We mere humans standing among them felt twinges in muscles that never evolved into wings. We would have liked to join them, on our own power, traveling high above the earth. Other species of birds travel with the broadwings and are also counted. Migrating as well are anhingas, wood ibis, white and white-faced ibis, turkey and black vultures. An occasional flock of white pelicans drifts in wide circles, flashing back silver light from their wings, or disappearing as they turn.
Roseate spoonbills are usually low enough to show their gorgeous color.
Birds of a feather On Sept. 29 the liftoff climaxed the migration for year 2000. These things cannot be planned and depend on good luck, the weather, and the whims of broadwinged hawks. Celebration of Flight was a successful mix of informative programs including talks by Hawk Watch International director Howard Gross, HWI education director for the Hazel Bazemore Hawk Watch, Thom Benedict, and identification workshops led by Mark Vekasy. Michele Setter, curator and raptor rehabilitator for the Texas State Aquarium, brought for display Cleo, a Swainson's hawk, and Scooter, a barn owl. Both are injured birds that cannot be released into the wild.