
The Holiday Beach Migration Observatory (HBMO) welcomed the public once again on the weekend for a special event.
The HBMO teamed with the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) for the Festival of Hawks (a.k.a. “Hawkfest”) in September and now the HBMO presented “Hawktoberfest” this past Saturday at the hawk tower at Holiday Beach Conservation Area.
“We hold it because we get a different species of hawk in October than we do in September for Hawkfest,” said Hugh Kent, president of the HBMO.
During October, there are more turkey vultures, red-tailed hawks and red shinned hawks, explained Kent.
“If we’re lucky, we have the opportunity to see golden eagles and rough-legged hawks,” added Kent.
There were over 300 American white pelicans estimated to be on the marsh nearby, he added.
“It gives us another opportunity to celebrate the 50th anniversary of hawk watching at this site,” said Kent.
The HBMO president added the organization has spotted just shy of four million hawks over the 50 years they’ve been watching from Holiday Beach Conservation Area. Thousands of hours have also gone into hawk watching.
“Give credit to the volunteers and people from the HBMO for that achievement,” said Kent.
The Holiday Beach Conservation Observatory has approximately 120 members with Kent pointing out there are members from well beyond just Windsor-Essex County. Members are from as far as North Bay, Toronto, Woodstock, Ohio, Michigan and Indiana and more.
“There’s quite a wide membership base,” said Kent.
“Hawktoberfest” was in its third year this year.
The public is welcome to join HBMO members at the hawk tower until Oct. 27 when the park closes. HBMO members will still attend the tower until the end of November and, although the park will be closed, people can still walk back there.
The HBMO is on site daily from September-November and that is a time period consistent with other hawk observing groups. A data set is created so the birds can be monitored across North America.
“Raptors are at the top of the food chain. If something is wrong with the raptors, there must be something wrong with the other birds, insects and the actual environment they are in,” said Kent.
Smaller hawks such as American kestrels and sharp-shinned hawks aren’t doing as well now, likely due to lack of nesting sites and food, with Kent adding turkey vultures and bald eagles are among the species doing well.
“Hawktoberfest” brings bird lovers back to Holiday Beach Conservation Area
By Ron Giofu
Yorumlar