Weather Influences on Raptor Migration along the Kittatinny Ridge, Pennsylvania

This paper analyzes the relationship between weather patterns and bird migration to determine the feasibility of a site-specific migration forecast. Autumn migration data from Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Pennsylvania for ten species were correlated with individual weather variables. Stepwise multiple linear regressions revealed a positive relationship with raptor migration to northwesterly winds and wind speed and an inverse relationship to sea level pressure. Composite maps were created using data from days with the greatest migration counts for each species and categorized by synoptic situations. A relationship between bird migration and cold-front passage was revealed, with five of the species having their highest migration days after the recent passage of a cold front. Morphological differences are noted for birds in different synoptic groupings. The results suggest that a site-specific weather forecast for hawk watching sites is feasible. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]