On the Wings of Migration: Broad-winged Hawks at Carolina Raptor Center

Carolina Raptor Center’s story began in 1975, when an injured Broad-winged Hawk was brought to UNC Charlotte ornithologist Dr. Richard Brown. That pivotal moment sparked the idea of a raptor rehabilitation facility and in 1981, Dr. Brown and student Deb Sue Griffin co-founded the nonprofit organization that would evolve into Carolina Raptor Center.

Fast forward to today, and the Raptor Hospital continues that legacy, treating an average of 22 Broad-winged Hawks each year! These patients typically arrive between April and mid-September, coinciding with their breeding and migration seasons. Our dedicated team works diligently to ensure that this species and other migratory raptors are released in sync with spring and fall migration windows, giving them the best chance to succeed in the wild.

Why is Migration Important?

As temperatures drop and food supplies dwindle, staying put becomes energetically costly and risky. To escape harsh conditions, many birds head south to warmer regions where food is more plentiful. These destinations also provide ideal nesting grounds, with extended daylight, gentler climates, and abundant resources.

Broad-winged Hawks are among the earliest migratory raptors to begin their fall journey, departing the northern areas of their range as early as August. Each year, hundreds of thousands of these hawks embark on an impressive migration to their wintering habitats scattered throughout the southern edges of the United States, stretching across Central America, and even into South America.

Broad-winged Hawks travel in massive flocks known as “kettles”, swirling together on rising thermal currents. These invisible updrafts help them conserve energy over long distances and create a mesmerizing sight, resembling boiling water. Thanks to satellite tracking, scientists have discovered that Broad-winged Hawks migrate an astonishing 4,359 miles on average. This makes their energy-saving flight strategies not just impressive, but essential!

Lights Out for Migratory Species!

Birds have an incredible sense of direction, though scientists are still piecing together how it all works. It’s believed they rely on a mix of cues, from the position of the sun and stars to the Earth’s magnetic field, to guide their long journeys. Unfortunately, human actions are making it harder for birds to migrate. Many birds fly at night, and the bright lights from cities can disorient them, causing them to lose their way and collide with buildings more often, but there are plenty of ways we can help these migrating birds!

“Lights Out” is an initiative that aims to raise awareness and promote changes that help protect the billions of birds migrating across the U.S. Simple steps like turning off or dimming outdoor lights, using motion sensors, and designing buildings with bird safety in mind can make a huge difference. Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, or developer, cutting back on unnecessary nighttime lighting is a powerful way to help these birds stay safe on their journey. Even large cities participate in this program by dimming their skylines!

Taking Your Support Further

Another impactful way to contribute is by supporting the Raptor Hospital. With multiple Broad-winged Hawk nesting pairs residing in Mecklenburg County, the hospital serves as a vital resource for safeguarding both local and migratory populations of this remarkable species. By supporting Carolina Raptor Center, you’re contributing to the specialized care and conservation efforts that help this species thrive.