Swainson’s Hawks/Turkey Vultures in Borrego Springs

We officially opened the data gathering season today at Borrego Valley Hawkwatch. We had a very early migration of Swainson’s Hawks (75) this morning along with almost 50 Turkey Vultures (TV’s).

This evening at least 150 TV’s and 100+ Swainson’s Hawks arrived just before 5pm. Both the vultures and hawks are in the Roadrunner Club in Eucalyptus Trees on the north side (between the Roadrunner and The Springs RV Park). Unfortunately the wind might pick up early. If so the hawks and TV’s will begin migration at 7am or so. Best viewing is probably at the evening site, 1.5 miles north of Palm Canyon Drive on Borrego Valley Rd or on DiGiorgio near the entrance to The Springs RV Park with WNW wind. 

Each day at 8am volunteers will be at the official count site on DiGiorgio Rd. 2.8 miles north of Palm Canyon Drive. Each evening (an hour before sunset) we meet on Borrego Valley Rd, 1.8 miles north of Palm Canyon Drive. You can check in at the official count site to see where the hawks might be roosting. 

Hal Cohen

Borrego Springs