Hitchcock Nature Area Hawkwatch
History and Purpose of the Hawk Count

Every August through December, bird of prey enthusiasts gather to observe and count thousands of hawks, eagles, and vultures that migrate south past Pottawattamie County Hitchcock Nature Area, located near the town of Crescent, in western Iowa's Loess Hills. Founded in 1992 by Babs and Loren Padelford, the Hitchcock Nature Area Hawkwatch is held every fall. For the last two seasons, the hawkwatch has been led by the team of Sue Mattix (President) and Mark Orsag (Official Hawk Counter and Site Compiler). The broad expanse of the adjacent Missouri River Valley and the updrafts created by the prevailing westerly winds that strike the steep westerly face of the Loess Hills create a hawk highway that attracts the migrating raptors to Hitchcock.

In the fall of 1999, no less than 5,778 hawks, eagles, and vultures of 18 different species were recorded by dozens of volunteer counters at Hitchcock in over 390 hours of observation. Literally millions of other migrants ranging from butterflies and dragonflies to robins, blackbirds, and pelicans, were also seen. Such counts are not only both fun and challenging for participants, but they also yield valuable data about the health of the populations of a variety of migratory species. Hitchcock's count is affiliated with HMANA (Hawk Migration Association of North America), which is an international organization that specializes in closely monitoring the health of the populations of North America's birds of prey.

Fall migration seasons at Hitchcock follow a general pattern from year to year, but since the weather and other factors affect migration, no two years are exactly alike. In September, the larger flights come on days either just prior to, or just after, the passage of a cold front. Turkey Vultures, Sharp-shinned Hawks, Swainson's Hawks, Broad-winged Hawks, Cooper's Hawks, American Kestrels, and Ospreys are the species most commonly seen. In October through December, the day of the passing cold front and the day following it often produce the best flights. Red-tailed Hawks dominate the count during October and November, but Sharp-shinned Hawks are still fairly common and are joined in their southward journey by fair numbers of Northern Harriers. In November and December, Bald Eagles begin to appear in larger numbers. Hundreds of majestic Bald Eagles and a few strikingly-patterned Rough-legged Hawks, down from the arctic tundra, are usually seen until the watch ends on December 20. Volunteer counters are regularly present on weekends. Watchers gather on both the Lodge deck and on Badger Hill along the Badger Ridge Trail. A third site, the Overlook, is sometimes used on days when inclement weather threatens. Counting during the week is somewhat more sporadic.

Directions to the site (from Omaha, NE): Take I-680 north across the Mormon Bridge into Iowa. Take Hwy. 988 into the town of Crescent. In Crescent when Hwy. 988 intersects with Hwy. 183, take Hwy 183 north. A five minute drive will bring you to the entrance to Hitchcock Nature Area (on your left). Food (we recommend Henry's Diner) and gasoline are available in Crescent. The trails at Hitchcock are well-maintained, but due to the terrain, physically demanding. Both the Lodge and Overlook watchpoints are, however, easily (and handicapped) accessible.

For more information contact
Mark Orsag or Darrin Jones (Hitchcock Nature Area Ranger)