Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Rob Woodward
Observers:
Visitors: 23, including a group that asked about the watch. When I gave them the breakdown for each species they said "Just today?" Poor hikers, they know not what soars over their heads. Thank you to Barbara of Alton for stopping by again, along with Husband Tom The Retired Forester.
Weather: Cloudless skies with some high thin clouds on the far horizon to the east with lake fog until 10:00; moderate NE winds diminishing to light after 12:15 and calm by 3:00; 49 - 67 F.
Raptor Observations: A record breaking day for Sharp-shinned Hawk, setting a new season high count, besting the old record of 149 set in 2022. The first raptor of the day was indeed Sharp-shin but not until 10:10. Then a steady movement passed in front of Mt Major, sometimes 3 at a time, every hour.
Non-raptor Observations: 37 Pine Siskins, including a flock of 30, 33 Yellow-rumps, and a kettle of 10 ravens that let a Red-tailed Hawk ride at the top.
Predictions: Now that the Sharp-shin record is locked down, I will return next week for the peak of both Red-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawks at the end of October and first 2 days of November. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Rob Woodward (<toucanrob...>)
