Witness the curves for rough-legged hawk and golden eagle migration from Hawk Mtn, PA (golden colored graph for the eagle).

Golden eagles are also observed from hawkwatch sites across New England each fall.  Although single day counts from Hawk Mountain can reach double digits (31 birds, November 20, 2003), New Hampshire has only once reached double digits in a season (11 birds, 2006).  That being the case, a good time can still be had in October and November, long after the last kettle of broad-winged hawks has passed.  Pack’s late fall highlights includes 3 golden eagles October 20 2006, and again November 3, 2006, 22 northern harriers October 9, 2007, and 45 red-shouldered hawks, October 29, 2009,

Much less is known about the migratory routes and status of golden eagle in New England than at the more thoroughly studied Hawk Mtn site, and less again of rough-legged hawk.  The latter has never been recorded from Pack Monadnock during migratory season, although there is one CBC record.  This is undoubtedly due to lack of effort (Pack is not manned in November on a consistent basis, the prime window for rough-legged hawk migration).  I hope to remedy this situation this coming fall.  Putney Mountain Hawkwatch in VT has recorded up to four rough-legs in a single day (October 29, 2008), so I am optimistic.  Golden eagle watch will peak in early November.  Bring hat and gloves!