September Hawk Migration Alert!
by Linda Hamilton and Alicia Daniel,
September 9, 2010, page 19.....

Did you know that Mt. Philo right here in Charlotte is one of the best places in all of Vermont for observing the fall migration of hawks? Migrations peak during the second and third weeks of September. According to Ted Murin and Brian Pfeiffer in their book, Birdwatching in Vermont, on a good migration day more than 1,000 hawks of many species pass over and around Mt. Philo. And in fact, Mt. Philo holds the record for the largest number of hawks sighted in a single day in Vermont: 3,688!
If you want to catch some of this action, when should you be watching? Weather is more important than a particular date. A high-pressure system on the heels of a low often will bring the north winds that the hawks favor. The busiest time is usually from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. when the birds can catch warm thermal updrafts. The power and grace of a hawk – not to mention several dozen at a time ­– circling in a thermal updraft is an amazing sight. So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced birder, grab your binoculars and head up to the top of Mt. Philo whenever you can during this period. Chances are there will be plenty of other folks there, too, sharing the fun and excitement of this fine natural display.