On Friday, November 13, the sky at Sunrise Mountain at Stokes State Forest, NJ dawned red with broken clouds and a southwest wind of 10 to 15 mph. The wind wasn’t entirely favorable for migrating raptors I was there to count; they prefer to move during tailwinds. However, I have noticed that similar wind conditions make migrating raptors fly closer to the ridge as they try to maximize the effects of ridge lift.

On this day, aside from the assorted red-tailed and sharp-shinned hawks, harriers and migrating turkey vultures, seven eagles were observed in a four-hour period before 12 noon. This site averages between two to four eagles during this time of year; I was indeed fortunate to view this procession. Veterans Day fell on the previous Wednesday, and it was as if the eagles were having their own parade to honor veterans.

Eagles migrate from Canada and pass through the area headed for winter homes starting in October, so hawk watch sites offer an opportunity to see them stream by in the fall. For the locations of sites nearby, view the Hawk Migration Association of America site at www.hmana.org/hawk-watch-sites.