The First Raptor Migration count of the 2016 fall migration.

Fall migration is upon us. And so being I start with a great team our annual Raptor migration counts. We are located on the Jenner Headlands Preserve. This 5630 acre Nature Preserve is set in the hills above the Russian River and Pacific Ocean. Views are Stunning on this Coastal location.

Today we had clear skies, and winds blowing off of the mighty Pacific Ocean, starting at 10 mph and ending at 20 mph with gusts to 25 mph. The first 2.5 hours of counting was filled with raptors of many species 9 total. But the last 1/2 hour was slow as the winds pushed the raptors further inland.

By far the best bird of the day was an adult GOLDEN EAGLE. This bird gave us multiple looks and at times close up looks. I was first made aware of it's presence by the repeated screams of an adult RED-TAILED HAWK, that objected to it's presence in the Hawks home turf. Turning I found the RTHA diving on the GOEA repeatedly attempting to drive it away. Whether it worked or not is unknown? The hawk probably thinks it did, the eagle not so much.

We also had 3 OSPREY flying through as well as 1 PEREGRINE FALCON. Other raptors for the day included TURKEY VULTURE, WHITE-TAILED KITE, SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, COOPER'S HAWK, AND AMERICAN KESTREL. In fall remember to look above you!