Field Reports

Raptors Over Pack: A 2025 Season Summary

In late November, the Pack Monadnock Raptor Observatory wrapped up another successful season. Kate McKay was our 2025 raptor biologist, and served as the official counter five days a week. Other Harris Center staff and several volunteers filled in the remaining time to provide full coverage for the annual count, which logged over 600 hours of observation time. During this 21st consecutive season of migration monitoring, the Harris Center team counted 8,581 raptors of 15 species between September 1 and November 20.

Though the season tally was again below the long-term average due to a second consecutive year with fewer Broad-Winged Hawks (5,821), the results were mixed for other species.

You can read a summary of the 2025 season below, or download the full 2025 Pack Monadnock Raptor Observatory report here.

A Broad-winged Hawk in flight (photo © raven.digital)

A Banner Day for Broad-wings

The season’s peak day was September 14, when more than half of the season’s total Broad-winged Hawk flights took place. Over 3,000 broad-wings moved through in spectacular flocks that day, leading to the highest daily tally of this species in several years. This high count came on the earlier side of their historic peak date, which typically falls between September 15 and 20. But the early push did not continue, as the flight again seemed to shift to other ridgelines (as it did in 2024), more reflective of daily weather patterns than of diminishing populations. Despite the relatively low count, this common forest-breeding species still represented 68% of the total raptor migration observed at the Pack summit.

A kettle of Broad-winged Hawks (photo © Chuck Carlson)

Dependable Fall Flyers

Other raptors have shown more consistency over the years. The Sharp-shinned Hawk (1,142), the second most abundant migrant seen at the Observatory, is one such species. On September 19, we recorded a high count of 130, the second-highest daily count in Observatory history. This is a welcome positive data point for a species seeing steep long-term drops at hawk watches around the continent, pointing to the need for further research into why this secretive northern forest breeder is experiencing declines.

Raptors on the Rise

A Common Raven and an immature Bald Eagle (photo © Chuck Carlson)

Above-average tallies were noted for several species. Most notable was the increase in Black Vultures (6), which set a new season-high count. This opportunistic scavenger continues to expand its range northward and has now become expected an expected visitor at Pack — but observers were still a little surprised to see Black Vultures on multiple days. Northern Harrier (122), a state-endangered species, fell just shy of its historic season high of 125. Further, observers were able to age more than 80% of the migrant harriers, determining that three of every four were juveniles. This may point to a successful breeding season in places to the north and east.

American Kestrel (196), another species of open country, had a strong showing. Forty-two were seen migrating on September 14, the second-best day in the project’s history for this charismatic little raptor. Nest box projects, like the one launched by the Harris Center in recent years, may be starting to show promising results for this species in decline.

Turkey Vulture (222), Bald Eagle (170), and Cooper’s Hawk (191) were all slightly above their historic averages, with Cooper’s Hawks reaching their highest tally since 2006. An impressive 17 Cooper’s Hawks passed the watch on September 11, tying the second-highest single-day count. Each of these species has experienced significant upward population trends in recent years.

A Red-tailed Hawk at the Observatory (photo © Chuck Carlson)

Below-Average Counts

As usual, some species also fell below their long-term average counts. These included Osprey (167), Red-tailed Hawk (264), Merlin (80), and Peregrine Falcon (30). Ospreys and Red-tailed Hawks have seen long-term declines in migration, while Merlins and Peregrines have been increasing, according to data compiled through the Raptor Population Index. This useful tool measures raptor populations over time, and incorporates data from our Observatory into their analyses.

An American Goshawk (photo © Chuck Carlson)

Concerning Declines

More concerning were the species that fell well below long-term averages. American Goshawk (13) showed another lackluster season, but each sighting of this uncommon raptor was memorable and generated considerable excitement. The Harris Center has surveyed breeding goshawks in the Monadnock Region for several years, and recently participated in a regional effort to monitor breeding populations throughout the Northeast. The Red-shouldered Hawk (104) is generally a late-season migrant, but its peak never arrived this season. Despite positive long-term population trends in the Northeast, this season’s paltry tally was the lowest since 2011. Finally, another uncommon migrant, the Golden Eagle (5), had a sparse showing this season, but each sighting of this spectacular large raptor was quite special for those lucky enough to bear witness.

A Golden Eagle soars above the Pack Monadnock Raptor Observatory. (photo © Chuck Carlson)

Other Avian Highlights

A rare Townsend’s Solitaire was spotted at the Hawk Watch this year. (photo © Nora Hanke)

Our biologists tally more than raptors; all bird species observed at Pack are recorded on daily eBird checklists. This season brought an exciting mix of northern specialty​​ birds — including ​Pine and ​Evening ​Grosbeaks, ​White-winged ​Crossbills, and a ​Northern ​Shrike — along with uncommon waterfowl like flocks of ​Brant, and even a true rarity: the Observatory’s third-ever Townsend’s ​Solitaire, confirming Pack as New Hampshire’s top hotspot for this western vagrant.

Insects on the Move

Kate and other observers also tallied monarch butterflies (which surpassed 500 this season, a higher count than in recent years), as well as migratory dragonflies. An invasive spotted lanternfly was also identified at the Observatory in late September, furnishing one of the region’s first records of this incoming threat.

The Magic of Migration

Human visitors get counted too, and in great numbers! During the 2025 season, our team welcomed 6,449 visitors — locals and tourists alike, including people from many different countries. Crowd-pleasing Observatory events included our popular Raptor Release, in which three rehabilitated Broad-winged Hawks — all recovered from rodenticide poisoning — were released back to the wild in front of a large crowd of spectators during the peak of Broad-winged migration in late September; the annual “Big Sit,” which tallied 33 species on World Migratory Bird Day in mid-October; and the “Big Soup,” a friendly soup competition hosted by Hawk Watch volunteers in early November.

A Broad-winged Hawk is released back into the wild after rehabilitation. (photo © Susan Kline)

Inspiring the Next Generation

Harris Center educators hosted nine visiting school groups at the Hawk Watch in 2025, an investment in the next generation of naturalists and raptor enthusiasts. Shortly after one of these field trips, Hawk Watch volunteers Glen and Lori Chretien happened upon an elementary school student giving an impromptu performance at a local pizza place. This young girl demonstrated the flight habits of Buteos versus Accipiters, reciting a song that Harris Center naturalists use to help students recognize the differences between these classic raptor families. We were happy to hear we made such an impression!

Raptor biologist Kate McKay on the opening day of the Hawk Watch
(photo © Mark Timmerman)

Thank You

As always, we offer big thanks to our site partner, Miller State Park, New Hampshire State Parks, and the Division of Natural and Cultural Resources, for championing our efforts and welcoming us each year.

We’ll end with an excerpt from Kate McKay’s season summary, which will be available in our forthcoming final report:

“I would like to extend a huge thank you to all our volunteers, visitors, and supporters. It has been such a pleasure getting to know so many of you over the last few months and spending time together hawkwatching. I’m extremely grateful for the welcoming community at Pack and the Harris Center, and the work we do would not be possible without the help of our volunteers. I’m going to miss driving up the mountain in the morning, searching for the first raptor of the day, feeding the songbirds, and watching the Hawk Watch bunnies, but most of all, I’m going to miss you guys.”

The Pack Monadnock Raptor Observatory welcomed 6,449 visitors in 2025. (courtesy photo)

The View from Late October

A juvenile Red-tailed Hawk, photographed at the Hawk Watch on October 24. (photo © Chuck Carlson)

October featured reduced but steady migration, including tallies of all fifteen raptor species recorded this season. The monthly count of around 1,000 individual raptors is typical, and several other species have now passed their peak seasons. Human visitors outpaced the raptors by a long shot, thanks to excellent fall foliage and great hiking weather! Harris Center educators greeted visiting school groups, along with many raptor enthusiasts who made their annual sojourns to the summit.

Rise of Black Vultures, and Hope for Harriers

Particularly notable this past month were four migrating Black Vultures (of six total this season, thus far) – which eclipses our past high count of two. This increase is part of a regional trend as this species expands its range further into the Northeast.

Northern Harriers, on the other hand, are a northerly breeding raptor with a particularly strong showing this season, on pace to break their past season-high tally. As in recent years, efforts to age and sex harriers have been successful at Pack; 80% of this year’s 120 harriers have been aged, with 75% identified as juveniles. While it’s difficult to discern any real population trends from one season at one hawk watch, these data may indicate a positive regional trend for this state-endangered species.

In addition to Black Vulture and Northern Harrier, American Kestrel, Sharp-shinned Hawk, and Cooper’s Hawk have also posted strong totals thus far this season.

On September 29, a spotted lanternfly alighted on Gina’s pole — one of the few records of this concerning forest pest in the Granite State thus far. (photo © Nate Marchessault)

It’s Not Just Raptors…

Our staff and volunteer crew tally more than just raptors. We also count migrating geese, loons, hummingbirds, nighthawks, and really, all species — even insects. Notable this season were a highlight — over 500 migrating monarch butterflies migrated past the Observatory between September and mid-October, a much higher count than in past years — and one lowlight: an invasive spotted lanternfly was photographed at the watch in late September, furnishing one of the few state records (thus far) of this new agricultural pest.

November Migrants

Looking ahead to late-season migration in November, Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks will compete for airspace as they catch thermals on sunny days and ride the ridgeline following cold fronts. Additionally, prized species like American Goshawk and Golden Eagle – both already posting single-digit tallies – should continue and increase into November. Though migration slows as the season winds to an end, this time of year often features less-common visitors from the far north. A final late-season treat from the tundra may appear in the form of a Rough-legged Hawk, Short-eared Owl, or even a rare Snowy Owl. In addition to raptors, look for an increase in winter finches like crossbills and pine siskins as the season winds to an end.

Plan Ahead as Hours Change

Our final day of counting is slated for November 20, and when Daylight Savings Time comes to an end on November 2, our official observation hours will change from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The auto road will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through November 11 — or whenever ice or snow accumulates on it. There’s one more chance for raptor-related community before all is said and done: come up to Pack on Saturday, November 8 to celebrate, share, or taste homemade soup as we host our annual “Big Soup” contest. This friendly soup contest starts at noon.

An American Goshawk wings past the Pack Monadnock Raptor Observatoryin late October. (photo © Chuck Carlson)

Broad-wings Lead the Way at Pack Monadnock

Nearly 200 onlookers celebrated International Hawk Migration Week with the Harris Center at the Pack Monadnock Raptor Observatory on Saturday. Under clear skies with a light northern breeze, binoculars pointed skyward as a steady migration took place overhead.

Broad-winged Hawks have led the way during this peak migration period in the Northeast, with the season’s tally already topping 6,800 birds. Some of the Harris Center’s own tagged Broad-wings are currently working their way south along the Appalachians. Smaller groups of Sharp-shinned Hawks, American Kestrels, Bald Eagles, and Ospreys followed, along with a few other species making appearances.

One of three rehabilitated Broad-winged Hawks released Saturday after recovering from rodenticide poisoning.
(photo © Susan Kline)

Another weekend highlight was the annual Raptor Release, when three rehabilitated Broad-winged Hawks — an adult and two juveniles — soared back into the sky before an enthusiastic crowd. These birds had been treated at Wings of the Dawn, a wildlife rehabilitation center in Henniker, New Hampshire, that partners with the Harris Center each year. One of the biggest threats to raptors is rodenticide (rat poison), which poses a serious challenge in the Granite State and well beyond. All three rehabilitated hawks had tested positive for rodenticide exposure. Safer alternatives exist, and efforts to ban these poisons deserve stronger support.

Although the peak of Broad-winged Hawk migration has passed, plenty of excitement remains, with many other species expected in larger numbers over the next two weeks. It’s a great time for hawk watching — and the fall foliage is looking beautiful too.

Stay tuned to hawkcount.org for daily reports from Pack Monadnock, and please be aware that reservations are strongly recommended to visit Miller State Park. You can visit the park’s website for more details. Happy hawk watching!

Our 21st Season Has Begun

Another season of hawk watching is upon us! Now entering its 21st consecutive year, the Pack Monadnock Raptor Observatory continues to thrive, thanks to support from the Harris Center, NH Parks, and all of our supporters.

Bird Conservation Director Phil Brown & Raptor Biologist Kate McKay (photo © Glen Chretien)

Welcome Kate McKay

We’re excited to welcome Kate McKay as our new full-time raptor counter. Kate is no stranger to the Monadnock Region, having completed three separate internships for the Harris Center in recent years. Most recently, Kate was our wildlife intern, where she worked on conservation projects focused on the American Kestrel, Broad-winged Hawk, and American Goshawk. Kate hails from upstate New York and is a recent graduate of Cornell University, where she immersed herself in the study of the natural world, with particular interests in birds and dragonflies. She’s excited to meet our awesome community of raptor fans, spend time outside with birds, and be a welcoming face for the Hawk Watch’s many visitors.

Our 2025 Hawk Watch Team

This year, Harris Center ecologist Nate Marchessault will also be returning to the Hawk Watch on Mondays, stepping into founder and longtime volunteer Iain MacLeod’s big shoes. We hope to see Iain on the mountain from time to time. Julie and Phil Brown will again cover most Tuesdays. Harris Center teacher-naturalist Nikko Gagnon returns for a third season to help with interpretation and group visits on Thursdays from early September to mid-October. Glen Chretien, Tom Delaney, and Mark Timmerman plan to help us round out coverage, and we hope to see past counters, Katrina Fenton and Levi Burford, filling in and helping out as their schedules allow. What a team!

An Important Update on Auto Road Construction

Miller State Park is currently making planned improvements to its Auto Road and is only accepting day-use reservations for weekends until construction is complete. Please note that the road may be closed at times Monday through Friday while construction is taking place. Hiking to the Hawk Watch will remain an option during park hours. (See this page for more details about visiting the Observatory.)

Thank You and Stay Tuned!

As we launch our 21st season, we thank you — our sustaining donors, partners, supporters, volunteers, observers, and readers — for your ongoing support of the Pack Monadnock Raptor Observatory. Your help enables us to continue our important dual mission of educating the visiting public about raptors, while also contributing vital data to international raptor population monitoring efforts.

More updates and hawk-watching adventures are on the way. Keep your eyes on the sky, and stay tuned to this Field Reports page for regular news from atop Pack Monadnock.

Field Reports Coming Soon…

The Pack Monadnock Raptor Observatory is about to soar into its 21st consecutive season of raptor migration monitoring and education at Miller State Park. Stay tuned for migration updates, announcements of special events, and more!

A juvenile Red-tailed Hawk flies past the Pack Monadnock Raptor Observatory, watching the hawk watchers who are watching him. (photo © Tom Momeyer)