Observation start time: 08:45:00 Observation end time: 13:30:00 Total observation time: 4.67 hours
Official Counter: Devin Banning, Michael Ceci
Observers: Andy Dickson, Kate Ebersol, Mike Ceci, Tom Wasilewski
Visitors: Andy Dickson, Kate Ebersole, Tom Wasilewski, Mike Ceci (who took over Official Counting duties at 1130)
Weather: Overcast and rain on arrival heavy at times, but cleared completely by 0905. The skies began to clear, and by 11am there was only 10% cloud cover. Strong Thunderstorms missed us to the North and South! Winds were fickle, starting Southerly, then shifting more westerly, at times northerly, but the flight continued over Site 1 for most of the day. Had we moved, we would have missed the birds coming directly over Site 1. As the day continued, Temperatures dropped dramatically.
Raptor Observations: We observed a diverse array of raptors. Red-tailed Hawks, Sharpies, Kestrels, Osprey, and another Peregrine Falcon. The flight peaked in the 1000 hour before dwindling off during subsequent hours. Five Broad-wings came through in singles. We are anxiously awaiting our first big BW day of the year, perhaps Friday or Saturday?
Non-raptor Observations: Turkey Vultures came through in low numbers, our biggest group was four birds. Plenty of non-raptors were on the move to add interest to the day. A noteworthy sighting was the albino Rock Pigeon first seen in March, perhaps we should give it a name? Carolina Wrens belted their songs from just west of Site 1. Northern Flickers are on the move, with over 20 making their way through between 0900 and 1130. Hundreds of blackbirds of three different species. Horned Larks, Eastern Phoebe, Cormorants.
New birds for the watch this season included Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Savannah Sparrow, and Eastern Towhee. This brings the total number of bird species seen at Ripley this season to 69, will we break 100?
Predictions: Wednesday will be cold and snowy, light to no flight. Thursday temps will rise and winds will be light, shifting from SW to NW throughout the day. There is some potential for a moderate flight. Friday seems promising, but it all depends on what we have in the pipeline and the rain. Strong S winds gusting to around 40mph could push birds through fast. I sent an email requesting more eyes on Friday and Saturday. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Devin Banning (<devincban...>) Ripley Hawk Watch information may be found at: www.facebook.com/groups/3193820734258889/
