Putney Mountain Hawkwatch Records Best Year Ever for Raptor Sightings
This year, the Putney Mountain Hawkwatch group reported their most successful season yet, with a staggering total of 19,428 raptors spotted between late August and mid-November. Kate Kampner, a reporter with Community News Service, shares the exciting news of this record-breaking year.
A Glimpse into the World of Hawkwatching
Theresa Armata, a dedicated member of the group since 2010, vividly recalls her first encounter with the hawk-watching crew atop Putney Mountain. Sitting in chairs, staring at the sky, she was drawn in by their welcoming presence. Since then, Armata has become an official counter, ensuring accurate tallies of raptor sightings alongside fellow volunteers.
John Anderson, a long-time volunteer since 1996, describes this year as the “best year ever” for the group. The volunteers spend their days on the summit, using binoculars and spotting scopes to count the various species that soar by. Their efforts are then recorded on hawkcount.org, a database utilized by the Hawk Migration Association of North America.
The Mystery Behind the Surge in Sightings
Anderson attributes the spike in sightings to weather patterns, emphasizing the influence of thermals – warm, rising air bubbles that aid in the birds’ migration. Broad-winged hawks, known for congregating in thermals, rely on these air currents to propel them on their journey. The sight of hundreds of these birds swirling in the sky is a spectacle to behold, resembling swarms of gnats.
Candace Hess, another enthusiastic member of the group, shares her passion for birdwatching and the thrill of witnessing the annual hawk migration. She reflects on the significance of monitoring bird populations and the broader implications for conservation efforts. Despite exceptional years in the past, 2024 stands out as unparalleled in terms of raptor numbers.
Recognizing Dedication and Contribution
Armata, who commutes from Bennington to the summit daily, embodies the commitment and awe-inspiring beauty of nature that draws her to the hawkwatch. Her dedication has not gone unnoticed, as she is set to receive the Community Scientist Lifetime Achievement Award for her invaluable volunteer work. The sense of camaraderie and shared passion among the group members make each day a rewarding experience.
Kent McFarland, co-founder of the Vermont Center for Ecostudies, emphasizes the importance of long-term monitoring efforts in understanding bird populations. By combining data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey with the Putney Mountain Hawkwatch records, a more comprehensive picture of raptor populations emerges. The increasing sightings of broad-winged hawks, black vultures, and turkey vultures point to positive trends in the region’s bird populations.
As the season draws to a close, the Putney Mountain Hawkwatch celebrates a year of unprecedented success, highlighting the dedication of its volunteers and the enduring wonder of nature’s spectacle.
