Observation start time: 09:45:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 3.25 hours
Official Counter: Michael Ceci
Observers:
Visitors: None
Weather: Since the close of yesterday's watch, temperatures dropped 12.78(c) and rain, heavy at times, occurred overnight. There were overcast skies at the start of today's watch, with the exception of a partial clearing over the lakeshore. Wind was NNE and NNW. By 1:00 PM, there were mostly blue skies with sunshine. Temperature ranged from 4.5 - 7.7(c) during today's 3+ hours of the Watch.
Raptor Observations: I started the Watch at Site 1A. With the wind pushing inland, a change was made to Site # 3 (Creamery Rd) at 10:00 AM. A small number of TV's and a few raptors were spread from the top of the escarpment to Route 20. All four sites, as well as viewing from the cell tower were checked. After 1 PM, I concluded there were no BW's passing through today. The Watch came to a complete halt @ 12:30 PM, and was shut-down @ 1PM.
Non-raptor Observations: During the earlier part of the watch, a few good raptors passed through at Site # 3 at a high altitude. A BW flight failed to materialize. Even non-raptors were scarce today. Yesterday's substantial flight of Blue Jays failed to resume today.
Predictions: For Thursday, 05/01/2025, on and off rain showers are predicted in the morning with numerous thunderstorms developing in the afternoon. High 74F. The morning's winds will be SSE at 10 to 20 mph, changing to S by noontime. Scattered thunderstorms are predicted after 3 PM. Morning temperatures will begin @ 12.77(c) but will climb to 18.33 by 12:00 PM. Very often, we've had decent flights under these conditions with many birds attempting to push through in between the showers and continuing until the thunderstorms become predominant by mid-afternoon. A moderate flight is predicted. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Michael Ceci (<michael.ceci541...>) Ripley Hawk Watch information may be found at: www.facebook.com/groups/3193820734258889/
