For the first time in Florida Keys Hawkwatch history, the project began monitoring on August 1 to target the early migratory movements of Swallow-tailed Kites (Elanoides forficatus).
The Florida Keys Hawkwatch (FHK) initiated its 21st raptor migration monitoring season one month early on August 1, in order to more comprehensively count Swallow-tailed Kites because they migrate south earlier than most other raptors. This new initiative is dubbed #KiteFlight2021. Additionally, the FKH season has been extended to November 30. All in, the counting window will double from two months to four.
Why the Florida Keys? The FKH takes place at Curry Hammock State Park in Marathon because it’s a geographically ideal place to count these birds of passage and monitor the health of their populations. Every year, thousands of raptors migrate through the archipelago. It is an amazing spectacle of nature. Some of these extraordinary birds of prey stay for the winter, some turn around and head north, but most continue on to Cuba, the Caribbean and points further south.
Visitors are welcome on site from 9am to 4pm daily through November 7, and then from 8am to 3pm through November 30. Staff will happily point out the different bird species as they appear, affording a great opportunity for birders of all levels to connect and learn more about these amazing creatures.
TAS supports this crucial annual count, along with Florida Keys Audubon, Florida Ornithological Society, Hawk Migration Association of North America, Kowa Sporting Optics, PhoneSkope and many individual contributors.
For more information write to keysaudubon@gmail.com or TASpublisher@gmail.com, or connect on facebook.com/floridakeyshawkwatch.
Location: FKH is headquartered at Curry Hammock State Park, just a few hours’ drive south from Miami at MM56.2 on the Overseas Highway in Marathon, Florida.
Click HERE for FKH’s Fall 2021 Media Advisory.
Photo: Swallow-tailed Kite by Luis Gles