Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: Hugh Kent
Observers: Ian Woodfield, John Winebrenner, Juliette Herdman, Kit McCann, Lisa Silvey, Liz Kent, Mike Jaber, Noel Herdman, Paul Gosselin
Visitors: Big thanks to Liz, Mike, Noel and Juliette, John and Lisa, Paul, Ian and Kit for helping out observing and counting today. It was good to see Meredith and Krzysztof from Winnipeg, Chad and Chris from Ohio and Steve, Donna and Grenville from St Thomas and we're glad they could witness the amazing spectacle of migration.
Weather: Cold day on the Tower with the temperature not rising above 10c. The wind started moderate and increased in the afternoon to strong, remaining from the north all day. It was mostly overcast with small breaks in the clouds that increased toward the end of the day, with a bit of sun shining through. Pressure was pretty much steady all day and the visibility was good.
Raptor Observations: Another exciting day on the Tower with constant streams of Turkey Vultures (7546) over the Tower and to the north at varying heights. The streams were accompanied by good numbers of Red-tailed Hawks (142) and Red-shouldered Hawks (78). There was also another good movement of Sharp-shinned Hawks (311) throughout the day. Just after midday there was great excitement when am immature Swainson's Hawk passed relatively close to the Tower. This was subsequently confirmed as the same bird that was seen at Hawk Cliff the day before (short feather in the tail). More excitement ensued as two Golden Eagles were spotted mid afternoon.
Non-raptor Observations: The high wind reduced the songbird count, but six species of Sparrow were spotted around the Tower. Blue Jays (3250) continue to migrate but in diminishing numbers, with American Crows (1880) on the increase. American White Pelican (322) continue to be very active on the marsh, ducks maintain good numbers but Swans and Herons are in low numbers. The list is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S199077970
Predictions: The forecast is for another cool day with moderate winds from the north west and scattered clouds. It is likely that we could have a similar day to today. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Hugh Kent (<Hughnkent...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
