Date: 10/12/25 6:11 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (12 Oct 2025) 77 Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 12, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 7 7 TV 54 373 373 OS 0 19 148 BE 0 71 302 NH 0 14 93 SS 14 519 1834 CH 2 56 118 AG 0 0 0 RS 0 5 9 BW 0 16 10263 RT 2 45 178 RL 0 0 0 GE 1 6 8 AK 1 37 156 ML 0 12 33 PG 0 25 46 UA 1 10 24 UB 1 2 14 UF 0 3 5 UE 0 0 0 UR 1 17 37 SK 0 0 1
Observation start time: 10:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 5.5 hours
Official Counter: Jess Cosentino
Observers: Dave Grove, Debbie Spinelli, Gary LaBelle
Visitors: 10
Weather: Rain last night lingered a bit in the earliest morning hours, but cleared quickly bringing a steady northeast/east wind for the entire morning (gradually shifting more east as the count went on into the afternoon hours), High 67 F
Raptor Observations: It was an overall slow day of raptor movement on the ridge, despite consistent northeast wind. This is likely due to the passage of the rain last night into this morning continuing up the ridge and halting any southward movement by raptors.
Most of the count today were large groups of Turkey Vultures very distant south of the ridge, cutting across the Cumberland Valley. Aside from the vulture movement, a few single Sharp-shinned Hawks passed high and quick overhead with lots of time in between with no raptor movement.
The highlight on an otherwise slower day included just moments after discussing Golden Eagle migration during a slow lull, a subadult Golden Eagle rose high to the north of the ridge for several minuted before setting off in a slow glide directly overhead providing a great sustained look from below.
First bird SSHA 11:37 Last bird SSHA 15:43
Non-raptor Observations: Chimney Swift 1, Tree Swallow 26, Purple Finch 1, Yellow-rumped Warbler 1, Monarch 1
LFE: 0 Monarch: 1 Hummingbird: 0
Predictions: Monday (tomorrow): Light rain is likely, it could possibly be clear for the count period
Tuesday: Following Monday's rain, it will clear and bring sturdy north winds (11 mph), These conditions are promising for good raptor movement down the ridge
Wednesday: Northwest winds (9-12 mph), A second day of promising conditions following the passage of Monday's front, This could also be a good day of raptor movement on the ridge ======================================================================== Report submitted by WG Counter ()
