Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Paul Gosselin
Observers: Juliette Herdman, Mike Jaber, Noel Herdman, Robin Smallwood
Visitors: Thanks to Paul for handling Offical Counter duties, with many helpful observers: Mike J., Noel, Juliette, Kate, and Robin. Toni, Lou, David P., Sarah M., and Roz all visited the tower today.
Weather: A cool start (3C), with winds blowing mildly out of the west, and a touch of cloud cover. By noon wind direction had shifted southwest, but would return to straight west. 12C was the high for today.
Raptor Observations: Constant west winds made for a slow day on the raptor front. Turkey Vultures just squeaked into first place (40), closely followed by Red-tailed (37). We then have a two-way tie for 3rd, with 10 apiece awarded to Sharp-shinned and Red-shouldered Hawks. Another two-way tie for 4th saw Cooper's and Northern Harriers tally 5 each. Golden Eagles weren't as numerous today, with only 3 observed.
Non-raptor Observations: Ducks continue to reign supreme on the marsh (4373). A large squadron of American White Pelicans flew over the marsh in perfect formation, and American Goldfinch continue to move in good numbers (705). The eBird checklist can be found here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S285846664
Predictions: Patches of fog dissipating in the morning to reveal partly sunny skies with a high of 9C. South winds will once again dampen raptor migration, but hopefully (with all fingers crossed) a few will pay us a visit near the tower. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Chad Cornish (<mail...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
