Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 13:30:00 Total observation time: 5.5 hours
Official Counter: Chris Rockwell
Observers: Josh Ketry
Visitors: Josh Ketry Cindy Naughton
Weather: Rain showers prior to start of count. Strong winds ~20 mph gusting to 30 mph throughout the day, starting SW in the morning. A thunderstorm passed through 1015-1145 EST that paused the flight. At 1130 EST wind shifted to WNW but back to WSW by 1300 EST. Brief rain shower at 1230 EST. Mid 60s(F) for temperature. Full cloud cover throughout the day.
Raptor Observations: Flight was strongest in the first two hours, although there was still some migration activity after the thunderstorm. Birds came through in small groups and single birds. Flight dwindled to essentially nothing in the last hour of the count. Broad-winged Hawks and Turkey Vultures made up the bulk of the flight, with a cluster of Sharp-shinned Hawks coming through after the thunderstorm. A smattering of other raptor species, particularly in the first hour of the count. Two local/non-migrating Red-tailed Hawks and a Bald Eagle observed.
Non-raptor Observations: At least one Rusty Blackbird singing from the woods in the morning. Saw a Northern Mockingbird. A total of 10 cormorants and a loon seen flying north, as well as several blackbird flocks.
Predictions: Light north winds 5-10 mph, high of 53F (colder than today), partly cloudy. Light flight expected. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Christine Rockwell (<rockwell.christina...>)
Site Description: This spring only "all volunteer" watch is conducted at Lakeside Cemetery in Hamburg, NY. It is located on flat lake plain located along the shoreline of the east end of Lake Erie, about 10 miles south of Buffalo, NY. For additional information contact Jim Landau at <landaujr...>
