August 12, 2025

Counting at the Veracruz River of Raptors: Documenting Millions of Birds at the World’s Largest Raptor Migration Count Site

Jess Cosentino (Hawk Migration Association)

Join us to learn about the Veracruz “River of Raptors” (VRR) project in Mexico – the largest raptor migration count site in the world! Each fall since 1991, VRR counts an astonishing four to five million North American raptors migrating south, which includes: one to two million Broad-winged Hawks, one to two million Turkey Vultures, 750,000+ Swainson’s Hawks, and 400,000+ Mississippi Kites (with upwards of 25 different migratory raptor species documented each fall). In addition to the largest raptor migration in the world, VRR also documents tens- and hundreds-of-thousands of migratory passerines and waterbirds, including large daily flights of: Eastern Kingbirds, Scissor-tailed Flycatchers, Dickcissels, White-winged Doves, Franklin’s Gulls, White Ibis, American White Pelican, Anhinga, Wood Storks, and much more! During this talk, Jess will share his personal experiences and photography from working as an official counter at VRR in both 2017 and 2024. He has been counting migratory raptors across North America over the past 11 years and is currently a board member of the Hawk Migration Association (formerly Hawk Migration Association of North America).

Held on Tuesdays, 7:00–8:15 pm
Join us for our Newfound Nature Series (the new name for our beloved Red Barn Speaker Series) on Tuesday evenings. The series is now held at Grey Rocks and co-hosted by the Newfound Lake Region Association (NLRA). Registration is not necessary – just come and join us for an evening’s entertainment!

Thank you to our season sponsors: John S. Jordan Design, and the Hebron Conservation Commission.