By Molly Bilinski, Lehigh Valley News

ALBANY TWP., Pa. — Hawk Mountain’s official autumn migration count is underway, with more than 100 trekking birds of prey recorded so far.

Staff and volunteers at the sanctuary have monitored the autumnal migration since 1934 as part of conservation research efforts, making it the longest-running raptor migration count in the world.

The first full week showed “solid migration with a high variety of species,” according to a Wednesday newsletter from the sanctuary.

“Tuesday took the lead with 28 migrants pushing past on a light southeast wind,” officials said. “Twelve broad-winged hawks and seven ospreys made a great early season flight as a bald eagle, Cooper’s hawk, sharpshin, red-tailed hawk and northern harrier joined them.

“This time of year, the flight is highly variable and controlled by the weather, so look for favorable conditions that will help the migrants through.”

The count, which started Aug. 15 and runs through Dec. 15, averages 18,000 raptors, with one-day peak counts of more than 3,000 birds during September.

Raptors and other migrants

As of Tuesday, 140 raptors were recorded, including 48 broad-winged hawks, 16 red-tailed hawks, 24 osprey and 27 bald eagles, counts show.

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