Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Rob Woodward
Observers:
Visitors: 11, including a family of 7 with big, medium, and small, and some inbetween.
Weather: Overcast for almost all day but plenty of thermals, diminished visibility, a steady light SE to E wind, warm, 59 - 70 F.
Raptor Observations: A breakthrough - I studied data from other hawk watch sites in the region, particularly Bradbury Mountain State Park, 60 miles NE from Alton Bay. They have been running spring hawk watches for over 20 years. In the last 10 years, 3 of the peak dates for Broad-winged Hawk migration have fallen on 19 April, the same date I saw dozens from a trail in the woods in Gilford last week. 5 of the other dates are within a few days of the 19th. Next year I will start this count in mid-April in search of the peak.
Non-raptor Observations: First of year Black-and-white Warbler, first waxwings I've seen in a while, and a storm of Yellow-rumped Warblers (212) all headed south just over the top of the hill throughout the count.
Predictions: Lamentably, I have other obligations over the next week, bringing this season to a close. I will be back for fall migration, see you ... in September. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Rob Woodward (<toucanrob...>)
