Observation start time: 10:30:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 5.5 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Kim Steininger, Shelly Rackovsky
Visitors: 1
Weather: Fog delayed the start a few hours. Count held from Frisbee Hill. The fog burned off and it became increasingly sunny with a light to moderate northeast lake breeze. Quite warm by the afternoon.
Raptor Observations: A steady flight once the sun came out. The highlight was a sub-adult MISSISSIPPI KITE that migrated past around 12:30pm EST with the main Broad-winged Hawk flight line over the parking area. A steady flow of Turkey Vultures with 243 for the day. Small groups of Broad-winged Hawks especially for the first few hours of the flight with 231 total. A few dozen Bald Eagles. Small numbers of other expected migrants including a harrier, a sharpie, a kestrel, and 2 Merlins.
The flight was relatively low and was mostly towards the parkway side, with a secondary flight line overhead or further inland. Other observers reported a vulture flight line closer to the lake shore that included a Black Vulture, but we never saw it from Frisbee Hill.
Predictions: FRIDAY: Showers early, becoming a steady rain later in the day. Thunder possible. High 71F. Winds ESE at 5-10mph. Chance of rain 80%. The wind direction is good to start the day but cloudy skies and rain moving in may hold back the flight. Expect light migration. Count may be shortened.
SATURDAY: Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 69F. Winds E at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration.
SUNDAY: Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 67F. Winds N at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Braddock Bay information may be found at: http://www.bbrr.org/
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Jim Landau
Observers:
Visitors: no visitors
Weather: Overcast to start with but breaking out into warm and sunny by the last hour. Unfortunately, light winds were from the northeast for the first 2 hours and due north for the last 3.
Raptor Observations: A single immature bald eagle in the middle hour was the only migrant to be seen. Appearances by the local redtails and one of the local Cooper's covered it for other raptors.
Non-raptor Observations: Great crested flycatcher, red-headed woodpecker and ring-necked ducks were the other notable species.
Predictions: NWS promises a warm sunny day. However, today is the final day of dedicated coverage here at Hamburg. So, a big THANK YOU is in order to all of our volunteers this spring! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jim Landau (<landaujr...>)
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...>
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 4 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Kim Steininger, Vid Killius
Visitors: 1
Weather: Overcast with moderate northeast winds that weakened throughout the day. A bit chilly. Count shortened due to unfavorable conditions.
Raptor Observations: The only migrants were ten Turkey Vultures, a Bald Eagle, and a Sharp-shinned Hawk. A few more Bald Eagles were hanging around the bay.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Cloudy early with partial sunshine late. High near 65F. Winds NNE at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration.
FRIDAY: Cloudy early with showers for the afternoon. Thunder possible. High 71F. Winds SE at 5-10mph. Chance of rain 70%. Expect light to moderate migration.
SATURDAY: Cloudy with a few showers. High 68F. Winds ESE at 5-10mph. Expect light migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Braddock Bay information may be found at: http://www.bbrr.org/
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Kim Steininger, Shelly Rackovsky
Visitors: 2
Weather: Partly sunny and very warm with moderate southerly winds to start. A northeast lake breeze hit hard around 8:40am EST. We moved to Frisbee Hill just after 9am EST. It remained mostly sunny with a light to moderate northeast lake breeze the rest of the day. Clouds and rain approaching from the south at the end of the count.
Raptor Observations: An excellent flight of Broad-winged Hawks from the platform to start the day. After the lake breeze hit the flight line shifted inland, but stayed at least partly in sight for most of the day from Frisbee Hill, resulting in a total of nearly 2,500 broad-wings (mostly juveniles). Most were scope distance further inland, some were out towards the parkway and a small number were overhead. Other notable totals included 40 Bald Eagles, 23 Sharp-shinned Hawks, and 2 Peregrine Falcons.
Non-raptor Observations: West Spit: Wild Turkey, 6 Dunlin, 2 Least Sandpipers, Great Egret, 3 Red-headed Woodpeckers, 375 Blue Jays, Swainson's Thrush, 14 species of warbler including Blackburnian and 2 Blackpolls. https://ebird.org/checklist/S174435722
New species for season: Loggerhead Shrike, Clay-colored Sparrow
Predictions: TOMORROW: Cloudy. High around 60F. Winds NE at 10-15mph. Expect light migration.
THURSDAY: Cloudy early then partly cloudy. High around 65F. Winds NNE at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration.
FRIDAY: Cloudy with occasional afternoon showers. High 71F. Winds SE at 10-15mph. Expect moderate migration. A day to keep an eye on. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Braddock Bay information may be found at: http://www.bbrr.org/
Observation start time: 07:15:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 5.75 hours
Official Counter: Holly Sweeney
Observers:
Visitors: another birder present for about 2 hours but chose not to converse
Weather: partly cloudy -temp from 16C to 24C- wind from SW 7-20km/h
Raptor Observations: only sightings were a few TUVU between 12 and 2 EDST 1 local RTHA and some local TUVU
Non-raptor Observations:
Predictions: From NOAA-chance of showers in AM- possible thunderstorm after 1PM EDST ======================================================================== Report submitted by Holly Sweeney (<holly.sweeney.hs...>)
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...>
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 4.58 hours
Official Counter: Mike Zebehazy
Observers: Steve Kempf, Wendy Zebehazy
Visitors: Steve Kempf; Wendy Zebehazy
Weather: Cool with brisk, southwesterly winds for the first two hours. The count was interrupted for three hours of rain. The skies partly cleared and the winds continued for the last three hours.
Raptor Observations: Only twelve migrating raptors in the first two hours. Light rain began just before noon then increased to a soaking downpour that lasted about two and a half hours. From about 3:00 pm until 4:00 pm, broad-wings, TVs, a few sharpies and some eagles moved through rapidly behind the front that passed. By 4:15, the flight came to a complete stop.
Non-raptor Observations:
Predictions: Partly sunny with a chance of showers in the morning then mostly cloudy with showers likely with a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Some thunderstorms may produce heavy rainfall in the afternoon. Highs around 70. Northwest winds 10 mph or less. Chance of rain 70 percent ======================================================================== Report submitted by Michael Zebehazy (<mzebehazy...>)
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...>
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 14:30:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Bridget Watts, Kim Steininger, Mike Tetlow, Pat Martin
Visitors: 9
Weather: Some early morning sunshine then a few hours of rain that slowed the start of the count. A few hours of sun in the midday before more rain moved in and ended the count early. Moderate winds shifting from south to southwest. Quite warm by the afternoon.
Raptor Observations: An excellent migration overall with the bulk of the flight during a few midday hours when the sun was out. Nearly a hundred vultures. A steady Bald Eagle flight with 41. Moderate numbers of harriers and sharpies. The best Broad-winged Hawk flight in a few weeks with over 800. One immature GOLDEN EAGLE migrated over the parkway in the afternoon. Four Peregrine Falcons made it our best day for this species this season.
Overall the flight was variable in altitude and quite spread out.
New species for season: Mourning Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Common Nighthawk.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Partly cloudy then occasional showers. High 68F. Winds NNW at 5-10mph. Expect light migration.
WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with occasional rain showers. High 61F. Winds ENE at 10-15mph. Expect light migration.
THURSDAY: Cloudy early with partial sunshine late. High 64F. Winds NE at 5-10mph. Expect light migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Braddock Bay information may be found at: http://www.bbrr.org/
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Bridget Watts, Daena Ford, Greg Sanda, Jeremy Pete, Kim Steininger, Randy Ford, Shannon Sanda
Visitors: 15
Weather: Mostly cloudy becoming mostly sunny. Moderate northwesterly winds that shifted back and forth with a northeast lake breeze.
Raptor Observations: A moderate morning overhead raptor flight then slower in the afternoon with the flight inland. Small groups of Turkey Vultures throughout the day for a total of 181. A few dozen Bald Eagles. Over a hundred Broad-winged Hawks. All three falcons including two peregrines.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Cloudy with showers. Thunder possible. High near 70F. Winds SW at 10-15mph. Good winds but the flight will depend on how gloomy and rainy it ends up being. A lake breeze is also possible if the winds are too light which would shut the flight down. Should be a good day overall for birding with good migration overnight and southerly winds into the morning. Looking like our best chance of a good hawk flight out of any upcoming days, but it will depend on the weather.
TUESDAY: Showers early becoming a steady rain later. High 67F. Winds NNW at 5-10mph. Expect minimal to light migration.
WEDNESDAY: Overcast. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 62F. Winds NE at 10-15mph. Expect light migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Braddock Bay information may be found at: http://www.bbrr.org/
Observation start time: 11:30:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 2.5 hours
Official Counter: Sharon Sisti
Observers:
Weather: Mostly cloudy, low 50s, generally mild N winds. Spotty showers through the WNY region.
Raptor Observations: Mature Bald Eagle but did not include in count as it was unclear whether it was local.
Non-raptor Observations: Lone Lesser Scaup on pond.
Predictions: NOAA: Monday: Showers likely before noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between noon and 3pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 74. Southwest wind between 13 and 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Could be promising if showers are minimal. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Sharon Sisti (<sharonsisti...>)
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...>
Observation start time: 09:15:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 4.75 hours
Official Counter: Jim Landau
Observers:
Visitors: Joe Sullivan
Weather: A southerly wind for the first 3 1/2 hours with a dramatic cloudscape that helped spot today's migrants. Halfway through the 4th hour clouds thickened, wind shifted to the west, temperature dropped and light rain began for about 30 minutes.
Raptor Observations: A moderate movement before the wind direction changed and rain moved in. 9 bald eagles were easily the highlight for the day. All migrants came through quite high.
Non-raptor Observations: 2 male common mergansers on the pond and a house sparrow in "Fran's Tree."
Predictions: NWS calls for, "A slight chance of showers before 2pm. Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 60. West wind 6 to 10 mph." But forecasts lately have not been right on the mark. Any migration movement may be to the southwest of the watch. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jim Landau (<landaujr...>)
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...>
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Greg Sanda, Kim Steininger, Vid Killius
Visitors: 15
Weather: Mostly sunny in the morning with a high layer of cirrus clouds. Moderate southerly winds that shifted northeast after two hours. Thicker clouds in the afternoon with rain moving in and ending the count early.
Raptor Observations: Despite decent conditions in the morning the flight was scattered with a small number of migrants and no definite flight line. Turkey Vulture migration was steady with a total of 84 for the day. A good variety of other raptors but small numbers overall. Nine Bald Eagles. Two harriers. Light Accipiter migration with nine sharpies and a juvenile Coop that perched twice on its way past.
Only nine broad-wings and six red-tails. For falcons we had two Merlins and an adult Peregrine that passed by fairly close.
New species for season: Tricolored Heron, Ruddy Turnstone
Predictions: TOMORROW: Cloudy skies early then partly cloudy. High 58F. Winds NNW at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration.
MONDAY: Morning showers then isolated thunderstorms. High 71F. Winds SW at 10-15mph. Good winds but the flight will depend on how rainy and gloomy it is. Also a chance that the wind will eventually shift to a lake breeze.
TUESDAY: Light rain early then cloudy with showers. High 64F. Winds SSE at 5-10mph. Good winds but the rain may hold back the flight and the wind may eventually shift to a lake breeze. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Braddock Bay information may be found at: http://www.bbrr.org/
Observation start time: 10:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Kim Steininger, Vid Killius
Visitors: 10
Weather: Cloudy with moderate northeasterly winds that weakened as the day went on. Rain to the south. Some blue sky to the northwest.
Raptor Observations: Not much activity. Small groups of Turkey Vultures for a total of 26. One immature Bald Eagle and one Red-tailed Hawk. Hardly any local raptors around either.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Considerable cloudiness. Occasional afternoon rain showers. High near 60F. Winds S shifting NE at 10-15mph. Chance of rain 60%. A slight chance of a little activity at the start if the southerly winds and sun hold on long enough, but probably slow after that. May move to Frisbee Hill when the lake breeze kicks in.
SUNDAY: Cloudy early with partial sun late. High 57F. Winds NW at 5-10mph. Expect light migration.
MONDAY: Considerable cloudiness with rain showers. High 66F. Winds SW at 10-20mph. A day to keep an eye on. Good winds but the flight will depend on how gloomy and rainy it is. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Braddock Bay information may be found at: http://www.bbrr.org/
Observation start time: 10:00:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 3 hours
Official Counter: Sharon Sisti
Observers:
Weather: Cloudy, brisk NE winds at the site, 60F. Rain throughout Penn and Ohio moving north.
Raptor Observations: Little activity as expected as season nears the end.
Non-raptor Observations:
Predictions: NOAA: Friday: Rain likely, mainly before 2pm. Cloudy, with a high near 60. Northeast wind between 6 and 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Sharon Sisti (<sharonsisti...>)
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...>
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Kim Steininger, Shelly Rackovsky, Vid Killius
Visitors: 8
Weather: Sunny skies in the morning becoming cloudy for the afternoon. Light to moderate northeast winds. Started at the platform, moved to Frisbee Hill at 11:30am EST. Moved back to the platform at 1pm EST. Ended the count early as the conditions shut down the migration.
Raptor Observations: Light migration. A few Turkey Vultures and Broad-winged Hawks moving in the morning. Very little activity at Frisbee Hill besides one group of vultures when I first arrived and a Bald Eagle. Back at the platform a few dozen vultures and another Bald Eagle migrated before the cloud layer thickened and ended the flight.
New species for season: Scarlet Tanager, White-eyed Vireo
Predictions: TOMORROW: Cloudy with occasional rain showers. High 57F. Winds NE at 5-10mph. Expect minimal migration. Count will likely be shortened or canceled.
SATURDAY: Cloudy with periods of rain later. High near 60F. Winds S shifting NE at 5-10mph. Expect light migration.
SUNDAY: A shower or two in the morning then partly cloudy. High 59F. Winds NW shifting N at 5-10mph. Expect light migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Braddock Bay information may be found at: http://www.bbrr.org/
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 14:30:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Bridget Watts, Daena Ford, Kim Steininger, Mike Tetlow, Nate Ukens, Pat Martin, Shannon Sanda
Visitors: 12
Weather: A warm front brought thunderstorms around 3am. The early morning was cloudy with southerly winds with a sudden clearing with the cold front.
For the hawk watch the morning was mostly sunny with moderate to strong southwest winds. It became mostly cloudy in the afternoon with some pop up rain that ended the count early, with winds shifting WNW.
Raptor Observations: Steady migration in the morning with a good variety of raptors. The first migrant was a light-morph Rough-legged Hawk that came through just feet off the ground as I was walking out to the platform. Broad-wings, sharpies, and vultures were also moving early. The flight slowed down a bit in the afternoon with a high overhead line of Bald Eagles giving us a fun challenge.
A BLACK VULTURE was seen soaring around for much of the early afternoon. A steady Turkey Vulture flight with more than three hundred. A steady Bald Eagle flight with nearly fifty. Harriers (12) and sharpies (66) were moving in moderate numbers. Broad-winged Hawks came through mostly in small groups for a total of 186. A moderate Red-tailed Hawk flight and two light-morph Rough-legged Hawks. A GOLDEN EAGLE was spotted high overhead in the morning and was a lifer for at least one observer. For falcons we had 4 kestrels and 2 merlins, including one that cruised through during the rain as the last migrant of the day.
Overall the flight line was scattered today: left, right, and overhead, and various heights.
New species for season: Swainson's Thrush, Bay-breasted Warbler, Indigo Bunting, Glossy/White-faced Ibis
Predictions: TOMORROW: Cloudy. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 54F. Winds NNE at 5-10mph. Expect light migration.
FRIDAY: Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers. High 56F. Winds NNE at 5-10mph. Expect light migration.
SATURDAY: Cloudy with occasional showers for the afternoon. High 56F. Winds S shifting NE at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Braddock Bay information may be found at: http://www.bbrr.org/
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 5.5 hours
Official Counter: Jim Landau
Observers:
Visitors: Larry from Sturgeon Point stopped to chat about yard birds.
Weather: Bright and sunny with a very strong southwest wind all day.
Raptor Observations: Once again a meager migration movement despite a favorable wind direction. Other than the ubiquitous turkey vultures, 1 broadwing and 1 osprey were the only raptors migrating.
Non-raptor Observations:
Predictions: NWS calls for, "A slight chance of showers after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. Northeast wind 9 to 13 mph." Back to northerly winds which are a poor wind direction at Hamburg. It may produce some movement? ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jim Landau (<landaujr...>)
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...>
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...>
Date: 5/8/24 1:58 pm From: James Kimball <kimball...> Subject: [GeneseeBirds-L] Piffard & Greenway: Flats Rd. spots plowed up
The wet spots along Flats Rd. have been plowed up for farm use - it was a good little run for shorebirds. I did see a few in the small flooded spot along the greenway south of Candler Rd. (past the farm buildings); about 5 Pectoral Sandpipers, a Solitary and a flyover group of 9 Least Sandpipers. It was too windy this afternoon to hear or see much; I did have the two Orioles, a couple Rough-winged Swallows, Catbird, Mockingbird, etc..
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Jim Landau
Observers:
Visitors: A few friendly walkers stopped for some conversation.
Weather: A fine spring day with light northwest breezes all day despite NWS forecasts this morning of east winds.
Raptor Observations: Migrating raptors were not impressed with the northerly wind and failed to show up for the most part. 13 TVs, 2 sharpies, 1 Coop, 3 broadwings and 3 unidentifieds far to the southeast in the haze were all that were moving.
Non-raptor Observations: A few pipits back by the pond, a chipping sparrow in "Fran's Tree" and my first chimney swift of the season.
Predictions: NWS calls for, "Patchy fog before noon. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 64. Breezy, with a southwest wind 18 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 38 mph." Perhaps this wind direction & speed will liven things up. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jim Landau (<landaujr...>)
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...>
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Kim Steininger, Shelly Rackovsky
Visitors: 6
Weather: Sunny with a thin layer of high clouds moving in during the afternoon. Moderate northeast lake breeze. Count moved to Frisbee Hill at 10am EST.
Raptor Observations: Moderate numbers of Turkey Vultures and Broad-winged Hawks. Also a decent Bald Eagle flight with 19. One Peregrine Falcon.
New species for season: Least Bittern, Red-eyed Vireo, Veery, Lincoln's Sparrow, Tennessee Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Least Sandpiper
Predictions: TOMORROW: Cloudy early with partial sun late. High 71F. Winds WSW to W at 15-25mph. Good winds. As it clears up we could get a decent flight. Expect moderate to good migration.
THURSDAY: Overcast with showers. High 53F. Winds NE at 10-15mph. Expect minimal to light migration.
FRIDAY: Morning showers then partly cloudy. High around 55F. Winds N at 10-15mph. Expect minimal to light migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Braddock Bay information may be found at: http://www.bbrr.org/
The Swallow-tailed Kite, awesome find by Don Bemont, was harassed by a imm.
Bald Eagle and headed directly west. Have checked west along Maple Street
Mix and Pask Road without luck.
On Tue, May 7, 2024 at 8:34 AM Celeste Morien <celeste.morien...>
wrote:
> Mega! Swallow-tailed kite !! at the 90° turn on lime kiln Road east of
> Route 98 and Barre Center, south of Albion, NY. --
>
> Celeste
>
--
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 6.5 hours
Official Counter: Mike Zebehazy
Observers: Steve Kempf
Visitors: Steve Kempf; a few local walkers
Weather: Overcast and hazy skies all morning; partly sunny in the afternoon. Light NW breeze all day. Temperatures ranged from 56F to 65F.
Raptor Observations: Just a smattering of migrants in the first few hours; then nothing. Two near-adult bald eagles came up south of the site but never went through. It was the same with a solitary osprey.
Non-raptor Observations: A mix of passerines, mainly in the morning, including these warblers: yellow; northern parula; yellow-rumped; palm; Blackburnian; black-and-white; Nashville. Also, brown thrasher, scarlet tanager, eastern kingbird, purple finch, rose-breasted grosbeak, Baltimore oriole, gray catbird, warbling vireo, and red-eyed vireo.
Predictions: Sunny all day with temps starting in the mid 50s and rising to the low 70s. Light winds mainly from the east. Storms in the south may encourage a few migrants to move through in advance of the morning rain on Wednesday and possible T-storms Thursday. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Michael Zebehazy (<mzebehazy...>)
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...>
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 8.5 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Art Tanghe, Bob Crandall, Daena Ford, Dale Drexel, Kim Steininger, Mike Tetlow, Robert Buckert, Steve Taylor, Vid Killius
Visitors: 15
Weather: Mostly sunny with a high layer of thin clouds. Good spotting skies. Moderate winds alternating between west and northwest. Warm and pleasant day.
Raptor Observations: A steady flight with some nice highlights. Moderate groups of Turkey Vultures throughout the day including a nice push in the final hour and a half for a total of nearly 500 for the day. A good Bald Eagle flight with more than thirty. A moderate number of Accipiters with 26 sharpies and 3 Coops. Small groups of broad-wings for a total of nearly 150. Two light-morph ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS.
The continuing SWAINSON'S HAWK made a midday appearance, giving us excellent looks as it soared overhead for several minutes. We identified it as the same individual based on a missing tail feather. It had not been seen the past several days.
Two immature GOLDEN EAGLES, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. For falcons we had four kestrels plus a merlin at the end of the day.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Generally sunny with a few afternoon clouds. High 61F. Winds NE at 10-15mph. Spotting may be tough with the blue skies. Expect light to moderate migration. Count may move to Frisbee Hill.
WEDNESDAY: Rain showers early with some sunshine later. Thunder possible. High 71F. Winds W at 10-20mph. Expect moderate migration.
THURSDAY: Rain likely. High 53F. Winds NE at 10-15mph. Expect minimal migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Braddock Bay information may be found at: http://www.bbrr.org/
4-7-24 -
Alabama -
2 Moorhen
1 Caspian
1+ Sandhill
1 Eurasian - by the time I got to check on the 2nd one (from 3-31... where there were ~500 Americans on 3-14) apparently the close semi-auto fire I heard coming from that direction flushed 99.9% of the birds that were likely still there. Arriving there two 20ish males were just leaving - one was carrying a smallish rifle. Scoped a distant but good description - told DEC. Idiot (not gun) control sorely needed.
1 Cackler (goose)
Oakfield -
1 Sandhill
4-9-24, Buffalo -
2 Merlins - 1 at last years nest & 1 ~2 blocks away ~sunset w/much calling followed by the "ick" calls.
Woodbridge Ave. -1 Fish Crow - being intensely harassed by a small falcon. Lost low between houses. Took a long time to finally get one here.
4-14-24 -
Hamburg -
10 Rusty
81 Red Wing - female flock w/only 1 male.
Buffalo -
4 Merlins - pairs at 2 nests. Both males are full ad. 1 pair expending lots of energy keeping Crows away.
3 Fish Crow
4-17-24, Buffalo -
1 Purple Finch
1 Pine Warbler
1 Palm~10 Yellow Rump
1 Veery? - it's early.
2 Sapsucker
2 Field Sparrow
2 Swamp Sparrow
~40 Rusty BB
1 Am. Bittern
1 Merlin - still high in open at 8:23. Have always been late to roost.
Observation start time: 10:30:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Kim Steininger, Linda Birkel, Roger Clark
Visitors: 3
Weather: Morning rain delayed the start of the count. Some late-morning clearing then overcast. Moderate southerly winds weakening and shifting southwest by the end of the count.
Raptor Observations: A decent push of raptors for an hour or two after the rain ended then slower the remainder of the day. Fifty-five vultures, around sixty sharpies, and 45 broad-wings. One Golden Eagle that went on the parkway side.
New species for season: Willow Flycatcher, Cape May Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Predictions: TOMORROW: Intervals of clouds and sun then more clouds for the afternoon. Warm. High 60F. Winds NW at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration.
TUESDAY: Plentiful sunshine. High 59F. Winds NE at 10-15mph. Expect light to moderate migration.
WEDNESDAY: Rain showers early with some sun later. Thunder possible. High 60F. Winds NW at 10-15mph. Expect light migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Braddock Bay information may be found at: http://www.bbrr.org/
Date: 5/5/24 7:38 am From: Sarah Lazazzero <lazz7...> Subject: Re: [GeneseeBirds-L] BBS
Hi Lynn,
I live in Batavia and would be interested in the Elba to Batavia route. I am familiar with the BBS data and have referenced it during grad school and once or twice in my job. It would be nice to contribute to this effort. What would be the next steps?
Thanks
Sarah
585-683-7450
Sent from my iPhone
On May 4, 2024, at 9:53 AM, Lynn A. Braband <lab45...> wrote:
Hello,
For decades I have run two Breeding Bird Survey routes. I plan to "retire" from this volunteer effort next year when I turn 75. If anyone might be interested in taking on one or both of routes, please let me know. One route begins in the town of Gorham southeast of Canandaigua and ends on the outskirts of Penn Yan. The other begins in the town of Elba and ends near Batavia. If you need to become acquainted with this long running national citizen science project, just google USGS Breeding Bird Survey.
Lynn
Observation start time: 10:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Jim Landau
Observers:
Visitors: Area resident Cathy, who spent time talking "all things birds" with me. Michael Delaney stopped by for the 3rd hour.
Weather: Mostly cloudy with very light west and northwest winds for the 1st 3 hours. The final hour saw a shift to sporty southerly winds Temps were quite mild throughout and even warmer farther inland from the lake.
Raptor Observations: Another very quiet day with no migrants in 3 of the 4 hours of the watch. 2 bald eagles (1 imm. and 1 ad.), 11 TVs and a single sharpie made up the tally. A pair of local redtails and a distant local bald eagle rounded out the raptors today.
Non-raptor Observations: 4 pipits were back on the lawn, helping me pass the time.
Predictions: NWS calls for, "Periods of rain before 10am, then a chance of showers between 10am and 1pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. High near 65. South wind 11 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Not the best forecast for a flight, but they have been very off the mark on predictions the past few days, so who knows. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jim Landau (<landaujr...>)
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...>
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Bridget Watts, Kim Steininger, Mike Tetlow, Neil Reilly, Nick Kachala
Visitors: 40
Weather: Overcast except for some brief periods of sun. The winds were mostly a northeast lake breeze, occasionally switching more easterly, and finally switching southeast towards the end of the count. Quite warm in the afternoon.
Raptor Observations: Unfortunately it was much slowly than expected because we had a lake breeze most of the day rather than the southerly winds that were forecast. A nice variety of raptors but relatively small numbers. Turkey Vultures were most numerous with 77. Other highlights included 21 Sharp-shinned Hawks, 15 Broad-winged Hawks, and an adult Peregrine Falcon.
Hawk Watch: Common Tern, American Bittern, 50 American Pipits, American Tree Sparrow, 17 White-crowned Sparrows, 3 Bobolinks, Eastern Meadowlark, Orchard Oriole. https://ebird.org/checklist/S171995296
New species for season: Semipalmated Plover, Short-billed Dowitcher, Philadelphia Vireo, Summer Tanager
Predictions: TOMORROW: Rain early then cloudy with showers in the afternoon. High 68F. Winds S at 10-15mph. Good winds but rain may prevent any raptor flight, especially in the morning. Count may be shortened or canceled.
MONDAY: A few clouds early otherwise sunny. Warm. High 63F. Winds NW at 10-15mph. Expect light to moderate migration.
TUESDAY: Sunny. High near 60F. Winds NE at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Braddock Bay information may be found at: http://www.bbrr.org/
Date: 5/4/24 6:53 am From: Lynn A. Braband <lab45...> Subject: [GeneseeBirds-L] BBS
Hello,
For decades I have run two Breeding Bird Survey routes. I plan to "retire" from this volunteer effort next year when I turn 75. If anyone might be interested in taking on one or both of routes, please let me know. One route begins in the town of Gorham southeast of Canandaigua and ends on the outskirts of Penn Yan. The other begins in the town of Elba and ends near Batavia. If you need to become acquainted with this long running national citizen science project, just google USGS Breeding Bird Survey.
Lynn
Observation start time: 10:00:00 Observation end time: 12:00:00 Total observation time: 2 hours
Official Counter: Fred Harrington
Observers: Jim Landau
Visitors: Jim Landau
Weather: During the count, temps were warm ~20 degrees C, blue skies with increasing clouds and very light NW winds.
Raptor Observations: Only a few migrants came through during the count period. 3 Turkey Vultures and a Coopers Hawk. A local Red-tailed Hawk was also observed from the main drive to the cemetery off Camp Rd.
Non-raptor Observations: Nothing unusual.
Predictions: Temps about 20 degrees C, 10 kph SSE winds, cloudy and chance of morning rain. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Frederick Harrington (<harrinfe...>)
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...>
New species for season: Chestnut-sided Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Blue-winged Warbler, Golden-winged Warbler, Hooded Warbler.
Predictions: TOMORROW: POSSIBLE BIG DAY. Morning showers then cloudy. Very warm. High 67F. Winds SE at 10-20mph. Good southerly winds. Raptors and non-raptors should be on the move. The only thing that may hold back the raptor flight is if it ends up being too gloomy and rainy. Southeasterly winds are a headwind and can keep the hawks low for good looks. We are still in the peak time for many raptor species. Don't let the gloomy weather keep you inside. This has the potential to be an EPIC birding day.
SUNDAY: A steady light rain early then cloudy with showers. High 66F. Winds S at 10-20mph. Good winds but rain may prevent a raptor flight. Will keep an eye on it.
MONDAY: Partly cloudy. Warm. High 63F. Winds NW at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Braddock Bay information may be found at: http://www.bbrr.org/
I saw my first RT Hummingbird this afternoon and he was not happy to see a suet feeder hanging where his feeding station usually is. I had to make a quick changeover. It seems early but I think I say that every year. Martha L. Zettel 5 Pts Rd, Rush
Date: 5/2/24 7:18 pm From: James Kimball <kimball...> Subject: [GeneseeBirds-L] Piffard: Chandler Rd. Greenway, Orioles et al
I had both Baltimore and Orchard Orioles singing along the greenway south from Chandler Rd. this afternoon. Both species have nested there regularly in recent years. Other new comers for me were Warbling Vireo, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Rough-winged Swallow and 3 Yellow Warblers. There were at least 4 Solitary Sandpipers, some of them along the old canal bed.
Jim Kimball
<kimball...>
Observation start time: 10:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 4 hours
Official Counter: Jim Landau
Observers:
Visitors: no visitors.
Weather: An essentially cloudless day with a bit of haze and shimmer down by the horizon lines. Winds were light all day from the west, northwest and north - not favorable for a flight at Hamburg, which proved to be the case.
Raptor Observations: A steady, slow trickle of turkey vultures. 2 northern harriers and an osprey were the bright spots with a few sharpies, redtails and a coop for good measure. An adult bald eagle was distant to the southeast which was taken to be a local bird.
Non-raptor Observations: A Caspian tern flew over the field carrying a fish. A flyover Baltimore oriole.
Predictions: National Weather Service is calling for, "A slight chance of showers between 4pm and 5pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 81. East wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable."
Sounds like better odds for a flight that the way today panned out. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jim Landau (<landaujr...>)
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...>
Observation start time: 06:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 10 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Brad Carlson, Bridget Watts, Daena Ford, Kim Steininger, Lorenzo C., Mike Tetlow, Pat Martin, Roger Clark
Visitors: 14
Weather: A few morning clouds then mostly sunny. Moderate westerly winds shifting northwest after a few hours. Quite warm in the afternoon.
Raptor Observations: A huge flight picked up at 7am EST, primarily Turkey Vultures, Bald Eagles, and Sharp-shinned Hawks. The big flight lasted a few hours then the migration was slow and steady for the rest of the day.
In total we had over 1,900 Turkey Vultures. This was the first day of the season with over a hundred Bald Eagles. Nearly ninety sharpies. Surprisingly few broad-wings with only 58. Two Rough-legged Hawks that were both light morphs. Three immature Golden Eagles.
The continuing SWAINSON'S HAWK made a brief appearance soaring high overhead around 1pm EST, before it glided back to the west.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Partly cloudy then cloudy. High 66F. Winds E shifting NE at 10-15mph. Hard to predict. Sometimes we do alright on easterly winds. They tend to keep the migrants low and slow. As the winds shift more northeast they will become less favorable. Conditions looks better for the morning than for the afternoon.
SATURDAY: Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers. High 63F. Winds SE at 10-15mph. Chance of rain 60%. Good winds but gloomy conditions and rain may hold back the flight. Will keep an eye on.
SUNDAY: Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers. High 66F. Winds S at 10-15mph. Good winds but gloomy conditions and rain may hold back the flight. Will keep an eye on. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Braddock Bay information may be found at: http://www.bbrr.org/
Observation start time: 10:00:00
Observation end time: 16:30:00
Total observation time: 6.5 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Kim Steininger, Roger Clark, Shelly Rackovsky
Visitors:
4
Weather:
Fog delayed the start of the count until 10am EST. By 11am EST it was
starting to clear up with a few periods of clouds and sun then becoming
mostly sunny for the late-afternoon. The winds were a light to moderate
northeast lake breeze. Pleasant temperatures.
Raptor Observations:
A few Sharp-shinned Hawks moved during the fog in the late morning. As it
started to clear up the continuing SWAINSON’S HAWK began to soar around
over the end of the park near the parkway. Kettles of Broad-winged Hawks
began to form. I moved from the platform to the grass near my car so I
could make a quick switch to Frisbee Hill if necessary.
Kim S. arrived with pizza but the pizza had to wait as the flight continued
to pick up. I spotted a long-winged raptor slightly off to the left and
initially thought it may be the Swainson’s Hawk again, but as it turned
to soar I realized it was a MISSISSIPPI KITE! We see one of this species
each season if we are lucky, but they usually come towards the end of May,
so it wasn’t even on our radar for this date. From photos I was able to
age it as an adult, which may explain the earlier arrival than the
sub-adults that we typically see.
Large kettles of Broad-winged Hawks began to drift inland towards Frisbee
Hill and an immature Golden Eagle was mixed in as well.
We made the move to Frisbee Hill just after 12pm EST. Upon arrival we were
treated to large kettles directly over the parking lot. That big flight
continued for about half an hour and we had two more immature Golden Eagles
soaring together. Clouds moved in and slowed the flight so we moved up onto
the hill. The clouds cleared out resulting in a more scattered flight with
small but steady numbers of hawks and vultures plus one more immature
Golden Eagle. We also had a good number of Sharp-shinned Hawks moving.
Notable totals today included 207 Turkey Vultures, 115 Sharp-shinned Hawks,
1,888 Broad-winged Hawks, and 4 Golden Eagles!
New species for season: Northern Waterthrush, Black-throated Blue Warbler,
Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Ovenbird, Northern Parula, Mississippi Kite,
Red-headed Woodpecker.
Predictions:
TOMORROW: Mix of sun and clouds. High 63F. Winds W shifting NW at 10-20mph.
Decent conditions, especially in the morning when the winds are more
westerly. Obviously a lot of raptors are in the region. Expect moderate
migration.
FRIDAY: Intervals of clouds and sun, then more clouds. High 64F. Winds E at
10-20mph. Expect light to moderate migration.
SATURDAY: Occasional rain. High 62F. Winds SE at 10-15mph. Good winds but
rain may prevent a flight. A day to keep an eye on in case the rain comes
out of the forecast.
========================================================================
Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>)
Braddock Bay information may be found at:
http://www.bbrr.org/
Observation start time: 09:30:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 6.5 hours
Official Counter: Jim Landau
Observers: Josh Ketry
Visitors: Josh Ketry
Weather: A mostly sunny day with occasional cloud decks passing overhead in the morning. Light westerly winds with regular northern components kept things on the cool side for the 1st half of the watch. Temps bumped up markedly in the last 2 hours.
Raptor Observations: Broadwings were disappointing, only 3 turned up. A somewhat slow day except for the Swainson's Hawk halfway through the 2nd hour. A very large buteo w/ long tapered wings. Mottled streaking underneath. Steady, deep wing beats that showed a slight droop, suggesting Osprey. No circling, this bird moved right along.
Non-raptor Observations: A group of about 25-30 pipits.
Predictions: National Weather Service forecasts, "Mostly sunny, with a high near 64. West wind around 9 mph." Could be similar to today's flight, with any broadwings again moving farther to the east. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jim Landau (<landaujr...>)
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...>
Date: 5/1/24 10:46 am From: Lynn A. Braband <lab45...> Subject: [GeneseeBirds-L] Fw: eBird Report - Oaks Corner, May 1, 2024
________________________________ From: <do-not-reply...> <do-not-reply...> Sent: Wednesday, May 1, 2024 1:44 PM To: Lynn A. Braband <lab45...> Subject: eBird Report - Oaks Corner, May 1, 2024
Oaks Corner, Ontario, New York, US May 1, 2024 8:09 AM - 12:54 PM Protocol: Stationary Checklist Comments: Largely stationary while turkey hunting 32 species
Wild Turkey 2 Hens Mourning Dove 1 Turkey Vulture 10 Red-tailed Hawk 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Downy Woodpecker 2 Hairy Woodpecker 2 Northern Flicker 2 Great Crested Flycatcher 2 Blue Jay 2 American Crow 1 Black-capped Chickadee 1 Tufted Titmouse 2 Tree Swallow 4 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 House Wren 2 Carolina Wren 1 Gray Catbird 1 Eastern Bluebird 1 American Robin 4 American Goldfinch 2 Chipping Sparrow 1 Field Sparrow 1 White-throated Sparrow 15 Savannah Sparrow 1 Song Sparrow 2 Red-winged Blackbird 3 Brown-headed Cowbird 1 Ovenbird 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler 2 Northern Cardinal 4 Rose-breasted Grosbeak 3
Observation start time: 08:00:00
Observation end time: 15:00:00
Total observation time: 3.5 hours
Official Counter: Sue Barth
Observers:
Visitors:
None
Weather:
Temperatures rose from 54°F to 59°, the first drops of rain began in the
first hour and developed into a steady rain during the second hour. No
raptors were seen during these two hours. Winds were mild between 5 and 9
mph and changing from the WNW to SW by afternoon. I left for 2.5 hours and
tried again in the afternoon after the rain pretty much ended. During my
last hour, a heavy fog rolled in off the lake and I threw in the towel.
Raptor Observations:
Only two migrants - an Osprey who perched over the pond during the heavier
rainfall and an adventurous Sharp-shinned in the 2:30pm DST half-hour. Two
roosting Turkey Vultures and a soaked Red-tail were the only locals seen.
Predictions:
Looks promising: no rain in the forecast, temps in the low 70's and 5-10
mph SW winds should bring some activity.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Sue Barth (<suebarth...>)
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...>
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 11:30:00 Total observation time: 3.5 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Kim Steininger, Vid Killius
Visitors: 1
Weather: A bit of early morning sunshine with thickening clouds moving in ahead of rain. Winds were light and initially alternated between northwest and a north lake breeze, eventually settling into a steady north breeze. Moved to Frisbee Hill at 9:30am EST. Count ended early due to rain.
Raptor Observations: The Swainson's Hawk continued at Burger Park in the morning and was then seen perched along the parkway, visible from the hawk watch platform.
An early push of Turkey Vulture followed by some kettles of Broad-winged Hawks that started close to Braddock Bay Park and slowly drifted inland. One Peregrine Falcon and a few sharpies and harriers as well. When we lost the flight line from the park we headed over to Frisbee Hill but picked up no flight there.
Overall, a decent total with 740 broad-wings and 43 Turkey Vultures, but all the activity was within about a one hour window and there was virtually no raptor migration after that.
New species for season: Sora, Least Flycatcher, Gray Catbird, Bobolink, Red-necked Grebe, American Redstart, Orchard Oriole
Predictions: TOMORROW: Cloudy early then partly cloudy. High 59F. Winds NW shifting ENE at 10-15mph. Expect light to moderate migration. Count may move to Frisbee Hill when the lake breeze kicks in.
THURSDAY: Mix of sun and clouds. High 61F. Winds WNW at 10-20mph. Expect light to moderate migration.
FRIDAY: Partly to mostly cloudy. High 63F. Winds ENE at 10-20mph. Expect light migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Braddock Bay information may be found at: http://www.bbrr.org/
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Mike Zebehazy
Observers: Carol Lukazewski, Joe Sullivan, Sharon Sisti, Steve Kempf, Wendy Zebehazy
Visitors: Joe Sullivan; Steve Kempf; Carol Lukaszewski; Sharon Sisti; Wendy Zebehazy
Weather: Warming temperatures, sunny skies, and westerly winds. Winds were mainly from the west but shifted often between SW and NNW many times throughout the count period. Temperatures warmed from 60F to 75F with a great deal of direct sun, making it uncomfortably hot at times.
Raptor Observations: We had ten species of raptors today. There was a good sharp-shinned flight and pretty good broad-winged numbers. The day began with a single northern harrier in the first half hour with five for the day. We also had five bald eagles and five ospreys. The flight began with intermittent groups of mixed species but broad-wings and sharp-shins predominated in the first four hours. TVs made a push in the fifth and sixth hour. Numbers dropped dramatically in the last ninety minutes. The flight was relatively low to start with most birds going right over the main site. As temps rose and winds died the birds moved in off the lake earlier and were seen mainly in the south and usually quite high by the time they reached us.
Non-raptor Observations: A yellow warbler sang from the woods to the south earlier in the day and a couple of phoebes sang, also.
Predictions: Cloudy, with a good chance of rain especially between 10am and 1pm EDT. Temps in the upper 50"s, and light southwesterly winds. If the rain holds off there could be some light to moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Michael Zebehazy (<mzebehazy...>)
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...>
New species for season: Black-and-white Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Cloudy with periods of rain. Thunder possible. High 52F. Winds NNE at 5-10mph. Expect minimal to light migration.
WEDNESDAY: Cloudy early then partly cloudy. High 58F. Winds NE at 5-10mph. Expect light migration.
THURSDAY: Partly cloudy. High 61F. Winds WNW at 10-15mph. Expect moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Braddock Bay information may be found at: http://www.bbrr.org/
Date: 4/29/24 11:07 am From: James Kimball <kimball...> Subject: [GeneseeBirds-L] Piffard: shorebirds
Shorebirds continue in the wet spots along Flats Rd., mostly closer to the Chandler Rd. end and nearby Chandler Rd. itself. I had 30 or more yesterday in a couple visits - the best toward evening. New arrivals included a couple Least Sandpipers and a Semipalmated Sandpiper yesterday - neither of which has been recognized by eBird. Others include Pectorals, Solitary, both Yellowlegs & Snipe. Also a few Pipits earlier in the day and an occasional flyover B. Eagle. Photos on my eBird report. One can watch nicely from the car - just have to pull over well to th side of the road; there is occasional traffic on that road.
Observation start time: 10:00:00 Observation end time: 11:00:00 Total observation time: 1 hours
Official Counter: Sharon Sisti
Observers:
Weather: Rain south and west moving in from SW. Rain at the hawk site prevented a full count.
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations:
Predictions: Cloudy with showers, 79 with SW winds could make for a good day ======================================================================== Report submitted by Sharon Sisti (<sharonsisti...>)
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...>
Observation start time: 06:00:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 11 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Bridget Watts, Jeremy Pete, Joann Tetlow, Kim Steininger, Mike Tetlow, Neil Reilly, Pat Martin, Vid Killius
Visitors: 100+, Bird of Prey Days
Weather: Mostly sunny skies to start the day. Darker clouds moving in mid-morning with some periods of rain. Moderate southwest winds. Warm.
Raptor Observations: A huge flight overall. An excellent Sharp-shinned Hawk flight beginning in the early morning along the lake shore. A big Broad-winged Hawk flight launched early with some big kettles in the morning before we lost the sun. A steady flight of sharpies and broad-wings continued to push through the rest of the day, except during the periods of heaviest rain.
A moderate Turkey Vulture flight with 144. A decent Bald Eagle day with 39. A strong harrier flight as well with 43. For Accipiters we had 670 sharpies but only 2 Coops.
We had the Buteo sweep today with 1 juvenile red-shouldered, 3,608 broad-wings, 24 red-tails, 3 light-morph rough-legs, and a light-morph Swainson's to end the day! Joann Tetlow spotted the Swainson's Hawk over the marsh near the parkway bridge. Mike Tetlow and I got on the bird with scopes and got a nice view of the underside confirming the ID. It ended up perching in the conifers along the parkway near Burger Park and several birders were able to come out and see it. Eventually it moved and was later relocated at Burger Park.
We had three immature Golden Eagles with two of them giving us close looks. We had the falcon trifecta with 13 kestrels, a merlin, and a peregrine.
Overall it was an excellent day, especially with the large number of visitors for Bird of Prey Days. This was the third highest total so far this season.
New species for season: Eastern Whip-poor-will, House Wren, Wood Thrush, Eastern Kingbird, Common Yellowthroat, Solitary Sandpiper, Great Crested Flycatcher, Ring-necked Pheasant
Predictions: TOMORROW: Cloudy. High around 50F. Winds ENE at 10-20mph. Expect light migration.
TUESDAY: Cloudy with occasional showers. High 58F. Winds N at 5-10mph. Expect light migration.
WEDNESDAY: Intervals of clouds and sun. High 59F. Winds NNW at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Braddock Bay information may be found at: http://www.bbrr.org/
Date: 4/28/24 2:48 pm From: Susan Alexander <shubbard2...> Subject: [GeneseeBirds-L] Orioles
My first orioles of the year arrived this evening. A male orchard, and then an hour later a male Baltimore. I reported the orchard on ebird, but it is considered rare and isn't showing up on the species map. Do "rare" sightings have a review process? (and are they really still rare? They breed in my yard every year. Is it just that they are early?)
Observation start time: 09:30:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 5.5 hours
Official Counter: David Gordon
Observers:
Visitors: None
Weather: Count period began and ended with steady rain. The hawks flew through the middle part that had extended breaks from rain. Strong winds began from the SSE and later shifted to the S.
Raptor Observations: A slow but steady flight of raptors came during the breaks in the rainfall.
Non-raptor Observations: A Fish Crow was heard. Several mixed flocks of blackbirds flew through the count area. The local seasonal residents were busy feeding on the grassy areas while a pair of local Merlins watched from a perch in a nearby tree.
Predictions: A SW wind should be helpful tomorrow but rain in the forecast could keep the flow of hawks to a similar low level as today. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Gordon (<dgordonphoto...>)
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...>
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/
Date: 4/27/24 10:41 am From: James Kimball <kimball...> Subject: [GeneseeBirds-L] Piffard & Greenway: Least Sandpiper et al
The were a couple Least Sandpipers this morning in the flooded part of the horse farm along the greenway south from Chanler Rd.; also one each Spotted and Solitary Sandpipers and a couple Yellowlegs. Other new arrivals there include a Catbird and a House Wren; their Barn Swallows have taken up residence as well.
Along Flats Rd. (near Piffard) there was a nice flock (c. 30) of Pipits as well as a mix of Yellowlegs, Solitary & Pectoral Sandpipers and one Snipe. Yesterday there was group of 14 or more Snipe that flushed up in all directions - more than I’ve ever seen at once.
Observation start time: 10:00:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 3 hours
Official Counter: Fred Harrington
Observers:
Visitors: none
Weather: Sunny blue skies with temps of 14 C throughout the count. Very low humidity in the 25 - 28% range. Winds lighter than forecasted, fluctuating from calm to 15 kph and starting from the SE and switching to multiple directions with the final direction of the count Northerly.
Raptor Observations: A few birds passed over Section H of the cemetery during the count - 63 Turkey Vultures, 1 Red-tailed Hawk and 1 Northern Harrier. A local adult Bald Eagle passed back and forth and several local Red-tails as well.
Non-raptor Observations: The highlight of the day was a Fish Crow that chased a local Red-tailed Hawk.
Predictions: Conditions could be OK between raindrops - scattered thunder showers forecasted throughout the day. Temps around 15 C and winds SE to S at 30 kph. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Frederick Harrington (<harrinfe...>)
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...>
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Bob Crandall, Kim Steininger, Vid Killius
Visitors: 12
Weather: Sunny with moderate easterly winds. Chilly!
Raptor Observations: A light but steady migration. Turkey Vultures were most numerous with 153. Fourteen Sharp-shinned Hawks. One Peregrine Falcon. No Broad-winged Hawks.
Hawk Watch: 2 Killdeer, 2 Bank Swallows, 5 Purple Martins, Brown Thrasher, American Tree Sparrow, Rusty Blackbird https://ebird.org/checklist/S170413537
New species for season: Warbling Vireo, Virginia Rail
TOMORROW: Cloudy with occasional rain in the afternoon. High 58F. Winds S at 10-20mph. Good southerly winds. Gloomy conditions and rain may prevent a raptor flight in the afternoon, so we'll hope conditions are good enough for a flight in the morning. Hard to predict, but I would expect steady migration until the afternoon rain.
SUNDAY: Cloudy. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 72F. Winds WSW at 10-20mph. A favorable wind direction at a good speed. Expect moderate to good migration.
MONDAY: Mostly cloudy skies. High around 55F. Winds ENE at 10-15mph. Expect light to moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Braddock Bay information may be found at: http://www.bbrr.org/
1. Today we saw our first House Wren of the year, carrying nesting material into a nestbox.
2. Every day for the past 14 days we've had at least two male and three female Purple Finches hanging round our sunflower seed feeder. It's been a long time since we've had PUFI here, and I don't remember ever seeing more than two together.
3. After not seeing any Pine Siskins over the winter, two or three have been at our nyjer and sunflower seed feeders for the past two weeks.
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Shelly Rackovsky
Visitors: 2
Weather: Blue skies with moderate northeasterly winds. Temperatures starting in the 30s and reaching the low 40s. Count conducted from Frisbee Hill.
Raptor Observations: Very slow day overall with tough spotting against the blue skies. A few dozen Turkey Vultures. Four Bald Eagles. Two harriers and three red-tails. Only one broad-wing.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Mainly sunny. High 52F. Winds SE shifting NE at 10-20mph. Expect light to moderate migration.
SATURDAY: Showers early then a steady rain later. High 58F. Winds S at 10-20mph. Good winds but rain may hold back the flight. A day to keep an eye on.
SUNDAY: A few morning showers then lingering clouds. High 74F. Winds WSW at 10-20mph. Great winds. As long as it isn't too gloomy and rainy we could end up with a decent flight. Potentially a big day. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Braddock Bay information may be found at: http://www.bbrr.org/
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...>
Weather: Mist, drizzle and rain foreclosed on any chance for a watch today.
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations:
Predictions: National Weather Service forecasts, "Sunny, with a high near 52. East wind 6 to 8 mph." After being bottled up with this inclement low pressure system migrants may have an opportunity to get going again. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jim Landau (<landaujr...>)
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...>
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers:
Visitors: 3
Weather: Some brief early morning sunshine with westerly winds, becoming overcast with northerly winds and rain as a cold front passed. After a few hours of rain it remained overcast with moderate northerly winds.
Raptor Observations: Only a handful of migrants including some Turkey Vultures and Sharp-shinned Hawks. The highlight was an adult Peregrine Falcon. Also two Bald Eagles counted as migrants and a few others hanging around the bay, a Northern Harrier, and an American Kestrel.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Sunny. High 44F. Winds NE at 5-10mph. The wind will push raptors away from the lake shore and blue skies will make spotting difficult. Expect light to moderate migration. Count may be held at Frisbee Hill.
FRIDAY: Mainly sunny. High 52F. Winds SE shifting NE at 10-20mph. Expect light migration. Count may be held at Frisbee Hill.
SATURDAY: Cloudy with rain developing later. High 58F. Winds SSE at 15-25mph. Chance of rain 70%. Good southerly winds but the rainy conditions may hold back the raptor flight. A day to keep an eye on. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Braddock Bay information may be found at: http://www.bbrr.org/
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Sue Barth
Observers:
Visitors: None
Weather: Temps rose from the mid-50's to the mid-60's with strong winds from the S to SSW @ 15-20 mph gusting up to 38 mph at times. There was much cloud cover for most of the day.
Raptor Observations: I was disappointed the big day I was hoping for never materialized. I changed locations from the front to Section H for the 4th and 5th hours, hoping I'd find more activity but went back to the front when things were no different back there. Only 53 migrating Turkey Vultures came through and a meager 9 Broad-wings. 2 sharpies and 1 red-tail were the only other migrants. Locals included an adult Bald Eagle, several vultures, a coop, and a pair of red-tails.
Non-raptor Observations: A couple of Common Loons flew over, a singing Purple Finch, and I enjoyed seeing an early Orange-crowned Warbler, adding a new species to the hawkwatch's species list. <br><br> <b>Today's Checklist:</b><br> <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S169994349" title="Today's checklist" target="_blank">https://ebird.org/checklist/S169994349</a>
Predictions: A little rain early in the day, temperatures cooling to the 40's and winds will change to come from the North. Doesn't look too good - but then - who knows? I thought today would have been better! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Sue Barth (<suebarth...>)
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...>
Observation start time: 06:00:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 10.5 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Bridget Watts, David Rothrock, Greg Sanda, Janis George, Jean Dalton, Jess Cosentino, Kim Steininger, Lorenzo C., Mike Tetlow, Roger Clark, Rosemary Reilly, Shannon Sanda, Vid Killius
Visitors: 50
Weather: Sunny skies to start the day with strong southerly winds. A high layer of clouds that thickened throughout the day with the winds eventually shifting to a moderate southwest. Some darker periods in the afternoon and some sprinkles towards the end of the day as rain moved in.
Raptor Observations: As expected we had a huge flight today with nearly 6,000 migrants. Broad-winged Hawks were the most numerous with over 4,700. Turkey Vultures had a strong flight with nearly 700. Sharp-shinned Hawks were coming through high and low, left and right and overhead, with more than 300. An excellent eagle day with 83 Bald Eagles, including the first southern juvenile of the season, and 6 Golden Eagles! Two Rough-legged Hawks, one of each color morph. There was also a high streaming Buteo that was a probable Swainson's Hawk, but we didn't get enough of a look to rule out Rough-legged. We had all three falcons with 34 kestrels, 2 merlins, and a peregrine.
The flight was steady most of the day with a huge push in the 11am EST hour. After another good hour the flight slowed as darker clouds rolled in, but picked back up to a moderate flight for the last few hours. The biggest groups were high and overhead or to the lake-side, but there was a spread out flight line the whole day.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Morning showers then partly cloudy. High 49F. Winds NNW at 10-20mph. Expect minimal migration. Count will likely be shortened.
THURSDAY: Mainly sunny. High 44F. Winds NE at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration. Count may be held at Frisbee Hill.
FRIDAY: Sunny. High near 55F. Winds E at 10-20mph. Expect light to moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Braddock Bay information may be found at: http://www.bbrr.org/
Yesterday afternoon, on the canal path in Rochester. I entered the path at the Lyell Avenue entrance and walked south. The wren was singing and moving around in the bushes not far from the entrance.
Date: 4/23/24 10:17 am From: Bill Howe <whhowe60...> Subject: Re: [GeneseeBirds-L] House wren
"Mine" arrived this morning as well, in Hemlock.
Bill Howe
<whhowe60...>
On Tue, Apr 23, 2024 at 11:30 AM Diane Henderson <dhbirder...>
wrote:
> This morning my first House Wren of the season singing away in my
> Henrietta backyard.
> Diane Henderson
> Sent from my i phone
>
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Geneseebirds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to geneseebirds-l+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion on the web visit
> https://groups.google.com/a/geneseo.edu/d/msgid/geneseebirds-l/<636E45EE-72F6-4742-A172-FDC2E6318A42...> > .
>
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: Mike Zebehazy
Observers: Joe Sullivan, Steve Kempf, Wendy Zebehazy
Visitors: Steve Kempf; Joe Sullivan; Wendy Zebehazy (all three of whom have great distance vision and can pick out approaching raptors very well). Also, several people stopped by to inquire about our activities.
Weather: Bright, sunny, blue skies all day, with a bit of haze. Temps ranged from 41F to 51F. Humidity dropped from 61% to a very dry 27% before moving up to 41% in the last hour. Winds were mainly from the WNW most of the day with a few fluctuations between W and WSW.
Raptor Observations: It was a pretty good day for Broad-wings, mainly with adult birds and some immatures mixed in. Many of the migrant Red-tails were also immatures. Migrants came through from many different points and elevations. The afternoon birds kettled earlier off the lake in the south or southwestern corner before peeling off and crossing the site. One dark morph Rough-leg was a highlight.
Non-raptor Observations: Barn swallows moved through much of the day in twos and threes. A field sparrow sang. At 6pm EDT there were no birds on the pond. The entire watch was conducted from the main location on the entrance road to the cemetery.
Predictions: A little less sunny than today, but about ten degrees warmer with a SSW breeze between 15 and 20mph. Rain possible later in the afternoon. Migration could be good. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Michael Zebehazy (<mzebehazy...>)
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...>
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Jess Cosentino, Kim Steninger, Vid Killius
Visitors: 8
Weather: Started at Braddock Bay Park where it was mostly sunny with some cumulus clouds off to the west with moderate northeasterly winds.
I moved to Frisbee Hill at 8:30am EST where it continued to be mostly sunny for a few hours before clearing to completely blue skies. The wind shifted from northeast to north.
I returned to Braddock Bay Park at 2pm EST for the final two hours of the count.
Raptor Observations: I started at Braddock Bay Park to see where the flight line developed and had one Sharp-shinned Hawk and saw a few Turkey Vultures and Broad-winged Hawks in past the parkway. Since the wind was from the northeast I followed protocol and moved to Frisbee Hill where a moderate flight picked up in the midday with a steady line of vultures out towards the parkway and small groups of broad-wings high overhead. Two Golden Eagles were flying very high and a short time later a third was seen.
The weather changed slightly with all of the clouds disappearing and a subtle change in the winds, perhaps from northeast to straight north. When that happened the flight suddenly shut down with no more high broad-wings and only a few Turkey Vultures being seen.
After an hour of empty skies I decided to move back to the platform to see if there was a flight. Shortly after I arrived I noticed a group of around 30 Turkey Vultures over the west spit. Another similar sized group followed shortly after, plus some scattered individuals. After that the flight ended and few migrants were seen in the last hour.
Notable totals of the day included 197 Turkey Vultures, 79 Broad-winged Hawks, and 3 Golden Eagles.
Predictions: TOMORROW: POSSIBLE BIG DAY. Cloudy with rain later in the day. High 63F. Winds SW at 10-20mph. Great conditions with favorable winds all day that should be strong enough to hold off a lake breeze. A bit of sun in the morning will help to get the hawks up. We are still in peak Broad-winged Hawk and Sharp-shinned Hawk migration and all signs point to it being a good flight! The flight should be more steady instead of the single huge push we had last Friday. My only concern would be thickening cloud cover in the afternoon ahead of the rain that could slow the flight as it gets gloomier. If the winds end up being lighter than forecast a lake breeze is also possible. Expect moderate to good migration.
WEDNESDAY: Rain and snow showers in the morning becoming partly cloudy. High 48F. Winds NNW at 10-20mph. Expect minimal migration.
THURSDAY: Mainly sunny. High 43F. Winds NE at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration. Count may move to Frisbee Hill. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Braddock Bay information may be found at: http://www.bbrr.org/
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Elaine Lennox, Jeremy Pete, Kim Steininger, Nick Kachala, Scott Meagher, Shelly Rackovsky
Visitors: 20, Pat L., Shai M., Meryl A.
Weather: Overcast in the morning with light westerly winds. Clearing to mostly sunny in the afternoon with strengthening winds. Felt cold with the wind.
Raptor Observations: A light but steady migration. Most migrants were very high. The highlight was an immature Golden Eagle. Most numerous were 59 Turkey Vultures. Only 14 Broad-winged Hawks and 13 Sharp-shinned Hawks.
New species for season: Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher, Palm Warbler, Pine Warbler, American Avocet
Predictions: TOMORROW: Mainly sunny. High around 50F. Winds N at 5-10mph. Blue skies will make spotting difficult. Northerly winds will push migrants away from the lake shore. Count will probably move to Frisbee Hill. Expect light migration.
TUESDAY: Overcast. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 64F. Winds SW at 15-25mph. Great winds. Expect moderate to good migration. POSSIBLY A BIG DAY.
WEDNESDAY: Rain and snow becoming cloudy. High near 45F. Winds NNW at 10-20mph. Expect minimal migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Braddock Bay information may be found at: http://www.bbrr.org/
I saw about 30 shorebirds late this afternoon along Flats Rd. a short way SE of Piffard in Livingston County.- mostly in wet spots on either side of the first big lone tree. Approximate numbers: 4 Wilson’s Snipe, 12 Greater Yellowlegs, 5 Lesser Yellowlegs, 1 Dunlin and 8 Pectoral Sandpipers. In a nearby field were 5 Bonaparte’s and 2 Ring-billed Gulls.
The greenway south from Chandler Rd. (through the horse farm) does have a pretty good flooded spot; but I’ve only seen a couple shorebirds (Y’Legs and Killdeer) a pair of Blue-winged Teal and Kingfisher.
Our department secretary tells me the flats near Sonya, along Rte. 258 (to Groveland Station) is flooded, as often happens this time of year, and she saw lots of ducks and others - I’m hoping someone will check it out; I haven’t seen any postings.
Observation start time: 09:15:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 4.75 hours
Official Counter: Jim Landau
Observers:
Visitors: No visitors.
Weather: A cold, blustery overcast day with a brisk west wind. The 3rd hour was rain and graupel which extended into the start of the 4th hour.
Raptor Observations: 5 TVs, 1 sharp-shinned hawk and 1 adult bald eagle. The local turkey vulture "gang of 8" roused themselves for a brief appearance in the final hour. 3 presumably local adult bald eagles showed no evidence of being migrants. Or perhaps one showed twice?
Non-raptor Observations: 2 common loons, goldfinch, blue jay, the pair of common mergs, Canada geese. A very slow day overall.
Predictions: National Weather Service is calling for, "Mostly sunny, with a high near 48. Southwest wind 7 to 12 mph increasing to 13 to 18 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph." This sounds more promising for the chance of some migration movement than was called for this morning. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jim Landau (<landaujr...>)
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...>
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Dominic Sherony, Kim Steininger, Mike Tetlow, Neil Reilly, Scott Meagher, Shyla Luna
Visitors: 25, including BBRR raptor education class field trip.
Weather: Moderate southwesterly winds and some sun to start the day. A cold front hit mid-morning shutting down the flight and bringing stronger westerly winds and periods of dark clouds and sprinkles.
Raptor Observations: A nice morning "clean up" flight on the favorable southwest winds with small to medium kettles of Broad-winged Hawks and a steady flow of Turkey Vultures and Sharp-shinned Hawks. Overall the flight was high and overhead or to the lake side. It was much slower from mid-morning on when the winds shifted from the cold front, except for a half dozen or more Bald Eagles wandering around.
Notable totals today were 240 Turkey Vultures, 56 Sharp-shinned Hawks, and 734 Broad-winged Hawks.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Mix of sun and clouds. High around 50F. Winds W at 15-25mph. Expect light to moderate migration.
MONDAY: Mainly sunny. High 48F. Winds NNW at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration and tough spotting with the blue skies.
TUESDAY: More clouds than sun. High 64F. Winds SW at 10-20mph. Goods winds. Definitely a day to keep an eye on as the next possible big day. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Braddock Bay information may be found at: http://www.bbrr.org/
4-19-24, Buffalo -
2+ Forster's - 1 repeatedly (5+ times) caught minnow & flying a short distance dropped out of sight in area w/15+ Commons. Never saw what it was feeding but assume it was a fm Forster's. There's a tiny marshy area here but a much more extensive area ~2 miles away. This activity is probably common among spring migrant Forster's & not indicative of nesting or hybridizing here. Will keep half an eye on this in the coming days/weeks as supposedly a colony can be "1 - 1,000 nests". Thoughts anyone?
Peter
<henyoe131...>
834-6316
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 18:00:00 Total observation time: 10 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Bridget Watts, Candy Giles, Eunice Thein, Janis George, Kim Steininger, Linda Birkel, Mike Gullo, Mike Tetlow, Nick Kachala, Roger Clark, Rosemary Reilly
Visitors: 25. Scott F., Leo, Art T.
Special thanks to Kim S., Nick K., and Mike T. for helping to click birds during the peak period and to the other observers present who helped spot birds.
Weather: Overcast in the morning with southeasterly winds. Rain moved in from 9:30-10:30am EST. After the rain it remained gloomy for a few hours but began to brighten and show a little sunshine as the winds shifted around to the southwest, launching a HUGE raptor flight between 1-2pm EST. Around 2pm EST the actual cold front hit with a shift to stronger westerly winds and back to dark overcast skies. By 4pm EST it was beginning to clear again and we stayed an extra two hours as the skies became mostly sunny with moderate SSW winds that continued the flight until 6pm EST. Temperatures were comfortable most of the day.
Raptor Observations: A day (actually, an hour) that will never be forgotten by those who were there. The flight was slow for the first few hours without any push of raptors ahead of the rain. After the rain we slowly started to get a flight. The first species to really pick up was Sharped-shinned Hawk with 262 in the 12pm EST hour, plus inland groups of Broad-winged Hawks totaling over 300 for that hour.
As it began to clear up more at the start of the 1pm EST hour (2pm clock time) it launched the most massive concentration of hawks I have ever seen. From lake shore to parkway were endless kettles of Broad-winged Hawks. It was 45 minutes of frenzy as we divided the sky and species to attempt to quantify what we were witnessing. I was thankful to have several experienced hawk watchers to help and I feel we did a good job at getting as accurate totals as possible in such a situation. The flight ended as quickly as it began with the westerly wind shift as the cold front hit. In total for the hour we had nearly 10,500 Broad-winged Hawks, 248 Turkey Vultures, and 434 Sharp-shinned Hawks, plus impressive numbers of the other expected species that we were able to pick out!
The flight was slow but steady the next few hours but picked up a bit again in the overtime hours as the sun came out, though we never got any more kettles of broad-wings with more than a few birds.
Noteworthy totals for the day were 432 Turkey Vultures, 49 Northern Harriers, 783 Sharp-shinned Hawks, 10,901 Broad-winged Hawks (!), and 38 American Kestrels. We had two juvenile Red-shouldered Hawks as well. We had one Peregrine Falcon, but surprisingly were not able to pick out any Rough-legged Hawks or Golden Eagles.
New species for season: Winter Wren, Chipping Sparrow, Yellow-rumped Warbler
Predictions: TOMORROW: Partly cloudy in the morning then becoming cloudy and windy later. High 48F. Winds W at 20-30mph. Birds should continue to move on these post cold front conditions, if there are any birds left after today, but the flight may slow down as it gets more windy and cloudy in the afternoon. Observing may be uncomfortable with the strong winds. Expect light to moderate migration.
SUNDAY: Mix of sun and clouds. High 51F. Winds W at 15-25mph. Expect moderate migration.
MONDAY: Mainly sunny. High 48F. Winds NW at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Braddock Bay information may be found at: http://www.bbrr.org/
Date: 4/19/24 1:10 pm From: 'Hughes, Robert' via Geneseebirds <geneseebirds-l...> Subject: [GeneseeBirds-L] Possible black swan?
While on a fish-stocking/birdwatching field trip with my high school
environmental science class today we saw what I’m relatively certain was a
black swan. How unlikely would this be and has anyone else seen one
lately? I do have photos and video.
Rob Hughes
Robert C. Hughes II
"What you allow is what will continue."
--
Confidential Notice: This email, and any attachments to it, may contain
confidential information. It is intended for use by the individual or
entity named as the recipient on the email. If the reader of this email is
not the intended recipient, or a person responsible for delivery to the
intended recipient, you should not read, use, copy or disseminate the
information. Any unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. If you have
received this communication in error, please delete and destroy this
communication immediately and notify the sender by "reply" or phone of the
error.
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 4 hours
Official Counter: Fred Harrington
Observers:
Visitors: none
Weather: Count period started out with light South winds which increased in speed over the count. The first two hours consisted of light rain on and off, but still allowed a pretty good flight for the 10 am hour. The flight over the main drive entrance to the cemetery greatly diminished as the light rain ended and the winds gusted and became more westerly.
Raptor Observations: The main component were the broadwings and some turkey vultures.
Non-raptor Observations: nothing notable
Predictions: Cooler and windier, possible afternoon showers. WSW winds could provide a good flight. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Frederick Harrington (<harrinfe...>)
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...>
Date: 4/19/24 5:49 am From: 'Wasilco, Mike R (DEC)' via Geneseebirds <geneseebirds-l...> Subject: RE: [GeneseeBirds-L] Early Nesting Activity
Looking at the breeding season table from the Atlas 2000, mourning dove are listed as having eggs as early as March 9 and as late as September 28. So mid April is not really very early for them to have eggs.
Michael R. Wasilco
Region 8 Supervisor of Natural Resources
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
6274 E. Avon-Lima Rd., Avon, NY 14414
P: (585)226-5460 | F: (585) 226-6323 | <mike.wasilco...><mailto:<mike.wasilco...>
From: <geneseebirds-l...> <geneseebirds-l...> On Behalf Of Andrew Consler
Sent: Friday, April 19, 2024 8:13 AM
To: <geneseebirds-googlegroup...>; <geneseebirds-l...>
Subject: [GeneseeBirds-L] Early Nesting Activity
Date: 4/19/24 5:13 am From: Andrew Consler <a.consler330...> Subject: [GeneseeBirds-L] Early Nesting Activity
With how warm this past "winter" was, I cannot say I am surprised that nesting and migration seems to have an early start this year. For example, I had encountered Yellow-rumped Warblers in the middle of January around the village of Mt. Morris and the Letchworth SP Dam. Recently however, a relative of mine passed along a picture of a Mourning Dove nesting on her porch with an egg already laid. It got me thinking, I wonder if this is rather early for a dove to be laying eggs. I will be the first to confess how limited my knowledge of this is. Has anyone else been seeing signs of nesting activity earlier than some colder years? Cheers, Andrew Consler
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 5.5 hours
Official Counter: Marcie Jacklin
Observers: Carol Lukazewski, Josh Ketry, Sue Barth
Visitors: Many thanks to Josh Ketry and Carol Lukaszewski who helped especially with spotting the kettles. Sue Barth also dropped by.
Weather: Rainy from 8:30 to about 11 am. Cloudy all day. Cool wind.
Raptor Observations: Nice flight of Broad-winged Hawks from 11 am to 12:30 pm. Birds were quite high up and at the end flying in and out of the clouds. Very challenging.
Non-raptor Observations: Not much.
Predictions: Showers predicted for most of the day. Might be another nice flight of BWHA in the afternoon. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Marcie Jacklin (<mjacklin...>)
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...>
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Alan Bloom, Bridget Watts, Cliff Dekdebrun, Kevin Griffith, Kim Steininger, Mike Tetlow, Steve Taylor, Vid Killius
Visitors: 20
Weather: A small amount of sunshine to start the day then overcast with some periods of thin clouds and periods of thicker clouds that shut the flight down. The winds were variable throughout the day. The wind started moderate from the southwest but in the second hour became a northeast lake breeze. A WSW wind overpowered the lake breeze about an hour after that. Around 1pm EST the lake breeze kicked in again for a short time before switching back to WNW. The winds weakened in the last hour with a thick overcast sky.
Raptor Observations: Slow the first few hours, then a few hours of good migration with several thousand Broad-winged Hawks, then slow again for the last few hours.
Very few migrants for the first hour of the count. In the second hour we had just over a hundred broad-wings before the winds shifted to a lake breeze and shut the flight down. After two more moderately slow hours the Broad-winged Hawks started coming through in large kettles. To begin they were high and split between the lake side and overhead. After the wind switched back to a lake breeze we had a few more large groups push through on the parkway side. A few observers went to scout at Frisbee Hill but never picked up a solid flight line. As the winds shifted back to WNW we picked up a small flight line over the platform. Some vultures got up in a brighter period during the last hour.
We had just over three hundred Turkey Vultures. A half dozen Ospreys and ten Bald Eagles. Moderate harrier migration with 14. Moderate Accipiter numbers with 113 sharpies and 5 Coops.
It was the best day so far for Broad-winged Hawks with around 2,800. The peak hours of 12pm and 1pm EST had 1,025 and 1,578 respectively. Only sixteen Red-tailed Hawks. One light-morph Rough-legged Hawk in the afternoon. The three Golden Eagles were all immature including one with huge white patches.
We had all three falcons with 14 kestrels, 2 merlins, and a peregrine.
Hawk Watch: 2 Pied-billed Grebes, Sandhill Crane, American Bittern, Green Heron, 2 Great Egrets, 12 Great Blue Herons, 5 Purple Martins, Brown Thrasher, Field Sparrow, Eastern Meadowlark. https://ebird.org/checklist/S169219387
New species for season: Green Heron, American Bittern
Predictions: TOMORROW: Cloudy with showers. High 61F. Winds SSE shifting SSW at 10-20mph. Chance of rain 60%. Good winds but the flight will depend on the amount and timing of the rain. There is a chance that the day may turn out to be a bust, but southerly winds ahead of an approaching front during the peak of the Broad-winged Hawk migration shouldn't be ignored!
SATURDAY: Partly cloudy then cloudy. High 48F. Winds W at 15-25mph. Expect moderate migration.
SUNDAY: Intervals of clouds and sun. High 53F. Winds W at 15-25mph. Expect moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Braddock Bay information may be found at: http://www.bbrr.org/
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Sue Barth
Observers:
Visitors: None
Weather: Temps in the 50's, winds stayed steady from the East, lots of rain that had a couple of breaks in the 4th and 5th hours - but they just weren't long enough to bring in any raptors. When the rain began again around 2pm (DST), I called it quits.
Raptor Observations: Only 3 migrating Turkey Vultures and a few local birds.
Non-raptor Observations: 2 Common Loons flew over, a couple of Yellow-rumped Warblers were in the woods, an Eastern Meadowlark gave some lovely song for a short while, and the usual birds at the pond were joined by a newly arrived Spotted Sandpiper.
Predictions: Things look much better: only a slight chance of a shower, temps in the 50's, and winds from the SW at 10-20mph. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Sue Barth (<suebarth...>)
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...>
Weather: Moderate easterly winds with rain showers becoming steady rain. Chilly. Count not conducted.
Raptor Observations: Merlin chasing the swallows at the East Spit in the morning. A few Bald Eagles hanging around the bay. One female kestrel hover hunting the marsh. One adult female harrier hunting the marsh.
Non-raptor Observations: East Spit: 5 Bonaparte's Gulls, 10 Caspian Terns, 3 Bank Swallows, 80 Tree Swallows (one with white forehead), 4 Northern Rough-winged Swallows, 5 Barn Swallows, Cliff Swallow, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Brown Creeper, Field Sparrow. https://ebird.org/checklist/S169014719
New species for season: Field Sparrow, Cliff Swallow
Predictions: TOMORROW: Overcast. High 57F. Winds WSW at 10-15mph. A decent wind, especially early, but the flight will depend on how much it clears up. If it isn't too gloomy we could get a decent flight. Expect moderate migration.
FRIDAY: Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers. High 62F. Winds SSW at 10-20mph. Good winds. Expect moderate to good migration.
SATURDAY: Partly cloudy. High 51F. Winds W at 15-25mph. A decent wind direction, though a bit on the strong side. Expect moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Braddock Bay information may be found at: http://www.bbrr.org/
Honeoye CE, Ontario, New York, US Apr 16, 2024 10:45 AM - 3:00 PM Protocol: Area 300.001 ac Checklist Comments: East side of Taylor Marsh including down into the marsh 35 species
Canada Goose 5 Mallard 4 Mourning Dove 1 Virginia Rail 1 Sandhill Crane 2 American Woodcock 1 Turkey Vulture 2 Red-bellied Woodpecker 2 Pileated Woodpecker 1 Northern Flicker 4 Eastern Phoebe 2 Blue Jay 3 American Crow 3 Common Raven 2 Black-capped Chickadee 2 Tufted Titmouse 3 Tree Swallow 6 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 White-breasted Nuthatch 2 Carolina Wren 2 European Starling 1 Northern Mockingbird 1 Eastern Bluebird 2 American Robin 3 House Finch 1 American Goldfinch 4 Chipping Sparrow 1 White-throated Sparrow 1 Song Sparrow 8 Swamp Sparrow 7 Eastern Meadowlark 1 Red-winged Blackbird 14 Brown-headed Cowbird 1 Common Grackle 10 Northern Cardinal 4
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Jim Landau
Observers: Sharon Sisti
Visitors: Sharon Sisti, Michael Delaney
Weather: A spring-like day with a mix of sun and high clouds. Winds were light but from the west and northwest for the duration of the count.
Raptor Observations: Broad-winged hawks were the big story, outnumbering the turkey vultures. A nice variety of raptors including a nice look at a light morph rough-legged hawk - bird of the day for me. By the end of the watch the northeast winds were pushing the flight line much farther inland to the southeast, into shimmer and haze. This made identification, or even a count, impossible.
Non-raptor Observations: A few cormorants and a smattering of the expected land birds. Nothing new for the season.
Predictions: Things turn wet again. National Weather Service is calling for, "Showers, with thunderstorms possible after 1pm. High near 64. East wind 11 to 18mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. The broadwings may continue to push through if there are enough breaks in the rain. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jim Landau (<landaujr...>)
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...>
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Kim Steininger, Phil Rushworth, Shelly Rackovsky, Steve Taylor, Zhen Lu
Visitors: 15
Weather: Clear skies in the morning with a thin layer of clouds moving in throughout the day. The wind started west then shifted to the north. Moved to Frisbee Hill around 12:30pm EST.
Raptor Observations: First big Broad-winged Hawk day of the season but mostly distant views.
A moderate raptor flight for the first few hours with small groups of Turkey Vultures and Broad-winged Hawks migrating by on the parkway-side. Eventually the flight line shifted out of sight and we moved to Frisbee Hill. We had a steady flow of broad-wings with kettles as large as 150, but most were scope distance farther inland. Low numbers of other expected migrants.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Periods of rain. High 52F. Winds E at 10-20mph. Unfavorable winds and rain will probably end the count early. Expect light migration.
THURSDAY: Rain showers early then overcast. High 59F. Winds W at 10-15mph. A decent wind but rain showers may hold back the flight. A day to keep an eye on.
FRIDAY: Steady light rain in the morning with showers in the afternoon. High 61F. Winds SSW at 10-20mph. Good winds but rain and gloom may hold back the flight. Will keep an eye on it. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Braddock Bay information may be found at: http://www.bbrr.org/
