Observation start time: 07:15:00 Observation end time: 11:00:00 Total observation time: 3.75 hours
Official Counter: Bob Secatore
Observers: Ted Mara
Visitors: Dan Prima, Sam and Carla Miller.
Weather: Rather weak (4 to 7 mph) SSW and SW winds dwindled to a standstill by the start of the 10 o'clock hour. Ten minutes later, the definite roar of the breaking surf heralded the onset of a steady onshore breeze which lasted for the remainder of the watch.
Raptor Observations: We recorded six migrant raptors today. One OS passed right over us 400 feet above on a path directly north. All three NHs were first observed at a fairly low altitude before spiraling upward to several hundred feet and then peeling off to the north, two over the marsh and one over the ocean just offshore. The CH flew northward almost directly over the platform shortly after the start of the watch period. The Merlin came through approximately 50 feet up and, once again, directly over us.
Several OS, at least 1 NH, 1 Red-tail and 1 TV were observed but failed to migrate.
Non-raptor Observations: A huge group of Double-crested Cormorants (Ted's estimate was just over 600 birds) gathered over the shallows just offshore and directly to the east of our platform before streaming in a long, wide procession almost directly over ups before dispersing over the marsh. Other birds: For 20 minutes, 3 Fish Crows were continuously repulsed by the 10 or more Purple Martins in the gourd tree area. Also, 2 Ravens, 2 Great Blue Herons, 2 Great Egrets. Several Willets out on the marsh surface. Predictions: The forecast for tomorrow has deteriorated for our purposes in the past 12 hours or so. Weak to moderate NW and NNW winds will come to an end before 11:00 am replaced by less favorable ENE and east winds for the remainder of the watch period. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Robert Secatore (<rs8843829...>) Plum Island MA information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
