Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 13:15:00 Total observation time: 4.75 hours
Official Counter: Chris Smith
Observers: Carol Dunn, Daena Ford, Meg Merchant, Samantha Cali, Tracy Merchant
Visitors: About 10 A group of 4 seniors from The Highlands were on a field trip today. BBRR Volunteer Samantha Cali and family
Weather: Hot summer day, with temperatures starting in the mid 70's F warming up to the upper 80's. Still some wildfire haze, but less than previous days this past week. Warm, southerly winds brought us a banner day of raptors! Light SSW most of the day which strengthened a tad more to south by the count's end.
Raptor Observations: LOTS of movement today! Today's total of 739 raptors is the highest day total since the Summer Raptor Count project started in 2019.
Numerous kettles of both Red-tailed and Broad-winged Hawks, some mixed as well. Fortunately most of the flight was overhead as we watch from the shade of the hickory tree, but some birds were a little more lakeside or over the parking lot, and others went to our left over the fields. Sometimes birds were very high, but a little clouds kept most at binocular view.
During the 9-10am EST hour Broad-winged Hawks (160) outnumbered Red-tails (134). Great Bald Eagle flight of 47 birds. Good variety today as well with 3 Northern Harriers, another Red-shouldered Hawk, and 1 each of American Kestrel and Merlin (which was mobbed by the swallows). The Mather banding station (across the bay) reported a Peregrine Falcon, but it was not seen at the watch.
Adult Bald Eagle made an appearance, as did a couple of local osprey. Adult Red-tailed showed up to check out some of the juveniles passing through its territory.
Non-raptor Observations: Too busy counting raptors to pay much attention to other birds today! The most numerous songbirds in the park are still the swallows, martins and goldfinches.
Predictions: Similar conditions predicted for tomorrow, with light SW winds to start, shifting more SE later on. Another hot day as well, so we could see another great flight. Fingers crossed! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Daena D. Ford (<dford...>) Braddock Bay information may be found at: http://www.bbrr.org/
