Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 13:30:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Kiah Jasper
Observers: Chip Ogglesby, Mike Jaber, Noel Herdman, Robin Smallwood
Visitors: Thanks to Noel, Mike, Chip and Robin for helping out today, company is always welcome on these quiet days!
Weather: Today was almost a repeat of yesterday weather wise. A dark and gloomy November day with a low cloud layer and poor winds. The temperature started off at 7C, rising to 10C in the afternoon. The wind was light (10kph) out of the Southwest all day, changing to the SSW after noon. Today had higher humidity (nearly 100% all day) and much reduced visibility compared to yesterday at a max of 5km. The barometer fell slightly today, ending near 29.95.
Raptor Observations: Less raptors than yesterday, with an average of 1 or 2 per hour today. In a surprise twist of events, Merlin (3) took the top spot today, followed by Northern Harrier (2) and Cooper's Hawk (2)... that does not happen often! An adult Red-shouldered Hawk in close was a nice pop of colour on a dark day.
Non-raptor Observations: 66 species were observed from the tower today, 1 less than yesterday though unsurprising given the reduced visibility (we could not see birds on the lake very well) and wind direction. As expected with a light West component wind, there was a strong flight of Cedar Waxwing (1,429) and American Goldfinch (1,982), so that gave us some birds to count at least. American Pipit (37), Eastern Bluebird (9) and Purple Finch (12) migrated past in lower numbers. On the marsh all the ducks were flushed at once as a coast guard helicopter flew past, allowing for a closer count than usual (birds hide in hard to see places at the back edges). Over 6,000 ducks were seen in flight, with Gadwall (1,700) and Mallard (2,900 ) being the most abundant. Other highlights today included 2 Fox Sparrows and a late Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. The eBird list is available here - https://ebird.org/checklist/S285478644
Predictions: Tomorrow should be a more productive day for raptors, with a mainly sunny sky expected. The wind will be light out of the North, potentially shifting to the South in the afternoon. The strength of the North wind, and how long it remains will determine how good the flight is. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kiah Jasper (<kiahbirder...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
