ago here in Tlacotalpan we were looking into the barrel of tropical storm/hurricane "Stan"........we lucked out, as the storm touched land to the south between Roca Partida and Montepio.
I have been on the hawkwacth nearly every day, yesterday with clear skies I only observed 47 raptors here in Tlacotalpan, Veracruz, so today I headed to San José Papaloapan , 14 km to the SW of Tlacotalpan. I have been there before and made some observations. As I got off the bus and began to walk to the observation location, people came out of their houses to say "David, yesterday many thousands of hawks passed by!" It was a good feeling, to know that in some small way my presence there had awakened an interest in looking to the skies for raptors.
Please click on the photos to see larger image.
The spot that I chose to observe is a little bird watchers paradise. In the surrounding trees and water there are easily 70 species of birds and this doesn´t include the passing birds of prey.......pretty nice!
Below is a satellite image (Google Maps) that gives you an idea where Tlacotalpan is in relation to San José Papaloapan
Todays report:
October 11, 2005 San José Papaloapan, Veracruz MX
Skies with scattered clouds...mostly clear. Hi temp of 34C
Light winds from the SW.
Observation time 10 am til 18:00
Broad-winged hawks.........................5,239
Turkey Vultures................................2,636
Swainson´s hawks.............................2,177
Osprey......................................................12
Peregrine falcon.........................................3
Sharp-shinned hawk...............................33
Cooper´s hawk........................................17
American Kestrel....................................19
Merlin.........................................................3
Northern Harrier.....................................2
Mississippi Kite.......................................188
Zone-tailed Hawk......................................1
Total.....................................................10,327
Raptors Non migratory........Black vulture, Snail kite, Black-collared hawk, Northern Caracara, Roadside hawk, Laughing falcon, Lesser yellow_headed savannah vulture,
Others:
Hundreds of wood storks
hundreds of Scissor-tailed flycatchers
Life is indeed good! Good birding and back atcha tomorrow.
David McCauley
10,327 raptors counted.
Yesterdays count here in Tlacotalpan........47 raptors. Today I rode the bus to San José Papaloapan (14 kilometers to the southwest) and was able to observe 10,327 raptors (12 species)........in hawkwatch terms...it was a good solid day.
Eight days ago here in Tlacotalpan we were looking into the barrel of tropical storm/hurricane "Stan"........we lucked out, as the storm touched land to the south between Roca Partida and Montepio.
I have been on the hawkwacth nearly every day, yesterday with clear skies I only observed 47 raptors here in Tlacotalpan, Veracruz, so today I headed to San José Papaloapan , 14 km to the SW of Tlacotalpan. I have been there before and made some observations. As I got off the bus and began to walk to the observation location, people came out of their houses to say "David, yesterday many thousands of hawks passed by!" It was a good feeling, to know that in some small way my presence there had awakened an interest in looking to the skies for raptors.
Please click on the photos to see larger image.
The spot that I chose to observe is a little bird watchers paradise. In the surrounding trees and water there are easily 70 species of birds and this doesn´t include the passing birds of prey.......pretty nice!
Below is a satellite image (Google Maps) that gives you an idea where Tlacotalpan is in relation to San José Papaloapan
Todays report:
October 11, 2005 San José Papaloapan, Veracruz MX
Skies with scattered clouds...mostly clear. Hi temp of 34C
Light winds from the SW.
Observation time 10 am til 18:00
Broad-winged hawks.........................5,239
Turkey Vultures................................2,636
Swainson´s hawks.............................2,177
Osprey......................................................12
Peregrine falcon.........................................3
Sharp-shinned hawk...............................33
Cooper´s hawk........................................17
American Kestrel....................................19
Merlin.........................................................3
Northern Harrier.....................................2
Mississippi Kite.......................................188
Zone-tailed Hawk......................................1
Total.....................................................10,327
Raptors Non migratory........Black vulture, Snail kite, Black-collared hawk, Northern Caracara, Roadside hawk, Laughing falcon, Lesser yellow_headed savannah vulture,
Others:
Hundreds of wood storks
hundreds of Scissor-tailed flycatchers
Life is indeed good! Good birding and back atcha tomorrow.
David McCauley
Monday Oct. 10, 2005
Click on the images to see larger view
(above) the Papaloapan River full, and overflowing.......massive amounts of water passing through the river. This is the wetest fall in a many years. So far no serious flooding here in Tlacotalpan
An ID collage of photos that I took here on Monday Oct 10,
Sunny all day...the afternoon, HOT 38 C max.
The wind was from the south (all day) not a favorable wind for raptor migration
Today´s observation report:
9:00am til18:00
Broad-winged hawks..................2
Swainson´s hawk........................2
Turkey Vultures........................25
Osprey........................................9
Peregrine falcon..........................4
Sharp-shinned hawk...................2
Cooper´s hawk.............................1
American Kestrel.........................2
TOTAL.........................................47
Tuesday I am going to San José Papaloapan ( 14 kilometers from Tlacotalpan on the road towards Cosamaloapan) I want to see what things look like there.........
David
Click on the images to see larger view
(above) the Papaloapan River full, and overflowing.......massive amounts of water passing through the river. This is the wetest fall in a many years. So far no serious flooding here in Tlacotalpan
An ID collage of photos that I took here on Monday Oct 10,
Sunny all day...the afternoon, HOT 38 C max.
The wind was from the south (all day) not a favorable wind for raptor migration
Today´s observation report:
9:00am til18:00
Broad-winged hawks..................2
Swainson´s hawk........................2
Turkey Vultures........................25
Osprey........................................9
Peregrine falcon..........................4
Sharp-shinned hawk...................2
Cooper´s hawk.............................1
American Kestrel.........................2
TOTAL.........................................47
Tuesday I am going to San José Papaloapan ( 14 kilometers from Tlacotalpan on the road towards Cosamaloapan) I want to see what things look like there.........
David
Monday, October 10, 2005
Sunday, October 09, 2005
I woke up to more rain on Saturday October 8, 2005
For a few hours in the afternoon we got a break in the clouds.....it feels like a sauna.
I kept scanning for raptors as I made preparations in the afternoon for Sunday´s
event the "Big Sit".
I did see 1 Peregrine falcon.
On Sunday 6am, our "Big Sit" team "Tlaco-birders" (10 of us) will head out" rain or shine" to see how many species of birds we can observe from our circle.
I am excited, we have a great group of high school students (all very enthusiastic) who are making the "Big Sit" into a project for their tourism class.
I will post some photos along with highlights tomorrow.
I would love to see bunches of migrating raptors during Sunday´s observation event.
Good birding All!
David McCauley
Tlacotalpan, Veracruz Mexico
For a few hours in the afternoon we got a break in the clouds.....it feels like a sauna.
I kept scanning for raptors as I made preparations in the afternoon for Sunday´s
event the "Big Sit".
I did see 1 Peregrine falcon.
On Sunday 6am, our "Big Sit" team "Tlaco-birders" (10 of us) will head out" rain or shine" to see how many species of birds we can observe from our circle.
I am excited, we have a great group of high school students (all very enthusiastic) who are making the "Big Sit" into a project for their tourism class.
I will post some photos along with highlights tomorrow.
I would love to see bunches of migrating raptors during Sunday´s observation event.
Good birding All!
David McCauley
Tlacotalpan, Veracruz Mexico
Friday, October 07, 2005
Finally a break in the weather....... at 11:30 am the sun finally broke through we had light winds from the NNW and ended the day with clear blue skies.
Here is my report for the day:
Oct 7, 2005
Tlacotalpan, Veracruz Mexico
observation 11:30am to 16:30
Broad-winged hawk .........2
Swainson´s hawk...............1
Osprey.................................3
Peregrine falcon................ 2
Merlin.................................1 (harassing two Black Vultures)
TOTAL...............................9
I saw my first Scissor-tailed flycatcher in migration today.
I got some nice views of our resident Bat falcon circling in the afternoon. So things have started to move again. I will keep you posted.
With the river swollen, these small fish have begun to leave the lagoons and tributaries....the edge of the river is filled with these small fish. The fisherman simply drop a flat circular net attached to a rope............. let it set for a minute and pull it to the surface, sometimes with hundreds of these small fish in each lift.
The females are harvested for their egg sac in spanish it is called "hueva de naca". The egg sac is cooked and it is a delicacy here, I have eaten the dish its pretty tasty.
Does anyone know the scientific name for this fish? I would like to know.
you can email: hawkwatch@gmail.com
Here is my report for the day:
Oct 7, 2005
Tlacotalpan, Veracruz Mexico
observation 11:30am to 16:30
Broad-winged hawk .........2
Swainson´s hawk...............1
Osprey.................................3
Peregrine falcon................ 2
Merlin.................................1 (harassing two Black Vultures)
TOTAL...............................9
I saw my first Scissor-tailed flycatcher in migration today.
I got some nice views of our resident Bat falcon circling in the afternoon. So things have started to move again. I will keep you posted.
With the river swollen, these small fish have begun to leave the lagoons and tributaries....the edge of the river is filled with these small fish. The fisherman simply drop a flat circular net attached to a rope............. let it set for a minute and pull it to the surface, sometimes with hundreds of these small fish in each lift.
The females are harvested for their egg sac in spanish it is called "hueva de naca". The egg sac is cooked and it is a delicacy here, I have eaten the dish its pretty tasty.
Does anyone know the scientific name for this fish? I would like to know.
you can email: hawkwatch@gmail.com
Thursday, October 06, 2005
It ain´t over till it´s over! Looks like some flooding still may be possible. The damage reports continue to come in from tropical storm/hurricane Stan.....Mexican president Vicente Fox has been travelling the country and surveying the damage. On a national level , funds to the tune of 462 million dollars have been allocated for disaster relief.
Thus far in the state of Veracruz 140,000 people have been displaced fron their homes with 160 municipalities being affected. In just the state of Veracruz 15 rivers have overflown their banks.......and the moisture is still with us. In the state of Chiapas damages are still waiting to be assesed.
Greetings All:
Damn, I wish I could be telling you about migrating birds of prey and the numbers that are passing by.... but not yet.
When this weather breaks we should have one "whoopteedoo" push of raptors!
I can´t wait! Meanwhile.....please bear with me, and now for David´s weather report......
Water vapor satellite imagery as of 19:00 Oct. 6, 2005
This damn rain just won´t clear out!
It drizzled all of last night and sprinkled during the day. The drainage basin of the Papaloapan river is immense....the fact that this moisture fron "Stan" is not moving out is creating conditions for flooding here.
No wind, the river is calm and rising............Tlacotalpan, has been flooded on numerous occasions....1969 being the last major flood.....This was prior to the construction of the Miguel Aleman dam.....near Tuxtepec Oaxaca.
The marker shows that the river Papaloapan is to the brink......I think that there is a possibility that we may get some flooding.....only time will tell. The photo below was the marker on October 3, 2005
That´s it for the moment....just kickin back.........
Thus far in the state of Veracruz 140,000 people have been displaced fron their homes with 160 municipalities being affected. In just the state of Veracruz 15 rivers have overflown their banks.......and the moisture is still with us. In the state of Chiapas damages are still waiting to be assesed.
Greetings All:
Damn, I wish I could be telling you about migrating birds of prey and the numbers that are passing by.... but not yet.
When this weather breaks we should have one "whoopteedoo" push of raptors!
I can´t wait! Meanwhile.....please bear with me, and now for David´s weather report......
Water vapor satellite imagery as of 19:00 Oct. 6, 2005
This damn rain just won´t clear out!
It drizzled all of last night and sprinkled during the day. The drainage basin of the Papaloapan river is immense....the fact that this moisture fron "Stan" is not moving out is creating conditions for flooding here.
No wind, the river is calm and rising............Tlacotalpan, has been flooded on numerous occasions....1969 being the last major flood.....This was prior to the construction of the Miguel Aleman dam.....near Tuxtepec Oaxaca.
The marker shows that the river Papaloapan is to the brink......I think that there is a possibility that we may get some flooding.....only time will tell. The photo below was the marker on October 3, 2005
That´s it for the moment....just kickin back.........
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
All calm............I went out early on my bicycle to do a survey of the sorrounding areas. As a result of tropical storm/hurricane Stan we had a few trees blown over, I noticed some branches broken off.....overall not much damage here considering what it could have been.
"Stan" continued to inflict damage as it moved south with 125 flood related deaths being reported, 6 in Chiapas and the rest in Guatemala and El Salvador.
Birding was good today (72 species observed in 5 hours ) My bird of the day was was a Golden-winged wabler Verimora chrysoptera LINK TO PHOTO....this is a very unusual transient, they winter from Guatemala south to Venezuela....I was able to get some nice views. I am wondering if this could fallout from "Stan"
Will I was out birding I kept glancing skyward for raptor traces.......nothing, no one single migrating raptor spotted today. Still lots of moisture around WaterVapor IMAGE I can´t wait to get back into raptor migration mode!
This Sunday October 9th is the 13 annual "Big Sit" I have picked out our "Cirlce" already here in Tlacotalpan and have been putting the team together. (This year it will be some of the students at the local CBETIS (high school with a vocational focus) these students are studying tourism. Hopefully the activity will awaken some interest in the students in ecotourism.
"Stan" continued to inflict damage as it moved south with 125 flood related deaths being reported, 6 in Chiapas and the rest in Guatemala and El Salvador.
Birding was good today (72 species observed in 5 hours ) My bird of the day was was a Golden-winged wabler Verimora chrysoptera LINK TO PHOTO....this is a very unusual transient, they winter from Guatemala south to Venezuela....I was able to get some nice views. I am wondering if this could fallout from "Stan"
Will I was out birding I kept glancing skyward for raptor traces.......nothing, no one single migrating raptor spotted today. Still lots of moisture around WaterVapor IMAGE I can´t wait to get back into raptor migration mode!
This Sunday October 9th is the 13 annual "Big Sit" I have picked out our "Cirlce" already here in Tlacotalpan and have been putting the team together. (This year it will be some of the students at the local CBETIS (high school with a vocational focus) these students are studying tourism. Hopefully the activity will awaken some interest in the students in ecotourism.
This sunday is the 13th annual "Big Sit". For those of you have never heard of it, it is a barrel of fun! It has been dubbed "birding´s most sendentary event"......here is the gist of it. You pick a location and in a circle 17 ft in diameter and you count all of the birds that you can see or hear for a 24 hour period, Starting at 12am Sunday October 9 til midnight. The rules, registration and general information can be found at the following link:
http://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/site/funbirds/bigsit/bigsit.aspx
I have participated for the last 4 years and it is a "kick"! You can approach it in ernest, or take a more laid back approach. The cool thing about the "big sit" is that it brings people together and makes them aware of just how many birds there are around them. The people at Birdwatchers Digest are doing a great job of sponsoring the event...the idea originated with the New Haven CT Birding Club.
This a worldwide event. Got for it! you can register you circle at the above link, and you might just have a good time doing it.
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
The winds have begun to subside, the rain continues on and off........I was just out walking around for about an hour. The water levels here on the Papaloapan river have remained constant (I understand that they are controlling flow somewhat from the Miguel Aleman dam which is located not too far from Tuxtepec, Oaxaca.
As I understand it the Hurricane Stan (category I) touched land near Roca partida/Montepio just to the north of the Tuxtlas Mtns., supposedly the volcanic geography of theTuxtlas helped take some of the "kick" out of the winds of the hurricane.
The next 24 to 36 hours will be interesting to observe.......although the winds seem to be dissapating, we have recieved alot of moisture and more is still out in the Gulf headed this way.
here is a link to the lastest water vapor imagery as of 15:30 Oct 4, 2005
http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/assets/public/compliance/monops/data/satellite/GOES/GULF/wv/latest.jpeg
As I understand it the Hurricane Stan (category I) touched land near Roca partida/Montepio just to the north of the Tuxtlas Mtns., supposedly the volcanic geography of theTuxtlas helped take some of the "kick" out of the winds of the hurricane.
The next 24 to 36 hours will be interesting to observe.......although the winds seem to be dissapating, we have recieved alot of moisture and more is still out in the Gulf headed this way.
here is a link to the lastest water vapor imagery as of 15:30 Oct 4, 2005
http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/assets/public/compliance/monops/data/satellite/GOES/GULF/wv/latest.jpeg
Make a new plan "Stan"............well, it may be too late for that.
Well I won´t be watching for raptors today........ photo below taken
6:30am Oct, 4, 2005
Water vapor image as of 9:30 a.m. Oct. 4
It´s official, as of 5am we are now looking at Hurricane "Stan" category 1 excerpt:
here is the latest from the national hurricane center
Here´s the latest from the National Hurricane Center
I am trying to get things boarded up a bit. Lets hope for the best.
Projected rainfall of 10 to 15 inches.
Tlacotalpan´s last hurricane was in 1955......not a usual occurence.
Possible areas of flash flooding here in Veracruz are being evacuated.
Well I won´t be watching for raptors today........ photo below taken
6:30am Oct, 4, 2005
Water vapor image as of 9:30 a.m. Oct. 4
It´s official, as of 5am we are now looking at Hurricane "Stan" category 1 excerpt:
here is the latest from the national hurricane center
Here´s the latest from the National Hurricane Center
I am trying to get things boarded up a bit. Lets hope for the best.
Projected rainfall of 10 to 15 inches.
Tlacotalpan´s last hurricane was in 1955......not a usual occurence.
Possible areas of flash flooding here in Veracruz are being evacuated.
Monday, October 03, 2005
Trouble on the horizon? ...Tropical storm Stan headed our way.......
I observed for about an hour in the morning today,
Osprey........4
Peregrine falcon........3
Amercian kestrels......2 (flapping like hell to get out of here.....LOL)
25 30 MPH winds from the NNW with intermitent showers.
I have been watching this moisture build up for the past two days......now we have a tropical storm "Stan" and it is moving to the west at about 10 mph it could reach us by Tues pm or early Wed.. as of this moment flooding will be the big concern. Looks like my hawk watch observations will be put on hold for a couple of days, as I make some preparations.........I am taking this one seriously. According to my GPS, here in Tlacotalpan, we are 26 ft. above sea level, and located on the banks of the Papaloapan river. The surrounding area is a vast expanse of tropical lowlands/wetlands........the ground is already super staturated because of the rainy season, I am hoping for the best. Here is a link to a Google satellite image of Tlacotalpan LINK it gives you and idea of the surrounding wetlands.....
Any one with comments or advice?
hawkwatch@gmail.com
I observed for about an hour in the morning today,
Osprey........4
Peregrine falcon........3
Amercian kestrels......2 (flapping like hell to get out of here.....LOL
25 30 MPH winds from the NNW with intermitent showers.
I have been watching this moisture build up for the past two days......now we have a tropical storm "Stan" and it is moving to the west at about 10 mph it could reach us by Tues pm or early Wed.. as of this moment flooding will be the big concern. Looks like my hawk watch observations will be put on hold for a couple of days, as I make some preparations.........I am taking this one seriously. According to my GPS, here in Tlacotalpan, we are 26 ft. above sea level, and located on the banks of the Papaloapan river. The surrounding area is a vast expanse of tropical lowlands/wetlands........the ground is already super staturated because of the rainy season, I am hoping for the best. Here is a link to a Google satellite image of Tlacotalpan LINK it gives you and idea of the surrounding wetlands.....
Any one with comments or advice?
hawkwatch@gmail.com
Sunday, October 02, 2005
197 Broad-winged hawks and an afternoon in a Mexican cantina.......
The pictures pretty much tell the story.....a washout for the hawkwatch, opening a window for a beer in a favorite watering hole......
Each year that I live here in Mexico and experience a spring or fall raptor migration I ask myself.....why am I essentially alone in observing what must be among the greatest raptor migrations to be seen on the planet?
There are supposedly millions of dedicated birders in the US and Canada, they travel all over the US to see a rare bird, but the line seemes to stop at the Texas /Mexico border.
Mexico..........fraught with danger, you´ll surely get diarreah if you drink the water, you´ll be robbed.....who knows? Stereotypes at their worst..........
Americans (many) seem to be OK with Mexicans, as long as the relationship doesn´t extend beyond them mowing their lawns, pruning their trees, washing their dishes in their favorite restaurant or a myriad of underpaid tasks..............
Just a note to anyone who might read this........birders, let´s give Mexico a chance.......Mexico is a developing country (as once was the United States) her people are for the most part hospitable, warm and caring, the country provides great birding opportunities, and an opportunity to see life as it is.
I issue a challenge to birders in the US.....visit Mexico to bird.
If you are a bigoted, elitist, "let me fill my list with endemic specialties at any cost" birder please stay at home....we don´t need it.
I have had my fill of "fat cat"/"its all about me and my comfort birders".
Having spent the last 7 years as a birding guide here in Veracruz, I have seen and heard it all.
I can tell you that birding here is wonderful, the food is great and the opportunity exists to share your birding passion with people who are less fortunate.
OK, enough already,........ I love Mexico and I love my country, USA- I know that good "regular people" birders would have the time of their life down here birding....you are all invited.
My report:
Oct. 2, 2005
Tlacotalpan Ver.
9:30-11:30
Day started out somewhat overcast turning into rains for most of the day, I was able to observe 197 Broad-winged hawks zipping through in front of the dark storm clouds.
Broad-winged hawks..........197
TV.............................................3
Osprey.....................................2
Peregrine falcon......................2
American kestrel....................2
Total......................................206
The pictures pretty much tell the story.....a washout for the hawkwatch, opening a window for a beer in a favorite watering hole......
Each year that I live here in Mexico and experience a spring or fall raptor migration I ask myself.....why am I essentially alone in observing what must be among the greatest raptor migrations to be seen on the planet?
There are supposedly millions of dedicated birders in the US and Canada, they travel all over the US to see a rare bird, but the line seemes to stop at the Texas /Mexico border.
Mexico..........fraught with danger, you´ll surely get diarreah if you drink the water, you´ll be robbed.....who knows? Stereotypes at their worst..........
Americans (many) seem to be OK with Mexicans, as long as the relationship doesn´t extend beyond them mowing their lawns, pruning their trees, washing their dishes in their favorite restaurant or a myriad of underpaid tasks..............
Just a note to anyone who might read this........birders, let´s give Mexico a chance.......Mexico is a developing country (as once was the United States) her people are for the most part hospitable, warm and caring, the country provides great birding opportunities, and an opportunity to see life as it is.
I issue a challenge to birders in the US.....visit Mexico to bird.
If you are a bigoted, elitist, "let me fill my list with endemic specialties at any cost" birder please stay at home....we don´t need it.
I have had my fill of "fat cat"/"its all about me and my comfort birders".
Having spent the last 7 years as a birding guide here in Veracruz, I have seen and heard it all.
I can tell you that birding here is wonderful, the food is great and the opportunity exists to share your birding passion with people who are less fortunate.
OK, enough already,........ I love Mexico and I love my country, USA- I know that good "regular people" birders would have the time of their life down here birding....you are all invited.
My report:
Oct. 2, 2005
Tlacotalpan Ver.
9:30-11:30
Day started out somewhat overcast turning into rains for most of the day, I was able to observe 197 Broad-winged hawks zipping through in front of the dark storm clouds.
Broad-winged hawks..........197
TV.............................................3
Osprey.....................................2
Peregrine falcon......................2
American kestrel....................2
Total......................................206
Tlacotlapan, Ver, MX Oct.1, 2005 3,857 raptors counted
Greeetings All:
Observation Oct.1, 2005
Tlacotalpan, Veracruz
Mostly clear blue skies, high temp. 35C , light breeze from the NNE
I only observed from 11:00 am til 14:30
The combination of clear blue skies and very high flying Broad-winged hawks made viewing a real challenge.
Hawks were coming in fast and HIGH (without a binocular you would never even pick them up)
Report:
Broad-winged hawks....................3,830
Turkey vultures.................................9
Osprey...........................................11
Peregrine falcon................................2
American kestrel...............................1
Sharp-shinned hawk..........................2
Cooper´s hawk..................................1
Merlin...............................................1
TOTAL........................................3,857
I am sure that I missed more than I counted today....the sun and heat took its toll on me today....I´ll get some needed rest and be back at it tomorrow.
Greeetings All:
Observation Oct.1, 2005
Tlacotalpan, Veracruz
Mostly clear blue skies, high temp. 35C , light breeze from the NNE
I only observed from 11:00 am til 14:30
The combination of clear blue skies and very high flying Broad-winged hawks made viewing a real challenge.
Hawks were coming in fast and HIGH (without a binocular you would never even pick them up)
Report:
Broad-winged hawks....................3,830
Turkey vultures......................
Osprey........................
Peregrine falcon........................
American kestrel.......................
Sharp-shinned hawk..........................2
Cooper´s hawk..........................
Merlin........................
TOTAL.........................
I am sure that I missed more than I counted today....the sun and heat took its toll on me today....I´ll get some needed rest and be back at it tomorrow.
Friday, September 30, 2005
After two very slow days here at the hawkwatch in Tlacotalpan Veracruz we finally get some action. Below I show a satellite image from Google Maps
(this interative satellite image site of Google is phenomenal!!)
I worked up a crude map to show you the direction of the migrating raptors as they flow over Tlacotalpan (where I am currently monitoring the raptor migration) I don´t suggest that all the raptors are flying over Tlacotalpan......but enough to make it worth watching.
The morning was slow raptor wise......I was able to "digiscope" a couple of birds here in Plaza Doña Marta. (Below is a fledgling Green heron, there are two of them, I am able to see their antics on an off during the day.
Tropical Kingbird that I was able to digiscope today. These guys are always hanging around during the day.
At 13:30 a slow moving group (25) of Turkey Vultures appear over the Plaza.
Finally! After two days of famine....a nice snack! (laughs)
Between 13:45 and 14:45 I got some Broad-winged hawk movement. (Yesterday here was zip for BW´s) Some nice lines/kettles overhead.
Today, the biggest line of Broad-winged hawks was 1,560.
In one hour´s time I am able to comfortably count 4,218 Broad-winged hawks.
Broad-winged hawks were quite high today. Photo below shows the classic
flight profile of Broad-winged hawks in glide
Today´s report
Tlacotalpan, Veracruz Mexico
Sept. 30, 2005
Count conducted from 10 am til 16:00
light winds from the NNE, hot and humid (rained most of last night) with high of 33C
Broad-winged hawks...........4,218
Turkey Vultures........................87
Osprey..........................................7
Peregrine falcon.........................11
Sharp-shinned hawk...................1
Cooper´s hawk.............................3
American kestrel..........................2
TOTAL..................................4,329
Resident raptors spotted...Black vulture, Lesser (yelow-headed) Savannah vulture, Northern caracara, Snail kite, Roadside hawk, Great Black hawk (sub-adult).
A solid day albeit a bit slow.........tomorrow should be better.
David McCauley
hawkwatch@gmail.com
(this interative satellite image site of Google is phenomenal!!)
I worked up a crude map to show you the direction of the migrating raptors as they flow over Tlacotalpan (where I am currently monitoring the raptor migration) I don´t suggest that all the raptors are flying over Tlacotalpan......but enough to make it worth watching.
The morning was slow raptor wise......I was able to "digiscope" a couple of birds here in Plaza Doña Marta. (Below is a fledgling Green heron, there are two of them, I am able to see their antics on an off during the day.
Tropical Kingbird that I was able to digiscope today. These guys are always hanging around during the day.
At 13:30 a slow moving group (25) of Turkey Vultures appear over the Plaza.
Finally! After two days of famine....a nice snack! (laughs)
Between 13:45 and 14:45 I got some Broad-winged hawk movement. (Yesterday here was zip for BW´s) Some nice lines/kettles overhead.
Today, the biggest line of Broad-winged hawks was 1,560.
In one hour´s time I am able to comfortably count 4,218 Broad-winged hawks.
Broad-winged hawks were quite high today. Photo below shows the classic
flight profile of Broad-winged hawks in glide
Today´s report
Tlacotalpan, Veracruz Mexico
Sept. 30, 2005
Count conducted from 10 am til 16:00
light winds from the NNE, hot and humid (rained most of last night) with high of 33C
Broad-winged hawks...........4,218
Turkey Vultures........................87
Osprey..........................................7
Peregrine falcon.........................11
Sharp-shinned hawk...................1
Cooper´s hawk.............................3
American kestrel..........................2
TOTAL..................................4,329
Resident raptors spotted...Black vulture, Lesser (yelow-headed) Savannah vulture, Northern caracara, Snail kite, Roadside hawk, Great Black hawk (sub-adult).
A solid day albeit a bit slow.........tomorrow should be better.
David McCauley
hawkwatch@gmail.com
Slow day here at the hawkwatch Sept. 29, 2005
Here is a satellite view at 16:00 We are kind of boxed in with some moisture to the north and south.
Tlacotalpan Veracruz
Sept. 29, 2005
Observation time 10:00a.m. til 4p.m. Hot 34C muggy, light breeze from NNE
first migratory raptor of the day appeared 12:11 pm (7) Mississippi kites)
Mississippi kites.........7
Cooper´s hawk............1
Peregrine falcon..........2
Zone-tailed hawk........1
Turkey Vulture...........4
TOTAL......................15
There you have it.
Two slow days now.
I am hoping for some movement tomorrow.
--
David McCauley
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