Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5.75 hours
Official Counter: Eric Mueller, Ted Purcell
Observers: Christine Restell, Cindy Rost, Joanne Hart, John Edmondson, Mark Hibberd, Marty McNamara, Scot Wiinikka, Ted Purcell, Tom Gottschang
Visitors: Several dozen hikers and other sightseers came up to enjoy the good view and pleasant weather.
Weather: Finally a day without southerly winds - everything came straight out of the west today at 6-12 mph with gusts up to 18 mph and lulls down to almost nothing. Temps were from 60 to 70F, and there were many more clouds than predicted, but that was fine as a background for spotting the birds. The wind made it a bit chilly, and layering was definitely in order today. Visibility was very good with only a slight haze - all of the usual landmarks were quite visible.
Raptor Observations: Bald Eagles carried the day for us, accounting for 6 of the 8 migrating raptors that we spotted today. The first one appeared just 15 minutes after we set up this morning, and the other 5 all flew through between 10 and 11 am EST. They seem to respond well to the stronger wind conditions aloft. Non-migrating raptors: Black Vulture - 4 (all together) TV - 4 (minimum number) Bald Eagle - 2 (1 Ad, 1 Juv) Cooper's Hawk - 1 Broad-winged Hawk - 2 (possibly 3, all juveniles) Red-tail - 2 Unident Raptor - 1
We had a great turnout of observers today with a total of 10 over the course of the day. Thanks to everyone who came out today!
Non-raptor Observations: Non-raptors: MODO - 1 Chimney Swift - 4 RE Vireo - 1 Comm Raven - 11 (possibly 12 all in one group) BC Chickadee - 2 Gr Catbird - 1 Amer Robin - 1 Cedar WW - 1 E Towhee - 1 N Cardinal - 1 (not all that common a visitor up here)
Predictions: Partly to mostly cloudy skies, with temps in the 60's, with WNW to W winds at 5-10 mph and low-to-moderate humidity. This should be a recipe for a good flight and good observation conditions. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw