Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: Kiah Jasper
Observers: Hugh Kent, Jacob Stasso, Liz Kent, Mike Jaber, Noel Herdman, Paul Gosselin, Peter Veighey
Visitors: Thanks to Hugh, Liz, Noel, Peter, Paul and Mike for assisting with the count today. Former counter Jacob joined us for the morning (visiting from Ottawa), a rare sighting on the tower these days. We were also visited by; Dan and Courtney, Daniel from Windsor, Jeff from Chatham-Kent, Leon from Kingsville, Ros from Windsor, Marianne from LaSalle, Alban & Heather from Windsor and Dave & Liz from Ottawa... a busy day on the tower!
Weather: today was a great day to be on the tower for weather, with conformable temperatures and a clear sky. It started off at 13 C in the morning, rising to a high of 20 in the afternoon and then dropping off a bit as it clouded over. The wind was out of the North/Northeast (mainly 10-20pkh) from the start of the count until 2pm, when it then shifted Southeast and later to East. The sky was clear with a max of 30% cloud cover for most of the day, with a good mix of white clouds to spot birds against in the afternoon. There was rain on the far side of Lake Erie today, and dark clouds began to move towards us near the end of the day. The barometer dropped from 29.91 to 29.84.
Raptor Observations: Today we recorded our highest raptor tally of the season, with 6,421 birds. The bulk of those were Turkey Vultures, with 6,120 counted. Buteos were present in stronger numbers today, no broad-wings but we had a nice push of Red-tailed Hawks (101) and Red-shouldered Hawks (14). In the early afternoon two Golden Eagles flew over the marsh together, always a nice treat to see! 3 Peregrines in the afternoon were also a highlight.
Non-raptor Observations: It was another big day for American White Pelicans in the marsh, with a minimum of 520 recorded. It was spectacular watching hundreds kettle together with Turkey Vultures in the afternoon. American Goldfinches were out in strong numbers today (528) and a single Pine Siskin flew past. Blue Jays flew by in larger numbers than we've seen in the past week, with 41,660 tallied. 7 sparrow species foraged near the base of the tower, including our first Lincoln's Sparrow of the season. Other highlights included 2 American Golden-plovers and a Tennessee Warbler. 79 species were seen from the tower today, for the full list click here - https://ebird.org/checklist/S198597123
Predictions: Originally the wind was predicted to be South for tomorrow, but now it seems like it's shifted around and will be light from the Northeast! There is a chance of rain in the region tomorrow, so we'll have to see how that plays out. If the wind and rain cooperate it could be another good day on the tower. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kiah Jasper (<kiahbirder...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
