Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: Bob Secatore
Observers: Chris Godrey, David Goodine, John Cannizzo, Judd Nathan, Julie Roberts, Kathryn Chihowski, Paul Roberts, Peter Duffy, Ursula Goodine
Visitors: Visitors: Andrea Cannizzo, Andy Sandberg, Ken Mirman, John Raleigh, David Kemp and Jodie Krisiak
Our observers today: Chris Godfrey, Paul and Julie Roberts, Kathryn Chihowski, Dave and Ursula Goodine, Judd Nathan, John Cannizzo and Bob Secatore
Weather: Fairly stiff west winds throughout the watch period with temps in the low to mid 40's and considerable cloud cover all day.
Raptor Observations: We recorded 102 migrants today: 9 NH, 11 SS, 3 CH, 75 AK and 4 ML. Actually, given the strong west winds, we had anticipated better migrant numbers today, especially a higher Kestrel count. This shortcoming was somewhat offset by the 11 Sharp-shins that showed up and some nice views of them and the several adult male Harriers that passed through. Give these wind speeds, most of the migrants understandably went through at low elevations.
Raptors that were seen but failed to migrate: An adult BE, 6 OS, several NH, a kiting Red-tail and several TVs.
Non-raptor Observations: Other birds: 5 Northern Gannets, at least 100 Flickers, several flocks of Double-crested Cormorants , one numbering 35 or more birds.
Predictions: WNW winds between 10 to 20 mph with temps in the low 40's to mid-50's deg Fahrenheit under sunny skies. So, prospects are very favorable. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Robert Secatore (<rs8843829...>) Plum Island MA information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
