While we have many leaf lookers stay at The Natural Gait in October, many will also go to Effigy Mounds Monument for the annual Hawk Watch Weekend.
Fall visitors to northeast Iowa aren't just there for the turning leaves. Some also take the time to stop by Effigy Mounds National Monument the first weekend in October for the annual Hawk Watch Weekend.
Situated next to the Mississippi River, Effigy Mounds is an excellent location for observing migration. This year's Hawk Watch was held October 2-3. Both days were mostly sunny with a light wind and highs in the upper 50s. Despite this beautiful weather, not many raptors were seen moving through. The total counts for the weekend were: Turkey vulture - 82, Bald eagle - 24, Northern harrier - 1, Sharp-skinned hawk - 2, Cooper's hawk - 3, Northern goshawk - 1, Broad-winged hawk - 1, Red-tailed hawk - 10, American kestrel - 1, Peregrine falcon - 1, Unknown accipiter - 1, Unknown buteo - 3, Unknown raptor - 3.
The Duluth, MN, migration count site reported most raptors were flying at higher altitudes, which could explain the unexpectedly low number on such a beautiful weekend. Many more birds could have been flying over, too high for us to spot.
Over 1,100 people came out to the Visitor Center to see the educational programs and live bird releases and appreciates a little slice of the fall migration.
Hawk Watch is coordinated by the Upper Iowa Audubon Society with help and participation from the Iowa DNR, Effigy Mounds staff, Boone Y-Camp, Laurel High School (Viroqua, WI) students, Hoo's Woods Raptor Center (Milton, WI) and many individual volunteers.
Jenni Dyar Natural Resources Aide
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