Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Devin Banning
Observers: Carol Hardenburg, Julie Leonard, Mike Ceci, Nathan Stimson
Visitors: Bruce Robinson and Nathan Stimson in search of the skulky White-eyed Vireo. Carol Hardenburg, Julie Leonard, and Mike Ceci.
Weather: On arrival warm and sunny, almost too warm for my RHW crewneck! However it quickly clouded over. As the sun disappeared I located a flight line directly along the 90. Heavier clouds appeared, and soon rain, which took up all of the 1000 hour and most of the 1100 hour. As predicted things then cleared, and by noon observers were enjoying sunny skies. Our biggest hours were the 1200 and 1300 hour. Later in the day skies clouded over and soon rain closed the watch.
Raptor Observations: Initial observations made from site 1, then 1B, then 2, and even 3! Initial flight line was over I-90, but that shut down quickly after 9am. Few birds were seen until 1200, when skies started to clear. We had nine species of raptors and Tvs. Once again our most numerous birds were TVs. Only 58 BWs passed through despite promising conditions. Some BWs were juveniles. We are approaching the end of the season.
Non-raptor Observations: WHITE-EYED VIREO!!!! Probably a first ever for RHW. First heard singing across from Site #2, then located skulking in brush. We later found it two more times before the end of the day. Plenty of other species, Cliff Swallow, plenty of Blue Jays, Orchard and Baltimore Orioles, American Pipits at 1B, Northern Waterthrush, Common Yellowthroat.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Likely a no-count, any flight would be minimal if there is one after the morning washout.
SUNDAY: More of the same. Frequent rain and east winds. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Devin Banning (<devincban...>) Ripley Hawk Watch information may be found at: www.facebook.com/groups/3193820734258889/
