Swainson's Hawk Convention Watkins Rd.; Arapahoe this AM

[Cathy Sheeter]

It is pretty common for large groups of Swainson's Hawks to congregate in agricultural fields on migration (most common in fall when fields are being plowed), but at this date, I was certainly surprised to see no less than 89 SWHA gathered in a field, and in trees, and fence posts over about a mile of distance this morning (and more in the sky) along Watkin's Road (Arapahoe County) on my way to an appointment.  One individual tree had 17 birds in it!  The yard near the field that most were in had 19 in several trees and along the fence!  Fortunately I had my camera with me (though the majority of birds were too distant for really good pics), and a few extra minutes to count them and enjoy the experience.  

I suspect the heavy rain overnight either put down later migratory birds, or was filling burrows with water pushing out voles and mice (though saw none of these birds actively hunting or eating anything). About 70% of them were second year birds, which likely will not breed this year, but there were also quite a few adults present. 

I drove back past the same field three hours later, on my way home, and there was not a single bird still present!  I feel so fortunate I got to see this spectacle! Some of my pics at: https://ebird.org/checklist/S88813044, but nothing can capture the true feeling of seeing so many together.

Cathy Sheeter
Aurora, CO