Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: Hugh Kent
Observers: Chuck Sharbaugh, John Winebrenner, Karen Padbury, Linda Goodhue, Lisa Silvey, Liz Kent, Michael Arthurs, Mike Jaber, Paul Gosselin, Peter Veighey
Visitors: Enjoyed the company of Karen, Liz, Peter, Paul, Michael, John and Lisa, Chuck, Mike and Linda who were a great help with observing and counting today. It was great to see Mike again who stayed with us all day, helping with the count. It was good to see Dennis from Michigan and to meet Steve and Garry from Chatham.
Weather: Another cold start at 4c, gradually warming up to 14c by mid afternoon. Clear blue skies for most of the day with a moderate north westerly wind. Pressure was more or less steady throughout the day and the visibility was good.
Raptor Observations: A quieter day today but with reasonable numbers of Turkey Vultures (2993) on the move, mostly to the north of the Tower, sometimes very high. They were accompanied by Red-tailed Hawks (63) and Red-shouldered Hawks (25) in reduced numbers compared to yesterday. Sharp-shinned Hawks (340) again had a good showing peaking mid morning with over 100 in an hour.
Non-raptor Observations: The American White Pelicans (339) again kept us amused constantly on the move around the marsh in search of fish and then sometimes flying around seemingly just for the enjoyment of it. A large movement of Red-winged Blackbirds (5900) happened until mid morning, most we have seen so far this season. Duck numbers are stable with the exception of Ring-necked Duck (68) which were in reduced numbers today. The list is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S199174680
Predictions: Light winds initially from the north west moving to south west by midday are forecast together with clear skies. Temperature starts at a low 3c but increases to 14c by the mid afternoon. We will probably have a similar mix to today, with possibly reduced numbers. Lets hope that the Buteos continue to accompany the Turkey Vultures. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Hugh Kent (<Hughnkent...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
