Swainson’s Hawk Migration - FAQ’s

If you’re searching for an incredible bird migration experience in California, Borrego Springs is the place to be. Whether you’re an avid birder or simply love nature, witnessing the Swainson’s Hawk migration spectacle is unforgettable.

1. Why is Borrego Springs famous for Swainson’s Hawk migration?
Borrego Springs, California, is one of the best birdwatching destinations in Southern California to witness the Swainson’s Hawk spring migration. Every year, thousands of Swainson’s Hawks stop here on their epic 6,000-mile journey from Argentina to North America. The area’s rich desert insect life provides essential food, making it a critical raptor migration stopover.

2. When is the best time to see Swainson’s Hawks in Borrego Springs?
The peak Swainson’s Hawk migration season in Borrego Springs is from mid-February to mid-April, with the highest hawk counts occurring in mid-to-late March. If you’re planning a birdwatching trip in California, this is the time to visit!

3. Where can I watch the Swainson’s Hawk migration?
The best Swainson’s Hawk viewing spots in Borrego Springs include:

  • DiGiorgio Road (2.8 miles north of Palm Canyon Drive) – ideal for morning hawk flights

  • Borrego Valley Road (1.8 miles north of Palm Canyon Drive) – perfect for evening roost watching

4. What time of day are the hawks most visible?
For the best Swainson’s Hawk viewing experience, plan for:

  • Morning “kettles” (large swirling flocks) from 8 AM to 11 AM

  • Evening roosting activity about one hour before sunset

5. Why do Swainson’s Hawks stop in Borrego Springs?
Borrego Springs becomes a feeding hotspot for migrating hawks after winter rains, with an abundance of Sphinx moth caterpillars, grasshoppers, and flying ants. This area provides vital energy for their northward journey, making it a key part of California’s raptor migration route.

Tall Eucalyptus and Tamarisk Trees provide safe roosting spots for their overnight stay i the Borrego Valley.

6. How many Swainson’s Hawks migrate through Borrego Springs each year?
Yearly counts at the Borrego Springs Hawkwatch can range from 1,500 to over 16,000 Swainson’s Hawks. During peak days, it’s possible to see hundreds or thousands of hawks soaring overhead, making it one of the top birdwatching events in California.

The Borrego Springs Hawkwatch Volunteers have an “Alert System” you can sign up for. When over 100 hawks come into the valley to roost in the evening, the team sends out an email. Sign up for the Alert at hawkwatchborregosprings@gmail.com, subject: HAWK ALERT

7. Can I volunteer at the Borrego Valley Hawkwatch?
Yes! Yes! Yes!
The Borrego Springs Hawkwatch is a citizen science project run entirely by volunteers. Beginners and experienced hawkwatchers are encouraged to participate! You do not need to be a birder or knowledgeable about birds.

Join a “Volunteer Orientation Session” to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
Email hawkwatchborregosprings@gmail.com , subject: VOLUNTEER

8. What other birds of prey can I see during Swainson’s Hawk migration?
Along with Swainson’s Hawks, birdwatchers in Borrego Springs can spot Red-tailed Hawks, American Kestrels, White-tailed Kites, Ospreys, and Turkey Vultures. Occasionally, rare raptors are also observed.

9. How long do Swainson’s Hawks stay in Borrego Springs?
Swainson’s Hawks typically roost overnight in Borrego Springs, feasting on caterpillars and desert insects, then continue migrating north the next day, covering 80-150 miles daily.

10. What should I bring for hawk watching in Borrego Springs?
For the best birding experience in Borrego Springs, pack:

  • Binoculars and a spotting scope

  • Field guides

  • Hat, sunscreen, water, and layers for changing desert temperatures

11. Why is the Borrego Valley Hawkwatch important for conservation?
The Borrego Valley Hawkwatch is one of California’s only spring raptor migration monitoring sites. The data collected helps track Swainson’s Hawk population trends, contributes to conservation research, and raises public awareness of bird migration and habitat protection.

Quick Guide for Swainson’s Hawk Watchers

Peak season: Mid-March in Borrego Springs, CA
Best times: 8–11 AM and 1 hour before sunset
Top viewing locations: DiGiorgio Road & Borrego Valley Road
Must-see event: Daily Swainson’s Hawk kettles
Get involved: Volunteer with the Borrego Springs Hawkwatch

HAWKWATCH DOCUMENTARY - FAQ’s

1.What is the HAWKWATCH documentary?
The HAWKWATCH documentary is a nature and conservation film that follows the incredible story of Swainson’s Hawks migrating through Borrego Springs, California. This bird migration documentary captures the beauty of raptor migration and the passionate citizen scientists who track and protect these birds. It’s a wildlife documentary highlighting birdwatching culture, migration science, and the fragile ecosystems of the California desert.

2. Where was the HAWKWATCH documentary filmed?
Filming took place in Borrego Springs, California, with key scenes at the Borrego Valley Hawkwatch, as well as in Veracruz, Mexico, and Antelope Valley, California, showing the full migration route of the Swainson’s Hawks.

3. What makes the HAWKWATCH documentary unique?
 HAWKWATCH focuses on both the spectacle of bird migration and the human connection to conservation. The film showcases volunteer hawk counters, local educators, and wildlife experts who all work together to protect Swainson’s Hawks. It’s an inspiring story about community-led conservation and the importance of protecting raptor migration pathways.

4. Who are the experts featured in the HAWKWATCH documentary?
The HAWKWATCH documentary features Swainson’s Hawk experts such as
Dr. Peter Bloom, biologist Hal Cohen (founder of Borrego Valley Hawkwatch), and wildlife researcher Kasmir Wolf of Pronatura Veracruz, along with many local birdwatchers and volunteer conservationists.

5. When will the HAWKWATCH documentary be released?
The HAWKWATCH film is currently in post-production and is scheduled for release in early 2026. Follow updates on Swainson’s Hawk film screenings, Borrego Springs conservation events, and bird migration documentary festivals via the film’s official website and social media channels.

6. How can I support the HAWKWATCH documentary?
You can support the HAWKWATCH bird migration documentary by:

  • Donating to the film’s fundraising campaigns - Link

  • Hosting a community screening of the documentary - Link

  • Sharing the film trailer on social media -

7. Will the HAWKWATCH documentary be available for schools and educational programs?
Yes! One of the key goals of the HAWKWATCH educational documentary is to create an accessible learning tool for schools, nature centers, and conservation groups. Educational versions with lesson plans will be available to promote environmental education and raptor conservation awareness.

8. Why Watch the HAWKWATCH Documentary?
Whether you’re a birdwatching enthusiast, environmental educator, or simply someone who loves nature documentaries, the HAWKWATCH film will take you inside the heart of one of the greatest bird migrations in North America. Experience the Swainson’s Hawk migration in Borrego Springs, meet the passionate people protecting them, and discover why raptor conservation matters now more than ever.