Observation start time: 07:00:00
Observation end time: 16:00:00
Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: Maili Waters
Observers: Chris Wood, Greg Lawrence, Jessie Barry, Joann Tetlow,
Luke Seitz, Mike Tetlow, Nick Kachala, Robin Morey,
Roger Clark, Sheryl Gracewski, Stephen Menzie, Vid Killius
Visitors:
~45
Weather:
The day started and ended with rain but was clear for the middle of the
day! The temps started out in the mid 50s and reached a high in the upper
60s. The winds were SSW at 15-25mph all day.
Raptor Observations:
Over the course of the day we observed 97 individuals representing 11
different species! In addition to the 33 Rough-legged Hawks (!!!), the next
most numerous species were Red-tailed Hawks (15), Turkey Vultures (13), and
Bald Eagles (12). We also had the first two Red-shouldered Hawks of the
season! At one point there was an exciting moment where there were 3
different Golden Eagles in view at the same time! Other raptors seen today
included 6 American Kestrels, 5 Northern Harriers, 4 Sharp-shinned Hawks,
and 2 of each of Merlins and Cooper�s Hawks.
Non-raptor Observations:
In addition to raptors, there were large numbers of American Robins,
Red-winged Blackbirds, and European Starlings moving today. Lots of Snow
Buntings, Horned Larks, and a few Lapland Longspurs were flying over the
platform all day. Throughout the day there were thousands of Canada Geese,
along with a few dozen Snow Geese, 5 Cackling Geese, 4 Greater
White-fronted Geese, and one Snow Goose X Canada goose hybrid. Ducks were
also on the move today with especially large numbers of Northern Pintails
going over.
Predictions:
Tomorrow�s weather: Partly cloudy and very windy. WSW winds at 20-30mph
with some stronger gusts possible. Temps will reach a high around 48F.
There should not be any rain. In terms of what we might see at the platform
tomorrow, I�m expecting a couple birds because of the wind direction,
however the strength of the wind will limit the flight. Monday is still
looking very good! It should be mostly sunny with a high of 63F. Winds will
be out of the WSW at 15-20mph. It is still early in the season, so the
numbers won�t be crazy, but I�m expecting a decent flight.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Maili Waters (<mailirwaters...>)
Braddock Bay information may be found at:
http://www.bbrr.org/
