Observation start time: 09:00:00
Observation end time: 14:00:00
Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Carl Carbone
Observers: Stephanie Carbone
Visitors:
None
Weather:
We were greeted with steady rain for the first half hour of the count. The
wind was relentless. It was very difficult to stand out from our vehicle
and breathe. I stood between the doors to try to get some relief from it,
all while risking amputation!
Raptor Observations:
A somewhat steady flight of Turkey Vultures, but in low numbers.
Broad-winged made up the bulk of the rest. A Northern Harrier in the last
hour was a highlight. We entered from the pond side, before setting up by
the mausoleums and a rain-drenched adult (local?) Bald Eagle was perched in
one of the trees south of the offices. Other locals included a Cooper's and
Red-tailed Hawk�and several Turkey Vultures around the pond as we were
leaving. Some guy in a black pickup stopped near a few of the vultures that
were on the lawn with a carcass, got out and chased them away. Not sure
what his motive was. They returned pretty quickly.
Non-raptor Observations:
Not too many other birds braving the winds today other than a few Tree
Swallows, American Robins, The pond had four Common Mergansers (2m/2f), and
a female Bufflehead. A Belted Kingfisher passed by on migration. A few
flights of Double-created Cormorants, with 17 in one group. One Common Loon
and of course, lots of Ring-billed Gulls.
Predictions:
Tuesday looks challenging. From the NWS:
Showers and thunderstorms likely before 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high
near 67. Southwest wind 8 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance
of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of
an inch possible.
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Report submitted by Carl Carbone (<csquared63...>)
Site Description:
This spring only "all volunteer" watch is conducted at Lakeside Cemetery in
Hamburg, NY. It is located on flat lake plain located along the shoreline
of the east end of Lake Erie, about 10 miles south of Buffalo, NY.
For additional information contact Jim Landau at <landaujr...>