Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 8.5 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Bridget Watts, Greg Sanda, Kim Steininger, Matt Drury, Mike Tetlow, Shannon Sanda, Vid Killius
Visitors: 50, Bird of Prey Days
Weather: Overcast with periods of rain and moderate southerly winds. Fairly warm but it felt chilly with the wind. Rain paused the count from 11:45am - 12:30pm EST and ended the count at 3:30pm EST.
Raptor Observations: The gloomy conditions resulted in a flight of raptors that were willing to do some flapping. Sharp-shinned Hawks were most numerous with over a hundred. Most were very low and were spread out from the lake shore to the parkway with some passing very low past the platform. Also a dozen Northern Harriers. We had all three falcons with 13 kestrels, one merlin, and a peregrine that pushed through just ahead of the rain at the end of the day.
A Golden Eagle was seen around 8:15am EST back towards the DOT buildings, low and flapping as if it had just left its roost. A Golden Eagle was later seen around 10:45am EST in past the parkway getting dived on by two Red-tailed Hawks. This Golden Eagle had very large white patches in the wings, including the top of the wings.
Only 32 Turkey Vultures and 11 Broad-winged Hawks today. Some Ospreys and Bald Eagles pushed through as well.
TOMORROW: Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers. Thunder possible. High 72F. Winds WSW at 10-20mph. Good winds but the gloomy conditions may hold back the flight. Expect moderate migration, but if conditions end up being better than forecast and broad-wings are able to fly then it could be a big day.
MONDAY: Mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm possible. High 53F. Winds ENE at 10-15mph. Expect light to moderate migration.
TUESDAY: Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers. High near 60F. Winds N at 5-10mph. Expect light migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Braddock Bay information may be found at: http://www.bbrr.org/
