Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Kiah Jasper
Observers: Cameron Chevalier, Hugh Kent, Liz Kent, Michael Arthurs, Mike Jaber, Noel Herdman, Paul Gosselin, Paul Pratt
Visitors: Thanks to Paul G, Mike, Cameron, Michael, Hugh, Liz, Paul P and Noel for assisting with the count today. We were visited on the tower by Rose and Frank from Toronto and Meredith and Krzysztof from Winnipeg.
Weather: Starting off with chilly 4 Degree C temperature, a clear sky and light North wind... Classic October Weather. The wind flipped around to Southwest/South later in the morning, where it remained for the rest of the day. The temperature climbed to a balmy 17 C in the afternoon, unfortunately this looks to be the start of a return to above seasonal Temps and a clear sunny sky... Which may last for the next 10+ days. The barometer rose from 30.05 to 30.23
Raptor Observations: It was fairly slow compared to the last several days for raptors, though we still recorded 1,960 birds. Turkey Vultures (1,864) made up the bulk of those numbers, their flight line shifting further and further inland as the day went on, until they were mere specks in the heat haze. The highlight of the day came just after 10:00, when two light morph Rough-legged Hawks (our first this season) flew over the back side of the marsh together. These gorgeous butoes are always a nice treat to see, and we look forward to seeing more as the season progresses.
Non-raptor Observations: There was a strong morning flight of songbirds during the first few hours of the day, making up for the lack of raptors. Finches and blackbirds made up the majority of the flight, with highlights being; 117 Purple Finch, 6 Pine Siskin, 467 American Goldfinch, 50 Rusty Blackbirds, 2 Eastern Meadowlarks and 4,780 Red-winged Blackbirds. There was also a smattering of Yellow-rumped Warblers, Eastern Bluebirds and American Pipits mixed in. A lone Vesper Sparrow flew overhead in the morning, our first this season and not a bird that's recorded frequently here. Our first Tundra Swans of the season flew past the marsh, and several Horned Grebes floated out on Lake Erie. The highlight bird of the day was a Greater White-fronted Goose that flew into the marsh with a flock of Canada Geese late in the morning. This mainly western species isn't recorded often in Essex County and represents one of only a few records for HBMO. 79 species were recorded from the tower today, for the full eBird list click here -https://ebird.org/checklist/S199274636
Predictions: Tomorrow is expected to be similar to today for temperature, with clear skies and light wind from the Southwest. We don't expect a major flight, but there are always some raptors moving during sunny days this time of year. The flightline may be very distant again today though. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kiah Jasper (<kiahbirder...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
