On this clear, cool morning in central Missouri, I visited Perry Phillips Lake Park, in southeast Columbia. Despite the pleasant birding weather, earthmovers prowled near the south shore and a relatively large number of joggers panted along the loop trail, limiting my sightings.
Only 15 avian species were observed, most of them common permanent residents of Missouri. But the highlight of this gorgeous autumn morning was a large flock of broad-winged hawks, circling southward on their way to Central or South America or South Florida. Though they breed throughout the eastern half of the United States and southern Canada, these small buteos are reclusive during the warmer months, nesting and hunting for small birds, reptiles, amphibians and large insects in forested areas. Come September, however, they gather in large flocks and may be seen in the hundreds or thousands as they travel toward their wintering grounds.
This morning's flock, though relatively small (23 by my count), was an inspiring sight and just the latest sign that the long, hot summer is retreating southward. The broad-wings may choose to follow that season but I, for one, am glad to see it go.
