Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Michael Ceci
Observers:
Visitors: None
Weather: Upon arrival at Site 1, skies were clear, wind was mild SSW, and temperature was 24.38(c). Despite these ideal conditions, from 9:00 - 11:00 AM. there were only 4 migrating raptors: 3 SS; 1 CH, and 2 UR. Wind was less than category 1, but a slight shift was noted @ 10:30 AM with the wind becoming WNW. With the slight variation of wind conditions, all 4 sites were used today to check for BW movement. The majority of today's birds were extremely high, requiring the use of 10X binoculars throughout the watch.
Raptor Observations: With such a small number of birds coming through at Site 1A at the start of the Watch, by 11:00 AM, I decided to check our inland sites: At site 1B (Forsyth Rd) wind was very mild, but the very slight northerly element pushed the birds over Parker Rd (Site # 2) Upon relocating to Site 2, I was pleased to find a small kettle of BW's combined with TV's directly in front of the Watch site. By 11:30 AM, the birds were further inland, so a move was made to Site # 3 (Creamery Rd) where I remained from 11:30 AM- 2 PM. A fair mixture of raptors and TV's were slightly south of the site, but moved a bit north by 1:00 PM and could be seen directly out front. By 2:00, the line changed going more towards Lake Erie. With nothing further coming over Creamery Rd (Site # 3), I began to move downhill to Sites 2, 1B, and 1A. During the 2-3 PM hour, there were only 5 birds. The count was discontinued at 3:00 PM
Non-raptor Observations: At one point, it looked promising when I came upon the small kettle at Site # 2 with a mixture of BW's and TV's. The remaining BW's came through one or two at a time at a very high altitude. Today's flight was modest, as predicted in yesterday's report.
Predictions: For Friday, 04/25/2025 the weather forecast calls for clouds in the morning, then off and on rain showers during the afternoon hours. High 67F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. With the SSW wind, and "off and on" rain, the conditions may be ideal for a flight to materialize. Tomorrow will be telling tale. A good run of BW's will indicate BW's still headed our way. We expect at least a moderate flight to materialize. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Michael Ceci (<michael.ceci541...>) Ripley Hawk Watch information may be found at: www.facebook.com/groups/3193820734258889/
