Prior to 1997, local volunteers, working under the auspices of the Hawk Migration Association of North America, had routinely conducted limited counts of the fall raptor through migration through the "Coastal Bend" area of Texas and new that the flight there was significant. In 1997, encouraged by local enthusiasts, HWI stepped in and initiated full-season, standardized counts at Hazel Bazemore County Park, which sits at a horseshoe bend on the southern bank of the Nueces River, about 17 miles west of Corpus Christi near the town of Calallen. The 1997 count recorded more than 841,000 migrants, which immediately ranked this flight as the largest ever recorded in the United States and Canada! The next year, the count rose to an even higher total of 992,950 migrants and included 28 species, one of the most diverse assemblages ever recorded at a North American migration site! Broad-winged Hawks typically comprise greater than 95% of the total count, but counts of Mississippi Kites, Turkey Vultures, and Swainson's Hawks also typically total in the thousands. The project runs from 15 August through 15 November each year.

In 2003, HWI conducted or co-sponsored 14 long-term standardized migration counts in 10 states and Vercruz, Mexico. The primary objective of these efforts is to track long-term population trends of diurnal raptors throughout primarily western North America. The information gathered enables us to better understand the life histories, ecology, status, and conservation needs of raptor populations in North America.Raptors feed atop food pyramids, inhabit most ecosystems, occupy large home ranges, and are sensitive to environmental contamination and other human disturbances. Therefore, they serve as important biological indicators of ecosystem health. Moreover, due to the remoteness and widespread distribution of most raptor populations, migration counts likely represent the most cost-effective and efficient method for monitoring the regional status and trends of multiple raptor species.

In addition to gathering important scientific data, the Corpus Christi project also provides excellent opportunities for the public to learn about the ecology and conservation needs of raptors through on-site environmental education and interpretation conducted by a full-time on-site educator and other dedicated volunteers. The public is always welcome to take advantage of the environmental education programs and great hawkwatching at the site. Beginning in 2000, HWI's field educators also began expanding the reach of our Texas educational efforts to include off-site programs in schools and at other community venues. In 2001, 124 such programs were conducted, reaching nearly 8,000 additional children and adults. This educational effort is the key to long-term success in securing public understanding and action on behalf of raptors and the ecosystems upon which we all rely.

To further enhance educational efforts associated with the Corpus Christi project, a "Celebration of Flight" event is held at the project site each year during the peak Broad-winged Hawk passage period in late September. The free event typically features live raptor programs, interpretive displays, mini-programs, and volunteer assistance to see and identify raptors. Stay tuned to this site in late summer for current scheduling and program information.

Support for this project in 2003 was provided by the Houston Endowment, Trull Foundation, Audubon Outdoor Club of Corpus Christi, and HWI members. We are also very grateful for the Nueces County Parks and Recreation Department and their staff at Hazel Bazemore Park for providing such a magnificent place to watch hawks.